“We still need to return home safely,” Sorcha said. “I shudder to think what awaits us on that journey. And we’ve only two days remaining. I’m not certain it can be done.”

From behind them, in the ruined remains of the church, he heard voices. They both turned, keeping hold of one another.

The church was filled with ghostly apparitions, people dressed in clothing of eras gone by, reaching back centuries. At the front of the chapel, in the chancel near the altar, was the Lady Grim, though now she wore a crown of ghostly flowers and held a matching bouquet. A man clothed in the garb of the same era as she gazed lovingly at her face.

Hers was the appearance of a bride, and the man was, no doubt, the one she would have married had she lived.

The ghostly bride gave her faded bouquet to a woman standing near her. She set her hands in her groom’s. A ghost in priestly raiment stood before them.

“Their wedding,” Sorcha whispered. “How long they must have waited for this day!”

Duncan pulled her closer. “It’s a sight that could melt the heart of even a resolute bachelor like myself.”

From within his arms, she asked, “Are you resolutely a bachelor or a bachelor who happens to be a resolute sort of person?”

“Bachelorhood has, of late, lost its appeal.”

At the front of the church, the ceremony reached its joyous conclusion. The husband and wife embraced to the silent cheers of generations of their families. The sight, indeed, touched the heart.

With her groom’s arm tenderly around her, the Lady Grim smiled at Duncan and Sorcha, then motioned back in the direction of the churchyard.

They looked that way. A bright doorway of light appeared. It emanated warmth and a sense of safety. Duncan could not express exactly why he felt secure in doing so, but he knew they needed to step through this bright passageway.

“I suspect that is a doorway home,” Sorcha said. “They are offering us a safe return.”

She felt as he did. That was reassurance enough.

Hand in hand, they moved from beneath the stone arch to the doorway of light and stepped through.

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Two days passed without a glimpse of Gemma. Barnabus had hardly slept, had hardly eaten. He didn’t see any patients. All he did was look for her. Look for her and castigate himself.

On the third day, Mrs. Simms looked in on him despite his objections over her safety. She had countered with her objections to him being alone while he was worried. They’d compromised by agreeing to a very brief look-in. While she was in the kitchen, having insisted on making him a spot of tea and a bit of toast, an envelope dropped in through the letter slot in the front door.