Страница 26 из 70
"Lady Morton." It was Carlton who spoke, and although his lips retained the faint smile that spoke of his contempt, his eyes were no longer amused. "Should we not, as you suggest, get to the business at hand?" '
"Certainly. That is precisely what I have been saying. You young rascals never pay any attention -"
Carlton grasped her arm and assisted her to rise with such vigor that she staggered. He led her out of the room.
The others followed. Maria
She was diverted from these thoughts by the sight of William the footman scampering (if a person of his impressive size could be said to scamper) along the hall, trying to keep ahead of Lady Morton. He just managed it, opening the door before the lady threw herself against it.
The white drawing room sparkled like an ice cavern. A blazing fire burned on the hearth, but its glow was lost in the dazzle of dozens of gas jets reflected from crystal and silver surfaces. No matter what the temperature, Maria
It was clear that all the guests were familiar with the room and the procedure. They took their places; Maria
In the rustle of movement that accompanied these proceedings Maria
"There is nothing to be afraid of." The Duchess's face was rapt; her voice seemed to come from a great distance. "Only open your mind to the influences that will come."
The curtains had already been drawn. The sound of the rain was a distant murmur, with the hiss of the burning logs as counterpoint. No one spoke until the doctor said heavily, "I must insist, Honoria, upon the usual precautions."
"Very well." The Duchess extended her hands, one to Maria
"Hold tight," said Carlton, on Maria
"Feet?" Maria
"Feet," Carlton repeated cheerfully. As he spoke, Maria
"Must that person be present?" Lady Morton demanded, glaring in Carlton's general direction. It was difficult to tell precisely where she was looking, but no one doubted to whom she referred.
"He is quite right," the Duchess replied. "David was always the first to agree to such controls. You should know that, Clarabelle."
"Humph," said Lady Morton.
Once these arrangements had been made, the silence descended. It seemed to continue for an interminable time. Maria
After what seemed eons the Duchess said, "I think we had better extinguish the lights."
"But David never -" Lord Ronald was not allowed to finish the sentence.
"David was the master," the Duchess said. "I know of no other medium who performed in full light. The vibrations are painful to the spirits."
"Fair enough," Lady Morton said. "Let's give it a try."
Maria
At a nod from the Duchess Dr. Gruffstone obediently rose to carry out the suggestion. The light diminished slowly, as if one veil after another were being dropped before their eyes. When finally the Duchess said gravely, "That will do, Horace; thank you," the room was enveloped in shadows. There was light enough to see the outlines of forms, limned in startling fiery silhouette where the fire was behind them. Details and expressions were lost in the gloom.
The doctor took his place again. The circle was resumed.
The Honorable Miss Ditherson let out a faint cry. "I felt something…"
"Um," Lord Ronald agreed.
The table began to sway.
"David!" Lady Morton emitted a whoop that made them all jump. "David, are you here? Speak to me, David!"
"You needn't shout, your ladyship," Carlton drawled. "Mr. Holmes was never hard of hearing."
"Hush," the Duchess said sharply.
As if in agreement, the table gave a coy little leap upward, against the hands resting on its top.
"Honoria," the doctor began. "I beg you -"
"Horace, hold your tongue."
"But," the doctor said piteously, "this is such absolute balderdash…"
There was no transition, no gap in time. The doctor's last words had scarcely died away when Maria
"Maria
The voice was that of the Duchess. Maria
"Certainly, ma'am. Why do you ask?"
Then the truth struck her. The lights… Who had turned up the gas jets – and when?
So far as she knew she had not moved from her own seat at the table. But Carlton was no longer beside her; he was on his feet, staring in wide-eyed amazement. From across the table the visitors stared too; their open mouths and wide eyes gave them an absurd look of having been duplicated. Dr. Gruffstone held one of Maria
Maria
"Has something happened?" Maria
"You remember nothing? You do not recall what you said?"
"Said?" Maria
The Duchess struck her hands together.
"What did I tell you?" she cried. "I was right; I was right! Oh, David, my darling – found at last!"
She covered her face with her hands.
"Oh, blessed assurance," Lord Ronald murmured.
"Let us pray," said Miss Ditherson. She bowed her head.
"Damn," said Roger Carlton.
None of those who might have objected seemed to hear this vulgarity, except Maria