Love Lost in Time (Victorian Time-Travel)

by Marie Higgins

  “Then if I see him anywhere close to our family, I’ll be certain to point him out.”

  “Are you jesting?” Andrew shook his head. “Why would your cousin go to so much trouble to attack this family?”

  “Because he knows he’s not welcome in our home, that’s why.” The duke nodded matter-of-factly.

  “He’s not?” None of this made sense to Andrew. But then his father and Edward discussed things about the estate that Andrew didn’t need to know. This was probably one of those things.

  “Several years ago something happened between our families, and we parted ways.” His father waved his hand. “Nevertheless, I want us all to be wary of the woman and tread carefully. She’s here for a reason, and I want us to find out what it is quickly.”

  “What else do you not trust with her story?” Edward questioned.

  “I do not believe she drove a buggy all this way by herself, and during the night.” The duke scowled.

  Andrew nodded. “That, I doubt myself, as well.”

  “I have a bad feeling she just may have been a cohort of Nimrod.” His father shook his head. “So, because of our doubts, I do not want Miss Chapman to think we are watching her.” He aimed his glare at Andrew. “And you, my boy, I would like you to get to know the girl and gain her trust. For some reason, she has taken a fancy to you.”

  Inwardly Andrew groaned. “Only because she thinks I’m the gardener.”

  Edward snickered. “She called you by your given name. That has to mean something.”

  “It means she’s not in her right mind,” Andrew countered back.

  “It doesn’t matter.” The duke held up a hand to silence his sons. “Both of you need to help. Edward, your rude behavior toward her will cease. Apologize for your behavior if you must, but I want her to trust us impeccably. And I would like you to postpone asking for Lady Agnes’ hand in marriage.”

  “What should I tell her?” Edward whined. “She is going to wonder why I’m paying special attention to Miss Chapman.”

  Andrew chuckled. “Am I to believe Lady Agnes will not even allow you to associate with another woman? Indeed, Edward, you are a whipped man.”

  Edward faced him, his jaw hard with anger. They had been like this as boys. Nothing had changed, even as adults.

  “That’s enough,” their father barked. “Edward, I would like for you to put off asking for Lady Agnes’ hand in marriage until after we can get this mess with Nimrod straightened out.” He took a deep breath. “Will you or will you not do as I request?”

  “Of course I will,” Andrew answered quickly.

  “As will I,” Edward grumbled. “I too want to know why she is deceiving us. I’m anxious to start my life with Lady Agnes, so I will do all I can to help you with Miss Chapman.”

  “Splendid.” The duke slapped both of his sons on their shoulder. “Now please don’t appear too obvious with your endeavors. I don’t want to bring her any alarm.”

  “As you wish,” Andrew muttered. “Can I leave now? I have meetings this morning.”

  “But of course.” His father smiled. “And it’s good to have you home again.”

  Once Andrew hurried out of the house, he breathed a sigh of relief. What a strange welcome home this had been. Usually his brother didn’t talk to him—and especially going out of his way to do so—but earlier Andrew received the impression Edward had accused him of something, especially when it came to Miss Chapman. And now their father… Perhaps Andrew should look further into his family’s behavior, but he’d do that when he returned from talking to Lucy. That was first priority.

  He strode toward the stables. Prickles rose on the back of his neck and the feeling of being watched came over him. He stopped and glanced around the area, but didn’t see anything. Then he looked back at the house. A movement from Georgiana’s window caught his attention.

  Miss Chapman stood in front of the window, her gaze on him. No longer was she wrapped in the drab afghan, but she was adorned in one of his sister’s bright yellow day dresses, instead. From what he could tell, it looked like the ratted ringlets had been brushed from her hair, and her golden, light brown locks hung over her slender shoulders.

  That woman bothered him, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on the problem. Was it the way she gazed at him with admiring, knowing eyes? Or was it because they had just been introduced, yet according to Edward, the young woman called Andrew by his given name without his permission? And why, pray tell, did she say he was a gardener? Very curious.

