Ghostly Proposal Read online

  “You know her?”

  “Sure, who doesn’t? I’m probably at this house at least once a week, dropping off clients.”

  “Do you believe in what she does?”

  The driver scratched a hand through his graying hair. “I’m not so sure. I guess if she comforts people, it’s not such a bad thing.”

  “Have you ever had a reading?”

  “No chance. There’s no one I want to talk to on the other side. Besides, it’s a bit creepy, talking to the dead.”

  “Well, I hope it’s not too creepy. I will be working for Delilah.”

  The driver glanced over his shoulder. “Don’t tell me you can communicate with the dead?”

  I suppressed a smile. If only he knew the truth. “No. I will be her assistant. She’s expanding her shows into Europe next year. She needs someone to coordinate the program schedule, keep on top of the paperwork, that sort of thing.”

  The driver blew out a breath. “That’s a relief. I didn’t want you telling me there was a ghost sitting in the passenger seat.”

  I looked at the seat. There was no one there. “I’m pretty sure you’re okay.”

  The driver chuckled. “Glad to hear it. It doesn’t bother you, going into a place like that?”

  “I’m sure the house will be nice,” I said. “And I’m hoping Delilah doesn’t bring her work home with her.”

  The driver laughed again. “Let’s hope not.”

  We pulled up outside a Georgian townhouse. The brick was obscured by sprawling bright-green ivy that crawled up the wall almost to the roof. Outside the front door was a tangle of bushes covered in yellow roses.

  “This is your stop. Welcome to the ghost house.”

  I suppressed a shudder. It looked cheerful enough. I climbed out of the cab, paid the driver, and waited for him to carry my bags to the front door.

  “Good luck in your new job,” said the driver. “Shout if you need rescuing. I’m never far away.” He grinned at me before jumping into the cab and driving off.

  I rested my hand on top of Flipper’s head as I studied the outside of the house. It looked fine. Even if a medium lived here, the ghosts would be much more interested in her. If Delilah could talk to the dead, rather than resorting to guesswork and mime like I had to, then they wouldn’t be bothering me.

  I looked down at Flipper. “Let’s see what’s inside the ghost house.”

  Chapter 2

  I knocked on the front door of the house. A woman with the whitest hair I’d ever seen opened it. Her hair trailed down her sides in a floaty wave.

  She smiled, and lines crinkled around her eyes. “You must be Lorna.”

  “That’s right. Are you Mrs. Merrygold?”

  “Please, call me Delilah.” She shook my hand. “None of us are formal here. The spirits don’t like formality.” She winked at me.

  That was an interesting introduction. “This is Flipper, my assistance dog.”

  “I heard you came with a dog. How delightful!” Delilah stood to one side to let us into the hallway. “He is most welcome here.”

  “Do you have any pets?”

  “Sadly, no. Given the line of work I do, I find that they don’t enjoy being in this house.” Delilah petted Flipper. “I hope your dog is not easily spooked. He needs a calm nature to work here.”

  A movement out of the corner of my eye had me turning my head. There was nothing there. “Flipper is very calm. He likes making friends.”

  “Then I’m sure we’ll get along fabulously.” Delilah bent down, her long purple gown pooling on the floor as she did so. She ruffled the fur behind Flipper’s ears. “He looks like a wolf.”

  “He’s as soft as butter. He won’t hurt anyone.”

  “I’m sure he won’t.” Delilah stood. “I always get a sense about people and animals. He must be a charming companion.”

  I grinned at Flipper. “I think he is.”

  “Well, let’s start by showing you around. I understand you have a lot of experience in grand places, castles and the like. I hope you will not be disappointed here.”

  “The house is beautiful,” I said. The hall we stood in was a cheerful clutter of dark wooden antique furniture, covered in knick-knacks. It had a warm, cozy feel to it.

  Delilah drifted along the hallway, her white hair floating behind her. “I’ve been here for over thirty years. I could upscale if I wanted. Rose is always telling me we need a bigger place, but this is home. It’s full of memories. I don’t want to leave those behind.”

