The Hawkthorn Ghost Plays Cupid

by Patty Deans

  Julia chuckled to herself. Margaret and James could out-do each other in their perfect behavior. Gabby would be thrown off with Jane on one side. But he should prove interesting to the debs with Ginny now engaged and the countess talking of moving to the dower house after the January wedding.

  ***

  That evening after dinner, Glen Sharn, with nary a limp wandered over to talk to Winnie about crops. Ginny sat talking to Becca about wedding plans.

  Julia suddenly noticed Gabby sitting off to the side looking out a dark window. Keven would have to wait. It was time she understood what made Gabby tick. Jane had chattered like a magpie, and Gabby had a difficult time answering all the questions about the wonders of a deb's first season.

  Julia quietly walked over and stood behind the Earl of Howerd's chair until he noticed her image in the black glass. He smiled. "Thinking, Julia. That's all I'm doing is thinking."

  "If you want to walk in the garden, I'll send for my shawl." At his quick frown, she added, "It is pleasant to walk in the gallery. We might gaze on the Old Earl and ask for his wisdom. Perhaps his ghost will float down and haunt you tonight."

  "I choose the gallery. And if you promise to be amenable I might tell you stories of the Old Earl."

  "I'd like that."

  "Come, Julia, I'll show you a new way and no one will know we have left."

  Excitement prickled up Julia's back at the light of adventure in Gabby's brown eyes. "Indeed."

  "Ah, yes. James and I sought many a diversion here, while our mother's gossiped for hours."

  They had barely taken ten steps before Gabby pulled her behind a curtain, and as though by magic a door opened and he pushed her inside.

  "It's dark. I can't see." She blinked.

  "One moment. I must find the lucifer. I brought a candle."

  Julia could hear the scratch and see the flame touch the wick of the candle. Light flooded through the spider webs making lacy shadows on the ceiling and walls of a long narrow flight of stairs. Gabby took her hand and led her up the steps.

  "I never knew of these stairs." The thought of the parched paper falling out of a book when she was cataloguing in the library came to her mind. The paper contained a map of hidden stairs, these stairs. Her heart pounded in her throat.

  "James kept his treasures hidden in these secret passages. Didn't he acquaint you with the hidden stairs?"

  "No, but he taught me to swim."

  "I remember. You're the devilish imp that upset him fishing with the stable boys." With a chuckle, he added, "Worried you would drown."

  "I thought he wanted to drown me."

  "James? Too soft-hearted by far. Never could understand how he lived ten days in battle. Figured he would be the first to bite the dust. Surprised at Becca's brother not surviving, but he did save twenty men. He was a hero in civilian life as well as the army. Always brave."

  "What made you feel he would survive?"

  "Because he was taller, stronger, and smarter than the rest of us."

  They had reached a landing and Gabby opened the door. After they stepped into the gallery, he closed the door and it looked like every other panel along the wide hall.

  "How many backstairs are there in this place?"

  "Not backstairs, a hidden stair," Gabby quickly said.

  "From how many rooms can you find a hidden stair?" Julia insisted.

  "How would I know? It's not my place, Julia. I'm not sure that James knows them all. Whoever built this place must have been frightened of someone or something. The thought must have inspired James' grandmother to write the Dragon stories. The original Hawkthorn built thick walls, but left enough space to hide a stairway."

  "Can't imagine why no one told me."

  "I think you created enough mischief in your first days here to scare a saint."

  "Oh, Gabby, I never meant to."

  "I know." He offered her his arm and started down the dimly lit hall. "The Old Earl doesn't hold the most prominent place in the gallery, yet to me he should," Gabby's words sounded sincere.

  They stood quietly before the oil painting of the Old Earl.

  "He was certainly a tall, majestic man," Gabby commented. "James and I knew he meant what he said."

  Julia stared at the painting. His shoulder length white hair, burgundy velvet coat with lace that hung below his sleeves, pale pantaloons and square-toed boots were the same as when he appeared to her. "His jowls aren't wrinkled."

