Christmas Ghosts at the Priory

by Fenella J Miller

  She directed him to the smaller drawing room that was used when the family were alone. There would be two dozen or more guests arriving to celebrate her wedding in the next week or two and the formal room would come into action then.

  A footman had hurried ahead and opened the door. 'Grandmama, I've brought my future husband to meet you. I must apologise for his tardy arrival. I shall explain everything to you.'

  Her grandmother was no more than a year or two younger than her husband but wore her years well. She was tiny but her robust character made one think she was a person of greater stature.

  'Welcome, my lord, to St Cuthbert's Priory. I cannot tell you how happy it makes me that you and Eloise are already so close.'

  He released his hold but remained beside her so his bulk was supporting her. He bowed. 'I'm delighted to be here, my lady, and I thank you for your kind welcome.'

  Formalities over Eloise gestured with her head that they take the sofa opposite her grandmother. Once they were comfortable she decided to no longer prevaricate about the situation.

  When she had completed her explanation her ancient relative looked decidedly shocked. 'I'd no idea that the spectres could be violent. Of course, your grandfather and I are well aware you're not alone in your chambers but as long as you were happy with your ghostly companions then we thought it safe for you to remain.'

  'So you see, Grandmama, why I have no option but to move into Garrick's apartment. If I don't do so then they might succeed in their efforts to murder him before our wedding.'

  'Your grandfather will not approve but I agree with you. Heaven knows what our house guests will think of the situation.'

  He spoke for the first time on this subject. 'As long as you and Sir Thomas are content then no one else's opinion matters, my lady. Do the guests sleep on the same side of the Priory as family?'

  'No, my lord, they reside in the other wing. You, of course, are on the family side.'

  'Exactly so. Therefore, I can see no difficulty as they'll not be aware of our outrageous sleeping arrangements.'

  'It is most inconvenient having ghosts floating about the place in this way, Eloise. Can you not control your friends? Demand they remain in their own premises?'

  'I think they have their own plans, Grandmama. They're well aware that once I'm gone they'll be trapped and unable to communicate with anyone.'

  'I think it's time we spoke of the other matter, my dear girl. Your grandfather is not long for this world, and when he goes we will leave here forever.'

  She made a move to push herself from her seat and Garrick immediately put his hands on either side of her waist and lifted her easily to her feet. Then he supported her as she crossed the room to drop down beside her grandmother. It was going to be a joy having him there to assist her. For the first time since the accident she no longer felt disadvantaged by her injury.

  'Grandmama, I'm relieved that we can be open with each other about this. As long as we continue to pretend we don't know in front of him, it will be so much easier for us to bear what's coming.'

  'He insists the house must be made festive for your nuptials and to celebrate the Lord's name day, of course. I've already got Bates searching out the necessary items from the attics and the maids and footmen appear to be happy to take care of this onerous task for us.'

  Garrick cleared his throat indicating he wished to speak. 'Is there a tenant already selected to take over this place when we go?'

  'I wish there were, my lord, but staff will talk. We have to pay double wages in order to keep anyone here because of the unwanted occupants we share the place with. Thomas has made every effort to find someone suitable but nobody wishes to live here despite the fact this place is in excellent repair and would make anyone a healthy profit from the farms on the estate.'

  'If you would permit me, my lady, I will take care of this. I have exactly the family in mind who will relish the thought of having ghostly neighbours.'

  'Then please do so. That is one less thing to worry about. You will be shocked to hear my granddaughter refused to have bride clothes made and now it is too late to set anything in motion.'

  'I have more than enough ensembles, and all in the first stare of fashion, and to make more would be a shocking waste of money.'

  He looked at her with approval. 'I'm delighted to hear you say so, my dear. Not that I am likely to be consulted on such matters as you've already pointed out to me you're in a position to buy as many gowns as you require without asking my permission.'

  Her grandmother was surprised to hear that they had discussed such things after so short an acquaintance. 'I can assure you, my lord, that your future wife spends her money wisely. She supports many charities and there are dozens of families in the neighbourhood that have successful businesses because of her investment in their skills.'

  *

  Eloise wanted to supervise her move upstairs. 'I'm not sure if it will be more dangerous for you to come with me or for you to remain here.'

  'We agreed it was safer for us to be together.' Again, he supported her with his arm as they made their long trek from the small drawing room to her domain.

  As they approached the door swung open of its own volition. His hair stood on end. His fingers tightened around her waist and she squeezed his hand.

  'It's a good sign that Brother Francis has returned to his post. He was missing when I left earlier.'

  Something flickered almost out of his vision. 'I saw him, at least I think I did. He's dressed in a monk's habit but it's not brown but grey.'

  She didn't reply to him but spoke to the ghost. 'This is my future husband, Viscount Forsyth, I forbid you to harm him in any way.'

  If the spectre replied he heard nothing. He considered himself a sensible fellow, not frightened of anything, but his skin crawled as he walked deeper into her apartment.

  'There's something I need to ask you, Garrick, I wish to bring my personal staff with me. I want no one else to serve me.'

