Old Lover's Ghost Read Online Free PDF Page B

father to get rid of this so-called ghost. How quickly do you think he can accomplish it?”
    “That must depend on the circumstances, but he works quickly. I can say with reasonable certainty that the ghost will either be gone or will have stopped harassing your mama within a week.”
    “Could he not do it more quickly—for a generous consideration, of course. I would be willing to pay-”
    To Merton’s astonishment, Miss Wainwright flew into the boughs. A thundercloud formed on her usually calm countenance, and when she spoke, her voice was raised in anger.
    “Lord Merton! Papa does not accept money! And to suggest a bribe! It is an insult. He feels he has certain powers that he shares with others as a favor, out of the kindness of his heart. It is a great imposition on his time—and mine—to be forever darting about the countryside.”
    “I would not call it a bribe,” he said apologetically.
    “I do not see what else you could call it. If you are implying that he should lie to Lady Merton, tell her the ghost has gone when it has not, I pray you will not mention anything of the sort to Papa. He would be grievously insulted at such a slur on his integrity.”
    Merton felt extremely foolish. He had assumed that Wainwright, with his black carriage and team and his swirling cape, was a cunning fraud, who rid homes of their ghosts for a living. As this was not the case, he was left with nothing to say. His pride disliked to utter an apology. The only recourse was to attempt to rationalize his suggestion.
    “It seems highly unlikely he will be able to come to terms with a ghost he cannot even find. He found no trace of Mama’s ghost in her room. I feel it is a matter of some urgency to rid her mind of this unhealthy morass that possesses it.”
    Charity gave him a rebukeful look but considered his suggestion. “If you really want to help her, you should discover what is causing her agitation. Perhaps it is not a ghost,” she allowed. “People can have delusions about ghosts, as they can about anything else. That is not to say ghosts do not exist,” she added sharply. “Only that they can be imagined to be where they are not. Though it is odd that she says she actually saw the ghost in her room on more than one occasion. When it is a delusion, it is usually more vague. A lurking shadow that pops up here and there, you know.”
    “It is possible someone is creating this ghost to frighten her,” Merton said, and watched closely for Miss Wainwright’s reaction. As she did not fly at him, he continued, “It would be easily enough done. It comes to her window. A stuffed gown with a padded head hung on a rope from the roof...”»
    “I noticed the roof of Reefer Hall is sharply canted, though. One would have to be extremely agile to attempt anything of the sort. Could it possibly be the ravens she is mistaking for ghosts?”
    “I hardly think so. She is perfectly familiar with them. They have been here forever. The ‘ghost’ could be lowered from the window of the room above. There are attics and servants’ quarters above the bedrooms. I cannot recall offhand just what is above Mama’s room. I shall look into it in the morning.”
    “What of the ghost that comes out of her clothes-press? It would be hard for someone to hide in there. The last thing her dresser would do at night would be to hang up her gown. She would see if someone was hiding there.”
    “Miss Monteith is presently filling the role of dresser as well,” he said with a sapient look.
    “You think Miss Monteith might be in on this masquerade?”
    “I am not accusing her, but yes, I am suggesting it is possible. Particularly as the so-called haunting began around the time Miss Monteith became Mama’s companion.”
    Charity thought about this and said, “My father is concerned only with legitimate ghosts. He does not investigate skullduggery of that sort. I would not leap to the conclusion that a ghost is not involved, despite your not