Mr Scarletti's Ghost by Linda Stratmann

Author:Linda Stratmann
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780750965750
Publisher: The History Press
Published: 2015-07-01T16:00:00+00:00

Thirteen

When Mina next saw her new friend she felt ashamed of herself for even having thought of trying to persuade her that she was being duped. Eliza’s shining eyes, her animated nature and sense of anticipation were all too obvious, and if they were doomed to be dulled by failure then Mina promised herself that she would help to avert the worst of the blow and quickly suggest some alternative interest that would be a better direction for this new and otherwise laudable energy.

The tiny woman had been brought downstairs, and was perched on a padded chair in the parlour enveloped with pretty shawls, in such a way that it was not obvious that her twisted body was being carefully supported so that she could sit upright. There she held court, and graciously and smilingly and intelligently conversed with all the company. Richard was his usual handsome charming self, the Hamids were perfect hosts, and the evening would, thought Mina, have been wholly delightful had there been no thought of holding a séance.

‘But Mr Scarletti,’ said Eliza, to Richard, ‘I have not told you or dear Mina – I know we have not known each other long, but I do hope I may address you so – of what transpired when Miss Eustace and Mr Clee called on me.’

‘I am all ears,’ said Richard, affably. ‘I have not so far met these fascinating people, but hope to do so very soon.’

‘Oh, they have the nicest manners, and are very kind,’ said Eliza. ‘Of course we talked at great length about how Miss Eustace was achieving remarkable things with the spirit world and she said that you, Mina, are the most wonderful medium yourself, but you do not know it yet.’

‘I am certainly not aware of having any abilities in that direction,’ said Mina. ‘However, I promise faithfully to use no mediumistic powers at all tonight. The only influence exerted will be yours. That you can depend upon.’

‘We dared to hold a little séance ourselves, just the three of us,’ said Eliza, ‘but at first nothing at all happened. Miss Eustace told me that she was very weary that evening and when she tires all her powers desert her for a day or two and will not come back until she has rested. Then they saw that I was disappointed so they agreed to try once more, and this time there were the most extraordinary raps and knocks, and all coming from a spirit called Joey, who I think is a child and quite a mischievous little fellow. I thought, of course, that he had come through Miss Eustace, but he said he had not, because she had no energy he might use, and it was all my doing!’ She beamed with pleasure and excitement, and her breath laboured under the emotion.

Anna and her brother, who had undoubtedly heard this account before, looked at each other sorrowfully but said nothing.

‘And did Joey have any messages?’ asked Richard.

‘Only that he liked very

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