“And you have judged me without question.”

  "You did not deny your intentions when I asked," Diana reminded him as she raised an eyebrow in challenge. “There are those who don’t wish to wait so long, Lord Somerton.”

  “Perhaps what you both require is clarity,” Brighid announced and made her way behind the counter where she stopped to study the numerous jars stacked along the back wall before she began removing a few and putting them on the counter, all the while mumbling to herself. One she lifted then shook her head and put it back.

  “This really isn’t necessary,” James insisted only to be shushed by Brighid.

  “I’d really rather just go.” Diana started for the door.

  “Your sisters want this. You will stay. Come back and stand beside Somerton.”

  Brighid hadn’t even glanced in their direction so how did she know that Diana had already been halfway to the door?

  She edged herself back to her space as Brighid turned, placed another jar on the counter then retrieved her mortar and pestle.

  “My sister doesn’t believe in magic,” James stated.

  Brighid arched a questioning eyebrow at Diana.

  “You know my sister does,” she admitted.

  Brighid nodded. “One sister decided a chance meeting was needed and another wished for magical elements to help the courtship along.”

  “There is no courtship,” Diana insisted.

  “After you’ve brewed this tea, you must drink it at the same time and in the same room,” she instructed as she began pinching out the herbs, leaves, and dried flowers from the array of jars, dropping them in the small bowl. “Once you’ve finished your cups, you will be in the correct frame of mind to discuss what troubles you both. It will bring clarity of mind and heart so that you can truly know one another and the path that must be taken either together or separately.”

  Diana snorted. “Lord Somerton doesn’t wish to hear what I have to say.”

  “I heard plenty. You are the one who isn’t willing to listen to me.”

  “You’ve no defense. You readily admitted your plan to remain a bachelor for at least another twelve years,” Diana nearly yelled.

  “Oh, I do believe I need to make this stronger than normal,” Brighid tisked as she measured more dried leaves and flowers before putting them into a pestle.

  “While I appreciate your offer of assistance, Brighid, I’ve had quite enough interference already.” Besides, did he really wish to know what was in Diana’s heart? Did he wish for her to know his? “First my sister drags me here and then absconds with my carriage. And when at Castle Keyvnor, Lady Isolda won’t give me any peace.”

  One of the jars Brighid had been holding clattered onto the counter, spilling dried herbs in the process. “What did you say?”

  “Lady Isolda,” James dismissed. “A meddlesome ghost.”

  Brighid lost a bit of her color and turned to Diana. “Does a ghost plague you as well?”

  It was as if Brighid held her breath waiting for the response.

  “Not one, but two,” Diana admitted. “Sir Orwen and Sir—.”

  “—Gilbert,” Brighid finished and quickly gathered the jars before her and started putting them back on the shelf. Her hands were shaking so badly that she nearly dropped two of them.

  “Go, both of you.”

  “What of clarity?” Diana asked.

  Brighid grabbed the mortar and tossed the mixture into the receptacle. “I cannot help. It is forbidden.”

  “Forbidden?” James questioned. “I don’t understand.”

  “Just go, and please do not come here again.”

  Brighid came around the counter and practically pushed them from the apothecary and in a blink, James and Diana were on the walk, and the door to the shop locked behind them.

  “How very odd,” Diana muttered.

  “Odd, indeed.”

  The very reason Diana had not wanted to return to the castle was because of Somerton. Now, here she was, abandoned by her sister in Bocka Morrow and standing beside the very man she wished to avoid.

  “What did she mean that helping was forbidden?”

  “I’ve no idea.” Diana shrugged. “Sir Orwen had mentioned that he and Sir Gilbert were in their predicament because of witches.”

  They turned to take the cobbled road back to Keyvnor. Diana didn’t mind the walk, but Somerton may since he’d originally brought a carriage.

  “Your knights, how long have they been haunting Keyvnor?”

  Had they ever mentioned a length of time? She couldn’t remember. “Centuries.”

