by L. P. Dover
William led me away from his uncle and I breathed a sigh of relief, especially when the line dance was over, and everyone grabbed their partners. There were three men in the corner who stood with their violins, and as soon as they started playing, I melted against William.
He held me close, his lips just a breath away. “What would you do if I kissed you, right here and now?”
Our bodies moved around the dance floor. It was as if no one else existed. “I dare say, I might not be able to control myself.”
His deep chuckle was music to my ears. I could feel the heat from his skin seeping into my body as he held my waist. “Neither would I.” I was lost in his gray gaze, that is, until I could feel the weight of someone’s stare. I looked over at his uncle, who still hadn’t taken his eyes off us.
Brows furrowed, William clasped my chin. “Everything okay?”
“Your uncle doesn’t seem to like me very much. I don’t remember meeting him last night.”
William looked back at his uncle and anger flashed in in his eyes. With a heavy sigh, he guided me off the dance floor to a private corner. “He was there,” he said, sounding frustrated.
“Why do you say it like that?”
He huffed. “Remember in the carriage, when I said I had something to tell you?”
“Yeah,” I replied nervously.
Before he could respond, James sauntered up to us and held out his hand. “Ms. Adeline Hamilton, you promised me a dance tonight, and I’m here to collect.”
I held up a hand. “Can you give us a minute, please? Mr. Blair and I are having a discussion. I promise I’ll find you.”
James’s grin widened. “Sorry, but that’s not going to do.”
William’s jaw clenched and the tension between them skyrocketed. He started to advance, but I stopped him with a hand on his chest. “Don’t,” I warned, keeping my voice low. “He’s just trying to get a rise out of you. The sooner I get this dance over with, the better. It won’t take long.”
“Go.” He growled, his rage-filled gaze on James.
About that time, James’s sister hurried up to William. Elizabeth looked to be a couple of years younger than me. It was obvious she came from wealth with her fancy red dress, expensive jewelry, and her golden blonde hair in an elegant up-do. She grabbed William’s arm, pressing her body against his. “Dance with me, Mr. William Blair?” she asked in a fake, sweet voice.
William looked at me, then back to her, sighing. “Okay.”
James pulled me away to the dance floor, but I kept my focus on William. The violins started to play, and we moved slowly around the floor, turning this way and that. “Her name is Elizabeth,” he informed me.
I shrugged. “That matters to me why?” I already knew who she was. Hannah had told me all about her.
James tilted his head, so I’d have to look at him. “It should, because she’s soon to be Mr. Blair’s wife. Didn’t he tell you?”
“What?” I gasped, eyes wide. My steps faltered, and I bumped into another couple. My heart sank, and it felt like I’d been punched in the gut. “When did this happen?”
By the grin on his face, he seemed much too pleased to be giving me the information. “Elizabeth is my sister. Our father approached William and his uncle just this morning.”
I wanted to cry, but all I could feel was anger. William should’ve told me before I opened my heart to him. Letting James go, I walked past him and grabbed my shawl, before rushing to the door.
“Adeline, wait!” James shouted.
Once out the doors, I sucked in a ragged breath, and surrounded myself with fog as I blew it out in the cold air.
The doors burst open and James rushed out. “I’m sorry for being the one to tell you. I thought you should know.”
“Something tells me you aren’t sorry at all,” I snapped. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to be alone.” Crossing my arms over my chest, I pinched my arm, expecting to wake up. The dream was quickly turning out to be a nightmare.
James ignored my request and walked down the rest of the steps toward me. “Do you want me to take you home?”
The doors opened, and William stormed onto the porch. “What’s going on out here?”
James stood close beside me. “I told her the truth about you and Elizabeth; how you’re going to get married.”
William’s face darkened and his fists clenched, but when he looked at me, I could see the turmoil in his gaze. “Adeline, you must let me explain.”
Holding up my hands, I backed away. “No thank you. I’d rather be alone right now. Go back inside to your fiancée. You’re being rude.” Turning on my heel, I hurried down the road, holding the shawl tight around my shoulders to seal out the cold.
“Adeline!” William shouted. He called for his carriage and I had no doubt he’d catch up to me.
I was so angry, I wanted to cry. My eyes burned, and it was the first time I’d ever felt truly heartbroken over a man. The roads were different than in my time, and once I got past the lamp posts, it was difficult to see. Thankfully, the moonlight reflected off the snow and helped illuminate the ground.
My house was only about two miles from the town hall, but I knew there was a shortcut through the woods. I’d had dreams before where I could fly. Having that ability now was exactly what I needed, only it didn’t feel like one of those dreams. The snow crunched under my feet and I looked back at my footprints. It wasn’t going to take William long to find me, even if I was in the woods.
A part of me wanted him to find me, but I was too disappointed in him. There had to be something wrong with me. In my dreams, I couldn’t even find happiness. I was starting to believe I was cursed. The thunderous sound of a horse’s gallop grew louder, until it stopped just outside the tree line.
“Adeline!” I ignored William’s shout and continued on my way. He wasn’t far behind me, but I could see my house through the trees. The candles in the windows were my guide. “Adeline, wait!”
