“Chosen by whom?” she cried.
“That, I cannot answer, but it was in the curse that every so often one would come along that could see the knights and the two would be given the opportunity to free themselves.”
“Is it the same for Lady Isolda?” Somerton asked.
“Yes, she must also help someone find love. However, she must help someone at the same time as the knights or the curse will not be lifted. She too has only been seen by few.”
Diana’s stomach tightened. “Are they required to bring the only two people who see them together?” If that were the case, the ghosts would fail in their quest yet again.
“I don’t believe that is a stipulation,” Adam’s grandmother answered, much to Diana’s relief. “However, I’m certain the ghosts find it more expedient if they can work together, as they are limited in what they can accomplish when the source of their quest is the only human who can see or hear them. In this instance, the knights are talking to Diana and Lady Isolda is talking to Somerton, yet the ghosts can converse with each other.”
“Were the ghosts in the garden with you yesterday, Dia…Miss Vail?” Somerton asked.
“Yes, was Lady Isolda with you?”
“She was.” He nodded. “She settled on you the moment you arrived, and I can only assume it was because your knights prompted her.”
“Of that, I do not doubt,” Diana blew out. She would have a word with them when she next ventured onto Keyvnor land and explain why a match with Somerton was impossible.
“Who cursed them in the first place?” Somerton asked.
Madam Boswell grinned. “The witches, of course.”
“Why would they do such a thing? They were two foolish knights,” Somerton demanded.
“Because Lady Isolda was a witch. They took her life and now must pay for their foolishness.”
“Apparently I must as well,” Diana grumbled as she finished her tea. “Why must Lady Isolda pay?”
“Because she’d used magic to gain their love and affection but did not have the power to undo the spell before it was too late. For using magic in such a selfish manner, she too must help another find love.”
“At least they aren’trequiredto bring the two ofustogether, or they’d be doomed.” Diana stood and set her cup aside. “Thank you for your assistance, Madam Boswell. Good day Lord Somerton.” Diana turned on her heel and marched toward Hollybrook Park.
Chapter 9
James came to his feet,intent on going after Diana.
“Sit,” the old gypsy barked. And like a good hunting dog, James did just that, though he hadn’t considered his reaction until he once again settled on the stool.
“You!” she pointed a crooked finger at him. “You caused Diana pain. Explain.”
Though Madam Boswell was an ancient gypsy, bent from age, she still terrified him. “Nothing.”
She snorted.
“If anyone has been wronged, it is me,” James defended, then went on to explain his courtship, and how it was Diana who had crushed him.
“That girl.” Madam Boswell shook her head in disgust without offering anything further, but he didn’t dare stand again until told to do so.
“Go.” The gypsy waved him away. “I tire of imbeciles. Leave me.”
“I’m not the one being foolish.”
The gypsy snorted. “You are as guilty as she.” The gypsy pulled herself slowly to her feet. “Not only does Lady Isolda’s future lie in the balance, but I fear Diana’s does as well. Think, speak and act wisely, Lord Somerton.” She turned her back and hobbled to the wagon, leaving James to stare after her.
Think, speak and act wisely? What the blazes did she mean by that? Further, he certainly had no power to destroy Diana.
Maybe the old woman was a bit daft.
