Secrets of My Beloved: Linked Across Time Book Twelve

by Dawn Brower

  “She’s right,” Regina agreed. “The gentlemen are waiting for us.”

  Eve didn’t have a father, so she would walk herself down the aisle. Bradford would escort Regina. Some friend of Trenton’s was walking with Peyton. Samuel something or other… Peyton hadn’t taken the time to become acquainted with him. After the wedding, she’d probably never see him again, so why bother?

  They headed toward the foyer. The ceremony was being held out back near the garden. They would exit through the salon doors and walk toward the altar from there. Regina and Bradford would go first, then Peyton and Samuel, followed by Eve. The music started to play, and Regina joined Bradford outside. He took her arm and led her away. Peyton counted to ten and stepped out. She jerked in surprise. Samuel was not who stood waiting for her.

  “What are you doing,” she hissed out the words. “Where is the other groomsman?”

  Nicholas shrugged. “Bloody hell if I know. Bradford made me do a quick wardrobe change and ordered me over here.” He held out his arm. “Will you walk with me, my lady?”

  Peyton didn’t have much choice. Her entire body came alive at the sight of him. What the hell was wrong with her? She placed her arm on his and he led her away from the doors. They strolled down the makeshift aisle, and each step made her heart beat faster. She didn’t like this. What had happened to Samuel? If he failed to show and Nicholas continued standing in for him—that meant she’d have to deal with him for a good part of the evening. There were expectations she would have to fulfill. The reception, and pictures, and…God help her. She’d have to dance with him. Her mind kept going to that. It was difficult enough walking next to him. A dance was far more intimate…

  More than ever, she wanted to bail from the reception early. After her part was complete, she’d bolt to her room. Her sister would understand. She’d fake fatigue or something. Everyone would believe her. They all still treated her like a delicate flower.

  Nicholas halted, bringing Peyton back to reality. She swallowed hard and met his gaze. “I believe this is where we part.” His voice had a playful tone to it.

  Was he actually teasing her? “Is it?” She lifted a brow and felt incredibly stupid.

  “For now,” he promised. “Later, we can do much more if you like.”

  With those words he went to stand next to Bradford, and Peyton scrambled to stand by Regina. It was quite the peculiar day. Peyton sneaked a glance at Nicholas. Was he actually attracted to her, or did he flirt with her because he pitied her? He couldn’t have missed how pale she still was and her weakness couldn’t be hidden no matter how hard she tried. It saddened her to think he was acting falsely toward her, but she couldn’t fathom why he had apparently taken a liking to her. She forced herself to glance away and focus on the wedding. Eve was almost all the way down the aisle, and then the ceremony would start in truth. Her sister deserved to have the attention concentrated on her. Nicholas, and the mystery he presented, would have to wait until later.

  Chapter 5

  The reception was held in the ballroom at Weston Manor. Nicholas never considered what an ideal place his family home made for such entertainments. His parents rarely hosted balls or social events. Neither one had much use for society. His mother attended when she had to, but hated every second of it. As a woman from another time, she always feared making a mistake. For her children’s sake, she made the effort. Now that Elizabeth was settled, she socialized less and less as each day passed.

  Nicholas didn’t blame her. He didn’t much enjoy the ton and their expectations. That was why the future appealed to him. In this time, the twenty-first century, no one was privy to every detail of his life. No ladies clamored to tie themselves to him in the bonds of matrimony, hoping by some twist of fate he’d inherit the dukedom.

  That morbidity soured his stomach. As if he’d ever wish his brother ill will. Marriage should not be a transaction or business arrangement. He’d witnessed too many couples experience true love to enter such a deal without it. If he married, it would be because he loved a woman beyond reason and couldn’t imagine living without her.

  Nicholas scanned the room. There was one lady that intrigued him enough to possibly consider it at some point. The red-haired vixen he’d walked with down the aisle—a custom he wasn’t familiar with. Not that he’d attended many weddings, but he didn’t believe that custom was utilized in his time. He still didn’t know the lovely lady’s name. Something he’d rectify as soon as he located her.

