His Bewitching Jewel (A Regency Holiday Romance Book 7) (18 page)

“Aye, I always have, since I was a young lad. I can nod off anywhere…anytime. It can be rather vexing at times, but it refreshes the spirit, mind and body, and I highly recommend it.”

“We shall have to introduce you to Lady Miranda and Lady Cordelia later on today, Uncle. And I think I should be going up to the nursery to start them on their lessons for today.”

“What’s this, eh? You are still his employee? I thought…I thought that now that you and he were betrothed that you would not have to work for him anymore. I do not like to see you in such a state, Ruby,” Thomas said.

“I don’t mind it, Uncle. I don’t mind it at all. The girls are such a joy, and well, it will take His Grace a fair bit of time to find someone to replace me, and I cannot say that I want to be replaced. Once I marry Finn, I don’t see why things have to be changed around here. I can still give the girls their lessons.”

“That is hardly a fitting position for the new Duchess of Camblesforth,” Thomas snorted. “Why don’t I contact Miss Plimpton and Miss Morton? I haven’t stopped paying them since I dismissed them a few months ago. They will most likely jump at the opportunity be useful again. Miss Plimpton likes to say that idle hands are the devil’s workshop, and with two young girls to teach, they shan’t be idle much longer,” he laughed.

“I would have to meet these two young ladies for myself,” Finn interjected.

“Young? My lad, Miss Plimpton and Miss Morton haven’t been young for quite some time. They have probably been old, longer than they were young. No, indeed, they are up in years much like myself, and while I had cause to be annoyed with them a few months ago, I have now seen the error of my ways, and I wish I hadn’t dismissed them. I never did have the courage to stop paying their wages, though, and we parted on only the best of terms. I thought they were lazy and rested on their laurels, and now I see that I was wrong.”

“I am glad you have come round, Uncle. They might have been a little relaxed, but they were good and kind. I thought that Iris wanted to bring them back to teach her brother and sisters.”

“Well, Iris is the lady of her own house now, and she shall have to find someone else, if Alice decides to dismiss the Miss Prices. Your girls need a new governess, do they not, Camblesforth, and isn’t two better than one?”

“They won’t be better than Ruby,” Finn said affectionately.

“Now, I do grant you that one. They can be trusted, and they shan’t harm your nieces in any way. Of course, they might come to blows with your housekeeper, if she gets in their way. I often thought of them as old biddies, but now I realize that they were just set in their ways, much like I am,” Thomas added ruefully. “And you shan’t have to worry about their pretty little heads turning the Duke’s head, Ruby.”

“She wouldn’t have to worry about that even if they did have pretty little heads, sir. I only have eyes for Ruby.”

Thomas smiled proudly. “That does my heart good to hear. I shall draft up missives to them, as long as that earns your approval, Camblesforth?”

“If Ruby approves of them—I see no reason to keep them away, sir.”

“I do approve of them, Finn. They will be very fond of Lady Miranda and Lady Cordelia. I don’t know if they will be able to keep up with them, but they shall try,” Ruby laughed.

“I must say, Camblesforth, I feared all sorts of things during my ride down here, but I kept reminding myself that you were not a cad, and that you would not treat Ruby ill. I am so happy to see that my confidence was rewarded.”

“As am I, Uncle. Hearing your voice earlier instilled such fear within me. I thought that I would have to face, Mother. And it was such a ghastly thought, I was almost prepared to start running again.”

“You shan’t have to worry about anything she says or thinks again, Ruby,” Finn said.

“Aye, that is right. You are your own woman, now, Ruby. Somehow, the two of you will find a way to get along—I hope. I daresay that Honoria shan’t be too pleased after she sees what you married into. She shall have a right and proper temper tantrum, and then, she will take credit for it all once I tell her that she is now the mother of a duchess. It has to be all about her, you understand.”

“I say let her do her worst, and if she wants to say she was responsible for it all, she can say that,” Ruby said defiantly. “I shan’t have to listen to a word she says anymore. I am so happy not to be under her thumb now. I suddenly feel so contented, and I do not want to see her around Penryn House, Uncle. She can stay in Sussex as far as I am concerned.”

“You weren’t really ever under her thumb, Ruby. I would have always interceded on your behalf,” Thomas said softly.

“I don’t quite understand Ruby’s mother. Why has she always begrudged her happiness?” Finn asked.

“Ruby’s mother was the sister who was jealous of everyone else in the family. She will hide her jealousy under a tranquil visage, and I have to say that she is rather sweet to my Alice’s children…but she doesn’t show the same affection for Ruby, or for my other sisters’ children. She is an odd duck, I suppose. I have tried trying to figure out what motivates her. The only thing I know is that if I throw enough money at her, it keeps her fairly happy—and a happy Honoria makes a happy Thomas.”

