Leonora - Chapter Ten

CHAPTER TEN

Gladys Lee looked at the people around the table and simply said, “Please will you hold the hand of the person next to you. Do not break the circle, and please do not speak unless you are spoken to. If spirit wishes to speak to you, there will be plenty of time for questions.” Everyone did as they were requested and the circle was formed. Emily turned to Polly and quickly stuck out her tongue, her ridiculous facial expression relaxed the young secretary. Vlad urged his wife to behave, but even he had to control his laughter. She was a natural clown.

Gladys openly recited a prayer for protection and when she was finished, everyone said, “Amen.” She could now fall into a trance. With closed eyes, she controlled her breathing, each inhalation became deeper and deeper. Guttural sounds came from her throat and a soft breeze swirled over the table, all the candles were extinguished, all except one. Mr Hargrove and his secretary checked the windows but they were firmly closed.

“Abraham, are you there?” The medium spoke loud and clear, she awaited a reply. Three loud raps came upon the table and Gladys smiled. Gasps of shock and astonishment came from the participants.

The sound of creaking floorboards were made by invisible footsteps and Mrs Hargrove quietly said, “The spirit is walking around the table. Do not be alarmed.”

Gladys added, “Abraham is checking who is here. He is my guardian.”

Vlad felt a presence behind him, the air resembled that of a mild electrical storm, this was clearly Abraham. Seconds later, Polly shuddered as she too felt the spirit. It made the hairs on her arm stand on end. An invisible hand rested upon her shoulder and she gasped at the sensation. Emily's experience came with a feeling of warmth, she relished in it's ethereal company and softly sighed as it passed.

Gladys commented, “I can see you're a natural.” Emily simply smiled.

Once spirit had circled the table, the medium said, “I have a young man coming through, he's wearing a red tunic. Yes, he's a soldier.” She closed her eyes and asked, “What's that love?” She waited and said, “Ah, I see.” On opening her eyes, she looked to the congregation and remarked, “He says that he's looking for his lucky penny.”

Suddenly, one of the ladies gasped and with excitement, she exclaimed, “I'm Penny! And my husband was a soldier. He died in the Boer war!” She cried, “Oh Tommy!”

Gladys placed her fingers to her temples and listened closely. On doing so, she said, “He's saying thank you for looking after his mother during her last days. And he says that she's with him now.”

Tears welled up in Penny's eyes and she remarked, “It was a pleasure to be able to care for her, she was my final connection to you.”

By Tommy's request, Gladys looked to Penny and asked, “Have you sold his mother's house yet?”

Penny shook her head and replied, “It's taking a while.”

Gladys smiled and said, “Tommy's pleased. He's saying to look in his old room. There's a loose floorboard under his old bed. Lift it up and you'll find a tin with £500 in. Keep it for yourself Penny. You deserve it.”

The weepy widow remarked, “I'd rather have you Tommy.” Gladys replied, “Tommy says, all in good time sweetheart. All in good time.”

Penny dried her tears and declared her eternal love for the soldier boy and as Gladys blew her a kiss goodbye, Tommy was gone.

The medium closed her eyes and bowed her head, all went silent once more. Impressed by her performance, all the participants awaited the next visitation, they didn't have to wait long. A chilling breeze rushed around the room and the chandelier swung violently. Gasps of shock and surprise came from round the table, one woman even screamed at the sudden change in atmosphere. Mr Hargrove and his secretary checked that there were no party tricks involved, they found no evidence at all.

To everybody's surprise, Gladys stood straight up, her hands still kept the circle unbroken and she opened her eyes. They were on fire with raging anger. She looked around the parlour until she saw him, a well dressed gentleman on the other side of the table. He shuddered as her eyes fixed upon him. The swinging chandelier switched itself on and the swaying light danced around the room haphazardly, distorted shadows moved aggressively, Gladys screamed out in anger, “How dare you show your face here! You vile, vile monster!” It was not her voice speaking, but a strong northern accent which boomed across the table.

Seeing that the two people on either side of the gentleman were extremely disturbed, Mrs Hargrove urgently said, “Whatever you do, do not break the circle. Keep holding hands.” The heavy oak table began to rock violently and rapping noises sounded around the parlour.

Polly was terrified and Vlad softly said, “Don't worry, no harm will come to you.” Emily couldn't help but giggle as she quietly added, “Mind you don't wet your knickers though.” She found great amusement in the dramatic outburst.