  “Nicholas,” a female said. He turned and found his Aunt Regina.

  “Hello,” he greeted her. “This has been rather exciting. Are weddings always such a grand affair?

  “No,” she answered. “Some are quick and over before you can blink. This one is special because Trenton figuratively moved mountains to find Eve.” She tilted her head to the side. “A year ago he went back in time to find her. They visited with Alys a bit before they returned. When he was there you were but a babe.”

  He nodded. “I heard about that. My sister mentioned it once.” Nicholas vaguely remembered it. “As I was a babe, my recollection of them is not the best.”

  “I didn’t expect you would.” She smiled. “I’m honored to meet one of Alys’s children, but I have to ask…”

  “The same question I’ve been asked repeatedly?” He sighed.

  “No,” she said. “As long as there’s nothing wrong, I’m all right with your non-answer in that regard. You have your reasons, and you can keep them to yourself.” She stepped closer to him. “What I want to know is if you’re going to stay or is this a curiosity thing?”

  He wasn’t sure how to answer that. Did he want to stay? “Definitely a hint of curiosity,” he told her. Nicholas closed his eyes a moment. “I’m not certain if I’m staying, but I’m considering it. There is a certain appeal to being here, but if it will be a problem…”

  “Not at all,” she said. “Bradford can spare some funds to help you create an identity. It’s not the first time we’ve encountered this. Our friend, Zane, the Marquess of Seabrook—his wife, Callista, is from the nineteenth century. We can adapt if you need us to.”

  He hadn’t known that… It gave him a lot to consider. “Weston still associates with Seabrook?” He chuckled. “That shouldn’t surprise me, as close as my father and Uncle Dominic are.”

  Her expression softened as she met his gaze. “I’d like to hear about it all when you have time. I was wretched toward Alys. She was a wonderful sister, and I acted the spoiled brat. I miss her.” His Aunt Regina was a beautiful woman. His mother had talked about her often and he’d always been curious about her. She appeared to have mellowed since his mother fell back in time.

  “She misses you too,” he told her. “It wasn’t an easy choice she made to stay behind.”

  “But she fell in love.” Regina fought back tears. She wiped the corner of her eyes so none fell. “I understand.” She turned to glance at Bradford. “She had to follow her heart, and hey, if she hadn’t, you wouldn’t be here.” Regina patted his shoulder. “That’s not the reason I came to talk to you. Thank you for stepping up and escorting Peyton. Samuel took ill, and she wouldn’t have had anyone to walk with her. I guess that means you were meant to be here.”

  Peyton… He finally had a name to go with the lovely lady. “It was my pleasure.” More than his auntie would ever know.

  Regina glanced away from him. He followed the direction of her gaze. Peyton was on the other side of the room talking to the bride. Her cheeks had a lovely hue to them that almost matched the scarlet shade of her dress. She nearly sparkled underneath the lights. “She looks so much better. It’s good to see some color in her cheeks.” Regina smiled fondly at Peyton. “It wasn’t that long ago her future wasn’t certain. I’ve come to know her in depth this past year. Eve brought her here to convalesce as she healed.”

  “She was ill?” Nicholas couldn’t imagine her not being so full of life. It concerned him he may have caused her any harm. He liked her
, perhaps a little too much. Nicholas hoped her illness was something to put in the past. He’d hate it if something untoward happened to her.

  Regina nodded. “Eve helped save her life.”

  “How?” He was curious. “I don’t mean to pry…”

  His aunt didn’t look at him. She kept her attention on Peyton as she spoke. “There are things about this time you’re not familiar with. If you stay, you’ll learn. To explain the full scope of what Peyton endured…” She shook her head lightly. “We don’t have that kind of time tonight. Suffice to say, if not for Eve, Peyton wouldn’t be here today, and even with that, there is always a chance her illness could return. It’s taught us a lot. Nothing in life is promised, and its best we take none of it for granted.”

