Love Lost in Time (Victorian Time-Travel) (17 page)

“The very same.”

Edward’s jaw hardened as he moved to the side table, collecting a plate and filling it with sausage, biscuits and fruit. “I must admit, I am quite surprised that you would want to talk about that when only last evening you were so adamant
to end the topic.” He turned away from the food and sauntered to the table. “And now I’m wondering what’s changed your mind.” Sitting across from Andrew, he picked up a linen napkin and folded it across his lap. “The last thing you said to me was that you didn’t care what I did with Miss Chapman.”

Andrew planted his feet firmly on the floor and leaned forward, resting his arms on the edge of the table. He glared at his brother. “I take back that statement
. The fact of the matter is…I
do
care what you do with Miss Chapman.”

One of the kitchen servants hurried to Edward’s side to pour him a cup of coffee. “Why the sudden change, my dear brother?” He lifted the cup and slowly sipped the liquid; his gaze holding Andrew’s.

“Because I have come to realize how deeply I care for her.”

Edward choked on a swallow and set the cup back on the saucer. He beat his chest with the palm of his hands a few times before chuckling. “You care
deeply
for her? When did these feelings start, Andrew? The last I knew you could not stand the woman.”

“Then you
misunderstood. I have been very confused about her presence, but she has intrigued me nonetheless. Because of that, I have the urge to protect her from the likes of you.”

Edward spit out a laugh. “What are you saying? That I’m not good enough for the woman?”

Nodding, Andrew drummed his fingers on the table top. “That’s precisely what I’m saying. Miss Chapman is not the type of woman you set your sights on. She’s not from a noble family so marriage is out of the question, and she’s certainly
not
going to be your next mistress. Therefore, I think you should back away.”

His brother bunched his hands into fists and aimed his steely glare at Andrew. “
Back away
? Are you threatening me?”

“This is not a threat. It’s a
command.”

“Have you forgotten I don’t abide by your
commands
? I never have and I never will.”

Andrew chuckled and leaned back in his chair once more. “Well, I suppose you can try to court her, but you will fail. She does not like you.”

“Indeed?” Edward’s eyes widened and seconds later he threw back his head and cackled. “Oh, dear brother, what an imagination you have. All women like me and want to marry me. Miss Chapman is no different. I danced with her plenty of times last night, and I know when a woman is interested. She is definitely interested.”

Andrew
rolled his eyes. His brother was sure full of himself. Always had been—always would be. “Then I suppose you must proceed with your feelings for her. I was just trying to save your ego from being deflated.”

“Deflated?” He belched another laugh. “I say, Andrew, you are certainly full of ideas this morning. Perhaps you should have gone riding after all instead of trying to think…since it’s obvious you cannot use your head this early in the morning.”

Anger shot through Andrew, and he stood so quickly his chair toppled over. He glared at his brother, wanting badly to slam his fist into Edward’s face…the face Edward figured all women adored. Why was his elder brother so stupid? Did he not know the only reason women flocked to him was because of his title and wealth?

“I should call you out for that remark,” Andrew bit out slowly. “But as
your
mind isn’t quite working because you have only just begun to eat, I will let your rudeness slide this one time.”

“Don’t tempt me, Andrew,” Edward barked. “You know how well I can use the sword.”

“Not as well as I.”

“Good morning, gentleman.”

The soft, sweet voice of Halle snapped Andrew out of his anger as he swung his attention to her entering the room. She wore a pale blue gown with scooped neckline and bell-shaped sleeves. Her glorious hair had been curled and piled on top of her head, leaving her neck bare. Her beauty made him breathless, and caused his mind to relax and the tension eased inside of him. Her worried gaze darted from one brother to the other as a frown slowly claimed her face.

“Am I interrupting something?” she asked hesitantly.

“Of course not.” Andrew walked toward her and stopped when he could gaze down into her lovely green eyes without having Edward see. “My brother and I were just having an argument…like siblings regularly do.”

Edward’s quick footsteps hurried behind Andrew. His brother tried to bump Andrew away from Halle, but he remained firm in his stance.

“Good morning, Miss Chapman. You look radiant this morning.”

She offered him a smile. “I thank you for such a sweet compliment,
my lord.”

Edward took her hand and led her closer to the table. “Would you like to take the morning meal with us?” He motioned toward the side bar where the food was spread out. “If you would permit, I shall make you a plate.”

“Nonsense, my lord,” she said with a laugh. “I can fix my own plate, thank you.” She threw a curious look at Andrew. “And what of you, my lord? Have you already eaten?”

“I have, Miss Chapman, but I would happily sit beside you while you eat and enjoy your company.”

“I would like that, thank you.”