Once out of the woods, I picked up my pace going down the driveway, until I got to the front porch. I looked back, and William was just a few yards away, his breaths frantic as he raced toward me. Crossing my arms over my chest, I stood my ground and glared at him. “What do you have to say, William? I’m tired and I’m ready to go inside.”
He marched up the stairs, eyes blazing. “If you’d have given me a chance to explain, you’d know that I have no intentions of marrying Elizabeth.”
“Why did James say you were?”
William scoffed. “You should know by now; he wants you for himself. When their father came to me this morning, he asked if I’d marry his daughter. When I said no, my uncle intervened and tried to make me change my mind. After the way he observed you this evening, now I know why he wanted to push the marriage.”
Shivers ran down my spine and I shook my head. “I’m not into older men like that.”
His lips tilted slyly. “I’m older than you.”
“You are, but not by much. I’m at least attracted to you.”
Closing the distance, he grasped my arms and pulled me to him. “Is that your way of saying you like me?” He slid his hands down my arms and wrapped them around my waist. His muscles flexed as I held onto him.
I looked up at his face and smiled. “I would think that’s pretty obvious. However, I am curious to know what your uncle said to try and change your mind about the marriage.”
Huffing, his jaw tensed. “He said you won’t come with as much wealth as Elizabeth. With your parents being gone, you’re left with nothing until Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton pass on.”
“Wow,” I said with a laugh. “What a bastard.”
“That he is,” he added, peering down at my mouth. “And there you go again, behaving differently than the other women around here. I love it.”
I shrugged. “I have a mind of my own. Soon, the men of this world will have to get used to it.”
He brushed a thumb across my lips. “They will, won’t they?” Cupping my ch
eek, his warmth seeped into my skin. “I think tomorrow we should make things between us public.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“I want everyone to know you’re mine; that no one can have you but me.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want?”
“Yes,” he murmured, his voice deep and sensual. “Is it what you want? That’s of the utmost importance.”
I looked above his head at a wreath that hadn’t been there before. Wrapped around the ribbons was the same mistletoe that Margaret had worn on her jacket at the rehearsal, and the same mistletoe inside my locket.
William followed my line of sight and smiled. “Mistletoe. You know what that means, don’t you?”
I bit my lip. “Why don’t you tell me.”
He brought his other hand to my face. “How about I show you.”
Time seemed to stand still as I waited for his lips to touch mine. When they did, it was as if everything inside me was brought to life. Ending the kiss before I was ready, he pressed his forehead to mine, breathing me in.
“I’ve been dying to do that since the first moment I met you. With the mistletoe, I had an excuse.”
Letting his arms go, I reached for my locket and opened it. His eyes widened when he saw what was inside. “You could’ve kissed me then too.”
“I’ll remember that tomorrow,” he said, chuckling. “Do you always walk around with mistletoe in your locket?”
I shrugged. “Not usually. I was told certain kinds of mistletoe can bring you happiness. I’m beginning to think that’s true.”
William kissed me again and I melted in his arms. “Do me a favor and don’t tell anyone you have that in your locket. I’m afraid of what I’ll do if I see another man kissing you.”
“You have nothing to worry about.”
“Good. I’ll be here tomorrow morning to pick you up. There’s somewhere I want to take you.”
This time, I kissed him. “Can’t wait.”
He stepped back, his hungered gaze raking down my body. “As much as I love seeing you this way, I need you to pack some pants tomorrow. Can you do that?”
“What are you up to, Mr. Blair?” I asked, narrowing my gaze at him.
Chuckling, he shook his head. “You’ll see. Sweet dreams, Miss Adeline.”
I was having sweet dreams, and I wasn’t close to wanting to wake up. All I wanted was more time.
Twelve
Adeline
I appreciated the simplicity of being in the past, but it was strange not having a cell phone. There was no checking my emails or Facebook to see what was going on with my friends. However, being lost in a dream world was the break from reality I didn’t know I needed. It was peaceful.
Since William and I were going to walk around town at some point today, I settled for a simple day dress out of my closet. It was hunter green with flowers along the hem. There was even a green bonnet with white lace to match. I’d also figured out a way to get into my corset by myself. As much as I loved Helen, I didn’t need a servant or a maid. I was more than capable of doing everything on my own.
Once dressed, with my hair pulled up, and a bag of extra clothes, I walked downstairs to the kitchen, thinking I’d see Helen in there. However, she wasn’t the one who greeted me.
“Good morning, Adeline. You look beautiful this morning,” Margaret said, still dressed like one of the servants. She smiled at me before pulling cornbread out of the stove.
Setting my bag down, I ran a hand down my dress. “Thanks. I’m getting the hang of putting all of this on myself. It’s definitely easier back home, with my yoga pants and T-shirts.”
Margaret chuckled. “I bet.”
Clearing my throat, I closed the distance between us, watching her as she cut the cornbread. “Why are you a maid in my dream? I promise that’s not how I see you.”
She burst out laughing, but her voice was so soft, she almost sounded like an angel. “I know that, Adeline.”
“Why are you in my dream and no one else I know?”
