Past the Ages: Book Two (8 page)

FIFTEEN

A PECULIAR LIST

THAT NIGHT
Lucy dreamed of Apep and Bastet again. She was once again inside the box. They seemed out of control and it looked like they’d taken their ferocity out on the box. The walls were covered with claw marks, like those of a large cat. When they saw her, they came at her. Bastet took her around the neck, trying to choke the life out of her while Apep shouted, “Let us out!” over and over again.

Lucy woke with a horrible headache. She went to the mirror to check her neck. Contrary to her belief, it was unblemished. But it’d felt real. Harriet and Lucy once again helped each other dress. Lucy guessed this was how sisters behaved. She’d never felt closer to Harriet, though she still had many questions. She’d tried to broach the subject with Harriet the night before, but her lady’s maid hadn’t seemed in much of a talking mood and Lucy had let it go.

After dressing, they went down to breakfast. The men were already there. Dashel and Will had plates full of food, while Sebastian had only a glass filled with a red substance in front of him. Lucy realized she rarely saw the man eat, which she thought was quite curious.

Lucy sat beside Will, who gave her a genial smile. It occurred to her that whether she spent forever or only two more days with him, she’d never tire of his face. He was dressed casually today, in fawn colored breeches and a muslin pull over shirt. A pang of envy ran through her. She liked wearing pants. Instead she had on a butter yellow dress with lavender flowers lining the empire waist. Her hear had been placed in a bun. Harriet had on a light blue dress with navy bows circling the waist.

“Did you sleep well?” Will asked after she’d taken some fruit and a piece of toast.

She’d decided not to tell Will about the dreams, especially since it wouldn’t do any good. “Yes. You?”

Will shrugged, wiping his mouth on his napkin, and sipping his drink. “As well as can be expected, I guess.”

She leaned into him, taking comfort in his nearness.

“Good morning, ladies,” Sebastian said.

Lucy watched the way he looked at Harriet and a pang of worry soared through her. “Good morning,” she responded, slightly surly.

“Milord,” Harriet responded, though she didn’t meet his gaze.

“Did you need us to do any research today?” Will asked before taking a large bite of his meat.

“Not research, but I do need assistance with collecting the rest of the ingredients for the spell.” Sebastian took a long sip of the red liquid.

“Great. Point us in the right direction and we’ll get it.”

“Thank you, Mr. Godwin.”

Dashel seemed extra quiet.

“Dash—Mr. Rothchild, what are your plans today?” Lucy asked, sipping her hot chocolate.

He pushed his plate away. “I’m going to assist the duke in…” he paused and glanced at Sebastian.

“He’s going to make sure we can get both of the difficult items necessary for the spell. I don’t want to concern you with the details, but I will say that Mr. Rothchild is a very resourceful man.” Sebastian gave the group a big smile. “And I want to especially thank you, Miss Channing. Meeting you has brought so many wonderful new friends into my life and I’ll be eternally in your debt for that.” He lifted his glass. “Cheers.”

They each lifted their glass in uncomfortable silence. It seemed as though whatever Sebastian had Dashel doing, he either didn’t want to or wasn’t thrilled with what was required. Lucy tried to catch his eyes and hold them, but he kept his gaze on the table. Fine, if he wanted to be that way, she couldn’t stop him.

Sebastian finished off his drink and stood. He placed his napkin on the table. “Dashel, Harriet, can you come with me?” To Will and Lucy, he said, “When the two of you are finished, please meet us in the library and my man will give you the list of things I need you to collect.”

When they were gone, Lucy said, “Do you get the feeling we were dismissed? Except they left.” She bit on her bottom lip. “I wonder what they’re up to.”

Will gave her a gentle nudge. “I think the whole point to their leaving us is was they don’t want us to know what they’re doing.” He sipped his orange juice.

“That’s rude. Perhaps we could be of help.”

Will shook his head. “I don’t think there is anything Sebastian can’t do. That man seems connected to the world in a way no one can comprehend.”

Lucy felt the same way. “I know what you mean.” She took a bite of toast slathered with strawberry preserves.

“Do you have a favorite type of cake?”

That seemed to come out of nowhere. She wondered what kind of list Will had in his head that had him asking her random questions, but she liked it. He was trying to get to know her. She held up a finger while she chewed. “Harriet’s mother, Gwen makes a positively divine lemon chiffon cake. It’s light and fluffy and topped with an amazing frosting. What’s yours?”

“I’m not a huge cake enthusiast, but I enjoy strawberry shortcake.”

“That’s delicious too.” She thought a moment. “Do you have a favorite dessert?”

“I could eat Red Vines all day long,” he said and then laughed. “They are a candy exclusive to my time.” His face fell. “I hope I have the chance to share them with you some day.”