Her lips twitched into a grin as she turned toward the food to fix her plate.
Andrew couldn’t help but smile, and his heart couldn’t help but melt. Memories flooded him from last night’s kiss, which added to his assured smile. There was no way she was interested in Edward…not when she’d kissed Andrew with so much passion.

“Tell me, Miss Chapman.” Edward spoke as he walked back to his chair. “Did you have a nice time at the ball last night?”

“Indeed, I did,” she said over her shoulder. “I met many new people. I fear I’ll never remember their names, though.”

“I shall help you,” he said before taking a bite of food.

Andrew waited until she fixed her plate and headed back to the table. He quickly pulled out a chair—away from Edward—for her to sit. When she met Andrew’s stare, her eyes twinkled and she gave him a wink.

“Thank you, my lord.”

He quickly sat beside her before his insipid brother could do the same.

“What plans do you have this afternoon?” Edward asked quickly.

“None that I’m aware of.” She lifted a sliced apple to her mouth, but before taking a bite, asked, “Why do you ask?”

Edward patted the linen napkin on his mouth. “I was thinking about taking you and Georgiana on a picnic. I know this lovely spot on our lands—”

“That’s quite out of the question.” Andrew’s mother’s sharp voice startled everyone in the room as all eyes turned toward her.

“Mother?” Edward asked, standing.
“Why is it out of the question?”

Andrew stood as well and pulled out a chair for his mother.

“Because, my dear,” she continued, “already this morning we have been receiving cards for Miss Chapman. It seems she was quite a hit at the ball last night, and several men are interested in calling upon her.” She moved toward the table of food. “So I fear, Edward, you will just have to postpone your picnic with your sister and Miss Chapman.”

Andrew wanted to sigh with relief that his brother’s hopes were shot down, yet at the same time, he didn’t exactly like the idea of other men coming to court Halle, knowing there wasn’t anything he could do about it.

Halle’s eyes widened as she slowly set her glass of orange juice back on the table. “Men are calling on me? Unbelievable,” she ended in a whisper.

“Not quite so unbelievable, my dear.” His mother shook her head. “Many men at last night’s function w
ere interested in the American woman. Most of them couldn’t take their eyes off you.” She smiled and aimed her stare at Halle.

Halle shrugged.
“I…I…I don’t know what to say. This has never happened to me before.”

“Do not worry yourself.” His mother nodded. “I shall help you through this process.”

“I’m most obliged, Your Grace.”

“Well, I suppose if I cannot take Miss Chapman for a picnic,” Edward interrupted, “then is it permissible to take her for a walk outside after breakfast?”

Andrew gritted his teeth, wanting to throttle his brother…again.

His mother nodded. “If that is all right with Miss Chapman.”

Andrew switched his focus to Halle.
Say no! Turn him down!

As he waited for her answer, she moved her gaze between him, his mother and Edward. She appeared confused, and during her hesitation, he could see that she didn’t know how to answer. His heart beat with anticipation, yet he wanted to hold his breath. What if she didn’t answer the way he thought she should? And heaven help him…what if she
wanted
to accept Edward’s offer?

Chapter Fifteen

Halle tried not to balk. She must make Edward and the Duchess of Harrington think she welcomed the invitation, so she forced herself to smile. Taking a deep breath, she met Edward’s eyes and nodded. “A walk with you sounds wonderful, but can Georgiana come with us?”

Edward’s face beamed. “But of course. Anything you wish, Miss Chapman.”

“There,” the duchess cheered. “The matter is settled.”

Halle peeked at Andrew. His stare had not moved from her, for which she was relieved, but she didn’t like the look of betrayal on his expression. She realized he didn’t want her going with Edward, but at the same time, how could she turn him down? One way or another, she must make Andrew believe this wasn’t something she really wanted to do.

The topic of conversation turned as Edward and his mother discussed some of the people who were at the party last night. Within minutes, Andrew stood and excused himself, leaving the room. Halle’s stomach churned and she wanted to run after him, but didn’t dare. Surely, Edward and his mother would wonder of her curious actions, and even though Halle wanted to tell everyone how much she cared for Andrew, it was best to keep those feelings to herself for now.

Halle hurried through the meal—probably eating faster than good manners allowed—before she set her fork down and wiped the napkin across her mouth. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to make sure Georgiana is up and getting ready for our little walk,” she told Edward.

“But of course, my dear.” He stood and gave her a nod.

She left the table and walked toward the door, not wanting them to know how badly she wanted to run. Once she was in the hallway, she hurried upstairs, but went to Andrew’s room first. She knocked lightly, hoping he would still hear it. But after several moments without anyone coming to the door, she gave up and went to
Georgi’s room and knocked.

“Come in,” the young girl chimed from inside.

Halle opened the door and peeked her head inside. Georgi sat on the vanity chair while a maid styled the girl’s hair. Georgi’s face brightened when she saw Halle.

