Hearts Through Time Read online

  “Yes, my dear.”

  “I—I very much would like it if you . . . um . . . I mean, I wish you would kiss—”

  He pressed his mouth against hers before she could finish the sentence. She answered with a sigh as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He pulled her closer, splaying his hands across her back. When he began to kiss her more passionately, Abby gasped and withdrew. Her eyes were wide as she searched his gaze.

  “I’ve never . . . I mean, a man has never done that—”

  He silenced her with another kiss, thrilled to know he was the first man to kiss her. A snap of a twig disturbed the moment, and Nick looked around, straining to listen.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “Shh.” He placed his fingers on Abby’s mouth, listening closer.

  Another twig snapped, and he jumped to his feet. He heard rustling from behind a bush, and he tore out of the gazebo toward the sound. A flash of material near a tree caught his eye, and he dashed behind the tree. The dew on the grass caused him to slip, and he grabbed the trunk before his backside met the ground. By the time he gained his balance, the person had disappeared. He didn’t know who it was, but he knew one thing. It was a woman.

  For lunch, Abigail fixed a green salad while Nick prepared some fresh fruit. He didn’t say much, seeming lost in thought. After she set the food on the table and sat, he joined her.

  “I wish I knew who sneaked onto my property and spied on us,” she said.

  His gaze lifted from his food to her. “I wish I could tell how old the woman was. All I know is that she wore a brown dress.”

  Abigail shrugged. “That could be anyone. Did you see if it was a servant’s dress?”

  “Couldn’t tell. She ran like a locomotive, and because I’m wearing these stupid sissy shoes, there was no way I could catch up.”

  She snorted a laugh. “Sissy shoes? Why do you call them that?”

  “All they’re good for is show,” Nick answered with a grin. “It’s hard to walk in them, and there’s no chance of running, especially on dew-covered grass.”

  “Now you know how women feel.”

  “I sure do, and I know I’ll never take comfort for granted again.”

  Abigail took a dainty bite of her salad, afraid to eat too much in front of him. Men didn’t like women who ate a lot. Then again, she really didn’t have much of an appetite. All she wanted to do was stare into Nick’s dreamy eyes while he held her in his arms.

  He sipped his water and placed the glass back on the table. “Abby, what can you tell me about your maid, Lily?”

  A piece of food caught in Abigail’s throat, making her cough. “Lily?” she finally managed to say. “Do you think she was spying on us?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Well, I can tell you she’s old enough to be my mother, and I doubt she can run fast.”

  Nick shrugged. “Tell me about her anyway.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m just curious.”

  “What do you want to know?” Abigail asked.

  “How long has she worked for your family?”

  As Abigail bit into her apple, she thought back to Lily’s first day as her maid. Abigail was about ten years old. “Agood fifteen years, I believe. I cannot recall the exact date she began her employment with my father.”

  “What do you know about her? Does she have a husband? A family?”

  “No husband, although I have heard her mention a daughter, so I suppose she was married at one time.”

  “Where is her daughter?” Nick asked.

  “I don’t recall. I probably seem like such a fool not knowing it. Lily is close to me, and yet I don’t know that much about her life outside of working for us.”

  “Do you think her daughter is dead?”

  Abigail shrugged. “It’s a possibility. It was a few years ago when she first mentioned her, and I don’t believe she has said anything lately.”

  “I would like to meet Lily, if you don’t mind, just to ask her a few questions for my case.”

  “I suppose I can arrange that,” Abigail said.

  Nick smiled at her. “I’d appreciate it.”

  After they finished lunch and washed the few dishes, Nick took her by the hand and walked her to the music room. “You have a beautiful home, Abby.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Which room is your favorite?”

  She glanced around. As a child she’d spent many hours here, practicing her piano lessons to impress her father. He would act excited when she performed a piece, but then something always stole the moment. Usually it was when an employee from the newspaper came to call.

