Hearts Through Time Read online

  “If you don’t know Edward Carlisle, why did you come to his funeral?”

  It was a good question. “Because I felt I should,” Nick replied truthfully.

  “You’ve never met Miss Carlisle or her father, yet you come here and offer your condolences?”

  “Yes. Why? Is that a crime?”

  The man folded his arms, mimicking Nick. “No, it’s not a crime, but what I’m wondering is your real purpose here.”

  “What exactly are you wondering, Mr. Westland?”

  Harry lifted his chin. “Is the sole purpose of your visit to woo Miss Carlisle? After all, she is an heiress now. Everyone knows that. I’ve met many men in the past few days who are coming forth to meet Miss Carlisle, claiming to be her friend.”

  “I’m not claiming to be her friend, Mr. Westland.” Nick gritted his teeth. “I am her friend, or I will be if she allows it.”

  Scowling viciously, Harry scrutinized Nick. Maybe he should have found clothes that fit the era before venturing out to find Abby. Too late now.

  “Where are you from, Mr. Marshal?”

  “I live here in California.”

  “What do you do?”

  “I’m a lawyer.” He probably shouldn’t have said that, since he had no license to practice law in 1912.

  “A lawyer?”

  “You heard me right, Mr. Westland. Now, if you’d kindly move aside, I’d like to end this conversation and leave.”

  Nick stepped around Harry, but the obstinate man gripped his arm, stopping him. His deep brown eyes practically burned into Nick’s.

  “Stay away from Miss Carlisle,” Harry warned. “I told her father a long time ago I’d keep money-hungry men away from her.”

  “That’s a good plan, and I’m sure Mr. Carlisle would be proud of you for sticking to your promise. But I’m not one of those suitors bent on getting money from Miss Carlisle. Sorry, Mr. Westland, but you have the wrong man.”

  Nick yanked his arm out of the other’s grasp and stormed away. Before he was out of sight, he turned to find Abby. She had stood and walked his way, but stopped when he stopped. His heart raced. She was interested. But today was definitely not the day to talk to her.

  He gave her a small wave, to which she responded by raising her hand. Grinning wide, he turned and walked down the hill. So far, so good. Now he needed to find a place to stay—and some different clothes.

  Nick stopped and withdrew his wallet. People in 1912 had no idea what credit cards were, so his MasterCard and VISA were no good. He did have one hundred dollars in cash, but doubted the currency was recognizable in 1912. Too bad, since one hundred bucks would go a lot farther in this era than in his.

  Perhaps it was time to pay a visit to Abby’s grandmother. Nick was certain the old woman would be his ally.

  Fifteen

  Good luck smiled on Nick. True, he didn’t get to speak privately with Abby at the cemetery, but as he walked toward the Capitol One Associates building, which of course now housed the Sacramento Journal, the woman who’d taken him to the cemetery drove by, stopped, and offered him a ride. Though she was probably older than him by ten years, she flirted like a young girl. He didn’t want to encourage her, yet he needed her help. She told him her name was Mrs. Rebecca Downey. He introduced himself as Mr. Marshal.

  “Where are you staying?” she asked, batting her eyes.

  He didn’t want to lie, so how could he word this? “Right now, I don’t have a job or home in Sacramento, though I hope to change that.” It was true—he didn’t have a job or home there in 1912.

  Mrs. Downey’s hand flew to her throat. “That’s truly awful. We must find you a place to stay until you find something permanent.”

  “I would be much obliged, Mrs. Downey,” Nick replied sincerely. “Your assistance is greatly appreciated, I assure you. Heaven knows what I’d do if I couldn’t find a home or employment. We wouldn’t want me to turn into a drunken bum, now would we?”

  She blushed. “That would be mighty daring of you, considering drinking alcohol is illegal.”

  Inward, he groaned. Why hadn’t he paid more attention in his history classes when they had discussed prohibition of alcohol? “You’re right, ma’am, which is why I don’t plan on becoming that sort of man.”

  Mrs. Downey’s gaze wandered over his clothes. “Can I assume you don’t have anything to wear besides this?”

