“What are you wearing?” Dashel asked, taking Lucy’s hands and giving her a once-over.
“The rain had us both soaked.” Lucy glanced at Will. “And clergyman Jeff was kind enough to give us some dry clothes.
Sebastian chuckled. “Clergyman Jeff is a good man. I am glad he was there to assist you in your time of need.”
“Me too,” Will said.
“You should have a hot bath. It won’t do if you catch your death,” Harriet said, obviously still worried.
“I’m fine, Harriet. Really.”
“Have you eaten?” Sebastian asked. “I can have the cook whip you up something warm.”
“Will cooked,” Lucy said, to the surprise of everyone in the room.
“What did he make?” Dashel seemed the most amused.
Lucy proceeded to explain omelets and how good they were. When she finished, she asked, “Is there more research to do? Can I help?”
“Sebastian wanted us to verify the spell you found was the best one. We also went through several books looking for the whereabouts of one of the items. We still aren’t sure where how we’re going to get it.” Dashel went back over to his book and picked it up. “I’m thinking we might need to travel to South America.”
“What is the ingredient?” Will asked.
“A piece of gold from the famed El Dorado.”
“But I thought that was a fable? Untrue.”
Sebastian gave Will a fatherly smile. “Dear boy, how do you think stories are turned into legends? People discover something or they can only partially prove it, so it becomes a legend instead of a fact. But I can tell you with upmost certainty that the treasure exists.”
Will’s face lit up. “You know that finding expensive and elusive items is my job?”
“I did not.” But the look on Sebastian’s face told Lucy he knew more than any of them realized.
“Do you know where in South America it’s located?”
“I do.” Sebastian closed his book and came over to Will. “The problem is that travelling there would you take too long. As much as I appreciate your skills, I’ll need to ask someone else to do it. Otherwise we will be too late.”
Will nodded. “So what can we do?”
“I’d recommend you get cleaned up and changed and then come down and have a brandy and a round of cards with the rest of us.”
“We’re to play?” Will looked shocked and that was exactly how Lucy felt.
Neither of them was the type to sit around and simply let life happen. They wanted to be in charge of their own destiny.
“You need to spend as much time with Miss Channing as you can. That’s the only thing you can control. Everything else is out of your hands, I’m afraid.” Sebastian went to the library door. “I shall return in a few moments. Go change, relax, and let my people do the work this time.”
Will nodded, but Lucy saw the way he ground his jaw.
Heeding the duke’s advice, Lucy took a bath, had Harriet plait her hair and help her into a sea green evening dress. Afterward, Lucy managed to coax Harriet into a dress in soft pink. Then Lucy played lady’s maid and braided Harriet’s hair and put a little color on her cheeks. Ready at last, they went to the drawing room.
The men had changed as well.
Will looked especially handsome in a cream pair of breeches, tall black boots, a white shirt, and a sky blue evening jacket. Lucy complimented him as she made her way to his side. “You look very handsome,” she said.
“As do you, Miss Channing.” The chairs and tables had all been pushed along the edges of the room. Musicians had set up near the window and were playing a minuet.
“You think the duke wants us to dance?”
“It would appear so,” Will responded. “Shall we?”
“Do you know how to dance?”
“Oh, yeah, watch this.” He walked Lucy to the middle of the floor and began to dance, rocking his hips and moving to the music. When he stopped, he cracked up. “What’s wrong?”
“That’s dancing?” She looked horrified.
“In my time, yes,” Will said between laughs.
“I see.” She clasped her hands together. “Do you know the quadrille? It’s a new dance and quite fun.”
He shook his head. “I do know the waltz, but I’m not very good.”
Her eyes got large in surprise.
Sebastian clapped his hands loudly, causing the musicians to stop. “Play something we can dance the waltz to.”
The musicians looked uncomfortable, but only for a moment before striking up a livelier piece. “Wonderful.”
“Shall we?” Will asked, pulling Lucy to him.
Her cheeks got hot and her heart raced with excitement. She liked moving so close to him.
