Love Lost in Time (Victorian Time-Travel) (15 page)

And, why did she know about Agnes? And why did Halle make such a scene? Answers. He needed answers before he went mad.

Growling softly, he paced the floor. A few people tried to converse with him, but he kept his reply short and clipped. Thankfully, it didn’t take them long to realize he wasn’t in the mood for socializing.

Edward walked past Andrew with
Lady Agnes on his arm. Andrew nodded to the pair, but didn’t say anything. He wondered if Edward had offered marriage yet, but the expression on Agnes’s face didn’t look like a woman who’d just been asked to marry a wealthy, titled, man.

Lady Agnes
gave Andrew a sly smile, keeping her stare on him until he was out of her view. He really loathed women like her. Her brown hair, gray eyes, and a slender figure made her a very lovely woman—although not as lovely as Miss Chapman—but she flirted outrageously. She’d been forward with Andrew a time or two, but he knew the woman was searching for a wealthy husband because her father and brothers were quickly depleting their coffers. Their gambling habits were getting out of hand, but the dolts kept returning to the gaming tables. Unfortunately, she had captured Edward’s interest, so if Andrew’s idiotic brother wanted to be married to a money-hungry woman that was his choice and Andrew wouldn’t try to stop it.

He returned his attention back to Miss Chapman. Her cheeks were flushed, and she looked exhausted from the line of men wanting to meet her. Perhaps it was time for Andr
ew to be gallant and rescue her.

Smirking, he adjusted his clothes and headed toward her. Thankfully, the dance was just ending. As the gentleman turned her to head back to the others, Andrew stepped in front of them. Her eyes widened as a smile of gladness touched her lips.

“Pardon me for intruding, Hostettler, but my mother would like a word with Miss Chapman.” He switched his focus back to her and offered his hand. Immediately, she slipped her palm against his as excitement snapped in her eyes.

“Of course,
my lord. Please, take me straightway to your mother.”

He led Miss Chapman out of the ballroom and toward one of the parlors, where he knew his mother sat and visited with several other matrons, but before they neared the room, he turned them in a different direction. Miss Chapman hitched a breath and her gaze flew up to his, but she didn’t say anything. She kept the pace with his long strides as he took them through one of the back doors and outside.

Once they were on the path leading to the cluster of trees, Miss Chapman inhaled deeply and blew it out.

“Oh, thank you for rescuing me, Andrew.” She smiled up at him. “I didn’t know how to tell those men to leave me alone.”

She said my name!
Strange to think how he delighted in hearing his name from her. It was like hearing heavenly harps played by angels. Good heavens, he was in serious trouble if he was feeling sappy all ready. “Did you truly want to be left alone? I would think you were enjoying all the attention.”

“In a way I enjoyed it, but…” she shrugged, “I didn’t know any of them and so trying to think of a topic to talk about was becoming strenuous.”

“Then forgive me for not coming to your aid sooner.”

She chuckled. “There is nothing to forgive.”

“I noticed that man you had spotted earlier came to dance with you.”

She nodded, but didn’t reply.

“He didn’t threaten you in any way, did he?”

“No. In fact, he didn’t even remember me.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“Actually, in this situation, it is.” She glanced up at him. “You do know he’s not my beau and had never broken my heart, right?”

“Of course, since I was the one who made up that lie.” They walked a little further into the yard before he said, “I hope you don’t mind if we continue our…um…our discussion.” He really wanted to continue the kiss, but he felt it best to first find out what made Miss Chapman so mysterious.

“Not at all.”
She rubbed her palms up and down her arms.

“Are you too cold?” he asked. “Would you rather go back in?”

“I’m fine, really. I’m slightly chilly, but it’s refreshing, and will make my mind alert—which is what I need right now.”

He turned down the same path that headed to the spot they’d been earlier, but voices murmured from
within. He recognized Edward’s tall frame and the petite woman in his arms—Agnes. Quickly, Andrew took another path, further back into the trees. There were more shadows there. Although that was a good thing…he really did want to hear her explanation of everything that she’d said earlier and why she’d left him so confused.

“I hope this spot is satisfactory,” he said softly.

“Yes, it is.” Her voice was equally as faint.

He went first, stepping over a fallen log and in between two bushes. Reaching out, he took her hand and gently pulled her through. She stumbled and fell into him, bracing her palms against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her waist to hold her upright.

She chuckled. “Sorry about that.”

“No need to be. I should not have brought you this far from the lighted pathway.”

“I’m a big girl and know how to take care of myself,” she said in a low voice.

“Actually, you are wrong.” He slid his hands over her back and around her slender waist. “You are not big at all. In fact, I would say you are…” he paused, staring into the shadows of her eyes, “perfect.”

