by Dawn Brower
Trenton had been given the one journal to study. His whole reason for being at Zane’s estate was to read through the rest of his family archives. If he were a better person he could be forthcoming and give Trenton the information he was searching for, but he would screw up some things if he did. There was a timeline that had to be followed, and if he read things correctly Trenton would uncover things when he needed to. He’d find the love of his life eventually.
“I’ve kept nothing to myself.” A lie, but a necessary one. “I met the woman last night. Clearly you’re the one with all the information.”
Trenton narrowed his gaze. “I don’t believe you.”
Zane shrugged. “Not my problem.”
Bradford’s gaze swept over Zane and then over Trenton. “I’m not in the mood to watch you in a verbal volley match.” He focused his attention on Trenton and said, “Tell me what you know.”
Trenton sighed. “Lady Callista Lyon, otherwise known as the Countess of Marin went missing in 1818, as I’ve already said.” He paused and stared at Zane. “What I didn’t realize, until earlier, was what happened to her. She must’ve fallen through time the same way Alys did.”
“What were her circumstances?” Bradford asked.
“She was the premier lady spy,” Trenton said. “My focus wasn’t on her history, so it’s limited. She was investigating a ring that was hoping to free Napoleon from St. Helena. They were successful in stopping it, but she wasn’t ever seen again.”
“So you don’t have any information on how she disappeared?” Bradford shot another question off.
Trenton didn’t know when to stop talking. He was too eager to tell them everything. Zane would have to find a way to distract them and leave Trenton to his musings, but he wasn’t sure how to stop them from pummeling forward in the direction they were heading. Why had he agreed to let Trenton look through his family archives? Oh yeah, because it was necessary for his journey. That didn’t mean he had to like it.
“I didn’t say that.” Trenton’s mouth twitched. “This is what I have found in my research: she was a spy, but before that she was betrothed to your—” He gestured toward Bradford. “—ancestor, Edward Kendall. He died before they could exchange vows. She disappeared before Rosanna Kendall married his—” He pointed to Zane. “—ancestor, Dominic Rossington. Who also happened to be a spy. Do you see the connection?” He raised a brow.
“It sounds as if you know me better than I do myself,” Callista said as she entered the room dressed in dark blue lounge pants and a matching shirt. Regina followed close behind her. “What do you need me for?”
“To fill in the gaps, obviously,” Trenton said. “I have so many questions.”
She tilted her head and studied him. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know you well enough to unburden my life history on you. I’d rather keep my secrets.”
Good for her. She didn’t have to explain a damn thing. Of course, she didn’t realize Zane had better access to the information than Trenton. After he’d given the one journal he’d discovered to Bradford he’d dug deeper and found a treasure trove of information—and Zane had devoured it all. She was a big topic for Dominic Rossington.
The former marquess had felt guilty for not locating her all those years ago. It was a sore spot for him until someone told him what her fate had been. Then he’d been able to let it go, but more importantly, he’d written it all down. Zane had been waiting for her to show up. What he hadn’t been able to figure out was when she’d enter his life.
Now that she was here—he didn’t have a clue where to begin. He knew so much and yet so little. She would probably think him a little crazy, but Zane had been fascinated with her for months now. When he read that she’d disappeared, he had to figure out what happened to her. In one journal, an obscure line about her finding her way to Seabrook manor sometime in the future had left him filled with anticipation. There wasn’t much to go on, but there was a hint of it being in his time. The search for Genevieve was tied to it.
“Listen to the lady, Trent,” Regina ordered. “She’s had a trying ordeal and doesn’t need you harassing her.”
“But...”
Trenton didn’t want to let it go. He was all but hopping around the room with excitement. If Callista had any information on Genevieve’s whereabouts he’d want to interrogate her until he wrenched all she knew from her. Zane wasn’t going to let him put her through that torturous ordeal. Callista already had dealt with a lot in a short time—more than any one person should.
“No,” Regina interrupted Trenton. “We all are aware of why you want to ask her questions, but it can wait. Genevieve is safe where she is for now. When the time is right, and Lady Marin is more comfortable, you can make inquiries.”
Zane liked Regina—never more than in that moment for protecting Callista. He owed her for it, and he always paid his debts. Callista appeared to be surprised by her defense too. Her mouth fell open as she stared at Regina. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
“I already told you to stop that. I’m not formal, and it sounds weird,” Regina said.
“It’s habit,” Callista replied. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop.”
Regina frowned. “Call me Gina. Those that I’m close to already do. I have a feeling we’ll become quite close in time.”
Callista nodded. “It’s been so strange. This is all new to me. I’m not sure where to begin.”
Zane had an idea. “I think the first step is to take you shopping. Something I’ll gladly do if you’re up to it.”
“Oh, yes,” Regina agreed. “You’ll need a whole new wardrobe. Let Zane pay for it. He’s loaded and can spare the funds.”
Zane almost rolled his eyes at Regina’s testimonial. “Thanks for the vote of approval.” Although he didn’t need her permission to do anything, it did help to gain Callista’s acceptance of the situation. He would be better able to coax her into his car and drive her to the nearest shopping center.