  'I want you to be happy and will do everything in my power to make this happen. Bring whoever you want. No doubt you will wish to bring your gelding too.'

  'Naturally, I trust him with my life. I expect you disapprove of the fact that I was riding astride – my injured leg makes riding side-saddle impossible for me.'

  'As long as you remain within the park then I have no objection. Do you drive?'

  'I do, but nothing more exciting than a gig. Could I persuade you to buy me a high-perch phaeton for my wedding gift?'

  Despite his unease in his surroundings he chuckled. 'Over my dead body, young lady. However, I shall purchase one for myself and you may sit beside me on the box.'

  She pulled a face. 'Then that will have to do. Why did you ask if I could handle the reins?'

  They were now in what was obviously her bedchamber. It was a gloomy place, the windows little more than slits set in the thick walls and they let in almost no light.

  'I was thinking that if you cannot ride in public you could drive instead. It's no more than half an hour to the nearest village and an hour to the town. I'm certain you'll wish to visit both.'

  'I thought you would insist I travel in a closed carriage. I'm finding you a most surprising gentleman and not at all what I expected from an aristocrat.'

  He was about to answer when something hit him between the shoulder blades. He was propelled forward at such speed he lost his footing and fell headlong. It was pure luck that his head missed hitting the wall.

  She was down beside him before he had recovered his wits. 'Lie still,' she whispered, 'pretend you're dead. I cannot keep you safe if you don't.'

  He didn't argue. She must have some plan in mind. If being with her couldn't keep him safe then he'd have to insist they moved at once to Penston.

  His heart was hammering, but he forced his limbs to remain still. There was a malevolent presence hovering over him.

  'Brother James, what have you done? You were a man of God, spent your days in doing good for the sick a
nd needy. How can you now be a murderer?'

  There was a pause in which he thought the ghost was speaking. Then she replied.

  'You are no friend of mine. You and your companions will remove yourself from my presence. I shall not communicate with you again.'

  The weight that appeared to have been holding him to the floor vanished. He rolled and regained his feet.

  'What did he say to you?'

  'He swore he would remove the obstacle from his path one way or another. You heard me send them away and he was forced to go. The crucifix you wear should have been protection against them. You should never have come – I should never have agreed to this arranged marriage.'

  'We must leave here, all of us, immediately and leave this place to them. I'm the last in my line, I cannot risk my life by remaining here however much I might wish to.'

  'My grandfather is too sick to travel even so short a distance. You must go home, Garrick, but I'll remain here until the end.'

  He had intended to agree but said something else entirely. 'I shall remove myself to the nearest hostelry – presumably they cannot follow me there. We can meet each day until we marry.'

  Her face lit up. Her remarkable eyes sparkled like gemstones. 'There's a substantial property no more than half a mile from here – it's within the grounds of the Priory and was occupied by visiting dignitaries. As far as I know it is habitable still. You can move there. They cannot leave this building so you will be safe.'

  'I still think it would be better for you to move into the main part of the house – these cloisters are dismal and I cannot understand why you wish to live here.' She frowned but he raised a hand to prevent her from protesting. 'I'm well aware that you chose these rooms because of your infirmity. As you cannot climb stairs then you must all come with me. I'm certain Sir Thomas can move so short a distance without making his condition worse.'

  For a moment she was undecided then she nodded vigorously. 'That's a perfect notion. When I explain it to them I'm certain they'll agree that it's the only possible solution to this problem.'

  Her maid, a plump woman of middle years and smiling countenance, appeared in the door. 'Polly, I was about to send for you. The company has twice attempted to murder his lordship so we must move to the guest house in the grounds. Kindly have all my belongings packed and transferred there.'

  The astonishment on the poor woman's face was comical.

  'No, Polly dearest, do not look so scandalised. Sir Thomas and her ladyship will accompany us. I'm going to speak to them now. There's still an hour or two of daylight and I wish to be safely installed in my new abode before dark.'

  *

  By evening the entire household had transferred, hopefully leaving the unwanted intruders behind. The house had a dozen bedchambers, plus half a dozen usable rooms on the nursery floor and further rooms in the attics that were quite serviceable.

  Dinner had been delayed in order to allow the kitchen staff to get the range burning and transfer the contents of the store rooms. Garrick had been closeted with her grandfather since they arrived but now they were coming to join them in the delightful drawing room before they finally dined.

  'Grandmama, I can't think why we didn't move here years ago. Despite the fact that the place has been empty and no fires lit this winter, already it's warmer than the Priory.'

  'The only disadvantage, my love, is that we can no longer accommodate so many guests for your wedding and for the Christmas festivities.'

  'I think half the people you invited can drive here quite easily and there's ample room for those that live more than an hour away. Thank goodness you had the foresight to have the place cleaned and repaired regularly.'

  'You know this space seems more like home than the Priory ever did even though I have spent more than sixty years in that place. Your grandpapa is delighted to be here, are you not, my dear?'

  'I am, Emma, we shall have an excellent time living here. I shall do better away from the worry of what lurks in the stonework of my ancestral home.'

  His colour was better and he was walking more briskly. Was it possible living with the ghosts had been aggravating his condition?

