Part 2 (1/2)

*Good gad!' barked Mr Bertram.

My employer's startled exclamation brought me back to my senses. My father had lamented the foolishness of those using spirit boards, but he had never believed in them. Who should I trust now: the late Rev Jos.h.i.+a Martins or Madam Arcana? The answer was obvious. I lowered my head slightly, so I could appear to be watching the gla.s.s while watching the faces of the guests. Indeed no one needed to watch as Beatrice was loudly sounding out the letters. Her face was oddly pale and she was sweating unbecomingly along her top lip. Tiny tendrils of hair curled at her temples. Perhaps a man might have thought it becoming. I found her suspicious.

*H-A-R-R-I-S! Does that mean anything to anyone?' asked Beatrice.

Lord Richard shouted with laughter.

*Is he a relative of one present, who has pa.s.sed over?' asked Madam Arcana in a soft but carrying whisper.

*It'd be nice to think the bug-blasted man was dead,' said Lord Richard, whose nose I now realised was ruddy with whisky drinking. *But I expect he's off tormenting some other household.'

*I think, sir, if you have no objection I will retire,' said Mrs Wilson. *With the house at this level of occupation there is much for me to do to ensure yourself and your guests are adequately provided for.'

*Baggy, was that you?' asked Richenda and then to my surprise she laughed. *You are a naughty boy! But such a scream!'

I looked in astonishment from Richenda to Tipton. Their eyes lingered on each other in a manner that was quite unsuitable so soon after dinner.

*Really,' said Madam Arcana. *I understood this was to be a serious experiment. I am not some kind of circus act!' She was actually quivering with indignation. Did she believe this nonsense or was she annoyed at someone playing her at her own game? Mr Bertram met my gaze across the table and I could see he was thinking the same thing.

*Perhaps ...' he began.

*Richenda! Control your guests,' said Beatrice. *I too thought this was a proper experiment. And it is so rude to Madam Arcana to cheat.' She paused. *Although I suppose it would make an interesting piece.'

All the partic.i.p.ants went white as the ghosts they were trying to summon at this p.r.o.nouncement.

*I'll behave. Word of honour,' said Baggy. *This lark's all new to me. Just a bit on the nervous side. High spirited, don'cha know?' He laughed at his own joke and fingered his collar. *Haven't broken it, have I, Madam A? Give it my full attention now. Word of a gentleman.'

I wasn't sure, but I thought Mr Bertram snorted slightly at this last p.r.o.nouncement, but he may have been clearing his throat. Mrs Deighton had made her version of French chicken this evening and, much as I applaud her cuisine generally, even I had to admit it was unfortunately sticky.

Madam Arcana, who had half-risen, looked around the table. It might have been my imagination, but it was again Beatrice who appeared to have the most remarkable effect. *If Miss Wilton, or should I say Lady Grey, wishes me to continue.'

*Only too eager,' said Beatrice sweetly.

*If you could all concentrate once more on the gla.s.s,' said Madam Arcana.

*Really, Lord Richard, I don't believe my presence is necessary,' said Mrs Wilson.

*Shut up, Wilson,' said Lord Stapleford.

Madam Arcana once more raised her eyes to the ceiling, severely endangering her turban. *Is there anybody there who wants to speak to anybody here?'

Nothing happened.

*Is there anybody there?'

It felt as if we waited an age, but a collective hush had descended and no one appeared to be willing to break it. My left calf cramped, but I didn't dare move. Somehow as a group we had moved from doubt to expectation. I can only explain it by the lessening of light and encroaching indigestion.

I was going to have to stretch my leg soon or risk suddenly contorting in agony. If only I was taller and didn't have such short arms. I was at full stretch reaching out to the gla.s.s. Perhaps I could ease ...

The gla.s.s jerked under my finger.

*W-H-Y-D-I-D-N-T-Y-O-U-W-A-N-T-M-E-M-U-M-M-Y. Why didn't you want me, Mummy?' asked Beatrice looking around the table. *Has anyone here lost a child?'

*Not that I know of,' said Lord Richard.

*d.i.c.kie!' protested Bertram. *There are ladies present.'

*d.a.m.n thing is nothing but a freak show.'

*If that will be all, Lord Richard,' said Mrs Wilson.

*If I have to stay, you have to stay,' said Lord Richard.

*Really, Lord Richard, I cannot see how this forms part of my duties.'

*Hush,' said Beatrice. *The spirit may still be with us. The gla.s.s is warm.'

*By Jove, so it is,' said Baggy. *I think we've snagged a live one!'

The gla.s.s began slowly to move.

*M-U-M-M-' said Beatrice.

Mrs Wilson shot to her feet, sending the gla.s.s flying across the table. The light in the room was dim, but to my astonishment I could see she was shaking. *This is unG.o.dly!' she cried. *I will have no more of it.' She stormed out of the room.

*Good gad!' said Mr Bertram again. *I've never seen Mrs W show emotion.'

*She certainly seemed upset,' said Beatrice. *Did she and Mr Wilson lose a child?'

*It's a courtesy t.i.tle,' said Richenda. *As far as I know she's never been married, has she, Richard?'

*Shouldn't think she's ever even been kissed,' answered her brother. *Let alone known a man.'

*Richard!' protested Bertram. *You're drunk.'

*My house!'

*That's debatable,' said Richenda.

I slipped out of my chair. Not only was my leg very sore, but I had been a servant long enough to know any servant who observes their masters arguing is on a road to trouble. I had reached the door when Madam Arcana caught up with me.

*If you could point me in the direction of the small parlour?' she said. *I was a.s.sured there would be tea waiting for me after the event. I do require some time in solitude to collect myself.'

*Of course,' I said. *I'll show you.'

We crossed the black and white tiled hall, our footsteps echoing on the marble until we reached the swirling rug at the centre and both became quiet for a few moments.

*Ghastly thing,' said Madam Arcana. *Poor Richenda has no taste.'