Evermore (Emily Chambers Spirit Medium Trilogy #3)(32)

"We can't," I said.

"I agree with Emily," Theo said. "Mrs. White cannot be the one delivering the curses. To die and then return to life requires a period of recovery. She couldn't work as a governess at the same time. Her employer would know."

"She may be helping whoever it is then," George said. "Or at the very least, she may know who it is."

"Still, I don't want to confront her," I said. "It's too soon. We don't know enough. Let's watch her for now. As soon as she leaves the house, we'll follow her."

"You will do no such thing, Emily," Celia said.

"But I must!"

"No, you must not. It's late and you could be here for some time. All night, possibly. I don't think even I need to remind you of the proper rules of conduct. Even a half-wit should understand you would break every last one if you remained here with these two gentlemen in the dark."

"Then what do you propose this half-wit do?"

Theo cleared his throat. "Might I offer a suggestion? Culvert and I will stay and watch."

"Excellent idea!" George said. "Hyde, you remain behind while I take the ladies home. I'll stop by my house for a change of horses and driver. We won't need footmen." His eyes lit up and he looked like a child about to experience his first Christmas. "Cook should have something set aside that we can eat cold for dinner. Chicken pie, perhaps. How does that sound, Hyde?"

"Delicious," Theo said. "And something sweet for afterwards?"

"Of course. I'll bring fresh shirts for the morning and blankets for tonight too."

"I don't suppose you could put in a flask of whiskey."

"One flask won't get us far, I'll make it two large ones."

"It isn't a house party," I said, laughing. It was impossible not to get caught up in their excitement. "You're not supposed to have fun."

George grinned. "I'm rather looking forward to it. I'll tell Mother I've gone to my club, and I'll have word sent to your aunt too, Hyde."

"What about your studies, Mr. Hyde?" Celia asked. "Don't you have classes in the morning?"

"This is far more important," Theo said. "Culvert can't do it alone. Let me worry about my studies, Miss Chambers."

It was settled. Celia, George, and I drove off, while Theo remained in Grosvenor Square, looking across Grosvenor Street to number twelve.

It was going to be a long night for them, and perhaps a long one for me too, lying awake and wondering how they fared. I was prepared for it. I was not prepared, however, to be greeted by a faint ghost, a cross father, and a guilty looking little girl upon my return.





CHAPTER 8





"I'm sorry," Cara blurted out as George's coach drove off. "It's all my fault."

"What's all your fault?" Celia asked.

Louis scowled at my sister. She scowled back. "Cara thinks she can see ghosts," he said.

"I can!" She clamped a hand over her mouth and her wide eyes begged for forgiveness, but I wasn't sure whose forgiveness she wanted.

"It's my fault," Jacob said, rubbing a hand through his hair, messing it up. He seemed to be pausing for breath, but that was impossible. He didn't need to breathe. "I startled her...he was here." He chucked Cara under the chin. "Don't worry."

"But he thinks I'm mad," she whispered, even though Louis would have heard.

"I think we should go inside," Celia said, leading the way.

Louis watched her stiff back, his frown deepening. "Don't tell me you allow her to believe this nonsense. Celia, I'm surprised at you."

I heard Celia suck air between her teeth, but she kept walking and said nothing. It must have been hard for her not to confront him then and there. I had to bite my tongue to stop myself telling him Cara could indeed see spirits, as could I. But some things ought not be revealed on front doorsteps.

Nobody spoke until we were settled in the drawing room. Lucy had collected our hats and coats and hung them up then trotted off to the kitchen to make tea.

"Mr. Moreau," Celia began, "I think—"

"It's Louis to you, Celia. After everything we've been through, don't you think you can cease the formality?"

"Formality and manners are all we have left, Mr. Moreau."

"Very well, Celia, if that's how you want to be. I see I cannot change your mind."

"No, you cannot. Now, what I'm about to tell you, may shock you."

"I doubt anything can shock me after learning I have a seventeen year-old daughter." He winked at me and I smiled back, despite my reservations.

Jacob came up beside me and sat on the arm of the sofa. Ordinarily he liked to stand, but he seemed to need the rest. I desperately wanted to ask him if many spirits had been lost from the Waiting Area, and if he was all right to carry on being in this realm, but I did not. One crisis at a time.

"Cara can see spirits," Celia said, rather more bluntly than necessary. If she'd let me speak first, I would have gently steered the conversation in that direction in a way that would not have stunned Louis into silence.

His jaw worked and a muscle high up in his cheek twitched. He took a long time to answer, and when he did, he spoke as if every word were carefully chosen. "I don't think it's wise to take this path, Celia."