I see my dad’s plaid shirt draped over a chair and reach over to touch it. If I do end up staying with Jin, I might never see Dad again. This may be the only thing I have left of him. I tie the shirt around my waist.
The sound of footsteps makes me jump. What if they aren’t Jin’s?
He pops back through the door holding a newspaper. “Look at the date.”
“September 18, 1890. Did you work for him then?”
“No, he banished me to the vase the end of August.”
“Wow, my wish was off by two weeks.”
“It might be to our advantage. He would not expect to see me here presently.”
I give him a weak smile. “Thanks for trying to make me feel better.”
“Always.” Jin glances at my dad’s shirt. “It is nice you thought to bring the garment. Something of your fathers.”
I run my finger along the sleeve. “Just in case I don’t make it back.”
Jin nods, then takes my hand. I love how he doesn’t feel the need to say anything more. We both know what’s at stake.
He leads me down another hallway. This one is lined with paintings of flowers and vases. A feminine touch. “Did Roderick have a wife?”
Jin laughs. “A man such as he would never give up his bachelorhood. But there was a woman in his life. Actually, several.”
He opens a door and the smell of roses hits my nose like a blast of air freshener. I hold back a sneeze. “Wow, did someone spill a bottle of perfume in here?”
The sound of his musical laugh fills the air. “I believe several may have met their demise.”
Doors squeak from across the room. The canopy bed is so ginormous I can’t see him. “Jin, where are you?”
Jin waves his arms. “Over here, Mistress.” He pulls a medium sized leather trunk out from under a large dresser. “Pick some appropriate garments to wear.” He hands me a book. “This will instruct you on the proper way to dress.”
“Jeez, is it that hard to figure out?”
He smiles. “I had to purchase it for Roderick’s mistress. She was not well versed in how a high-born women should dress.”
This just confirms she probably was a prostitute. “Thanks. I’m sure it will come in handy.”
He points to the trunk. “Pack as many articles of clothing as you can. I’ll return to my bed chamber and do the same. Then I will go to Roderick’s room and procure the funds we need from his safe.”
“You know the combination?”
Jin smiles. “I know many secrets Roderick tried to hide from me. It is very hard to conceal things from a genie.”
I can’t help but wonder what secrets of mine he’s figured out. I really don’t have any. Well, except for the fact that he’s slowly working his way into my heart.
I stand in front of a huge carved armoire full of fancy dresses. They are so covered in frilly trims they scream tacky. Why did Roderick’s mistress have such bad taste? There’s nothing appropriate to wear in here. All her dresses look like what prostitutes wear in historic movies. I stuff a couple of dresses and petticoats in the trunk and pick the simplest one to wear. It’s pale pink sateen with black panels running down the front trimmed in white lace. The bustled back is pretty but huge. It must weigh at least eight pounds. Jin heads for the door. “Wait.” I struggle to hold up the dress. “The waist is impossibly small. I don't think even with a corset I’ll fit in the darn thing.”
A smile takes over his face. “You are most definitely the same size. I must confess that I peeked when you disrobed in your bedroom.”
I stare down at the book Jin gave me on how to dress like a proper lady. You got to be kidding me. I have to put on five layers of clothes? Following the instructions, I dig through the dressers and lay out the first layer of clothing: a pair of black stockings, a garter belt, cotton bloomers, and an under chemise. Next, I lay out the second layer, the corset, and the cage bustle. With all the boning and wire they look more like objects of torture than clothing. The third layer is a pretty lace over chemise and a frilly petticoat. Fourth is the pink dress, and the final layer is a pair of black lace gloves lace and a pink bonnet with a large black ribbon around the middle with a huge bow on the side.
After what seems like hours of struggling to put on the layers of an appropriate Victorian costume, I’m finally dressed. I pin up my hair and pick a pretty black glass hatpin to anchor the bonnet to my head. How can women do this everyday? I step in front of the standing mirror to see if I look a proper Victorian lady. Wow. The pale pink dress with the contrasting black front panels is actually stunning. The hat compliments the dress perfectly. The woman in the mirror looks confident and slightly older. I emerge from behind the dressing screen to find Jin is sitting on the settee impatiently tapping his foot.
