Whispers Beyond the Veil Read Online Free PDF Page B

drapes,” she said. A figure moved to the curtains and yanked them open, bathing the room in light. Standing therewith a crowd of only four strangers I found myself at a loss for words. The woman grasping me did not. “Let me get a good look at you.” She held me at arm’s length and searched my face. I was familiar with scrutiny and skepticism during my tarot card readings and performances at the show and I expected to see it here, too. After all, what proof did I have that I was who I claimed to be? Goaded by the fear of sleeping on the beach with a rumbling belly I found my voice.
    â€œMy mother’s name was Delphinia. At least that’s what my father said. Mine is Ruby Proulx.”
    â€œI dreamt she’d come. Haven’t I always said so, George?” The woman gripped me with even more enthusiasm.
    â€œYou did indeed.” The man near the window took a step closer as if to assure himself of what he was seeing.
    â€œMy dear friends, please excuse us.” She turned to the others. “This young lady and I have so much to discuss.”
    â€¢Â Â Â â€¢Â Â Â â€¢
    W ith that, the woman I assumed must be Honoria swept me out through the portiere and down the hall. Officer Yancey was nowhere to be seen but Ben stood silently, as if awaiting a verdict, in the passageway just outside the doorway. Honoria stopped in front of him.
    â€œBen, I am certain you recognized Ruby on sight,” she said. He nodded wordlessly. “Then you will, of course, understand that unless a mermaid appears at the front desk requesting a room you should not allow anyone to disturb us.” She gave him a hurried nod, then drew me by the arm toward a wide and curving staircase. Light streamed in from a window above. When we reached the landing I could not contain a gasp. A windowspanning two stories gave a view of the beach and beyond it the ocean.
    â€œIt’s astonishing,” I said, looking out across the flashing water.
    â€œHave you never seen it before?” Honoria asked, pausing to allow me to admire the view.
    â€œOnly a glimpse up near the pier as I made my way here.” I had longed to see it, dreamt of it, even. But every time the medicine show traveled toward the coast, Father’s feet had begun to itch and he sought out a new group of performers to join, invariably farther inland.
    â€œThen this is a day of wonders for us both.” She tucked my hand under her arm and led me to a room at the far side of the second floor. She eased herself onto a violet-colored settee and patted the space beside her. “I shall, of course, wish to know how you came to be here, but what I really desire to know is what is your gift?” I felt a total fool and utterly without manners of any kind. In my haste and reduced financial circumstances I had not given the slightest thought to a present for my hostess.
    â€œI’m very much afraid I’ve come completely empty-handed.” My cheeks grew hot and I wished there were some way to go back and purchase a lace hankie or a fancy hair comb for her.
    â€œI expressed myself poorly. I meant, which is your psychic gift?”
    If I had not promised myself to go straight, the temptation to feign psychic ability would have been overwhelming. Between that question and the apparent séance I had interrupted, the pickings here were sure to be easy. Even with the promises I had made to myself it was going to be a test of my will not to fall back into my old ways. I conjured the image of Johnny lying motionless on the floor of the show tent and felt my resolve return.
    â€œI’m afraid I haven’t any,” I said, hoping this would not influence whether or not Honoria would offer to let me stay.
    â€œNonsense. All the women in the family have a gift for divination and the like. Your grandmother could see ghosts, your mother was a medium, I have prophetic dreams. You must have some sort of