Wanted: Ghost-Busting Bride

by Donna Helmedag

  “Not until you tell me why moving to the countess’s quarters is safer.” She released her hold on the doorway.

  The sneaky man laced his fingers through hers, reminding her of her big mistake in the dungeon. “Desdemona gains her power from jealous women. I believe Ginnette’s and Helena’s actions are Desdemona’s work. I don’t have enough staff to watch this room around the clock. Nor can I guarantee the women won’t pick the lock again. Therefore, I must move you to an area with less public access.”

  Even if she hadn’t believed the ghosts were responsible for this room toss, his effort to protect her from the likes of Helena and Ginnette was sweet. Looking into his burning green eyes, she read his concern. Geez, she was going to have to go along with his dictatorial order. Somehow, that didn’t seem as offensive to her as she might have thought it would.

  After making a show of glancing around the room, she beamed at him. “I suppose the countess’s room has to be larger than this tiny garret. I’d be foolish not to accept your kind offer.”

  Markham chuckled. “Thank you, my dear.”

  In no time at all, he had ushered her into a room straight from the history books. She stopped in the center and gawked at the large, four-poster bed draped in faded royal-blue velvet. A green haze surrounded the white roses embroidered on the matching coverlet.

  Sharing a room with a ghost was too creepy to contemplate. “Do you expect me to sleep with Lady Anne?”

  “I don’t believe she stays in here at all times.” Markham squeezed her hand. “At night, she’ll stand guard to keep Desdemona from bothering you.”

  Just the idea that she was caught between two warring ghosts had Kailyn’s stomach churning. “I’m so glad I don’t believe in ghosts,” she lied just to poke at him.

  He pointed to the door beyond the fireplace. “If there’s a problem, simply run through there and I’ll defend you against any apparitions.”

  Connecting bedrooms. She swallowed. How was she supposed to sleep with the sexy noble in the next room? “The door locks, doesn’t it?”

  “No. But you can trust me. I haven’t ravished you, even though I can tell you’re naked under that tee shirt.” A wicked gleam danced in his eyes.

  Man oh man, I am in so much trouble. “Don’t you think giving me all this special attention will cause more problems with the jealous women?”

  “I’ll take care of them.” He bent down and feathered her temple with a kiss. “The whole purpose of these festivals is to give Lady Anne the opportunity to choose one woman. Out of the dozens who have attended them, however, you’re the only one to genuinely experience Lady Anne’s signs. It is my duty to heap all my attention on you.”

  With a quick tug, she freed her hand from his and stalked over to the window. For several minutes she stared at the gardens below. Why did it made her so furious to be Markham’s duty? Why couldn’t he want to pay attention to her for herself?

  “I know the swiftness of Lady Anne’s signs is a bit baffling to you, but keep an open mind,” Spencer said soothingly. “Everything will turn out splendidly in the end.”

  She heard the door close behind her and plopped down onto the worn chaise lounge. How had she gotten into this mess and—more importantly—how could she get out of it? Markham couldn’t make her marry him, but it seemed she had a responsibility to do whatever crappy task Lady Anne devised. Hell, she probably had a duty to cure the women in her family, too . . . If she could let herself believe a ghost could actually age them prematurely.

  What was the matter with her? She scrubbed her eyes with her fists. Until this week, ghosts hadn’t even existed for her. Over the next five days, this stay at Ryne Castle would totally turn her life upside down. Unless a miracle happened, she wouldn’t be back in Dallas working at her dream job and laughing at Crystal’s practical joke. She’d be hunting for treasure.

  A knock interrupted her pity party.

  When she answered the door, a starchy, middle-aged woman stood there, hands primly clasped in front of her.

  “I’m Mrs. Simms, Lady Sophie’s maid. His lordship instructed me to resettle you in your new room before I help you make a striking appearance for dinner.”

  If Markham thought Mrs. Simms could make Crystal’s gowns look decent, she must be some miracle worker. “Come in. I appreciate your assistance, but I’m afraid his lordship has assigned you an impossible task.”

  She watched as the maid in her crisp black and white uniform entered her room and orchestrated several other servants in a whirlwind of unpacking. Five minutes later, all Kailyn’s belongings had been shaken out, hung up, folded, sorted, and stowed away. Amazing.

