Magic and mayhem collect.., p.22
Magic and Mayhem Collection Volume 1, page 22
“Definitely not to Grandmother,” he agreed. “She doesn’t want any of us to have fun or treats.” He winked. “Now run off and don’t get caught eating those or your Grandmother will have my head.”
“They are quite delightful,” the ghostly woman said as James stood. “However, you shan’t find love playing with children.”
The apparition hadn’t been his imagination after all. However, this time James ignored her, as there were too many people present and he didn’t want anyone thinking he was a bedlamite like Epworth had opined of Miss Vail the day before.
“I know you can hear me. Why don’t you say anything?”
Instead of speaking, James slid a warning glance in her direction then spread out his hand to acknowledge everyone near him.
“Oh, very well.” She blew out. “Simply listen then.”
It wasn’t as if he had a choice, though he could ignore everything she said.
“I’ve searched the castle and learned what I can of the guests.” She frowned. “This isn’t going to be easy.”
No. It was going to be impossible.
“All I can hope is that more guests will arrive and there will be a miss better suited for you.”
She didn’t even know him. How could this ghost have any idea who would suit James best?
“However—” she brightened. “—we shall make do if these are our only options.”
Make do? When it came time for him to marry, love or no, James would not simply make do.
“I will see you wedded,” the ghost proclaimed brightly.
“I’d rather be bedded,” James muttered under his breath as Miss Diana Vail stepped into the gardens.
“I’m certain you would since, apparently, men haven’t changed in three centuries.” She frowned. “Even though I’ve not experienced such an activity, I can’t imagine what the fuss is about.”
At that, James focused on the apparition. Had she died a virgin? If so, that was the most tragic thing he’d ever heard.
“Now, let’s take a walk and I’ll lead you to who I think is your best chance of finding love.”
The ghost slipped a hand about his forearm even though he’d not offered it. A chill rushed through him and caused James to shudder.
“So sorry. I forget sometimes.” She withdrew from him, started forward, and then stopped. “Who is that lovely creature?” The ghost pointed to Diana.
Again, James shot her a look. He was not going to verbally answer the entity when there were so many around who could hear.
“She’s quite lovely.” The ghost glanced at James, then back to Diana. “Yes, she will do nicely.”
The last person he needed to be matched with was Diana. She may have been the reason he’d attended the wedding, but it was to find out what he’d done wrong so he could finally put her from his mind. He was not here to attempt another courtship. So, instead of following the specter, James turned on his heel and headed for the back of the garden, then onto the path within the shadows of the trees where he could be alone. He’d have his discussion with Diana, but when he was ready, and on his terms. And no ghost was going to manipulate a match between them.
“You are not going to find love if you don’t talk to women,” the ghost informed as she followed.
“You are wasting your time, Miss….”
“Lady Isolda,” she offered.
“Lady Isolda,” he acknowledged. “My heart already belongs to Ladies Madeline and Lucy.”
The ghost brightened. “Please, point them out and I’ll see what I can do to facilitate a love match.”
“My nieces,” he clarified. “They already hold my heart and there is no room for any other lady.”
“While I admire your affection for the children, being a favored uncle will not lead to love for you.”
“On the contrary, they love me very much.”
“Why are gentlemen so impossible?” Lady Isolda pouted as she settled on a bench.
James crossed his arms over his chest, hoping that she’d finally give up on him and find someone else to bother. “It’s in our nature, I suppose.”
“Yes, well, if it’s the last thing I do, I will see you loved by an age-appropriate miss in need of a husband.”
“Last thing you do?” He laughed. “Aren’t you already dead?”
“Yes, well,” she picked at her skirt. “The last thing I’ll do while bound to this earth.” Lady Isolda stood and fisted her hands on her hips. “Do not make this difficult for me or I will make life very unpleasant for you.”
