Zane closed a window and then dusted off his hands. “Which tells you everything about our world views.”
“Not necessarily,” she replied as she walked over to a chest and pulled open a drawer. “You should let the Haven Ladies’ Society up here. They’d have this stuff sorted and archived within a week.”
“Are they like the Freemasons?”
“I suppose. Both require an invitation and have elaborate secret ceremonies. Most women over fifty are members, and, according to my grandmother, their main goal is to improve the community.”
“Have any idea what that entails?”
“Nope, and they’re a tight-lipped group. The few tidbits I’ve collected suggest they orchestrate things that need to be done. How all that is managed is a mystery that won’t be solved until I gain membership.”
“Interesting.” Zane flicked through several pictures and then looked up. “I wouldn’t mind hearing the backstory on the folks that haven’t been able to cross over.”
“Then let's host a séance.”
“Can’t we just get some of the old birds to spill?”
She rolled her eyes. “Why bother when we have our own medium who can communicate directly with the other side?”
“I was hoping there might be another way to find out what’s keeping them here.”
She strolled over to an open trunk. “When I moved into my house, I had a lovely spirit that visited on occasion.”
“Really?”
“Oh, yes. I made sure to have a séance right away, so we could get acquainted. It seems it wasn’t her not wanting to pass to the other side but more of a desire to stay. Bea always says there are many planes to travel, and occasionally, a spirit isn’t done with this one.”
“Well, I have more than a few who’ve decided to stay put.”
“The one who visited me didn’t want to leave her memories behind. She had raised a family in the house and couldn’t stand to be away.”
Zane stroked his cheek. “Mr. Ford, the old caretaker, never mentioned seeing any spirits, and I’m not sure why my presence makes them so lively.”
“Bea told me that moving furniture around, renovations and such can cause spirit roommates to make themselves known.”
“You’d think they’d be happy with the changes and leave me in peace.” He lifted his gaze and stared out the window. “Instead, they’re rattling, slamming, and otherwise causing a ruckus.”
“Maybe they’re trying to keep you company while you give the whole silly hermit thing a whirl.”
Zane pulled a wooden boat out of the box and studied it. “It’s possible. But I’m guessing it has more to do with having a Hawker in residence. I might be the first to inhabit this old manse in twenty years.”
“Do you see them?” Olivia asked.
“I feel them and occasionally get a glimpse of …”
“What?” She took his hand and moved closer.
“A feature, or a piece of clothing. It’s hard to explain.”
“I miss my spirit. You’re lucky to have so many.”
Zane put the boat back in the box. “I don’t feel fortunate.”
“I enjoyed the company and wished I had one that visited more often.” She lifted a scarf and ran it through her hands.
“I’d be more than happy to send some of the more troublesome your way. More than one of them would get a kick out of you.”
“If only that were possible.” She let out a long sigh. “I might have the wrong energy.”