  After dismissing her crew, Mrs. Simms flipped through the rack of dresses. “Have you selected a gown to wear this evening, Miss Kailyn?”

  One look at the horrified expression on the maid’s face and Kailyn knew she had an ally. “No. I haven’t a clue which gown would be appropriate. If you can find one without a million disgusting spangles, I’d be forever grateful.”

  When the stern maid pulled out a peacock-blue gown loaded with feathers, Kailyn cringed.

  “Don’t worry,” Mrs. Simms said. “This will do nicely for tonight once I, ah, pluck it.”

  Relieved, Kailyn laughed. “Anything you do to these dresses will be an improvement. I sheared the walking dress of its braiding this morning, but I’m afraid people could tell I chopped on it.”

  Mrs. Simms’ giggle transformed her stern features. “Don’t worry your pretty little head, luv.” She pulled out a small pair of sewing scissors from her pocket. “The fabric and cut of this dress will be perfect for you once we make sure you’re not a bird.”

  Sitting on the chaise lounge, Mrs. Simms started clipping one feather at a time. Kailyn checked her watch and glanced at the feathers. “How can I help?”

  “I’ll snip, and you bag the plumage.”

  After grabbing the plastic sack that had protected her camera, Kailyn stuffed the offensive trim into it.

  When Mrs. Simms held up the stripped satin gown fifteen minutes later, the single row of feathers she’d left at the bottom was an attractive addition rather than an overwhelming mess.

  Kailyn was in awe. “You’re amazing! I didn’t think anyone could make that costume look attractive.”

  “Once the dress is pressed it should complement Lady Anne’s ring nicely. Touch up your makeup, and I’ll return with the dress in a few minutes.”

  Makeup? Oh heavens. Darting over to the trunk Mrs. Simms had stored on the floor of the closet under the long gowns, she pawed through Crystal’s stash of accessories until she came to a small pouch. After unzipping it, she heaved a sigh of relief. Lip gloss, mascara and powder.

  Whoopee, Crystal hadn’t forgotten makeup.

  By the time Kailyn had applied the girly stuff and wiped most of it off, Mrs. Simms swept back into the room and took over.

  After twenty minutes of the maid’s beauty regime, Kailyn stood in front of the full-length mirror and gasped. Her blond hair had been piled into a crown, giving her height and a regal presence. Who would have guessed the plucked gown would be stunning, or that the peacock-blue satin would make her eyes glow and the ring sparkle?

  The princess in the mirror was a grand lady from a fairy tale, a worthy consort for an earl.

  This was horrible.

  Chapter 10

  Spencer leaned on the wall outside the countess’ suite and waited. The blasted ghosts needed to slow down and let him catch his breath. Anything could go wrong tonight with a swarm of grasping countess wannabes competing for his attention. It wouldn’t take much to send Kailyn packing.

  The steamy kiss in the dungeon and the glimpse of her curvy backside left him edgy. Her nonchalant sexiness beat Ginnette’s attempted seduction by a long shot.

  If he could just get Ginnette to leave. But she wasn’t like Helena. When he had confronted the latter about the horrifying attack on Kailyn, Helena had promptly volunteered to return home.

&
nbsp; Lady Anne had been right about one thing—Desdemona was definitely gaining power. Unless he convinced Kailyn to marry him quickly, the evil ghost would increase her relentless hostilities.

  The door to the countess’s apartment swung open, and Kailyn stepped out. Her carelessly tousled curls had been tamed into a lacquered pile on her head. Instead of the little spitfire who had scrounged in the dungeon with him, a solemn princess floated toward him. Hopefully Mrs. Simms’s beauty treatment hadn’t destroyed Kailyn’s spunk. “The time is up on our bet. I hope you’re ready to create the teams for the fête.”

  She waved a little feather-covered purse in front of him. “I have the list of names in here. I’ll make the schedule, as you requested, after dinner. Your aunt will receive the printouts by breakfast, if my computer decides to work.”

  “You are certainly prepared for every contingency.”

  “Always.” Her sassy smile destroyed the diva image. “I never know when I’ll discover some unique building to explore.”

  “Ah. I see now. It’s Ryne Castle that has stolen your heart. I’m devastated.” He pulled a crestfallen face.

