by Unknown
“Has Abby—Miss Carlisle—told you anything about me?”
Lily nodded. “She mentioned you were a friend of her grandmother’s.”
“I am, but I sense you don’t approve.”
The older woman lifted her chin higher. “My opinion has nothing to do with it, Mr. Marshal.”
“But it matters to me. Miss Carlisle thinks highly of you, Lily.”
The woman’s cheeks turned pink. “That’s good to know. I’ve been working for her father for many years now. She’s like a daughter to me.”
“And she thinks of you like a mother.”
Tears filled Lily’s eyes as she stared at Nick.
“May I ask you a question?” Nick said.
“Of course.”
“Is Lily a shortened version of your Christian name?” Her eyes widened, so he continued. “Is your real name Lillian Burnett?”
“Yes, of course.”
His heartbeat quickened. This was the woman who tried to get the Carlisle money after Abby died—the very woman who claimed to be Edward’s mistress for ten years. She was obviously money hungry or she wouldn’t have said what she did in the newspaper.
“I thought so.” Nick smiled. “Such a pretty name, if I must say.”
Lily blushed again. “Thank you.”
He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. “Lily, I want to let you know . . .” Nick hesitated, wondering how to say it. “I know about you and Edward.”
She gasped. “I—I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He lowered his voice. “I know about the affair.”
She rolled her eyes, and her chuckle was clearly forced. “There is no affair, Mr. Marshal.”
“But there was at one time, correct?”
“What does it matter? Edward is gone now.” Lily’s voice broke.
“May I ask how long you had loved him?”
Silence stretched between them, and the clanking of dishes echoed from the kitchen. Lily’s lips quivered slightly. “Since Abigail’s mother died.”
Nick knew Abigail was five when her mother passed away. Yet, Lily had only worked for the family for fifteen years, which left a five-year gap.
“Edward turned to me for comfort in his mourning and grief, and I allowed it.” She bit her lip. “After a few months, he broke it off. Several years later, I needed a job, and he gave me one working here.”
“I’m assuming you were still in love with him when he died?”
Lily nodded. “Edward was the only man I’ve ever loved.”
“What about your first husband?”
Her brows drew together. “What first husband? I’ve never been married.”
Very interesting. Lily had an illegitimate daughter. Women like Lily were shunned in 1912 society, from what Nick understood. Was this the reason Edward didn’t want anything to do with her?
“Mr. Marshal, I really don’t know what this has to do with anything.”
“Yes, you’re right of course. I just wanted to let you know that you don’t have anything to fear from me. I’m here to protect Abigail.”
“Protect her from what, may I ask?”
“From anything—and everything. Do you know much about her grandmother?”
“Why of course.”
“Well, Abigail’s grandmother told her about me on her eighteenth birthday. She had a dream that a man would come into Abigail’s life and protect her.”
Lily’s eyes widened. “How do you know you’re this man?”
He grinned. “Because my mother made the same kind of prediction about my future. When Abigail and I first met, we felt the connection between us, like sparks of fire igniting our minds and souls.” Nick shook his head. “Lily, please believe I’m here to help her. I’m not here to cause harm. I care very deeply for her.”
“Mr. Westland warned Abigail that there would be men who would lie to her just to get her inheritance,” Lily said warily.
“Yes, I know. I had a talk with Harry yesterday and he’s now on my side. He’ll help me protect her.”
Lily’s eyes narrowed. “I still don’t understand why you think she needs protection. Is she in danger?”
“Perhaps,” Nick replied. “She has an uncle who I think will stop at nothing to get what he feels is rightfully his. He visited her yesterday at the office and threatened her.”
Lily’s face went pale and she lifted a shaky hand to her mouth. “No.”
“Yes. I was there and kicked him out. Abigail does need protecting, I assure you.”
Lily stood and paced the floor. “He wouldn’t stoop to that level, would he?”
“I don’t know the man, so I couldn’t tell you,” Nick said. “Do you think he would harm Abigail to try to claim her inheritance?”
Lily shook her head. “Alexander never had a mean bone in his body, at least during the time I knew him.”
“When was that?”
“Before he and Edward parted ways.”
“Maybe he’s changed in the past few years.”
Lily nodded. “That is possible.”
“What do you know of Anthony, Alexander’s son?”
Lily’s gaze darted around the room. “I—I don’t know anything,” she mumbled.
Nick knew she was lying. He stood and walked toward her. “What do you know about Cassandra Brown?”
Lily inhaled sharply, but this time she met his stare. “Sir, I need to return to my duties. Please excuse me.”
Nick leaned against the table and watched her leave. Obviously she knew more about Anthony and Cassandra than she was willing to share.
Nick didn’t get to say goodbye to Abby before he left for the newspaper office that morning. When he arrived, Harry put him to work in the main printing room. Many large machines were in action, making it almost impossible to hear, so trying to ask questions was utterly impossible. Then again, what would Nick achieve by interviewing the newspaper staff? They were all devoted to Edward, and they probably didn’t know much about Alexander and his family. Nick desperately needed information, and he finally decided that perhaps Abby’s grandmother could help. He would meet her at dinner, and he had many questions for her. He also wanted to enlist the older woman’s help in protecting Abby, but he didn’t want to let Abby know her life was in danger. Therefore, he would have find a way to talk to Abby’s grandmother while Abby wasn’t there.
