Page 9 of The Right to Remain Single

She rolled her eyes and turned his own words back on him. “Because it made a better story. Garrison House’s ghosts are rarely seen and heard, unlike ours. Which is why I must request you once again to leave before Max does you harm.”

“He won’t hurt me.” Mr. Blakely propped his shoulders against the wall. “Tell me, Miss Warren, why are you so determined to send me away?”

* * *

James watched her reaction, trying to read her thoughts. He enjoyed looking at her, puzzling out the various emotions flitting across her face. She’d spurned his brief attempt at flirtation, which was hardly surprising—and a pity. He liked her very much.

Thomasina sighed. Her mouth curved down despondently.

“I’m sorry, but it’s no use trying to frighten me,” he said.

“I can see that,” she grumped. “You heard me at breakfast. I like Max. He is protective of me. I don’t want him driven away.”

“Colin gave me to understand that the ghost stands in the way of an offer from an eligible suitor.”

“It does,” she said, even more irritably.

“I find it hard to believe that you would prefer to keep a ghost than take a husband,” he said.

“Why?” she cried, suddenly aflame. “Why must I want a husband? I should like to strangle Colin for interfering. I can put up with my father’s attempts to marry me off, for he believes it’s the best way to provide for my future. I preferred Colin when he was a rake, for he never used to care a whit about marriage, but since he wed Bridget, he thinks it’s the answer to every problem.”

“He means well,” James said.

Impatience flashed in her eyes. “Yes, and so does my father, and so do various friends and relatives. Why can’t they believe me when I say I don’t want to marry at all?”

“Never? Truly?”

She scowled at him. “No, as I mentioned to you once before.”

“But that was years ago. One changes over the course of time, and you’re so bright and pretty—”

She stared wide-eyed, and he realized his error. “I beg your pardon; that was frightfully impertinent. Just because you’re an attractive woman doesn’t mean you are obliged to marry.”

She took a deep breath. “Precisely.” Bitterness didn’t suit her voice, as melodious now as then.

He grimaced. “Even if you did want to marry, it shouldn’t be to a man who is afraid of ghosts.”

“He’s a dead bore and stuffy into the bargain. He would drive me mad with his concern for the proprieties.”

He smiled. “Under the façade of a proper lady hides a true Warren.”

She didn’t return the smile. “Papa believes marriage is necessary to secure my future, and is so desperate he’ll take anyone who offers. It didn’t matter before, because I simply refused, but Papa promised Mr. Tilson my hand if we can get rid of the ghost.”

“But you didn’t promise it,” James said.

“No, but now Papa’s honor is involved.”

“I see.” James didn’t disagree with honor as a principle, but in practice, it could be used to justify the exact opposite—such as forcing a woman to marry a man she disliked.

She glowered at him. “I want Max to stay, as he’s my only hope against Mr. Tilson or any other suitor my father dredges up. I would far rather live with a ghost than with a man I dislike.”

He nodded. “I understand.”

“I doubt it,” she muttered.

“I’m serious. My father keeps trying to marry me off to one unappealing heiress after another.”

“Oh.” Pause. “Perhaps you do understand.” Another pause. “A little. But you’re a man, so you’re not hedged about with social conventions.” Again, that bitter note marred her voice.