She placed a hand on his cheek. “Do you love me so very much?” she asked as if she wasn’t certain she could believe him.

  James turned his face and kissed her palm. “I love you more than life itself. I only wish that you could love me.”

  Her tears welled again, and his heart sank as he anticipated her rejection.

  “But I do, James Bryant, Earl of Somerton. I do love you. I loved you in London and as hard as I try not to love you, I still do.”

  Instead of shouting in triumph, which was his first instinct, James pulled Diana close and kissed her deeply. She was now his and he was never going to let her go.

  Chapter 16

  “A pox on you Sir Orwen,” Sir Gilbert cried out. “I always knew you’d win.”

  Diana jerked away from James to see Sir Gilbert crumple to the ground, a hand over his heart. Lady Isolda rushed forward and cradled the knight’s head in her lap. “Oh, Sir Gilbert, I’m sorry that it came to this.”

  “One kiss from your sweet lips and I can leave this place in peace.”

  Lady Isolda bent forward, her blonde hair cascading about them as her lips touched his.

  Sir Orwen sank to his knees. “I’m sorry, my friend. I hadn’t meant death for you.”

  “Yet, death is the gift you gave. Care for her or I’ll haunt you the rest of my days.” With that he gave his last breath.

  Before their eyes, Sir Gilbert stepped from his body as it disappeared and Lady Isolda and Sir Orwen turned to ghosts once again.

  The three turned to Diana and James. Sir Gilbert executed a deep bow, flourishing his hat, the red feather brushing the ground. Lady Isolda placed a hand over her heart, tears shimmering in her eyes, then blew a kiss of thank you. And Sir Orwen smiled. The first that Diana had ever seen upon his face and bowed as well.

  “They are free,” Diana whispered.

  As their forms began to fade, Sir Orwen turned to Sir Gilbert. “If you thought I would win in the end, why didn’t you just concede and save us all?”

  “I did not truly believe you would. I simply wished to grant you a boon in the end.”

  “It matters not. I still beat you and won the hand of Lady Isolda,” Sir Orwen argued.

  “She’s not agreed, but I did gain a kiss,” Sir Gilbert laughed.

  “I’ve suffered the presence of both of you these last three centuries and I have no intention of enduring either of you for all of eternity,” Lady Isolda announced, though her voice grew faint and soon, Diana could no longer hear the three of them bickering.

  “They are free,” James finally said.

  “Yes, they are.” And Diana was happy for them.

  Now that the crisis had passed, the ghosts were gone and Diana’s pulse had calmed, she’d realized that in her relief, she’d confessed her heart to James. It was what had finally freed the ghosts. But it still didn’t change any of her fears.

  “It wasn’t me.”

  James knew the moment he spoke the words that Diana would pull away from him, but it was a discussion they must have if they were to have any kind of future.

  “What wasn’t you?”

  “It wasn’t me with your mother. It was my father.”

  She blinked. “How did you…they weren’t supposed to speak of it. At least, I thought they’d hold my confidence.”

  “They did.” He took her hands in his. “Lady Isolda was listening and told me.”

  Diana looked away and even though it was dark, enough moonlight reflected off the ocean that he could see the stain of a blush upon her cheeks.

  Moonlight? James glanced to the sky. The storm was gone completely and there was barely a cloud in the sky. Had it gone with the ghosts?

  He shook his head. It no longer mattered. What did matter was before him.

  “Lady Isolda confronted me and as I knew I’d barely ever spoken to your mother, let alone anything else, I asked my mother and she confirmed that your mother and my father had been lovers at one time.”

  She simply stared at him, suspicion still in her eyes.

  “I swear to you Diana. It was never me.”

  “But the man was so certain of what he’d heard,” she insisted. “And, unfortunately, I’m all too aware of my mother’s reputation.”

  James winced. “If you don’t believe me, ask her. Ask your mother which Lord Somerton had been her lover.”

  Diana pulled back and stared at him, then frowned. “I wish I had, when we were still in London.”

  “Would she have told you?” James asked in shock.

  Diana snorted. “Mother made no secret of her lovers, and never even attempted to keep the information from me. If asked, I’m certain she would have provided names.”

  That information was not something to be shared with an innocent miss. “Then if you asked, she’d tell you.”

  “Yes, she would.”

  At least Diana would now know the truth, though he wished she’d simply trust him.

  She studied him, her emerald eyes lightening. “But I don’t believe I will.”

  “You’d have proof that it wasn’t me,” he reminded her.

  “I’ve all the proof I need.” She leaned in and pressed her lips to his.

  “You do?” James asked in surprise. He thought for certain that Diana would want clarification, as this was the one matter that had kept her from him.

  “If you knew my mother at all, you’d know she’d tell me the truth. As I don’t wish to hear about your father’s skills in the bedchamber, I shan’t be asking her.”

  “Certainly, she wouldn’t say such things to you?” James questioned as further shock took over. “Such matters are not discussed with an innocent miss.”

