by Dawn Brower
Eve’s laughter echoed through the room. “You’re right.” She hugged Peyton quickly and then left her alone in the room. She stared at her reflection again and sighed. She supposed she should slip her dress on and do as she told Eve she would do. No makeup was going to help her. She’d already tried everything, and her skin still had a translucent appearance to it.
Peyton strode over to the large garment bag and unzipped it. Inside was a tea-length, ruby-red gown. It would either give her some color or make her paler than usual. She removed the hanger and stepped into it. Clearly, she hadn’t been thinking when she sent Eve away. The zipper was halfway up, and she couldn’t manage to pull it the rest of the way. Peyton stepped closer to the floor-length mirror and turned around to see her progress. Definitely half-way up… “How the hell am I supposed to finish zipping this damn thing?”
She sighed and started to walk away from the mirror. Before she made it two steps, something shoved her down. Peyton hit the floor with a thud. “What the hell…”
She glanced back at a large male sprawled on the floor beside her. He had dark hair, slightly on the longer side. He wore… She frowned. Was he really wearing pants reminiscent of an earlier era? If she were to hazard a guess, he belonged in mid-nineteenth century. She could be wrong though. While she was well aware time travel existed that didn’t mean a man dressed in historical garb had come from the past. If he was though…that would be interesting. “Who the blazes are you?” she demanded.
He scrambled to his feet. “Pardon me,” he apologized. “Please allow me to assist you.” The handsome man held out his hand to her. She placed hers in his because she did need help to her feet. While she was on the mend and felt better than she had in ages…Peyton still had moments of weakness. Though she loathed to admit it.
“You didn’t answer my question,” she reminded him.
He frowned. “I didn’t realize you asked one. Please restate it.”
She narrowed her gaze. “Are you messing with me?”
“I assure you, I am not,” he replied with ease. He glanced around the room with a puzzled expression on his face. “Pray tell,” he began. “What time is this?”
“Time?” Peyton wasn’t certain how to handle the situation. She had guessed previously that he was from another time, but this made her assumption valid. Still she had to be certain. So she decided to act as if he was only asking about the literal time, not the date. “It’s about mid-afternoon. The wedding will begin soon.”
“Who is getting married?”
This man was full of questions and hadn’t bothered to give any answers of his own. She wasn’t about to tell him anything else until he did so. “I don’t think so. First, you need to tell me who you are and how you got here.” Her sister had traveled with Trenton through the mirror to save Genevieve. Was that how this man had come from the past as well?
He sighed. “I am Lord Nicholas Kendall,” he informed her. “As to the latter—I’m not entirely certain. I mean, I might understand the how a little, but the rest is blurry.”
“You’re a relation of Bradford’s?” She tilted her head to the side. Yeah, she could see the family resemblance. His hair was a little lighter, but his eyes were the same striking blue. He spoke a tad more formally than Bradford too. Did he think this wedding was themed? Is that why he dressed in ancient styles? She glanced past him to the mirror. He’d fallen on her and had not come in through the doorway. Did that mean… “You’re not from this time, are you?” She was fairly certain of that now, but wanted to hear him say the words.
“No, my lady,” he answered. “I’m not.”
Great. She didn’t need this, one of Bradford’s ancestors popping over for a visit. This would be wonderful to explain to the duke and duchess—and Genevieve. Peyton hoped this wouldn’t cause a disruption to her sister’s wedding. She walked over to the door and bellowed, “Regina.” Then went back to the man’s side.
“This is not a good day for a little tête-à-tête with your future family members,” she told him. “What were you thinking? Time travel is not something to play with.”
He lifted his chin defiantly. “I do not require a lecture of any sort.” He stepped closer to her, and her heart skipped a beat. Lord, he was handsome as sin… “Nor do I wish to listen to a lovely lady upbraid me. There are far more pleasant things we can do with our time.”
“Pardon me,” she said a little breathlessly. “Did you proposition me?” Peyton had to have misunderstood him. “We met moments ago, and you want to what? Have a little make-out session with me before the wedding? Hard pass.”