  Somerton nodded. “Lady Isolda said her three hundredth anniversary will be the summer solstice.”

  Though she shouldn’t encourage her knights with discussions or questions, Diana knew she needed to find out how long the two had been stuck and unable to move on. She glanced back at the apothecary and frowned. “Do you think your lady and my knights are connected somehow?”

  Somerton shrugged. “They must be because Brighid immediately asked if you were plagued by a ghost after she learned Lady Isolda’s name.”

  “This is very odd,” Diana murmured as she tried to reason it out. Why would Somerton’s ghost have anything to do with her knights? Neither Sir Orwen nor Sir Gilbert had ever mentioned her before.

  “She wishes to be free,” he offered.

  “As do the knights.”

  For the knights, they insisted she needed to find love, not that she’d mention the same to Somerton.

  Perhaps Lady Isolda had a different purpose for him and the two might not even be related. “Has Lady Isolda mentioned why she lingers?” Diana asked slowly.

  “It doesn’t matter. She won’t gain what she hopes.”

  If Lady Isolda was of the same purpose as the knights, then Diana had just received confirmation that Somerton had never loved her and despite how much she tried to protect herself, it still stung. And for that very reason, she didn’t engage Somerton in conversation again as they trudged up Castle Street toward Keyvnor. As Somerton was equally silent, Diana could only assume he didn’t wish to speak with her either.

  It was strange in a way. When they’d been in London, before the night of the Hearne ball when her world had come crashing down, she and Somerton had conversed often, on all manner of topics, even teased and argued, but mostly in fun. Of course, at the time, she thought Somerton was courting her when his true intent had been simply seduction. Just as he’d seduced her mother.

  Then again, it was just as possible that her mother had seduced Somerton so she couldn’t put all that blame on him. Yet, it took two to participate and no doubt he was seduced willingly.

  It was bad enough that he never intended to offer for her, but the true pain came from the fact that he’d been her mother’s lover while courting Diana. That was something she could never, ever forgive, nor was it something Diana could bring herself to speak of, as the humiliation was so great.

  Though he didn’t speak, Somerton did behave as if something were on his mind. He would pause, open his mouth, then shake his head as if he’d decided against voicing his thoughts.

  While it was quite aggravating because she wished he’d just say what he was thinking, she was also glad that she wasn’t forced to converse on any topic he may propose.

  “Diana, stop.”

  She didn’t but kept walking.

  “We need to discuss what happened in London.”

  That’s what had been on his mind? “There is no further need to do so.” Besides, it still pained her, and Somerton was the last person she’d allow to see her cry.

  “So, I’m not allowed to defend myself?” He hurried to her side.

  “It’s been discussed. There is no defense, let’s not speak of it again.” Blast, her eyes were becoming damp and she’d not have it. If she allowed him to upset her, she just might blurt out that she knew all about his affair with her mother and that would never do because she wanted to forget it, not discuss it.

  “Then you are not the woman I thought you to be. The woman I courted in London was rational,” he called.

  “We weren’t courting,” she yelled back. “At least have the decency to admit the truth. I was a means to an end, a flirtation, a way to keep your mother from forcing other misses on you, and possible seduction. But you never had any intention of a future. You already admitted you'd not become a father for years, which leaves me with only one conclusion.”

  Diana hurried forward to put as much distance between her and Somerton as she could, but the moment the road lead her over the border and onto Keyvnor land, the knights appeared before her. “Well?” Sir Orwen demanded.

  “Was the witch able to assist?” Sir Gilbert questioned then slid a knowing look to Somerton and grinned. “Have you found love?”

  “Devil it!” Diana nearly screamed in frustration. It was bad enough that Somerton was hounding her steps but now she had to deal with these two as well. With determination, she pushed right through them, not even caring that Somerton watched on because she’d had quite enough!

  Chapter 8

  James startled at Diana’s curse, then realized her ghosts must be with her just as Lady Isolda appeared before him.

