Past the Ages: Book Two (9 page)

SEVENTEEN

A PROPOSAL

LUCY RUSHED
Harriet, and felt badly for snapping at her more than once. It seemed to take longer than usual to get clean, dry, and dressed. Harriet tried to do her hair, but Lucy lost all patience.

“Leave it,” she said, bustling to the connecting door and knocking.

“Come in.” Alder opened the door.

Lucy barely acknowledged him as she walked by and headed straight for Will. He was sitting up, clean, in fresh clothes, and the color had returned to his complexion. She’d expected to see him on his deathbed, but he appeared to be doing very well indeed.

“You look better,” she said. “How’s your leg?”

“Good. Great, actually. I feel better than I have in years.” He held out his hand and she took it, sitting on the bed beside him. “Glad to see your lips are no longer blue.”

“Does it hurt too badly?”

“Not at all.”

“Really? You aren’t just trying to be brave for me?”

He threw back a part of the covers so that she could see his leg. She would’ve been completely embarrassed, except that she was in shock. The wound had completely healed, leaving behind only pucker of pink skin. At first she guessed the cut hadn’t been as bad as she thought, but then she remembered Sebastian. She turned to face their host.

“You did magic on him?” She wasn’t sure whether to be thrilled or terrified by the idea.

“Something like that,” he said, giving her a genial smile.

“It wasn’t anything too magical. He had me drink a small glass of something and within minutes my leg was healed.”

Lucy heard Harriet gasp.

“What is it?” Lucy turned to her friend.

She looked pale. “It’s nothing, Miss. I’m just surprised.”

Lucy focused on Will. “I’m just glad you’re better. I was so worried.”

Will kissed her forehead. “No need to worry.” He cleared his throat and sat up taller in bed. “But there is something I want to ask you.”

“Oh? What is it, Will?”

His gaze went over her head to Sebastian and Dashel. “I’ve talked to Dashel, and Sebastian has agreed to help as well.”

“With what?” She was confused. Why would Will need to talk to Dashel?

Will pulled a ring from under the covers and held it up. “Lucy Channing. Would you do me the honor of marrying me and becoming my wife?’

“You’re serious?” Lucy was shocked.

“I’m as serious as the crazy rainstorm that capsized the boat.” He leaned in so that their foreheads were touching. “Marry me.”

“Marriage? Will, I would be honored to become your wife, but it can’t be done.” She spoke the words softly, wishing they weren’t true.

“Of course it can. Anything is possible for the right price.” He leaned back, but kept hold of her hands. “It’s true in my time and this time. Right, Sebastian?”

“You are quite right, William.”

Lucy recognized that they were now on a first name basis. Whatever they’d talked about had changed their relationship, all formalities gone.

“Don’t think, just say yes, because for me, you’re it. There isn’t another person in all the world I’ll ever love the way I love you.”

Tears welled up and blurred her vision. “Yes. Of course I want to say yes. But there are very strict protocols in this time. Not to mention my family.”

“You needn’t worry about any of that,” Sebastian said. “Between us, there isn’t an issue we can’t conquer.” 

Will pulled Lucy against his shoulder. “See?”

She buried her face in the crook of his shoulder, desperate to believe him. “But how?”

“I’ve already spoken to Clergyman Jeff—”

Lucy lifted her head. “That’s what the two of you were talking about for so long?”

He winked, wiping her eyes. “Yep.”

“And he agreed?” She was stunned. “But the law?” She spoke directly to the duke. It was obvious the man was used to getting what he wanted. “How will you get around the requirements, including my parents consent, along with the reading of the Banns thrice before the ceremony. Those are not obstacles to be overcome so easily, milord, especially since my parents will never agree. I am already betrothed to Mr. Rothchild.” Besides all that, their marriage might only last two more days, and then Will might be gone for good.