“Maybe it’s because you saw me right before you went home from the rehearsal,” she replied with a shrug.
I leaned against the kitchen table and grabbed an orange out of the fruit bowl. “Maybe. I could really use Jessica right about now, though. William’s on his way to pick me up.” After peeling the orange, I tossed a couple of wedges into my mouth.
Her lips pulled back in a knowing smile. “I know. I saw you two last night on the porch. Looks like the mistletoe came in handy.”
My cheeks burned as I ate another bite of my orange. “It did.”
Margaret giggled. “And he’s coming to see you again today?”
I nodded. “Yep. He wants to go into town, so everyone will know we’re together.”
“Sounds like fun.” She pointed over at the large bowl on top of the stove. It smelled like vegetable soup. “Why don’t you take some lunch with you? Your grandmother made enough to feed an army.” She walked over to the big pot on the stove and poured some into a bowl.
Finishing off my orange, I walked over to her and breathed in the soup. “It smells delicious.”
“It will be. Your grandmother spent all morning on it. Helen helped her cut up the vegetables.”
That brought a smile to my face. Even though I didn’t know my great-grandmother, I could tell from her smile in the pictures I had that she had a good soul. I just wished that the great-grandmother in my dream was real. At least, she was amazing in my imagination.
Margaret fetched a picnic basket out of the pantry and loaded it up with the soup and some of the cornbread. She handed it to me slowly. “Be careful not to spill.”
“Adeline,” my great-grandmother called out. The door to the kitchen opened and my grandmother smiled. “There you are. William’s here for you.” She held the door for me and I turned to say goodbye to Margaret. She was gone. “Going on a picnic? How romantic.”
I snickered and faced her. “That’s the point. I hope you don’t mind, but I stole a bowl of your vegetable soup and some of the cornbread.”
“Of course, I don’t mind. You can take as much as you want.”
* * *
Opening the front door, I found William standing outside by the carriage, talking to his coachman, Frederick. I stopped and turned to my grandmother. “I think I’m falling in love with him. Is it too soon?”
She shook her head. “Not at all. Only you know what’s in your heart. If you love him and he loves you, don’t let anything hold you back.”
“Thank you. I’ll be sure to remember that.”
I made my way down the stairs and my heart stopped when I got a good look at William. His hair was soft, and tousled all over his head, as if he just ran a hand through it. It was more of a chocolate brown color, now that it wasn’t slicked back with oil.
He marched up to me and took the basket, his smile sexier than ever. “Good morning. Did you fix us lunch?”
“Not exactly,” I answered sheepishly. “As much as I’d like to take credit, my grandmother was the one who made it.”
His eyes lit up. “I’m sure it’ll be just as delicious. I actually have the perfect place for us to have a picnic.” Holding his arm out, I linked it with mine.
“Can’t wait.” We walked over to the carriage and I smiled at Frederick. “Good morning, Frederick.”
“Good morning, Miss Adeline,” he replied, bowing his head.
Taking my hand, William helped me into the carriage, then climbed in after me.
As soon as we were off, he grabbed my face and kissed me. “I’ve been dying to do that all morning,” he said, grinning mischievously. “Is it bad I don’t want to share you with the townsfolk today?”
“Then don’t. Take me to wherever it is you wanted me to see. All that matters is I’m with you.”
His gaze landed on my bag. “Did you bring warm clothes and pants?”
I patted my bag. “All in here.”
He called out to Frederick
with the change of plans, and the carriage circled around to go the other way.
“How long does it take to get where we’re going?” I asked.
William grinned. “Not long. I’m kind of excited to see it myself. I rode by there the other day, but didn’t have the chance to explore.”
“Explore, huh? I’m intrigued.”
“I thought you would be.”
Glancing out the window, there was nothing but snow and trees. It was kind of sad to see it all untouched, knowing what it was going to look like in the future.
“I know we talked briefly about your teaching the other day. Have you given any thought to helping out at the local school?” William asked, drawing my attention back to him. “I overheard a woman at the social saying how they needed a teacher after the Christmas break.”
It felt like it’d been an eternity since I’d thought about teaching. I sat back and turned my body to face him. The idea excited me. It wouldn’t be like my high schoolers, but it’d be a different adventure. Not that my dream would last that long. “I’ll ask my grandmother who I should contact.”
His grin widened. “From what I can tell, you seem like you’d be good with kids.”
I returned a smile. “I try to be.”
* * *
Ten minutes later, the carriage slowed down and William looked out the window. “We’re here.” When I looked at our surroundings, there was nothing but trees and a small dirt road that wound its way up the side of the mountain. It looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t place it. William opened the carriage door and grabbed my bag.
“Do I need my extra clothes now?” I asked.
He hopped out of the carriage and nodded. “Yes. Once we’re out of sight, you’ll want to change.”
Eyes wide, I looked at him like he’d lost his mind. “Out here in the snow?”
“Don’t worry,” he said, winking, “I’ll turn my back.”
Frederick stayed with the carriage, while we hiked up the small, dirt road. Once we were safely away, William handed me my bag and cleared his throat.