  Nick happened to think he looked good in Armani. “Uh, you assume correctly, Mrs. Downey.”

  She patted his arm. “Not to worry. My late husband was just your size. I’ll let you wear one of his suits.” She stole another look at him before focusing on the street again. “I assume you have been searching for employment, too?”

  “Uh, yes, of course. In fact, I plan on talking to Mr. Westland today about getting a job at the newspaper.”

  She nodded. “That’s why you were on your way to the cemetery.”

  “Exactly.”

  The lady was more trusting than he’d expected, and she drove straight to her home. It wasn’t fancy, but it wasn’t humble, either. He prayed she didn’t have other things in mind for him.

  While sitting in her parlor, he acted the part of a gentleman. Mrs. Downey fawned over him, poured him some lemonade, brought him cookies, and then offered more cookies. When he declined the latter, she left the room, telling him she would get her late husband’s clothes.

  Nick stood and paced the floor, looking out the window from time to time. The street sign captured his attention, making him stop. If the street names stayed the same between 1912 and his time, he was only two streets from Abby’s house.

  When Mrs. Downey returned, she’d removed her big, floppy hat, and she carried an armful of men’s clothes.

  “This one on top was my Johnny’s favorite suit. I think it would look lovely on you.” She laid the clothes on the sofa.

  Nick walked over, picked up a jacket, and held it up to his body. Thank goodness she had judged his build correctly.

  Mrs. Downey ran her hand up his arm. “Would you like to stay for dinner?”

  He gulped. By the leery gleam in her eyes, he knew she had more planned than just eating. “Thank you, but no. If you would show me where the bathroom is located, I’d like to change.”

  She pointed to the bathroom, and he hurried inside and locked the door. Quickly, he changed into the suit. The stiff collar bothered him, so he didn’t attach it to the shirt. The tie wouldn’t work without the collar, so he left off the tie, too. The pants were a bit too snug, but he’d have to get used to that since they were the only ones he had.

  When Nick walked out of the bathroom, Mrs. Downey stood waiting, and she put her arms around him. “Mr. Marshal, I’ve never seen a more handsome man in my life.”

  “Thank you for the compliment.” He tried to peel himself away from her, but she continued to hold him like she wasn’t going to let go. Poor, desperate widow. “Mrs. Downey, I’m very shocked at your forwardness.”

  She laughed. “Oh, you must know what you do to women, Mr. Marshal.”

  “I’m very flattered, but I must apologize. If I dally any longer, I’ll be late for my appointment with Mr. Westland.”

  She frowned and stepped back, folding her arms. “Where will you go afterwards? You have no place to stay.”

  “I don’t know yet.” Nick shook his head. “Perhaps Mr. Westland will hire me and let me stay at the newspaper office until I can find lodging.”

  “Or you could stay with me.”

  “Mrs. Downey, your offer is tempting, and I’ll definitely consider it. But I really must be leaving.” He walked toward the door, adjusting his own rolled-up clothes under his arm.

  She wagged her fingers. “I’ll count the minutes until you’re back.”

  Nick smiled and nodded, hoping she could count high, because he didn’t plan on returning. He hurried down the sidewalk as fast as he could without drawing attention to himself. Luckily, he now looked much like the other men walking down the stre
et.

  Abby’s house stood on a hill overlooking the valley. Nick whistled through his teeth and shook his head. Amazing how much this place resembled the one they’d seen just the other day in his time. Still, he thought this version was more beautiful, perhaps because Abby lived in it now.

  Black ribbon had been strung along the iron gates of the mansion, and a black wreath hung on the door. Nick’s gut twisted, knowing she was inside grieving, and he couldn’t do anything about it.

  Slowly, he walked around the estate, which was much larger than it appeared from the street. He studied the windows, the yard, the gazebo sheltered by trees, and the horses in corrals out back near a large barn. He hoped to see a glimpse of Abby, but to no avail.

  On the horizon, the sun made its departure, bringing unwelcome shadows. He glanced at the iron fence. He could climb it, and he doubted there would be any alarm system to help guard the property. Not in this era. Perhaps the barn would give him a bed for the night.