Diana feared Somerton would be present since he was a relation to the bride, but she’d also hoped that he couldn’t be bothered enough to pull himself from London. Unfortunately, he was the first gentleman she’d noticed when she stepped into the gardens behind Castle Keyvnor.
Why was he standing alone, and why did he appear irritated?
Their eyes met, and a moment later he turned, crossed to the opposite side of the garden, and exited onto the wooden path as if he couldn’t get away from her quickly enough.
Diana ignored the stab to her heart and reminded herself that she should be thankful that he didn’t wish to have anything to do with her, as she certainly had no intention of speaking with the likes of him.
“This is a disappointment,” her sister Miranda whined.
It was a lovely day, the Keyvnor gardens were in bloom and there were several acquaintances from London present. “What is disappointing?”
“I’d hoped to see at least one ghost, but they are absent.”
Miranda had had a fascination with ghosts since she was a child. She’d even gone so far to insist that one lived in the attics of Hollybrook Park. Miranda hadn’t mentioned the Captain in years so Diana assumed she’d gotten over her imagination, yet it didn’t keep her from looking for ghosts elsewhere, including in the oldest homes in London during balls, and anytime they were even near Castle Keyvnor. In fact, every time they had reason to be on Keyvnor land, Miranda intentionally dawdled and believed if she remained long enough, a ghost would finally make an appearance to her.
“Though, I do believe that ghosts can wait.” A small smile pulled at Miranda’s lips as she nodded toward two gentlemen who stood in discussion. One just happened to be the Marquess of Epworth. Miranda had set her cap on Epworth during her first Season, but as far as Diana knew, only a friendship had developed over the past few years. Even Society had commented on their close friendship when they’d realized that the two were not a love match because they were seen in each other’s company so often.
“Why did Adam make us come here?” her sister, Cordelia complained quietly. “He knows I don’t like partaking in polite conversation.”
Adam was their older half-brother, Viscount Lynwood, as well as their guardian, and he knew Cordelia would rather be home reading. And, when stuck in conversation, she much preferred it involved the sciences or history, or anything really, so long as neither fashion nor weather was mentioned. Gentlemen rarely participated in such discussions with her, or any female to Diana’s knowledge, which Cordelia found quite vexing and would proclaim to anyone who listened that her mind was not made of fluff.
“I find it to be a rather delightful gathering,” Adriana announced as she glanced about. Adriana was the youngest of the sisters and had recently turned eighteen.
“You find everything delightful,” Cordelia grumbled. “Once you’ve suffered through a Season, no doubt your opinion shall change.”
“A word my lady?” Sir Orwen appeared before Diana and it was all she could do not to scream in frustration—at her sisters and at the ghosts. When the knights hadn’t appeared before her when she crossed onto Keyvnor land, she’d hoped that they’d finally given up.
“Miss Vail you are quite fetching in the pale-blue gown.” Sir Gilbert materialized before her. “The way the light reflects off your sun-kissed hair is quite brilliant with the way the golds shimmer within your curls. And your face, such beauty for my old, tired eyes. There is not another in all the land to match your beauty.” Sir Gilbert bowed deeply.
He bowed so often Diana had to wonder if he’d done the same when he was still alive, and if so, why hadn’t he developed a permanent curve to his spine.
However, despite the two being in front of her, Diana did not acknowledge them since nobody seemed to notice their presence. Certainly not Miranda, who was staring right through Sir Orwen.
Why couldn’t these two bother Miranda? She’d welcome the interference in her life.
“This is the perfect opportunity to find your match,” Sir Orwen said.
“Yes, yes,” Sir Gilbert agreed. “I’ve not seen so many bachelors in one place since Christmas. Which one do you fancy? Who calls to your heart?”
They needed to cease, but Diana couldn’t tell them so while surrounded by the other guests of Castle Keyvnor. “Excuse me,” she said to her sisters. “I think I shall take a stroll.”