Perhaps it didn’t matter whether the marriage was legal or not. In her heart she’d never be able to love another. She glanced down at her hands, embarrassed by their predicament. If she married Will, she would have the happiest two days of her life, but once he was gone she would become an outsider. “Dash, what are your feelings on the matter?”

He cleared his throat, coming forward. “You are my dearest friend. If anyone deserves happiness, it’s you.” He glanced at William. “The man seems honorable so I am in agreement. It’s a good match, Luce.” He smiled, though she saw a twinge of sadness in his eyes. The situation would be difficult for him as well. “But Miss Channing has several valid points. The biggest obstacle will be her parents as well as mine. They have already approved our match. It has already been officially announced and they won’t take kindly to Lucy’s marriage to another man.”

Lucy made a sound of agreement.

Dashel continued, “Moreover, I adore Lucy and I know the feeling is mutual. Our match would be well accepted by the ton and I believe the two of us together would be quite a favorite.”

Will squeezed her hand and she heard a rumble in his throat. The idea of Lucy marrying anyone but him was obviously off-putting.

“But none of that matters. Lucy loves Will and I can see clearly that he loves her as well. Given the circumstances, I think their marriage is proper.” He glanced at Harriet. Lucy was surprised, especially when she noticed that her lady’s maid was blushing. “Whatever happens in two days, I know that between us we can keep the tongues from wagging, or at least minimize the gossip.”

“Dash, that’s all very kind, but I can’t let you do that.”

He raised a hand. “Miss Channing, it’s done.” He smiled happily. “You have my full support.”

She nodded. “I appreciate that, I truly do, but I’m worried about my brother and sister. Not marrying Dashel will guarantee they become destitute. They will hate me all the more once this is over.” Without Dashel’s twenty thousand pounds a year, her entire family would have a much harder life.

“Not to worry, Lucy. Dashel, William, and I have devised a plan to guarantee your family receives a yearly stipend of fifty thousand pounds in your honor.” Sebastian’s voice was completely steady as he spoke.

Lucy placed a hand over her mouth. That was a king’s ransom. It would make them richer than most of the continent, at least until her father spent it all at the tables. “I could never allow such generosity,” Lucy said.

Sebastian smiled, his sinister face lighting up. “My dear, I have been around a very long time, and in all my years I’ve only ever seen this kind of love twice. What the two of you have is rare. I would be greatly amiss if I did not make your time together the happiest it can be.”

“Agreed,” Dashel said.

“See, Lucy. We can do this.” Will hugged her to his side in reassurance.

Lucy felt her worries lighten slightly. “But what of the documentation?”

“Please have a little faith,” Sebastian scoffed. “Did you not witness my ability to lock away not one but two gods?” He didn’t wait for a response. “Procuring the necessary documentation for a marriage will be easy,” he smiled genially. “Besides, the king owes me a favor. If I ask it of him, this marriage will be completely legal.”

Lucy couldn’t believe it. Everything abruptly seemed to be falling into place.

“When?” Lucy couldn’t keep the hope from her voice.

“As soon as we’re all ready,” Will said. He placed the ring encircled with lavender gems on her finger.

“Miss Lucy, you donna have to do anything you don’t want to,” Harriet said. She’d been so quiet, Lucy nearly forgot she was there.

“Right. You don’t have to.” Will kissed her cheek. “I’m asking, not ordering. Lucy Channing, will you marry me?”

At his question, her heart shouted a resounding,
yes!
For some reason Lucy’s thoughts went to her mother. What had her wedding been like? Her parents weren’t the happiest couple. What had her mother been feeling on the day she married? Had she been happy? Nervous? There were things that happened after the wedding that Lucy felt sure she wasn’t prepared for too. Aside from that there was the bond, the promise to be with that person until death. Her and Will’s case was unusual, but in a sense it would be death as well. Two days as Will’s wife. It would be her most cherished memory, of that she was certain. “Yes,” she said, blinking back tears.

Will kissed her quickly on the mouth.

