Evermore (Emily Chambers Spirit Medium Trilogy #3)(12)

He rubbed my hands with his thumbs, his gaze intent on the small swirling motion. "No."

How odd. It was Tuesday and I was sure he had lectures every Tuesday morning. "And Carson and Kellerman didn't need you instead?" I asked, referring to the law firm where he worked.

He let go of my hands. "So many questions, Emily, you're worse than my aunt. No, I am not needed there today." He nodded at George. "How do you do, Culvert?"

George passed him a book. "Since you've not got anything better to do, want to help us research?"

"Of course. At least these books are more interesting than the legal tomes I usually study."

"Easier to understand too, eh?" said George, climbing the ladder once more.

Theo laughed and set the book on the table. I poured tea for us and it wasn't until I handed Theo his cup that I realized he'd been watching me.

"You're looking quite beautiful this morning," he said, accepting the cup.

My face heated as it always did. Theo had come calling at our Druids Way house many times since he'd helped to send the spirit of Mortlock back to the Otherworld. He was very attentive and always complimented me on my appearance. Although I liked it, I had not quite grown used to it. All my life people had stared at me or whispered about me because of either my talent as a medium or my darker than white skin. To now have nice things said about me, to be called beautiful and exotic by handsome men like Theo, George, and Jacob was quite a change. I was not yet accustomed to it. I might never be.

"Is your ball gown finished?" he asked.

"Almost." I pulled the book toward me since he hadn't opened it.

"The ball will be quite an event on the social calendar, and I'm rather looking forward to it."

"So am I. But for now, we must find out what is happening in the Waiting Area." I launched yet again into the details of our current supernatural problem. Theo listened, his expression growing more and more serious.

"I'm glad I'm available to help." He took a book from George who'd descended the ladder with an armful. Theo blew dust off the top.

"I don't think these ones have been touched since my father died," George said, sitting opposite.

We each set to our books. Lunch came and went, as did another round of tea, and the pile of books we finished studying grew higher and higher. When a footman entered and lit the cast iron gas lamps, I realized it had grown late in the day.

"I should go," I said. "Celia will be getting worried."

"I'll walk you home," Theo said, rising. "I'd take you in my carriage, but the driver is washing it today." He grinned. He didn't have a coach of his own. His cousin in Kensington did, but I'd not once seen Theo borrow it. Like me, he either walked or caught the omnibus.

"Tell him to stay on the main roads," said Jacob, flaring into existence next to me. My heart lurched in my chest. It was so good to see him again. "It's growing dark and some of the less frequented lanes will be dangerous." He faded a little before once more solidifying.

"Jacob is here," I announced. "If you're busy, Theo, then he can walk with me."

"No," Jacob said. "I want him to do it."

I raised my brows at him.

"I'm not busy," Theo said cheerfully.

Jacob crossed his arms and raised his brows right back at me. "It's settled then."

I tried not to be upset that he didn't want to escort me home. After all, being invisible to everyone but me was hardly a deterrent to thugs. I also knew he was trying to push me toward Theo. He'd stated his opinion on the matter of Theo courting me before. Stated it very clearly. He was certainly in favor of us spending more time alone together.

"My killer said I must give something up," he'd once told me. "Something dear to me. You are dear to me."

It was impossible to feel put out after that declaration. Jacob felt that giving me up would break the curse laid upon him at the moment of his death, and he would finally be allowed to crossover. I didn't like it, but I wanted what was best for him, and crossing over was definitely for the best. I couldn't bear to have him remain here and watch me grow old.

Besides, if I could not be escorted by Jacob then Theo was a good second choice. He was excellent company.

"You're not going to disagree with me, are you?" Jacob asked.

"Of course not. When have I ever been known to disagree with you?"

He snorted softly. "Frequently. I'm beginning to think it's your favorite pastime."

"If you said things that made perfectly good sense, I wouldn't need to disagree with you."

"Walking home with Theo doesn't make good sense? It does to me, Em. I won't be much help at the moment." His voice drifted as he spoke and he vanished completely.

"Jacob!"

He returned again, his brows knitted with anxiety. "See what I mean?"

I blew out a measured breath. "Have you learned anything from the Administrators?"

He perched on the edge of the table and flipped through the nearest book. Theo's eyes widened, but George didn't flutter an eyelash. He was used to Jacob now, and seeing objects move as if of their own free will no longer caught him unawares.

"They know how it's being done," he said gravely. "It's quite shocking. You may need to sit down."