His lips tilted upward into a devastating smile. It nearly undid her. Men should not be this attractive. “I’m uncertain what this make-out is you speak of, but it sounds intriguing. Please, tell me more.”
“Oohhh,” she said and stomped her foot. “You’re so aggravating.”
“Thank you, I think,” he said. “Now, perhaps, you’ll tell me. What time is this, and who’s wedding will I be attending.”
Peyton wanted to punch him as much as she wanted to kiss him. He was scrambling her brain cells. Maybe all that chemotherapy had warped her mind. She shouldn’t desire a man as arrogant as this one. He sure was pretty to look at, but as soon as he opened his mouth, it ruined the fantasy. “I’m not sure you’re attending anything. Why don’t you step back into the mirror and return from where you came from.”
“I do not wish to,” he said undeterred. “I meant to time travel, and I’m not about to waste my experience mere moments after I’ve arrived.”
“It’s a mistake,” she told him.
“Perhaps,” he agreed. “But it is one I’m willing to make. Are you done being difficult?”
She was being difficult? “I think you have this all wrong. You are the one somewhere you don’t belong. I’m supposed to be here.”
“What is it?” Regina said as she walked into the room. Cameron was in her arms, attempting to flee from her embrace as he wiggled around, but she had a firm grip on him. “He’s being demanding, and I need to get him down for his nap before the ceremony.” The future duke was a handful on a good day. She stopped in her tracks and stared at Lord Nicholas Kendall. “Oh God, not again.”
“I’m not certain what that statement means,” the man said sounding a little offended. “You are Regina?” He took a step toward her. “Sister of Alys?”
“Yes,” she admitted reluctantly and sighed.
Lord Nicholas’s grin widened. “Aunt Regina,” he exclaimed. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Mother has spoken highly of you.”
Regina’s face paled at his words. “What?”
Peyton frowned. She glanced from Lord Nicholas and then back to Regina. Alys was Regina’s adopted sister. Was this really Alys’s son? “Didn’t Trenton and Eve say Alys had twin boys?”
“Yes,” Lord Nicholas said. “Christian is my twin and set to inherit the dukedom.” He motioned toward Cameron. “I’m willing to bet your child is a direct descendant of him.”
“This cannot be happening,” Regina said. She shook her head and pointed at Lord Nicholas. “Stay here. I’ll be back with Bradford. You cannot wear that—” She waved her hand at his attire. “—to the wedding. We will sort everything else out after.”
“Wait,” Peyton called, but it was too late. Regina was already out of the room.
“This is better than I could have hoped for,” Lord Nicholas said. “I never expected to meet my auntie.” He turned to her. “You should have told me what time I arrived in.” He rubbed his hands together gleefully. “This is going to be so much fun.”
“I’m glad one of us is enjoying this turn of events. In case you missed it, your auntie isn’t so happy to see you.”
“Nonsense,” he replied jovially. “She’s going to love me. Everyone does.”
“You’re full of it,” Peyton told him dryly. “That cannot possibly be true.” Though she was starting to believe it a little. He had an appealing allure to
him, and it didn’t hurt he was gorgeous.
“Trust me,” he said. “I can charm anyone. It’s a gift.”
“Well, since you’re here.” She turned her back to him. “Do me a favor and finish zipping me up.”
“I’m afraid I do not know what that is.” He stepped closer. “But I’d be more than happy to assist you out of this pretty dress instead.”
Peyton was tempted to agree to his proposal. She’d like nothing more than to feel desired again. Surely he didn’t really find her beautiful? She’d seen her own reflection, and it wasn’t much to look at. “I am standing up with my sister while she marries the man she loves. I need to stay dressed for that, thank you very much.”
“If you insist,” he said. “Tell me how to…zip you up then.”
Peyton smiled. He was refreshing she’d give him that. “Pull the tab up until it stops.”
“This,” he asked as he wiggled the zipper.