  With a sigh, Abigail decided her favorite room had been wherever her father paid her attention. “No, I don’t have a favorite,” she answered softly.

  Nick stood in front of her and lifted her chin until she met his gaze. “Did I say something out of turn?”

  “No.”

  “Then why are you suddenly so glum?”

  “Thinking about my father again.”

  He slid his arms around her waist. “Would you like to talk about it?”

  “No. I’m fine.”

  He took her hand and lifted it to his mouth. “I’m sure you’re very talented on the piano. Would you play something for me?”

  Abigail blushed and nodded. “It’s been a while since I have entertained, but I would love to do so now.”

  She pulled away from him and moved to the piano. A piece ofmusiccametomind,soshestrokedherfingersacrossthekeys in the lively tune. She’d always enjoyed this piece by Mozart, thinking it was very romantic. When she finished playing it, Nick clapped and whistled, practically making a spectacle of himself. But Abigail loved his reaction. Strange, but she loved a lot of things about him already. If only she could get rid of the fear she’d had for so long. Her father and Harry would never let her have a beau. She couldn’t even get to know a young man before her guardians chased him away. But she vowed Harry would not take Nick away from her. She was in control of her life now!

  Abigail pushed away from the piano and stood. Nick’s arms opened and she walked into his embrace. Then he assumed the dance position.

  “I’m sure you’re a dancer, too. Am I correct?”

  She smiled. “Doesn’t everyone know how to dance?”

  Nick hummed the classical selection she’d just played as he gently swung her around the floor. Today had been a dream, and the day wasn’t even over. “Nick, every moment I spend with you, I’m thoroughly amazed.”

  “How so?”

  “Because I didn’t know there were men like you out there.”

  “There aren’t. I’m one in a million, maybe even two million.” He winked.

  “Yes, you are.”

  Abigail laid her head against his chest. He stopped humming, but they continued to sway together. She could feel his heartbeat hammering just as quickly as her own, and she prayed this moment would never end. “Nick, why are you doing this to me?”

  “What am I doing?” he asked in a low voice.

  Her chest ached with an unfamiliar feeling that she suspected was love. “You’re making me want things I have never wanted before. You make me yearn for a different kind of life.”

  He kissed her forehead. “Abby, I feel the same way when I’m with you. Forgive me for being so bold, but I must tell you I’ve been in love with you for quite a while.”

  Her heart soared, but then she frowned. “But we’ve only just met.”

  “That doesn’t mean I haven’t known you from afar.”

  How could he love her from afar? And if he’d been infatuated, why hadn’t he made his intentions known sooner? Why had he waited until after her father died?

  Her heart dropped. He was exactly what Harry had predicted. Nick Marshal only wanted her for her father’s money.

  Eighteen

  Nick cringed at the confusion on Abby’s beautiful face. He’d been an idiot. Why had he confessed so soon that he loved he
r? She’d stiffened in his arms, and he could read the distrust in her eyes.

  Now she stepped away, shaking her head. “That cannot be right. You didn’t even know me until recently. How could you love someone you’d never met?”

  “Abby, it’s not like that.”

  “Harry was right. You’re just after my father’s money.”

  Nick reached for her, but she backed away. “Please, Abby, let me explain.”

  “What I’d like you to do, Mr. Marshal, is collect your things and leave my house posthaste. I don’t wish to see you. If you don’t do as I say, I will summon the police.”

  He sighed, wishing he could just tell her the truth. All he could do was leave, then keep an eye on her from a distance. He also needed to start asking questions. In less than two weeks, someone was going to kill her.

  Nick turned to walk out of the room, but stopped in the entrance and looked at Abby over his shoulder. Tears spiked her eyelashes, and her bottom lip trembled. He’d never wanted to hurt her, and he wished he could take back his declaration of love.

  “Abby, I don’t care about your father’s money. If you were penniless and living on the street, I’d still have these feelings for you. I wish you’d let me prove it to you, but until then, I’m not giving up. I’ve given you my word that I will be here for you and protect you, and I’ll follow through with my promise.”