***

After breakfast, they to the library hand in hand after breakfast. Lucy felt Will’s desolate mood and wanted to say or do something to lift his spirits, but she couldn’t think of anything to say.

Sebastian’s man gave them the list and escorted them up three flights of stairs. At the top, Lucy paused to catch her breath before continuing. Will waited with her until the man got the door unlocked. Then they both went inside.

The first thing that struck Lucy was the room’s pristine cleanliness. Being so far out of the way, she would’ve guessed this room was rarely used, but there wasn’t a speck of dust anywhere. On top of that, it emanated the smell of citrus, like a bouquet of oranges, grapefruit, limes, and lemons. It was lovely and immediately lifted Lucy’s spirits. The smell seemed to have the same effect on Will because he smiled.

“I expected it to be dull, dusty, and filled with cobwebs, but it’s quite the opposite.” He went over to a desk situated near the window. “And look, there are fresh cut flowers.”

“Do you think the duke did this for us?” Lucy smelled the roses intermingled with daisies, tulips, and wild lavender. 

“I would say that’s highly likely.” He spun in a circle, taking in the high shelves filled with all sorts of bizarre items.

Lucy went over to the nearest shelf. “Everything is marked. This is Eye of Newt.” She stared at the large bottle and grimaced. “Yuck.”

“The items on the list should all be here,” Sebastian’s man interrupted. “Place them into this basin once you’ve located them. The master should return with the others shortly.” He went to the door. “Good day.” And was gone.

“May I see the list?” Lucy held out her hand.

Will handed her the paper. “Sure.”

It’d been scrawled in a steady hand and included ten different items.

Raven feather

Cypress root

Mandrake root

Nightshade

Rosemary

Blood of a human virgin

Snake skin

Yarrow root

Anise

Demon flesh

“Did you read this list?” Lucy scrunched her nose in disgust. “How worrisome is it to know that the duke has demon flesh and blood up here somewhere?”

“I’m going to try not to think about it,” Will said.

They found the items rather quickly. Using tongs, they placed everything in the bowl and went downstairs.

Sebastian’s man met them. “The others are going to be gone a bit longer than expected.”

“Is anything the matter?” Lucy asked, concerned for Dashel and Harriet.

“No, Miss. All is in order.” He bowed. “My master suggested I have the cook prepare you and Mr. Godwin a picnic. He thought you might like to take a walk out by the pond and have lunch there.”

Lucy wrung her hands nervously. It was Harriet’s habit, but at the moment, she could think of nothing better to do.

“That sounds nice.” Will studied Lucy’s face. “I could eat. You?”

“Yes, I’m hungry.” The piece of toast and fruit hadn’t lasted her very long. Despite her worry, she was starving.

“Excellent. I can have the basket and blankets loaded onto your horses. Will you be using the same ones as yesterday?”

“That would be great,” Will answered for the both of them.

“Very good. Miss Channing, I would recommend something a little warmer. The weather has turned a mite nippy. And Mr. Godwin, I would advise a jacket for you as well.”

SIXTEEN

ILL OF THE FISHES

THEY RODE
out to the pond. The afternoon sun shone, giving a rare but much needed flare of sunlight. But Sebastian’s man had been right. Even with the sun out, the air still held a slight chill. Lucy was glad she’d changed into a thicker cotton riding habit and sturdy shoes.

Will also had on a coat and he seemed glad of it.

They rested the horses, allowing them to graze nearby.

“Would you like to sit on the dock or in the grass? That looks like a nice spot.” He unhooked the basket and the blanket, holding them with one arm while he offered the other to Lucy.

Lucy placed her fingers around the crook of his elbow as she considered their options. “Why don’t we take the boat out? We can eat on the water.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

They walked down the dock to the boat. Lucy held the basket and blanket while Will climbed in. She handed them to him. “I’ve got you.” He held out his hand for her.

“Thanks, Will.” She took it, using her free hand to hold up her skirts.

Once she was settled Will removed his jacket, laying it next to him, and took up the paddles. “Should we go out into the middle?”

Lucy grinned. She’d never been on a boat before. “Let’s.”

Will rowed for several minutes. Lucy couldn’t help but admire the way his muscles worked under the thin muslin shirt. Beads of sweat collected along his brow and upper lip.

“Are you admiring my manliness?” His eyes sparked with mischief.

She blushed. “Perhaps I’m wondering why you’re making those grunting noises.”

He laughed. “I don’t grunt. I roar with virile masculinity.” He winked and made a point to grunt even louder.

She covered her mouth to hide her laughter. “Are you sure it isn’t because rowing is too taxing, Mr. Godwin?”

