*
The sun shonelate into the evening at this time of the year, so there was plenty of light as he and Heather made their way to the Singing Caves.
Heather held both lockets in her hand.
They were not the only ones present, for word had spread throughout the village. It seemed to Ruarke as though all its inhabitants were in attendance. The vicar was there with his wife and his prayer book. The curate was beside them with tears in his eyes.
Ruarke’s houseguests also came along, for this would be quite a story to tell when they returned to London.
The vicar led the onlookers in prayer.
Ruarke was never one to pray, but perhaps tonight would change him.
The sky was an array of colors, of pinks and lavenders, as the sun began its descent on the horizon, and the sea sparkled. Ruarke climbed the rocks and held out his hand to help Heather onto them. “Are you sure about this? I can go in alone.”
“I have to be with you. I am ready.”
He could have ordered her to stay behind with the others, but she was right. He felt it as well. Sheneededto be with him.
He had brought a lantern along, and now lit it. “Here we go. Do not let go of my hand.”
They entered the cave where Bella had drowned.
The ground was dank but mostly dry because the tide was out.
Heather took a deep breath. “Bella, we’ve brought you a gift. It is your missing locket. Your sweetheart had a similar one made for himself that held your portrait. They are both yours now. Take them with you as you cross over. It is time for you to go. James is waiting for you.” She set them on a rocky ledge within the cave. “Be happy, Bella.”
They waited a moment to see if their ghost would respond, but were met with silence.
Ruarke dared not remain inside any longer, even though there was still time before the tide came in. But he did not like the idea of Heather remaining in the cave another moment. “Let’s go, love.”
He led her back out.
They had just stepped down from the rocks and onto the sand when they heard a trill of laughter.
Heather gasped. “She’s seen the necklaces.”
“Good, now let’s get you away from here,” Ruarke muttered, and they quickly rejoined the onlookers at the other end of the beach.
He handed the lantern off to his cousin and wrapped his arms around Heather. Despite being certain they were doing the right thing, he would not manage a calming breath until Bella was gone.
Heather did not appear concerned and insisted they would soon see a sign. He had no idea what it might be. A dove flying overhead? A flash of light from inside the cave? A ghostly aura floating upward to heaven? Or nothing at all?
What if they were wrong and the return of the lockets did not work?
Heather grabbed hold of his hand and squeezed it. “It is happening.”
He sucked in a breath. “What do you see?”
“They are both on the rocks, waving to us.”
“Both?”
“Yes, Bella and James. He’s come for her. Oh, Ruarke, he waited for her all these years.” She waved back at them and blew Bella a kiss. “He looks so much like you. No wonder she fell in love with him.”
“They are not us, Heather. I fell in love withyou, not her,” Ruarke said.
She looked at him with her eyes wide and glittering. “You called melovebefore in the cave. And now, are you… I thought… I…”