  "They weren't until the last year of his life. He lost weight then. Did you know the Old Earl?"

  "No. My aunt knew him."

  Gabby nodded and he motioned for her to sit on the bench with him.

  "Do you believe in ghosts haunting where they lived?" Julia asked in a whisper.

  "If you're asking does the Old Earl haunt the place, I would have to admit that James and I expected him to. We looked everywhere for him after his death. The maze was a particular place we expected to find him. We traveled up and down the stairs, both swearing we could see a figure ahead that had all the attributes of the Old Earl. I'm now certain ghosts do not exist."

  "I thought I talked to the Old Earl." She confided in a low voice not wishing the ghost to hear her.

  "How would you know?"

  "I saw mist, and heard a man's voice."

  "In the maze?"

  "Never. Once I was lost there. Terrible place."

  "Too frightening. What you saw was a bit of mist rise, and a servant whispered some good advice. Always take their advice. The backstairs servants know everything."

  "That's true." Then Julia swung around so she could see Gabby's face. "Would you pay attention to me for a day or two?"

  "Why?"

  "I want James to notice me."

  "So that's why Glen and Winnie flirted with you." Gabby gave her a knowing look. "You're one great matchmaker. I had given up on Winnie long ago, and thought Ginny had, too."

  Julia laughed. "Oh, I did help in the matchmaking. I've played chess with Becca. She improved my game. I heard James give Glen credit for being a champ in chess when he and Becca talked of the game. And I made sure that your sister would fall into Winnie's arms. And she did -- in a manner of speaking."

  "I do not believe such a glib confession. How could you contrive anyone to fall that is as fragile as Ginny? Nor would anyone believe a chess game could bring Becca and Glen together. Some other magic was in the air. However, Becca and Winnie always did prefer taking in injured animals of one kind or another, like birds with broken wings."

  "Neither Glen nor Ginny have a helpless bone in them," Julia stood with her arms akimbo, her hands fisted. "It may have been magic, but I'm certain you misunderstand Becca and Winnie."

  "No need to get huffy. I agree. But both turn to jelly in front of their true love. Wait until they get married. It will be bliss or hell. No chance of the middle road like the rest of the world expects."

  "Maybe you are right. Most of us want a love match but settle for less." Her heart constricted at the thought of her unrequited love for James.

  "I understand it's wise to settle for something comfortable. It might lack fireworks but you don't catch on fire and burn."

  "Marriage without love can run smoothly?" She wondered if James would ever be comfortable with her.

  "Maybe. Yet, if your heart is set on James, I'll help you chip off the ice he's packed around his heart."

  "I thought you called him soft-hearted."

  "James is soft-hearted. But he gave up on love. First his mother died. Then his father waited too many years before he remarried. James no longer needed a mother. Nevertheless the real tragedy occurred when a sophisticated beauty flirted with James to capture a title."

  "He fell in love with her?"

  "He thought so. Joined His Majesty's Army when the beauty announced her engagement to an old man with a title. His friends and family cheered that she didn't get her talons in James. Would have been his ruin."

  "Are you sure?"

  "Hateful wo
man. Has almost spent her husband's fortune on gowns and jewels. Dances with all the young bucks and is unfaithful to her husband."

  "My, my. All for a title?"

  "Many a woman wants that more than bread."

  "Why then do you think James thinks I need to marry a title?"

  "Titles usually have more money. Maybe James could fall in love with you. Blast it all, you're pretty as a picture. You might be able to handle him. Turn him into a real sweetheart."

  "Will you help me?"

  "Indeed! My pleasure." Gabby chuckled. "Think this might be fun. Hate being stuck with Margaret and Jane. All they can talk about is their season. They will abhor the ton before the season is over, and Winnie will have a fit. His father will take over and handle them better."

  "Maybe Ginny will be breeding and save the season for them after all."

  "By rights it should not be Winnie's responsibility." Gabby rose and tucked her hand into the curve of his arm. Lost in their own thoughts they walked in silence around the gallery looking at the Hawkthorn earls and countesses.

