Past the Ages: Book Two (4 page)

SIX

A KISS ISN’T JUST A KISS

OVER THE next couple of days Lucy only saw Will at mealtimes and occasionally in passing. Each time her heart lurched with longing. She wanted to be near him, and hated the separation instilled by society. What made matters worse was that Harriet hadn’t been around either. Her lady’s maid sent another girl by the name of Pasha, to bring her meals, and help her dress. Lucy disliked speaking ill of anyone, but the girl had no idea what she was doing. Plus, she’d killed a mouse, probably her old friend, the one who’d been shredding books and living in her closet. When it was dead, Pasha had lifted it in the air by the tail to show her. Lucy thought she might be sick.

Adding cruelty to the situation, she’d had to go to her fittings for the ball without Harriet. She hadn’t wanted to go, especially since she wouldn’t actually be attending the ball, but her mother had insisted. Without a doubt Lucy was cross with Harriet. It was obvious the girl was avoiding her. Lucy’s feelings went deeper than that though. She was hurt. She’d believed the two of them to be friends, and it stung to realize the relationship might be one-sided.

Lucy sighed, closing her most recent favorite book. She’d taken solace in the library today. The books, the paper, and the dust calmed her nerves. And since Lord Sebastian’s ball was tonight, she needed to be ready.

But before she could get to the door, the knob turned. She stepped back just as Will came in.

“Will,” she exclaimed softly. Her heart raced and a weight she hadn’t known was there lifted from her shoulders at seeing him. “I’ve missed you.”

“Two of the longest days of my life,” he agreed, pulling her to him, caressing her body with his as his mouth found hers.

She let out a sound, like happiness and contentment and pleasure rolled into one emotion—ecstasy came to mind. She felt the kiss all the way in her stomach and down to her knees, where they shook. It wasn’t out of fear. Not at all. She wasn’t scared. She was electrified by him, by his genuine, soft lips and the way they massaged hers. Tingles softly danced up and down her arms and it felt as though a flock of birds burst from her chest all at once.

His lips gently opened her mouth, deepening the kiss. Another sound escaped, like the mewl of a kitten. She realized her eyes were closed, which surprised her because she didn’t remember shutting them. Her hands went around his neck as she sank further into him. It felt as though they became one, a feeling she knew she’d never experience with another person, ever. If Heaven were real, she was experiencing it at that moment.

“Miss Lucy!”

At her name being shouted, she pushed Will away and peeked over his shoulder. It was Harriet. And she looked scandalized.

“Miss!” Harriet’s eyes flickered back and forth between Will and Lucy.

“Harriet.” Disappointment at her lady’s maid ruining the single best kiss in the universe came out, but she recovered quickly. “I’ve missed you.”

The reproach on Harriet’s face softened. “I’m sorry, Miss. I needed a few days to recover from an illness.”

“Oh?” Lucy didn’t express her doubt, her maid had been sick a lot lately. She moved out of Will’s grasp and came closer to Harriet. “And are you feeling better?”

“Yes. Much.” Harriet wrung her apron nervously.

Lucy cleared her throat. “That’s good because I think I’m coming down with something. I may not be able to go tonight. Is there any way you could ask your mother to make me some soup and have it brought up to my room?”

“Of course, Miss. I’ll go right away.” Now it was Harriet’s turn to fail at suppressing her unbelief.

“Thank you.”

Once her maid was gone, she turned back to Will. “You are attending Lord Sebastian’s ball tonight, correct?”

“Yes. I’ll go for a couple of hours, say hello to everyone, especially your mother and father, and then I’ll sneak away and meet you here at ten thirty.”

“Right.”

“Did you get the clothes Dashel provided?”

Lucy blushed. “Yes, I got them.”

“You’re excited to wear pants again, aren’t you?”

“Perhaps, but I’m a lady and I’ll never tell.”

Will growled before claiming her mouth once again. After another long kiss, he said, “Well,
my lady
I’ll see you tonight.” He gave her a deep bow before leaving.