“I do hope you will be happy during your stay here, Uncle. And I am so relieved that you don’t expect to drag me home with you.”

“Your home is here now, Ruby, and I confess that I might have a difficult time getting used to that.”

“You are always welcome to come and visit, just leave Mama behind.”

“Ah, yes. I shall have two families to visit now. Rosehill Manor might see the back of me, more often than it sees the front of me in the next few years.”

They all stood up to go their separate ways. The maniacal laugher surrounded them once again.

Finn sighed. Would he never get rid of the bloody bastard?

Ruby looked terrified.

“I take it that is your poltergeist?” Thomas asked softly.

“Malevolent spirit, more like,” Finn said. “He wasn’t nice in life, and Sefton is about the same in death. The activity isn’t usually as prevalent as it has been in the last few days, but I suppose the ghosts always become more active during this month as the veil between the worlds is growing thin.”

“Maybe someone or something will come on the 31
st
and take your creepy chap with them back to where they came from,” Thomas mused hopefully.

“Perhaps, you are right, sir,” Finn said grimly. “No matter what happens, I have to find a way to remove his ghastly presence from Penryn House.”

“Could you focus on doing that before our wedding day?” Ruby asked softly. “I don’t want him making his presence known and ruining everything…and having him around can’t be good for Lady Cordelia. She will never be able to heal with him haunting this house.”

Finn looked at her and sighed. He wanted to give her everything she desired, and yet, he couldn’t make her that promise. Getting rid of Sefton wasn’t going to be easy. Sefton sought to make Finn’s life miserable. Nothing, short of being dragged to the bowels of hell would stop him from continuing to do that.

He wished that Sefton had never come into Isolde’s life. If he could go back and change those events from happening—he would. Alas, nothing short of magic could make that happen. He didn’t know if he would actually go through with it, because without Sefton coming into their lives, he might not have Miranda and Cordelia, and he wouldn’t give them up for all of the magic in the world.

His regrets could not fix what was happening right now. Finn groaned. The next few days were going to be a constant battle. A battle between good and evil was brewing, and this house was like a powder keg of supernatural activity. Soon, someone would light the fuse. He just prayed they would all survive the ensuing explosion.

Ruby’s wedding day was fast approaching, as it was now Allantide. Tonight, they would have bonfires, and exchange apples. Lady Miranda and Lady Cordelia were both excited although, Lady Miranda’s excitement was a little easier to notice. 

Ruby hadn’t a special frock for the day, deciding instead to wear an azure blue crape dress that had been made for one of the balls she had attended last year. It was vandyked around the petticoat and was trimmed with the loveliest pearls she had ever seen. It had a full drapery over the shoulders, and was pinned in the back with a band of pearls. She always thought she looked like a lady from the romantic Greek Myths whenever she wore it. She would wear her aquamarine and diamond necklace with it, and put the matching aigrette in her hair.

She hoped that Finn would like her in it, as he had never seen her wearing this particularly fine dress. She couldn’t imagine what her uncle had spent on it, but she had a fair bet that it had cost him a pretty penny. Rose had told her once, upon seeing her wearing the gown that she had looked like a Greek Muse. It was probably one of the best compliments that Ruby had ever been paid, before she had met Finn.

“Oh, that is lovely,” Lady Miranda breathed. Ruby forgot that she had left her bedchamber door slightly ajar. “Is that what you plan to wear to marry Uncle Phineas?”

“Yes,” she said, softly. “I thought I would get it out and hang it in my wardrobe…but maybe I should keep it locked up.”

“Oh, no…why would you? The day is almost here, and tonight we shall place our apples under our pillows tonight so we can dream of the Cornish Prince we are fated to marry.”

“I think I already know who that prince is,” she said softly.

“But you will still do it, won’t you, Miss? That way you can dream of Uncle Phineas all night.”

“Clever girl,” she said softly. “Where is Lady Cordelia?”

“She is still in the nursery with Joan. I left her happily playing with her dollhouse.”

“Ah, I see.”

“She…she is getting used to Uncle Phineas thanks to you, and I don’t even think she minds your uncle. He isn’t all that bad. He is a little loud, and scared Cordelia at first, but now she is getting used to him.”

“My uncle is a rather charming fellow, although he can be loud at times,” Ruby agreed.

“He is as loud as you are quiet,” Lady Miranda observed. “Did he make you that way, or were you always a quiet soul?”

“I don’t think my uncle made me quiet. He let me do whatever I pleased. He was always so kind, generous, and loving to me. He was a lot like my own dear father, who was as quiet as I am.”

“And your father…he…he was a good man?” Lady Miranda asked tentatively.

