Jin grabs my arm and helps. “Pardon Mrs. Eastman. She procured a new pair of boots today and I think they are laced a bit too tight.”
The wife smiles knowingly. “It can be such a trial to find a good set of footwear.”
Determined to fit in, I try to channel the highbrow accent of Lady Mary on Downton Abby. “Certainly can.” I loosen the laces. “These boots are quite cumbersome. In point of fact they are killing me.” Oops.
The woman’s brows rise. “I did not know that footwear could cause such a dire situation.”
Jin tries to cover for me. “My wife learned some unusual expressions from her father.”
The husband straightens his shoulders. “It appears she most certainly has.”
Teach me to even open my mouth. I just can’t seem to stay in character. While Jin’s ability to cover up for me keeps getting better.
I wonder how I’m going to survive so many hours trying to be the ultimate Victorian lady sitting across from the Smyths. While wracking my brain for safe subjects, the train makes a loud screeching noise and comes to a complete halt.
Mr. Smyth jumps out of his seat. “My good man, let us investigate the problem.”
Jin looks torn at first and then nods. “Of course.” He turns to me. “Dearest, do you mind visiting with Mrs. Smyth until I return?”
Talk about being put on the spot. “Of course, my husband.”
The men head down the train car while I sit with a smile plastered on my face. Without Jin to cover for me it won’t take long for Mrs. Smyth to figure out there is something odd about me.
Mrs. Smyth scowls at me. “Why do you wear such a gigglemug? What is so amusing? We will surely be delayed. My husband has a vital appointment he cannot miss.”
I try to keep from laughing. Gigglemug. Victorian slang is kind of cool. I need to say something but what’s a safe thing to talk about? The weather. “Was not the morning pleasant?”
She looks at me like I’m crazy. “I’m certain you jest. The rain was torrential.”
Shoot, I forgot. That didn’t work. “May I say your dress is quite awesome.”
Her brow furrows. “You are not from England, are you?”
If only she knew! I wasn’t even from her time. I’ve had enough of this charade. “Excuse me. I must find my husband.”
I dart up from my seat and quickly work my way down the aisle. I realize that most of the men are wearing bowler hats and tweed suits. It’s not going to be that easy to find Jin. I make my way through two more packed cars. Then I hear his voice in a crowd of men huddled by the window in the dining car. “Tis indeed an unfortunate event. I had urgent business in Paris.”
Standing next to Jin I can see a giant tree has fallen across the tracks. “Crap. We’re gonna miss Roderick’s performance.”
A few men stop and stare but don’t say anything. One man gets in my face. “Your type of woman should not be allowed in first class.”
Jin scowls. “Dearest, you really must watch your language.”
I hate when he sounds like a parent. “Please accept my apology, beloved husband.”
He smiles. “Was that so extremely difficult?”
I hate it when he’s right. “No.”
He tips his hat to the men. “Let us retire to our seats. Who knows how long it will take them to clear the tracks.”
I follow Jin down the corridor toward the next car even though putting on a happy face for the Smyths is the last thing I want to do.
A ginger-haired man blocks Jin’s path. “You look familiar. Are you not Jinar Eastman?”
Jin turns pale. “I am afraid I do not know the gentleman.”
“Oh, come on.” He shoves a wanted poster in Jin’s face. “Are you trying to tell me this is not you?”
I get goosebumps. The poster does look a lot like Jin. Roderick must have made up some story in case Jin escaped from the vase. I need to do something more than just stand here petrified. I push my genie aside. “My husband has been with me for the last few months in America. Look at the date of the crime. He couldn’t possibly be your man.”
“Missus, I know this fella.” He points to Jin. “I saw him backstage with that famous magician. He looked like he was his right hand man. Who else would have the know-how to steal one of his tricks?”