After a few seconds to find one another’s rhythm, they finally got it. So close, Will leaned in and whispered, “You look very beautiful, Miss Channing.”
She glanced down, staring at one of his gold buttons. “You’re very kind, Mr. Godwin.”
In response he kissed her cheek. She closed her eyes, leaning against him.
“I think you take to much advantage,” she said just to be cheeky.
Will growled. “I don’t think so.” He pulled her closer so their chests were touching. His cheek rested against the side of her head. “I can’t get close enough to you, Miss Channing.”
She felt herself melt into him.
“Do you want to have children?” Will asked.
“Of course,” she answered easily.
“Until I met you I never wanted children. They seemed like too much of a hassle. And all I could see were the problems we’d give them. My arrogance, my imagined wife’s selfishness. Now I’ve found myself thinking about a daughter having your beautiful lavender eyes and the smile to match. Not to mention your kind heart and the way you see the world. I think with you I could do anything, Lucy.”
She met his eyes. “Tis true, we could.”
They danced like that—eyes locked on one another—as though they were seeing the lives they could have through each other. They kept going, even when the music stopped.
The duke cleared his throat. “Would anyone care for a game of cards and a drink?”
Lucy sighed. “Shall we?”
“Absolutely.”
FIFTEEN
A PECULIAR LIST
THAT NIGHT Lucy dreamed of Apep and Bastet again. She was once again inside the box. They seemed out of control and it looked like they’d taken their ferocity out on the box. The walls were covered with claw marks, like those of a large cat. When they saw her, they came at her. Bastet took her around the neck, trying to choke the life out of her while Apep shouted, “Let us out!” over and over again.
Lucy woke with a horrible headache. She went to the mirror to check her neck. Contrary to her belief, it was unblemished. But it’d felt real. Harriet and Lucy once again helped each other dress. Lucy guessed this was how sisters behaved. She’d never felt closer to Harriet, though she still had many questions. She’d tried to broach the subject with Harriet the night before, but her lady’s maid hadn’t seemed in much of a talking mood and Lucy had let it go.
After dressing, they went down to breakfast. The men were already there. Dashel and Will had plates full of food, while Sebastian had only a glass filled with a red substance in front of him. Lucy realized she rarely saw the man eat, which she thought was quite curious.
Lucy sat beside Will, who gave her a genial smile. It occurred to her that whether she spent forever or only two more days with him, she’d never tire of his face. He was dressed casually today, in fawn colored breeches and a muslin pull over shirt. A pang of envy ran through her. She liked wearing pants. Instead she had on a butter yellow dress with lavender flowers lining the empire waist. Her hear had been placed in a bun. Harriet had on a light blue dress with navy bows circling the waist.
“Did you sleep well?” Will asked after she’d taken some fruit and a piece of toast.
She’d
decided not to tell Will about the dreams, especially since it wouldn’t do any good. “Yes. You?”
Will shrugged, wiping his mouth on his napkin, and sipping his drink. “As well as can be expected, I guess.”
She leaned into him, taking comfort in his nearness.
“Good morning, ladies,” Sebastian said.
Lucy watched the way he looked at Harriet and a pang of worry soared through her. “Good morning,” she responded, slightly surly.
“Milord,” Harriet responded, though she didn’t meet his gaze.
“Did you need us to do any research today?” Will asked before taking a large bite of his meat.
“Not research, but I do need assistance with collecting the rest of the ingredients for the spell.” Sebastian took a long sip of the red liquid.
“Great. Point us in the right direction and we’ll get it.”
“Thank you, Mr. Godwin.”
Dashel seemed extra quiet.
“Dash—Mr. Rothchild, what are your plans today?” Lucy asked, sipping her hot chocolate.
He pushed his plate away. “I’m going to assist the duke in…” he paused and glanced at Sebastian.