“Aye. He was the very best, my lady. Sometimes…sometimes, I think I can feel his presence, but that is probably fanciful of me.”

“No…I think he is around you. Uncle Phineas says that those we love don’t ever truly leave us. It gave me a lot of comfort after Mama left us. I hope she is around watching us even now,” Miranda sighed. “Cordelia says that she sees her sometimes, clad in white, and she said she glows like there is a thousand candles around her. She told us that…that nothing in this house can hurt us.”

Ruby smiled at her. “You and Lady Cordelia will have to be my bridesmaids,” she said softly.

“Truly? Oh, we have a few pretty frocks we could wear that Uncle just had made for us. Thank you, Miss Massey.”

“Someday you shall have to call me Aunt Ruby,” Ruby said, as Miranda ran to give her a hug.

“Oh, I shall look forward to that day. And you shall have to stop calling us, Lady Miranda and Lady Cordelia,” Miranda said softly.

“Once I am your uncle’s wife, I shall do that. Come now, Lady Miranda, let us go and see your sister, and ask her if she would like to get ready for the celebrations tonight.”

Lady Miranda smiled, and placed her hand in hers. Ruby was right where she belonged. She was with her family.

*****

Night had fallen, and the air was permeated with magic. Ruby shivered as they put on their cloaks, preparing to go outside and watch the bonfires. Tonight was the only night where the servants would stand with those they were in service to. Tonight, they would all be together, enjoying the magic and mystery of the season.

Finn walked into the nursery. He looked so damn handsome that Ruby’s breath was stolen away. She couldn’t even speak. This man wanted her as his wife—this man desired her as she was—and it humbled her in ways she had never imagined.

“Come along, Cordelia, it is time for the bonfires!” Lady Miranda said. Lady Cordelia stood up, and placed Joan down on her feet. Shyly, she marched toward Finn and slipped her little hand in his. Lady Miranda took the other hand, and Ruby took Lady Cordelia’s other hand.

As a family, they walked down to where the servants and locals waited. Penryn House once again was once again the home of the living.

Ruby stood watching the firelight dance in the air. She looked toward the woods, and almost thought she heard pixies singing.

“I wonder if Queen Joan and her consort are dancing merrily under the moonlight tonight,” she mused softly.

“I expect they are,” Finn said. Lady Cordelia had finally warmed up to him enough that she had asked to sit atop his shoulders.

She looked back at the house, and blinked her eyes at the dancing lights that were glowing inside of the house. It was almost as if the ghosts of Penryn House were having their own Allantide celebrations.

One of the men who took care of the apple orchard at Penryn House stood handing out big shiny apples to the locals, the servants, and they had given Lady Cordelia, Lady Miranda and her apples as well. Apples that now sat inside of the basket that Ruby had brought out onto the grounds with her.

The night could not get more perfect. She had fled her home—running from a marriage, she hadn’t wanted, right into the arms of the man who was in every way, the prince of her dreams.

“It looks as if you have secured your happiness, Ruby. I am proud of you,” her uncle said, coming to stand with them. “I almost slept through this,” he said, gesturing to the bonfire. “You should have woken me.”

“You looked too peaceful, Uncle.”

“I suppose I didn’t realize how tired I was,” he admitted. She looked around for Mr. and Mrs. Chegwin, and couldn’t locate them. “And, I was dreaming of my lovely wife,” he sighed. Feeling sorry for him, she took his arm, and patted it.

“She would want you to enjoy yourself, Uncle Thomas.”

“Oh, aye, that she would have.”

She laughed, as a local started to juggle apples, and others started to sing. Some had potatoes and chestnuts to roast. All were having a grand old time.

“Ah, it looks as if they are getting ready to set off the fireworks. I think I shall go and supervise,” he winked at her. As he sauntered away from her, she turned about, as a whisper tickled her ear.

“Come with me, my darling sweet Ruby. Come and see your papa.” It was her father’s voice, and yet, somehow, it sounded different. Intrigued, she followed the voice back into Penryn House. As soon as she stepped into the house, all of the flames on all of the candles were snuffed out. The first firecrackers were set off, and she screamed as more light illuminated the house. She tripped, and slipped, and landed on her back on the floor.

“Ouch,” she muttered. Lying still for a moment, she sighed, and gathered her bearings. She was draped in darkness, with only moonlight streaming thought the windows showing her the way, and a bit of the glow from the faraway bonfire was sending light into the grand house. She allowed her eyes to adjust to the dimmed light, and then, carefully stood up.

“Come with me, Ruby,” the voice invited.

She followed the voice further into the house toward the staircase.

“Ruby? Ruby, where are you?” she heard Finn’s voice and ignored it. As if in a trance, she walked up the steps, and stopped at the top. “Ruby!” Finn must have lit a candle, as she could see the bobbing candlelight as it moved toward her.