  Profound words… “There is a lot you’re not saying, but I understand. She has a second chance, and she won’t suffer fools lightly.” He’d done his best to charm her, and she’d brushed him aside with ease. Peyton had met death’s gaze and had not faltered. She could, and probably would, turn her back to Nicholas and not look back if she didn’t deem him worthy of her time. If he hoped to become deserving of her regard, he’d have to be earnest with her.

  “Glad you understand,” she said softly. “Now, we have other duties to complete. It’s time for the bride and groom to have their first dance as a married couple, then we will join them. You’ll be courteous with Peyton when you lead her to the floor.”

  “Yes, Auntie.” His lip twitched upward. “I’ll be the perfect gentleman.”

  “You’re a rogue, and we both know it. Still…I think you might be good for her.” She patted him on the back and walked away. Nicholas turned his attention to Peyton and waited. There was nothing he wanted more than to dance with her. He hoped that he didn’t mess it up. Dances changed all the time and he might not be a worthy dance partner for her. He did learn from the best instructors though. He should be able to pick up the steps fast.

  Peyton sighed. It was the time of the evening she’d been dreading. Trenton led Eve to the floor and swung her into his arms. They had decided on a traditional waltz for their dance. She’d had to learn the dance. It had exhausted her, but she’d been determined to do it though and didn’t complain. No one had been aware how much it had taken out of her to learn the correct moves, and now she had to dance it with someone else. She almost hated Samuel for this. Peyton couldn’t blame him for being sick. No one could plan for something like that.

  She glanced to where she’d last seen Nicholas and didn’t find him there. Where had he gone? He hadn’t left, had he? Panic seized her. How was she supposed to waltz by herself? She glanced around the room, frantic to locate him.

  “Looking for someone?” His voice was pure sin and the sexiest thing she’d ever had the pleasure of listening to. It was warm, husky, and full of promise—if she dared to take what he offered.

  Peyton glanced up and became lost in the blue depths of his eyes. She swallowed hard and somehow managed to find her voice, but it squeaked as she spoke, “Not at all.” She cleared her throat. “Considering my options is all.”

  He lifted a mocking brow. “Are you now?” Nicholas leaned a little closer. “I hope you settled on the correct one.”

  She fought a smile and lost. Her lips turned up into an amused smile. Why did he affect her like this? “I didn’t realize there was such a thing.”

  “Of course there is.” He winked. “Look no farther, you’ve found me.” Nicholas held out his hand. “My lady, I believe this is my dance.”

  Peyton placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her to the floor. He was a cheeky bastard, and way too sure of himself. Nicholas twirled her into his arms and led her through the steps of the waltz with an ease she hadn’t realized was possible. Of course he could waltz. How could she have forgotten for even a moment that he was from another time? He’d probably been waltzing since he was a child. He must find her incredibly inept.

  “What has you scrunching your eyebrows together in such an enticing matter? You must tell me what has you perplexed.”

  Peyton glanced up. His entire focus was on her, and it unnerved her. She flicked her tongue out and ran it across her dry lips. “I’m concentrating. I don’t want to make a wrong step.”

  “Don’t concern yourself with that.” He brightened a little at her dilemma. Dance steps he could easily handle. He’d gladly assist her so neither one of them made a fool of themselves. “I’m more than capable of leading you through it. Besides, you dance wonderfully…take a moment to enjoy it.”

  Peyton stared at him. This man made her want things she’d thought she didn’t have a chance at having. Desire flooded her, and tingles danced across her stomach. If he wasn’t holding her upright she might have melted into a puddle at his feet—that was still very much a possibility. “How can you be certain?”

  “Because, in all my life, I’ve never had a better dance partner.” He leaned down so his mouth was near her ear. “Or a more beautiful one. All of my doubts are washed away when you are near. If you’ll let me, I will be everything you need.”

  It was tempting, oh so tempting. “I’m not that brave.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. At first, she didn’t think she had spoken aloud.

  “Of course you are,” he told her. His eyes…they were pleading with her. Take his offer and allow him to pleasure her. She wanted to lean into him, kiss him, and touch him everywhere. “Darling, don’t be afraid. Take a risk with me.”