  Diana laughed. “My mother has never sheltered her daughters and she’s been quite forthright in her explanations and delight when discussing intimacies shared between a man and a woman.”

  Diana’s face grew redder with her words and James’ body heated.

  “The only information my sisters and I lack in such an education is experience,” she shrugged.

  Desire coursed through him and James pulled Diana close. “If it’s experience you seek, I’d be happy to oblige.” Then he pulled her down onto him as he fell back and then rolled until she was pinned beneath him.

  “You shan’t ruin me, James Bryant. I shall not anticipate the vows with a rake such as you.”

  She may have laughed, but James was still uncertain what to make of her words. “Do you not want to marry me?” After all this time, everything they’d shared, the honesty between them, was she about to rip out his heart again.

  Diana sobered. “Yes, I wish to marry you.” Then she frowned, her eyes clouded with worry. “Have you changed your mind about me. You haven’t asked and I shouldn’t assume.” Her eyes grew wide. “Was I too difficult?”

  Before she could ask another question, he took her lips with his. Passion ignited and he drank from her and she him, and James hoped that was all the answer she needed. However, when she pushed at his chest, he lifted his lips from hers.

  “Have you?” She demanded.

  “Oh Diana, I’ve wanted to marry you for months and I’m quite certain that there is nothing you can ever say or do to change my mind.”

  She pushed harder at him. “In that case, shouldn’t we return to the ball so that you might seek my brother’s permission.”

  “He already gave it.” James didn’t rise from her. “I much prefer where we are and to continue what we are doing.”

  “Of course you do, but I shan’t risk my reputation.”

  James let out a heavy sigh and finally rolled away and helped Diana to her feet. “I truly hope you don’t wish for a long betrothal.”

  She laughed as he took her hand. “Not too long, I suppose. Though, I can’t get married until Charlotte has her baby and is allowed into public again.”

  James groaned. That baby wasn’t even due to arrive for another month, at least.

  “Then there is the planning for such an event, so I’m not certain when we can wed.”

  “By special license in the privacy of your home.” He didn’t care if Lynwood’s wife was giving birth as they were saying their vows. He’d not wait any longer than necessary to make Diana his.

  “I suppose that is possible,” she agreed.

  “Or, perhaps a trip to Gretna Green,” he offered hopefully. “It won’t take long to pack and have the carriage readied.”

  When Diana didn’t readily agree, his heart sank. How long would she put him off?

  “I do wish to marry quickly, however, I won’t do anything that might cause others to question my reputation or a need to rush the vows,” she explained. “I’ve three younger sisters, and we already suffer enough because of the way Mother carries on. I’d not ruin their chances at a good marriage if Society not only judges them on Mother’s behavior, but mine as well.”

  As he was well aware of Lady Lynwood’s reputation, and how cruel Society could be, he understood the need to wait and to plan a proper wedding with banns being cried and whatever else was required so that there was no reason for anyone to gossip. James didn’t like it, but he understood.

  “Very well.” He lifted her hand and placed a kiss upon her wrist. “But please, don’t make me wait forever.”

  Diana laughed. “I promise not to do so.” Then she leaned in and kissed him. “Besides, I’ve always longed for a late September wedding amongst the autumnal foliage.”

  “September?” He groaned. That was months away.

  “September!” she declared. “Surrounded by family and friends.”

  “I still prefer Gretna,” he grumbled.

  “You prefer to be bedded, Lord Somerton,” Diana laughed. “And you shall be…in September.”

  True to Diana’s words, James was indeed bedded in September just as the leaves of the trees began to change from green to red, orange and gold.

  Dear Readers,

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  Excerpt: The Ghost & Miss Miranda

  EXCERPT

  THE GHOST & MISS MIRANDA

  Available March, 2021

  Castle Keyvnor, Cornwall, June 1812

  “It must have been the pixies,” a woman sitting behind him whispered. “There is no other explanation for such beauty.”

  Pixies! Wesley Claxton, Marquess Epworth snorted to himself and tore his gaze away from Miss Miranda Vail long enough to examine the gardens of Castle Keyvnor. It seemed as if every flower was in full bloom, including plants that shouldn’t even be flowering this time of year. Numerous ribbons of every color imaginable hung from the trees, fluttering in the breeze. It was a magical sight, he supposed, but pixies had nothing to do with how it came about. More likely talented gardeners, who had months to prepare, had created the magical, albeit strange, setting for a wedding.

  Wesley was quite done with this corner of Cornwall. He couldn’t go anywhere without overhearing superstitious talk about witches in Bocka Morrow, pixies in the gardens, a fortune-telling gypsy at the neighboring estate, or mermaids at the seashore. He’d lived along the coast his entire life and had never heard such rubbish.

  It simply wasn’t logical and there was no scientific knowledge to support the existence of magical properties, or the afterlife in a spirited form.

  Despite his disagreements with Miss Miranda Vail on all things magical, at least she was no longer obsessed with the notion of ghosts. When they’d been introduced during her first season, she’d seemed more interested in learning about the supposed ghost that haunted the Mayfair mansion than the ball occurring about them and he’d been quick to dismiss her as a feather-brained, odd miss.

