Leonora - Chapter Nine

CHAPTER NINE

134 Westbourne Grove, this was the address of Gladys Lee, medium extraordinaire. It was her turn to hold the séance and the four storey terraced house was filling up with visitors. Mrs Hargrove was already there, welcoming the invited and turning away the uninvited. These functions proved to be extremely popular and they had to be organised accordingly, gatecrashers were not welcome.

Polly marvelled at the middle-class function, there were maids carrying trays containing glasses of wine, others were offering cakes and some were serving Indian tea. Small groups of people shared esoteric conversation and polite laughter came from the ladies who were being entertained by well-dressed gentlemen smoking cigars. Vlad whispered in Polly's ear and said, “It's all pomp. Pay no heed.”

As with every other function, Emily had swiftly disappeared, socialising was her forte and she was always keen to know everybody's business. Being known to hover around the most influential, she was almost certainly not far from Mrs Hargrove, shaking hands and hugging anyone who was introduced to her.

With the passing of a housemaid, Vlad offered Polly a glass of wine. Unable to contain her excitement, she bounced on the spot and gratefully accepted. She rarely indulged in such luxuries, a few sips of her dad's beer was her usual tipple. The wine went straight to her head, and to say that she liked it was an understatement.

The first glass didn't touch the sides and before long, she was onto her second. Clinging to Vlad's arm, she giggled like a flirtatious schoolgirl. She even took the liberty of rubbing her hand across his moleskin blazer. Just like Emily, she adored the smooth, soft texture. Polly had certainly loosened up, and Vlad didn't mind at all. In fact, he rather enjoyed it.

Like the parting of the Red Sea, the crowd dispersed and a rather plump gentleman approached, it was Lord Gleeson with his wife. Vlad was pleased to see him, they often conversed with each other at the Arbour Club, it was a gentleman's club situated in a quiet street in Chelsea, it's close proximity to Montpelier Square made it a firm favourite for Vlad.

After their polite greeting to each other, Lord Gleeson cheerfully said, “Ah Mr Banovski! This young lady doesn't look like your wife.” With a nudge and a wink, he added, “Am I to take it that this little filly is your mistress?”

Vlad laughed and replied, “No, this is my secretary, Miss Jenkins. Emily's around here somewhere.”

Puffing on a fat cigar, Lord Gleeson remarked, “Very wise dear fellow. I had three mistresses once, they had me running all over the place. It was bloody hard work.” After a moment's thought, he said, “Costly too.” His wife huffed her disapproval and he replied, “Ancient history dear. It is nothing for you to worry about. It was way before your time.”

Lady Gleeson gave a satisfied smile and remarked, “Just as well dear, or I would have to snip off your particulars.” Polly laughed and snorted with a mouthful of wine, she was too tipsy to be embarrassed.

Lord Gleeson continued, “It should be a good night, that Gladys Lee is a marvellous medium. She contacted William Blake last week. Sadly, I wasn't there. I had an appointment with the king and that Asquith fellow, all very hush hush.” He tapped his nose and grabbed a passing glass of wine. On doing so, he added, “Mark my words, he will be our next Prime Minister and you can expect some changes.”

Suddenly a bell sounded throughout the house and Mrs Hargrove stood on the third step of the staircase. When she had everyone's attention, she announced, “Those wishing to take part in the automatic writing lessons, please make your way into the library. Mr Benson will be waiting to greet you.” A small group of people made their way upstairs to learn their craft

After taking a small sip of wine, Mrs Hargrove continued, “And those who are here for the Ouija board session, please assemble in the drawing room. Miss Spencer will be waiting for you there.” Like before, a small group of people left the congregation and made for the designated room.

By this point, Emily had found Vlad and she lovingly held his hand. The remaining group were there for the séance and they were instructed to make themselves comfortable in the parlour. Gladys Lee was already seated at the table.

The heavily embossed wallpaper was golden brown in colour and displayed an intricate diamond shaped design. The ceiling followed the same colour scheme and was segregated into ornamental squares with wooden partitions. A large oil lit chandelier hung from the centre and candles in golden ornate holders were situated around the room. Some upon the mantelpiece and more on the elaborately carved oak table, each one emitted a silver glow which added to the mystical ambience. The scent of sandalwood filled the warm air and feint plumes of smoke made complexed patterns as it swirled about the contained atmosphere. A large oak bookshelf displayed many metaphysical volumes, from Blavatsky to Kant, Nietzsche to Schopenhauer. Gladys was well read.

A large hand-knotted Persian rug was situated below the bay window, while the table and chairs sat upon polished floorboards. Heeled footsteps sounded upon the solid wooden flooring as the guests slowly entered. Mature Aspidistras thrived in the shaded environment and each were contained in finely painted porcelain pots.

A well worn chaise lounge was by the open fireplace, and for added protection, patterned throws were scattered upon it. Disturbed by the sudden activity, a plump hairy moggie jumped down from the comfortable furnishing and swiftly left the parlour, probably to find another secluded place to slumber.

The walls were decorated with many oil paintings, both large and small. Some were family portraits, while others were reproductions of well known artists such as Evelyn De Morgan, Leighton, and John Ruskin. One particular painting had piercing eyes, it was of a young woman, maybe a relative, but she appeared to watch the room and all it's activity. Whoever she was, she attracted much attention. Many remarked upon her natural beauty, but Gladys was too busy to satisfy their curiosity.

Vlad, Emily and Polly found a place at the table and sat down with the other guests. Including Gladys Lee and Mrs Hargrove, there were twelve people around the table. Four were gentlemen, eight were ladies, and all were anticipating a spine tingling session.

Mrs Hargrove brought to everyone's attention the man and woman standing at the far side of the room. One was her husband, Mr Hargrove, and the other was his secretary, Mrs Tennant, they both worked for the Society for Psychical Research. The purpose for their presence was to observe and make sure that any metaphysical activity was genuine and not otherwise improvised. They would oversee the whole séance.

When Gladys Lee was ready, the gas lamps were dimmed and soft candlelight softened everybody's features. Shadows danced around the parlour and Polly squeezed Vlad's hand for reassurance. The poor girl was petrified, but at the same time, she was also excited. With the scene set, the séance could begin.