  “I can understand that.” I followed Delilah along the hallway, Flipper by my side.

  She gestured to the left as she passed a door. “That’s the sitting room. You’re welcome to use that.” She pointed to another door. “I give my private readings in there. I’d prefer it if you don’t come in when I’m with a client. Sometimes, the connections can be of a sensitive nature.”

  “Of course,” I said. “Just let me know where is out of bounds. I won’t go poking around.”

  “Here’s the kitchen, and then there’s the dining room. And, at the end of the corridor, is my absolute favorite place.” Delilah pulled open the door and stepped out into the garden. “I love it out here. Even in the winter, it’s beautiful. I arranged the planting myself and add something new every year.”

  Looking around the garden, I could see why she loved it so much. An array of color hit me; from pale pinks to vivid blues, there were all the shades of nature surrounding us. Bees buzzed past, and I could hear birds singing in the trees.

  “Do you like my little oasis?” Delilah’s green eyes glittered with pleasure.

  “It’s stunning. No wonder you like the place so much.”

  The door behind us clicked shut. I turned and looked at it. There was no wind to move it and make it close on its own.

  Delilah smiled at me. “I like to sit out here and read when I’ve finished for the day. Please use the garden as much as you like. I take such pleasure in it and want others to do the same.”

  “That’s kind of you.” My gaze went to the first floor of the townhouse. It felt as if someone was watching us. “Is anybody else at home?”

  “My sister Rose is around somewhere. She’s like a mini-whirlwind when she gets going. You’ll hear her when she’s in Rose-mode. Fred is not about right now. He doesn’t like it when there are lots of clients about. He’s a quiet man. He has a calming way about him. I think you’ll like him.”

  “I’m sure I will.” I turned and followed Delilah back into the house. I looked down at Flipper to see if he was picking up any ghostly vibes. His ears were pricked, and he had an intense look on his face.

  “Let me show you my client room,” said Delilah. “I call it my parlor. I hope you don’t spook easily. It’s often busy in there.”

  “I think I’ll be fine.”

  Delilah’s brows rose. “The agency did brief you as to what my work involves?”

  “They did,” I said. “Don’t worry. I’ve seen just about everything in my line of work.”

  “You might not have seen this.” Delilah pushed open the door. The curtains were drawn over the window, and the scent of sandalwood filled the air. In the middle of the room was a round table covered in a red velvet tablecloth.

  I stepped inside and took a deep breath. There was a presence in here. I shouldn’t be surprised, given I was working for a medium. The presence didn’t feel malevolent or angry. Instead, I got the sensation they were curious.

  “What do you think?” Delilah sounded nervous. “I hope my... ability will not put you off?”

  I shook my head. “It’s fine. Might I ask, do you have any resident spirits in the house?”

  Delilah smiled and let out a sigh. “They arrive when a loved one visits me for a consultation. They never stay for long. I make sure they get the help they need so they can move on to a better place. The spirits don’t stay out of choice.”

  “Why do you think they stay?”

  “Because they have unr
esolved issues. I hope that makes sense.”

  I nodded. That was my experience with ghosts as well. It was as if they couldn’t leave until they’d had their problem sorted. “I had a look at your website to see what sort of work you do. It all sounds impressive.”

  Delilah’s smile broadened. “I can tell we will get along fabulously. I was cautious about getting outside help. Rose told me not to do it. She said people don’t understand what we do. But she’s working far too hard. She’s my younger sister, but only by a few years. Having you here is my way of making sure she doesn’t burn out.”

  “I understand your sister’s caution. I’m guessing not everyone is accepting of what you do.” I felt something cold rub against my calf and looked down. There was nothing there.

  “Everyone in the town is lovely to us now.” Delilah closed the door, and we walked along the corridor to the sitting room. “It hasn’t always been like that. There have even been a few occasions when people have daubed graffiti out the front. Some think I’m a witch.”

  “That’s terrible.”