“He’s going to make sure we can get both of the difficult items necessary for the spell. I don’t want to concern you with the details, but I will say that Mr. Rothchild is a very resourceful man.” Sebastian gave the group a big smile. “And I want to especially thank you, Miss Channing. Meeting you has brought so many wonderful new friends into my life and I’ll be eternally in your debt for that.” He lifted his glass. “Cheers.”
They each lifted their glass in uncomfortable silence. It seemed as though whatever Sebastian had Dashel doing, he either didn’t want to or wasn’t thrilled with what was required. Lucy tried to catch his eyes and hold them, but he kept his gaze on the table. Fine, if he wanted to be that way, she couldn’t stop him.
Sebastian finished off his drink and stood. He placed his napkin on the table. “Dashel, Harriet, can you come with me?” To Will and Lucy, he said, “When the two of you are finished, please meet us in the library and my man will give you the list of things I need you to collect.”
When they were gone, Lucy said, “Do you get the feeling we were dismissed? Except they left.” She bit on her bottom lip. “I wonder what they’re up to.”
Will gave her a gentle nudge. “I think the whole point to their leaving us is was they don’t want us to know what they’re doing.” He sipped his orange juice.
“That’s rude. Perhaps we could be of help.”
Will shook his head. “I don’t think there is anything Sebastian can’t do. That man seems connected to the world in a way no one can comprehend.”
Lucy felt the same way. “I know what you mean.” She took a bite of toast slathered with strawberry preserves.
“Do you have a favorite type of cake?”
That seemed to come out of nowhere. She wondered what kind of list Will had in his head that had him asking her random questions, but she liked it. He was trying to get to know her. She held up a finger while she chewed. “Harriet’s mother, Gwen makes a positively divine lemon chiffon cake. It’s light and fluffy and topped with an amazing frosting. What’s yours?”
“I’m not a huge cake enthusiast, but I enjoy strawberry shortcake.”
“That’s delicious too.” She thought a moment. “Do you have a favorite dessert?”
“I could eat Red Vines all day long,” he said and then laughed. “They are a candy exclusive to my time.” His face fell. “I hope I have the chance to share them with you some day.”
***
After breakfast, they to the library hand in hand after breakfast. Lucy felt Will’s desolate mood and wanted to say or do something to lift his spirits, but she couldn’t think of anything to say.
Sebastian’s man gave them the list and escorted them up three flights of stairs. At the top, Lucy paused to catch her breath before continuing. Will waited with her until the man got the door unlocked. Then they both went inside.
The first thing that struck Lucy was the room’s pristine cleanliness. Being so far out of the way, she would’ve guessed this room was rarely used, but there wasn’t a speck of dust anywhere. On top of that, it emanated the smell of citrus, like a bouquet of oranges, grapefruit, limes, and lemons. It was lovely and immediately lifted Lucy’s spirits. The smell seemed to have the same effect on Will because he smiled.
“I expected it to be dull, dusty, and filled with cobwebs, but it’s quite the opposite.” He went over to a desk situated near the window. “And look, there are fresh cut flowers.”
“Do you think the duke did this for us?” Lucy smelled the roses intermingled with daisies, tulips, and wild lavender.
“I would say that’s highly likely.” He spun in a circle, taking in the high shelves filled with all sorts of bizarre items.
Lucy went over to the nearest shelf. “Everything is marked. This is Eye of Newt.” She stared at the large bottle and grimaced. “Yuck.”
“The items on the list should all be here,” Sebastian’s man interrupted. “Place them into this basin once you’ve located them. The master should return with the others shortly.” He went to the door. “Good day.” And was gone.
“May I see the list?” Lucy held out her hand.
Will handed her the paper. “Sure.”
It’d been scrawled in a steady hand and included ten different items.
Raven feather
Cypress root
Mandrake root
Nightshade
Rosemary
Blood of a human virgin
Snake skin
Yarrow root
Anise
Demon flesh
“Did you read this list?” Lucy scrunched her nose in disgust. “How worrisome is it to know that the duke has demon flesh and blood up here somewhere?”