Just as before, he had the incredible urge to kiss her—passionately, but he fought it. Answers were what he needed right now, not to sweep some beautiful woman off her feet…or be swept himself.

“Andrew, you are too sweet.”

His heart melted a little bit more. “Miss Chapman—”

“Please call me Halle.”

“Halle,” he replied, rolling the name off his tongue, and liking how it sounded. “You are such a mystery to me, and I find you very fascinating. I want to get to know you better, but then at times I fear that if I do, I would be disappointed.”

She tilted her head to the side as if studying him. “You know what kind of person I am. I’m friendly, caring, and giving. That will never change no matter what you discover about my past.” Slowly, she slid her hands up his chest then linked them around his neck. “Do you enjoy being in my company? Do I make you laugh?”

He grinned. “Indeed, I find you very charming, which makes me want to be with you more.” He shook his head. “But I’m curious to know why because no other woman has been able to hold my interest for very long.” He moved his hand to her face and gently stroked her cheek.

“Andrew, I need to tell you something, but I want you to keep an open mind.”

“I shall try.”

She brushed her fingers through his hair briefly before taking a deep breath and stepping out of his arms. It surprised him how emptiness settled inside of him even though she was only a few steps away.

“Have you ever read the book
A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens?”

“Yes, of course. Most people have read that book.”

“What did you think about the Ghost of Christmas Past, and especially the Ghost of Yet-to-come?”

Andrew shrugged and leaned against a tree. “It’s a wonderful story written by a very talented artist.”

“Very true, but what did you think about those particular ghosts? What did you think when you read about the ghost taking Scrooge into the past and future?”

“It made for a very interesting tale.”

“What have you heard about time-travel?”

He arched an eyebrow. Where was she going with this? “I’ve read a few books. It’s definitely a fascinating subject, but very far-fetched.”

“Yes, it does seem far-fetched, doesn’t it?”

“Why do you ask?” He stepped away from the tree and toward her.

Sighing, she rubbed her forehead as she remained facing him. Because of the shadows he couldn’t quite see her eyes to know where she was looking.

“Andrew, there is no other way to say this, but to just say it.” She took a deep breath and released it slowly. “I met you for the first time in
my time,
which to you is in the future.”

He stopped from moving any closer and shook his head. He couldn’t have heard correctly.
“I’m not sure you said what I heard. Did you just say I have traveled to the future?”

“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying. In
my time,
your estate is a bed and breakfast called Buckland Manor. In
my time,
you worked as the gardener. My friends and I had gone to the bed and breakfast on holiday and that’s where we met you. You told me you had been sent forward in time, but didn’t know why. Just before you were sent forth in time, your family and the manor was attacked by a mob. Your father had told you to run to the tree, and that is where you had gone.” She paused, swallowing hard and noisily. “And the tree is where I had gone to come here to
your time.
” She moved closer, laying her hand on his arm. “I am from the future. That is why I talk and do things differently.”

Silently, Andrew cursed the shadows because he wanted to look into her eyes right now to see if she was serious. His heart dropped as sadness encased him. Clearly, Halle—Miss Chapman—was insane even though he wanted her to be normal. He needed to accept it now before his heart became any more involved than it already was.

Chapter Thirteen

Halle studied Andrew’s face—what she could see of it, anyway. Now she wished they weren’t in the shadows. His expression didn’t give away his thoughts very well, but deep down inside, she knew he didn’t believe her.

Back in her time when Andrew had told her about traveling through time, she
hadn’t believed him either, so she shouldn’t expect him to just trust her word. Yet how could she convince him? There had to be a way.

“Earlier tonight you had asked me how I’d heard about Edward’s engagement,” she continued. “The reason I know is because
you
told me…in the future. You told me that you and your mother were against the match because you both thought Lady Agnes was a money-hungry woman.”

Even through the shadows she could see him scowl, so she quickly continued, “You
know
nobody else knows this, so how else would I have this information?”

He shook his head. “Impossible.”

“And Nigel…the man at the party tonight, he worked at the inn where I stayed—in the future. However, I can’t quite figure out his purpose yet, but I will.”

“That cannot be,” he mumbled.

“It doesn’t seem logical, I know, but there is more.” She took a deep breath to continued, but he held up his hand, stopping her.

“No more for now.”

She hesitated to ask, because she felt she already knew the answer. “Andrew?” Slowly, she stroked his arm, which was stiff. “What are you thinking?”

“What am I thinking?” He chuckled
with a forced voice and shook his head. “My dear, I’m wondering why I have kept you away from my family and all your admirers for so long. I need to return you to the ball.” He hooked her hand around his elbow and pulled her back toward the bushes and fallen log.