  “Blast it all!”

  “I’ve had quite enough of you two,” Diana snarled.

  “Lovely. You two are talking,” Lady Isolda gave a little skip. “Next you must woo her with poetry, flowers, flattery, and you must be quick about it as we haven’t much time.”

  “I’ll do no such thing,” James argued. He’d already done so, and it hadn’t won Diana’s heart.

  Diana turned, eyebrow raised, and mouth pinched. “She’s back?”

  “Aye.”

  “Mine as well,” she grumbled. “I wish they’d just leave me alone,” Diana called into the nothingness before her.

  “I quite agree.” He shot a look to Lady Isolda. Even she must understand that a match between him and Diana was impossible. Diana wouldn’t even talk to him so how the bloody hell could he make it right. And he’d not realized she was more stubborn than a mule when they were in London.

  “What does she wish for you to do?” Diana asked.

  “Nothing that concerns you.”

  Diana pulled back at his irritated tone.

  “I’m sorry, but Lady Isolda is making impossible demands.”

  She nodded as if she did understand and perhaps her knights were telling her the same. Though it would be unlikely anyone was telling her to court him. Misses did not court gentlemen.

  “Oh, this is too much. Would the two of you cease and desist!” Diana yelled to what James assumed were the knights, as she was not looking at him.

  He understood completely.

  “Well, if the witches are going to be of no assistance, I know who will,” Diana announced.

  James looked at her. “Who?”

  “Madam Boswell,” Diana declared.

  James had to stop and think for a moment. “The old gypsy who tells fortunes? Isn’t she your grandmother?”

  “Not mine, but Lynwood’s,” Diana answered. “Adam’s mother died when he was a child and then Father married my mother.” She shrugged as she trudged on. “And she does far more than tell fortunes.” At those words, Diana quickened her steps, marching past the castle and toward Hollybrook Park.

  “She’ll not help and even if she wished to do so, it is not in her power,” Lady Isolda informed James.

  “How do you know?” he asked.

  “It’s a curse,” the ghost answered.

  “Madam Boswell has experience in dealing with curses,” Diana answered, unaware that he’d posed the question to Lady Isolda.

  Regardless of whether the old woman could help or not, James hurried after Diana.

  Blessedly, the two knights disappeared once Diana stepped onto Hollybrook Park. As she and Somerton neared the bright red vardo, the old gypsy stood. There were few vardos and gypsies in the camp this time of year, as most were traveling from town to town and fair to fair, telling fortunes, dancing, and playing music for money. Only the elderly, such as Adam’s grandmother, remained on the land they’d been given for their winter camp years ago.

  “Diana, it is good to see you’ve returned,” the old woman greeted before she turned to study Somerton.

  “This is Lord Somerton,” Diana quickly introduced him. “I need your assistance.”

  Madam Boswell frowned, staring deep into Diana’s eyes. It was all a bit unnerving and no matter how many times she’d sat with Adam’s grandmother, Diana always feared she could see more than anyone should. It was the very reason she’d not visited since her return from London, but something must be done.

  “What disturbs you?”

  Diana blew out a breath. “Those two knights. Why won’t they leave me alone?”

  “That is not all,” Madam Boswell said slowly, still searching Diana’s eyes before patting her hand. “Come child. Sit with me. You too, Lord Somerton.”

  Diana followed and settled on a small stool beside a cooking fire as Adam’s grandmother prepared cups of tea.

  “Isn’t there anything you can do to make them go away? Or fashion a talisman that I can carry that will keep them from bothering me.”

  “First, you need to tell me who they are,” Madam Boswell reminded her, and Diana quickly explained the two ghosts that have been pestering her.

  “I’ve a ghost that is bothering me as well,” Somerton added. “Any assistance you could provide would be appreciated.”

  “Does your ghost go by the name of Lady Isolda?”

  Diana pulled back in surprise.