  Abigail brought her hand to her mouth as tears spilled down her cheeks. He turned and walked slowly to his room to collect his vest and jacket. Then he made his way to the front door, hoping she’d be there waiting for him. She wasn’t, so he let himself out.

  Nick’s heart wrenched with each step he took away from her house. He had no idea how he’d win her heart and earn her trust again. But he wouldn’t give up. Her life—and his happiness— depended on finding the person intent on murdering her.

  The only other place he could think to go was to the newspaper building. Thankfully, a farmer gave him a lift this time.

  When Nick reached the office building, he stood in front and looked up. Right away he noticed where the new additions had been built during his time—different window and automatic doors. How could he make a living? The laws were far different now than in the future when he practiced. Of course, he could study and then take the California Bar Exam again; he’d just have to find a way to pay for it. But if they required proof he’d gone to college, he’d be in trouble.

  He could be a private detective. But again, where would he get the funds to get started in that profession? He also didn’t know how long he’d be living in Abby’s day. Was it his destiny to prevent her murder and then go back? Or would he be fortunate enough to stay in this time forever?

  Harry and another man exited the building and walked toward Nick. As they came closer, he recognized the second man as the one who had caught him in the office the day before.

  “You, sir,” bellowed the second man. “Hold up there!”

  Soon Harry stood before Nick. “It’s a pleasure to meet you again, Mr. Marshal.”

  “The pleasure is all mine, I’m sure.” Nick arched an eyebrow.

  “My associate, Mr. Murdock here, tells me you knew what happened to the Titanic yesterday. Is this so?”

  Nick had messed up again. “Yes, it’s true.”

  “How did you know there were so many dead?”

  Think, Nick, think. “Because I have, uh, an uncle who works on the Carpathia. He sent me a wire and told me how many people were rescued.” Nick shrugged. “Do the math. We know how many passengers were on the Titanic. We know they didn’t have enough lifeboats, so how could they all be rescued?”

  Harry nodded and scratched his chin. His narrowed gaze stayed on Nick, making him very uncomfortable.

  “That was brilliant of you, Mr. Marshal,” Harry exclaimed.

  “After Mr. Murdock told me, I got checking, and you were right. We put the news in today’s paper. This issue has been our biggest seller yet.”

  “Congratulations.”

  Harry folded his arms across his scrawny chest. “I know you told me you were a solicitor, and I’m having my investigators look into it. I don’t know you well at all, and I wonder why you are here in town, since I have never seen you before.”

  Nick groaned silently. He knew what the investigators would find, and if the truth got back to Abby, he’d be in big trouble.

  “However,” Harry continued, “while I’m waiting, I would like you to come work for me at the newspaper. We are in great need of intelligent men like yourself.” His gaze moved over Nick.

  “And you look like you’re low on funds at the moment.”

  Nick held his breath, afraid his excitement would show. This was perfect! Abby’s murder had taken place in Edward Carlisle’s office. Nick had to make sure it didn’t happen this time, and he could only do so if he could be in the building without attracting undue attention.

  He nodded and held out his hand to Harry. “Agreed. When can I start?”

  The next day, Abigail donned her black mourning gown. Her maid, Lily, followed behind, assisting as needed. Anger flowed through Abigail, along with the crushing pain of betrayal. She’d believed Nick, yet he’d turned out to be just like the other men who had courted her.

  It didn’t matter if she couldn’t stop thinking of his kisses and the way he held her so tenderly. He had still lied to her. He’d told her what she wanted to hear, and she had fallen for it. How could she have been so gullible?

  “Where are you going today, Miss Abigail?”

  She met Lily’s questioning gaze in the vanity mirror as she clipped the heart-shaped locket around her neck—the same necklace her grandmother had said would help her attain her heart’s deepest desire. “I’m going to the newspaper,” Abigail answered. “I need Harry to show me how it runs. If I own the place now, I’d better start acting like it.”