“It isn’t easy, Miss Channing. Perhaps you’d like to give it a try?” He stopped rowing and held out the ends to her.

But she shook her head. “I don’t want to accidentally send them into the depths.”

“Well then you should admire me quietly,” he said with pretend brutality.

“But it’s too much fun to tease you, Mr. Godwin.”

They’d reached the middle of the lake. He stopped rowing and stowed the oars inside the boat. “Hopefully the cook packed us something to drink as well.

“Let’s see.” Lucy opened the basket.

Inside were a multitude of foods and two bottles. “Success,” she said, holding the bottle up triumphantly.

“Good.” Will sat up straight and rolled his shoulders. “Rowing is good for the shoulders, biceps, and triceps. Wow, they are burning.”

“Let me find us some glasses and I’ll pour you—”

“No glasses needed,” Will interrupted, taking the bottle from her. He popped the top and drank straight from the bottle.

A proper lady would be shocked by his lack of manners, Lucy knew. Instead she took the bottle back and did the same, closing her eyes against the bright sun. The bottle’s contents ran down her throat, immediately cool and refreshing. She decided right then and there that this moment was one of her favorites. “I can’t imagine how I ever lived without you,” she said, blurting the feelings in her heart.

Will awarded her with another winning smile. “The feeling is one hundred percent mutual, Lucy.” She offered him back the bottle, but he declined. “Well then, show me what we’re eating.”

Lucy pulled out two different kinds of cheeses. They’d been precut. Fresh baked bread that was still warm. Apples and grapes.” She handed Will an apple and he immediately took a bite.

“Mmmmmm, that’s good.” He took another one.

Lucy tried hers and had to agree. It was the perfect combination of sweetness and tartness. She gave Will a hunk of bread and some cheese.

While they ate, two ducks landed and settled on the water. Will and Lucy listened to their quacking.

“What do you think they’re saying?” Will asked.

“I have no idea. They’re ducks.”

Will stuck his hand in the water and flicked it at her. “That’s why you make it up.”

“She wiped her face with a napkin the cook had been kind enough to pack.”

“Very well.” She finished chewing her bread and swallowed. “How about, ‘Brrrr, this water is rather cold on my bum’?’”

Will laughed. “Not bad.”

Lucy rolled her eyes. “Really, Mr. Godwin. You think you can do so much better?”

In response, he snorted.

“Then you try.” Lucy chewed on a piece of cheese.

He tilted his head, as though listening. “Okay, see the one that keeps dunking his head under the water?”

She nodded.

“Let’s call him Gus.”

“Gus?”

“Yes, Gus. And he’s saying, ‘There are hundreds of fish down here. They are swimming in small schools. One of them is huge. I hope he isn’t hungry. I don’t want to be some big, dumb fish’s dinner.’ The other one is Nell and she’s kind of uppity, likes to speak with a strong English accent. She’s saying, ‘Oh, pleeeeease, Gus. Fish do not eat ducks. We are far too fluffy and gorgeous. Besides their teeth are too small to do any damage.’ And Gus is like, ‘Well, Nell there’s a first time for everything. Remember Uncle Rob. He went swimming in the Flaming Gorge and never returned. I bet a fish ate him.’”

The ducks took to the air and flew away.

“‘Fine, Gus. We will go find another pond, one with smaller fish and warmer water,’” Will continued, in his uppity English accent.

Lucy giggled.

“‘Yeah, there’s a huge body of water this way. I’ll take you.’” Will stood and tried to bow, causing the boat to rock. “And that’s how it’s done.”

“Very good. I do believe those two ducks were Gus and Nell.”

He glanced up at the sky. “Looks like rain. Should we head in?”

The clouds were rolling in fast. “Definitely.” She packed up the basket while Will rowed.

They didn’t get very far before the rain started. Big droplets burst from the sky and drenched them within seconds. The lake began to roil and gurgle like a boiling pot. Water splashed inside the boat.

“What’s happening?” Lucy shouted.

“I’m not sure. Hang on. Stay in the center of the boat.”

She scooted over, doing what he said, but the waves got bigger and bigger. Will lost one of his oars. A large wave came at them, slamming into the boat, capsizing it. Before Lucy realized what was happening, she was in the water. Her riding habit had many layers and now soaked in water, they dragged her down. Frantically she clawed toward the surface. She hadn’t been prepared when the boat capsized so her lungs were already in desperate need of air. She looked for the way up, but under the murky water couldn’t tell which way to go.

Will,
her heart cried.

Finally she broke free of the watery depths and took a deep breath. If possible, it was raining even harder. Immediately, a swell of water pushed her back under the water. She surfaced in time to be pushed down once again. She was tiring rather rapidly under the extra weight of her clothes and realized she wouldn’t be able to keep fighting the waves much longer.