“I had no notion it took a woman over a half an hour to get properly outfitted.”
I let out a sigh. “Sorry. It’s all the stupid layers of clothing women have to wear.”
“The results are quite impressive. I told you the garment was your size.”
I’m still having a hard time believing Jin actually saw me naked. He’s too much of a gentleman. He has to be teasing me. “But I can barely breathe.”
“Did I not read in your magazine that women will suffer through pain to be fashionable? Tis true in Victorian times as well.”
“I never bought into that crap.”
“You look quite afternooniflied, Esme.”
“Okay if this some kind of payback for my using slang?”
His eyes grow wide. “I do not know of what you speak. I am talking naturally.”
“You win. So what does it mean?”
“It means you look smart, fashionable. Maybe you should try dressing like a woman instead of a farm boy more often.”
Ouch. I need to change the subject. “We’re all dressed but we don’t have a plan. How are we going to find Roderick?”
“First things first.” Jin takes my arm and leads me back down the stairs. “We need to make an honest woman out of you.”
I almost lose my footing. “What are you talking about?”
“To be seen in public together we must pose as husband and wife.”
“Jeez. Seems I can’t get away from marrying you.”
He actually turns a bit red. “Is that such a disagreeable proposition?”
If only he knew how much I want us to be together. “No. I can play along.”
“Splendid. I know the perfect place.”
Just in case someone might be returning to the house, we leave from the servant’s entrance. Jin hails a carriage and gives the man the address. He helps me push my bustle through the small doorway.
We pass several elaborate stone churches. I guess in Victorian England you can get married on the spot like Vegas. The carriage stops in front of a posh jewelry storefront. “Jin, what are we doing here?”
“Keeping up appearances. Follow my lead.”
Like a dutiful wife, I do what I’m told. I follow him into the store. My feet can barely move because of the tight leather boots. Despite trying to be careful, I trip over the door jam.
He loops his arm around mine. “Be careful crossing the vestibule, Flitter Mouse.”
“Jin, would you mind if I call you Fitter Mouse instead?”
“Not at all. I have always found it a very pleasing endearment. Then I shall call you Dearest.”
“Perfect.” I love the fact that I’ve gone from Mistress to Dearest.
We walk through the carved wood door and into a diamond lover’s paradise. My eyes grow wide as I take in the beautiful gold gilt cases full of sparkling jewels.
Jin points to a stunning large sapphire ring circled in diamonds near the front of the case. “Dearest, this looks very much like the one you lost.”
His ability to lie so easily still amazes me. I hope he knows what he’s doing. The ring must cost hundreds of pounds. “Oh yes, Flitter Mouse, an almost perfect match.”
I’ve learned to lie from
the best.
The salesman hands Jin the ring. “Excellent choice, sir. The gems are of the utmost quality. The design is very similar to the Queen’s.”
Jin holds the ring up to my gloved hand. “I think it will fit nicely.”
“Would you like to open an account, sir?”
The salesman’s eyes grow large when Jin pulls out a wad of pound notes stuffed into a diamond money clip. “Tis not necessary my good man.”
Where did he get all that cash?
The man deposits the money in a drawer. “A pleasure, sir.”
Jin takes hold of my gloved hand. He unbuttons the back and slips it off slowly. I break out in a sweat. It’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. He places the ring on my finger. “There, my dearest.”
I swallow hard. Have I suddenly slipped into a romance novel?
My heart pounds as he runs his finger along the circle of diamonds. “You are whole once again.”
I want to kiss him right now. Instead I say what’s in my heart. “I’m yours forever.”
He smiles. “Let us celebrate our good fortune with some champagne.”