Her father now stood at the bottom of the staircase, and he smiled at her. Reaching out for her, he said, “Come to me, Ruby. Come to your papa!”

“Ruby, no!” Finn shouted, sounding quite frantic. She couldn’t listen to him. She had to do as her father wanted.

She was about to step forward. She wanted to join her father so desperately, her soul ached for it.

“Where the hell have the steps gone?” Finn growled, as panic threatened to overwhelm him.

He had never seen anything so unsettling in his entire life. Another force had taken control of his house, and now that force had made the steps on his staircase disappear. If Ruby stepped forward, she would surely fall to her death.

He had never felt so helpless in all of his life. He had no way of controlling this situation.

“Ruby, please snap out of it,” he shouted, hoping to awaken her from the walking sleep she was now in.

Ruby had to do what her father wanted, and she was about to step forward, and stopped, and looked at another figure of her father, who hovered in front of her. Confused, she looked between the men. “What…what is going on?” she asked.

“It is me, Ruby. I am your father. It is me, Garnet Massey. Don’t do what that bloody man tells you to do,” he said. Her mind became aware, and she looked down. There were no steps.

They had disappeared. As bone-numbing shock settled in, she looked down to where the man she had thought was her father stood. He laughed, and as he laughed, his face transformed. It wasn’t her father after all…it had to be Lord Sefton.

Shaking, she stepped away from the staircase.

“If I can’t have you,” Lord Sefton said. “I shall take your beloved.” He turned away from the staircase and headed toward Finn.

“No,” she screamed. She couldn’t do anything. “Papa, help me. Help me to break his evil spell. I have to save Finn!”

“I already have,” her father said softly, as the steps reappeared. Had it been an illusion? She couldn’t dwell upon it for long. She could safely descend, and stop the blackguard.

“Thank you, Papa.” She dashed down the steps, and ran to Finn, who was now wrestling with the ghost of Lord Sefton

She was done running.

She had always run from what she perceived as danger, and now she was running right at it, without any fear in her heart. She had no regard for her own safety. Her love for Finn, her love for his nieces, her love for this house had conquered all of her fears.

“Help me, please, help me. Please…Ghosts of Penryn House, Finn needs your help. He is your legacy. He is the only direct male descendant of your line…you should help him. You are obliged to protect him!” 

“We cannot interfere with the lives of the living…not in the way you want us to,” A lady from the Tudor Era appeared before her. It had to be the one that her Uncle Thomas had seen.

“Well, I shouldn’t have expected otherwise. You never helped Lady Isolde,” she scoffed. “You never helped your own blood. How could you be so terrible?”

“We…her death was foretold. We couldn’t help her. We are forbidden to interfere with fate.” A knight in armour appeared before her. “’Tis Allantide. ‘Tis the night when we are our strongest, come on everyone, let us at least give a distraction that might help Finn.” They started to play every single musical instrument in the house, as the sound of someone wailing filled the air. If this was their idea of a distraction, she needed to stuff cotton in her ears. It sounded like someone was dying.

“How do I get rid of the blasted Earl?” she asked desperately.

“Only a pure hearted individual can stand against his evil,” her father said. “That or a little bit of a wish,” he murmured. Light encased her hand, and she looked down and opened her hand. There, nestled in her palm was a purple gemstone.

“Queen Joan, Queen Joan, Queen Joan, I need you,” she cried desperately.

The pixie queen appeared before her. Looking like she was draped in pure starlight.

“I wish…I wish that evil man to be gone from this house,” Ruby said fervently.

“Pixies have no power over life or death,” Queen Joan said matter-of-factly.

“But you promised…you promised to always protect this family, and Finn…Finn needs your help, and you said…you said you had no power over life or death, you never said you didn’t have power over those that were already dead.”

“Clever girl,” she said smiling. “Alas, I do not think you shall require my help. The Earl has ran from those who pursue him long enough. His judgement day is nigh. I sense…I sense that he has…he is a wanted man, and he has…he has run out of time.”

Ruby shivered, as the sounds of horses galloping toward them filled the air. Men draped in black drove the carriage. She heard Lord Sefton scream, as they ran forward and took him away from where he was fighting with Finn.

“You, Eugene Penberthy have been judged. And you have been found lacking,” the man’s voice was deep and foreboding and echoed through the house. It sent a shiver through her. “You have an appointment to keep,” he said, as he hefted the spirit of Eugene to his feet, and dragged him back to the Death Coach. Throwing him inside of the coach, the doors closed with a finality she had never heard before, and prayed she would never hear again. The black stallions that pulled the coach, neighed loudly, and then, in an instant, they were gone.