Nick wiped his sleeve across his brow and wished the place had central air. From the corner of the room, a movement drew his attention, and he saw a young man dart behind one of the machines that weren’t in use. Nick motioned to one of the other men running the machine that he needed to take a break. The man nodded and communicated to the others the same way. Nick walked toward the spot where he’d seen the intruder. Just as he neared, the person dashed away. Nick chased after him, darting around machines and through doorways until the young man rushed outside and onto the grass. That’s where Nick grabbed his collar, stopping him.
When big brown eyes met his, Nick knew he’d come face to face with another one of his suspects.
“Let me go.” Anthony Carlisle squirmed and tried to peel Nick’s fingers off his shirt.
“What were you doing in the building?” Nick demanded.
“It’s none of your business!”
Nick gave him a hard shake. “Oh, it is, believe me.” “Let me go or I’ll call for the police.”
“Go right ahead.” Nick grinned. “I could get you arrested for trespassing.”
Anthony’s eyes widened. “No you can’t.”
“Watch me. I’m quite certain that with Miss Carlisle behind me, we could get you locked behind bars.”
“My sweet cousin wouldn’t do that.” Anthony snickered. “She is too weak minded. She has never thought for herself as long as I’ve known her.”
Nick tightened his hold on the young man, whose face went red. “Actually, it’s you who are weak minded,” Nick said, giving him one more shake before relaxing his hold. “I�
��m warning you right now that if you show your face around here again, I will call the police. I will have you arrested. And if you doubt me, then try it and see if I won’t.”
Anthony stumbled back, then righted himself. He adjusted his wrinkled jacket and glared at Nick.
“I’m not afraid of you. This newspaper will soon be my father’s, justasitshouldhavebeenbeforeEdwarddied.Andthere’snothing you or Abigail can do about it. We have the law on our side.”
Nick raised his eyebrows. “So your father tells you, but I can assure you, he doesn’t have a leg to stand on. I’m a lawyer, and I will tell you now that if your father even tries to get his hands on the Carlisle fortune, he’ll be wasting what little money he has on court fees, because I’ll make certain Abby fights your father every step of the way.”
Nick heard footsteps approaching. He glanced over Anthony’s shoulder and saw Abby coming their way. From her expression, Nick could tell she was surprised and upset to see Anthony.
“What are you doing here?” she asked her cousin angrily. “Are you trying to persuade me to give into your father’s wishes?”
Anthony glared at her. “If you were smart, you’d do what my father asks.”
“And if you were smart, you’d stay far away from here.” Abby folded her arms across her chest and lifted her chin. “Go home and tell your father I will not bend.”
Nick grinned at Abby.
“You’ll be sorry,” Anthony spat before running away as fast as his lanky legs would carry him.
Abby turned to Nick. “Thank you for taking care of my cousin.”
“Looked like you were the one to chase him away, not me.”
“He’s so bothersome, just like his father.”
Nick stepped closer. “Is it proper to take you in my arms and kiss you right now?”
A blush spread across her cheeks. “Perhaps not now. Nobody knows about us yet.”
He nodded. “Then I’ll not shock anyone by devouring your lips in public.”
“I missed you this morning.”
“I missed you as well. I hoped you would be up when I was eating breakfast, but I didn’t dare ask Lily to wake you.”
“You should have. I would have gotten up just to say goodbye.” Abby touched his arm. “Do you remember about dinner tonight at my grandmother’s?”
“Yes, I remember. I’m looking forward to it.”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to buy you some clothes. The ones you have with you will not do.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Nick said sincerely. “I have some money on me. Besides, I’ll be fine with what I have.”
“You may be, but I’m not.” She squeezed his shoulder. “Please let me do this. It’ll make me happy.”
He sighed. “I don’t want you for your money, Abby.”
“I appreciate that, but I’m going to do this whether you like it or not.”
He threw back his head and laughed. “You’re a tough woman, aren’t you?”
“This is only the beginning. You haven’t seen anything yet.”
He took her hand from his shoulder and kissed her knuckles. “Do you know how much I want to be alone with you right now?” he whispered.
She took a deep breath. “I would think not nearly as much as I do.”
“Abby, if you don’t want me to take you in my arms and show everyone watching how much I care for you, I think you’d better let me get back to work.”
“Well, all right.” She wagged her eyebrows. “I’ll be in my father’s office.”
“Do you mean your office?”
“I believe you’re correct, sir. If you want me, I’ll be in my office.” She winked at him and headed for the front doors.
It was going to be a long day.
Twenty-Two
Abigail knew Nick felt uncomfortable with her buying him new clothes, but she wanted to do it anyway. Her father had taught her to always look her best, and if she was going to be escorted around town on Nick’s arm, she wanted him to look good too. Then again, that man looked good no matter what he wore.