  Miss Chapman turned away from the window and left his sight. Her presence at his family’s estate was most confusing.

  Andrew blew out a frustrated breath as he glanced toward the stable. Perhaps he could put off seeing Lucy right now. Matters at home had suddenly become more important.

  * * * *

  Several times while sitting in front of Georgiana’s vanity as Halle studied her reflection in the mirror, she had to pinch herself…and it still hurt.

  This could not possibly be real, yet here she was being fussed over by a servant and being made to look like a Victorian woman. Halle had dreamed about this for so long, and then when Samantha had helped her get ready for the reenactment last night, Halle thought she looked so much like a woman from that era. But now…well, now Halle knew she was dressed like someone from this time.

  Not too long ago when she had watched Andrew from out the window, her heart fluttered with happiness knowing he was alive, and especially that he looked much younger than he had when she knew him in her time. Perhaps staring at him so much wasn’t a good idea. She didn’t need to make him suspicious.

  Too late for that. When he’d met her gaze through the window, she could tell he wondered about her actions. What could she tell him that would make him believe? No way could she tell him she came from the future. In their time, they didn’t know about things like this. They didn’t have movies or books that told stories about time-travel. Or did they? Regardless, Halle must find a way to warn him about the upcoming attack on his family. She must help protect them—and him.

  She recalled the few things Andrew had told her about the threats being made when he was in her time. He’d mentioned a fire being set in the stable the same day Edward proposed to Agnes, and sometime after the announced engagement, Georgiana had been abducted. Halle had to watch for those signs, and make sure she could stop them from happening. Especially the attack on the house.

  Georgiana chatted up a storm, and Halle did her best to focus on the topic of conversation. From time to time, the duchess threw in a comment or would give instructions to the servants. It pleased Halle to know the two women were so friendly. For some reason, Edward and his father were not. The duke was at first…until Edward had mentioned the tree.

  She frowned. Why would the tree give them cause to be leery? Andrew hinted he thought the treasure was buried under the tree. Did they think she was trying to steal it? That must be the reason the duke had looked at her hands when Edward had informed him where she’d been when they found her.

  The tree was the link to all of this. Andrew had mentioned that the tree opened for him, and beckoned him before he had traveled through time. And of course that’s where she found Andrew before the tree had opened to her and called out to her…

  “Miss Chapman, is something amiss?” the Duchess of Harrington spoke.

  Halle pulled out of her thoughts and met the woman’s gaze through the mirror’s reflection. “Nothing at all. Why do you ask?”

  “Because you were frowning.”

  Halle shrugged, quickly recalling the story the duke wanted her to stick with. “I just started thinking about the group I’d been with last night, wondering if they are worried about me at this very moment.”

  The Duchess of Harrington patted Halle’s arm. “I’m certain they are. My husband will have this matter taken care of soon, I assure you.”

  “That relieves me greatly.” Halle smiled and wondered what would happen when the authoritie
s didn’t find the buggy she’d said had broken down…and when the duke couldn’t find anyone by the name of Samantha and Colin Firth.

  The maid stepped back, silently communicating she was finished. Halle stood and faced the lady of the house and her daughter.

  “You are certainly a very handsome woman,” the Duchess of Harrington said, giving a nod of approval. “Indeed, you must have many men flocking to your side.”

  Georgiana stepped closer and swept her gaze over Halle. “I wish I looked half as lovely in that dress as you do.”

  Halle chuckled. “I’m certain you look even prettier, my lady.”

  “Shall we adjourn to the sitting room now?” the duchess sauntered toward the door. “It’s time for tea.”

  Time for tea. Giddiness jumped in Halle’s heart like butterflies consuming a large amount of caffeine as she practically flew out of the bed chamber, down the stairs, and into the sitting room. Halle had dreamed about living in this era for so long and finally it was coming true. Even if she was whisked home tomorrow, she would cherish this day for the rest of her life.

