Mirrored Time (A Time Archivist Novel Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

aunt’s house with a bouquet of colorful flowers.
    Louisa answered the door, a wide smile on her face. “Well, if it isn’t good to see you.” Her eyes narrowed. “Practical coat choice, of course. Planning to catch your death out here?” She ushered her inside. “What were you, raised by wolves?”
    With a teasing smile, she took the flowers. “At least someone taught you not to show up empty-handed.” With her usual crackling energy, she bustled into the kitchen.
    Gwen followed her, the familiar smell of the house making her heart ache. “How is she, Louisa?”
    The older woman’s hands stilled on the flowers, concern flickering across her face. “It hasn’t been the best day. This treatment makes her sicker than the others. I’ve been spending more time here. Maggie can’t do everything that she used to, as much as it pains her to admit it. I’ve known her a long time and …”
    Louisa fussed with the flowers, covering up the break in her voice. “Well, I intend to know her for a lot longer, and your visit is exactly what she needs to cheer her up.”
    When Maggie’s illness had returned, Louisa had been quick to volunteer her time. Louisa was more than capable, but Gwen had still fought the idea of going back to finish college. Maggie had been adamant, refusing to be the reason Gwen dropped out of school. Her aunt had also known about the LSATs and Gwen’s interest in studying law. And there was no chance Maggie would have let her cancel her registration for such an important exam.
    Even though it had no longer felt important, Gwen had forced herself to take the test. But when Maggie asked her about the scores, Gwen had lied. Maggie couldn’t encourage her to leave for school if she thought Gwen hadn’t met the admission requirements. She felt horrible knowing Maggie blamed herself. Still, if it meant she could be there for her aunt? However Machiavellian and however guilty she felt, the ends justified the means. Maggie was too important to leave.
    Gwen had considered moving back home, but Maggie would have been too suspicious. And if her apartment felt too far away, she reminded herself she was at least still in the same state. And luckily, there was Louisa. Maggie and her childhood friend had the same fiery spirit. Louisa offered help in a no-nonsense manner when Maggie would have balked at pity. Gwen leaned over and kissed Louisa on the cheek, surprising the older woman into silence.
    It was Gwen’s turn to play with the flowers. “Sorry. I just …” She cleared her throat. “Thank you for everything you do. I know how hard it is.”
    Louisa touched her hand, their gaze meeting. If either noticed more moisture in the other’s eyes, they didn’t mention it. “Well …” Louisa’s voice was a little shaky. “… I think we’ve fussed enough with these flowers.” She made a shooing motion with her hands. “Why don’t you go put on warmer clothes, and I’ll tell her you’re here?”
    With a salute, Gwen hurried up the stairs to her room. It never failed to make Gwen’s heart warm to see the room as she had last left it. It was proof of Maggie’s promise that Gwen would always be welcome in her home.
    After changing, she went to find Maggie. The woman lying on the bed was thinner than she remembered, a bright scarf tied around her head. The fragility of her wrists was as painful as the deep hollows of her cheeks. However, the warmth in her welcoming smile was the same as it had always been.
    Gwen felt her lips stretch in an answering smile. “Hi, Maggie.” Her voice wavered.
    “Now, love,”—her aunt gave a brisk nod—“none of that. Stop skulking and come here.” Maggie smiled, her hazel eyes flashing with humor.
    Gwen dropped into an exaggerated curtsey before easing her weight down on the edge of the bed. “It’s good to see you.”
    “Nice try, but you aren’t fooling me. Louisa hasn’t managed to hide all the reflective surfaces in the house—yet.” She laughed,