“This way,” Sir Orwen gestured to a path on the far side of the garden. It was the very one Somerton had taken, and she wasn’t going to risk coming across him.
“Miss Vail?” Sir Gilbert’s brow lifted in question.
It was then that Somerton reemerged and made his way to where Mr. Oliver Dallimore and Lord Epworth stood in discussion. Diana skirted further away from the trio and then allowed the knights to escort her to the path. Once she was out of sight of the guests, Diana stopped.
“Not here,” Sir Orwen ordered. “Anyone could come upon us.”
She blew out a sigh and marched on, following them down an overgrown path that appeared not to have been used in several years and until they came to a small clearing basked in sunlight with an array of wildflowers growing in a haphazard fashion. Many vined around an old brick well. There was even a broken, wooden bucket on the ledge. Such a delightful place hidden away.
“Have you decided on a bachelor?” Sir Orwen demanded.
She gaped at him. “No! And I have no intention of doing so.” Besides, she’d just arrived and had no idea which bachelors were present, other than Somerton, Dallimore, and Epworth, none of which would do.
“Luckily for you, we’ve found him.” Sir Gilbert grinned. “A fine gentleman. Finer than most and the ladies think him quite handsome. Oh, and titled. No fair maiden can resist a titled gentleman who is both young and fine of form.”
“I do not need your assistance, nor do I want it. Please. Leave. Me. Alone,” she nearly yelled.
At those words, the two disappeared.
“Thank goodness,” she muttered. Diana stepped to return down the path that had brought her here, except it was gone. Foliage from all directions surrounded her. Disoriented, Diana turned, searching for the break in the bushes and plants to reveal the trail, but there was no evidence that there had ever been one. She then glanced up to the sky and sun to determine which direction was east and west. Unfortunately, the sun was not cooperating as it was directly above her.
Diana straightened and scanned the area once again. Where was that blasted path? The two ghosts certainly didn’t possess any magical powers to make it disappear. Unless…She stared closer at a bush that seemed to move, yet there was no breeze. “Pixies!”
In all directions, the foliage came alive as if wind danced beneath the leaves, then settled.
Since when did pixies assist ghosts, or were they simply taunting her? And how long before they’d reveal the path again?
Diana stared back up at the sky. Eventually, the sun would shift, and she’d know what direction she must take back to the castle even if there was no path to guide her.
Chapter 3
After James left Lady Isolda behind, he returned to the gardens and made every effort not to look in Diana’s direction as he approached Dallimore and Epworth, who were discussing shipping or something to do with the coast. It didn’t really matter, James just needed to focus on anything that didn’t involve love or Diana.
“You must come, immediately,” Lady Isolda insisted as she materialized before him.
Why didn’t Dallimore or Epworth see her? She was standing right in front of them. Instead, the two continued as if nothing were amiss.
“It’s urgent.”
There was nothing urgent about finding love.
“It’s your nieces,” Lady Isolda hissed.
That got James’ attention. “Excuse me,” he muttered before he stepped away from his friends and found a place where he could speak to the ghost in private. “What of my nieces?” he demanded.
“I fear they may be in danger.”
A chill ran up his spine. As much as James loved and adored Madeline and Lucy, he was fully aware of their penchant for finding trouble. “Where? How?”
“This way.”
James followed the apparition without question. If his nieces were in danger, he had to save them.
“There is an old wishing well. It’s always been an attraction for the children. Unfortunately, it’s crumbling, and I fear they may fall in.”
“Where is it?” he demanded as she veered off the well-worn path and onto one that hadn’t appeared to be used in quite some time.
“It’s right through there.” She pointed up ahead.
James hurried past the ghost. “Madeline! Lucy! Where are you?”
He pushed bushes and shrubberies out of his way, yelling his nieces’ names until he came to the small clearing with the crumbling well. However, it was Diana he discovered instead. “Where are my nieces?”
She blinked and straightened. “I’ve not seen them, Lord Somerton.”