SEVEN

HORSEBACK RIDING

HARRIET BROUGHT
in the soup and left, but not without making it clear she knew Lucy was faking, or perhaps she was distracted by something else entirely. Lucy couldn’t be entirely sure. She couldn’t worry about her lady’s maid now. Picking up her spoon, she ate quickly, enjoying the delicious flavors and warmth. Then she climbed into bed, rolling onto her side. Her hope was to get a few hours’ sleep before she met up with Will. They would be riding nearly an hour each way and she wanted to be alert. She had ridden as a man more times that she would ever admit to her mother, but that had been years ago. The prospect of doing so again tonight, and in a pair of man’s breeches no less, both thrilled and terrified her. Questions pummeled her brain. What if someone stopped them? What if a horse went lame? What if bandits accosted them? What if it rained? What if she lost Will? Then once they arrived at the graveyard, she had more questions. Where would they find the amulet? What about Apep and Bastet? Apep had sworn to kill her and Will, yet he’d stopped, and he hadn’t been around in the last few days. Neither had Bastet. Lucy had been grateful for the respite but also worried. She’d witnessed the power they possessed first hand and knew whatever their plan, when it happened, it wouldn’t be good.

Lucy tossed and turned. Her mother had peered in on her once, letting her know that she and her father were leaving for the ball. Lucy hadn’t responded, but instead pretended to be asleep.

At ten o’clock she climbed out of bed, removed the set of men’s clothing she’d hidden at the back of her closet, and proceeded to put it all on. The pants didn’t feel the same as the jeans she’d worn in Will’s time. These were softer, like butter. The shirt was a little oversized and the shoes felt a touch too big, but they would do. She needed to thank Dashel for choosing such comfortable clothing.

The chimes on the clock struck ten thirty and she peered out her door, checking left and right before scurrying down the stairs, past the kitchen, which was surprisingly quiet, and over to the servants’ entrance, which opened to the outside.

The night air was thick with moisture. The clouds covered up the moon and the stars, giving her plenty of darkness. It also made her nervous. She hoped she wouldn’t lose her footing or worse, step into a hole. The back alley left a lot to be desired. She closed the door and pressed her back against the wall, waiting for Will. He’d said he was going to go to the ball with Lucy’s parents and would sneak away once he had made the appropriate introductions. That had been the plan anyway. But life had taught her that plots didn’t always go the way she wanted them to.

After several minutes, she began to worry. And the questions started again. What if he’d changed his mind? What if he couldn’t get away? What if—

The sound of hoofs beating against the rocky road brought her up short. She turned away from the noise in case it wasn’t Will. She didn’t want anyone to notice her.

When the hoof beats stopped, she glanced back and was relieved to see her Will climbing off one horse while holding the reins of another. She guessed they were Dashel’s. Her heart soared with happiness at the thought that her friend had come through for them.

Will wore black breeches, a matching jacket, and a white shirt. He didn’t have a hat on and his hair was windblown, making him look even more gorgeous. Lucy’s heart skipped several beats. Finally she took a deep breath and ran toward him. “Will, you made it.”

He laughed, swinging her in his arms a moment before helping her up on her horse. “You doubted me?”

“No,” she said, feeling sheepish. “I was just a little worried you might not be able to get away.”

“You know me. I’m a procurer of expensive and very rare artifacts. You think I would let something like a ball distract me from my goal?” He smirked, before turning his focus to his horse as he climbed on. “Yaw,” he said, slapping his mount lightly with the leather reins.

“No, I supposed not,” she shouted after him.

She mounted her own horse and caught up to him. He glanced over. “You’re the most breathtaking woman I’ve ever laid eyes on, even if you are wearing breeches like a man.” He snickered and she joined in.

“Thank you, milord.”

EIGHT

THE KEEPER OF THE CRYPT

THE NIGHT
sky glistened with thousands of stars and the brightness of the moon. Lucy looked at them couldn’t help but think of Bastet, the goddess who claimed to be them. Was she looking down on them now? Lucy also considered what the goddess’s true intentions were. It was difficult to know. Still, it felt as though she was providing more light than usual, especially in London, where the clouds seemed to constantly be overcast. The clearness allowed Lucy to make out the path in front of her. Will seemed to be having an easy time of it as well, and Lucy was thankful.

They’d been riding for nearly an hour. Her posterior was sore, but she only slightly noticed the pain. She was too nervous about what they’d find and what would happen afterward. The god, Apep was also on her mind. He’d been so adamant about keeping Will and her apart, saying that the two of them together would cause the world to end. She hadn’t shared that information with Will. It seemed so outrageous. But then it all was. Time travelling, ghosts, gods. None of it could be explained in a rational way.

