A Ghost of a Chance Read online

“But I want you!”

  More slobbering ensued, which made Violet want to stuff her fingers in her ears.

  Letty gave a heartfelt sigh. “We should go back. My mother will be wondering where I’ve gone.”

  “Indeed. Should I escort you?”

  “No, that will just make her suspicious of your intentions toward me.”

  “My intentions are entirely honorable, my darling, I can assure you of that.”

  Violet pressed her lips together and blinked back tears.

  “I should have asked Violet to accompany me,” Letty said. “She would’ve been discreet.”

  “Vi’s here?” Charlie laughed. “With all the females dressed in black, I didn’t see her. I must go and pay my respects. She’s a good girl.”

  “Charlie?” Violet tensed as Letty spoke. “Is it possible that you might prefer Violet to me?”

  “Vi? Why on earth would you think that?”

  “Because, I suspect she has a tendre for you. I was reading her diary over her shoulder the other day, and—”

  Violet wished she had the courage to emerge from her hiding place, slap a hand over her half-sister’s mouth, and drag her off somewhere. She was fairly certain there were quite a few places within the castle walls where a body could be conveniently disposed of.

  “She let you read her diary?” Charlie laughed, the sound echoing around the stone chamber. “I’ll wager that was interesting.”

  “It was certainly full of long words I couldn’t understand, and strongly resembled a sermon in places.”

  “Well, Vi is terribly clever.”

  “I know. I admire her immensely.” Letty hesitated. “But I did notice she was looking forward to seeing you again, rather particularly.”

  “We’ve known her for years. She’s my sister Kitty’s best friend. I consider her as a sister, as does Edwin.”

  Violet pressed a hand over her heart, wishing she’d had the forethought to bring a dagger and plunge it deep, thus ending her pitiful existence.

  “Then I will ask her to be our friend and shield us from those who would oppose our union.”

  “As you wish, my love. It’s not as if she’s got anything better to do, now, is it? Let me at least escort you back to the top of the stairs.”

  Their voices gradually faded away, but Violet stayed where she was. No one would miss her. No one would wonder whether her morals were being compromised in some dark corner, because she was too dull to even keep an interesting diary…

  She groaned.

  “Thou art enamored of that knave, Mistress?”

  Violet startled so badly that she hit her head on the wall. The voice had come from the shadows deep within the narrow enclosure. She pressed a hand to her still-thumping heart and breathed out through her nose.

  “Mistress?”

  She cautiously turned her head to where a shadowy figure sat hunched against the wall. She couldn’t see him very clearly except for long legs encased in hose and supple leather boots.

  “I do beg your pardon.” Violet’s cheeks heated. “I didn’t know there was anyone else, um, hiding, I mean, occupying this space when I accidentally sat down here to, to retie the ribbon of my slipper.”

  The man chuckled. “Do not be afeared, Mistress. I did likewise to avoid those young lovers.”

  Violet allowed herself to relax a little. “Indeed. I feel somewhat foolish, to be honest.”

  “There is no need to excuse thyself. There are times when all of us wish we had the ability to disappear into the walls.” He hesitated. “Is the young rascal your betrothed? Has he proven false to thee?”

  “No, he’s not my betrothed. I wish he was, but seeing as that was my half-sister he was making up to, I suspect my chances are slender to say the least.”

  “That beauteous vision is your sister?”

  “My half-sister. Yes.”

  “But thou still desire the rogue?”

  “I’ve always loved him,” Violet said simply.

  “Then we must devise a plan to deliver him to thee.”

  Violet made another attempt to see the man’s features more clearly. He wore some kind of hat or bonnet with a feather in it, and had a beard. From the sound of his rustic accent, she deduced he must be a local man. It occurred to her that she shouldn’t be sitting in the dark, conversing with a servant with such familiarity, but his kindness was a balm to the tumultuous state of her emotions.

  “It’s very generous of you to be concerned about me, sir, but—”

  “Nay, Mistress, I am glad to be of service. Since residing at Castle Keyvnor my talents have lain somewhat dormant.”

