Past the Ages: Book Two (3 page)

THREE

OFFICIALLY A FAMILY

HARRIET HELPED
Lucy dress in her favorite lavender gown. She pulled her hair up in a French twist, leaving wisps of soft curls to frame her face. A light smattering of rogue brightened her cheeks. “You look beautiful, Lucy.”

“Thank you, Harriet.” She took the final sip of her chocolate and stood. “Is Mother up yet?”

“Yes, she’s been up for an hour. You’ll find her in the drawing room responding to invitations.”

Lucy steeled herself and went down the stairs and into the drawing room. Sure enough, her mother was leaning over a bunch of envelopes, writing hastily. Without glancing up, she said, “Lucy, dear. How did you sleep?”

Lucy went over to her embroidery. “Very well. You?”

“Fine. Fine.” She finished her correspondence and went about sanding the paper.

“There’s a gentleman caller to see you and Miss Lucy, Madam. Would you like to receive them in here or the parlor,” Sheldon asked.

“Good gracious. Who’s calling at this hour?” She frantically pushed past Sheldon as she pinched color into her cheeks and slicked back her slightly mussed hair. “Wait two minutes and then bring him in.”

“Yes’m.” Sheldon moved out of the doorway and off to the side.

“Lucy.”

“Coming, Mother.” She had a feeling she knew who it was and worked to contain her excitement. It still astounded her how much her life had changed in the last month. She’d gone from feeling like a commodity to be bought and sold to a person loved by a man that she loved right back. If only she could tell someone. But who? Not her mother or sister. Maybe Harriet. How would she begin?
Oh, by the by the ghost of my grandmother gave me a locket and I went forward in time two hundred years where I met William and we’ve fallen in love
.
Tee hee.
She doubted anyone would believe her. Quite the contrary, Harriet would probably think she’d lost her mind. Then she’d tell her mother who would tell Lucy’s mother and then she’d end up in an asylum.

“Sit at the pianoforte and play something,” her mother ordered.

Playing wasn’t one of her talents, but she lifted the piano lid and began to plunk out the one song she had memorized, Ludwig van Beethoven’s
Sonata quasi una fantasia.

“May I present William Godwin, Count of Polenska?” Sheldon announced him with complete solidarity.

At Will’s name Lucy’s heart sprang to life. She glanced up, her fingers tripping over the keys before recovering quickly.

He walked in, tall and commanding in tan breeches, matching jacket, and a white shirt. His boots were polished and his hat was the height of fashion. His hair was a little on the longer side and hung in his eyes, but he was gorgeous.

“William? Count?” Her mother was completely flustered. “Should I know you?”

Will’s charm sprang to life and he went to work putting her at ease. “I apologize for calling so early and without a proper introduction.” In his hand was an envelope. He presented it to her. “I hope the letter can put you at ease. We are related, distantly.” He glanced at Lucy. “My father and the Count of Polenska were cousins.”

She broke the crested seal and looked over what Lucy guessed was an introduction and possibly a family tree. If that were the case, she wondered how he’d acquired all of the necessary paperwork, but guessed Mr. Kincaid probably helped him out. For several minutes her mother read, sighed, and grunted until she refolded the paper and put it back in the envelope. “Well, you’re right. A proper introduction would’ve been preferable. But according to the letter you’ve been out of the country, which explains your odd accent.” She waved her hands as though brushing away something unpleasant. “No matter though. We are always available for family.” She smiled genially. “And where are you staying?”

“I have a room at the Wysteria.” He snuck Lucy a quick look, looking like an over indulgent cat that swallowed the proverbial canary.

Her face reddened.

“Nonsense. You’ll stay here. You’re family, after all.” She took the paper and set it on the desk. “It’s a little unorthodox, but it will be for the best.”

“Mrs. Channing, that is not necessary. I have a perfectly good room.”

“Absolutely not. Sheldon!”

“Madam.” He appeared around the corner. “Have Jinnifer make up one of the spare bedrooms. Get Harriet to help her. Then send Jim to the Wysteria to pick up William’s things.”

“Yes, Madam.”

“And tell Geneviève to tell the cook we will need an additional place setting for lunch.”

“Yes, Madam.”

“Lucy, come over and meet your third cousin on your father’s side.”

“Cousin?” Lucy fought to hold back a laugh.

“Yes, cousin. Don’t be impertinent, child.”

Lucy stood, feeling unusually nervous. “Hello Mr. Godwin. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She curtsied and tried not to blush, but couldn’t help herself.

“And you, Miss Channing.”

“Lunch will be in an hour.” Lucy’s mother seemed terribly out of sorts.

“Well I still have a few things to take care of this morning.” He took a few steps back. “But I’ll return in an hour.”

