Mr Scarletti's Ghost

by Linda Stratmann

  Their first and it seemed main subject of conversation was Miss Whinstone, who had suddenly taken it into her head to adopt two orphaned children, a boy and a girl, aged about seven and nine. Even the usually sleepy Mrs Phipps was wide awake during that startling revelation. Only Mrs Bettinson had seen the children, and said that they were clean and well behaved. They did not, she said rather too pointedly for politeness, resemble Miss Whinstone. Her friend had refused to divulge her reasons for the adoption, except to say that she had been very selfish of late, and felt that she ought to do some good in the world. The children were to live with her during the summer under the care of a nursemaid, and would shortly be found good schools.

  The general feeling of the ladies present, at least the opinion that they chose to speak aloud, was that Miss Whinstone had felt lonely since her brother had died, and was entitled to spend her income as she pleased if it brought her consolation.

  Mina was able to introduce the subject of Miss Eustace without difficulty by making an enquiry as to that lady’s state of health. All the visitors were pleased to hear that the séances were soon to resume, something they were eagerly anticipating. ‘I would not miss one for anything!’ said Mrs Mowbray. ‘Such a good company there, too! That handsome Dr Hamid is a very fine gentleman, and a great favourite! I went for a vapour bath last week, and I had thought to see him, but the ladies are all attended to by his sister who is very clever lady and I hope to be better acquainted with her.’

  Mina thought it best to make no mention of Eliza’s illness or Mrs Mowbray would be sure to hurry round and attempt to see her. She did her best to direct the conversation back to the success or otherwise of Miss Eustace’s séances.

  ‘All that flim-flam with bells and knockings are one thing,’ said Mrs Bettinson, ‘and if I hadn’t had a private sitting I would be starting to wonder if the lady had any means of speaking to the spirits at all, but when I did, why, that decided me. I heard things she could not have known about. Miss Eustace has never in her life met my brother-in-law, or anyone in my family, but she knew where and when he died and what of. He was always a great one for worrying about his business even when he didn’t need to, and through Miss Eustace he told me how happy he was it did so well, and how pleased he was with his partners and how they used their funds. And he said he liked the way my sister had arranged the drawing room, but told her not to wind the clock too strong because that made it stop. He was always fussing about that clock. If that wasn’t him talking I don’t know who it was.’

  ‘It was the same for me,’ said Mrs Peasgood. ‘Mrs Scarletti, you really ought to consult her when she starts the séances again. I had such good advice from my dear Charles at the private sitting that it was almost as if he stood in the room with me.’

  ‘I have already done so,’ said Louisa, ‘and I had no doubt that it was Henry who addressed me.’ She paused, and sat very straight with a proud look. ‘In fact I saw him, standing before me, as clearly as I see you all now, and we conversed, and he kissed me. I would not have permitted such a familiarity had I not been quite sure that it was my own beloved husband.’

  This was the first that Mina had known that her mother had attended a private sitting with Miss Eustace. The nature of the revelation left her momentarily speechless, but her silence was not noticed since her mother was assailed by a battery of questions from her friends, which she fended off with a quiet smile. Mina, full of her own concerns, decided that the matter was too personal, too intimate to be aired in company and would have to wait.

  ‘I would like to attend a private sitting with Miss Eustace if I am permitted,’ said Mina, when she was able to join the conversation. ‘Does the lady give of her time gratis or does she ask for a charitable contribution?’

  ‘You know very well, Mina,’ said her mother, ‘that the lady does not ask for anything for herself and it is left entirely to the person who consults her if they wish to make their appreciation known.’

  ‘I had thought to consult her, but Ronald is quite against it,’ said Mrs Phipps. ‘He says that if I want advice I should ask him.’

  ‘You are fortunate in having such a kind nephew,’ observed Mrs Mowbray, ‘and one who works in the law. We do not all have living relatives to guide us.’

  Mrs Bettinson gave a very significant look in the direction of Mrs Phipps. The lady was about sixty-five and had been a widow for so long that no one of her acquaintance could recall a Mr Phipps. Mrs Bettinson had, without any evidence, decided in her own mind that there never had been a Mr Phipps and that Ronald, her supposed nephew, was a son. The idea had become so established that she had convinced herself that it was a demonstrable truth, an opinion from which she was unshakeable.