  “Your talents?” Violet’s incessant curiosity had always been her besetting sin.

  “Aye, I am a playwright, a composer of fine tunes, and a man of letters. I know the art of a well-placed phrase, the sonnet that will melt a maiden’s heart, the song that will bring a lover to his knees.”

  “That all sounds very nice, but none of it can really help me.”

  “Thou jest, Mistress. Dost thee not want this Charlie to fall in love with thee, and make thee his own?”

  “That would be lovely, but—”

  “Then, I shall help thee.”

  Violet eased her way out of the stone enclosure on her bottom and stood up. “Thank you, again.”

  “Come hither tomorrow, and I will have a plan for thee to follow to win thy true love.”

  “Good night, sir.”

  As she straightened her skirts, his voice floated up to her.

  “My name is Benedict Nankervis, Mistress.”

  “And mine is Violet DeLisle.”

  “French, eh? Did your family come over with the cursed Boleyns?”

  “According to my father, who prides himself on knowing such things, our particular branch of the DeLisles came over with William the Conqueror himself.”

  “A long and distinguished lineage, then.”

  “So I am told.” She looked up as voices echoed down the stairwell. “I must go. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Nankervis.”

  “Aye, sleep well, Mistress Violet. I will attend thee tomorrow.”

  Violet slowly climbed up the stairs, her skirt held high in her hand. It had been a very odd evening indeed. The corridor was deserted, but the sound of conversation emanated from the large drawing room. Light glowed from under the door. She went toward it, gathering her shawl against the draughts that raced through the castle like a pack of unruly hounds.

  From somewhere high above in the brooding tower, a scream echoed, shattering her calm, and she stopped moving. What was the matter with her? She was the sensible member of the DeLisle family, not the one imagining things. She strained her ears listening for another sound, but there was silence. It might have been Oscar the poodle creating havoc, or perhaps one of the children had escaped the nursery and had been recaptured.

  Straightening her spine, she went into the drawing room and immediately saw Letty chatting away to her mother as if nothing had happened. The temptation to disrupt that little tête–à–tête with a few home truths shuddered through her. Was she becoming the ill-natured spinster her stepmother assumed she was destined to be?

  “Vi! Is that you under all that black crepe?”

  She spun around to see Charlie grinning down at her. He looked as handsome as ever; only the slight flush on his cheeks and the darkening of his lips indicated that a few moments earlier he’d been kissing her half-sister.

  “How nice to see you, Charlie. I understand that Kitty is not with you?”

  “Good Lord, no. Edwin’s here, though.” He offered her his arm. “Will you walk with me? This whole place is like an icehouse. I’m afraid that if I don’t keep moving, I’ll freeze in one spot and be stuck here forever.”

  Violet placed her hand on his sleeve and allowed him to lead her toward the diamond-paned leaded windows at the far end of the room.

  “How have you been?” Charlie inquired. “Found a husband yet?”

>   She manufactured a sigh. “My problem is which of the many to choose from. None of them come up to my exacting standards.”

  “You mean you’re picky. Nothing wrong with that, Vi. An intelligent girl like you deserves a good man.”

  He rarely knew when she was joking, which was somewhat charming.

  “Exactly. I need someone who will love me for myself and not for my large dowry or distinguished family name.” She pressed his sleeve. “The thing is, my father and stepmother are determined that I shall be married off this year or cease trying. I am afraid that they will… force my hand.”

  “We won’t let that happen, Vi. You can always come to us if things get too difficult. Edwin will sort it out. He always does.”

  He was fond of her. She knew it in her heart. Now she just had to convince him to see her in a different light. But how?

  “And what of you, Charlie? Have you decided to settle down yet?”

  He shrugged. “It’s not easy being a younger son. The ladies aren’t interested.”

  “Nonsense, Charlie. You’re always surrounded by women.”

  “But most of them don’t want to marry me. They want—” He paused. “They want things that aren’t suitable for an unmarried lady’s ears.”

