“I’m sorry, but Lady Isolda is making impossible demands.”
She nodded as if she did understand and perhaps her knights were telling her the same. Though it would be unlikely anyone was telling her to court him. Misses did not court gentlemen.
“Oh, this is too much. Would the two of you cease and desist!” Diana yelled to what James assumed were the knights, as she was not looking at him.
He understood completely.
“Well, if the witches are going to be of no assistance, I know who will,” Diana announced.
James looked to her. “Who?”
“Madam Boswell,” Diana declared.
James had to stop and think for a moment. “The old gypsy who tells fortunes? Isn’t she your grandmother?”
“Not mine, but Lynwood’s,” Diana answered. “Adam’s mother died when he was a child and then Father married my mother.” She shrugged as she trudged on. “And she does far more than that.” At those words, Diana quickened her steps, marching past the castle and toward Hollybrook Park.
“She’ll not help and even if she wished to do so, it is not in her power,” Lady Isolda informed James.
“How do you know?” he asked.
“It’s a curse,” the ghost answered.
“Madam Boswell has experience in dealing with curses,” Diana answered, unaware that he’d posed the question to Lady Isolda.
Regardless of whether the old woman could help or not, James hurried after Diana.
* * *
Blessedly,the two knights disappeared once Diana stepped onto Hollybrook Park. As she and Somerton neared the bright redvardo,the old gypsy stood. There were fewvardosand gypsies in the camp this time of year, as most were traveling from town to town and fair to fair, telling fortunes, dancing and playing music for money. Only the elderly, such as Adam’s grandmother, remained on the land they’d been given for their winter camp years ago.
“Diana, it is good to see you’ve returned,” the old woman greeted before she turned to study Somerton.
“This is Lord Somerton,” Diana quickly introduced him. “I need your assistance.”
Madam Boswell frowned, staring deep into Diana’s eyes. It was all a bit unnerving and no matter how many times she’d sat with Adam’s grandmother, Diana always feared she could see more than anyone should. It was the very reason she’d not visited since her return from London, but something must be done.
“What disturbs you?”
Diana blew out a breath. “Those two knights. Why won’t they leave me alone?”
“That is not all,” Madam Boswell said slowly, still searching Diana’s eyes before patting her hand. “Come child. Sit with me. You too, Lord Somerton.”
Diana followed and settled on a small stool beside a cooking fire as Adam’s grandmother prepared cups of tea.
“Isn’t there anything you can do to make them go away? Or fashion a talisman that I can carry that will keep them from bothering me.”
“First, you need to tell me who they are,” Madam Boswell reminded her, and Diana quickly explained the two ghosts that have been pestering her.
“I’ve a ghost that is bothering me as well,” Somerton added. “Any assistance you could provide would be appreciated.”
“Does your ghost go by the name of Lady Isolda?”
Diana pulled back in surprise.
“Yes, she does,” Somerton answered.
Madam Boswell shook her head and sighed. “There is nothing I can do. It is not in my power.”
