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arkness is more conducive to the spirits," Lady St. Leger explained in a whisper to Olivia,

reaching

out to take her right hand.

All around the table, they joined hands. Stephen's firm hand slipped around Olivia's, and she

clasped it,

hoping to hide the sudden quiver that had run through her flesh at his touch. Irina reached out

and turned

down the oil lamp until they were encased in velvety darkness. There was no sound except the

soft

susurrations of breath around the table. Olivia was vividly aware of the feel of Stephen's skin

against her

own.

Warm and firm, slightly callused, his hand engulfed hers. Her breath came shallowly in her

throat; her

hand felt hot and tingly, a feeling that was inexplicably spreading up her arm and down into her

torso,

twisting through her chest and abdomen.

So focused was she on their linked hands that she did not even think about Madame

Valenskaya until

the woman groaned at the other end of the table. Olivia flushed with embarrassment and was

glad for the

enveloping darkness that had hidden both her blush and her prior lack of attention to the job at

hand.

She peered in the direction of the groan, and at that moment a glowing hand appeared in the

darkness

above the medium's head. Fingers slightly curled, it moved around for a bit, then slid down and

out of

sight.

"Spirit? Are you there?" This was Babington's voice, beside Madame Valenskaya.

Olivia wondered why it was not the medium herself who was communicating with the spirits,

but then

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Madame Valenskaya's voice murmured, "Yes."

"Welcome, spirits," Babington said in greeting, enthusiastic but still keeping his voice hushed.

Around Olivia, most of the others echoed his words.

"Are you Running Deer?" Lady St. Leger asked beside Olivia.

There was a pause, and then the same throaty voice said, "No."

Olivia felt Lady St. Leger's hand stiffen in surprise in her own. Across the table, Irina said, "Pray,

spirit,

tell us who you are, then."

Again the voice came, low and halting. "Roddy. I am Roddy."

*Chapter 4*

Stephen's hand tightened convulsively around Olivia's as he let out a soft oath, and on the

other side of

her, Lady St. Leger gasped, her hand jerking out of Olivia's grasp to fly to her mouth.

"Roddy?" Lady St. Leger asked, her voice trembling and eager. "Roderick, is that really you?"

"Yes, Mother. I am here. Pamela, my love. You are looking very beautiful tonight."

"Roderick!" Pamela said urgently. "Where are you? Let me see you!"

"You cannot," he replied. "I am too new here."

"Here? Where are you, Roddy?" Lady St. Leger asked, tears thickening her voice. "Are you

happy?"

"I am among the shades," t