“Any time,” Regina said. Her lips tilted upward into a warm smile. “I’m at your service.”
“Don’t be offering something that he can’t have,” Bradford said. “You’re mine.”
“Oh, don’t be ridiculous. I didn’t offer him my body for his pleasure.”
Zane shook his head and walked over to Callista. “Ignore them. They get all sappy without much provocation. It’s almost sickening. If it meets with your approval, we can leave now to go to the nearest town for a few things.”
She nodded. “Please, lead the way.”
Zane couldn’t wait to get her away from the manor and the prying ears of his guests. There was a lot he wanted to discuss with her. He fully believed she was his future—the hard part was convincing her of that fact.
CHAPTER SIX
Callista followed Zane outside. It was the first time she’d left the manor since she’d found herself a couple centuries in the future. She still wasn’t sure what to make of that. It didn’t seem possible, yet she knew it was true. Her imagination wasn’t so good as to make up some of the things she’d already seen. The bathroom alone was a marvel. Electricity—she’d never figure out how it worked. Regina had causally flipped a switch on the wall and the room had filled with light. Candles were now for ambiance and only used if a person wanted to.
She feared it would take her a while to become accustomed to her new surroundings. She’d had an uneasy feeling all day. It was almost as if the walls were watching her. For all she knew they were. There was so much she didn’t understand yet. Callista wouldn’t come out and say it though. In her experience, it was better to fake it and let people believe she knew it all. They spilled more details that way. Whatever was making her uneasy was probably her imagination anyway.
It was a warm day and the sun shone brightly in the sky. The conservatory at Seabrook manor was amazing, but so were the grounds outside the mansion. Zane must hire an amazing gardening crew. He stopped in front of—Callista didn’t know what it was. It had wheels of a s
ort. For the life of her, she couldn’t say what they were made from. It sat low to the ground and was a sleek black, similar to her carriage. She glanced inside. The seats had the same dark shade. Callista took an involuntary step back her head hitting Zane’s hard chest. When had he managed to get behind her? The man was fast...
“Running away so soon?”
Callista shook her head. How was she supposed to respond to that? Whatever the conveyance in front of her was—it most certainly was not something she’d ever seen before. She didn’t like it. Surely he didn’t expect her to willingly sit inside it? How did such a thing even work? There were no horses to speak of. Did the beast run on electricity like the lights?
“I never retreat.”
And she didn’t. At least not usually... This was an entirely different set of circumstances. Anyone in her position would be weary of the unknown. She was dealing with people and things that were, at least to her, unexplainable. What kind of reaction did he expect her to have? In reverse, she’d expect him to be reluctant if he were experiencing something he didn’t comprehend. Asking questions might help alleviate her concerns, but her pride was making her want to pretend she could handle anything he tossed her way.
“Then let me help you inside,” he teased. “I promise you’re perfectly safe with me.”
“What sort of...” She wasn’t sure what to call it. “Transportation is this?” She gestured toward it.
“This is the newest Aston Martin Vanquish,” he explained. His voice held and edge of admiration mixed with glee as he stared at the monstrosity.
Callista glared at him. How could he be so excited over a something so peculiar? “You’re articulating a compilation of nonsense, and it is not the least bit enlightening.”
The corner of Zane’s mouth twitched. “Are you trying to tell me you’re not sure what an Aston Martin is?”
“Precisely.” What kind of name was that anyway? “Please clarify how you expect to travel in such a conveyance. I don’t understand what it even is.”
“This, my dear,” Zane explained. “Is what we call a car. As to how it works... That’s not as easily defined. All you need to know is that it has an engine that works in place of horses—and don’t ask me to describe what that is. We don’t have enough time. If you’re still curious, I’ll give you something to read up on them later.”
Callista opened her mouth to dispute his proclamation, but thought better of it. He said he’d give her something to read on them later, and she’d hold him to that promise. She did want to get some more clothes. The outfit Regina had given her wasn’t what she was used to. Women didn’t wear trousers; although, she had to admit they were rather comfortable. She’d have to rethink her assessment. The duchess was comfortable prancing around in them. Callista wasn’t a prude generally, and if a woman wearing them was acceptable in the current century, who was she go gainsay it?
“I’ll concede to your judgment as you’re more aware of our time frame than I am, but I’ll forewarn you, I’m also holding you to your promise. I want more information, and I’m certain engines and cars are only the beginning of what I do not fully comprehend.”
Zane nodded and opened the door for her. Callista still wasn’t used to any of it. She desperately wanted to ask for more details, but held her tongue. In time, she’d figure it all out. Instead, she settled inside and allowed him to wrap some kind of strap around her. A soft click ricocheted through her ears. “What is this?”
“This,” he said patting the strap, “is what we call a safety belt.”
Callista stared down at it. Why would they need something of its nature? Was this car, as he’d called it, dangerous? Maybe she should reconsider the shopping expedition. Clothes could be repaired. She could have someone alter her gown. Perhaps a seamstress could be summoned to make her more.
She tugged on the fastening, but it wouldn’t come loose. “It’s stuck.”