The extinguished candles on the table relit themselves and the spirit remarked, “Let's take a good look at you Mr Fenchurch. The mild mannered bastard who spent my ma's savings and raped her twelve year old daughter. Each night I would lay in bed and dread your visits. Thank God cholera took me away from you. Even on my deathbed you abused my body and my ma's Christian trust. Your unshaven face, the smell of carbolic soap and the stink of your tobacco made me feel sick to my stomach. Your wandering hands and that tiny cock of yours did little to excite me. You're a deplorable human being.”

One candle slid across the table and fell into Mr Fenchurch's lap, he screamed out in pain as it landed on his groin. In a panic, he stood up and broke the circle. Mrs Hargrove asked the two people either side of him to join hands and reform the circle. Meanwhile, the despicable Mr Fenchurch stepped away from the table. The northern voice continued, “It's no use in running, you can't escape Hell. And that's where you are going. Straight to Hell!”

The abusive man fell to his knees and sobbed. Through his tears, he pleaded, “Please forgive me. I'm so sorry.” Gladys sat back down and the metaphysical activity settled down. She closed her eyes and awaited the next visitor. Everyone was amazed. Mr Hargrove assisted Mr Fenchurch out of the room and led him to the front door. On fetching his hat and coat, he was gone.

With Mr Hargrove's return, the candles were repositioned and the séance continued.

In a gentle voice, Gladys asked, “What was that Abraham?” After a silence, she remarked, “Oh, I see. Let him through.” She turned to Polly and smiled, the young lady returned a nervous smile back. Gladys said, “There is someone here who wishes to say hello.”

In a shaky tone, Polly replied, “Who is it?”

The spirit spoke through the medium and greeted her, “Hiya Pol, I've been waiting to speak with you. Are you keeping well?”

Tears welled up in Polly's eyes, she nodded and asked, “Frankie. Is that really you?”

The spirit replied, “Too right it is. The one and only.”

Somewhat more relaxed, the young lady went on to say, “I hope you've stopped jumping from tram to tram, you bloody idiot.”

Frankie remarked, “I jump from star to star these days. It's fantastic over here, life is really peaceful.” After a short hesitation, he added, “But I still miss you, ma and dad.”

Polly softly said, “We miss you too. Very much.”

Emily gently rubbed Polly's hand in sympathy, she could sense her emotional state.

Frankie laughed and asked, “Do you remember that Christmas card that wouldn't stay on the mantelpiece?”

Polly laughed and said, “Yes, the one from auntie Fiona.”

Frankie continued, “Well, that was me. I was trying to get your attention. Keep an eye out for things like that, I'm always close by.”

Brother and sister spoke for about ten minutes, it was as if they had never been apart. They discussed their family life and Polly was overjoyed to be reunited with Frankie. She got a little upset when it was time for him to leave, but he assured her that they would meet again.

Gladys Lee had a busy evening, the spirits were out in force and almost everyone at the table received a visit. From old sweethearts to long lost family members. None were as dramatic as Mr Fenchurch's experience and for a time, Emily's concentration strayed. With a bowed head, her chin found it's resting place upon her chest. Gradually, she closed her eyes, but she wasn't sleeping, the electrical activity in her brain kept her fully conscious. Mrs Hargrove quietly watched from the other side of the table, she was aware of Mrs Banovski's sensitivity and she knew what was happening.

The circle of hands had formed a circuit of psychic energy, boosted by Gladys Lee's mediumship, the energy was threefold and Emily was feeding from it to have an experience of her own. Similar to a vampire feeding on it's prey., but without the fangs and malicious intent. She was somewhere out in the astral. Somewhere on her own.

As the séance went on, one gentleman began to laugh to himself. Mrs Hargrove asked, “What's so funny?”

The gentleman replied, “Someone is tugging at my ear. It tickles.”

Gladys remarked, “Maybe they want you to listen carefully.” As her words left her mouth, she became distracted, and calmly added, “Yes, Abraham is telling me that a woman is waiting to come through. I'm seeing a motherly figure with red hair. Can you accept that sir?”

The gentleman silently nodded and replied, “Yes, my mother had a mass of ginger hair. Typically Scottish.” The congregation politely laughed.

Gladys continued, “She's sorry to say that she's wary about your new wife. She cannot be trusted.”

Somewhat alarmed, the gentleman said, “But we're very happy together. There must be some kind of mistake.”

The medium listened to the voice in her head and asked, “Then why isn't she with you now?”

The gentleman looked confused and went on to say, “She's gone to the theatre with a friend. We agreed to do our own thing.”

Gladys simply replied, “Oh I see.” After a short silence, she went on to say, “Close your eyes sir and tell me what you see.”

