The man let go of Miriam’s hand. “My wife’s name was Elizabeth,” he said, his voice weak with obvious emotion, “but she was known as Beth. She died giving birth to our son.”
Miss Grey nodded. “Neville,” she replied, and the man gasped.
“Yes, Neville,” he replied, his voice breaking. “He’s a fine boy! Can Beth see him? Is she with him? With us?”
“Of course she can see him,” Miss Grey replied. “And yes, the spirits are always with us. Beth is telling me what a wonderful father you are. She loves watching you and Neville together. She also thanks you for the flowers you placed on her grave yesterday.” Miss Grey smiled. “Lillies. Her favorite.”
The man gasped again. “This is remarkable,” he said, drawing mumbles of agreement from the others. “I miss you, Beth.Wemiss you.”
Miriam continued to listen as three more spirits made themselves known to those around the table. Her fascination continued, but so did her disappointment and frustration. Why had her mother not come forward? Given their closeness, she would surely have made an effort. Miriam gathered as much will as she could, and focused her mind on what she wanted. Her mother, here. Speaking to her through this medium, reassuring her.
Mama, I miss you so much. Please talk to me! I need to know you’re still with me. I have no desire to marry Mr. Paget, but Silas has threatened to put me out if I continue to refuse. He gets angry whenever I try to speak of it. You know how he is! I’m frightened and helpless and have nowhere to go. Can you—?
Miriam opened her eyes as Miss Grey announced the presence of yet another spirit. Had the moment come at last? But no. It seemed Edwin had returned again, this time with his mother, Mabel.
“I cannot imagine why he broughtherhere,” Edwin’s wife said, looking affronted. “She and I never got along.”
“Acrimony does not exist on the other side,” Miss Grey explained.
“Well, I’m not on the other side yet,” the woman retorted. “Mabel was a vile woman when she was here. I find it difficult to believe she’s any different now she’s over there. In fact, I’m surprised she’s not in that…” her voice changed to a whisper, “other place.”
Miriam stifled a sigh as her hopes continued to dwindle. She had put her name down as an attendee on impulse, driven by a desperate need to speak to someone she loved. Someone who had lovedher. But now she began to regret it. Perhaps Silas was right, and the claim of “talking to the dead” was nothing more than a sham. A sad parlor trick. Worse, a sin and a blasphemy.
Indeed, Miriam knew she’d be in deep trouble if he found out where she’d been. As for the silver crown, the coin had been given to her as a child by her grandfather. She had treasured it all her life, kept it safely in a small box at the back of her dresser drawer. And now it was gone and likely all for naught. She silently cursed her decision as another “spirit” showed himself. Yet another husband.
Disillusioned to the point of tears, Miriam drew a slow breath… and held it. For a fleeting moment, a floral scent infused the air, a scent so familiar it brought tears to her eyes.Mama?At the same time, Miss Grey’s hand tightened on hers again as the interaction with the male spirit continued.
Miriam exhaled and the scent vanished instantly, not a trace remaining. Had she imagined it? Was it wishful thinking? No one else around the table appeared to have noticed it. They were too busy listening to the exchange with the current spirit.
A while later, Miss Grey proclaimed the male spirit’s departure and then fell silent. The silence continued for several minutes, those around the table fidgeting as the time went on. Miriam paid little attention. She was still wondering if she’dimagined her mother’s scent, at the same time regretting her decision to partake in these blasphemous proceedings.
At last, Miss Grey spoke. “It appears, ladies and gentlemen, that the veil between worlds has descended and the spirits are no longer in reach.” She released Miriam’s hand. “I hope those of you who connected found comfort in the experience. For the rest of you, do not despair. Just because your loved ones did not step forward tonight does not mean they aren’t with you. I assure you, they are. I urge you to watch for signs of their presence, such as objects in your home being moved or disappearing, only to reappear later, or finding feathers or coins in unlikely places. Please talk to your departed loved ones. Share your hopes and dreams with them. They will hear you, I promise.” She got to her feet. “I appreciate your participation and bid you a good day.”
Mumbling their thanks, the guests rose and began to leave. Miriam stifled another sigh and waited for the room to clear before stepping out. “Thank you, Miss Grey,” she said, and moved toward the door, only to be halted by a hand on her arm.
“Please wait a moment, Miss Thornleigh,” Miss Grey said, in hushed tones. “There is something I must discuss with you.”
Miriam’s stomach tightened. “Discuss?”
“Yes.” Miss Grey gave Miriam’s arm a gentle squeeze and went to close the door. “Have a seat, please.”
Miriam took the nearest chair, her heart rattling. “What is this about?”
“No need for concern.” Miss Grey smiled and sat beside Miriam. “Far from it, actually. It’s about Evadne. Your mother.”
Miriam gasped. “Mama is here?”
Miss Grey shook her head. “Not anymore.”
“What do you mean?” Miriam glanced around the room. “Was she here?”
“She was, yes,” Miss Grey replied. “I had a feeling there was a solitary presence lingering in the background throughout thescéance, but she didn’t step forward until several minutes ago, when she insisted on privacy.”
“Privacy?” Miriam gaped at Miss Grey as she absorbed the revelation. It made no sense. Why would her mother have insisted on privacy?
“Perhaps it had something to do with your identity, Miss Thornleigh,” Miss Grey said, as if reading Miriam’s chaotic thoughts. “Or perhaps I should say MissSinclair.”
Miriam gasped again, and a flush of warmth crept into her cheeks. “Mama told you that?”