  Julia wondered if she would become a countess and if her picture would hang in this gallery. What will people think about her and James? Will they talk about the marriage of convenience? Will they tell stories about James running to London to be with an opera singer? That bothered her to no end. Not the talk of his affairs as much as him leaving her in the country alone and him going to London to visit another woman.

  Gabby stopped to gaze again at the Old Earl before he turned to Julia and said, "Now about us. I could hold you closer in the waltz and blow in your ear. Might even dance two or three waltzes before giving you up to the others. That'll set James off. I have a feeling he still thinks you're his property while trying to give you away."

  "Maybe it will work. Let us try it."

  "We can make an entrance. Shall it be through the French doors or down the stairway? Do you have a preference, Julia?"

  "I would need to get a cloak if we use the French doors."

  "Settled. We shall go down the stairs and through the ballroom doors. I don't want you dreaming about ways to be noticed. I don't take well to being tripped to bring attention to our entrance. I'll knock over a vase or something if they ignore us."

  Julia had never felt more nervous. Who would ever be able to marry this calculating man? Calm beyond reason. She swallowed and followed his lead. The doors to the ballroom stood open and they paused under the arch and waited until the musicians played a waltz. They quietly joined the dancers.

  The strings of the violin and the beat of the waltz soothed her while Gabby pulled her to him and circled around the floor. No one could miss them. Gabby led her close to every couple, often lightly brushing a gentleman's sleeve or being brushed by a lady's skirt.

  Julia had to close her eyes for she could not bear to see the censure that surely existed. As they danced Gabby didn't leave room for a sheet of stationery to be slipped between them. His thigh touched her thighs.

  "If you don't stop frowning and look at me with smiling eyes, I'll swing you around until you become limp," Gabby whispered.

  He blew in her ear and warmth ran down her that took her breath away. Her eyes flew open and she tried to smile.

  "A real smile. James' eyes are squinting with disapproval. He is shooting daggers at me. Believes I'm taking advantage of his ward. Here he comes." He pulled her closer and she saw James' hand grab Gabby's shoulder.

  "My waltz, Gabby."

  "Lady Julia, would you like to dance with James?"

  She barely nodded her head. Or should she have refused? Why hadn't Gabby told her what to do?

  James grabbed her and Gabby whispered, "Blow in her ear."

  Julia forced a smile at James. He looked about to explode. "Julia, don't you know better than to let a man hold you so close," he whispered in her ear.

  His breath warmed her to the pit of her stomach. She felt all tingly inside from his touch compared to Gabby's touch. When James twirled her, she felt light-headed and leaned closer to him for fear she might fall.

  "Julia, what am I going to do with you? Gabby is far too sophisticated. He is not at all tuned to a young lady's needs. I don't believe him suitable."

  "You said all your friends were suitable."

  "Gabby needs to mellow before he can handle someone like you."

  "Is there something wrong with me?" Julia wondered if James had even heard what she said.

  "No. He isn't the right man and this isn't the right time. Ginny and Winnie need to get married before Gabby can think of a bride."

  James pulled her closer and whispered, "Nice waltz. You chose good musicians."

  She smiled, hoping that he was becoming jealous of each of her suitors. Three men down and one to go and Keven should be an easy touch. With any luck, this may turn out to be a love match after all.

  ***

  Midnight came and the clock echoed out the hour. Julia scurried in twenty minutes late. James noticed her hair had tumbled down, and wondered if Gabby had been kissing her. He stiffened and stopped himself from accusing. Gabby was wrong for Julia but he would need to persuade her.

  "I am sorry to be late, but there were many last minute chores."

  "Did one of them include Gabby?" Damn, he meant not to bring the man's name up.

  She sat in her chair and flung back her hair. "Yes it did. I am afraid my delay was my own fault, but Gabby did try to come to my rescue."

  "On what pretense?" His temples throbbed.

