Page 39 of Make Mine a Marquess

“In simple terms, please,” Willard called out.

“Well, then, shall I say that there is an invisible substance that runs between you and your mesmerist—for the evening, that is myself. I will endeavor to put some of you in a mesmeric state,” Hyland said.

Both Malvern and Roxborough guffawed.

Ignoring the two, Mr. Hyland slowly walked inside the circle of chairs as he spoke, making eye contact with each of the guests as he moved. “I’ve changed some of the technique while keeping to Mesmer’s theory. I know there are those of you who do not believe in mesmerism, even think I’m a charlatan. I take this as a challenge to prove you wrong.”

No one spoke after that. Hyland possessed a charismatic energy when he spoke. Phoebe wasn’t sure she believed his claims—they weren’t based on any science she’d known and seemed unnatural—but her curiosity was piqued.

Mr. Hyland halted. “I seek my first volunteer.” No one raised their hand. “Come now. If you don’t believe in the practice, then you have nothing to fear.”

One of the Madison sisters, Clarice, tentatively raised her hand. Her twin, Elaine, tried to push her sister’s hand down, but Clarice shook her off. Her eyes shone with excitement.

“Wonderful!” Hyland said. “I applaud your bravery, miss.” He stopped before Clarice and held out his hand.

Clarice placed her hand in his and stood. “Will it hurt?”

“Not at all, my dear. What is your name?”

“Miss Clarice Madison.”

“Well, Miss Clarice, I will be sure to ask you only simple questions.”

“There will be questions?”

His mustache twitched as he smiled. “Like I said, only simple ones.” He moved a chair to the side of the circle. “Please sit.”

Clarice took a gulp of her wine for courage before sitting where he’d indicated.

The rest of the guests shifted their chairs so they could better observe. Hyland opened his trunk and removed a small iron rod bent in the shape of a U.

“Hold this.” He placed the rod in her hands. Then he moved another object from the trunk. What looked like a coin hanging from a silver chain. Only it wasn’t an actual coin, but a lump of iron which had been pressed into the shape of a coin. He sat across from her and raised the chain in front of her.

“Now concentrate on this while clutching the rod.” Speaking softly, he began to swing the iron coin back and forth in a slow pendulum motion.

Clarice focused her gaze on the slowly swinging coin, as his voice had an almost calming effect. After five minutes, he lowered the chain and called Clarice’s name.

Clarice appeared to be in a strange, catatonic state, her eyes open but unseeing. Gooseflesh rose on Phoebe’s arms.

“Where are you now, Miss Clarice?”

“In the ballroom.”

“What do you see?”

“Pretty ballgowns. And dapper gentlemen. So many shiny jewels!”

The room was deathly silent. The flickering oil lamps cast shadows on Clarice’s face. The lady seemed miles away. Her eyes, which had shone with excitement, now had a faraway sheen.

“Are you dancing?” Mr. Hyland asked.

“No, silly. Wallflowers don’t dance. But I want to! I want to dance with the handsome captain in the red army uniform.” Clarice’s brow furrowed and her voice cracked. “But Father would never approve. I must marry money, you see, for the creditors will soon arrive at our front door and this time they’ll take all the furniture!”

Everyone gasped. Mr. Madison’s face screwed into an angry expression. Mrs. Madison looked as if she might faint. Elaine’s mouth gaped.

“The girl doesn’t know what she’s saying.” Mrs. Madison spoke up. “What’s wrong with my daughter? Wake her up!”

Hyland rested the chain on his lap. He clapped twice in Clarice’s face and shouted her name. “Miss Clarice! Wake now.”