Past the Ages: Book Two Read Online Free PDF Page A

chewed on a baby potato. Swallowed. “By the way, you look ravishing in your lavender dress, Miss Channing. It’s the exact color of your eyes.”
    Lucy felt her face get hot at the compliment. “Thank you.”
    “Lucy,” her mother chirped, causing Lucy to jump. “Your betrothed has asked that you meet him in Covington Park this afternoon. I’m sending correspondence with a reply that you will be there.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Lucy drank the rest of her wine while her mother resettled herself at the table.
    “Wear the periwinkle walking dress,” her mother continued. “It’s such a lovely shade against your skin.” Her mother focused her attention on Will. “You belongings have arrived and are up in your room. Perhaps you’d like Sheldon to show you up?”
    “Mother, we aren’t finished eating,” Beau complained when several of the staff came in and took their plates away.
    “It’s time to work on your studies. Get upstairs. Rosie is waiting.”
    “But—”
    “Go now.” Mrs. Channing pointed at the door.
    Ellen and Beau grumbled as they stood.
    “What’s that?” Mrs. Channing asked.
    “Yes, ma’am,” they answered together.
    When they were gone, Mrs. Channing gave Will a cursory glare. “You’d do well to remember that my daughter is off limits.” She grabbed Lucy’s arm, forcing her to stand. “Now get upstairs and change.”
    It looked like Will wanted to say something. His jaw clenched and unclenched. Lucy shook her head, hoping he’d understand that it was best to keep quiet.
    “Of course, Mrs. Channing.”

 
     
     
    FIVE
    TAKING A TURN
     
     
     
    THE PARK was relatively quiet that afternoon. The sun was out, but clouds occasionally covered it, making the somewhat stifling air more bearable. Lucy had chosen the blue, as her mother suggested. She had matching shoes, hat, and a parasol, though she wasn’t using it at the moment. Dashel looked handsome as ever in fawn brown breeches, dark chocolate over the knee boots, and an off white shirt with a matching coat. His hat sat proudly atop his head with tufts of his dark hair peaking out from all the sides. His brown eyes were clear and brimming with amusement.
    The trees around them were full of blooms, including cherry and apple blossoms. They touched every part of the trees circling the park, leaving little room for the green leaves. Birds sang brightly, calling back and forth to each other. Dashel couldn’t have picked a more perfect day for a stroll.
    Lucy had invited Harriet to escort her on the outing. She even dressed her in one of her gowns. She wanted it to be a new one, but Harriet insisted that something older would do just fine. At the moment she walked five steps behind Lucy and Dashel, seemingly lost in thought. Occasionally she even thought she heard the girl talking to herself, but each time she peered back, Harriet’s mouth was closed tight.
    “You’re quiet this afternoon?” Dashel nudged her shoulder lightly.
    “I have something I need to speak with you about, but am not sure how to bring it up.” Lucy leaned into Dashel. He’d been her friend for so long, she didn’t know what she’d do without him.
    His hand curled around her fingers clutching his arm. “You can tell me anything. You know that.”
    “I do, Dashel, but this is huge and a bit…” she paused a moment, “incredible.”
    “Dear Lucy, you tend to be a bit melodramatic.”
    “I know, but this time I’m not.”
    “Really?”
    “Remember when I was nine and I found that stray cat?”
    Dashel lifted his head, obviously trying to remember.
    “Really, Dash. You must remember. Everyone thought it was a wildcat and worried I would come down with some incurable disease if it scratched or bit me.”
    “Of course, I remember. You begged me to help you make a bed for it and wanted to sneak it up into your room.”
    “Right,” she smiled wryly. “You helped me and the first night it scratched me. A few hours later a red line began crawling up