“No, Andrew.” She planted her feet in the ground and resisted. “You have to listen to me. Your life—and the life of your family depend on what I have to tell you.”

“Halle, I really think you have over exhausted yourself. Let’s take you back inside for a refreshing glass of—”

“I don’t need to drink anything.” She faced him again and rested her palms back on his chest, lightly grasping the lapels of his coat. “What I need is for you to listen to me.”

He stood still, but didn’t say anything. She heaved a deep breath as an ache began pounding in her skull. “Andrew I know what you’re feeling. When you first told me you had traveled through time, I didn’t believe you. I needed a little while to think it over, but you didn’t give up on me, and I won’t give up on you.” She rubbed her hands over to his shoulders. “I know what you’re feeling, because I felt the same way. You think I’m a nut case, don’t you?”

He cocked his head slightly. “Nut case?”

Inwardly she groaned, realizing she said a wrong word. Again. “You think I’m a psychopath—that I’m insane.”

Silence stretched between them for a few awkward moments, which gave her the answer he never spoke. Voices from the lighted pathway floated through the small breeze but were too far away to be worried about anyone disturbing them.

“What I think is that I need to return you to the party.” He tugged her arm again and led her back out of the shadows and onto the pathway.

This time she didn’t stop him. He had given her time to think things over, so she must show him the same courtesy. Her heart clenched with worry as her mind scrambled for something intelligent to say to convince him. Then again…she hadn’t said very much that was considered close to being intelligent so far since meeting him in the past. “Andrew, let’s not go back—”

“There you are!”

The Duchess of
Harrington’s voice jarred Halle out of her thoughts and she swung her head toward Andrew’s mother strolling toward them.

“We are here, Mother. Miss Chapman looked as if she needed some fresh air, so I brought her outside.”

The duchess stopped in front of them and smiled. “But it’s so cold out here. Do you want Miss Chapman to catch her death?”

“Of course not, Mother, which is why we were only out here for a few minutes—and that’s why I’m taking her back inside now.”

“You are such a thoughtful son.” She patted his cheek lovingly.

The duchess
hooked her arm with Halle’s. “Come back inside. I want you to meet some of my friends.”

Now that Halle could see Andrew better in the light, she could finally read his expression. He was way too stiff and proper—pretty much like the way he was the first time he’d seen her a few days ago
after she’d come back in time. There would be no more talk of time-traveling tonight. Maybe that was a good thing since Halle really needed to collect her thoughts and present him with a good case…one that he could believe.

“Yes, that’s something I would
love to do,” she told the older woman.

As
Halle turned and walked away, Andrew stayed behind. Her heart sank further and she prayed for some kind of inspiration soon.

The duchess explained about some of the well to-do families at the party.
There was just too much information for Halle to absorb all at once. The other woman pulled Halle from one person to the next, making introductions. By this time in the evening, she was so full of names in her head she couldn’t keep them all straight…until she met one lady.

“And this,”
the duchess said, “is Lady Agnes and her mother Lady Caldwell.” The duchess paused as her gaze swept around them. “But I don’t see Lady Agnes’s fathers or brothers.”

Lady Caldwell smiled. “They do not like to stay and dance, I’m afraid. They would rather play cards with the other gentlemen.” She
nodded. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Chapman.”

As Halle curtsied to the mother, her gaze kept wandering to the daughter,
Agnes. Halle nodded and directed her comment to the daughter. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Agnes.”

This is the woman Andrew and his mother thought was only after Edward for his money, yet he still ended up marrying her. She was a lovely young lady
, but there was also an underlining haughtiness about her, especially when she practically turned up her nose at Halle instead of greeting her politely and with a curtsy.

“I hear you are staying with the Harringtons,”
Agnes said.

“I am.”

“Are you related to them?”

“No.”

The duchess lifted her chin a little higher and squeezed Halle’s arm. “Miss Chapman will be staying with us until we can locate her family.”

Agnes
arched an eyebrow. “Your family is lost?”

“In a way, yes.” Halle flipped her hand. “It’s a long, boring story. I fear if I tell it I’ll put you and your mother to sleep.”

“Oh, but I beg you to tell me anyway.”

Agnes
smiled, but Halle could tell it was fake. “I appreciate your interest,” Halle began and looked at Andrew’s mother, “but the Duchess of Harrington and I were on our way to the other side of the room. So I hope you’ll excuse us.”

“Certainly,” Lady Caldwell nodded, but her daughter threw
Halle a glare.

What on earth had made that woman so upset? Halle wanted to ask, but didn’t dare.

As she and Andrew’s mother turned to move on, Edward had snuck up behind them. Halle figured he would move past them to see his almost-fiancée, but instead, he stepped in front of Halle.

“Miss Chapman, could I interest you in another turn around the dance floor?
You are such a remarkable dancer.”