  “As you said, not everyone understands the work I do.” Delilah gestured to a floral-patterned couch. “Take a seat. I’ll go get us some tea, and we can have a nice chat about your duties.”

  I settled on the couch as Delilah left the room. I looked around carefully. There were no signs of any ghosts lurking in the corners.

  Flipper nudged me with his nose.

  “How are you doing, boy? Not too unsettled by this place?”

  His gaze went to the fireplace, and he looked back at me.

  I stared hard at the fireplace. I couldn’t see what was taking his attention.

  A flash of movement in the corner of the room caught my eye. It was as if something was playing with me, jumping out of sight just before I saw them. “You don’t have to hide,” I whispered. “I can see you if you want to show yourself.”

  The air in the room stilled. I felt a wave of light-headedness and clutched at Flipper for reassurance.

  I looked back at the fireplace. There was a haze in front of it. It was a ghost. Slowly, the image of a golden retriever appeared.

  Flipper ran to the ghost dog and circled it.

  “You’re a lovely fellow,” I whispered. “Have you been following us around the house? Did you nudge me when we were in the hallway?”

  The dog’s tongue slid out, and he wagged his tail.

  “It’s lovely to meet you,” I said. “I hope we will be friends.”

  Flipper stopped circling the dog and ran to the other side of the room, heading to the spot I’d seen movement just a moment ago.

  “Don’t tell me there’s another one?” I watched as Flipper paced backwards and forwards.

  Another hazy image appeared. Three ghost cats popped into view. They were all Siamese, sitting with their tails tucked around their paws, their eyes narrowing as they stared at Flipper.

  “Wow! I’ve never seen so many ghost cats before.” No wonder I felt light-headed with all these ghost animals about.

  One cat hissed at Flipper. His ears lowered, and he gave a soft bark.

  “Don’t worry about them,” I said to him. “They can’t do you harm. You might like to keep out of their way, though. I don’t think they’re fans of yours.”

  I grew increasingly light-headed. I sat back in my seat and fanned my face, closing my eyes and taking a few deep breaths.

  When I opened my eyes, there was a menagerie of ghost animals in the room, a dozen cats, three rabbits, and what looked like an African gray parrot. No wonder I felt so strange.

  I stared at Flipper with wide eyes. “So much for us not having to worry about ghosts.”

  The door opened. Delilah walked in with a tray in her hands. There was a bright red teapot on it, two cups, and a plate of cookies.

  She looked around the room, her anxious gaze settling on me. “Is everything okay in here?” Delilah set the tea tray down.

  “Everything is fine,” I said. “I am feeling a little dizzy, though.”

  Delilah poured the tea and handed me a cup. “Oh dear. It happens sometimes when people come here. You’ll get used to it. There’s nothing to worry about. And, I don’t like to frighten you, but the ghosts seem interested in you.”

  “They do?” I discreetly observed all the ghost animals. They looked happy enough. Most of them were floating around, minding their own business. I could get used to them.

  “Here, have a couple of cookies.” Delilah thrust the plate at me. “The undead can affect people’s blood pressure, especially if they’re attuned to them. Are you, by any chance, a sensitive?”

  I grabbed a cookie and took a large bite. The sweetness definitely helped. “Maybe I am. I’m sure it’ll be okay once I’m used to the place.”

  Delilah sat in the seat opposite me and took a sip of her tea. “I want you to be happy here. I don’t want these unusual circumstances to put you off. Your help is desperately needed. There’s so much to do with my European tour coming up. Rose is talking about going to America in a few years. Imagine that, me taking my show that far out.”

  “I’m sure it will be brilliant.” I finished my cookie, glad the feelings of light-headedness were passing. Maybe now Delilah was in the room, the ghosts could focus their attention on her.

  Delilah lowered her cup. “You seem very... calm about my abilities. It doesn’t bother you?”

  I shook my head. “We all have our own talents. So long as what you do makes you happy and helps people, I can’t see any harm in it.” I looked around at the ghost animals again.