My shoulders relax. For a second I thought Roderick knew about the money stolen from the safe. That would mean our chance to surprise him had been blown. Jin gently eases around me. “That is an outlandish accusation. My wife is correct. I have been in America for the last four months and couldn’t possibly have done the crime of which you speak. Besides, I do not even look like the burglar.” He takes the wanted poster from the man. “Look at the nose and the eyes. They are not at all like mine. Besides, I do not know the magician.”
He’s right. The sketch artist had almost everything right but the nose is larger and the eyes are narrow and beady. The classic villain look. All it needs is a big handlebar mustache.
The ginger-haired man looks at the sketch and then back at Jin three times. I can see the doubt spread across his face. “My mistake.” He lets out a sigh. “But the reward is over a hundred and fifty pounds. So you can understand how much I want to catch the thief.”
Jin nods. “It is indeed a handsome reward. I hope you apprehend the criminal.”
Seemingly embarrassed, the man scurries down the corridor to the next car.
“Do you think he believed you?”
“He must, or we are doomed.”
Due to the tree falling, we had to transfer our luggage to a carriage to continue our journey. We arrive in Paris later than we planned, and Roderick is long gone. I really don't care. After the close call with the ginger-haired man on the train, I just want to relax and take in the beauty of the City of Lights.
The coachman lets us out near the Gare de La Bastille train station, and begins to take down our trunks but Jin stops him. He scribbles a note on the back of a ticket. “Please take our bags to this hotel. We shall walk from here.”
Despite my tight boots, I’m grateful to stretch my legs.
Jin fidgets with his monocle. “I tried to use this to find Roderick but it was an impossible task.”
“I’m glad. I was worried he might somehow use it against us.”
His eyes grow large. “I had not thought of that possibility.”
“I didn't until now. Look, I know we need to figure out where he’s performing next. But can’t we just enjoy the city for awhile? I’ve always wanted to see Paris.” I give him a weak smile. “I don’t care that it’s the 1890 version.”
He laughs. “Of course, you are right. You deserve to visit the city you have dreamed of. We might have the good fortune to come upon a poster advertising Roderick’s next performance.”
I sure hope we don’t come across any wanted posters of Jin. That’s the last thing we need right now. I link my arm around his. “Let’s take a stroll down the Seine. I want to see all the bridges, especially Pont Alexander. It looks so over-the–top in pictures. All those huge gold statues hovering over the river.”
He lets out a chuckle. “The bridge has not been constructed yet.”
“Oh.” Talk about embarrassing.
“Did you not learn about Paris in your history class?”
“No. We weren't going to study France until the end of the semester.”
“Let me be your teacher. I will take you to the oldest bridge in Paris, Pont Neuf. It is on the way to the hotel. ”
We stroll arm and arm along the Seine. Huge stone medallions and swags dance across the rooftops. Boats filled with happy couples cruise along the water. I want to pinch myself. I’m in the most beautiful and romantic city in the world with the man I’m crazy about. Yet, I don’t see a happy ending in my future. To save Jin I might need to use both of the wishes I have left. I’ll risk never returning to Long Island or seeing my dad again. I sure hope it doesn’t come to that. Although I love the Victorian era, I don’t want to be stuck
in it forever.
Jin stops in front of the bridge. “Dearest, you look so sad. Does not the beauty of the city please you?”
“Oh yes. It’s truly everything I dreamed. I had no idea Pont Neuf was made of heavy stone blocks, yet it’s so graceful. The arches look like they’re leaping across the river.”
He puts his hands around my face. “Do not worry, Dearest. We will find Roderick. I know you will save me from his clutches.”
I crack a weak smile. “I’ll do my best.”
Jin moves so close to me he’s almost touching my lips. “Of that I have no doubt.”
I give him a quick smile. “You know you can kiss me, I won’t mind.”
“Tis not proper to pull down the blind.”
“What the heck?”
“It means to show affection in public.”
“Pull down the blind in front of people. I get it.”
“In your time it would be considered appropriate behavior, but in the Victorian era decorum is of the utmost importance.”
I take his hand. “I’ll try to behave myself.”
