Read Online The Christmas Knot by Barbara Monajem - Free Book Online Page A

expression faded from rueful inquiry to scornful indifference. She knew she was being irrational—after all, of what value was a necklace to a ghost? At least a man could put it to good use, even if he was in debt—but when it came to Richard Ballister, she couldn’t afford to give a hypothetical inch.
    Be practical, then. Be as no-nonsense as he is. She halted, one foot on the bottom step of a graceful flight that led to the massive, carved front doors. “Setting aside the fact that ghosts don’t exist, how can you work on two assumptions at once? It’s impossible!”
    Richard was right behind her. “Why? It’s like having two different strategies at cards or chess. The next step depends on other factors, such as the fall of the cards and the opponent’s move.”
    She wasn’t sure she liked the sound of that; games were one thing and reality another. “I wonder why the ghost didn’t cause much trouble up till now, apart from the curse.” Oh, damn! She didn’t believe any of this nonsense, but once again she was acting as if she did. “Did no one else look for the necklace?”
    “Indeed they did. One of my predecessors even recorded where he searched. I think it’s the recent treasure seekers who have disturbed her, so to speak. The legend says the curse will end when the necklace is given to the rightful lady of the Grange—which it won’t be if a treasure seeker makes away with it.”
    “You make it sound as if the ghost wants the curse to end.”
    “John seems to think so, and why wouldn’t she? Perhaps she regrets her hasty action so long ago. Perhaps she is consumed with guilt for the sadness she has caused. Perhaps she can’t bear to harm another innocent firstborn son. I can only hope so.”
    Again, Edwina remembered the words that had awakened her in the night: You’re finally here, thank the Lord. Come, we must save him!
    No. Surely not. She hurried up the steps.
    “Do you see now why it doesn’t help to disagree with John’s conclusions?” Richard said.
    She shook off the memory of that voice. “Very well, I shan’t disagree anymore, but if I suddenly pretend to believe, he will see right through it.”
    “Perhaps you will come to believe,” Richard said. “The ghost may yet visit you at night.”
    Should she tell him about the voice? Trying to decide, she pretended to examine the carving on the doors, a woven geometric design vaguely reminiscent of the strapwork in the Great Hall.
    “Perhaps Lizzie’s footsteps woke you before the ghost had a chance,” he said, politely waiting to open the door—and then he turned. “Ah, here is our vicar. He doesn’t usually accompany John home, so I assume he wishes to meet you.”
    Thankful to avoid any more talk about the ghost, she followed him back down the steps. John ran up ahead of a grey, middle-aged man with a stoop and a tentative smile.
    “We got on wonderfully with Greek lessons today,” John said. He waved a sheaf of papers by way of proof. “Didn’t we, Mr. Bickford?”
    “Yes, indeed,” the vicar said. “No more Aesop for you. You’re a clever young fellow and advancing at a great rate. And this is the new governess—a lady who reads Latin! Unusual, but John is pleased, as he can spend more time with me on Greek.”
    Richard introduced them. “I hope you have the courage to remain at the Grange a while, Mrs. White,” the vicar said.
    She shook his hand. “I hope so, too.”
    “There are a couple of strangers at the Duck’s Head, Sir Richard,” Mr. Bickford said. “I don’t blame Teas for giving them lodging—everyone’s so poor hereabouts, and worse since no one will stay at the Grange—but I fear they have come to make a nuisance of themselves.”
    “I’m sure you’re right,” Richard said, “but the dog will warn me, and I’ll load a weapon or two just in case.”
    Mr. Bickford shook his head sadly. “What a pity you had to get rid of your gamekeeper. You shouldn’t have to defend your own