  “You told me to fall in love with Ryne, and I’m finding the castle fascinating.”

  Aah. As pretty as she looked in the elegant gown and the fancy hairstyle, the transformation hadn’t muzzled her sharp tongue. Chuckling, Spencer offered his arm for the descent down the staircase. “I expect you to stay by my side and keep the vultures away.”

  His little minx waved her gloved hand. “Nope. You’re on your own. You invited these women, it’s your duty to entertain them. Consider it a group date, Mr. Bachelor. I’ll talk to Allison and Emily.” With that, she strolled away as soon as they entered the parlor.

  Frustrated, he watched her disappear into the milling group of women. Why had Lady Anne saddled him with the one female who didn’t want to be the countess? Why couldn’t he marry any one of the flock of grasping women swarming around him?

  A squeal from across the room drew his gaze to the source. A plump, dark-haired woman rushed toward him frantically waving her right hand. “Look. Lady Anne’s ring. It just popped onto my finger.”

  Accepting her extended hand, he examined the ring. Thank goodness it wasn’t an emerald because it was certainly wedged onto her short, stubby finger. He turned to his butler. “Summon Mrs. Chadwick. She has to confirm Lady Anne’s gift.”

  It took ages for his housekeeper to appear. By the time she did, he wanted to strangle all the chattering women. They peppered him with questions. Who had received roses? Why had he spent so much time with Miss Baker at the picnic? Why had Helena left so abruptly?

  If one stubborn engineer would quit denying her destiny and fall in line, Spencer wouldn’t have to be the center of prying eyes and intrusive gossip.

  To Spencer’s relief, the moment Mrs. Chadwick arrived, she took control of the situation.

  “No, my dear. This isn’t the right ring.” As she made the declaration, the ring disappeared from the woman’s hand.

  A sudden shriek from across the room had the pack of women rushing to a slim redhead upon whose hand the false ring had just materialized.

  “It’s Lady Anne’s ring.”

  Each time Mrs. Chadwick denied the ring’s authenticity, it appeared on another woman’s hand. His poor housekeeper patiently followed the ring from woman to woman.

  What did Desdemona hope to gain by bouncing the ruby from hand to hand? He shook his head. Before he could figure out the answer, Ginnette sashayed up to him.

  “This ring appeared on my finger. Are you going to tell me the Countess of Ryne didn’t place it there?”

  Her fingertips touched his palm, and he turned cold. A red glow oozed out of the ring and covered his hand. A pulse of energy fogged his mind. His voice wasn’t under his control anymore. Despite everything he tried, he couldn’t deny Ginnette’s claim. “You’re correct,” he heard himself say. “This ring belongs to the Countess of Ryne.”

  Somehow Kailyn appeared at his side, intertwining her warm fingers with his. Her touch zapped the mind-numbing chill that had settled over him, dissolving the haze clouding his brain and leaving him reeling.

  Had he really admitted that a countess of Ryne had owned the ring Ginnette flaunted? One look at his neighbor’s smug expression confirmed his near-fatal slip. He recovered his wits. “But the Countess who owned that ring wasn’t Lady Anne.”

  “Call Mrs. Chadwick to approve my claim.” Ginnette’s voice grew shrill. “I’m your best choice. My family’s money can restore your precious estate. If you don’t choose me, I will ruin Nell’s business and take the Ryne herd.”

  He tightened his grip on Kailyn’s hand. Strength flowed into him. By the time Mrs. Chadwick had pushed her way through the hushed crowd, he was in control and determined not to let Desdemona toy with him again.

  The question was how had the ghost gotten inside his head? Desdemona fed off emotions. No doubt the evil spirit had taken advantage of his irritation at Kailyn. His wish had given the ghost an opening. Through the ruby exchanging hands, she’d shown him he could have any of the women. And he had fallen into the bloody ghost’s trap. He’d have to be very careful, even in his thoughts.

  “Let’s have a look, dear.” Mrs. Chadwick took Ginnette’s hand then shook her head. “I’m sorry. Lady Anne would never wear a ruby. She loved emeralds.”

  At the housekeeper’s pronouncement, Ginnette swayed. Several of the women rushed to help her to a nearby chair.

  Kailyn looked up at him questioningly. “I find it interesting that your neighbor faints every time you or Mrs. Chadwick opposes her.”

