The two dark haired little girls were the only two females he might ever trust. He adored them completely and they were his favorite partners in mischief.
James sank down, balancing on the balls of his feet so that he’d be at their eye level. “I have a surprise, but you mustn’t tell your father or grandmother,” he whispered to the girls as he pulled two small bags from inside his coat and handed them over.
The two peeked inside and their faces brightened, and in unison exclaimed, “Lemon drops.”
“Shhh,” he quieted them. Their father, the Duke of Markham, was near and would not appreciate his daughters being given a treat, especially after they’d been punished for poor behavior the day before. In fact, Markham had warned himnotto give his daughters any treats. Fortunately for his nieces, James rarely obeyed his older brother. Just because Markham’s father had been a duke and James’ was an earl, or the fact that Markham was older, didn’t give him leave to order James about, which made it doubly enjoyable to present his nieces with the lemon drops.
“Thank you, Uncle James.” Lucy threw her arms about his neck, nearly knocking James on his arse.
“Yes, thank you, and we shan’t say a word,” Madeline giggled. “Especially not to Grandmother.”
“Definitely not to Grandmother,” he agreed. “She doesn’t want any of us to have funor 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 simplymake 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 wasnothere 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.