  “Then they don’t value you as they ought. I’ve known you a long time, and you are more than just a man about town. You have…hidden depths.”

  “I, I… do?” He raised his eyebrows.

  “Yes. I appreciate that about you, Charlie. Mayhap you need to look closer to home to find your bride.” She stared into his eyes, willing him to make the connection, waiting for inspiration to hit him.

  “Ah. Indeed. That is excellent advice, Vi. I should look around myself more carefully, and seek out those who really know me, and like me for myself.” He winked at her. “You might be able to help me out with that, eh?”

  It was a start. Charlie had never taken to book learning, and was remarkably suggestible. She smiled brightly.

  “What an excellent idea, Charlie. You are so clever.”

  He accepted her compliment without a murmur, and they turned to walk back down the room. Violet had always appreciated Charlie’s natural propensity to defer to her superior brain. She could manage him. He would be extremely happy if he married her. She’d make sure of it.

  “Look, there’s Edwin. “

  Charlie towed her toward his brother, giving her the chance to compare the two very different men as they approached. Edwin bowed.

  “Vi, where have you been? I was looking for you when I came in.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me Vi was here?” Charlie cut across his brother. “I almost missed her amongst this flock of black crows.”

  “I’m not sure why,” Edwin remarked. “She is instantly recognizable to me.”

  Vi smiled at him. He always said the kindest things.

  “Well, they all look the same to me,” Charlie argued. “Apart from Letty. I mean Miss Letitia. She always shines.”

  “She is very beautiful,” Violet agreed.

  “But very young,” Edwin added.

  Charlie frowned. “Are you making some kind of point, brother? She’s certainly old enough to know her own mind.”

  “Do you really think so? All I see is her mother telling her what to do, what to say, and whom to marry. It’s a good thing she has Violet as a sister to widen her horizons.”

  Both gentlemen stared at her, and Violet suddenly wished she could disappear.

  Charlie straightened his spine and stuck out his chin like an enraged cockerel. “You sound as if you have made a study of Miss Letitia, Edwin. Has she caught your interest?”

  “What if she has?”

  “Well, her mother would certainly be pleased to ensnare a future viscount in her nets, but I hardly think you have anything in common with an eighteen-year-old girl.”

  “And you do?”

  Violet quailed under the steely tone of Edwin’s question. She wished they were boys again, and she could either knock their heads together or place a hand on each of their chests and shove them apart. Unfortunately, neither action would win her any favors in her current circumstances.

  She cleared her throat. “I know that, as brothers, you two are naturally competitive, but that is my half-sister you are speaking of. I cannot allow you to bandy her name around in public.”

  Edwin winced as Violet spoke, and immediately stepped back from his infuriating brother.

  “I do apologize, Miss DeLisle.”

  Charlie looked surly. “I’m not apologizing for speaking the truth. Leave Letty alone, Edwin.”

  Wonderful. Now Violet thought he was arguing with his brother over which one of them should be allowed to court her half-sister. This was not the outcome he had anticipated, but Charlie’s ability to play fast and loose with the female sex was incredibly annoying. Violet’s sister was too young to be flirted with and then discarded like all Charlie’s other relationships. If he wished to remain on good terms with Violet, he could not allow Charlie to upset her half-sister.

  After another fulminating glance Charlie stormed off, leaving Violet with Edwin.

  “Oh dear,” she murmured. “I didn’t mean to anger him.”

  “You have nothing to apologize for. As I said, we should not have discussed your sister in such a manner.” He hesitated and then continued, “But the thought of him trifling with her affections in his usual highhanded and careless manner offends me.”

  “Because you care for her yourself.” She nodded. “I understand perfectly.”

  “No, that’s not what I meant—”

  She gave a tiny sigh. “I am rather tired. Perhaps I will retire to bed.”

  Edwin offered her his arm. “Let me at least escort you to the bottom of the stairs.”

