Page 80 of Never Besmirch a Wallflower: Dukes and Wallflowers

Miss Rowe sighed and detangled herself from his arms. “I’ll need to explain that to Miss Webb and her sister at some point this evening.”

“This evening?”

She forced a chuckle. “No matter the outcome of tonight’s experiment, the three of us return to my home afterward; Miss Fernsby-Webb will ensure it.”

The knock came a second time, more insistent than the first.

“We shouldn’t keep your guests waiting.” Miss Rowe curtsied, hastened to the door, and flung it open before he could protest.

“Miss Rowe?” Confusion poured across the threshold. “I didn’t expect exorcisms to interest you.”

He didn’t recognize the voice, but Miss Rowe’s body twitched as though she were struggling to withhold her true thoughts.

“I have a great many interests, Miss Drummond,” Miss Rowe replied, moving aside to reveal Miss Drummond, Miss Venning, Miss Wilmington and her mother, Miss Philbert, and Grisham.

As Miss Rowe ushered the group into the parlor, Grisham lagged behind.

“I found your invitation quite surprising,” he said once they were alone.

“Mansfield and Warwick had a second encounter this afternoon,” Levi said softly, reluctant to admit the fact aloud. “Mr. Philbert prevented them from transporting Warwick’s trunk to Roxburghe’s home.”

“Intriguing.” Grisham’s brown eyes slid over the foyer, pausing on a battered chest, then returning to Levi. “I doubt you’ll receive many more callers. With little notification, most of the ton is attending the Creasey masquerade.”

Levi groaned inwardly. He’d completely forgotten the event.

“Were you not invited?” Levi asked.

“I was,” Grisham smirked. “However, I’d rather be here, and my lovely fiancée agreed.”

“The absence of six dukes will appear a snub,” Levi said, rubbing his forehead with his fingertips.

“We could send Warwick,” Grisham replied, indicating the abandoned trunk.

Laughing, Levi strode across the foyer. “Once tonight’s adventure becomes public, our folly may be ridiculous enough to earn Mr. Creasey’s forgiveness.”

“According to Isabel, the wrath we should fear is Mrs. Creasey’s, not her husband’s.” Grisham paused, then grinned. “I maintain we should sacrifice Warwick.”

“Let’s deal with Mr. Philbert’s ghost before instigating a second murder.”

Grisham frowned, stopping just outside the parlor door. “Mrs. Creasey won’t harm Warwick.”

“No, but he might kill you,” Levi said, then entered the parlor before Grisham could respond.

The room fell silent, and everyone turned toward Levi.

“Thank you all for coming,” he said, offering a short bow. “I realize the missive received this evening may have sounded unbelievable. However, Mr. Philbert’s ghost has been witnessed on several occasions by more than one person, and tonight, we’re going to evict him.”

Miss Venning stepped forward and curtsied. “Your Grace, while we are honored to receive an invitation, I’m curious to know how you expect us to help?”

Odd that she had foregone the Creasey masquerade to attend… Perhaps she’d been unable to secure an invitation for her cousin.

Roxburghe cleared his throat. “Mansfield and I discovered a ritual which may expel Mr. Philbert’s spirit. We attempted the exorcism earlier this week, but it failed.”

“However, you expect the ceremony to work now?” Miss Venning asked, glancing at him.

“We think the number of voices will add weight to the ritual’s effectiveness,” Roxburghe said, his gaze flicking to Mansfield as he and Beaufort entered the parlor.

“I’ve gathered the necessary ingredients,” Mansfield said, balancing the stone mortar between his arms.