‘He’s called Hugh Loveridge and he teaches at the workhouse. He’s a good man and cares for the children there. He tries to make sure they have enough knowledge and education to stand on their own two feet, when the time comes for them to make their way in the world. He’s introduced an apprentice scheme, for those who are old enough to work, but still gives them lessons if they need them. He’s not a wealthy man, but that doesn’t matter. He’s kind and generous, and when my father he died left me with a nice legacy, so we want for nothing. For the first time in my life I am happy, Adam, and that counts for a lot.’ Ivy bowed her head. ‘It was time I settled down. I was getting too old to look at spending my whole life alone, as we all need company in our old age.’
‘I know. I still yearn for Mary and the love we had, although I know I should move on with my life. But sometimes it feels as if she is still with me, walking by my side and guiding me in what to do. When I was cold and freezing in the mire, I’m sure I heard her voice on the wind, faint and ghost-like. But then Lucy appeared, and I realized it had been her calling my name and that I had just dreamed it. Still, enough of me. I wish you and Hugh the best of marriages, and I’m glad that you have found a good man. Although schoolmaster to the workhouse will not be that well paid, it will be a job of satisfaction, so that shows the character of your man to me.’
‘As I say, money doesn’t enter into it. I had money of my own, which is now his as well as mine. He’s used to a frugal lifestyle and, now that I am his wife, I no longer move in the circles that I used to. Things have changed, Adam. I decided our honeymoon in Italy would be our last extravagance, before settling down and helping Hugh in his charity work with the poor and underprivileged of Kendal and the surrounding areas. So no, is the answer to your question “Do I still work as a medium?” Although I still hear the spirits talking to me and feel their presence. I will never be free of that.’ Ivy looked across at Adam and thought that he looked slightly crestfallen at her news.
‘I was hoping that you might contact Mary for me. Just one last time. I need the reassurance that she is still with me, even though I can’t see her,’ Adam whispered.
‘Oh, Adam, Mary will always be with you. She’s in here.’ Ivy reached across and laid her hand on his heart. ‘She will never leave you, and she will always know that you loved her. But now perhaps it is time for you to move on. She’d want you to be happy, and for you to have someone looking after you. I know she would – she’s told me so.’ Ivy took Adam’s hands and watched as a single tear fell down his cheek.
‘I loved her and I let her down. I should have been there for her,’ Adam whispered.
‘Stop it! What is done is done. Stop torturing yourself. If you truly want me to try and get in touch with the other side and talk to Mary, we will try tomorrow night. But I no longer feel her presence around me. I think she’s moved into another of our God’s rooms and is now at peace with herself.’ Ivy smiled at Adam and let go of his hand.
‘I think you are right. Her memory is not as strong as it used to be, even to me.’ Adam blew his nose on the handkerchief from his pocket and looked at Ivy. ‘Perhaps I should leave her soul in peace.’
‘I think so. Look to the future, because your happiness is staring you in the face, from what I can see.’ Ivy sat back and looked lovingly at a still-heartbroken Adam.
‘What do you mean, Ivy?’ Adam said, looking puzzled.
‘There’s love blossoming in this house, just like the blossom on the trees. Now it is up to you to bring it to fruition and not let it slip away. Your maid Lucy looks at you with eyes full of love; and you, since I arrived, have never stopped talking about her. I may have got it wrong, but I don’t think so. There are stronger powers than death itself working in this house, and it is for the good of both of you.’ Ivy smiled.
‘But she’s my maid, and she’s much younger than me! I do think a great deal of her, but I think you’ve got it wrong, Ivy. She doesn’t care for me; in fact she walked out with Reggie Ellwood last Sunday. Plus she’s not been her usual self this last week, moping around with a long face on her and not listening to what I needed her to do,’ Adam retorted.
‘I bet she’s been like that since you announced my arrival? Does she think I have come to claim you as mine, and perhaps is a little jealous? That’s what I think, so in the morning one of us must put her straight. Lucy will probably rejoice when she hears that I am now a married woman, and that you are still hers to admire from afar.’ Ivy grinned. ‘Men are so slow, when it comes to feelings. It is as obvious as the nose on my face that she