“Yes,” she told him.
He pulled it all the way up. His fingertips skimming against her skin sent waves of pleasure through her. If the lightest of his touches made her feel so much, she feared she’d fall at his feet at any moment. Her breathing became ragged. She closed her eyes and found some semblance of strength and stepped away from him. “Thank you,” she said. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to join my sister in the bridal chamber. Wait here for Regina. She shouldn’t be long.” With those words, she fled the room before she threw herself at him.
Chapter 4
It was strange. If it hadn’t happened to him, Nicholas would not have believed it. Time travel was a concept he thought he understood and hoped worked, but if he were to be honest, he hadn’t actually thought himself capable of achieving it. Now that he stood in the library at Weston Manor, one not quite the same as the one he’d left, he had to admit he’d accomplished his goal. He’d gone through the mirror in the nineteenth century and fallen into the twenty-first.
He scanned the room and took in his surroundings. He’d been a little overwhelmed when he’d first arrived. The woman—it didn’t occur to him until this second she’d failed to tell him her name. No matter, he’d have it soon enough. She was a delightful surprise he fully intended to become further acquainted with. Her gorgeous red tresses appeared silky to the touch, and he couldn’t wait to discover if they were. Nicholas suspected they’d become quite familiar with each other.
“By God, Regina wasn’t pulling one over on me,” a man said as he strolled into the room. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m afraid you have me at a loss,” Nicholas said. “You seem quite certain of my identity, but I’m not so sure of yours.”
The man rolled his eyes. “You’re not blind or stupid. Clearly, we’re related.”
He did look quite similar to Nicholas’s father. They could almost be twins, though this gentleman was at least a decade younger than his father. “You’re the current duke.”
“Right the first time,” he said. “Bradford Kendall, Duke of Weston, at your service.” He moved closer. “Regina informs me you’re Nicholas Kendall. A little far from home, aren’t you?” He lifted a brow. “Why are you here?”
“Does it matter that much? Cannot a man wish to visit with his family?”
Bradford chuckled. “I wish I could say I’m surprised, but I’ve learned, with this family, anything is possible.” He held out a suit toward him. “Change into this. You’re boots will have to work with it. I don’t have time to find you some more appropriate shoes. We can take you shopping for clothing later.”
The suit was a charcoal gray with a starched white undershirt. The tie was a lighter shade than the suit, but he couldn’t discern how it was to be tied. He had a valet for such things. “You don’t employ a man to help me dress?”
“You mean like a valet?” Bradford asked with a hint of acerbity in his tone. “This is not the nineteenth century. A man is capable of putting on his own clothes.”
He reached for the suit and then held up the tie. “And what of this? What would you have me do with it?”
Nicholas didn’t need him talking to him as if he were an imbecile. If their roles were reversed and he’d come back to his time, Bradford would undoubtedly be oblivious about some of the time’s etiquette. Nicholas may be at a loss, but he could learn.
“Put the rest on, and I’ll help with that.” Bradford waved his hand dismissively. “Please hurry before my wife returns.”
Nicholas undressed as fast as he was able. He pulled the trousers up and frowned. It had one of those zippers the lovely lady had asked him to assist her with. Her skin had been silky to the touch as he skimmed his fingers over her back. He’d have rather taken it in the opposite direction and made love to her, but she didn’t seem inclined. At least, not at that moment… She was definitely interested. Nicholas could tell when a lady found him attractive. There were many willing ladies offering themselves to him over the years.
He zipped them up and slid the button through the hole. They fit rather nicely for not being tailored specifically to him. He picked up the white shirt and slid his arms into it. There were more buttons than he anticipated. No matter, it wouldn’t take long to slide them into place. When he was halfway done, his Aunt Regina walked in, this time without the child in her arms.
She stopped in the middle of the room and stared at him. “What are you doing here?”