  “That’s what I always say.” Delilah sat back in her seat and took another drink of tea. “There are so many lonely souls out there. I don’t mind if they’re alive or dead; if they need my help, I will help them.”

  “Delilah, have you seen this stupid letter?” The door opened and a woman in a plain-brown suit, her gray hair pinned back in a bun, strode through. She stopped as she saw me. “Oh, you have company. A client? I haven’t scheduled a meeting?” She opened the large folder that had been stuck under her arm and scanned down a page.

  “Rose, calm down.” Delilah rolled her eyes and smiled at me. “Have you forgotten, Lorna Shadow is starting today? She will assist you with arranging the upcoming tours.”

  Rose peered at me, her nose wrinkling. “It had slipped my mind.” She snapped the folder shut. Her fingers played with the large gold pendant around her neck.

  “You’re always saying how busy you are,” said Delilah. “It’s only right you get some assistance.”

  Rose frowned. “I do perfectly well on my own. I never asked for an assistant.”

  This didn’t sound too promising a start to my new job.

  “I insist on it,” said Delilah. “It’s time you slowed down and took a break now and again. It will do you good.”

  “That’s impossible,” said Rose.

  “Well, if you won’t slow down, at least you don’t need to go any faster.” Delilah smiled indulgently at her sister. “Neither of us are getting any younger.”

  “Which is why we need to make the most of the few years we have left,” said Rose. “Growing the tour circuit will mean we both have a comfortable retirement.”

  Delilah laughed. “I’m not giving this up anytime soon. My spirits won’t hear of it. You don’t just press a button and they stop talking.”

  Rose’s hawk-like gaze settled on me. “What do you think about it?”

  “About what?”

  “My sister’s ability?”

  I resisted the urge to squirm under Rose’s intense stare. “I think it’s interesting. I’d like to learn more about it.”

  Rose perched on the edge of a chair. “You believe in it?”

  “I’m open-minded.”

  “You need to be,” said Rose. “And you also need to be discreet. What my sister does is unique and special. We don’t want any nasty rumors creeping out about what she does.”

  “I trust Lorna,” said Delil
ah. “She won’t do anything like that.”

  “Of course not,” I said. “I want to keep my job.”

  Rose glared at Delilah. “This will be a trial period. I’m not convinced she’s needed.”

  I set down my cup and smoothed my skirt over my knees. I was going to have my work cut out with Rose. “I can assure you, I’m excellent at what I do.”

  “Lorna has worked with royalty,” said Delilah. “The agency sent me her previous work records. She really is very good.”

  “That remains to be seen,” said Rose. “We’ll start with the simple stuff, nothing you can get wrong.”

  “What about the European tour?” asked Delilah. “She can help with that.”

  “Not just yet.” A sly smile spread across Rose’s face. “Let’s see how she tackles the archives.”

  I repressed a groan. Archives meant dirt and dust and ancient folders covered in cobwebs.

  “Yes, that will be the perfect place to put you,” said Rose. “There’s not much you can do wrong in there.”

  I tilted my head as I heard tapping on wood. I looked around the room. There was nothing in here that could make that noise. If it was a ghost, Flipper wasn’t picking up on it. He was watching the plate of cookies.

  The tapping noise got louder. It was coming from the hallway.

  “Can either of you hear that sound?”

  “I suppose you think it’s a ghost?” Rose smirked at me.

  If I didn’t know better, I’d think Rose was cynical about this business. She shouldn’t be; she must make plenty of money off it. “As I said, I’m open-minded. Maybe it is a ghost.” Looking around the room again, I checked in with all the ghost animals drifting around. None of them seemed concerned about the noise.

  “I need to get to work,” said Rose. “Since it is so late in the afternoon, there’s no point in you starting work now. We’ll meet first thing. I’ll show you the archives.”

  I smiled sweetly at Rose. “I look forward to it.”

  Rose opened the door. A blur of red shot into the room.

  I ducked as it shot straight toward me and shielded my head with my hands, expecting to be hit in the face by this fast-moving object.