  “Don’t you think it’s too soon?” Lily patted Abigail’s styled hair into place. “After all, you’re still in mourning. People won’t think badly of you if you stay secluded for a while longer.”

  “People may not think badly of me, but I will go insane if I don’t keep busy.”

  “You’re so much like your father.” Lily smiled.

  Her heart lifted. “Do you believe so?”

  “Oh, yes. Work was all he cared about. He hated to be idle.”

  Abigail sighed and nodded. “Then I’m following in his footsteps closely, just as it should be.” She glanced down on her vanity table, looking for her favorite pair of earrings. “Lily, have you seen my earrings? You know, the diamond and ruby ones that dangle from my ears?”

  “I know which ones you speak of, but I haven’t seen them.”

  Abigail frowned. “They were here yesterday, and now they’re gone. I could have sworn I put them right here.” She pointed to the place on her vanity.

  “Would you like me to look for them while you’re at the newspaper office?”

  “Yes, thank you, Lily. I would very much appreciate that.”

  Abigail hurried out of the bedroom, then down the stairs and outside. Her father’s chauffeur waited for her by the car. “Hudson, please take me to the office.”

  “As you wish, Miss Abigail.”

  During the short ride, she stared out the window. The passing scenery was a blur. She couldn’t concentrate on anything except Nick. At times she’d thought herself in love with him, but she couldn’t be. Nobody could fall in love in one day. Nick Marshal was a charmer of the worst kind. Thankfully, he hadn’t done anything to damage her reputation. And to think she’d let him talk her into allowing him to stay in her house!

  Abigail folded her arms and leaned her head back on the seat. If Nick really wanted her for her father’s money, why didn’t he try to make improper advances? Why didn’t he try to make her feel guilty, so she would have to marry him? Instead, he had acted like the perfect gentleman. Several times yesterday he could have taken advantage of her innocence. So why didn’t he?

/>   When Abigail entered the newspaper office, the front-desk secretary’s eyes widened in surprise, but Abigail simply greeted her and hurried by. Many men stopped while they were working to stare at her as she walked past. She gave them all a friendly wave. Apparently, they must have expected her to stay at home and mourn for the rest of her life. That was something she would not do.

  Near her father’s office, Harry and Murdock stood talking with another man. When she realized who it was, Abigail gasped. Harry noticed her and waved her over. She took a deep breath for courage, then lifted her chin and gracefully approached the small group.

  “Abigail, my dear, you remember Mr. Marshal from the cemetery, right?”

  “How could I forget?” she said with a smirk.

  Nick gave her a mock bow. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Miss Carlisle.”

  Harry rubbed his hands together and grinned. “Well, I’ve hired him. He’s doing a remarkable job at the newspaper already. Very impressive, indeed.”

  “You have?” she asked Nick. “It takes an accomplished man to impress Harry.”

  Nick smiled. “I’m full of hidden talents.”

  “Yes, you are.” She tore her gaze from Nick and looked at Harry. “I’ll be in my father’s office for a while. When you get a moment, I need to see you.”

  “All right. I’ll be there momentarily.”

  Abigail nodded to Nick and Murdock. “Good day, gentlemen.” She almost choked on the word, knowing Nick was more a snake in disguise than a gentleman.

  With him working this close to her, she wouldn’t be able to think. Harry may disagree with her, but she couldn’t have Nick working here. One way or another, he would have to leave.

  When she entered her father’s office, she could smell his pipe, and she closed her eyes as memories flooded her mind. Funny how he still occupied the space even though he had passed on. Tears gathered in Abigail’s eyes, but she refused to cry. Instead, she’d take Nick’s advice and keep busy.

  She picked up the freshly printed newspaper off her father’s desk and scanned the headlines. The front page talked about the people who had perished when the Titanic hit an iceberg and sank. Those poor, helpless people! What a terrible way to die.