GhostlyPersuasion by Dena Garson Page A

hand. “My name is Katie Ward, I’m a guest
at Tullamore.”
    Riona hesitated before placing her hand in Katie’s.
    “I heard about you and wanted to meet you.”
    When their hands touched, Riona’s eyes widened in surprise.
She mumbled something in a language Katie didn’t understand.
    “I’m sorry, but what did you say?” Katie asked.
    “You are family. How can this be?” Riona asked as she
clasped her other hand over their joined ones.
    “Do you know someone by the name of Deirdre Aideen Ward, er,
I mean Mac au Bhaird?”
    Once again Riona’s eyes widened in surprise but then
narrowed. “I haven’t heard that name in many years. Who is she to you?”
    Katie sensed Seamus move closer then noticed Riona’s eyes
flickered in his direction. She took a deep breath. “She was my mother.”
    Riona’s voice dropped. “Was?”
    “She died about three years ago.”
    “I am very sorry to hear that.” Riona released Katie’s hand.
She unlatched the gate then stepped back, opening it as she moved. “You are
welcome in my home, cousin.” Her eyes moved to Seamus. “Your spirit guide as
well.”

Chapter Ten
     
    “Are you really my cousin?” Katie looked at Seamus. “And can
you really see him?” She wasn’t sure which she was more surprised by.
    Seamus looked equally surprised.
    Riona smiled. “Yes and somewhat. I see a shadowy figure but
it is light, not dark.”
    “Thank you,” Seamus mumbled as he followed Katie through the
gate.
    “Are you able to hear him too?”
    “Not clearly.”
    “Oh.” Katie wasn’t sure if she was disappointed for Seamus’
sake or so she would feel less freakish with her gift. “I feel a little silly introducing
someone you can’t really see or hear, but this,” she gestured to Seamus, “is
Seamus MacDonhnaill.”
    Riona’s brow furrowed as if she were trying to recall
something. “MacDonhnaill. That is an ancient name.”
    “He used to live somewhere around here,” Katie said.
    “I’ll have to think about where I’ve heard it before,” Riona
said then waved them toward the door of the cottage. “If you’ve come from the
castle then you’ve had a long walk and must be anxious to sit for a wee bit.”
She showed them to a cozy den where a fire roared in the fireplace.
    There was a short sofa loaded with pillows, a plush armchair
and matching ottoman and an ancient wooden rocker. Bookshelves lined one wall.
Each shelf was crammed with books or odd collectibles. There was even a cat
curled up in a sunny spot in one window. The room was feminine and charming and
Katie immediately felt at ease.
    “Would you like tea or coffee?”
    “Coffee would be nice.”
    “Sit, please. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll just be a
moment.”
    Seamus continued to stand as he looked about the room. Katie
took a seat on the sofa and almost groaned at how good it felt to get off her
feet. She sank into the plump pillows then wondered if she’d be able to get out
of the pile.
    “You’re awfully quiet,” Katie said over her shoulder to
Seamus.
    “I didn’t come to visit. I just led the way.”
    “You know more about these people than me.”
    “Mostly by reputation. I’ve only seen Riona in passing a few
times. I’ve never talked with her,” he said.
    “Well, perhaps you should. Maybe she could help you with the
curse.”
    “Curse?” Riona asked as she returned to the den carrying a
tray of teacups and snacks.
    Katie looked at Seamus. “Do you mind if I tell her?”
    He shrugged. “I don’t know what harm it could do.”
    Katie turned back to Riona. “He said it was fine if I told
you.”
    Riona glanced to where Seamus was standing then settled the
tray on the ottoman. “Curses are a nasty bit of business.” She handed a teacup
filled with steaming coffee to Katie. “I have never heard of one going the way
it was intended.”
    Katie took the cup and saucer from Riona and murmured,
“Thank you.” She inhaled the aroma. It smelled wonderfully rich and