I nod as he hails a carriage. He helps me up onto the seat. I wish we were headed back to Roderick’s. I’ve never wanted anything as much as I want Jin.
He sits back in the carriage a safe distance from me. The rules. I wish he didn’t care so much about them. We’ve broken so many. A pang hits me. Was it all just a show for the salesman? Can genies even love? Maybe rule number five is only to keep the Masters in line. All I know is—I’ve got it bad.
We arrive at the Criterion Restaurant. Its columned limestone façade is as formidable as the smells wafting up from the street. Reminds me of the underground tunnel. How can people eat after walking through what basically is a sewer?
Jin takes my arm and slowly leads me up the steps. “Esme, you are in for a treat. The Criterion’s food is world renowned.”
I give him a pleasant smile. He really is trying so hard to please me. “I can’t wait!”
The dining room takes my breath away or maybe it’s the corset. I scan the arched walls lined in mirrors to reflect the huge crystal chandeliers that dance across the ceiling. No it’s definitely the room. It must cost a fortune to eat here. And by the looks of the people that fill the restaurant in their elegant gowns and suits, all of the wealthiest socialites of London are here tonight.
I touch Jin’s shoulder. “Are you sure we can get a table?”
He nods as the maître d comes up next to him. “Sir, is Roderick going to join you this evening?”
So he was a regular with his former master.
“No. He is away on tour. I wanted my new wife to partake of your wondrous cuisine.”
“Of course, sir. May I say that your wife is quite striking.”
Despite myself, I feel my cheeks blush.
Jin just nods as the waiter leads us to a table near some of the most beautiful people I’ve ever seen. Their clothes scream status and money. I wonder if anyone famous is here?
We stop in front of a table next to a roaring fireplace. The maître d pulls out the chair for me. I stick my butt out so that my bustle can clear the chair. I feel as graceful as an elephant. Why did I think Victorian women looked so elegant in pictures? Wearing these ridiculous layers of clothes feels like a straight jacket. I teeter awkwardly on the edge of the chair. The couple next to us takes sideways glances. Can people tell I’ve never worn a dress like this before? Jin on the other hand, looks right at home as he gazes at the menu with his monocle.
I notice a man dressed in top hat and tails swaying back and forth in his chair. “Jin, check out that man over there. I’m surprised in such a classy place they would allow someone to drink so much.”
He looks up from the menu. “That is the Duke of Wellington. He’s always five of seven.”
“Five of seven?”
“It means intoxicated.” Jin laughs. “Do I need to buy you the Oxford Victorian slang dictionary?”
“Well, you have been using a lot of slang lately.”
“Payback is, how do you say, something with a b?”
I laugh. “Okay, we’re even.”
A waiter walks up to our table. “What would you like to order, sir?”
“We would like to start with oysters on the half shell. Then a saddle of mutton followed by canvased-back duck.”
Jeez. The last time someone ordered for me was when I was a kid. These Victorian customs are going to take me awhile to get used to.
The waiter jots down our order. “Very good, sir. And for dessert? May I suggest the spotted dick?”
“Excellent suggestion. It is my favorite.”
Once the waiter is far enough away I say, “You ordered enough to feed half my high school. And I want you to know I’m not eating anything spotted, especially a dick.”
Jin gives me a smile. “It is the correct number of courses. The dick here is quite wonderful.”
I try to laugh but it’s too painful. “With this corset on I won’t even be able to eat two courses. I’m afraid I won’t have room for your favorite dessert.”
With Jin’s lack of slang, he has no idea how scandalous his dessert choice is.
A child-like mischievous look crosses his face. “I am certain you will be pleased with my choice. The spotted dick here is quite large.”
Wait a sec. Does he know more slang than I thought? Before I can find out, I overhear the couple next to us talking about their love of magic shows. This might be our lucky break. I nudge Jin. “They’re talking about magicians. Maybe they’ll mention Roderick.”
We both try to act casual as we edge our chairs a little closer to the couple.
