Page 32 of A Ghost of a Chance

“Oh, I like her fine, but she’s his sister. And they have such a strong resemblance that I see Benjamin every time I look at her.” He shook his head. “I fear Kitty has a preference for me that I do not return. And most of all, she isn’t you.” His mouth quirked up on one side.

She jested, “Yes, well, I am rather unique.”

“In more ways than you know.” That affectionate, flirting smile flashed.

Osanne couldn’t blame Kitty for forming an attachment for Rafe. And really, Osanne ought not feel such pleasure that he clearly preferred her over any other.

Seated at the pianoforte in Ravenswood Manor’s music room, Osanne played every note that flooded her mind. When inspiration dried up, she played it all again, then every piece she knew, and even a few Rafe requested. With him next to her, music poured through her. She could almost, almost forget she was a ghost.

After she had played her fill, this time undisturbed by an inquisitive housekeeper, they turned toward the village. Rafe’s footsteps crunched softly on the path. Overhead an owl hooted. The trees whispered. A peaceful, hopeful kind of stillness lay over the wooded lane.

She looked up to find him gazing in the direction of the crumbling Roman structure. She made a gesture. “Have you had a chance to explore the ruins?”

“I did, just yesterday. There wasn’t much left, but Mr. Brown, the vicar, gave me a book he found, about what is known of that particular ruin. There is so much we do not know about these ancient structures, and all those curious stone circles that dot England.”

“Indeed. Have you also seen our henge?”

“Not yet.”

“It’s smaller than the famous Stonehenge, of course, but appears to be far older. We are rather proud of it.”

“I must see it, then. Perhaps I will tarry here a few more days before I resume my, as you call it, ‘quest’ to visit my men.”

“Do you feel that is going well?”

His face clouded. “I wish I could be sure I’m truly helping them—beyond what financial aid I give to those who need it, and who will accept it.”

Something else in his tone, or perhaps his expression revealed another need. Gently, she asked, “What is it that you truly seek?”

His steps faltered briefly. “Beyond helping them?”

Osanne nodded. “I’m sure you are, in part, but is it possible that you also seek some form of redemption?”

“Redemption?” His head jerked back but his gaze turned inward.

“You carry the burden of your command decisions. Though I’m quite certain you made the best possible choices you could, you clearly blame yourself for those who were harmed.”

He went quiet for a moment. Had she overstepped her bounds? After all, they’d really only known each other for three days, though, in truth, it seemed they had shared weeks together. With every passing hour, her esteem for him deepened.

Was this love?

A bat flew in front of the moon in jerky chaotic flight and a gust of wind moaned in the lifeless tree limbs.

Rafe broke the silence. “You may be right. If I can ease their suffering in some small way, perhaps I can ease my own.”

Aching to offer him comfort, she reached out to him, but her hand passed through.

He noticed. His attention fixed on her hand, intercepted by his arm. He lifted a tortured gaze to hers. “I’m also finding it difficult not to be able to touch you.” He heaved a harsh breath. “I’ve come to care very much for you. But to be unable even to take your hand....”

If she could weep, tears would have filled her eyes at that moment.

He shook his head and pushed a hand through his hair, dislodging his hat. With jerky motions, he righted the hat on his dark head.

In her happiness over seeing him each time, she had given little thought to what this relationship might cost him. She was being unfair to him.

“Rafe, I adore seeing you every sunset when I wake—or come into consciousness. I cannot tell you how much it means to me that you come for me. But is it wise for us to continue to be together, like this, one day a year with no hope of a true relationship?”

He huffed a humorless laugh. “I have had that same conversation with myself. But I can’t stay away. No matter how far I travel, I always return. I need to be here. With you.” Some intense and earnest expression gave his eyes a new depth.