“Very good.” Lucy’s mother worked to cover up her relief. She hadn’t been planning on entertaining and she wasn’t the kind of woman who easily went along with change. “We will see you for lunch and your room will be ready as well.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Channing.” He bowed, placed his hat on his head, and walked through the front door, which Sheldon had opened in anticipation of his departure.

Desperate to keep him close, Lucy clutched his arm. “Will?” Her voice cracked.

He turned, his cerulean blue eyes studying her violet ones. It seemed to be telling her to stay calm. She quickly stepped back. “Um, will you be attending the
Duke of Vladimir’s
annual ball?”

“I wouldn’t miss it.” He smiled at Lucy’s mother.

“Then you received an invitation?” Mrs. Channing’s lips pursed grimly as though reconsidering her offer to let Will stay.

“Yes, a Mr. Dashel Rothchild helped me procure invitations to all of the most exciting events of the season.” 

“Well then, that’s wonderful.” Mrs. Channing ushered Will out.

“It was lovely to meet you both,” Will said.

FOUR

IN WHICH THEY MAKE A PLAN

LUNCH CONSISTED of several courses including beef stew and peach cobbler, some of Lucy’s favorites. But she couldn’t eat. Will sat next to her, but the twins, Ellen and Beau were monopolizing his time. They’d discovered Will’s love of all things old and expensive. It seemed he’d kept that hobby as part of his cover and they were asking him about the arc of the covenant.

“Have you seen it?”

“No, but I’m confident it exists. I just delivered a stone tablet believed by some to be ancient prophecies inscribed by Moses himself.”

“But no arc? That’s too bad.” Beau glanced down at her food, obviously disappointed. “Do you think you’ll find it?”

“If I have anything to say in the matter, then yes, I most certainly will.” He took his final bite of cobbler.

Ellen giggled. “I think your life sounds thrilling.” She pushed away her uneaten peaches.

“Thank you. It is rather electrifying.”

“And your father is all right with you traipsing all over the globe, taking risks, spending the family’s money?” Mrs. Channing sipped her drink, looking especially arrogant.

“He’s all for it, actually, especially since I’ve only increased the family fortune and am constantly making useful political connections.”

“I see. But your mother must be devastated that you’re constantly gone?” She took another drink.

Will smiled and took a drink. Lucy got the feeling he was incredibly uncomfortable with her mother’s questioning. She wasn’t sure whether it was because of his fabricated story or something else.

“Apologies for the interruption, madam, but you’re needed in the kitchen,” Sheldon said, appearing in the dining room.

“Oh, honestly.” She removed her napkin from her lap and slammed it against the table. “Continue to eat your lunch. I shall return shortly.” Will had stood when her mother did. Mrs. Channing acknowledged him with a slight nod and retreated.

Will took his seat and turned his attention to Lucy. “Hi.” He smiled, and his whole face lit up.

She was mesmerized by his full lips. They looked soft and oh so kissable. “Hello,” she finally returned.

“Have you thought anymore about when we’re going to get the amulet?” He kept his voice low.

Lucy took a quick look at her younger siblings. They were engrossed in their own conversation. “A little.” She pushed her food around her plate nervously. “What about during the upcoming ball? Perhaps I could pretend an illness and miss it? That’ll leave the house relatively empty for a clandestine getaway.”

“That’s a possibility. We’ll need to have help. Horses at the ready and so forth. Abney Park is close but we will probably be gone at least four hours.”

“Right. Horses.” Lucy’s mind spun. “And possibly someone to cover for us if we’re late.”

He poured himself some more wine and took a long drink. “Any ideas on who might be willing to help?”

Lucy stabbed a piece of meat and stuck it in her mouth. Her first thought went to Harriet, but she quickly dismissed her. The girl would do anything for Lucy, but she’d been more absent of late, like after the masquerade they’d attended, and Lucy questioned whether she could be relied upon. Then there was her sister, Ellen. She might be an option. And Dashel? He might help too, if she asked. He was always up for shenanigans. “I think I know one, possibly two people.” She glanced over the table at her sister. “Maybe three?”

“Good.” He chewed on a baby potato. Swallowed. “By the way, you look ravishing in your lavender dress, Miss Channing. It’s the exact color of your eyes.”

Lucy felt her face get hot at the compliment. “Thank you.”

“Lucy,” her mother chirped, causing Lucy to jump. “Your betrothed has asked that you meet him in Covington Park this afternoon. I’m sending correspondence with a reply that you will be there.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Lucy drank the rest of her wine while her mother resettled herself at the table.

“Wear the periwinkle walking dress,” her mother continued. “It’s such a lovely shade against your skin.” Her mother focused her attention on Will. “You belongings have arrived and are up in your room. Perhaps you’d like Sheldon to show you up?”