That seemed to be the question everyone wanted an answer to. He lifted a brow. “Are you not happy to see me, Auntie?” His other aunt, Rosanna, was always happy to see him. Was family not as important in the twenty-first century? Perhaps he had made a mistake. He hoped not, but so far his welcome had not been the warm one he’d anticipated.
“That’s not the point, and you know it. Has something happened to Alys? Does she need help?”
“No.” He shook his head. “Mother is fine. The entire family is well. Elizabeth is happily married. Christian is considering matrimony. Mother is tutoring a young countess in the art of medicine.” Nicholas was the one floundering… “There is nothing to concern yourself with.”
“I don’t understand then.” Regina moved closer until she stood next to her husband. “What made you think traveling here was a good idea? What did you hope to gain?”
Fulfillment. Love. Family. “Don’t overthink it, Auntie,” he said relying on his charm to win her over. “I’m here. The rest is minor details. Why don’t we enjoy our time together and leave it at that.”
Regina threw her hands up in the air. Frustration nearly dripping from her... She turned to Bradford. “See, he’s presentable for the wedding. I need to go back and ensure everything else goes off without a hitch.”
With those words, she spun on her heels and exited the room, leaving him alone with Bradford once again—his Uncle Great Great Great Nephew or something like that... He’d figure out how to address him later. Nicholas finished buttoning the white shirt and then slipped on the vest and jacket. “What do we do with this?” He held up the gray tie.
“Give it to me,” Bradford ordered. He slipped it around Nicholas neck and began to twist, then loop, then tie it until it was in some sort of knot Nicholas didn’t recognize. “Now, button the vest and jacket. Don’t forget to put your boots on. I need to have you seated before the wedding starts or Regina will have both our heads.”
Nicholas did as Bradford told him and then followed him out of the library. They walked outside to where the ceremony was to take place. Several chairs had been lined up with a makeshift aisle for the bride to walk down. Bradford pointed to where he was to sit, and then walked off to speak to someone. This wedding must be important for them to be all out of sorts about his arrival. He couldn’t wait to meet the bride and groom…
Bradford came back over to him. “I have a problem, and you’re going to be a solution. Come with me.”
Nicholas shrugged and followed him. He didn’t know what Bradford needed, but he was happy to assist him. It was far better than sitting with al
l the guests and feeling as if he didn’t belong.
Peyton had to remind herself to breathe. This was her sister’s wedding day. It was not time to have any sort of panic attack. She inhaled and then slowly let the air out of her lungs, then repeated it several times until she had some semblance of control. It was shaky, but she could, and would, do her part. She’d walk down the aisle and stand next to Eve as she said her vows. After that… Well, there was a reception. Perhaps she could find some way to skip it and retreat to her bedroom. She’d been living at Weston for the past year. Peyton should be more comfortable, but she doubted she would ever become accustomed to living at the estate. It might be time to finally take control of her life again. Move to London, restart school, finally graduate… She’d had to put everything on hold when she became sick. For a while, she didn’t believe she had a future to claim.
“Are you ready?” Regina asked her.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” she answered. “Is Eve?”
“I am,” her sister told her as she rounded the corner. Her dress was a one of a kind with over five thousand crystals, beads, and sequins sewn into the bodice. The A-line dress was a sheer-illusion, rose-ivory organza with a plunging neckline and back. Crystals traced the spaghetti straps, making Eve sparkle in the light. Peyton loved it. She doubted she could ever wear anything so daring. “Is it normal to have jitters?” Eve held her hand out to them. It shook a little.
“It is,” Regina reassured her. “Don’t stress. Everything will be perfect.”
In some ways, this had to be strange for Regina. She’d been married twice at Weston Manor. The first time to the very man Eve was about to say her vows with. Trenton and Regina’s marriage had ended amicably, and she went on to marry Bradford. Peyton didn’t know if she’d be able to help her ex-husband’s bride with her wedding. Regina was far kinder than anyone of Peyton’s acquaintance. “You’re beautiful,” Peyton told Eve. “Trenton will be blown away. Come, let’s get you down that aisle and ensure you become Mrs. Quinn.”