“Why not? He will keep your secret. After he pummels you for upsetting him so, that is.”
Mr. Forsythe didn’t laugh. “Alas, it is impossible. He can’t see me, the wretch.”
Clara glared at him. “What do you mean, he can’t see you? I see you very well. So does Harvey.” The dog, cued, growled again.
“Youdo, yes. I’ve tried and tried to speak to Alden, but he never sees, never hears. A bit of a blow to my pride, that. However, I rejoiced when you acknowledged me, talked to me as though I existed.”
“Youdoexist,” Clara said impatiently. “I find your joke in poor taste.”
“I wish it were so, dear lady.”
Mr. Forsythe removed his hat and set it on the nearest marker. Then he unbuttoned his coat. Clara raised her hand to her eyes in consternation when he opened his waistcoat and began unbuttoning the shirt beneath.
“What do you think you are doing?” she demanded.
“Showing you. Do you believe me now?”
Clara peeked at him between her fingers. Mr. Forsythe had pulled open his shirt.
In the middle of his chest, which held the gray pallor of death, was a dark hole, black with blood, such as a bullet would make.
Clara’s hand came down as her lips parted, her body going rigid. She saw now that Mr. Forsythe’s face was unnaturally pale in the moonlight, his lips nearly blue. Why had she not noted this before?
“I never thought Benton had it in him,” he went on. “Poor fool looked aghast when I went down. Pure luck he hit me as precisely as he did. He’d never hit a target before in his life.”
Clara couldn’t move. Her thoughts whirled, trying to adjust themselves to what she was seeing. Harvey had ceased growling and now watched Mr. Forsythe in curiosity.
“I know Alden was devastated,” Mr. Forsythe said. “His grief is more than I deserve. That is why I nudged you two together. He’s soppy about dogs, though he’d never admit it, and I knew you’d be good for him.” He laughed as he drew the lapels of his shirt together and re-buttoned his waistcoat. “I saynudged, but he nearly knocked you over.”
Clara had always thought it a sublime coincidence that she and Alden had collided on the path, though at the time, she’d been most put out.
“You did that?” she managed to say.
“Of course. Assisted as much as I was able—Alden is certainly stubborn. I had a devil of a time keeping the cemetery’s gates unlocked for you and distracting the caretaker so he’d leave his lantern behind, I must say. Could have knocked me down with a feather when I realized you could see and speak with me. You too, Harvey.” Mr. Forsythe beamed at the dog as he buttoned his coat. Harvey’s head cocked.
“I still don’t understand,” Clara said woodenly, though something inside her understood very well.
“I am a ghost, my dear. A haunt, a spirit, a specter, whatever you want to call it. Nothing too terrifying, I hope. I suppose I should gibber and moan, but I wouldn’t know where to begin.”
“You are not frightening at all,” Clara said. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Forsythe.”
“And your kindness has made my odd existence better. But… ah, look at this.” Mr. Forsythe gazed down at his body, which shimmered in a chance beam of moonlight. “A moment—I believe my good deed might have earned me a way out of this gloomy graveyard. Meeting you has been a great pleasure, Lady Clara, but I would be happy to cease hanging about this damp place.”
Clara swallowed, emotions wringing her. “I do hope so, Mr. Forsythe. You deserve happiness.”
“Thank you, dear lady. Hm, I wonder—will I go up instead of down? My sister, Ellen, never thought I’d amount to much, but maybe I’ll meet her above when it’s time, after all.”
Clara’s eyes stung as Mr. Forsythe’s body became more and more transparent. He snatched up his hat and set it on his head, as though one couldn’t enter heaven unless one was properly dressed.
“Thank you, Mr. Forsythe. Piers. For all you’ve done for us.”
“Ah, she favors me with my name.” Mr. Forsythe made her a wavering bow, the moonlight shining through him now. “Be happy, my friend. And look after that lump, Alden. He needs you.”
Clara nodded. “I know.” She needed Alden as well. Her heart was full.
Mr. Forsythe glanced around in wonder, as though he was seeing the light and glory that was promised to the good.
“Farewell, my lady. I hope you remember this scoundrel with fondness.”