“Excellent. I’ll have the clergyman prepare the church.” Sebastian turned to Harriet. “Did you want to assist in the preparations?”

She sighed. “Anything for Miss Lucy.”

“Wonderful, draga.” He touched her face. Lucy noticed Dashel’s usually calm features twist into something that bordered on fury. Sebastian either didn’t notice or wasn’t concerned. He continued, “There’s a bedroom at the top of the stairs. Inside the closet are all sorts of dresses. I’m sure there is something Miss Channing might find satisfactory.”

“You have a whole closet full of wedding dresses?” Harriet gave Sebastian a look that said he might be insane.

“Not necessarily wedding dresses,” Sebastian said, peering back at her from the doorway, “but I think Miss Channing might prefer something more formal on the day of her wedding.”

“That would be nice,” Lucy chimed in. 

“As you say, then.” He bowed and smiled. “And William, I’ll send someone up to help you dress as well.”

Will gave Lucy a light hug. “That would be amazing. Thanks, man,” he said and then cleared his throat. “I mean, much obliged, sir.”

Sebastian gave Will a strange look. “Again, it’s my pleasure. When you’re ready, we shall meet downstairs and I’ll have a carriage take everyone to the church.”

Dashel and Sebastian exited followed by Harriet. Lucy lingered, not ready to be away from Will. She grabbed his hand, twining her fingers with his. She felt frantic and exhilarated.

“Soon you’ll be Mrs. Godwin and I’ll be Mr. Channing. How does that sound?”

She gave him a confused look. “But that isn’t—”

He silenced her with a kiss. “I’m kidding.”

Lucy sensed he was nervous too and her heart immediately softened. In her time he had no family to speak of, no one that could stand up for him and support him.

She threw her arms around his neck, her lavender eyes meeting his. “It isn’t right that you have no one on your side to stand up for you.” She thought of Harriet and Dashel.

Will kissed her softly on the mouth. “Thank you for worrying about me, but I’ll be fine.”

She sulked a little, her heart swelling. “I want you to be more than fine, Mr. Godwin. I want you to be exceedingly happy. For as long as we’re together, that’s all I need.”

“Miss Channing, with all my heart I want to marry you and that will make me the happiest man on Earth.” He kissed her again, long and lingering, and sweet. “Now stop procrastinating and get a dress on.”

She giggled. “Very well.”

She left and went into the bedroom at the top of the stairs. Harriet took Lucy by the shoulders as soon as she entered. “Miss, do you know what you’re doing? Mr. Rothchild is the perfect match for you, and this Mr. Godwin, well he’s… from another time. What will you do once he’s gone? What will your parents think?”

Lucy understood what she was saying. “Harriet, I appreciate your concern, but Will is my whole soul. Without him, love has no meaning. Marrying another would be unfair to that person. I’ll remain a spinster and do so happily, knowing I had something most never have experienced.” She shook Harriet, hoping to emphasize her depth of emotion. “True love, Harriet.”

Her lady’s maid nodded solemnly. “As long as you’re certain, I’ll support this and do so without regret, Miss.”

“Thank you. I couldn’t imagine doing this without you.” Lucy hugged Harriet before walking over to the closet and opening the double doors. It wasn’t so much a closet as an enormous room filled with dozens of the most delicate and decadent dresses she’d ever seen. “Help me find a dress, would you?” Everything had been organized by color and occasion, including a whole section of bridal gowns. She ran her fingers along the sleeves.

Until she saw a dress hanging separate from the others. She felt her eyes get big and she glanced at Harriet.

“I donna know how, but I believe that this dress was made for you, Miss Lucy.”

Lucy took a deep breath and held it. “It’s divine.”

Not in a million lifetimes could she have imagined anything so beautiful. Made with yards of silver silk, it had an empire waistline, a long skirt with a train embroidered along the edges and up the sides, the sleeves ended at the elbows. There was a sweetheart neckline lined with lace.