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

either.”
    She shrugged. “I don’t know what it is or why I even became so defensive, but…” She took a deep breath. “It’s just a feeling I have. There are too many holes in the story.”
    As she studied his expression, familiarity came back. Why did she think she had met him some place before? Immediately, a man’s portrait flew through her mind. Lord Andrew. It was as if a light bulb had been turned on in her head and she recalled his full name. Drew Merrick.
    “Oh, my gosh!” she blurt out before covering her mouth. Her gaze wandered over his face, his hair, and he looked almost identical to the portrait of Andrew Merrick …well, except Lord Andrew appeared more healthy.
    “What is amiss?” he asked.
    She dropped her hand from her mouth. “Your last name is Merrick.”
    “Yes.”
    “The man who was accused of killing his family was Andrew Merrick.”
    His lips stretched slowly into a smile. “Yes.”
    “You might think this is funny, but you resemble the portrait hanging in that room. By chance, are you related?”
    A heavy sigh came from Drew and he nodded. “I am.”
    “Does Nigel know?”
    Drew shook his head. “He does not, and I would appreciate it if he never learned that bit of information.”
    His expression wavered, and curiosity got the better of her. Why did he look as if he knew something she didn’t? “How long have you been working here?”
    “I’ve only been here about a month now.”
    Drew led her to the large tree out front, the same tree where she’d seen him when arriving at Buckland Manor.
    “So, Drew…was Nigel’s story correct? Did Lord Andrew kill his family?”
    He stopped short, swinging his head to look at her. “Andrew Merrick did not murder his family nor did he have anything to do with it.”
    “I wonder what really happened .”
    He shrugged. “The family was murdered, there’s no mistake about that, but the wrong person was accused.”
    She folded her arms across her chest and cocked her head. “Who do you think did it?”
    “That, Miss Chapman, I wish I knew.”
    She scratched her chin. “From my research, there was always a distant uncle or cousin who coveted the title. This has happened for generations. Do you know much about the ancestors?”
    The corner of his mouth lifted as a twinkle lit his eyes. “Indeed, I do.”
    She gasped and clutched his arm, excitement shooting through her. “Really? Oh, I’d love to know more. I love history, and nothing intrigues me more than when it comes with a good mystery.”
    He glanced at her hand resting on his arm before his gaze bounced up to meet hers again. Crackling warmth spread quickly through her fingertips. Confused by the sensation, she withdrew.
    Drew swallowed then laughed, sounding entirely too forced. “I enjoy your enthusiasm, Miss Chapman. I would be delighted to tell you everything I know.”
    “Thank you. I look forward to it.”
    From behind her, closer to the house, her friend called her name. She swung toward Samantha’s voice. Beside her walked Colin.
    “There you are.” Colin pierced Drew with a glare before switching his attention to Halle. “We wondered where you’d wandered off to.”
    Halle flipped her hand in the air. “Oh, we were just discussing the history of the manor.”
    Colin eyed the older man carefully before glancing at his watch. “We had plans tonight to drive into town, and if we don’t leave soon, we’ll miss our theatre time.”
    “Forgive me for interrupting your plans, Miss Chapman,” Drew said with a smile. “We can meet tomorrow , and I shall tell you everything I know.”
    She nodded. “Sounds good to me. Thanks. I hope you have a pleasant evening.”
    “And you, as well.” He bowed slightly.
    Halle stepped between Samantha and Colin as they walked back to the house. Colin leaned closer. “What was that all about?”
    She arched her eyebrow when she looked at him. “Are you kidding me? Colin, I’m not sure I like the tone of your