  As the sky grew darker, Nick deftly climbed the fence and dropped to the other side. He crouched low as he sneaked to the barn. He entered the building cautiously but didn’t detect anyone around. He found an empty stall with clean straw, and he knew this was as good as he would get for now.

  For a long while, he sat and thought about how he could win Abby’s trust. He prayed that tomorrow would bring him face to face with her, and when he finally fell asleep, she was in his dreams.

  Staring at the mirror, Abigail sat numbly as Lily brushed her hair, preparing her for bed. All the servants in the house had been quiet today, each one mourning in his or her own way, Abigail supposed. Many had loved her father; he’d certainly be missed.

  Why had he died so quickly and without warning? But death was like that, so she’d been told. She’d miss her father, and she’d especially miss the time she spent with him at the newspaper. He’d always told her that one day she’d take over the Sacramento Journal, but she never thought it would be this soon. She had envisioned herself as an older woman, married with children. Not young, single, and alone.

  She glanced up at Lily and tapped her hand. The maid’s eyes were red and swollen, much like Abigail’s. “That’s enough for tonight. Thank you.”

  Lily nodded. “If you need anything else, let me know.”

  “I won’t need anything, I assure you. I want you to rest as well. I’m certain you haven’t slept at all since Father died.”

  Lily sniffed, then wiped her nose with the back of her hand. “Not very well, Miss Abigail.”

  “Then why don’t we all take tomorrow off?”

  Lily’s eyes widened. “Pardon me?”

  “I’m giving everyone the day off. You should have had today off, but I didn’t think of it until now. I want all of you to stay with family or friends tomorrow. I want to spend the day alone.”

  “Are you certain? Who will make your meals?”

  “I’m sure I’m capable of finding my own food,” Abigail said gently.

  Lily smiled, but her lips trembled. “You are too gracious.”

  Abigail turned on the stool and took Lily’s hands. “Will you please tell the staff tonight? We all need to take a day to mourn.”

  Lily squeezed Abigail’s fingers. “You are as kind-hearted as your father. It’s something he would have been proud of.”

  Tears stung Abigail’s eyes and she nodded. Lily left the room, and once again silence enveloped Abigail. Although she hated to be alone, she needed to ponder about her future. She stood, picked up her white silk wrapper, and slipped it on. She could go to the library and read, but she feared she wouldn’t retain a single word. When she didn’t feel completely numb, fear and sadness threatened to drive her mad. How could life ever be the same without her father?

  Earlier that day at the cemetery, though, something else had preoccupied her mind—the man who had introduced himself as Mr. Marshal. She hadn’t met him before, but for some reason, he seemed vaguely familiar. She’d felt that way even before he’d said he knew her grandmother.

  Abigail swept the long mass of hair off her shoulder and sat on her bed. She’d felt crushed when she’d learned her grandmother couldn’t come to the funeral. The old woman was in bed, ill with a terrible cough. Abigail had told her to stay home and take care of herself. Now she needed to pay her grandmother a visit so she could ask about Mr. Marshal.

  He was certainly a sight to behold, especially since he wore such strange-looking clothes. Abigail had never seen anything like them. But it was his intoxicating, deep blue eyes that had her mesmerized. She couldn’t stop staring into them. Mr. Marshal was quite attractive if she dare admit, but what surprised her was how kind he was, offering to assist her with anything she needed.

  Harry had told her afterward that Mr. Marshal was just a money-hungry man trying to court an heiress. In fact, Harry had promised her that Mr. Marshal wouldn’t bother her again. But she wanted to speak to the stranger again. Not only did he have the initials from her grandmother’s dream, but there was a feeling in Abigail’s heart when she thought of him—a feeling she couldn’t explain.

  Abreeze fluttered the curtains, and she hurried to the window. The sun had disappeared and the early spring air was crisp, so she closed the window. Just as she started to close the curtains, movement near the barn caught her attention. She lifted the window once more and stuck her head out, hoping to get a better look. After a few seconds, the shadowed form moved again, carrying what looked like an unlit lantern, and ducked inside the barn. Groaning, Abigail hurried out of her room and downstairs. The house sat quiet, so the servants must have already left. That meant she was in charge of getting rid of the intruder.

