Chapter 1

The beast emerged from the swirling mist. Its silky black coat shimmered in the orange glow of the streetlamps. The cab driver tugged on the reins. The horse snorted and obeyed the command. It pulled to the left and rounded the corner.

               The driver of the cab peered into the fog. Except for the clopping of the horse's hooves, the night was deathly quiet. The cab slowed and halted. The driver climbed down from on top and opened the carriage door.

               A smartly dressed gentleman stepped out. He held out his hand to assist the next passenger. 'Come along, Emily.'

               Emily took hold of her husband's hand and exited the carriage. Her pale face was ghost-like in the dim light. 'There's no rush, Edward. I'm sure Madam Clara isn't going anywhere on a night like this.'

               The third occupant's face appeared. She wrinkled her nose as she looked through the doorway. 'Yes. Who would leave their warm fireside to go out in such foul weather?'

               Edward laughed. 'My dear Alice, only us lunatics!'

               She stepped down and nodded. 'I think, for once, my brother may be right.'

               Edward smiled and looked at Emily. 'Do you really want to do this?'

               'It was you that suggested it,' said Emily.

               Edward glanced from his wife to his sister. 'No, it wasn't. It was Alice's idea.'

               Alice shook her head. 'No. It was Tilly Fanshaw who told me we should come.'

               'Look, whoever's idea it was, watching headless people walk through walls isn't my idea of fun. I would rather go to the theatre or music hall,' said Edward.

               'I don't know why you visit those seedy places. They are full of common folk, swilling beer. You should come to the opera. It might broaden your mind. Besides, we rarely go anywhere together these days,' said Emily.

               'I don't mind swilling beer with commoners. It's listening to fat women trying to sing, I object to!' said Edward.

               Emily scowled at her husband. 'Edward, you can be so embarrassing. Anyway, don't you find the subject of the afterlife fascinating? I know I'm keen to find out more.'

               'You're right, of course, Emily. My brother can be quite annoying sometimes. That's why I never understood why you married him,' said Alice.

               Edward laughed. 'Emily married me for my charm and good looks!' Emily and Alice shook their heads. 'Fine. Have it your way. But don't take what Madam Clara says too seriously, will you?'

               Emily took Alice by the arm. 'But Madam Clara does really talk to ghosts. Doesn't she?'