  ‘But you will continue to attend the séances?’ asked Mrs Mowbray.

  ‘I may not go to her again,’ said Mrs Phipps. ‘According to Ronald she caused a great scandal in London when she held séances there.’

  ‘Surely not,’ said Louisa, ‘or Professor and Mrs Gaskin would not be so certain of her. They first encountered her in London and if there ever was a scandal, which I doubt, they must have heard of it.’

  ‘Well, they might not know about it, because she was using another name then,’ said Mrs Phipps, obstinately.

  ‘And what name would that be?’ demanded Louisa.

  ‘Oh, I’m sure I don’t know! But it was not Miss Eustace.’

  ‘Then how can he know it was she?’ said Louisa, reasonably. ‘If the name was not the same then it was probably another woman entirely, and your nephew has made a mistake.’

  ‘Well, I don’t think I shall go, all the same,’ said Mrs Phipps, firmly. ‘Ronald said that she asks two guineas for an evening, and still more if people choose to believe in her. He says that if I want my fortune told I would do better spending sixpence visiting Madame Proserpina on the pier.’ She had nothing more to say on the subject, and the other ladies looked on her pityingly as she settled down to her afternoon doze.

  When the visitors had finally departed Mina attempted to draw her mother on the subject of her private séance with Miss Eustace, saying that she was eager to learn how her father had appeared and what he had communicated. Louisa was unusually reticent. ‘He is happy, of course, and sees Marianne every day,’ she said, contentedly. ‘He says that her dear spirit was by his side as he passed over and has guided him in his new existence.’

  ‘And you saw him?’ asked Mina. ‘Really truly saw him? I ask because no one else has made such a claim. Not just a face, or a hand, but a man standing before you?’

  ‘I did,’ said her mother calmly. ‘Why would you doubt it?’

  ‘You saw his face?’

  ‘Yes.’ Her mother grew irritable. ‘Why all these questions, Mina? You will make my head ache if you are not careful.’

  ‘Because I am seeking truth and understanding. Was the room in darkness?’

  ‘At first, it was, but when Henry appeared his spirit was bright almost as day.’

  ‘And Miss Eustace was there and you saw them both in the room at once?’

  ‘But of course. I was only grateful that she was in a trance as certain of Henry’s communications were of a tender, romantic nature. There are some things, my dear, that must remain forever between a man and his wife, things that no other person may know.’

  As her mother reclined with a self-satisfied expression and took another biscuit, Mina could only stare at her, appalled and confused.

  Fourteen

  It was only a matter of time, thought Mina, before everyone she knew, perhaps everyone in Brighton, took leave of their senses and saw ghosts everywhere. Spectres would stroll freely down the marine parade, drive past in carriages, crowd on to the piers, and even sit down to dine with the living.

  With no will to try and investigate the source of her mother’s new madness, Mina directed her attention instead to the more tangible fact that her vulnerable parent was being drawn into Miss Eustace’s grasp, if only so that she might hand o
ver two guineas or even more for an evening of private revelations and dubious visions. Eager to make some progress, and seizing on the clues revealed by Mrs Phipps, Mina quickly secured an interview with that lady’s nephew.

  Mr Ronald Phipps was a minor variety of the profession of solicitor, a young gentleman dedicated to making his way in the world through hard work, study and maintaining a spotless reputation. The newest and most junior partner in a larger firm, he occupied an office barely larger than a cupboard and sat behind a small desk, which he had made his own by having everything on it arranged as if by a foot rule. Not having an attractive face, he had compensated for this disadvantage by a dignified bearing and the exercise of perfect grooming.

  ‘Thank you for agreeing to see me,’ said Mina, perching awkwardly on a chair and wishing she had brought her wedge-shaped cushion with her. ‘I wish to speak to you on the subject of Miss Eustace the spirit medium.’

  Deep distrustful furrows appeared on the brow of young Mr Phipps. ‘I sincerely hope that you have not come here in order to arrange for the transfer of finances to that person,’ he said, sternly. ‘If you have, then not only am I unwilling to assist you but I must warn you in the strongest possible terms against such a course of action.’