  “I believe it’s a reaction to Desdemona releasing her mind control over Ginnette.”

  “Is that what happened to you?”

  His spitfire was far too perceptive for his comfort. He’d never let any woman other than Nell understand him that well. He squeezed her hand. “Yes, but you saved me from disaster. Now you’ll have to do it again. I must speak with my sister about Ginnette’s threat. Once Chadwick escorts Ginnette to her room, you must help my aunt amuse the guests before dinner.”

  Defiance flitted across her face. “Was there a pretty please attached to that command?”

  Lifting her fingers to his lips, he murmured, “I’ll gladly repay you with a kiss later.”

  With a sassy toss of her head, she rolled her big blue eyes. “You wish.”

  “I certainly do.”

  Spencer snubbed the lock on his study’s door and waited for Nell to sit down. “I’ve figured out the cause of Ginnette’s fainting spells.”

  “Why should I care what’s ailing that monster?” his sister railed at her best friend’s betrayal. “The vicious fraud has some nerve threatening my business and our estate. I’ve fulfilled my side of the bargain. She’d bloody well better stick to the terms of the agreement.”

  While he appreciated Nell’s position, he hoped his sister hadn’t done something stupid, like miss a payment. “Explain the details of your contract.” He flopped into the chair next to hers.

  “Last year, Ginnette offered to loan me the money to start my design business. Her parents insisted I provide Ginnette with collateral.” Nell pounded her fist on the chair’s dark leather arm. “Eight months ago, just before he died, I talked Papa into allowing me to use the Ryne horse herd to satisfy them. When Sebastian took over six months ago, he never changed the contract.”

  “Are you delinquent on the payments?”

  Nell glared at him. “Heavens no, I’m not an idiot. I have two more years to pay back the start-up costs, and I’ve made every payment deadline. I even managed to pay some additional principal. Ginnette has no reason to threaten me or Ryne with financial ruin.” Her lifted chin dared him to doubt her achievement.

  Satisfied, Spencer scribbled a note and tossed it on his desk. “I’ll call my solicitor tomorrow. We’ll figure a way to pay off the loan and end Ginnette’s threat. Meanwhile, we’ll allow her to stay. She’s d
angerous in more ways than one.”

  A puzzled frown spread over Nell’s face. “What do you mean?”

  Swallowing, Spencer selected his words carefully. “When the ruby ring Ginnette wore touched my hand, I felt Desdemona meddle with my free will. If Kailyn hadn’t been wearing Lady Anne’s ring when she touched my other hand, I’d have accepted Ginnette’s claim to be my bride.”

  “Are you sure?” Nell jumped up and paced in front of the fireplace. “How? Why?”

  He tucked his hands in his pockets and shifted his feet. It was never easy admitting he’d made a mistake—particularly to Nell. Sebastian had been her favorite brother. The heir could do no wrong, in her opinion. Not so with her kid brother.

  As humiliating as it was, he needed Nell’s help to control Ginnette. “When Kailyn left me at the parlor door earlier, I wished Lady Anne had chosen a woman who wanted to be my wife. I’m convinced my thoughts initiated Desdemona’s little game. She wanted to show me I could have any woman in the room.”

  He gulped and gazed steadily at his horrified sister. “You’re Ginnette’s best friend. I need to know what makes her Desdemona’s puppet.”

  Brows knitted, Nell tapped her fingers on the mantel. “It stems from her parents’ refusal to accept her nouveau-riche lover. He doesn’t have a title.”

  Nell’s expression was thunderous. “Ginnette knows you’re resigned to marrying for duty. After the wedding you’ll return to your architecture business and she’ll remain at Ryne Castle. I assume she believes that with you in London, she’ll be free to meet her sweetheart whenever it pleases her. Your title will give her social standing without her sacrificing any liaisons with her gentleman friend.”

  His sister’s words struck him like a punch to the gut. The scheme revolted him. Lady Anne had been right. The only way to save Ryne was through love.

  He had one mulish engineer to win in the next five days.

  Chapter 11

  Another kiss indeed. Kailyn glared at Markham’s retreating back. He was out of control. She couldn’t even sneeze without him turning it into a sexual come-on. The “Wedding March” hummed in her head.