  However, his opinion had drastically changed over time, and after coming to know her, Wesley found Miranda utterly delightful. For the past three seasons they’d spent hours together and he often called on Miranda and they took drives through Hyde Park, attended the theatre and danced at balls, but she gave him no indication that she thought of him as anything more than a friend. In fact, they’d become the best of friends and confidants. And, had she flirted with him even once, Wesley would have been encouraged to pursue more. Unfortunately, Miranda had offered no such encouragement, much to his disappointment.

  As he followed the other guests back to the castle after the ceremony, Wesley made plans for how he’d spend time with Miranda later today, and dance with her this evening, and when he would finally kiss her, only to pause when he noted a path through the trees. He’d walked this area several times over the past week, usually with Miranda, and he was certain he’d not seen it before.

  It wasn’t a well-used path by any means, but it was a path nonetheless and curiosity had him following to see where it led until he finally came to a stop in a small clearing.

  “Are you following me, Lord Epworth?” Miranda inquired with a tilt of her chin. Her head was angled such that her dark curls brushed against her shoulder.

  “I wasn’t.” Wesley had no idea she’d be here, as the last he’d seen of Miranda she and her sisters had their heads together and were whispering as they left the wedding. However, he was far from disappointed in finding her in the clearing. “I simply followed this path to see where it led. Why are you here?”

  “Supposedly this is one of the most enchanting places in all of Castle Keyvnor.” Miranda grinned and spread her arms wide and did a turn.

  Enchanting, magical…weren’t they the same thing? “What makes it so?” Just because they argued about the existence of magic and he did tease her, there was nothing malicious in his tone or words. They simply held opposite opinions. His was logical and hers was fanciful. It was quite endearing and one of the things he loved about her. Miranda had the ability to imagine, whereas as much as he tried, Wesley simply couldn’t accept what could not be proven.

  She pursed her lips and Wesley couldn’t help but admire everything about her, from her mahogany curls to her lavender slippers and everything in between, including her determined grey eyes and full coral lips. She was doubly lovely and desirable at moments such as this when the color was high in her cheeks. Yet, she didn’t answer his question.

  Wesley glanced about, noting that they were completely alone in an intimate setting, surrounded by trees, shrubbery and numerous wildflowers and he considered the dangers. Not that he or Miss Miranda could be harmed of course, but if anyone came upon them...

  No, that was an excuse he made to himself. In truth, he’d tried to avoid being alone with her because all he’d wanted to do was kiss her but feared one kiss would never be enough and as he fell deeper, she’d reject his suit.

  When had he lost confidence in pursuit of a woman? He wasn’t exactly an innocent lad, and had had lovers in the past, as well as mistresses…except he had not loved any of those women. He only loved Miranda and feared losing her. He’d gone so far to convince himself that he’d rather have her as a friend than not have her at all. Except, he also could no longer live with always wanting and loving her while only being friends. He needed so much more, and it was time to find out if that were even possible. Which he’d do tonight.

  “Why are you really here?” he asked.

  She glanced back at him, her eyes narrowing.

  “I don’t believe I shall tell you because I’m certain you will laugh.” She sniffed and walked closer to the well.

  Wesley placed a hand over his heart. “I promise that I will not. On that you have my word.” And he certainly hoped he wasn’t making a promise that he could not keep. Life with Miranda would be wonderful and whimsical as she searched for magic and what lay beyond her imagination, while he remained grounded in reality. However, she needed to accept his suit before that could happen, and Wesley still feared that she would only accept him as a friend.

  As much as Miranda wished to spend as much time as possible with Lord Epworth, she didn’t dare tell him the truth as to why she’d come to this clearing.

  After Miranda had learned that his opinion of her had been that of a feather-brained, odd miss, she’d tamped down her utter fascination for ghosts. She never denied that she believed in ghosts, because she did, whole-heartedly, and the two of them had argued over the existence of anything magical or other-worldly several times. However, their disagreements weren’t so strong as to alter their friendship. However, if he knew why she was truly in this clearing, by this well, he might begin thinking her feather-brained again and Miranda feared losing his friendship.

  Friendship! That’s all she was to Epworth, a friend.

  Oh, why couldn’t he see her as anything more? As far as Miranda was concerned, Epworth was nearly perfect with his blond hair and blue eyes, sculptured features and just the perfect height of being a head taller than her. Further, he was kind and an enjoyable companion, someone she nearly trusted completely.

  Epworth was perfect. Perfect for her and he was her friend.

  Though she continued to be careful not to let Epworth know how badly she wished to encounter a ghost, it was impossible to ignore the opportunity to do so at Castle Keyvnor and the very reason she’d snuck away from everyone following the wedding. If rumors were to be believed, the castle was brimming with ghosts and it had been her intention to find one—just one—during the week of wedding festivities, but so far, they’d been elusive.