After walking a few more blocks we arrive at the hotel. My jaw drops when I realize it’s in the Place du Palais-Royal, one of the most famous buildings in the world. “Jin, isn’t this the Louvre? How can we stay here? It’s a museum!”
He gives me a face I know too well. The look of an all-knowing parent. “Dearest, this is the Grand Hotel de Louvre. It doesn’t become a museum until years from now.”
“Well, at least I was half right.”
He laughs. “I wanted you to have the pleasure of staying at the most prestigious hotel in Paris.”
We step through the enormous arched doorway and into the lobby. I take in the pair of winged grand staircases and the gilded coffered ceiling, over twenty feet high. “I’m impressed.”
“The hotel possesses the most modern of amenities.”
I hold back a laugh. I know he’s trying to impress me, but he sounds like a salesman. Jin approaches the front desk. He hides a stack of pound notes under his hat. He lifts the hat just high enough so the clerk can see what's underneath. “I would like the finest suite available.”
The clerk nods. “Certainly, sir. I think you will find the Enchantment Suite up to the highest standards.”
The fact that he is only getting one room sinks in. We had a close call on the train, but now we really are going to have to sleep together. Well, technically Jin won’t be sleeping. He’ll be working out—or will he? Could something actually happen between us? The thought makes me tingle all over.
Jin gently nudges me. “Dearest, I know the hotel foyer is exemplary, but the accommodations are even finer.”
Wait a sec. Could he have been here with another woman? I follow him blindly to a pair of fancy metal doors. “Is this an elevator?”
A man opens the doors with a puzzled look on his face. “Excusez-moi Madam, but what is z elevator?”
Jin pulls me in, embarrassed. “Is this not astonishing? A steam powered lift.”
I don’t care I’ve messed up again. All I can think about is the fact I’m going to be alone with Jin in a room called the Enchantment Suite. Yet the fact that he might have been here before with another woman spoils the excitement of being alone with him.
The bellhop greets us as we walk through the door. “Misère, I hope you enjoy your stay.”
Did I see him wink? Don’t I look like his wife?
Jin presses a few bills into his hand and closes the door. “Did I not promise you the very best?”
The room is every girl’s fantasy. The walls are covered in a beautiful teal and gold damask silk. Peacock feathers sprout from the large Chinese vases on either side of the fireplace. The canopy bed looks more like a throne, it’s so grand. Yet I stand unimpressed. I don’t know what I feel more—jealousy or exhaustion.
Jealousy wins. “Have you been here before with someone else?”
“Mistress, I do not see how my past dalliances should concern you.”
Crap. So not the answer I expected. But it did answer one question I’ve had since I started falling for him. Genies can have sex with humans. Just like stupid me to pick a fight before I finally get to be with him. “Sorry. I had no right to you ask you that.”
Jin smiles. “Esme, I was, how you do you say in your slang, messing with you.”
OMG. Jin finally understands modern slang! Better yet, he didn’t have a lover. Then I realize it might mean genies and humans can’t make love. We’ll never be together.
Jin strokes my face. “Dearest, you are not pleased by my joke?”
“Yeah, so funny I forgot to laugh.”
“Touché.” Jin leads me to the enormous velvet covered canopy bed. “You must be tired. It has been an exciting day.”
I hate to admit that I can barely keep my eyes open. Stepping behind the dressing screen, I struggle to unhook my dress. When will this get any easier? I take off the corset, wire bustle, and strip down to my chemise. The bed is calling my name. I unbutton my boots and lay down on the satin comforter. Jin sits next to me. “Esme, I want you to know I truly appreciate your coming to my defense. You have sacrificed all you have ever known to save me.”
He says it with so much passion I want to cry. “You’re my best friend. That’s what friends do.”
I may have killed any romantic feelings he has, but it’s the truth. He is my best friend.
