Leonora - Chapter Seven

CHAPTER SEVEN

Emily pulled out a blackboard from the corner of the room, it was fixed onto a wooden frame with wheels, it was usually used for group meetings, monthly assessments and staff training sessions. Picking up a white piece of chalk, she made the crude outline of a human body. On doing so, she turned to Polly and said, “This is you.”

Polly didn't look impressed and remarked, “It doesn't look much like me. And the head is way to big.”

With a theatrical huff of frustration, Emily rubbed out the image and drew it again, this time she took care to give it a shapely body and a proportionate head. Vlad sat back and found the two ladies to be quite amusing.

Not wishing to be heckled again, Emily gave the drawing yellow hair, green eyes and pink lips, she even added the small mole that was on Polly's right cheek. Once finished, she asked, “Is that better Miss Jenkins?” With a contented smile, the young secretary nodded.

Picking up the blue stick of chalk, Emily shaded an oval, egg-shaped area around the body. On doing so, she remarked, “This is your aura, it is invisible to the untrained eye and it is made up from all your feelings and emotions. It both transmits and receives information. From the aura, we decide who we love, like and dislike. It is an energy field. Some believe that we have many energy fields and human consciousness expands even further, but we shall avoid such complications.

Polly crunched another biscuit and asked, “Is the aura the soul? Because Reverend Samuels says that the soul belongs to God. But he didn't say anything about auras.”

Vlad interjected, “Your Reverend Samuels probably wouldn't agree with this talk. It could be seen as heretic.”

With wide eyes, Polly looked at Vlad and exclaimed, “I don't want to burn in Hell! I've been a good girl!”

The Banovskis laughed at her naivety, and with a wicked grin, Emily remarked, “You're only young dear. There's plenty of time to be naughty yet.”

Like a schoolteacher demanding attention, she clapped her hands and continued, “Anyway, many people believe the soul to be situated in the heart centre or even at the region of the third eye. She walked over to Polly and placed a finger between her eyebrows. On doing so, she said, “It's just there.” She returned to the blackboard and went on to say, “When we die, our subtle energies leave this gross body and our physical existence ceases, it rots in the grave. Mother Nature reclaims what is rightful hers.”

As she spoke, Emily rubbed the image of the human body away, she turned to Polly and asked, “And what's left dear?”

The young secretary stared upwards, as if she was searching for the answer from above. After a few moments, she hesitantly replied, “Is it the soul and the aura?”

Emily smiled and congratulated Polly, she then remarked, “This bundle of energy and information is known as the spirit and it contains every experience the individual has ever had, nothing is ever wasted or forgotten.” To conclude her lesson, Emily said, “It is with this spirit that we can communicate.” She paused and added, “By means of a séance.”

Vlad coughed and tapped his pocket watch, it was ten past five and the working day was done. Emily cleaned the blackboard and asked, “Are there any final questions?” Polly raised her hand as if she was still at school and asked, “What's in your hair?”

With her finger, Emily scooped the creamy filling from her dark locks and popped it into her mouth. She looked to her observant student and replied, “Lunch!”

Vlad began locking up the offices and Polly washed the cups, it was time to go home. Emily looked out of the window and saw Erik waiting in the Daimler, she turned to Polly and asked, “Would you like a lift home?”

Excited by the prospect of travelling in a stylish motor car, the secretary jumped with glee and replied, “Yes please Mrs Banovski!”

Polly and Vlad climbed into the back, whilst Emily took the front passenger seat. With a friendly kiss to his cheek, she introduced Polly to Erik, the Nordic chauffeur. On being instructed to drive to Acton, he started the engine and with an almighty roar, the vehicle left Tavistock Square.

Emily bounced on her seat and exclaimed, “I love Fridays!” Whilst cursing the other drivers on the road, Erik remarked, “Nancy wants to go out tonight.” As she continued to bounce, Emily asked, “And what has that to do with me?” Erik boldly replied, “She would like to go out with me sometimes. You know, like other couples.” The carefree bouncing stopped and with full theatrical flair, Emily retorted, “Oh I see! Your relationship problems are all my fault. Bring it on Erik! Go on, bring it on!”

Polly looked concerned, but Vlad quietly said, “They always do this. Don't panic.”

Erik gave a heavy sigh and pleaded, “I haven't had a Friday off since last year. Please Mrs Banovski.”

Emily couldn't contain her laughter and scoffed, “Keep your hard luck story to yourself. This is the first Friday of 1908!”

After lighting a cigarette, she went on to say, “I'm an understanding kind of girl, so we'll come to an arrangement. If you drop us off at the séance tonight, you won't have to pick us up later. That way, you and Nancy can have the rest of the evening to yourselves and we'll get a cab home.”

Somewhat satisfied with the new agenda, Erik's mood settled and this reflected on his driving, he gladly gave way to other drivers and pedestrians. His temper tantrum had ceased.

Emily turned around in her seat and looked to Polly. On doing so, she asked, “Would you reconsider the séance, it's great fun?” As an afterthought, she added, “There might even be drinks and nibbles.”

Vlad remained silent, not wishing to influence Polly in any way. After a myriad of facial expressions, she asked, “But won't I be scared?”

Emily waved her hand in the air and replied, “Oh blah! Don't be scared about being scared. You can miss out on so much with that attitude.”

Erik parked the Daimler outside the Acton address and with a pull on the handbrake, he said, “There you go Polly, home sweet home.”

She thanked the chauffeur and prepared to step out onto the pavement, but before she did, she remarked, “I suppose I could ask my ma and dad. I won't mention the séance though, I'll just say that I'm invited to a party.” She assured them that she wouldn't be long and ran inside to speak to her parents.

Emily sighed and said, “Fancy being nineteen years old and still needing your mother and father's permission. The poor girl.”

Now that Polly was gone, Vlad relayed his thoughts by saying, “It's Mrs Hargrove's function. You shouldn't just invite people without her knowledge. It's hardly polite.”

Slightly annoyed, Emily turned in her seat and scoffed, “Mrs Hargrove didn't invite you and yet you're going. And for your information, she said that I could bring a friend, and Polly is my new friend. So there!” She stuck out her tongue in her usual childish manner and turned back round to face the front. They both reached for their cigarettes and with a click of their lighters the car filled up with smoke, Erik immediately started coughing and Emily bluntly said, “Don't you bloody start.”

About five minutes later, Polly came running out and she was full of excitement. Her parents had given their permission, she could go to the party. Arrangements were made to pick her up at half past seven and on that understanding, they waved each other goodbye.