The Dark Between by Sonia Gensler

Author:Sonia Gensler [Gensler, Sonia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 978-0-375-89733-7
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 2013-08-26T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

Asher couldn’t help admiring Elsie’s determination as they made their way along Queen’s Road. She had a great deal more pluck than he’d thought. But he still puzzled over her episode in Castle End. He didn’t doubt the reality of her seizures. Never had. It was her interpretation of the visions that provoked his skepticism. The details were always a little too vague. Hints rather than facts. It seemed that a spirit could never give a direct answer to a simple question.

But why would she fabricate this tale of a tramp and an improving experiment?

“Oh,” Elsie breathed, her chin lifting. “It’s him.”

He followed her gaze to find Philip Marshall and Simon Wakeham walking their way. The very sight of Wakeham made his heart plunge.

Dr. Marshall’s eyes widened when he recognized them, and he quickly removed his hat. “Good morning, ladies.” He nodded at Asher. “Mr. Beale.”

“Mr. Wakeham and Dr. Marshall, how good to see you,” Elsie said softly. “You’ve not yet made the acquaintance of our friend.” She cleared her throat and turned to Kate. “Miss Poole, allow me to introduce Dr. Philip Marshall, a Fellow at Trinity College, and Mr. Simon Wakeham, a recent Trinity graduate … and a member of the Metaphysical Society.”

Kate’s cheeks flushed a deep red. She opened her mouth to speak but seemed to choke on the words. Asher looked from her to Simon Wakeham, who frowned down at her.

“Ah,” said Wakeham, his features relaxing. “I think I’ve already met your friend. You were the one at Martineau’s, weren’t you? The spirit apparition?”

Kate hung her head. “Yes.”

“Strange sort of work for a young girl,” Dr. Marshall said, studying Kate with a raised eyebrow.

“I was only trying to make a living after my mum died.”

“You need not explain.” Wakeham smiled. “We wouldn’t hold you accountable for Martineau’s deceptions. I suppose softhearted Thompson has taken you in? No doubt he felt guilty for disrupting your livelihood.”

Kate straightened up. “Actually, sir, I demanded he make things right for me.”

“Did you? I admire your gumption.” Wakeham turned to Elsie. “Miss Atherton, what brings you to this part of town on a Sunday morning?”

Asher wondered if he’d suddenly turned invisible.

“We’re returning from a service at Trinity,” said Elsie, her voice now steady.

Dr. Marshall glanced behind him. “But we just came from there. We are now north of Trinity.”

Elsie gulped audibly.

“What she means to say is that we stopped in for a few hymns,” said Asher, “and then walked to—”

“We walked to Castle Mound,” blurted Kate.

“Yes, we just came from Castle Mound,” said Elsie. “You see, I remember playing there when I was a little girl. I wanted to show them where the Norman castle used to be.”

“Of course—it’s by the Thompsons’ old house, which is where we were walking just now.” Wakeham smiled. “Did you enjoy your ramble? More entertaining than a chapel service?”

Elsie started to reply, but Asher cut her off. “It was fine. Unfortunately, Miss Atherton has taken ill, so we must return to Summerfield.”

“I am improving,” said Elsie, returning Wakeham’s smile.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.