  “Yes, she does,” Somerton answered.

  Madam Boswell shook her head and sighed. “There is nothing I can do. It is not in my power.”

  Madam Boswell had protected Charlotte last fall and had helped Charlotte’s brother find love last Christmas, yet she couldn’t manage to make one little talisman for her? It simply wasn’t fair. “Why me? What quest? Why can’t they choose someone else?”

  Adam’s grandmother frowned. “They did not explain?”

  “No.” In truth, Diana had never asked. Questioning encouraged and the last souls on Earth Diana wanted to offer encouragement were those two. “They’ve claimed that I’m their quest and are pledged to me, which is ridiculous.”

  Madam Boswell looked to Somerton. “Has Lady Isolda been equally as secretive?”

  “I know what she wants from me,” he ground out.

  “Yet you don’t intend to grant her desire?”

  The way the gypsy studied Somerton was unnerving, but at least she was gazing into his soul instead of Diana’s.

  “What she wishes is impossible,” he answered.

  “Is it?” the gypsy persisted.

  “Yes,” he answered in such a way to indicate that he’d entertain no further questions from Madam Boswell.

  “Why are the three intent on us?” Diana finally demanded.

  Madam Boswell sighed. “I shall share the tale.” Then she took a sip of her tea as if there was no urgency in this matter and they’d simple settled down for a pleasant conversation.

  “Long ago, Sir Orwen and Sir Gilbert were at Keyvnor Castle to participate in a jousting tournament. They’d always been competitive on the field and off. At this particular tournament, they also fell in love with the same maiden, Lady Isolda. She was quite beautiful, and many knights wished to carry her favour.”

  Diana blinked at the old woman. “How do you know this?”

  “Any of the locals could have told you,” she brushed away the question. “The only way we know that they’ve not succeeded in their quest is when the storms come the night of the Summer Solstice. The same time every year, and then disappear before they reach the shore. Though we’ve also wondered if it was simply a coincidence since nobody has complained of them in decades,”

  “Probably not since 1765,” Diana grumbled.

  “1765?” Somerton asked.

  “The last time another miss saw them. They failed.” Diana sipped her tea.

  “Yes, I remember.” Madam Boswell smiled fondly. “My Eva, Adam’s mother, was only two at the time. The two knights would not cease pestering the one miss who could see them. She was a guest at the castle and no matter how much she pleaded for help from the witches, it was forbidden. In the end, it was the viscount who ran away due to the haunting of Lady Isolda and thus the curse could not be broken,” Madam Boswell chuckled.

  “Why are they cursed?” Diana demanded.

  “Patience, Diana.” The old woman shook a permanently bent finger at her.

  Diana blew out a breath, determined to rein in her patience while Madam Boswell took another sip of tea.

  “Lady Isolda was quite taken with the knights at first. But soon, she grew irritated with their constant bickering.”

  “I understand her annoyance,” Diana grumbled.

  “After the constant competition for her hand, a challenge was issued.”

  Somerton leaned forward. “She demanded such?”

  “She did not ask it of them, and further, there was no guarantee the victor would gain her in the end, but they were too caught up in the rivalry to give her such consideration.”

  “Gentlemen have not changed in that regard,” Diana grumbled.

  “What is your meaning?” Somerton demanded.

  “Gentlemen rarely give consideration to the woman when only concerned with their selfish desires.” Such as when a gentleman pursues a lady in a way that makes her believe he intends more than courtship, when all the while he simply wished a dalliance with no intention of betrothal, she didn’t add.

  “Yes, well, women often assume much and instead of simply asking, judge and dismiss.”

  “Sometimes they don’t wish to be lied to,” Diana argued.

  “I never lied to you.”

  She stared at him. In that, he did speak the truth. Somerton had offered her no promises. He’d never spoken words of love. It was she who had assumed. She had been the fool. “You are correct.”

  With that, she turned back to Madam Boswell. “I apologize, please go on.”