Off to his right and down the slope grouped a bunch of trees with a gurgling brook behind it. He remembered as a boy when he and Edward used to play in the water on hot days. When Georgi came along, Mother threatened the boys’ very lives if they dared throw their little sister in or even attempt to get Georgiana wet. Chuckling, Andrew shook his head. Although he and Edward were high-spirited lads, he knew his sister was more of a tomboy than their mother would like to admit, and there were several occasions he’d caught his sister wading through the water with bare feet. The water would be icy-cold today, since there was a gentle, winter wind blowing from the East.
A movement from behind the trees caught his attention and he slowed his horse, turning the animal toward the glade. Curiosity got the better of him and thoughts ran rapid through his head. Who would be on his family’s property…and was it the same person who torched the stable yesterday?
Gripping his hands tighter on the reins, he gritted his teeth. One way or another, he’d put a stop to whoever was trespassing on his family’s land.
Chapter Ten
Halle peeked over her shoulder and took a quick glance to see if anyone could see her. She was far from the house and behind the trees, so hopefully nobody would notice. Satisfied she was alone, she plopped on the grassy knoll, kicked off her shoes and rolled down her stockings. Winter was nearly upon them, but she’d felt hot all morning long. Since they hadn’t invented the ceiling fan yet, the heat from all the fireplaces in the house became suffocating, and she felt as if she’d melt. The quickest way to cool off would be to get her feet wet, which was why she was by the water now.
For years she’d dreamed about living in this century, and now that she was here, she realized that someone needed to invent the air conditioner sooner! Or figure out how to dress a woman wearing fewer garments. She was so hot in all of these layers. Perhaps she should have wanted to be in the Regency era instead. Those women were lucky and didn’t have to wear all these petticoats and hoops.
As she tried to keep herself entertained this morning, she’d moved from room to room, searching for one that wasn’t so stuffy. But then she realized it was her—not the room—who needed to adjust. No matter how hard she waved the hand-held fan in front of her face, the only thing she accomplished was making her wrist sore. Besides that, the air she circulated was warm, so what was the use of fanning herself? She’d wanted to open a window, but the servants frowned on her for wanting to catch her death… She doubted she could catch her death being layered with so many clothes.
She’d told the duchess that she needed to take a walk outside for some fresh air, and the older woman agreed. Halle couldn’t wait to get to the stream. Once she dipped her feet in the cold water, she sucked in a breath and adjusted to the frigid temperature. Finally, she was able to close her eyes and sigh with satisfaction. Now this is what I’m talkin’ about!
If she’d been thinking straight last night, she would have come out here to do this at that time. Unlatching a few of the buttons at her throat, she hoped to give her bosom a little air. It wasn’t a good thing to appear as if she was sweating like a roasted pig. She didn’t think that every room should have a roaring fire, but she figured that after a while she’d get used to it. She hadn’t.
When her feet began to turn numb, she stepped out of the water and stood by the edge. Glancing down at the ripples, she grinned. She bent and dipped her fingers into the water. The tight corset nearly robbed her breath—blasted thing! Quickly, she scooped up a little water in her hand before splashing it on her neck. Once again, when the cold water touched her, she gasped, but her body soon adjusted to the temperature. At least it helped a little.
After splashing her neck one more time, she stood and placed her hand on her ribs, breathing deeply, thankful that the corset wasn’t squeezing the lovin’ life right out of her. As she stared at the stream, her thoughts drifted to her friends, Samantha and Colin. Since Andrew had died by the tree, was that what happened to her before she passed through time? Or had she suddenly disappeared? Sam and Colin would probably be going out of their minds trying to find her.
She frowned, hoping that was not the case. She missed them both so much, but didn’t know if the time-travel Gods would send her back. Was she really here to help stop the family from being attacked?
The events from yesterday quickly filled her mind. The fire had bothered her, mainly because she knew she was one step closer to the day the family would be attacked which had taken so many lives. The next threat Andrew had told her about while they were in the bed and breakfast would be the kidnapping of Georgiana. Halle must make certain Andrew’s sister didn’t get harmed, and the only way to do that was stay by her side whenever they were in public, which meant that Halle would have to try and convince the Merrick family to take her everywhere they went.
Somehow…some way, she must discover who was behind all of this. Not only that, she had to convince Andrew she was here to help—and that she came from the future.
Grimacing, she shook her head. That particular subject was not one she looked forward to talking about, only because she didn’t know how much these Victorian people knew about time-travel.
“Miss Chapman, if you’re trying to catch fish, you’re doing it the wrong way.”
The deep and very familiar voice snapped her out of her thoughts. She jerked her head toward Andrew, and hitched a breath. He stood very close, arms folded across his chest as he watched her.
After the initial shock of seeing him so close, she smiled. He was so incredibly good-looking in his brown coat, cravat, and light gray waist-coat and matching trousers. In all the time she’d been a fan of the era, she thought all men looked this good because of the style of clothing…as long as they looked like Mr. Thornton from the movie North & South—played by Richard Armitage, that is. However, she was very wrong. Andrew’s good looks outshone everyone, especially Mr. Thornton. Andrew was pure perfection. Ahh…what a man, she sighed.