The man beams as he reaches into his silk dinner jacket. “Dear heart, my gift to you.” He hands her a pair of tickets. “To commemorate our first anniversary.”
Even though she is wearing a bustle the size of large pillow, she practically jumps out of her chair. “Edward, you should not have been so extravagant!” She reaches for his hand. “But I cannot refuse a trip to Paris to see Roderick the Magnificent perform.”
The man stands up and holds out his hand. “Then we most leave post haste.”
Jin sucks in a breath. “No wonder Roderick was not at his domicile.”
I watch the couple leave, taking any hope I had of confronting Roderick tonight with them. “Terrific. Now what are we going to do?”
Jin doesn't hesitate. “We are going to hunt him down like a dog.”
Chapter 9
Night Train to Paris
The anniversary couple gets up to leave and I can’t help but feel a bit jealous. They’re headed off to Paris. The waiter whisks the dinner plates away and I wait for the dessert course to arrive. The dreaded spotted dick. The waiter arrives with a mound of something smothered in a yellow sauce on a gold-rimmed china plate.
A huge grin spreads across Jin’s face. “You are really going to enjoy this scrumptious treat.”
Somehow I doubt it, yet I dig in. The first thing that hits my tongue is the overwhelming buttery taste of the custard sauce. Then I bite down on a dense sponge cake laced with raisins mixed with some other kind of dried fruit. Not as chewy as Grandma’s Christmas fruitcake, but not something I need to eat again either.
Jin’s plate is clean. “Are not the flavors divine?”
I push the mound around. “I know why it’s called spotted, cause of the raisins. But what’s the dick part?”
He laughs. “Not what you think. Dick is the moniker we British give puddings.”
“I wish you had explained that earlier. I’ve never been so scared of a dessert before.”
He smiles and reaches across the table to take my hand. “I know of something that will please you. Let us leave forthwith and catch the night train to Paris.”
I’ve wanted to visit the City of Light since I was ten and saw the movie French Kiss. “Really? Leave right now?”
“Maybe we can catch Roderick before his performan
ce. He must not know I am back in his time. We will have the element of surprise.”
I wonder. “It would be a good test to see how powerful he really is.”
“Precisely.”
Just like in the movie Murder on the Orient Express, the first class train to Paris is the ultimate in luxury. The wood paneled sides are gleaming and the embossed insignia screams royalty. The air has the pleasant smell of sandalwood and jasmine. Even the door latches are gleaming. The British take first class to a whole other level. The way Jin is blowing through the money, I wonder if we’ll have to add robbing a bank to our to-do list. He hands our trunks to the porter. A garish red petticoat sticks out of my trunk like a flag. I hope the porter doesn't think I’m Jin’s prostitute. The thought that I have to continue to wear Roderick’s mistress’s clothes gives me a dull headache.
Jin takes my arm. “I am sorry, Dearest, but all the sleeping compartments were taken. We will have to suffice with sleeping in the seats.”
Darn. All my romantic train encounter fantasies are shattered. “It’s all right. If I’m tired I can sleep anywhere.”
We make our way to our seats and I have to stuff back a laugh. The printed velvet upholstery looks like something a carpet bag would be made of. Large blue maple leaves are scattered across an orange and red background. So not the high class look I was expecting. But the couple sitting across from us sure are. He’s wearing an impeccable pin-striped suit with a beautiful embroidered vest. She has on a pale blue sateen day dress straight out of the latest Paris salon. How am I going to fool them that I’m from a high-class Victorian family wearing a gaudy green and white striped day dress?
Jin takes the situation in stride. He tips his hat to the couple. “Let me introduce ourselves. We are Mr. and Mrs. Eastman from Kensington-Upon-Thames.”
The man nods. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance. We are the Smyths from Brighton.”
I try to sit down gracefully but I just miss the edge of my seat.
Jin In Time Boxed Set 1-3: A Young Adult Time Travel Romance (The Time is Forever Series) Page 15