“Good morning,” Halle greeted.

“Indeed, it’s a splendid morning. Have you already had breakfast?”

“Yes, I have, but your mother and Lord Brimhall are still there.”

“Splendid. I shall be down momentarily.”

“I just came to inform you that Lord Brimhall has requested my company for a walk through the yard today. I asked him if you could accompany us, and he said that would be fine.”

“Oh, yes!” Georgiana’s blue eyes gleamed with happiness. “I would love to join you.”

“I shall wait until you have eaten, though.”

“I shan’t be long.” Georgi waved her hand.

Halle pulled out and closed the door. She turned back up the hall and headed toward the stairs. As she passed a window, she noticed a movement from outside. Andrew was marching toward the stable. Her heart dropped. She had to talk to him before he went out riding!

She lifted her dress and darted down the stairs in an unlady-like fashion. Right now she didn’t care who saw her, because determination steered her toward the door and outside. She ran toward the side of the house and to the stable. Andrew was nowhere in sight, which told her he had already entered the barn.

It was hard to sprint while wearing this old-fashion lady’s boots, but she moved her legs as fast as her shoes—and dress—would allow.
By the time she made it to the barn, she was out of breath, and her lungs burned from the deep breaths she’d been taking.

She peeked inside but didn’t see him. The servants had slowly been making repairs to the barn since the fire, but right now nobody was around doing any work. “And
r…” She stopped herself quickly and cleared her throat. “Um, Lord Andrew? Are you in there?”

From inside the neigh from a horse broke the silence first then she heard the crunching of footsteps on the hay before a man’s form emerged from the darkness. She smiled as Andrew cautiously came her way. Wary etched his expression.

“Miss Chapman? What are you doing here? I thought you were going for a walk with Edward and Georgi.”

“Your sister isn’t quite ready.” Halle stepped to him and laid her hand on his arm. “Andrew,” she lowered her voice, “we need to talk. Privately.”

He motioned his head into the stable. “Nobody is here, so why don’t you talk to me while I saddle my horse?”

He led the way and she followed, careful not to step on anything brown
, steaming, and still in a fresh pile. “Andrew, I needed to see you—to tell you why I agreed to go with Edward on that walk today.”

Andrew stopped suddenly, and since she’d been looking down, didn’t see him until she ran into him. He turned and gathered her in his arms. Tilting her head back, she looked up into his face. His gentle fingers rubbed her back.

“Why did you tell him yes? Why didn’t you give him some excuse why you couldn’t go?”

She sighed and relaxed against him. This movement made him pull her closer to his body. “I didn’t want to go, but I need him to think I’m interested in him.”

“Why?”

“Because of the timeline.” She shook her head. “All I know
is that a couple days after Edward proposes to Lady Agnes is when your sister is kidnapped. Once that happens, things will start falling into place until your family is attacked.” She reached up and caressed his strong jaw. “I want to buy us a little time, Andrew. We still don’t know who these people are after your family’s treasure.”

“I do understand your reasoning, but…” He released a heavy sigh. “I don’t like seeing you with my brother, and him thinking that are you interested in him.”

“Oh, believe me. I don’t have any interest in your brother. I just need to keep him and Lady Agnes apart a little longer until we can figure out who wants to steal your family’s jewels.”

“What can I do to help find these men?”

“I wish I knew.” She paused, trying to remember if anymore was said back in her time about the mob. Then again, in the future, everyone thought Andrew was the mastermind behind it all. Why would they suspect him, unless… Because he had been accused of deaths of his family, maybe—just maybe—the real person in charge looked like Andrew. She didn’t know if it was what really happened, but at least it was something to think about.

“Andrew? Do you have any acquaintances
who resemble you?”

“What do you mean?”

“You know…tall, dark, and handsome?”

In the shadows of the barn, she knew when he was grinning because he white teeth shown brighter. “You think I’m handsome?”

Inwardly, she sighed dreamily. “Actually, I think you are much more than handsome, but I didn’t want to embarrass you.”

He laughed. “
Much more than handsome?”

“All right…I think you’re a hunk, okay? Does that make you feel better?”

“It would if I knew what
hunk
meant, and what the word
okay
means.”

She couldn’t stop the grin stretching her mouth. “You are simply
the most incredible looking man I have ever seen.”

A groan tore through his chest before he bent his head and captured her mouth with his. She flung her arms around his neck and held him tight as she kissed him with all the emotion she was feeling right now.
His lips were gentle with hers, mirroring the tender way his hands caressed her back and neck as he enfolded her in his embrace.

The beat of her heart knocked crazily as the warmth of his body heat blended with hers. There was a chill in the air, but being up against him like this blocked anything related to the chilly temperature.