By the time they arrived at the entrance to Abney Park, it was drizzling, though the cloud cover was still sparse. Just wispy and billowing clouds sailing across the sky sporadically.

Lucy’s clothes were damp and clung to her back and thighs. She was chilled to the bone. The moisture in the air enhanced the city smells. Sewage combined with other noxious odors filled her nose.

Will wasn’t much better off. His hair hung in his eyes, the ends curled slightly. He still wore his black coat. It glistened against the luster of water dampening his jacket.

“Whoa,” Lucy said, pulling her horse up next to Will’s. He was staring at the entrance and Lucy joined him. Not that there was much to see. Two tall concrete columns on either side of a grated gate. It appeared to be locked. Ivy had grown along the spires, twisting their green branches, desperate to claim it as its own.

“It looks vacant. Are you sure this is the Abney Park entrance.”

“That’s what I read in the Gazette.” She got off her horse, gingerly rubbing her bottom to bring the feeling back. Wrapped the reins around a small tree, and moved toward the gate. “Perhaps they are using a different entrance.”

Will came up beside her. He’d removed his overcoat and his cravat, leaving only his white shirt, which he’d unbuttoned so that the skin of his chest could be seen. She could also see the chain of her grandmother’s necklace dangling from around his neck. Over his shoulder was a leather satchel. “You’re probably right.” He shook the gate, checking to see if it came open. It didn’t.

“How are we going to get in?”

Will pulled her into his side. “The way I see it is we have two options. We can follow this gate around until we find an opening.”

“Or?” She wrapped her arms around him. He smelled musky with the hint of his cologne.

“We can climb over.” He gave her a big smile as he stepped toward the gate, placed his hands on the top rung followed by his legs and pushed himself over, letting himself drop to the other side. “Your turn.”

Lucy’s mouth fell open. “Sir, I most certainly cannot do that.” She put her hands on her hips in exasperation.

“You can do it. I believe in you.” His confidence in her had her stepping forward and placing her hands on the top rung before she stopped to think about it. She was much shorter than he so she had to stand on her toes.

“This is impossible.”

He assessed the situation, then clasped his fingers together down near her feet. “I’ll give you a boost.”

“A boost? I don’t understand.”

“It’s easy. Place your foot on my hands and I’ll lift you up. Use your hands to finagle your way over and then I’ll help you down on the other side.”

He seemed so confident in his idea that she decided to give it a try. “Very well, but if I fall and break my neck I’m blaming you.”

“Deal.”

She placed her outside foot on his hand. He waited for her to put all of her weight on it before lifting her up. It was a lot the same as getting onto a horse. She swung her leg over the gate and Will helped her down on the other side.

“See? Easy.” He winked, pulling her into a hug. He leaned down and snuck a kiss, making it deep and long.

Lucy panted, allowing herself to be swept up in the tingling feelings running over her body. Her knees felt weak and her heart seemed to have stopped.

When he finally released her, she sighed, leaning into him.

“We should probably look for the crypt,” Will said, though the look on his face told her he wanted to continue what they’d been doing.

“Right,” she said, somewhat vexed.

Will pulled an unexpected device from his satchel, flicked a switch on the side, and the forest around them immediately lit up, like a light had been turned on.

“What is that? How?” She took the device from him. It shone in her eyes. “Oh, ouch. The light is so bright.” She handed it back.

He took it in one hand and held out his other for her. She took it and they proceeded deeper into the forest. “I brought this back with me. It’s called a flashlight.”

“It’s like magic.”

He chuckled. “After I returned from my first trip to this time, I flew to London, searching for some clue as to where the amulet might be. During my visit I took a tour through here. In my time, most of the graves are much more overrun with greenery and moss. But it’s beautiful. Peaceful. In my time and yours.” He squeezed her hand. “Right over there,” he pointed with the flashlight, “in my time stands a church. It won’t be built until eighteen forty. But what makes this place so special is that it was one of the first non-denominational cemeteries in the country. The church is actually considered gothic while the entrance will have Egyptian hieroglyphs carved into it.”

Lucy wrapped her free arm around Will’s, locking herself next to him. “You know so much more about it than I do. It must be bizarre seeing something as it was and as it is.”