  The Duchess of Harrington sat on her chair first, and then rang for tea. Georgiana sat on the sofa closest to her mother before patting the cushion next to her. “Will you sit next to me?”

  The girl smiled up at Halle, stars sparkling in her blue eyes. “Of course I will,” Halle answered and sat, adjusting her dress around her legs. “You all have been so generous and kind to me.”

  “It’s easy to do knowing you have been through so much recently.” Georgiana’s smile widened. As a servant brought in the tea service, Georgiana continued, “If you don’t mind, will you tell us about your family? Are they here in England?”

  “My parents are not from England. I was raised in America. My father left our family when I was but a young girl, leaving my mother to raise me. She had been ill for many years until she succumbed to her illness.” Halle frowned, trying to make the sad tale sound like something that would happen in this era. “Not even a week after she died, I tried to locate my father whom I had not seen since I was young. That led me here to England. I still have not found him, but I did find relatives who live near Bristol.”

  Georgina gasped and brought her hand to her throat. “How utterly terrible. I cannot even imagine my mother dying and losing my father as well.”

  Halle tapped her hand on the younger woman’s leg. “And I hope you will never have to experience the pain of losing a loved-one.” Yet she knew that if she couldn’t stop the mob attacking their home, Georgiana would indeed experience such a thing.

  “I’m sorry you had to go through that.” The duchess poured the tea. “Nobody wants to lose someone they love.”

  Men’s voices grew louder in the hallway, and Halle snapped her gaze to the doorway, hoping to see—or speak—with Andrew again. Although she knew he didn’t recognize her, she prayed he would feel some kind of connection. When he was in her world, he told her once she would be the kind of woman he would find attractive. For now, she had to rely on that to gain his interest so she could eventually gain his confidence.

  When the men walked into the room, Halle breathed a heavy sigh and smiled wide. Andrew! Her prayer had been answered. Well, this one, anyway. Andrew was with his brother. Whatever they had been discussing came to a stop as soon as they saw her. The beat of her heart knocked crazily against her ribs the longer Andrew’s attention stayed on hers.

  Earlier when she stood by the window and briefly watched him, he appeared to be going toward the stables, and she assumed he would leave. Happiness welled inside her that he’d chosen to stay. She wanted to believe it was because of her, and she wouldn’t think anything differently right now.

  “I hope you don’t mind us interrupting your tea.” Edward stopped by his mother to give her a quick kiss on the cheek.

  “Nonsense. We would enjoy your company.” The duchess smiled at her son.

  The duke took a seat beside his wife.

  “Splendid.” Edward aimed his gaze at Halle. “I had hoped to get to know our guest a little better, too.”

  Halle eyed him guardedly. Why was he acting so nice and polite now when he was so suspicious of her before? Regardless, she must show her manners and be nice to him.

  Offering up her best smile—under the circumstances—she nodded. “I would like that as well, my lord.”

  Edward strolled to another empty chair beside his mother’s and sat. The older woman handed him a tea cup and he sipped, watching Halle over the rim. Once he set the saucer back down, he cleared his throat.

  “Miss Chapman, I have never been to America. How is life there?”

  “It’s much busier than here, my lord. Where I live…um, used to live, everyone rushed from one place to the other. People are working all the time and only rest in the evening after the sun has set. They don’t have time for balls or soirées.” She held up her cup. “Or even time for tea. Occasionally they might have dinner parties, but that is all.”

  “When did you come to England to stay with your cousin?” Andrew asked.

  She turned her focus on him as he leaned against the hearth, his finger absently toying with a glass figurine perched on the shelf. Gads, he’s gorgeous!

  “A little over six months ago,” she began. “When I first arrived, I was early in the mourning stages, and so I did not meet many of my cousin’s friends. It’s only been a couple months now that I’ve stopped wearing black and began to meet people.”

  “My father has a cousin who lives in Bristol. By chance have you met Nimrod Merrick?” Andrew asked again.