  Garrick offered his hand and she took it. 'Thank God you had this place we could all transfer to. It's more than adequate for our needs. The only drawback, as far as Sir Thomas and I can see, is that we'll have to return to use the chapel for the ceremony.'

  'I can't see a difficulty doing that, after all it's the Lord's house and they cannot enter there.'

  The butler was the only one put out by this lowering of standards. He bowed stiffly when he announced dinner and did not greet them by name as he usually did.

  She walked in on Garrick's arm well satisfied with the day's events. He looked magnificent in his evening black; she could not believe her luck that the gentleman who had been chosen for her was not only personable, but also kind, intelligent and broad-minded.

  'That ensemble is quite stunning, Eloise. Why am I not surprised your gown isn't of the accepted colour for unmarried young ladies?'

  The shimmering sparkles ran through her fingers. 'The underskirt is cream, only this is emerald.'

  'I have been derelict in my duties as I have yet to give you a betrothal ring. After dinner perhaps we can go somewhere quiet and I can do it then.'

  'We shall have this chamber to ourselves after dinner as my grandparents always retire immediately after they've eaten. As we're dining so late tonight I'm sure they'll wish to go immediately the meal's finished.'

  The food was excellent, as always, and as she'd predicted they walked alone into the drawing room afterwards. The room was wonderfully warm, not something she was used to. She sat on the daybed but for some reason he didn't join her.

  He remained on his feet in front of her until she was settled and then dropped to one knee and took her hands in his.

  'Miss Granville, will you do me the inestimable honour of becoming my wife? Make me the happiest of men.'

  Her first inclination had been to laugh at his nonsense but his expression was serious, his eyes not laughing. She sat up straighter before replying.

  'Thank you for your offer, my lord, I am delighted to accept.'

  He raised her hands to his mouth and kissed each knuckle in turn. A wave of unexpected heat surged around her and she tried to pull them away. His fingers tightened and for a second there was a silent struggle before she acquiesced.

  Still holding one hand firmly he released the other and dipped into his waistcoat pocket to remove a small leather ring box fastened with gold filigree. He flicked it open and revealed the ring.

  'It's beautiful. How did you know to choose an emerald?'

  He surged to his feet in one smooth movement and then took the seat beside her. He removed the ring and immediately she held out her hand for him to push it over her knuckle. Not only did it exactly match her eyes, it was also a perfect fit.

  'This is a family heirloom, my love, it was my mama's before you. This is another sign that we're meant to be together.'

  Before she could protest he had gathered her close, tilted her face towards him and then his lips were pressed against hers. For a second she stiffened but then the sensation was so pleasurable she relaxed and began to enjoy her first kiss.

  It ended too soon. 'There, the matter's settled. Neither of us can renege as it is unconscionable for a gentleman to kiss a young lady to whom he's not betrothed. Your reputation would be in tatters, as would mine, if we do not marry as planned in two weeks' time.'

  She rested her hot cheeks against his shoulder loving the feel of the fabric on her skin. She sighed. 'How can we be so happy together when we only met this morning?'

  'If you had been listening, miss, you would have heard me say that our stars are aligned and it has always been written that we should be together.'

  She drew back so she could see him. Something made her reach out and touch his face. His skin was rough beneath her fingertips. His expression changed and a strange darknes
s clouded his eyes and a flush appeared along his cheekbones.

  Abruptly he removed her hand and moved to the far end of the seat. Had she offended him by her wanton behaviour? He understood that she was concerned.

  'No, sweetheart, you did nothing wrong. I gave my word to Sir Thomas that I would not share your bed until we returned to Penston and were married the second time in front of the earl. I shall not be able to keep my promise if you touch me like that.'

  Chapter Five

  Garrick cursed inwardly that he'd forgotten for a moment his future bride was scarcely out of the schoolroom. Having no mother to speak to her about such intimate matters, he doubted she had any concept of what happened between a man and his wife in the bedroom. He must keep his distance until he knew her well enough to explain, to reassure her that nothing was going to take place that she didn't wish to participate in.

  'I'll carry you to your bedchamber, my love, and then I have letters to write. Shall we ride together in the morning?'

  'I should like that above anything. We have three horses up to your weight – do you wish me to send word to the stables or will you go yourself and choose?'

  He stopped outside her door. Her maid appeared and smiled approvingly as he set Eloise on her feet.

  'I'll go first thing to make my choice. Good night, I hope tomorrow's not as eventful.'

  'I doubt there's a couple in Christendom that has spent the day as we just did.' She held up her hand and counted on her fingers. 'One, a first meeting. Two, an attack by ghosts. Three, a decision to share an apartment without the benefit of clergy. Four, a second attack. Five, removal of an entire household to a new abode. Six, a formal proposal and celebratory dinner. I am quite exhausted just reciting the list.'

  'Do you prefer to ride before or after breakfast?'

  'I eat at eight o'clock then ride for an hour or two. I always take luncheon. This is served at midday and although gentlemen do not prefer to eat then, you're most welcome to join my grandmother and me. Good night, Garrick, I cannot tell you how glad I am to have you here.'