  ‘I can assure you,’ said Mina, hardly able to conceal her delight that she had discovered another ally, ‘that I have no intention of transferring a single farthing to Miss Eustace. But I assume from your comments that other clients have come to you with that request.’

  ‘I cannot discuss the private affairs of others,’ he said, with some small softening of his expression, ‘only your own, but I am relieved that you have no wish to allow Miss Eustace to command your purse. How may I help you?’

  ‘It is my belief,’ said Mina, ‘that Miss Eustace is a fraud, exercising her profession in order to dupe the bereaved out of their fortunes. I admit that there are many things she does which I cannot explain, but these are surely just conjuring tricks made to appear as if performed by supernatural means.’

  His eyebrows jumped almost to his hairline. ‘I cannot of course comment, except to say that you would do well not to make your opinions public unless you can prove that what you say is true,’ he said.

  ‘That is my intention,’ said Mina, ‘and I am assembling information for that very purpose. Your aunt recently called to take tea with my mother and I gathered from what she said that you warned her against Miss Eustace on the grounds that she had been involved in some scandal in London but under another name. I was hoping that you might be able to enlighten me on the circumstances. How did you come by this knowledge, and do you believe it to be trustworthy? Did you learn what other name Miss Eustace has been known under?’

  ‘Ah,’ he said, nodding, ‘I am afraid this is a little awkward. I do know the origin of this story and I was obliged to warn my aunt before she did anything unwise, but it was in the strictest confidence, as there was no proof. I had not anticipated that she would tell her friends.’

  Mr Phipps, thought Mina, while a professional man, was very young in experience or he would have known that this would happen with little if any delay. ‘From whom did you hear the story?’ she asked. ‘You must have given it some credence or you would not have passed it on.’

  ‘That is the difficulty,’ he said. ‘I heard it from an elderly client who I am not at liberty to name. She told me that she had been to one of Miss Eustace’s séances, and was sure that she recognised the lady as a medium she had consulted in London some two or three years previously. Unfortunately she was unable to recall the London medium’s name but she felt sure that it was not Eustace.’

  ‘What was the nature of the scandal?’

  He hesitated.

  ‘I promise that I will not spread any slanders to the gossips of Brighton,’ said Mina. ‘I am making these enquiries for the protection of my own family but will not act upon any information until I have proof.’

  He gave her request some thought. ‘Very well,’ he said, at last. ‘On that understanding I can advise you that there was a rumour, but a rumour only, that Miss Eustace had found herself in prison, and that this was connected in some way with her séances. You must appreciate of course that there is a significant possibility that my client was mistaken.’

  ‘I would very much like to interview this lady,’ said Mina. ‘Can you arrange it?’

  He shook his head, regretfully. ‘That is impossible, I am afraid.’

  ‘Has she passed away?’ asked Mina.

  ‘My client is eighty-six and after a recent fit has become quite moribund,’ said Mr Phipps. ‘She is not expected to live long.’

  ‘Did she confide this story in anyone other than yourself?’ asked Mina.

  ‘Not as far as I have been able to discover. I am sorry but I have no further information.’

  Mina, after extracting a promise from Mr Phipps that he would let her know at once if he should learn anything more, was obliged to depart disappointed. Even if the story was true, and this was far from certain, how could she confirm it? She had no date and no name. Supposing she read every copy of The Times for the last three years and found a story of a medium who had been sent to prison, how could she even prove that it was the same woman, since the name was different? It was not as if The Times carried portraits.

  From Mr Phipps’s office she went to Dr Hamid’s baths, where she learned that he was occupied with a patient. Anna, she was told, was at home looking after her sister. Mina waited in the vestibule, and before long Dr Hamid appeared and greeted her. They went into his office to speak, and he sank heavily into his chair looking weary and worried.

  ‘Eliza is still very weak,’ he said. ‘Her lungs are badly affected, and Anna is constantly by her side. She speaks of you often, and says how much she would like to see you but she is afraid that she will make you ill, too, and dares not allow a visit.’