It wasn’t until his eyes widened and an eyebrow arched when she realized she’d actually sighed aloud. Heat crept up her cheeks, and she fought the blush sneaking upon her.
“Lord Andrew, I didn’t even hear your approach. You must have a soft step.”
He chuckled. “Actually, Miss Chapman, my step is rather loud. However, you stood so very still and stared into the water so intently, I wondered if you were trying to, indeed, catch a fish.” His smile broadened. “Now I see you were only day-dreaming.”
Rats! The blush she wanted to hold back rushed forward in full-force. “Uh, yes, I suppose I was.”
“I’m also wondering why you chose to dip your feet in the water when it’s nearly winter. Is the water not cold?”
“It is, my lord, but I’m quite enjoying the refreshing break in the day.”
His gaze combed over her in a slow perusal, making goose pimples rise on her arms and neck as her heart did a silly little flip inside her chest. When he rested his gaze on her bare feet, she about died. What he must think of her now!
“Umm, my lord, forgive me for looking so…so, uh, indecent.”
“No need to forgive you of anything. I have on occasion waded in the stream, although I must admit, I never did it when the weather was so cold.”
She relaxed a little. “Would you like to join me, then?”
“Not at this time, but I thank you for the invitation.” He dropped his arms to his sides and knelt beside the edge of the brook, running his fingers through the water. “I’m actually glad I noticed you out here by yourself. There is something I would like to discuss with you.”
She gulped. She couldn’t tell by his tone of voice if she was going to enjoy this conversation or not. “All right.”
“I have to admit, I was quite shocked that you did what you did yesterday.” He lifted his face and looked at her. “In the stables, especially. You risked your life to help us. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a woman do such a thing.”
“Really? You have never met
a woman who wanted to help rescue horses from a burning stable?”
“No, I’ve never met a woman who hadn’t thought of herself first.” He shrugged. “Besides my mother and sister, of course.”
“What a sweet compliment, but it surprises me there aren’t more women you know who are so selfless.”
“It is a rather hard thing to imagine, is it not?”
“Yes.”
“One more thing confused me yesterday that I must ask you about is…” During his pause, his gaze ran over her again, slower this time. “Right before the servants alerted us to the fire, you had said something very peculiar. You said, I’ll call 911.” He arched an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”
Inwardly, she groaned. She wondered when someone would comment about that. Lightly, she laughed, flipping her hand in the air, playfully. “Where I come from, people say that when there is an emergency. All it means is that…um…that I’ll find some help.”
His expression didn’t change, and she realized she didn’t sound convincing.
“Very interesting,” he answered.
She lifted her gown slightly and stepped closer to her stockings. His attention went to her feet and lingered on her toes. Embarrassed at having him inspect her so closely, she covered one foot over the other.
“Miss Chapman? What is that bright color on your toenails?”
She glanced down to see what he was referring to. Panic consumed her and she scrambled for ideas on how to explain her red nail polish. “Um…well, you see…” She paused, hoping to get a brilliant idea. “This is medicine for my toes…to keep the nails healthy, of course.” Inwardly, she groaned. Yah, brilliant answer, Halle!
“I have never heard of such a thing.”
Chuckling lightly, she moved to where her stockings and shoes were and sat on the grass. “Well, it was a custom where I came from.”
“I see.” He grinned. “But that wasn’t what I wanted to talk to you about.”
Thank goodness!
“I would like to know more about these men you overheard that said they wanted to cause my family harm.”
She tucked her feet under her dress to hide her bare skin. Being proper in this day and age was important, especially if the lady wanted to keep a respected reputation. And she did, mainly for Andrew’s sake. She must make him trust her.
Inhaling deeply, she turned to face him fully as she tried to remember the story she’d told him and his father the other day. When she had given the duke and Edward descriptions of the imaginary men, she had pictured Nigel and what she wanted her father to look like. At least she would remember what these men were supposed to look like if she had to repeat their descriptions. But whatever she did…she must be brave. His life—and that of his family—were in her hands right now. She was the only person who could help.
* * * *
Andrew watched Miss Chapman closely for any signs that might make her suspicious, but she appeared calm. The sun’s rays touched her light brown hair and brought out golden highlights. It had been styled in a coil with ringlets by her ears, but he could still remember what she’d looked like on that first day. Her hair had hung down her back and shoulders in waves of gold silk as she had stared at him from his sister’s window. He wished he could see her hair that way now, but knew it wasn’t proper.
A smile tugged at her mouth which made her dark green eyes sparkle as they locked with his. For a brief moment, he felt as if they were connected somehow. For just a second, he felt as if he could read her mind and knew her intimately. Comfort settled around him, and for the first time he could remember, he really wanted to carry on a conversation with a woman and get to know her instead of trying to seduce her.
The air between them crackled with awareness, and he realized at this moment she could say anything to him and he’d believe and understand. Something inside his heart told him to trust her.