  Her heart jumped to her throat. Nimrod… She remembered when Andrew had told her about him, and how he and the duke were at odds with each other. “I fear I have not met him, my lord.”

  Andrew traded glances with his brother, and she wondered what secret the two of them shared.

  “Miss Chapman,” Edward spoke this time. “When I first talked to you by the tree, you had mentioned knowing my brother.”

  Oh dear! Halle scrambled her mind, thinking up something to say.

  “Do you know me, Miss Chapman?” Andrew pulled away from the hearth and walked closer to her. He stopped by his sister’s side of the sofa. “I must confess, I don’t recall meeting you before today.”

  She gulped a hard swallow of her tea. She must choose her words wisely because she didn’t want him to mistrust her.

  Chapter Nine

  “I feel just awful about this morning, my lord.” Halle switched her gaze to Edward. “I honestly don’t know what I was mumbling about. I had such a frightful headache when I awoke, and I fear I said some things that didn’t make sense…even to me.” She rested her eyes back on Andrew. “So forgive me. I must have remembered hearing your name before—and that of your family. And I have no idea why I thought you were the gardener.”

  Georgiana laughed. “You thought Andrew was the gardener?”

  Halle shrugged. “Apparently so.”

  “I have to admit, that when my brother told me, I was curious to know why.”

  “Hopefully, I have answered your questions…or at least put your mind at ease now.”

  Andrew didn’t say anything, just nodded. Although the perplexed expression in his eyes let her know she had not answered all his questions and he was still suspicious. Somehow she needed to get his mind off that particular subject—and fast. “My lord, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but…how did you acquire a title and estate? I am most intrigued to hear how you were awarded this.”

  His grin broadened and he puffed out his chest a little more. As he opened his mouth to speak, a loud commotion echoed from down the hallway. The floor shook with hurried footsteps as voices rose in terror.

  Halle’s heart dropped. The mob couldn’t possibly be attacking the home yet, could they? It wasn’t Edward’s wedding day. But then she detected a certain smell in the air coming from the opened window. It was smoke…and a lot of it.

  Oh, no! The stable fire!

&
nbsp; Just as a baffled expression crossed Andrew’s face, she jumped to her feet and said in an urgent voice, “Something’s on fire!”

  As the duke and his sons jumped into action, the servants rushed into the room, shouting the thing Halle already knew.

  “The stable is on fire,” a servant yelled louder than the others in a panic-stricken voice.

  “I’ll call 911!” she said anxiously. Automatically, she reached for the cell phone that she usually kept in her pocket before realizing she was wearing a Victorian gown…not her jeans. Embarrassed, she glanced around the room to see who had heard her. Besides the duchess and Georgi’s curious stares on Halle, Andrew’s gaze met hers briefly, but only for a moment before he turned and dashed out of the room.

  The duke charged out of the room, snapping instructions to everyone. Georgiana sprang from her chair and huddled next to her mother whose arms wrapped protectively around her. Wide eyes and pale faces stared at Halle as the ladies were frozen to their spot. Halle couldn’t stay with the other women and do nothing…especially since she couldn’t call 911.

  Without giving an excuse—because she couldn’t think of one—she hurried out of the house and to the front porch. Down the hillside stood the burning stable as smoke billowed up from the roof. Thank heavens the flames were not large—yet—but they were still enough to cause damage.

  She lifted her gown and darted down the steps toward the fire. From behind her she heard the Duchess of Harrington and her daughter calling after her to stop, but Halle ignored them. As she neared the stable, the men were at the front of the structure with blankets, trying to kill the flames as they struggled to get the large doors opened.

  It struck her odd that the doors were even closed. Usually they were always opened.

  Grooms and several male servants carried water as fast as their legs would take them. Out of the corner of her eyes, she noticed an empty wool blanket lying on the ground. Immediately, she grabbed it and plunged it in one of the buckets. She took the dripping wet blanket and threw it over her head before rushing to the back of the barn.