  ‘I am very touched by her concern,’ said Mina. ‘Please do reassure her that I am well, and say that I will visit her as soon as she feels strong enough. And if you could let Miss Anna Hamid know that I have been most diligent with the exercises and already feel some benefit.’

  ‘I shall certainly do so,’ he said.

  ‘I have some news of Miss Eustace,’ said Mina, ‘although what I might do with it I am unsure. It was told to me in the strictest confidence and I promised faithfully not to spread it to idle gossips. I do not, however, count you as such.’

  He smiled and poured some mineral water for them both. ‘I, too, have news, but please let me know yours first.’

  Mina told him of Mrs Phipps’s revelations and the visit to her nephew. ‘All I can do is keep my eyes and ears open and hope to learn more,’ she said.

  ‘That may not prove to be necessary,’ he said. ‘Miss Eustace resumed her séances last night and although I chose not to go, a patient of mine did, and he has just regaled me with all the circumstances. We may not see that lady again.’

  ‘I am delighted to hear it,’ exclaimed Mina. ‘Tell me everything!’

  ‘You understand of course that I do not normally discuss my patients, however, in this instance …’

  ‘I will be the very soul of discretion. And of course I need to know nothing as to the reasons he consulted you, or what treatment he received, only what he has to say about Miss Eustace.’

  ‘I think he is intending to make the matter public with a letter to the newspapers, and there were others present too, so what I am about to tell you is no secret,’ said Dr Hamid. ‘You will just hear it a little before the town does. The gentleman’s name was Mr Jordan. I am not sure if you are acquainted with him? He has a habit of rattling his watch.’

  ‘Oh, yes,’ said Mina, ‘I have met him only once, when he attended Mr Bradley’s first healing circle at our house. He made comments of a sceptical nature, I recall, and was not invited back.’

  ‘Mr Jordan informed me that he is a very determined opponent of all things supernatural, and had been trying for some tim
e to gain admission to one of Miss Eustace’s séances without success, as his opinions were too well known,’ said Dr Hamid. ‘He has a friend, however, his business partner Mr Conroy who is a devoted believer, indeed the two men enjoy nothing more than arguing about the subject at some length. It appears that Mr Jordan made a wager with Mr Conroy that if he could only gain admission to one of Miss Eustace’s séances he could prove her to be a fraud, and Mr Conroy obtained a ticket for himself and for Mr Jordan who he introduced as his brother.’

  ‘How wonderful! How admirable!’ said Mina.

  ‘There was, I think you must admit, some element of fraud in Mr Jordan’s proceedings,’ said Dr Hamid, carefully.

  ‘I excuse him,’ said Mina. ‘But what occurred?’

  ‘The deception was complete. No one present recognised Mr Jordan for who he was and so he was admitted. He decided to bide his time, and to begin with he simply observed the table tipping and other phenomena, and then Miss Eustace retired to her chair behind the curtains. Mr Jordan and Mr Conroy volunteered to tie her securely, which enabled him to observe the arrangements closely. The ropes provided were thick and the lady’s wrists very slight, and he felt sure that it was impossible to tie her tightly enough to secure her, and she was therefore perfectly able to free herself if she wished. The curtains were drawn and very soon afterwards the figure of Phoebe emerged. As she passed by him, Mr Jordan quickly snatched his hands from the grasp of the ladies on either side, and before anyone could prevent him, he rose up, seized the form of Phoebe in his arms, and pulled aside the veils that covered her face. To everyone’s great astonishment – at least I feel we may exempt Mr Jordan from that emotion – Phoebe proved to be none other than Miss Eustace wearing little more than her undershift and enfolded in some brightly glowing draperies. Of course Professor Gaskin and Mr Clee leaped forward at once and tore Mr Jordan from the lady by main force, and she had no alternative but to run behind the curtains and hide. As you may imagine the meeting ended in some disarray. Mr Jordan tried to address the other sitters, but he was prevented from doing so, ejected from the house and told never to return. Mr Conroy, although he had had no warning of what his friend intended to do, was deemed to be a part of the conspiracy, and also found himself persona non grata on the pavement very soon afterwards. I am not at all sure if the two gentlemen remain on speaking terms.’