Quicksilver - Amanda Quick [99]
“It looks very much like a copy of Arcane’s Journal of Paranormal and Psychical Research,” he said.
Virginia smiled wryly. “I believe Mr. Leybrook deliberately patterned it after the Society’s publication. I told you, he is intent on establishing the credibility of the Institute.”
Matt opened the journal and glanced at the table of contents. He grinned and read aloud, “An Investigation of Automatic Writing as a Method for Relaying Messages from the Other Side.” He looked up. “The Leybrook Journal may look like an Arcane publication, but I can assure you that no self-respecting member of the Society believes that spirits communicate through mediums who transmit their messages with automatic writing.”
“I’m aware of that,” she said. “Leybrook doesn’t believe in visitations from the Other Side, either, but he says that is the sort of paranormal investigation that intrigues the public.”
“And sells a great many copies of his Journal.”
“Yes.” She reached for her appointment book.
She heard Gilmore Leybrook’s confident footsteps in the hall outside her door just as she opened the book. He paused in the doorway. Matt got to his feet.
“Good morning, Virginia,” Gilmore said. “Welch told me that you had arrived.” He gave Matt a speculative survey. “He also mentioned that you have acquired a new assistant.”
“I decided to follow your example, Mr. Leybrook,” she said smoothly. “You have told me on more than one occasion that clients are always impressed by a practitioner who employs an assistant. Mr. Kern has accepted a position with me.”
“I see.” Gilmore did not look pleased. He ignored Matt and glanced at the open appointment book. “Busy day?” he said to Virginia.
“Not especially,” she said. She was careful, as she always was with Leybrook, to use her most exquisitely professional tones. “I have an appointment for a consultation later this afternoon but no readings tonight.”
“Welch tells me that you have attracted a very important new client, Lady Mansfield.” Gilmore sauntered, uninvited, into the office. “Congratulations.”
The small room was suddenly quite crowded, Virginia thought. The two men seemed to take up a great deal of the available space.
“Lady Mansfield has requested only a consultation,” she said. “I doubt that she will become a regular client.”
Gilmore lowered himself into one of the two wooden chairs arranged in front of the desk and hitched up his expensive trousers. “Let us hope that you can convince her otherwise.”
Virginia smiled and prepared to lie through her teeth. “I will certainly do my best. Was there anything else, Mr. Leybrook? If not, I would like to prepare for my appointment.”
“Yes, Virginia, there is something else.” Leybrook cocked a dark brow at Matt. “Be so good as to step out into the hall, Mr. Kern. I wish to speak to Miss Dean privately.”
Matt made no move to leave. He looked at Virginia for direction. She had known this confrontation was coming, she reminded herself. Best to get it over with as quickly and as privately as possible.
“It’s all right, Matt,” she said quietly. “Please wait in the hall. Mr. Leybrook won’t be long. Take the Journal with you to read.”
Matt did not look happy, but he did not argue. “I’ll be just outside if you need me, ma’am.”
“Thank you,” Virginia said.
Matt walked out of the office. He did not close the door behind him. Leybrook got up and closed it quite firmly.
“Your new employee appears to be quite devoted to you,” he remarked, returning to the chair.
Virginia readied herself for the skirmish. If she did not handle things very carefully, today could prove to be her last at the Institute.
“I believe Mr. Kern has a flair for the business,” she said. “What was it you wanted to speak to me about?”
“Unfortunately it has become clear that Miss Walters is not suited to the position for which I employed her.”
“I’m surprised to hear that. She appears to meet all your requirements in an assistant.”
“I have changed some of my requirements.