Doctor Who_ Empire of Death - BBC Worldwide [19]
The carriage began to slow as the driver tugged on his reins. The wooden wheels skidded on the gravel path before coming to a halt. A footman jumped from the rear of the vehicle and opened the right-hand door, folding down the stairs and offering his assistance to the occupants. The Baroness went first, followed by James and the Queen's maid. In the gloaming it was difficult to discern their surroundings, but Luckner could make out a protective scattering of trees, masking the Mausoleum from the Long Walk. A corner of the building was just visible ahead, where servants bearing lanterns were lighting the way for the royal party. The visitors were ushered forwards to join the others.
When it came fully into view, the Mausoleum was an impressive sight although not yet complete. A copper dome glinted above the structure, its metal surface just catching the last light in the sky. The outer walls of stone and granite melted into the twilight, barely illuminated by the lanterns lining the pathway. The Queen reached the empty doorway to the building and stopped, waiting for James and his guardian to join her. Once they had, she spoke to them in hushed, reverential tones.
'Within these walls lies our beloved husband and consort.
The Mausoleum is still being finished but we long for the day when we may join him here,' she said before venturing inside.
Within, the walls of red marble were inlaid with similar stone of other colourings. The Queen paused just inside the entrance, her eyes closed, lips silently mouthing a phrase.
She became aware of the others waiting for her. 'We were reciting the words that shall be inscribed above the door.
"Farewell best beloved, here at last I shall rest with thee, with thee in Christ I shall rise again."'
The general stepped forward to address the Queen. 'Your Majesty, one of the side chapels has been prepared, just as you requested.'
Victoria nodded and let him lead those gathered to one of the wings branching off the main chamber. There waited a round table, a black silk cloth over its surface and a small vase of freshly cut flowers standing in the centre. Six chairs were placed evenly around it, a handful of candles illuminating the scene. The Queen turned to James and smiled at him. 'We place ourselves in your hands, young man.'
James nodded and guided her to one of the chairs, then stood behind the opposite chair. The Baroness took her position to his left, while James invited any others from the royal party who wished to participate to occupy the remaining places. Doulton politely refused to be involved, saying he needed to maintain a good watch. Instead two ladies-in-waiting and a maid were brought to the table. Once all the places were filled, James bade the Queen to be seated. The others followed her example, nervously pulling their chairs in close to the table. The young man addressed everyone else in the side chamber.
‘I must ask all others to leave this place and go beyond our hearing. The séance will not succeed if sceptics and unbelievers are present, as they can block spirit influence and communication. This is not a parlour game, nor is it for your entertainment. We gather here seeking answers to specific questions. We must be careful what doors we open.'
Doulton glowered at James but soon retreated, leading the others into the main chamber. Once that noise had died away, James fixed his gaze upon those sitting around the table. 'Firstly, I want you to relax. Focus on your breathing, taking air in through your nostrils and letting it out through your mouths. Breathe in, count to three, and then gently let the air escape from you again. That's it. Keep breathing and as you breathe, think about why we have come here, what we wish to achieve. It is important