“Uh, well…” She switched her focus to
Agnes just in time to see the woman’s glare darken.
That’s why she gave me crusty looks.

Halle really should deny his request, but then again…women weren’t supposed to refuse an offer to dance. She smiled and nodded. “I would be delighted.”

This time when she danced with Edward, he didn’t want to talk much. Curiosity grew inside her. Edward was up to something, and she wished she knew why he insisted on keeping her to himself. Perhaps next time she wouldn’t be as polite as she’d been tonight.

* * * *

The steady rhythm of the carriage ride home lulled Andrew and made his eyes droopy. He’d chosen to ride with his brother instead of with the family. He couldn’t think straight when he was close to Halle, and for certain, he needed to think tonight.

Thankfully, his brother wasn’t talking much during the ride, and the silence was most welcome.
Andrew led them ahead of the family’s carriage, and through the stillness of the night, his mother’s chatter, and the occasional laugh from the others kept him alert, regardless. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only thing keeping Andrew awake. How could his mind rest when it was so full of such confusing thoughts?

Throughout the remainder of the evening, he stood back and watch
ed people converse with Halle with wide smiles and joyful laughter. Good grief, even Edward acted as if he enjoyed Halle’s company entirely too much. But of course his brother would. She was a delightful woman, and very easy on the eye. And so passionate…

Andrew
shook his head, trying to get that out of his memory. He didn’t want to think about how incredibly good she felt in his arms, and how fervently she’d kissed.

Grumbling under his breath, he rubbed his forehead. Why couldn’t he forget about that kiss? It had literally left him breathless…and apparently, it had also made his brain stop working.

If only she wasn’t insane.

Halle Chapman was just the sort of woman who interested him, and not entirely in the sexual sense, either. He enjoyed her intelligence, and he especially liked how kind and giving she was—and unselfish.

Yet, she was insane, and there wasn’t anything he could do about it.

“
You are much too quiet, Andrew. What’s on your mind?”

His brother’s voice snapped Andrew out of his thoughts. He
peered at Edward. “There’s too much to talk about this evening.” Andrew shrugged and looked ahead. “Besides that, I’m tired.”

“
Tired? How could that be when I only noticed you dance a few times? You certainly didn’t join the card games, either.”

Releasing an irritated breath, Andrew shook his head. “What do you want, Edward? I’m really not in the conversing mood tonight.”

“Then I suppose you will just have to listen to me rattle on, won’t you?” Edward chuckled. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about Miss Chapman.”

Andrew arched a curious eyebrow at his brother. “What about her?”

“She was such a delight tonight, and I think she was a hit with society.”

If Andrew wasn’t so confused about everything, he would have laughed at his brother’s comment. If society had heard some of the baffling words from her mouth as he had, Halle wouldn’t have been such a hit.
“Indeed, I noticed that, too.”

“In fact,” Edward scratched his chin, “I found myself watching her most of the evening, and the more I watched, the more I couldn’t help but adore her very presence.”

The irritation building inside Andrew changed to anger. He tightened his grip on the reins. “You don’t say.” He swallowed the bile rising in his throat. “What about Lady Agnes? I thought you were going to propose to her.”

“Actually, I’ve decided to wait on that. Miss Chapman is far different than
Lady Agnes, and I do like the differences.”

“I thought you suspected
Miss Chapman of being involved with Uncle Nimrod.”

“I’m rethinking that idea, as is Father. There are things she’s done to prove to us that she cares about our family.
Isn’t she so adorable?”

As Andrew watched the road in front of him, he caught himself nodding in agreement. Even if she was insane, she did care about his family. “So does Father still want us to keep a close eye on her?”

“I’m not certain,” Edward replied, “but I can tell you one thing, I’m not going to mind that request at all now. In fact, I’m hoping to spend more time with that adorable creature in the next couple of days.”

Andrew gripped the reins
tight. And he really needed to quit gnashing his teeth. That couldn’t be good, either. But if he heard his brother use the word
adorable
one more time when referring to Halle, Andrew would certainly lose his temper.

“Is that all right with you?” Edward added.

Andrew threw him a glare. “Why should I care?”

“Because she has become more attached to you than to anyone. And, I believe you might have the same interest in her.”

Rolling his eyes, Andrew tried to dampen the anger rising hotter and hotter inside him. “The only interest I have is to see out Father’s request,” he snapped and looked back at the road.

“Splendid. Perhaps I’ll take her on a picnic tomorrow.”

Andrew’s breathing quickened and he couldn’t understand the panic growing within. Worry escalated, making his head pound. Deep down inside, he knew the reason. Plain and simple, he did not want to think about her in Edward’s arms kissing him passionately as she’d done to Andrew earlier.