Love Lost in Time (Victorian Time-Travel) Read Online Free PDF

mistress, doesn’t mean he’s the killer. Was there any real proof that he killed his family?”
    “ I’m afraid I don’t know. The story I’m relating is the one that’s been connected to this manor for years.”
    “It just doesn’t make sense.” She shrugged. “I have a major in history, and from what I studied about the Victorian era, the second sons could receive large inheritances and even lands as long as they’re not entailed. Was this the case with Lord Andrew? I mean, if his family was wealthy—” She motioned toward the lovely furnishings in the room— “As we can see they were, I’m sure Lord Andrew was given a grand inheritance. Usually second sons worked as well—in the Foreign Offices or such—making a pretty good living. I don’t believe Lord Andrew was the desperate second son your intriguing tale makes him out to be. And another thing that doesn’t ring true…if Lord Andrew was the mastermind behind all of this, why did he die in the attack? If he planned all of this, wouldn’t he have planned his own escape instead of getting killed?”
    “Well… um, I don’t know…” Nigel exploded into a fit of coughs and quickly retrieved a small pill box from his pocket, snatched a white pill, and tossed it in his mouth. He took several deep breaths, and then met her gaze again. “My apologies. But as I was saying, your questions have merit, however, I can only tell you what has been told to me.” He straightened and pointed to the next room. “Now let’s continue…”
    She rolled her eyes as she hesitated from following the group to the next room. Perhaps she shouldn’t get so upset, but how could she not? All of her life she’d been about truth, justice, and the American way. Unfortunately, she wasn’t in America any longer and things were vastly different, especially in the Victorian era.
    Turning sharply, she moved to catch up with the group, but a tall, muscular body stopped her. She looked up into the caring eyes of Drew Merrick. Instead of the angry expression he displayed a few minutes ago, a tender smile touched his mouth and a gleam lit his eyes.
    “Miss Chapman, may I have a word in private, please?”
    Halle glanced around the room, now empty. “It looks like we’re alone now.”
    He shook his head. “No, not here. Would you mind going for a stroll outside with me?”
    She hesitated. Still a stranger, she didn’t know if he’d try something or not. Yet, for some reason, she felt she could trust him. “Sure.”
    He lifted his elbow then quickly dropped his arm by his side. For a moment, she thought he’d wanted her to take his arm like a proper lady would have done to a gentleman in the olden days. Nah ! She was being foolish to think that way. Men didn’t act like that any longer. It must have been her daydreaming a little while ago that made her think like that.
    Drew remained quiet until they strolled outside. The sun had set, and a bright moon lit the sky. The wind had died down, and the temperature was still quite cool, so she slid her hands inside the pockets of her jacket.
    Old-fashioned lanterns scattered throughout the yard, giving it a romantic feel. She held back a chuckle. Romantic? How could she feel that way toward an older man? Although, remembering how strong his chest looked this afternoon made her think she’d been wrong about his age.
    “It’s a lovely evening, isn’t it?” She had to say something to break the silence.
    He looked straight into her eyes. His gaze seemed to delve deep into her, clear to her soul.
    He nodded. “Very lovely, indeed.”
    Why did she think he was referring to her instead of the night? Ridiculous! Just her crazy thoughts of romance getting carried away again.
    “I thank you,” he began, “for saying what you did about Lord Andrew back there.” He motioned his head toward the manor as they walked away from it.
    “Really? Why?”
    “Because I didn’t...um, I mean I don’t believe he was guilty,