All eyes were on the gentleman as he did as requested. His mild mannered facial features drastically changed, his expression turned to one of great concern. Images of debauchery, fornication and hedonistic activity flashed through his mind. Central to this pornographic vision lay his half naked wife, in a state of sheer indulgence. The images both excited and disgusted him. Seeing quite enough, he screamed, “Stop this torture! I cannot take any more! Take your hands from my wife!” Moments later, he was a physical wreck, his body trembled from head to foot.

Greatly distressed by the disturbing events, one woman stood up and broke the circle. On doing so, she said, “I refuse to be part of this witchcraft any more. I'm leaving!”

Keeping full control of the situation, Mrs Hargrove instructed the others to maintain the circle, chairs shuffled and hands rejoined. The woman tried to leave, but no matter how many times she turned the door handle, it would not open.

A sudden gust of wind blew fiercely around the parlour and paintings swayed on their hooks, the table rocked again and loud raps sounded throughout the room. One woman began reciting the Lord's Prayer and disembodied laughter mocked her futile efforts.

Polly began stamping her feet upon the wooden floor, curiously Vlad watched her frantic movements. She sensed his eyes upon her and she exclaimed, “Big black spiders everywhere!” Vlad just saw her leather boots doing an improvised jig, there were no spiders in sight.

During the turmoil, he looked towards Emily and observed her serene state. She was untouched by any of the disturbances, like the enlightened Buddha, she was travelling through her own inner bardo.

Amid the panic, Mr Hargrove and his secretary kept with their investigations, and found all occurrences to be genuine. What was happening was not the result of complex parlour games, Gladys Lee was the real deal.

One lady was swatting invisible flies and often slapped her own face in the process. Even Mrs Hargrove began to speak in fluent Latin, a language, she would later confess to not knowing at all. Vlad understood parts of her dialogue and gathered that she was reciting a charm to keep demonic forces at bay. The whole party appeared to be in chaos. But out of chaos came some form of order, especially when Gladys called upon Abraham to step in and take control.

The howling tempest ceased and the paintings stopped swinging, Polly no longer stamped on invisible spiders, and the fly infested lady no longer slapped her pretty face.

And the woman who was trying to open the door? She finally turned the handle and walked out into the hall.

With a quiet word from Abraham, Gladys happily informed the trembling gentleman that the sordid visions of his newly wed were nothing but mischievous hallucinations from passing demonic forces. In fact, Gladys checked the time and said, “Your wife will be enjoying the second half of the play right now. Don't you worry dear.”

As the clock struck ten o'clock, the séance, the Ouija board session, and the automatic writing class all came to an end. The guests socialised around the affluent west London address, and obviously, Gladys Lee was most popular. A crowd of people gathered around her, many with questions about her experiences.

Vlad and Lord Gleeson met up again and made polite conversation regarding the séance. Slightly intoxicated, the Lord laughed and said, “We opened the manor up to paranormal investigators a few weeks back. At a price of course. As you know Banovski, I never miss a chance to make a little money.”

On taking a sip of wine, Vlad asked, “Did they discover anything interesting?”

Lord Gleeson laughed and replied, “It was all rather exciting, they even had photographic evidence of a wandering spirit. She had wild hair like a banshee and she was dressed completely in white. They claimed she floated across the top landing and gave a sinister moan as she moved.” Lord Gleeson lit his cigar and added, “Of course, I asked to see the photograph and couldn't believe my eyes.”

Intrigued, Vlad asked, “So, it was a ghost?”

After a chuckle, the Lord remarked, “Ghost my arse! It was the missus rushing to the toilet in the middle of the night. She was wearing a long white nightdress that trailed the floor and her hair protruded in all directions. Not a pretty sight, I must say..”

Lady Gleeson appeared from the crowd of people and asked, “Shall we be leaving now darling?”

Her husband checked his pocket watch and replied, “Quite right dear. We best be off.” Upon shaking Vladimir's hand, he said, “I'll see you at the Arbour Club no doubt. Take care Mr Banovski.” With those words, he and his wife left 134 Westbourne Grove.

Vlad looked around at the many bobbing heads, all were in vibrant conversation. He could see Emily with Mr and Mrs Hargrove, but he had lost sight of Polly Jenkins. She had been by his side earlier, but she must have strayed whilst he was speaking with the illustrious Lord Gleeson. He walked through the crowd searching for her. After all, he had promised Mr Jenkins that he would take care of his precious daughter.