“I’m going to try not to think about it,” Will said.
They found the items rather quickly. Using tongs, they placed everything in the bowl and went downstairs.
Sebastian’s man met them. “The others are going to be gone a bit longer than expected.”
“Is anything the matter?” Lucy asked, concerned for Dashel and Harriet.
“No, Miss. All is in order.” He bowed. “My master suggested I have the cook prepare you and Mr. Godwin a picnic. He thought you might like to take a walk out by the pond and have lunch there.”
Lucy wrung her hands nervously. It was Harriet’s habit, but at the moment, she could think of nothing better to do.
“That sounds nice.” Will studied Lucy’s face. “I could eat. You?”
“Yes, I’m hungry.” The piece of toast and fruit hadn’t lasted her very long. Despite her worry, she was starving.
“Excellent. I can have the basket and blankets loaded onto your horses. Will you be using the same ones as yesterday?”
“That would be great,” Will answered for the both of them.
“Very good. Miss Channing, I would recommend something a little warmer. The weather has turned a mite nippy. And Mr. Godwin, I would advise a jacket for you as well.”
SIXTEEN
ILL OF THE FISHES
THEY RODE out to the pond. The afternoon sun shone, giving a rare but much needed flare of sunlight. But Sebastian’s man had been right. Even with the sun out, the air still held a slight chill. Lucy was glad she’d changed into a thicker cotton riding habit and sturdy shoes.
Will also had on a coat and he seemed glad of it.
They rested the horses, allowing them to graze nearby.
“Would you like to sit on the dock or in the grass? That looks like a nice spot.” He unhooked the basket and the blanket, holding them with one arm while he offered the other to Lucy.
Lucy placed her fingers around the crook of his elbow as she considered their options. “Why don’t we take the boat out? We can eat on the water.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
They walked down the dock t
o the boat. Lucy held the basket and blanket while Will climbed in. She handed them to him. “I’ve got you.” He held out his hand for her.
“Thanks, Will.” She took it, using her free hand to hold up her skirts.
Once she was settled Will removed his jacket, laying it next to him, and took up the paddles. “Should we go out into the middle?”
Lucy grinned. She’d never been on a boat before. “Let’s.”
Will rowed for several minutes. Lucy couldn’t help but admire the way his muscles worked under the thin muslin shirt. Beads of sweat collected along his brow and upper lip.
“Are you admiring my manliness?” His eyes sparked with mischief.
She blushed. “Perhaps I’m wondering why you’re making those grunting noises.”
He laughed. “I don’t grunt. I roar with virile masculinity.” He winked and made a point to grunt even louder.
She covered her mouth to hide her laughter. “Are you sure it isn’t because rowing is too taxing, Mr. Godwin?”
“It isn’t easy, Miss Channing. Perhaps you’d like to give it a try?” He stopped rowing and held out the ends to her.
But she shook her head. “I don’t want to accidentally send them into the depths.”
“Well then you should admire me quietly,” he said with pretend brutality.
“But it’s too much fun to tease you, Mr. Godwin.”
They’d reached the middle of the lake. He stopped rowing and stowed the oars inside the boat. “Hopefully the cook packed us something to drink as well.
“Let’s see.” Lucy opened the basket.
Inside were a multitude of foods and two bottles. “Success,” she said, holding the bottle up triumphantly.
“Good.” Will sat up straight and rolled his shoulders. “Rowing is good for the shoulders, biceps, and triceps. Wow, they are burning.”
“Let me find us some glasses and I’ll pour you—”
“No glasses needed,” Will interrupted, taking the bottle from her. He popped the top and drank straight from the bottle.
A proper lady would be shocked by his lack of manners, Lucy knew. Instead she took the bottle back and did the same, closing her eyes against the bright sun. The bottle’s contents ran down her throat, immediately cool and refreshing. She decided right then and there that this moment was one of her favorites. “I can’t imagine how I ever lived without you,” she said, blurting the feelings in her heart.
Past the Ages: Book Two Page 8
