“The only reason Miranda is free of the obligation is because a dark ghost threatened her life this afternoon.”
At his dire tone, a chill swept up her spine. “Are you being truthful?”
“I’d not lie of something so serious, especially after what Charlotte endured and how her life was nearly taken.”
“Perhaps I should remain since Miranda must have suffered quite a fright.” Her sister had been the one who had wished to encounter a ghost at Castle Keyvnor, and this was proof to be careful for what one wished for.
“She’s recovered and Charlotte is with her. You shall attend the ball with me and your sisters.”
* * *
“She’s not making this easy,”Lady Isolda grumbled.
James assumed she referred to Diana and he was in complete agreement. At the wedding, she’d taken a seat with family on either side of her. At the wedding breakfast, she’d done the same and whenever the guests were gathered, she kept her sisters near, as if she feared him. He hadn’t even been given a chance to get close enough to greet her. The one time he did, she nearly gave him the cut direct so he turned and walked away.
“James, why aren’t you dancing and enjoying yourself?” his mother demanded as she came upon him.
“I’m not in the mood, Mother.”
“Is it that Vail girl?” She shook her head and tisked. “I thought you’d put her behind you. She’s not for you dear.”
“Mothers rarely know what’s best for us,” Lady Isolda grumbled. “Mine was insistent that I marry a certain baron, whose breath always smelled of garlic.” The ghost cringed as she shuddered.
For the first time in days, James wanted to laugh, but his mother would misinterpret his reaction to her words and not one spoken by a ghost.
“I suppose it remains to be seen who is best for me, Mother, but I thank you for your concern.” He’d learned the art of not arguing with her, thanking her, and never agreeing. Though over the years he’d been hard pressed many times not to tell her to leave him alone and let him conduct his own affairs. Doing so would earn him the opposite of a peaceful life.
Despite his mother’s presence, James continued to watch the door for Diana’s arrival. Instead, his oldest brother, Markham entered and when he saw who James was speaking with, pivoted and walked in the opposite direction.
“Coward,” James muttered under his breath.
“What was that, Dear?” his mother asked.
With a smile, James nodded to Markham. “Your oldest has joined the ball.”
At that, Mother pursed her lips and James had to wonder what his brother had done to earn her displeasure this time.
“Yes, well, if all of my children would heed my wishes as you, we’d all be happy.”
She then flounced off making a direct line to her oldest son.
“You really aren’t going to listen to her, are you?” Panic laced Lady Isolda’s voice. “She is wrong. The only miss for you is Miss Vail.”
James chuckled. “I rarely listen to my mother,” James assured her. “I simply answer in a way to appease her.”
Lady Isolda let her shoulders drop as if relieved. “Thank goodness because it is imperative that you woo Miss Vail and that she admits she loves you or all is lost.”
“I promise that it’s my intention to do just that, but until I know what I’ve done, I’ve no way to defend myself.”
For two days, he’d gone over his time in London, what had occurred when they courted, even things he’d done before he’d ever met Diana and he could think of nothing that would cause her rejection of him, and it was damned frustrating.
“Her knights were unable to obtain an answer from her today. I hope they are able to do so before it’s too late,” Lady Isolda worried and turned to watch the door, right alongside James, both hoping she’d arrive. Both hoping that Diana would explain his sins. Both of their futures relied on learning this information.
Chapter 14
The only peaceDiana had gotten was when Adam allowed her to return home to change into her gown for the ball, and since their return to the castle, she’d remained in the shadows while gaiety surrounded her. She’d even entered through the gardens and found a space behind the potted palms and watched Somerton as he watched the entry.
“Please, Fairest Diana, would you confess why you can’t love him?” Sir Gilbert begged.