Zane chuckled lightly. “It’s secured. Don’t worry it won’t come unlatched until we need it to.” He kissed her cheek. Tingles of sensation spread through her whole body. Why had he done that? “Relax, it won’t be as bad as you’re probably imagining.”
“You’re insane,” she replied. How did he expect her to remain calm? It was easy enough for him to say. This was all normal to him. Her heart was already beating at a rapid pace inside of her. The press of his lips on her cheek hadn’t helped it either. Callista glanced at him and saw him in a different light. She’d noticed he was handsome and he’d always felt familiar, but this was something different. It was—desire. She’d not experienced anything of the sort for quite some time. “But very well. Let’s begin the journey. Are we awaiting a driver?” She’d never babbled so unnecessarily in her life. The newness and the unknown were making her into a ninny.
“No,” Zane replied and then shut the door. Panic seized her for a moment at being trapped inside, alone, and no clue how to get out. He walked around to the other side and climbed in. She breathed a little easier at the sight of him next to her. “I’m capable of driving myself.”
He pulled something out of his pocket and pressed a button. The car roared to life and lights blinked on the front. Callista hoped no one ever expected her to operate one of the infernal devices. She was terrified and she was only a passenger. She didn’t understand what anything was or what they did. Zane pulled on his safety belt and pushed on some sort of lever. The car started to move. Callista took a deep breath and told herself to remain calm. She clenched her fingers together into a fist. There had to be something to hold onto. Frantically she glanced around and placed her hands on either side of the seat and closed her eyes. She could do this...
“How far is the nearest town?”
“We’re not going there,” he replied.
The car began to move before she was able to react. Zane maneuvered it away from his home and onto the road. “What do you mean?” She clutched her hands tighter against the seat. “Where do you mean to take me?” Had she been wrong about him? Did he mean to harm her? Her gut had told her she could trust him and hadn’t been wrong before, but there was always a first time for everything.
“I decided to take you to London,” he replied. “There are more options for shopping, and it will give you a better glimpse of what the world has evolved into. I’ve already arranged for us to stay overnight at the Chesterfield.”
Seabrook wasn’t exactly close to London. It would take a lot of time and the trip would be quite tiresome by carriage. This contraption he had her in now—she had to admit was more comfortable. It was possible traveling to London wouldn’t be taxing in it. How long was he planning on keeping her in London?
“Is that proper?”
Callista was a widow, and far from innocent. After Edward’s death, she had cultivated a certain reputation in France and used it to her advantage. She’s skirted the edges of propriety, but it had been all a ruse. She was presumed to be more experienced than she’d actually been. Her husband was the only man she’d ever been with, and it hadn’t been a pleasant experience. Edward wanted to do things right and refused to take her as a lover before they married. No other man had interested her—until now.
She rather liked the idea of spending an intimate evening with Zane. He made her body come alive in ways she’d not experienced before, even with Edward. She’d been comfortable with the duke and thought they’d have a good life together. It had been enough for her after her disastrous marriage to the Earl of Marin.
“You’ll find that propriety isn’t all its chalked up to be.” A slow, wicked grin filled his face. “And, in fact, isn’t something most of society aims to achieve.”
“How progressive.” There were quite a number of things that terrified her. His car topped the list, but there was perhaps an equal amount that intrigued her. So far, the car hadn’t been as terrifying as she’d imagined. It did go rather fast though. “How long will it take us to reach London?” In her time, it would have taken a long time and they’d
have to stop several times to change horses. His mode of transportation might cut that time span down a bit. She couldn’t be certain. She didn’t know if it needed to rest like a horse might.
“We’ll be there in less than two hours,” Zane said. “We check into our room first and then start shopping. That way we can send packages back to the hotel and continue on to other stores.”
The trip only taking a couple hours was amazing. The packages being sent to their—wait had he said room? She must’ve heard wrong. The stupid man wouldn’t presume to think she’d share quarters with him. She’d been intrigued by him, but she wasn’t ready to admit it to him. If he wanted her, he’d have to woo her properly.
“Wonderful,” she replied. “Do we need to stop for any reason?”
He shook his head but kept his gaze focused on the road before him. “We shouldn’t need to refuel until we’re ready to return to Seabrook. I’ve thought of every possibility.”
She bet he had. Arrogant beast that he was—he was quite charming, but she’d not fall under that spell. Callista had interacted with some of the most elegant and experienced men while she worked as a spy. She’d seen it all and nothing surprised her. Zane was setting her up for seduction. The question was if she would allow it to take its natural course or stop it before it had a chance to lead her down a wicked path. Her first instinct was to see what he had prepared—but that could be her downfall. His gorgeous face drew her in, and it wouldn’t take much for her to willingly fall into his arms.
“It’s so nice of you to help me.” She stopped short of an unlady like snort. “At least I know chivalry isn’t dead, and I’m safe in the care of a true gentleman.” Let him think of that what he will. She could lay on the charm too.
“Uh,” he mumbled. “You’re welcome.”
The poor man... He must believe she was an utter fool. Callista smiled to herself. It was going to be quite the interesting day. Shopping had never sounded like such fun before. Clothes were a necessity, but not something she was ever overly fond of. Zane would see a side of her not too many were privy to.