“Yes, as soon as I found out about the hieroglyphs I figured this was probably the place.

“Over that way are the earliest graves. I believe I remember seeing a crypt there.”

They walked in silence, listening to the crackling of animals scurrying in the underbrush, rustling the leaves. Will stopped. “Here it is.”

A single crypt with the name
Bonomi
across the top.

“Interesting. Joseph Bonomi was an Egyptologist who consulted with the architect of the church. This must be his family crypt.” He shook his head. “Could it be that easy?”

“Easy? What do you know?”

Will dropped her hand. “Hold this for me.” She took the light and shone it on the tomb. Ivy had crawled up the sides and along the top, as though the forest were desperate to claim it as its own.

“Will, tell me what you’re looking for. Perhaps I can help.”

“Right. Sorry.” He pulled at the ivy, freeing the wall. Something large and hairy crawled over his hand. “The Keeper of the Crypt,” he said, flicking the spider off his arm with his thumb and middle finger.

Lucy shuddered. “What, that thing?”

“It doesn’t matter which part of the world I travel to, whenever I intend to invade the burial grounds of the dead, some sort of hairy spider comes out to greet me.”

“That’s vexing,” Lucy said, standing closer to him.

“I’m used to it.” He smiled at her. “Now help me find the handle so we can get inside.”

It took several minutes, but Will finally located the lever and yanked the door open. Stale air rushed out along with the horrid smell of decaying corpses. Cobwebs dangled from the ceiling and the sound of scurrying creatures could be heard.

Lucy wasn’t afraid of most things. In fact she considered herself one of the bravest people she knew, aside from Will. But every bone in her body discouraged her from entering the tomb. “I don’t think we should go in.” She took a step back.

Will faced her, his eyes filled with concern and a hint of excitement. Lucy had to remind herself that he did this for a living. She, however, did not. “Hey, I’ve got you.” He wrapped an arm around her. “And I won’t let anything happen to you,” he said, taking the flashlight.

She hesitated a moment longer before allowing him to pull her back toward the entrance. Will shone the light inside as they went in. It felt larger on the inside than it appeared on the outside. Probably because it was so dark.

“Why would the amulet be in here?” She spoke in a whisper.

“No idea. But I have a sixth sense about this stuff. It’s here. I can feel it.”

She pulled her hands from his. “Where should we start?”

Will shone the light along the back wall. There were several holes filled with rotting bones.

“Of course that’s where it’s going to be.” Lucy defied her instincts and went toward them, pushing the cobwebs aside and ducking as necessary. “Do you think the amulet is just hanging out in here with someone’s bones?” It felt sacrilegious to disturb someone’s resting place, let alone their bones.

“Someone was most likely buried while wearing it.”

“Right.” She peered into the first cubby. “I don’t suppose you have another one of those flashlights in your satchel?”

“I don’t.” He shone the light at one of the skeletons. “Can you move the skull? If they were wearing it, then the necklace should be in that area.”

She glared at him. “Ask me to build you a contraption or an animal trap. Those things I can do. But do not ask me to touch those bones.”

Will chuckled, picking up the skull and moving it to one side. “They are already dead, Lucy. You can’t hurt them. Their souls have moved on.”

She snorted. “Tell that to my grandmother.”

He’d moved on to the next corpse and paused before touching the skull. “You’re right. I guess it’s possible a soul might linger near its body. Perhaps if it has unfinished business as your grandmother did. But these poor saps have been dead at least ten years.”

“You sure?” Lucy thought Will made sense, but still didn’t want to chance it.

“Absolutely. Come on. We need to hurry.”

Lucy proceeded to look with him, but refused to touch the skulls. It wasn’t that they were gross or that she was afraid of the dirt. It had to do with the fact that at one point the bones were covered with skin, muscle, and sinew, and that they had walked and talked, loved, and dreamed.

In the end, Will was right. They found the amulet inside an old locket near a skull. The bones were down in the bottom left corner, in nearly the last cubby they checked. Lucy picked up the amulet and stood. Her whole body shook. “We did it,” she said to Will, her face shining with excitement.

“Couldn’t have done it without you.”

She jumped into his arms, and kissed him like half dozen corpses didn’t surround them.