Jin takes ahold of my hand. “I will be forever grateful for such a friendship. I hope we can strip Roderick of his powers so that you can return to your own time. You deserve to have a happy life with your friends and family. ”
Now I want to cry for another reason. Those are the words of a genie who refuses to break the rules. I look up at the velvet, draped like a bow over the canopy. “I’m tired. Don't even have the energy to get under the covers. ”
Jin gets up and returns with a blanket. He gently tucks it around me like a loving parent. “As you wish, Mistress.”
He sounds hurt. But so am I. This is not the way I thought I’d spend my night in Paris with the man I’ve grown to love. I roll over on my side trying to hide the tears in my eyes. Once again Jin lies by my side. Why can’t he break the rule for me? I’m too upset to sleep so I slow my breathing and pretend. Jin runs his fingers across my shoulders and down my arm. I feel his lips touch my ear. “I love you, Esme.”
Despite the fact that nothing happened last night, I’m glowing. Jin loves me! More than ever I’m determined to find a way for us to be together. A slim chance knowing Roderick would like to see Jin dead—but still, a chance.
The bellhop arrives and takes our luggage to the front desk.
Jin hands back the key. The hotel clerk nods. “I hope you enjoyed your stay in the Enchantment Suite.”
Is Jin blushing?
“Indeed. Quite satisfactory.”
I’m sure the clerk thinks we had a torrid night together. He’d be disappointed to know we just held hands. Of course with a genie, that’s an illicit act.
The clerk leans over the desk and hands him a note. “Sir, this came for you last night.” He gives Jin a wink. “But I knew you would not want to be disturbed.”
Jin’s face turns pale as he reads the note.
OMG! Is it from the ginger-haired? Has he told the police about Jin?
“What’s it say?” I try to cheer him up. “Is it a love letter from one of your admirers?”
He doesn’t laugh. His fingers tremble as he hands me the paper. “Read it for yourself.”
Dearest Jin,
I know that your little paramour has wished you back to me. Please thank her. It saves me ever so much trouble. Unfortunately her little plan to murder me has been thwarted. I see all. Please know that I will slay her if you do not come to the Estates Theater in Prague for my next performance. Be there at precisely 8:00 PM on Saturday. You will be mine once again.
Sincerely,
Roderick the Magnificent
Chapter 10
No Entrance
Jin leans forward and taps on the coachman’s shoulder. “Make haste to Gare de La Bastille station.”
The driver cracks the whip and the horses lurch headlong down the street. I hold onto the seat for support on the bumpy cobblestone road. “How are we going to get to Prague in two days? The trains are steam powered. They’re not fast like the ones back home.”
“This is not the first time Roderick has performed in Prague. We will get there in time.”
“So you used to go with him on tour?”
He nods. “There is an express train from Paris to Cologne. We can be in Germany by midnight. Then we will change trains and arrive in Prague with an hour or two to spare.”
“And what if another tree decides to fling itself across the tracks?”
“Then, Dearest, we are screwed.”
OMG! Jin totally understands modern slang. He must have been listening to me all along. I’m about to congratulate him when I see his shoulders tense up. “What’s wrong?”
“I believe we are being followed.”
“What? By who?” Then it hits me. “Oh crap. The ginger-haired man isn’t giving up after all.”
“It appears not.”
I look out the back window and see a hansom cab following very close behind us. “What do we do now?”
Jin pulls a stack of coins out of his pocket and places them next to the driver. “I shall give you thrice this amount if you lose the man following us.”
He nods and cracks the whip. The horses speed forward and I grab onto the cushion to keep from smashing into Jin. We race through the streets and the large carriage wheels practically skip over the cobblestones. Jin keeps looking out the back window to see if the ginger-haired man’s hansom cab is still following us. I hang on tight to the side straps as the driver makes a series of sharp turns. I giggle when after hitting a huge pothole I end up in Jin’s lap. The whole thing would be laughable if we weren’t losing precious time. “You think we’ll still make the train?”
Jin struggles to get his pocket watch out of his jacket. “This escapade better conclude in ten minutes or we are screwed yet again.”
Jin In Time Boxed Set 1-3: A Young Adult Time Travel Romance (The Time is Forever Series) Page 16
