Page 72 of The Legend of Lovers Hollow

“Uh.” I glance over at the man in question, who’s now chatting amiably with Thad.

She laughs warmly and it’s a sound filled with affection. “I’m his daughter. Don’t worry, I’m not calling to spoil his fun. I just wanted to give you my number in case of emergencies and to tell you to give me a call when he’s ready to be picked up.”

“Of course.” I pick up a pen and scribble down the number on the desk pad.

“Thanks, I appreciate it,” she says by way of farewell, and the call disconnects.

Smiling and shaking my head, I check my watch. Sam is going to arrive any minute. I turn to my brother, who is still scowling at Thad.

“I’m going to find Ellis. I need him for something.”

“I don’t think he’s got time for a quickie.” Warren glances over his shoulder at me. “He did look quite busy.”

“Ha ha,” I say dryly. “Watch the desk for me?”

“Do I work here now?” His eyes sparkle with mischief. “Can I get one of those little frilly numbers like John the Mega Maid wears?”

“I’ll even get you a French maid outfit to go with it.”

“Well, gender nonconforming attire seems to be all the rage around here, so when in Rome and all that.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“Nope, just very secure in my masculinity.” Warren winks.

“I’m expecting someone very shortly, so if they arrive, can you just ask them to wait a moment? I’ll be right back.”

He nods, and I head out of the lobby through the bar, noting the Schäfers and the Taylor-Joneses in deep conversation over cups of Dilys’ famous cocoa. They should be careful, though; I have a sneaky suspicion the secret ingredient is Dilys’ homemade liqueur.

Reaching the door of the ballroom, I find a small velvet rope has been hung in front of it, a sign hooked over it that reads Staff Only.

Slipping around the rope, I let myself into the room and immediately understand why they’re keeping the guests out. All the ghosts have turned out to help Rosie and Ellis tidy the room and decorate for the party this evening. The debris of the makeshift stage has been repaired and now holds a whole bunch of DJ equipment being set up by John the Maid while Rosie chats to him.

The chairs have been moved to the edges of the room, and Edwina is drifting between them. As she does, ribbons appear on each chair and tie themselves into neat bows. Admiral Hilary is inflating balloons and Artie is chasing them around the floor in delight. Professor Plume is sat hunched in a chair with his arms crossed as he scowls at everyone. Skid and Roger are hanging pink and white bunting across the high ceilings, and Leona is skipping and twirling across the shiny floors, throwing paper hearts everywhere like confetti.

I see Ellis standing next to Bertie, overseeing the pink and white bunting as it goes up, so I make my way over to him.

“Ah, good day to you, Morgan,” Bertie booms in that hearty way of hers.

“Hello, Bertie.” I nod. “I see you and your entourage are being helpful.”

“Yes, well. Young Ellis here did have some very valid points about our conduct of late, and as you know, we’re all on the same team here. So whatever we can do to make this evening’s ghost hunt a rousing success, we will.”

“I think you should steer clear of the ghost hunt”—I frown—“and hope the ghosts of Lady Clare and the others don’t actually put in an appearance.”

“Hmm, we’ll see,” Bertie says evasively.

I take Ellis’ hand and pull him closer. “Could you come with me for a moment? We have a new guest arriving and I’d like to introduce you.”

“Oh, your mystery guest! I’d love to.” Ellis unwinds the pink and white party ribbons draped around his neck and sets them down on a nearby table that will hold the buffet food Aggie is currently preparing.

“Actually, Artie should come with us.”

“Artie?” Ellis looks up at me in surprise, and I nod.

Then I look at Bertie speculatively. “Perhaps you should come along and keep Artie company.”

“This all sounds delightfully clandestine.” She beams at me. “What’s the big secret?”