  "For some strange reason when I searched through the linen closet for an extra blanket my ribbon caught on the door frame." She leaned back and laughed. James wanted to strangle her pretty little neck. "Gabby does not know how to untie a ribbon and he caused it to become more tangled. Finally, I took all the pins out of my hair and managed myself. I wonder if Ginny ever had a mishap. Gabby obviously does not know how to handle a simple hair ribbon."

  "I hate to contradict you, but I imagine Gabby purposely caught your ribbon, and had fun tangling it up." He desired to put a sword through Gabby's midsection.

  "Don't be silly. Have you no sense of humor? It was no more than a funny incident."

  "How many kisses did he steal." He couldn't stop himself from imagining the two of them in a lover's embrace.

  "What makes you think..." Julia paused before a saucy laugh escaped her full lips. "I am not telling you."

  James sobered. "I will not permit you to marry Gabby. He is wrong for you. We will not discuss this."

  "Perhaps we should discuss a safer subject." She eyed him thoughtfully. "I am anxious to start decorating the house for Christmas. Cook has been preparing for days. When shall we start, James?"

  "Robert is anxious, too."

  "When did you see Robert? He didn't tell me he saw you."

  "I see him everyday whenever it is possible."

  "That is nice."

  "I will never neglect my heir."

  She smiled. "He does love you, James, and talks about you -- but nothing specific. Do you have some secret project?"

  One is to control her. He will make her forget Gabby's kisses. James steepled his hands. "Yes. I think that I can admit to having a secret project. One you will be pleased with."

  "You are not teaching Robert to shoot? He is too young."

  I do not believe it necessary to seek your opinion on this subject. "I promise I'll not teach him to shoot until he is ready. I've not taken him on another hunt. In fact none of us have been hunting since the first morning. How have you managed that?"

  "How could I manage what you do?"

  "Somehow I think you do. I always think you have a way of doing the impossible without trying. Frankly I was frightened that if you couldn't have Gabby you would tie Margaret to him and that would be a disaster."

  "I don't want Gabby."

  "I am glad to hear that. For I would never let it happen."

  "We will start decorating tomorrow?" She looked away.

  "I will check with E
llis and some of the men in the stable. It is late, I will walk you to your room."

  James pulled her arm under his then led her to the stairs. Awareness filled the air around them as he continued walking her up the stairs at a leisurely pace.

  Never had he thought walking a lady could be so stimulating. He could feel his pulse race as they walked down the hall. The flickering candles turned her hair to spun gold. Stopping at her door, he slowly turned and gazed into her eyes. Eyes wide with anticipation and longing. He touched her cheek with his fingertips, leaned down, brushed her lips with his, and then he kissed her. Tentatively her hands slid around his neck. Her fingers threaded through his hair and sent lightning down his spine. The kiss grew more passionate. As she swayed toward him, his desire soared. He wanted the warmth of the kiss, and her body to last forever.

  As he held her tight, his mind fought the actions of his body. What did he think he was doing? She was his ward for him to protect from men like himself. Abruptly let her go and pulled away.

  "Did Gabby kiss you like this?"

  What was wrong with him? He had no right to ask. He couldn't be jealous.

  CHAPTER 15

  The next morning before dawn, Julia dragged herself from bed. She did not call for Louise, instead dressed in her green velvet riding habit and quietly crept down the backstairs to the kitchen.

  "Sit down, Lady Julia. I'll warm your tea." The cook turned to finish kneading the bread.

  "If the biscuits are not ready, I'll take a raspberry tart."

  "No, no! It shan't be long before I have the biscuits in the oven." Cook slowly dried her hands. "What about dinner tonight? Have you any special requests."

  "I thought we agreed on the menu."

  "Ah, yes." She turned again not yet putting the kettle on the hearth. "I thought I might change the dessert."

  Julia sensed cook's questions and chatter were in an effort to delay her. She had never seen cook so nervous. "I have no preference. I'm not thirsty. I'll just take a tart and perhaps an apple."

  "I have some other questions."