He put up an argument at the clothing store, even took out a hundred-dollar bill from his wallet, but she took it, slipped it into her wrist purse, and paid for his clothes herself. She’d show him who was in control today.
In the car ride to her grandmother’s house, she cuddled beside Nick, resting her head on his shoulder. Being beside him like this felt so right, and Abigail never wanted it to change. If this was a dream, she hoped to never wake up.
She patted his vest and then adjusted his tie. “I must admit, you’re the most handsome man I’ve ever laid eyes on.”
He lifted her chin with his knuckle. “That’s because I’m wearing the most expensive suit in the store.”
“No, you’re not. There was actually one more expensive, but I didn’t like the color.”
Nick shook his head. “Abby, you’re wonderful.” He kissed her nose. “I’m so lucky to have found you.”
His mouth moved down and captured her lips. It didn’t matter that Hudson could probably see them through the rearview mirror, because she didn’t care who knew that she was falling in love with Nick. In fact, tomorrow, she would tell Harry and anyone else who cared to listen.
Nick cupped her face in his hands and kissed her more passionately. She slid her hands over his chest, and his heart beat crazily beneath her palms.
When he finally pulled his lips from hers, he kept her close. “Are you sure you want everyone to know about me, about us?”
“Yes.” Abigail sighed. “People will be shocked. I mean, I’m supposed to be in mourning.”
Nick pulled back to look deep into her eyes. “Yes, what about that? How long is it acceptable to be in mourning? A year?”
“No, the time was condensed years ago. I think it all depends on the people, the family, and the situation. Since it’s just me, I think I can stop wearing black now. In fact, tomorrow I’ll wear a colorful dress. I’m tired of black and gray.” She laced her fingers with his. “I’ll always love my father and miss him terribly, but I want to live. You make me feel alive, Nick, and I never want that to end.”
His fingers trailed over her cheek. “I’ll do everything in my power to see that it will never end.”
His voice broke, and the sadness in his eyes made Abigail’s heart ache. Why was he looking at her in such a way, like he was afraid he’d never see her again? “Nick, there are so many things I don’t know about you. I trust you with all my heart, but I wish I knew more.”
“Like what?” he said.
“Like where you came from. How did you find out about my father and me? How did you know you were supposed to protect me? And if you have a lot of money, why do you only have two suits?”
He frowned and rested his head back on the seat, closing his eyes. “Oh, Abby. I knew you’d ask these questions one day. And now that you have, I’m afraid to answer them.”
“Why?” Her heart jumped to her throat. “You’re not married, are you?”
Nick turned and looked at her. “I told you before I wasn’t, and I swear that’s the truth. You are the only woman in my life, and I’d like to keep it that way.”
“So would I.”
He breathed a deep sigh and shook his head. “What I want to tell you is so far-fetched, you’re not going to believe it. I’m having a hard time believing it myself.”
“You forget, my darling. I have a very spiritual grandmother that predicts people’s future. If that isn’t far-fetched, I don’t know what is.”
He adjusted in his seat and took Abigail’s hands in his. “Do you remember when I asked you if you believed in ghosts?”
She shook her head.
“We were in your office,” Nick explained. “It was right after I kicked your uncle out.”
“Yes, I recall it now.” She caressed his fingers. “So what does that have to do with anything?”
“Do you believe in ghosts?”
Abigail shrugged. “I sup
pose they could be real. My grandmother says she’s seen one a time or two, and I know she wouldn’t lie.”
“What about traveling through time? Do you believe that could happen?”
Abigail giggled. “No. Certainly not.”
He groaned and rubbed his hands over his face. “Then I definitely don’t want to discuss this.”
She pulled his hands away. “Nick, look at me. Why do you want to know this? What has this got to do with you?”
He glanced at Hudson in the driver’s seat, then back at Abigail. “When I first met you,” he said in a low voice, “I worked in your father’s building as a lawyer. It was in the twenty-first century.”
Was he saying he was from the future? Impossible! Abigail thought. Why would he tell her such an outlandish lie? Yet the look in his eyes told her he was dead serious.
“You were a . . . ghost,” he continued softly, “looking for someone to help you. You’d been murdered and needed help finding who killed you.”
Even though he looked very serious, Abigail couldn’t help but laugh. This story was too unbelievable to be real, and she sincerely hoped he wasn’t losing his mind. “Nick, even if that were true, do you realize how long I would have been a ghost?”
“Yes. Ninety-nine years.”
A lump formed in her throat. “Then what happened?”
“I didn’t believe you. I didn’t believe in ghosts. You told me that on your eighteenth birthday, your grandmother, a very spiritual woman, had a dream that a solicitor with the initials N.M. would help you. That’s why I knew about your grandmother. You told me that yourself—in the twenty-first century. That’s how I know about you, about your life. You told me everything.”
Abigail’s heart sank. Nick had just confessed he didn’t know her grandmother like he’d said he did. Was this some kind of joke? She quickly pieced everything together, from the way he acted to the clothes he wore and his mysterious past. Even some of the words he had used while speaking to her didn’t make sense. If ghosts were real, could time travel exist too?
