In Like Flynn (Molly Murphy Mysteries, #4)

“And where are the famous spirit ladies?” Van Gelder asked. “Did you decide not to share them after all?”


I couldn't recall meeting anyone so offensive and wondered who might have voted for him. But Theresa, sweet as always, merely smiled. “They are on their way. We only own one automobile, you know, and the chauffeur has returned for them.” She slipped her arm through mine. “In the meantime, may I present our guests—my cousin, Clara Tompkins, my sister, Belinda Butler, and my husband’s cousin, Molly Gaffney, newly arrived from Ireland.”

“You're most welcome, ladies. How about a drink to counteract the chilly night air?” And he led us to a drinks table where he began pouring. Compared to the Flynns' establishment there was adistinct lack of servants.

“Roland mentioned you had some other young men staying with you?” Theresa asked, looking around hopefully.

“We do. Son of a friend of mine. English fellow. And his army pal. They're doing what all young Englishmen do—out to snag rich American brides. Where the deuce are they, Sophie?”

Mrs. Van Gelder scurried to his side. “They returned late from today’s outing and will be down as soon as they have made themselves respectable. Such nice boys. You girls could do worse.” She gave a knowing smile to Belinda and me. “Both have considerable properties over in England, so we understand.”

“Why does everyone think we are desperate to be found a husband?” Belinda whispered in my ear. It was her first friendly overture.

“Like you, I intend to find my own husband some day,” I whispered back, “but not too soon.”

We exchanged a smile. Allies for a moment.

Noises in the entrance hall indicated the arrival of the Sorensen Sisters. Mrs. Van Gelder flew out to greet them and swept them into the room, gushing effusively over them. “And we'd be so honored if you'd just show us a small example of your powers…. Longing to meet you for years … such a wonderful gift. … The dearly departed … always feel their presence.”

Miss Emily and Miss Ella both looked a little flustered, but accepted glasses of sherry when pressed.

“I really don't think—” Miss Emily began.

“Not really conducive to visiting spirits—” Miss Ella seconded. Both were waved aside by the force of Mrs. Van Gelder’s will. “I am sure that Riverside, being an older and more noble establishment than the recently built Adare, will be quite to the liking of any spirit worth its salt,” she said firmly. “I have set up the morning room for you. I thought that since we had promised the young people dancing after dinner, we should have our séance now, while we're waiting for the young men to join us. I am sure they have no interest in contacting the dead. Why don't we go through?”

I had to watch with admiration. Mrs. Van Gelder was a small woman, not unlike portraits I had seen of Queen Victoria. She had the same force of personality as the old queen, I noted, as the two sisters allowed themselves to be swept out of the room again, followed by the rest of us.

Chairs had been set in a circle in an adjoining room.

“This will do, won't it?” Mrs. Van Gelder asked.

The sisters looked around. The rest of us held our breath.

Finally Miss Emily nodded. “We may be able to entice our spirit guide to manifest himself here. Well just have to see. But no electric light, if you please. Just one candle.”

A candle was lit. Grotesque shadows danced on the walls. We took our places in the circle. Miss Emily shook her head.

“We have unbelievers present. I can feel it. Chief Ojuweca certainly won't be enticed to come in the presence of those who mock him.”

Barney nudged Mr. Van Gelder. “He means us, old sport. I suspect you don't believe in this any more than I do. Why don't we go and visit your Scotch decanter until the ladies are done?”

“Excellent idea.” Mr. Van Gelder looked almost kindly toward his arch enemy. They departed. A hush fell upon the rest of us. The candle flickered in the draft from the closing door.

“Please take hands,” Miss Emily instructed. “I sense a presence. Are you with us, Chief Ojuweca?”

The candle flickered, but there was no voice.

“If you are present, signify by rapping once.”

A mighty rap made everyone jump

“He’s here,” Mrs. Van Gelder said in an excited stage whisper. “I wonder if we are going to see him.”

“Will you reveal yourself to us tonight, Chief Ojuweca?” Miss Ella asked.

Two loud and disapproving raps. It was hard to tell where they were coming from. I could see Miss Emily’s and Miss Ella’s hands. They were joined with the others in the circle.

“May we ask what has displeased you?” Miss Ella said.

“There are still unbelievers present,” came a distant voice from somewhere up in the ceiling. “If they choose to stay, it is at their own peril. They may see what they would not want to see.”

Even though I knew this was another trick, I felt sweat tricklingdown my bare back.