  They set off unnoticed in the crowd and threaded their way through various relatives until they reached the quiet entrance hall and grand staircase. Violet paused on the first step and looked at him. They were now at an equal height.

  “Thank you, Edwin.”

  “For ruining your evening?”

  Her smile was so sweet it took his breath away. “For being kind to me.” She hesitated, her grey eyes unusually serious. “I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I think Letty is rather taken with Charlie.”

  “All women are. It usually wears off after a week or so.” He took her hand and lightly kissed her fingers.

  “Will you be…upset if she will not entertain your suit?”

  Edwin blinked at her. What was happening, and how could he have blundered so badly that Violet was merrily asking him when he intended to propose to her half-sister? He felt like he’d stepped into the middle of a bad farce at the playhouse.

  “I won’t be upset at all, in fact. Violet—”

  She squeezed his fingers. “That’s because you always give way to Charlie. Perhaps this time you should question your decision and go with your heart.”

  He kept hold of her hand. “I intend to do that, but your half-sister is not the woman for me.”

  Her smile this time was kind. “You are so brave, Edwin. Do not despair yet. As you said, Letty is very young. There is always hope.” She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “Goodnight, my dear friend.”

  He stood there like a lummox as she ascended the stairs, her slippered feet making barely a sound. He touched the cheek she had kissed, and then brought his fingers to his own lips as if seeking the taste of her.

  “Well done, Edwin.” He spoke the words aloud to the empty hall. “Congratulations. You really are a complete fool.”

  Chapter 3

  Only the fact that it had been another horrible day drove Violet to slip away after dinner and seek out her unlikely accomplice below stairs. Charlie and Letty had been inseparable. Even her stepmother had smiled and let them get away with it, which made no sense at all, except that Charlie had that effect on all women. In truth, her stepmother had taken Violet aside and suggested that letting Charlie flirt with L
etty might persuade Edwin to take more of an interest in her younger sister. She’d ordered Violet not to interfere in any way.

  She and Edwin had done their best to keep an eye on the errant pair, but it had proved a difficult task within the confines of the castle, which lent itself to concealment. Poor Edwin had gallantly stuck by her side. If it hadn’t been for his assistance and calm good sense, Violet’s day would have been even worse.

  Violet paused on the stairs. She didn’t understand what Edwin saw in Letty to attract him.

  Where had that thought come from? It was none of her business whom Edwin wanted to marry.

  “He’d be bored silly in a week.”

  She said the words out loud. She loved her half-sister, but Letty had been told she was beautiful since the day she was born and hadn’t considered gaining any further accomplishments other than those essential to ensnare a husband since.

  But men, as a rule, seemed to prefer a pretty face to an intelligent mind. She just hadn’t realized Edwin felt the same. She reached the lower level of the castle and cautiously approached the concealed stairwell.

  “Mr. Nankervis?”

  “At your service, Mistress Violet.”

  He was suddenly in front of her. He held an old-fashioned lute in his hand and wore what she could only describe as a masquerade ball costume worthy of the great King Henry VIII himself. Violet only just managed to stop gawping to speak.

  “You look rather… splendid.”

  “Thank you, Mistress.”

  He bowed low in a courtly manner, the feather in his purple velvet cap almost touching the floor.

  “Do you often wear such garb in your profession?”

  He brushed a hand over his matching purple breeches and yellow hose. “One needs to be seen when one is performing.”

  “Ah, does the Earl of Banfield still maintain the ancient tradition of employing musicians in his household?”

  “I believe there has always been a troupe here, aye.”

  As the castle was in mourning, perhaps the earl had thought it unseemly to offer his guests music, which was why Benedict Nankervis was at liberty to help her.

  He bowed again and gestured for her to follow him to a deep embrasure with a cushioned seat. There was very little light on this level of the castle. At this time of night, only a couple of tallow candles set high on the walls illuminated the vast echoing space in irregular patches. She could only hope there were no rats or vermin scuttling around her toes. Her companion seemed to almost float through the air, his boots making no sound on the flagstones.