“Mother, we aren’t finished eating,” Beau complained when several of the staff came in and took their plates away.

“It’s time to work on your studies. Get upstairs. Rosie is waiting.”

“But—”

“Go now.” Mrs. Channing pointed at the door.

Ellen and Beau grumbled as they stood.

“What’s that?” Mrs. Channing asked.

“Yes, ma’am,” they answered together.

When they were gone, Mrs. Channing gave Will a cursory glare. “You’d do well to remember that my daughter is off limits.” She grabbed Lucy’s arm, forcing her to stand. “Now get upstairs and change.”

It looked like Will wanted to say something. His jaw clenched and unclenched. Lucy shook her head, hoping he’d understand that it was best to keep quiet.

“Of course, Mrs. Channing.”

FIVE

TAKING A TURN

THE PARK
was relatively quiet that afternoon. The sun was out, but clouds occasionally covered it, making the somewhat stifling air more bearable. Lucy had chosen the blue, as her mother suggested. She had matching shoes, hat, and a parasol, though she wasn’t using it at the moment. Dashel looked handsome as ever in fawn brown breeches, dark chocolate over the knee boots, and an off white shirt with a matching coat. His hat sat proudly atop his head with tufts of his dark hair peaking out from all the sides. His brown eyes were clear and brimming with amusement.

The trees around them were full of blooms, including cherry and apple blossoms. They touched every part of the trees circling the park, leaving little room for the green leaves. Birds sang brightly, calling back and forth to each other. Dashel couldn’t have picked a more perfect day for a stroll.

Lucy had invited Harriet to escort her on the outing. She even dressed her in one of her gowns. She wanted it to be a new one, but Harriet insisted that something older would do just fine. At the moment she walked five steps behind Lucy and Dashel, seemingly lost in thought. Occasionally she even thought she heard the girl talking to herself, but each time she peered back, Harriet’s mouth was closed tight.

“You’re quiet this afternoon?” Dashel nudged her shoulder lightly.

“I have something I need to speak with you about, but am not sure how to bring it up.” Lucy leaned into Dashel. He’d been her friend for so long, she didn’t know what she’d do without him.

His hand curled around her fingers clutching his arm. “You can tell me anything. You know that.”

“I do, Dashel, but this is huge and a bit…” she paused a moment, “incredible.”

“Dear Lucy, you tend to be a bit melodramatic.”

“I know, but this time I’m not.”

“Really?”

“Remember when I was nine and I found that stray cat?”

Dashel lifted his head, obviously trying to remember.

“Really, Dash. You must remember. Everyone thought it was a wildcat and worried I would come down with some incurable disease if it scratched or bit me.”

“Of course, I remember. You begged me to help you make a bed for it and wanted to sneak it up into your room.”

“Right,” she smiled wryly. “You helped me and the first night it scratched me. A few hours later a red line began crawling up my arm and I nearly died.”

He sighed dramatically. “You didn’t nearly die.”

“I did too.” She punched him in the arm.

Dashel’s eyes turned serious. “I remember I was worried sick about you.”

“I know,” Lucy said. “And you wouldn’t let me walk around the estate by myself for a year afterward.”

“I thought I was your knight in shining armor and believed I was the only one who could keep you safe.”

Lucy leaned into him. “You’ve always been my dearest friend, Dashel. And that’s why I’m worried now. Promise that when I’m finished talking you won’t have me committed.”

His eyes betrayed the easy smile on his lips. “I won’t have you committed.”

Her lips went dry and she licked them. “Where to start?” she said worriedly chewing on her bottom lip.

Dashel responded. “I’m quite fond of starting at the beginning.”

“Right.” She reached her free hand up and covered his. “Several weeks ago, not long after my grandmother died, I went to see her grave.”

“I remember.”

She nodded, trying to gather her thoughts and calm her racing heart. “I saw her there.”

“Your dead grandmother?”

She checked his features. He didn’t seem to be laughing at her. Nor did he appear worried, just interested. “That’s right. And she showed me a locket, promising that when I touched it I would be brought to my true love.” She peered at him through her lashes.

“Continue,” was all he said, though his brows had creased together.

“Right.” So she went on and before she knew it she’d told him everything, including the story of Mihos, and how William came to be in their time. The whole time she spoke, Dashel listened, mumbling something incoherent every so often. She had no idea how long she’d talked, but when she finished, she sighed with relief.

He didn’t speak for several minutes. “I’ve known you a long time, Lucy.”

“Yes,” she said tentatively.

“And never in all my twenty-two years has anyone told me such a fantastical story.”