His lips moved away from hers to travel across her chin and down her neck. “Halle, you are the one who is adorable. I can’t get you off my mind,” he mumbled against her skin, “but the truth is I don’t want to stop thinking about you.”

Goosebumps danced across her skin that had nothing to do with the cold weather. Instead, heat collected in the places where his mouth moved.
He was such a good kisser. She could get lost in his arms, and especially his kiss. If only they could do this for the rest of the day…

But when she heard voices in the distance, she knew her private moment with Andrew was over. He must have heard it, too, because he jumped away from her and turned toward the horse’s stall.

Taking deep, calming breaths, she ran her palms over her dress, hoping to take any wrinkles away. She peeked over her shoulder in time to see two servants enter the stable, and she expelled a relieved sigh. Thank goodness it wasn’t Edward.

Andrew waved at them, getting their attention. “Could I have one of you saddle my horse?”

The pair’s gaze snapped toward Andrew and they hurried to assist. Andrew moved away from the horse and to Halle. He took her hand and hooked it on his arm before leading her back outside.

She kept her attention on him until she could see his eyes better. Passion still lurked in their depths as he met her stare.

“You really should go back inside and get a cloak to warm yourself. The weather is a little chilly today, and I would hate for you to become sick.”

“Yes, I…” she licked her lips. “I noticed the nip in the air just now, too. I hope everything is all right now…between us.” She said that last part softer.

“It is.”

“And, I hope to see you later today.”

He winked. “Believe me, I won’t let you out of my sight for very long.”

Her heart fluttered with giddiness. “Good. That’s what I like to hear.”

He took her hand, kissed her knuckles, and bowed. “Until later, my sweet.” He grinned and turned back toward the stable.

She really shouldn’t be watching him the way she was. If anyone noticed, they would definitely know how she felt.
With a bounce in her walk, she returned to the house, once again feeling on top of the world.

* * * *

“Mr. Radcliff is here to see you, Miss Chapman.”

Halle had been sitting in the parlor with Georgiana throughout the afternoon as a parade of men came to call on her. Thankfully, all they did was chat with her in the parlor or invite her to accompany them to a social function later in the week. Although mentally exhausted from all these visits, when the particular lord’s name was called, she perked up.
What’s Nigel doing here?

“Thank you,” she told the butler. “Please show him in.”

Georgiana giggled and patted Halle’s hand. “I’m green with envy right now. You are one very lucky woman.”

“Thank you,
Lady Georgiana, but I think very soon these men will be vying for your attention. You are a very becoming woman, and such a delight to be around. I’m sure you’ll have many men trying to get you to look at them.”

The girl’s cheeks flamed red. “You are too generous with your words, Miss Chapman. I fear I don’t deserve them.”

Before Halle could reply, Nigel stepped inside the room. Both Halle and Georgiana stood and curtsied as he bowed.

“Miss Chapman, it is a pleasure to see you again. I was disappointed that I did not get any more dances with you
last evening.”

“Yes, well…the night was very busy for me, to be sure.” She motioned to the cushioned chair across from her. “Would you care to sit?”

“I would, thank you.” He sat as Halle and Georgi followed.

Halle studied him closely, wondering why he was really here. Last evening, he really didn’t act as if he was that interested in her. Their conversation didn’t lead her to believe he had any interest in her whatsoever. Yet here he was…looking as dandy as the rest of the fops that had come through that door this afternoon.

“I’m aware you have been busy today as well,” he continued, “so I won’t take too long with my visit. However, I was wondering if you would like to take a stroll outside with me through the duchess’ beautiful gardens. The weather has warmed up considerably since this morning, and I’m sure the fresh air will do us both good.”

Inwardly, she groaned. She did not want to go outside—or anywhere with him.
She didn’t trust him at all. However, she must discover why he was in her time, and the only way to do that would be to get to know him. Or really…to see why exactly he wanted to get to know her.

“
A walk outside does sound refreshing right now.” She glanced toward the butler who stood by the door. “Mr. Pitt? Would you be so kind to fetch my cloak?”

“Yes, Miss Chapman.” He bowed and left the doorway.

Halle glanced at Georgiana. “Would you like to join us?”

“I must decline this time,” she said sadly. “My health doesn’t do well in cold weather, I fear.”

“Understandable.” Halle stood which made Nigel also rise. “Then I suppose it’ll be just us this time.”

As they walked side-by-side out of the parlor,
Mr. Pitt was there with her outer garment and Nigel’s coat as well. He acted the perfect gentleman and helped her into her fur-lined cloak, before leading her toward the front door. When they reached it, the door opened as Andrew came inside. His gaze jumped back and forth between her and Nigel. Immediately, she could see in Andrew’s expression that he remembered Nigel from last night’s ball. When Andrew’s gaze returned and met hers again, confusion was written in his eyes.