He slid his gaze over her face. Skin so creamy and smooth, it tempted him to stroke her cheek gently with his knuckles. Would she allow his touch? And her mouth…heaven help him, he’d never seen lips more desirable before. Even yesterday when she helped put out the fire, she looked lovely covered from head to toe in soot with her hair in disarray. Indeed, Miss Chapman was a luscious beauty, and if he didn’t watch himself and gain control over his desires, he might do something he’d regret later.
“What would you like to know, my lord?” she asked in a soft voice.
“What exactly did they say? Where were these men when you overheard them?”
“I had walked outside and down the little slope that was lit by lanterns. Off to the right was an alcove, which was where I was headed. These men were by the trees. As I sat on the bench, I could hear them. I had gotten ready to move when I heard your father’s name.”
“And you say you have never met my family?”
Slowly, she shook her head. “I have only heard of your father’s respectable reputation. But when I heard what these men wanted to do, something deep down inside of me told me I needed to stop them. I knew I had to warn you—quickly.”
“Yes, yes…you told me that.” He brushed his hand through the air. “But do you remember word for word what they said?”
She nibbled on her bottom lip, which Andrew found adorable. “Well, I’ll try to remember. It all happened so fast, and then I was so scared they’d hurt me if they found out I had been listening.”
He reached over and patted her arm. “Take your time if you need to.”
Miss Chapman’s gaze flew to his hand. Her eyes widened, but she didn’t say anything, nor did she remove his touch. Immediately, the heat from her body blended with his and created chaotic pleasure flowing through his veins. Another jolt of awareness coursed through him and he snatched his hand back. Never had he felt such an exhilarating current from just touching a woman. It was rather nice…
Her cheeks bloomed a healthy pink color, but instead of looking away like most innocent women would do, Miss Chapman kept her eyes on him as her smile broadened. Just as before, he received that odd feeling that he knew her, yet he would have remembered meeting someone like her.
Her throat jumped as if she’d swallowed hard, and she licked her lips. “I don’t know which man spoke,” she began, “because I didn’t see their faces until later, but I’ll tell you what I remember.”
He nodded.
“If I recall, the first man was talking about how unfair it was that some gentlemen came from wealthy families while others had to work for their money. That is when the name Harrington came into the conversation.”
She nibbled on her bottom lip again as her gaze moved toward the stream. He enjoyed the raspberry color on her lip and her deep expression as she concentrated on her words.
“The other man,” she continued, “said he’d heard the Duke of Harrington was hoarding some family secrets—mainly jewels—that dated back hundreds of years.” She met his eyes again. “That’s when the men started planning. They commented on how they knew some low-life miscreants for hire that would break into your family’s home and steal the jewels.”
Andrew scowled. “They actually said they were going to break into our home?”
“Well, if I remember correctly, the word they used was attack your home.”
“Do you remember any more?”
“When I heard one of them say they would kill anyone who got in their way, I knew it was time to leave—and fast.” She touched his arm. “All that was going through my mind was trying to find you and warn your family. I couldn’t think of anything else as I left the party, took my cousin’s buggy, and came here.”
Her words were most unsettling, yet the warmth from her touch soothed his frazzled nerves a little. All through his turbulent thoughts, a sense of peace calmed him…and heaven help him, he could stare into her lovely kind, green eyes forever. Even now he was drowning quickly but didn’t care.
“Would you be able to recognize these men if you saw them again?”
“I believe so
, yes.”
“Splendid. Tonight my family has been invited to Lord and Lady Clarkston’s ball. I wasn’t planning on going, but I will ask them if you can come with us. Together, you and I will search for these men together.”
Her face brightened with excitement and she grinned. “I would love that, my lord.”
He glanced over her again, from the dress she wore that belonged to his sister—yet Georgi had never looked so pretty as Miss Chapman did—before meeting her gaze once more. “I’m certain Georgi can find you a gown to wear. I will inform her to have you ready by eight o’clock promptly.”
“Will your sister come with us as well?”
“No. She has not yet had her coming out. Why do you ask?”
“Because it would be nice to have another woman to talk to who is close to my age.”
“I’m certain she would have enjoyed that. Hopefully, my mother will make good company for you.”
“I’m sure she will. I promise to be ready by eight o’clock.”
For some reason, he couldn’t remove his stare. What kind of enchanting power did she have over him? And why did he enjoy the way his heart beat so fiercely and his breath came in ragged gasps?
“I suppose I should be getting back to the house,” he said, finally breaking the silence as he stood.
She quickly followed, keeping her eyes on him. “I think I should probably go in as well. I just couldn’t resist coming out to the stream and getting my feet wet. I’m glad I did. It was most refreshing.”
Chuckling, he pointed to the stream. “Yes, I saw you splashing yourself earlier.” His gaze dropped to her neck where she’d been splashing her bosom. Good heavens, the buttons were still undone! He really needed to leave now before temptation got the better of him or he’d be jumping in the cold water just to cool off.
“Well, if you ever need me and can’t find me, I’ll be right here by the stream.” Closing her eyes, she tilted her head back and basked in the breeze flowing through the trees. “Ahhh, this is wonderful and so peaceful.”
Love Lost in Time (Victorian Time-Travel) Page 13
