Amanda Quick - Wait Until Midnight

"I can see that you are determined to press on with your search for the diary," Wilson said. "How do you intend to proceed?"

Adam reached for the silver coffeepot. "On my way home this morning I recalled that one of your old friends Prittlewell was fascinated by psychical research for a time recently."

Wilson snorted. "Prittlewell and everyone else in Society. I tell you, it is nothing less than astounding to see so many seemingly reasonable, educated people toss aside all common sense and natural skepticism when a medium levitates a table. I blame it on the Americans, of course. Whole thing started on the Other Side."

"The Other Side?"

"Of the Atlantic." Wilson snorted. "The Fox sisters with their rappings and tappings, the Davenports with their cabinet séances, D. D. Home—"

Adam frowned. "I thought Home was born in Scotland." "He may have been born there but he was raised in America."

"I see," Adam said dryly. "I suppose that explains it." "Indeed. As I was saying, this isn't the first nonsense imported from America and it likely won't be the last" "Yes, sir. But my point is that your friend Prittlewell no doubt picked up some gossip and rumors concerning the community of mediums while he was attending séances and lectures on psychical research."

"Very likely. What of it?"

"I wondered if you might make some casual inquiries in that direction. Find out what he knows about Elizabeth Delmont and those who moved in her circle."

Enthusiasm lit Wilson's face. There was nothing he liked more than a bit of intrigue. "Very well. That might prove interesting."

And with any luck, it will keep you too distracted to concentrate on your schemes to marry me off, Adam thought.

He was about to continue with his attempt at distraction when he heard the distant, muffled sound of the front door opening and closing. There was only one person who was likely to call at this unfashionable hour.

"Julia is here," Adam said. "Remember, not a word of this to her. I do not want her to be concerned with this matter. There is no need for her to worry about it."

"I agree. Trust me, I will say nothing."

Light, brisk footsteps echoed in the hall. A moment later Julia appeared in the doorway. Both men rose to their feet.

"Good day to you both." She swept into the room with a glowing smile. "I hope you are prepared to endure another invasion of workmen and decorators this afternoon"

"Of course," Wilson said. "We are proud to do our small part in connection with what will be the social event of the Season. Is that not so, Adam?"

"So long as you keep your horde of laborers and decorators out of the library," Adam agreed, pulling out a chair. She made a face at him as she sat down. "Never fear, everyone understands that your library is sacrosanct. But I fear that it will be very busy around here for the next few days. I'm having fountains and mirrors installed in the ballroom. I think the effect will be quite riveting. "

"I'm sure it will be." Adam lowered himself back into his chair and reached for another slice of toast. "Your plans are going well, I assume? "

"Yes, but I was forced to confess to Robert this morning that I may have overreached myself with the Roman villa theme this year."

"Nonsense, my dear." Wilson sat down, beaming with fatherly reassurance. "If anyone can turn that old ballroom into a Roman villa, it is you. I have no doubt but that you'll be successful. You will amaze and astonish Society once again, just as you did last year."

"I appreciate your confidence. "Julia helped herself to some tea. "But if the affair does come off as planned, it is you, Uncle Wilson, who must take most of the credit. I could not possibly orchestrate such a major event without the use of the old ballroom. There simply is not enough space in the town house to stage anything more elaborate than a dinner party or a small soirée. "

"Your husband is very wise not to invest his money in a large house here in town," Wilson said. "It would be a complete waste of money. He's got enough properties to maintain as it is, and your family is never in London long enough to justify the expense"

Julia nodded and set down the teapot. "I cannot argue with that. By the way, Robert said to tell you that he plans to take the children to the fair in the park tomorrow. He wondered if you would like to accompany them. "

Wilson looked vastly pleased. "I shall check my appointment calendar to see if I am free."

His appointment calendar would no doubt grant him ample time to accompany the children and their father, the Earl of Southwood, on the outing, Adam thought. Wilson would have cheerfully rescheduled an audience with the queen to make room for an afternoon with the two youngsters.

Julia gave Wilson a knowing look. "Going to the fair will also provide you with an excuse to leave the house again while the decorators and the workmen swarm about the place. I must warn you that I can promise nothing but noise and commotion for the remainder of the week."

"A Roman villa is not constructed in a day," Wilson observed.

Julia drank some tea. "By the way, I had a letter from Jessica this morning. She is having a glorious time in Dorset. I gather that life on her friend's family estate is one grand round of picnics and games."

"We had a note from Nathan telling us that he will be coming down to see all of us on the occasion of my birth-day next month," Wilson said.

"He is well?" Julia asked, a bit anxious. "I do worry about him devoting so much time to his books."

"Do not concern yourself," Wilson said easily. "He is perfectly content. I think he may have been born for the scholarly life."

Julia smiled. "Who would have believed it?"

The breakfast table chatter ebbed and flowed around Adam but he made little effort to contribute to the conversation. Not only were his thoughts focused on darker subjects; the long night was beginning to catch up with him. He wanted his bed.

"Is something wrong, Adam?" Julia asked abruptly.

You appear to be a million miles away. Am I boring you with my plans for the ball?"

"No. I was just thinking about some business that must be attended to this morning." He tossed his napkin on the table. "If you will excuse me—"

But it was too late. Julia was giving him a close, sisterly scrutiny. "What's this? Your shirt is rather crumpled and I do believe you have failed to shave this morning. That is quite unlike you."

"Julia, if you don't mind, I must be off. "He got to his feet. "Enjoy your breakfast. I will see you all later."

Wilson inclined his head, eyes narrowing slightly. "Get some rest"

Julia's eyes widened. "Why do you need rest? Are you ill?"

"I am feeling quite fit, thank you." Adam grabbed the folded copy of the Flying Intelligencer and made his escape from the breakfast room.

He heard crisp footsteps in the hall behind him and stifled a groan. He should have known it wasn't going to be that easy.

"Adam," Julia called firmly. "A word, if you please? "What is it?" He walked into the library and sat down behind his desk. "As I said, I'm rather busy. "

"You did not happen to dress carelessly this morning." Julia sailed into the library behind him and crossed the oriental carpet to stand in front of the desk. "I do believe that you have just returned after having been out all night."

"Julia, there are some things that a gentleman does not discuss, not even with his sister?

"Hah! I knew it. You were gone all night." Curiosity sparked in her eyes. "Is it serious this time or merely an-other one of your boring little affairs?"

"I had not realized that you considered my personal life boring. Not that your opinion matters, given that it is my personal life, not your own."

She frowned in surprise at his tone. "I meant no offense."