The Lord and the Banshee (Read by Candlelight #13) - Gillian St. Kevern Page 0,58
that is for the best. You know better than we do the forces involved.” He raised his hat. “I’m sure it won’t be long before our paths cross again, Lord Foxwood.”
Harris added his bow and the two of them departed.
Pip and Julian turned as one to the house.
The sound of voices in animated conversation surprised him. The ballroom and drawing room were thrown open, the staff circulating with refreshments. The library was closed off. The tree had been removed, but the windows were boarded up, awaiting replacement.
“Uncle Pip. There you are.” George Goodfellow II, his nephew and heir, bustled up to him, full of his self-importance as the future owner of Foxwood Court. “I have been pondering some improvements to the estate. I think it would be much more economical if—”
Julian took his cousin by his arm. “Not today, George.” He marched him off before George could finish his protest.
Perhaps there was something to be said for Julian’s lack of social graces. Pip’s gaze softened as he looked around the room. His sister Julia was there, engaged in gossip with Gladwell. Her husband talked shop with his sister, both doctors. O’Connor and Wiremu, Pip’s school friend, stood engaged in animated discussion with Pip’s other nephew, Harry. No doubt Wiremu was egging Harry on to some fresh mischief, while O’Connor tried to intervene. Harry’s sister would not be far away—yes, there was Pippa, talking to Miss Scott, and a veiled woman. Miss Eyre? She could no longer show her face in Foxwood.
There were more, many more friends present. Mr Scott, once Julian’s tutor, greeted his former pupil with a vigorous handshake. Mr Vaughan, the historian, was making headway talking to Mr Dawson, the artist. Then there was a scattering of local village folk and telegrams from those who, like Miss Wilson and Mrs de Szigethy, were too distant to attend in person or, who, like Captain Candy, the museum curator, were not in health (Mr Carruthers had sent a very tasteful card from the pair of them).
Despite the rawness of his loss, Pip felt something ease within his chest. No one could say that Thomas was not missed, nor that he had not had friends worth having. Everyone in the room had gathered because Thomas had touched their lives. It was a legacy to be proud of. Even a banshee had mourned his passing…
A banshee. Pip still looked at the gathered crowd, but his gaze was inward. A portent of Thomas’s death—or an omen of a different kind? He hummed. Foxwood Court had already had one ghost. Why shouldn’t it have another?
He slipped out of the ballroom, making for his study. His talking board was set up on his desk, just as he had last used it some weeks ago. Pip sat at the desk, letting his hand rest on the planchette. He really needed another present—
The door creaked open. Julian slipped inside, holding the door for his cousins Pippa and Harry. Pippa squeezed his hand before she seated herself to Pip’s left, putting her hand on the planchette. Harry grimaced but followed her lead, Julian was as inscrutable as always.
Pip felt his heart pinch tight. What kind children, to join him at this moment. He swallowed, needing a moment to clear his throat.
The door creaked open a second time. “I trust we do not intrude?” Mr Scott led himself and Mr Dawson to the table. In a moment, the artist and the tutor had both made themselves at hope. “Six,” pronounced Mr Scott. “A good number for a seance.”
“Indeed.” How was it possible for his heart to feel both empty and full at the same time. Pip blinked quickly. “I am very glad to have your company—all your company.”
The door creaked again. O’Connor gave them a faint nod and took up a watching position on the left side of the door, while Wiremu scowled at them from the right.
Oh dear. Pip fumbled for his handkerchief. O’Connor’s faith precluded him from seances and Wiremu observed the tradition of his mother’s people in respecting the tapu of the dead. They would not participate, but they would watch. The phasmatological society he had wanted for so long.
It was a few moments before he set his handkerchief aside, but none of those with him made any comment. Pip cleared his throat, reaching for Pippa and Julian’s hands. “If there are any spirits with us today, we invite you to make your presence known.”