Page 17 of Grave Expectations
She shook her head. "So few remain, and most do not wish to be found."
"Was your family magical?"
"My mother was a necromancer, but she died when I was very small. My father remarried to a devout woman. She detested me, feared me. Do not go to them. They will not treat you as a granddaughter ought to be treated."
I knew enough about devout people to know the horrible truth in her words. "I won't seek them out," I assured her.
"I am sorry, dear Charlotte, but you are all alone now that your adopted parents died, yes?"
"Not at all. Lincoln and I are recently engaged."
Her wispy form shimmered, as if she were cold. "I see." She studied him carefully, drifting around his head twice, before settling once more in front of me. "He looks strong."
"He is."
"There is another English word." She clicked her tongue as she searched for it. "Int… Intimid…?"
"Intimidating." I suddenly felt awkward discussing him like this while he was in the room.
Lincoln must have known that I was talking about him because he once again squeezed my hand.
"You think he loves you?" my mother asked.
"I know it."
She stood and smoothed her ghostly skirts. "Charlotte, it is my duty as your mother to warn you that men are not like us. They do not have soft hearts. To them, love is a way to get something else they want."
"You're wrong, Mother," I said very firmly. "I'm sorry your experience was unfavorable, but I know some very good, kind men. The ones in this room, for example."
"You are a young woman," she said gently. "And sheltered too."
"Not as much as you may think."
"You must listen to me when I tell you to be careful. I am your mother and I wish you to be happy. Find a man who is not so…strong. Find one less intimidating, who will doyourbidding."
I pressed my lips together. This meeting was taking a turn in a direction I didn't like, yet I didn't have the heart to continue to disagree with her. "I will consider your advice. Thank you, Mother. Mama. May I call you that?"
"Of course." Her sweet smile momentarily filled out the hollowed contours of her cheeks and chased away the dark shadows circling her eyes. "That is a word I hoped to hear one day from your lips. I wish I were alive to hold you, dearest daughter, but this spirit form must do for now."
"We'll see one another again, won't we?" I asked, my tears once more close.
"Of course. You may summon my spirit whenever you need me. I am here for you, Charlotte. Always."
I nodded, no longer able to speak through my tears.
"Promise me you will get your necklace from him." She angled her head at Lincoln. "If he refuses, steal it. Listen to me, your mother, not him. I know what is best for you. You are always in my heart. Do you understand?"
I nodded again.
"Bon. Now, we must say farewell." She kissed her fingertips and held them up. I kissed mine and touched them to hers, although I felt nothing.
"Goodbye, Mama," I whispered. "I release you."
She slipped away, gliding up to the ceiling then disappearing altogether.
"She's gone?" Lincoln asked.
I nodded.