  Before leaving the house, she found her father’s pistol and placed it in the pocket of her wrapper. Hopefully, the stranger wouldn’t suspect she had never used the weapon. As long as she acted like she knew how to fire it, maybe it would scare him enough to leave.

  She hurried toward the barn, keeping her eyes and ears alert. As she neared the large structure, she slowed her steps. Once inside the barn, Abigail saw the lantern she’d noticed earlier, now lit low. She lifted it and on tiptoes, inched further inside, glancing right and left.

  When she reached the first stall, she heard a sound behind her. She started to turn, but two strong arms wrapped around her, stopping her. The lantern fell from her hand as she grasped at the man’s arms, trying to pull them away.

  “Who are you and what do you want?” the deep voice asked.

  “I have a pistol. I know how to use it,” she warned.

  “Abby? Is that you?”

  Abigail gasped. How dare someone call her that! Her father had called her Abby as a child, but no one else was allowed to shorten her name. And since she had become a young woman, even her father called her Abigail. This stranger had no right to call her by her first name, let alone her father’s pet name for her.

  He turned her around but kept her in his arms. It was the man from the cemetery, Mr. Marshal, with his intoxicating blue eyes.

  “Mr. Marshal, you have not been given permission to call me by that name. You may address me as Miss Carlisle.”

  “You remembered me,” he said.

  “Why, of course. I have an excellent memory.”

  His gaze traveled over her hair, then his hand followed, sweeping softly over her wavy locks. “I love it when your hair is down.”

  Shivers raced up Abigail’s arms and down her back. “Mr. Marshal, that was very improper of you to say.”

  “You’re correct. Forgive me?”

  She wondered why he didn’t release her, and then she realized she could simply step away, since he had loosened his hold on her. Thanks to her father and Harry, until this moment she had never been embraced by a man she wasn’t related to. Being in Mr. Marshal’s arms felt wonderful, and she didn’t want to remove her hands from his chest.

  “Wh—what are you doing here?” she whispered.

  “I wanted to see you again.” He trailed his f
ingers over her cheek. “I’m here to protect you.”

  “Mr. Marshal, you talk nonsense. I don’t need protecting.”

  “I think you do.”

  She scowled and pushed away from him. “I wish you’d explain yourself, and I’d like to know why you’re hiding in my barn.”

  “I have nowhere else to stay. Besides, it’s close to you.”

  Abigail folded her arms. “Once again, Mr. Marshal, you are being extremely bold with your words, especially with someone you don’t even know.”

  “What makes you think I don’t know you?”

  “Well, I don’t know you,” she replied, “and that’s what matters.”

  He touched her elbow. “Then get to know me.”

  She tried to ignore the butterflies that danced in her belly at his touch. “I’m—I’m afraid I cannot, sir. I’ve been warned about men like you.”

  “I’m not one of those men, I assure you. I’m a lawyer. I have plenty of money, and I’m not after yours.”

  She creased her forehead. “You’re a solicitor, you say?”

  “Yes.”

  Her heart flipped. On Abigail’s eighteenth birthday, her grandmother had told her she would meet a solicitor, a man who would help her. Her grandmother had said the man’s initials would be N.M. Abigail inhaled sharply. Nicholas Marshal. Could this really be that man?

  He studied her expression and slowly nodded his head. “You remember, don’t you?”

  “Remember what?” she said breathlessly.

  “That your grandmother told you about me.”

  She stepped back, bringing her hands to her mouth. How did Mr. Marshal know that? She hadn’t told anyone, and she was certain her grandmother hadn’t either. “Please go away.”

  “I can’t, Abby. I’m here to protect you.”

  Sixteen

  Nick had to say something. The quicker she accepted him, the quicker they could figure out who would try to kill her.

  “Please, Abby, can’t I stay here tonight? I won’t bother you. I’ll just stay in the barn and watch the house to make sure you’re safe.”