Her tone was crisp and cool, and so blasted formal.
“Are you certain that they aren’t here?” He rushed forward and braced his hands on the crumbling bricks of the well, then leaned over the edge. “Madeline! Lucy!” he called, but there was no answer.
“There have been no children here, Lord Somerton,” Diana said again.
“Blast it all.” His heart pounded even faster as he did a full turn. “She said they were here and in danger.” He pushed his fingers through his hair before he started to search among the foliage. “Are you certain Madeline and Lucy haven’t been here?” he demanded.
“I’ve been here for a short time, but I’ve not seen the girls or anyone else.”
Of course she wouldn’t have seen Lady Isolda.
“You must calm down.”
“Calm down?” he yelled. “My nieces could be in danger.”
Just as he said the words, a cold hand settled upon his shoulder.
“I’ve found them,” Lady Isolda whispered in his ear. “They wandered in another direction. I apologize for upsetting you, but they are quite safe.”
James blew out a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose as his pulse slowed back to normal. Blowing out a breath, he settled against the well. The bricks shifted beneath him, crumbling, and in an instant, he was falling backward. Blast it all. He scrambled to right himself, unable to find purchase.
“James!” Diana cried and grabbed onto his hand, pulling him back and saving him from tumbling into the well.
Once he gained his feet and caught his breath again, James looked down into Diana’s emerald eyes. The very eyes he’d fallen so hard for just a few months ago. They weren’t nearly as hard and cold as they’d been in London. “Thank you.”
Diana jerked her hands away from his. “Lord Somerton, who told you the girls were here?”
“I’ll leave you two to get acquainted,” Lady Isolda whispered before she vanished.
Had Lady Isolda intentionally lied to him to get him here? She had pointed Diana out to him earlier and if she’d used his nieces to get him to do her bidding, Lady Isolda would wish that she was…What? She was already dead so there wasn’t much he could do to her, except refuse to fall in love.
“Lord Somerton?” Diana asked with concern.
James shook his head. “You’ll think me mad.” Though Diana might not be shocked because James was fairly certain that she’d been arguing with a ghost the day before.
“Perhaps. But tell me anyway,” she urged.
“A ghost,” he finally ground out. “A ghost told me that the girls had come to this wishing well and that they could fall in.”
Diana gasped and put a hand over her heart. “No wonder you are in such a state.”
“Before I nearly fell into the well, she’d told me that she’d been mistaken and that they are quite fine.”
“Did we not tell you that he was handsome, young, titled, and of fine form?” Sir Gilbert appeared beside Diana.
Somerton was who her irritating knights had chosen for her? Diana nearly snorted at the thought. Somerton certainly would not fall in love with her. He hadn’t before and was unlikely to do so now. All he had wanted…well, she wasn’t going to think on that right now and was grateful that she’d not succumbed to his practiced seduction.
“At least your ghost is helpful,” Diana ground out. “I shall leave you to recover from your fright.”
Somerton tilted his head and studied her. “What spirit plagues you, Diana?”
Her name on his lips still warmed her to the core, but she’d not succumb to desire again. “You do not have leave to address me as such.”
Somerton arched a brow. “You’ve already given me leave. Just as you called me James.”
“Yes, well, we are no longer in London.” She grabbed her skirts and twirled away from him. “Besides, the association we once shared ended some time ago.” Though truthfully, a month wasn’t all that long and certainly not long enough for her heart to heal.
Before her, the path from which Somerton had emerged remained open, unlike the one she’d taken, and she started toward it.
“Why?”
Did he honestly just ask her such a question?
“Why is our association over? What did I do that offended you so terribly?”
Diana slowly turned. “You know very well.”
“No, I don’t.” He held out his arms as if he had no idea why she’d rejected him. “While you railed at me for being a disreputable gentleman, you never explained why or how you came to that conclusion. You simply yelled at me, then left without allowing me a chance to defend myself.