  Peyton shook at his words. She wanted to say yes. Every fiber in her being craved what he was offering her. Did she dare accept what he offered? No. That was asking too much of her. “I can’t.”

  His face fell at her words, but he didn’t push her. “Have it your way, my lady.” Had she hurt him? Peyton hated that she might have…

  Nicholas led her away from the floor as the dance came to an end. He stopped at the edge of the floor, and then bowed before her. The corner of his lip tilted upward into a wicked smile. That expression… Her heart seized. He wasn’t giving up, only conceding the battle. This man intended to win her, and she wasn’t certain what to make of that. He picked up her hand and brought it to his lips, then pressed a kiss into her palm. “Until we meet again.”

  With those words, he turned on his heels and left her alone. Her hand tingled where his lips had been. Peyton lifted her hand to her chest and fought for air to fill her lungs. Lord Nicholas Kendall was messing her up in ways she hadn’t believed possible. The question was…should she let him?

  Chapter 6

  Nicholas strolled out of the bedchamber he’d been assigned and headed down the stairs. It was ironic that he’d been given the same room he had in the nineteenth century. He hadn’t told anyone that little tidbit. It amused him, nonetheless. There had been minor changes. The bedframe wasn’t as ornate, but it was still made with a sturdy, solid wood and had posts that nearly reached the ceiling. The mattress was like laying on a cloud and much more comfortable than the one he had in the nineteenth century. Somewhere along the way it had been redecorated in a rich red tone with gold accents. He preferred the blue he’d grown up with, but he’d not complain. It wasn’t really his room anymore.

  Bradford had ensured he had other clothes to wear until more could be purchased for him. He’d been given trousers called jeans. They were an unusual material, but he liked them. The soft red shirt had an odd picture on it that said: “Vote no on Daleks. Stop extermination today.” It had him scratching his head, but he wore it all the same.

  No one seemed to be about. Were they all tired from the festivities the night before? Maybe he would go to the library and see if his mother’s journal was still on the shelf. It would be a couple centuries old, but it might still exist. She would have probably added more to it as well. He was curious what she might have included.

  He strolled into the library, but it wasn’t empty. “Hello, Auntie.” Nicholas moved into the room. “You going to introduce me to the little guy?”

  Reg
ina’s lips twitched. “Hello to you too, nephew.” She held up her son. “This is your cousin, Cameron.”

  Nicholas leaned down and ruffled the boy’s dark hair. “He’s adorable and has no idea what responsibility he’ll inherit one day.”

  “Life is one big responsibility after the next,” she said. “It is all a matter of perspective. Cameron is born of privilege, but it isn’t the same as it was in your time. There are not a plethora of farmers and servants depending on the dukedom to survive. Bradford runs a company, one that was merged with my family’s. We have employees that do depend on us, but they are not forced to stay with us either. They have choices. His responsibilities are not the same ones your brother, Christian, will inherit. The nobility isn’t what it once was.”

  “I never considered that things might change,” Nicholas said softly. He had wanted something different. That had been the entire reason he’d attempted time travel to begin with. So far he had no regrets. He wanted to explore this time and decide if he wanted to stay or return home. If it meant working…he’d learn how to do whatever was necessary. He wasn’t ready to leave. “What does your business do?” In his time, work of that nature was frowned upon. No one dirtied their hands with trade.

  “Mostly electronics, software, that sort of thing.” Regina bounced Cameron in her lap as she spoke.

  “Um…” Nicholas stared at her with his head tilted to the side, as if he wasn’t sure what to make of her or the situation. Had she confused him?

  She glanced up and met his gaze. “I’m sorry. You have adapted so well that sometimes I forget you don’t actually belong here. Computers and machines of that nature wouldn’t be something you’d understand.” She grinned. “I don’t mean to make you sound incapable of grasping the finer details. It’s just that they’re not anything like you’ve ever seen and it might take you some time to acclimate to it. If you want to learn, Bradford can teach you. He knows more of the technical side than I do.”