Eventually, he found her, backed up against the larder door. She had little space to move. A drunken middle-aged scoundrel was intruding on her personal space. His hand was resting firmly against the door, the same one she was backed into. The poor young lady was cornered. The man's face was only inches from hers and his other hand was softly rubbing the side of her body. Judging by her terrified expression, Polly was hardly savouring the moment. In fact, she was displaying a fearful look of utter dread.

Vlad moved in close and sternly said, “Move away from the young lady. You're upsetting her.”

The man sized up his opponent and replied, “I'm not an unreasonable fellow. We could share her, I'm sure she'd like that.”

Polly drew a sharp intake of breath and she felt weak at the knees. A passing maid was carrying a tray of wine, and Vlad thanked her as he claimed a glass of Merlot. Remaining calm, he gave Polly a reassuring wink and turned to the man to say, “If this wasn't a respectable function, I'd flatten you with just one punch.” Once again, he firmly said, “Move away.”

The deviant laughed and replied, “Bugger off. Can't you see I'm busy with this little slut.”

Without another word, Vlad raised his glass and poured the red wine over the man's head, the crimson liquid saturated his hair and slowly dripped down his face. Despite her difficult situation, Polly laughed at the comical sight and rushed to the safety of Mr Banovski's side. The rogue sent a clenched fist flying in Vladimir's direction, but Vlad grabbed it effortlessly and twisted his opponents arm, the man screamed out in pain.

Keeping his calm manner, Vlad remarked, “You should have listened to me in the first place. Now look at the mess your in.”

The commotion had attracted some attention, Emily was among the many faces. She observed the scene and remarked, “I see that your busy making friends darling.” She gave a cheeky grin and stepped forward.

Polly was quick to explain what had happened and Emily looked at the lecherous deviant and said, “You should have tried it on with me. You'd have more than bloody wine on your face. In fact, you'd be holding onto your delicate plums and screaming out in agony.”

Becoming aware of the volatile situation, Mrs Hargrove ordered the man to leave the address at once. He was not the calibre of guest that Gladys Lee would wish to entertain. She apologised to Polly and thanked Vlad for his timely interaction.

With a loving wink to her husband, Emily remarked, “I won't be long darling, Mrs Hargrove and I are just discussing a little business.” The two ladies walked away to find a quiet corner.

It was midnight when they left 134 Westbourne Grove, a booked carriage was awaiting them outside. After thanking both Mrs Hargrove and Gladys Lee, they set off for Acton. It was time to take Polly home.

All had plenty to drink and Emily was rather intoxicated, as a result, she began to giggle. Her obvious amusement was infectious, and Polly began to laugh also. Not knowing the reason for her laughter, the young secretary asked, “What's so funny?”

As the carriage rattled along cobbled streets, Emily replied, “I'm not sure really. I just feel a little weird, like someone is talking inside my head.”

Polly jokingly said, “Maybe you're going mad.”

Vlad quickly added, “She went mad years ago.” He looked to his beloved wife and smiled as he added, “Didn't you sweetheart?”

With another giggle, Emily exclaimed, “Oh, completely!”

Rather curious, Polly asked, “What's the voice saying?”

Emily leaned closer to Polly and whispered in her ear, “I couldn't possibly tell you. If I revealed the contents of my head, I'd have to kill you and chop you up into tiny pieces.” Teasing her even more, she ran a finger down the secretary's soft youthful face and added, “And it would be such a shame to mar your beauty.” Polly's face twitched with nervousness, but to break the spell, Emily planted a quick kiss upon her cheek and said, “I'm only joking dear. Anyway, Vlad wouldn't let me.” With an energetic bounce on her seat, she turned to her husband and exclaimed, “Oh Vlad! The saviour of every damsel in distress!”

Quite used to her drunken behaviour, he simply replied, “Settle down dear, you'll make yourself sick.”

On hearing the conversation, the cab driver turned around and remarked, “It's an extra two shillings if you throw up on my seats.” Like a child being scolded at school, Emily sat up straight, saluted and ceased from bouncing.

On their arrival at the Jenkins household, Vlad escorted Polly to the front door, Emily shouted from the carriage, “No smooching. I may be small, but I can see over that privet hedge. Polly giggled as she approached the front door. The lively commotion had alerted Mr Jenkins and he came to greet them. After taking one look at his daughter, he said, “Well well, look what the cat's dragged in.” Vlad remarked, “She's only had a couple of wines.” Her father replied, “It only takes a couple, but thank you for bringing her home safely.” He turned to his daughter and said, “Settle by the fire and I'll make us a nice cup of cocoa before bed.” Polly stood on tiptoe and gave Vlad a peck on the cheek, she waved to Emily and made her way inside.