“I’m sure.” Her heart sank. She worried about what he would think, and she didn’t want to scare him away. There was nothing she could do about it now. She’d bared her soul, except the kissing. Intuitively, she realized it would be unwise to mention that.

Dashel faced her. “Lucy, you’ve found your true love.”

Her heart clenched with soft happiness for the man in front of her. “Yes, I have.”

“Well then, whatever you need me to do, just ask.”

“You believe me then? About the time travelling. And Mihos? And the pit of lava? And Bastet?”

He threw his head back and laughed. “How long have we known each other?”

It wasn’t the response Lucy expected. “As we’ve discussed, it’s been a long time.”

“That’s right. And have you ever lied to me?”

“Never,” she replied fiercely.

“Then why wouldn’t I believe you now?”

Her heart swelled with happiness. “But the things I said. Even I wouldn’t believe them if I hadn’t seen them with my own two eyes.”

Dashel patted her hand. “I-um am not completely unfamiliar with the paranormal. So while your story is fantastical, it doesn’t surprise me.”

Lucy stopped. “But you’ve surprised me.” She gazed into his kind eyes. “What don’t I know?”

He faced her. “Nothing of import, Lucy. I promise.”

She nodded.

Harriet hadn’t stopped when they did and nearly ran into the two of them. “My apologies.” Her freckled face bloomed like a hot summer rose.

Dashel took her gloved hand and brought it to his lips. “All is forgiven.”

Harriet blushed brighter and pulled her hand away.

Dashel seemed to enjoy making her lady’s maid uncomfortable. “How much does she know?” he asked, pointing at Harriet.

“Only that I love Will.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “But you have a plan?”

Why did everyone keep asking her that? “Sort of.”

“Well then why don’t you share what you have so far with Harriet and me?”

Lucy was exhausted after telling him about her adventures, but started. “I was thinking I’d feign a headache and skip the ball. Once my mother and father are gone for the night, I can sneak out through the servants’ entrance, and Will and I can ride to the cemetery where the amulet is located.”

He blinked several times. “What’s it like?”

“What?” Lucy asked, not sure where he was going with the question.

“Two hundred years from now. What does that even look like?”

She thought a moment and said the first thing that came to mind. “It’s a lot less dusty and the people dress showing a lot more skin.”

Dashel burst out laughing. A small group of people walked by. At Dashel’s outburst, they sped up. Recognizing they were making a spectacle of themselves, he waved his groom over. “Let’s get some iced lemonade, shall we?” He stuck out an elbow for Lucy and Harriet to take, but her lady’s maid just shook her head and moved behind the two of them as they walked.

In the buggy, he encouraged Lucy to continue.

“Sounds like a good plan. What do you need from me?” He smiled brightly, his eyes alight with mischief.

Harriet’s gaze focused on something outside the window, seemingly seeing something important. “Can you stop the carriage, Mr. Rothchild?”

“Of course.” He alerted his driver who pulled the carriage over to the side of the road. Before it’d come to a complete stop, she jumped out.

“Harriet,” Lucy said, flabbergasted, stepping out behind her lady’s maid. “Is there something you need?”

“No, Miss.” She studied an empty spot in the street. “Go on without me. I’ll be home straight away. I just need to take care of an issue.”

“If you’re sure, Harriet.”

“I am, Miss. Thank you.” She strode off in the direction she’d been studying so intently.

Lucy watched her a moment before returning to the carriage.

“Is your maid going to be all right?” Dashel helped her back inside.

“I do hope so.” She adjusted her dress as she sat, rather confused about the situation. “Where were we?”

Dashel sat back, peering out at the street. “What do they get around in? Not carriages, I think.”

It took her a minute to understand. “They are called cars and they’re fast.”

That perked Dashel up. “How fast? Faster than a horse?”

Lucy smiled at his boyish enthusiasm, her momentary worry about Harriet temporarily forgotten. “Much faster. And they have planes.”

“Planes?” Dashel sat forward, clasping his hands together. “What is a planes?”

“They are like cars, but fly in the air. They can hold hundreds of people all at once and go so fast a person can get from one side of the continent to the other in a few hours.”

Dashel was astonished. “That is amazing.”

“And they have something called fast food.”

“What is that? Does it run while you eat it?”

Lucy laughed heartily at the mental image he’d created. “No. You talk into a metal box, tell it what you want, and then drive to a window where a person hands you a bag filled with the food you ordered.”

“I’ll be damned.”

“It’s almost like time travel.”

He sat back and returned to staring out the window. “Lucy Channing, I must say that knowing you is one of the best parts of my life.”

“I am happy to be your entertainment, Mr. Rothchild. Our relationship hasn’t changed much over the years.”

“Oh, but it most certainly has. You’ve introduced me to time travel. To the year two thousand fifteen. I love it.”