When she came to the surface again, she took a deep breath, ready to be pummeled again, but the waves were gone. The rain was gone. And the clouds moved on as swiftly as they’d come. “Will!” She turned in the water, looking for him or the boat. She saw the boat floating back near the middle of the pond, but no Will. She called him again, heading toward the pier, hoping he’d made it to shore.

She’d gone only a few feet when something tugged on her leg, pulling her back underwater. She tried to see what it was, but the pond was too muddy. She used her other foot to kick at it, but it wouldn’t let go. And she was getting deeper by the second. It was a pond though.
How deep could it be?
she thought, even as spots began to appear before her eyes. She knew that meant she would pass out soon and that would be it. How sad that she would die, not by the gods, or because she and Will broke the rules of the time travelling amulet, but by drowning. The commonality of her fate angered her, and she kicked at the thing that held her.

A blast of light shot through the water. Something below her shrieked and whatever had her, let go. She looked up, searching for the source of her rescue. Lucy kicked her feet until she broke the surface of the water. She coughed and gasped, looking for Will. She still couldn’t find him. “Will,” she shouted. “Answer me.” She used the last of her strength to reach the edge of the pond and climb out. The outline of a person lay in the grass to the left. “Will,” she sobbed, crawling her way over to him. His eyes were closed. “Come on, my love.” She knelt beside him and patted his cheek. “Wake up.” A thought came to her that she should roll him onto his side, so she did. “Please don’t leave me. I can’t have you dying.”

He coughed, sending water sputtering out.

“That’s it.” She massaged his back until he finished. “You’re going to be just fine.” She hugged him, not caring that they were both cold and soaking wet. At least the sun was out again. The rays warmed her slightly.

Will took a deep breath, before sitting up. “Lucy, don’t ever do that to me again.” He pulled her into a hug, causing them both to fall backward.

“I’m sorry, Will. But I swear I didn’t send those waves to get you. Maybe it was the big fish.”

He chuckled, hugging her closer to him. “You’re probably right. He didn’t like that I revealed his secret.”

“Exactly. In the future, you’d do well not to speak ill of the fishes.”

They held each other for a long while, until Lucy started to shiver.

“What is it about you and me and the water?” Will helped Lucy stand. “You look like a drowned mouse. Help me take your overcoat off and we’ll wrap you in the blanket strapped to your horse’s saddle. It should still be relatively dry.”

She tried to undo the buttons, but her fingers were numb from cold.

“I’ve got it.” He grabbed hold of the collar and ripped it open, revealing the shirt still tucked into her skirt.

Lucy felt her eyes get huge. “Sir!” She felt her face try to blush, but she was still too cold.

“Don’t ‘sir’ me. Let’s get you warm. Your lips are turning blue.” He took her hand, but when he stepped down on, he growled, grabbing hold of his thigh.

Lucy saw that something dark oozed from his left leg onto his pants. Upon closer inspection she realized it was blood. “You’ve been cut. That’s a lot of blood.” Her strength renewed, her mind immediately sprung into action. She picked up her wet outer coat, tore at the inner lining until she had a long enough piece. Then picked up a stick. “I’m going to tie this around the wound. You’re losing too much blood and I don’t want you to pass out.”

“It’s fine. Really. Let’s just get you back.”

“As you say, Mr. Godwin. Now hold still.” She wrapped the lining around his upper thigh and then used the stick to tighten it until the blood had slowed to a trickle. “Lean on me and we’ll get to the horses.” His face was so pale; he looked like he was dying.

“You’re suddenly so bossy,” he said, but there was none of his fire behind the words.

Getting Will on the horse proved almost impossible. But they finally managed. She took the reins and rode as quickly as possible back to the estate. Before they reached the stables, Sebastian, Harriet, and Dashel met them.

“What happened, Miss? Are you hurt?” Harriet wrung her hands together with worry.

“No, I’m fine, but Will is hurt. He’s got a terrible gash on his leg.” The two men helped him down.

“Harriet, help Lucy out of those wet clothes and into something dry immediately,” Sebastian barked. “Alder, fetch my things and take them up to Mr. Godwin’s room.”

“Right away.”

Lucy realized as Harriet helped her inside that Alder was Sebastian’s man. “But Will—I need to stay with him.”

“Hush, Miss. It won’t do Will any good if you catch your death, now would it?” said Harriet, ushering Lucy upstairs.

“I guess not.”

“I’ll be okay, Luce,” Will called after her.

“You had better be.” She practically ran up the stairs. The sooner she was dry and warm, the sooner she could be by Will’s side.