by Lora Edwards
Delphine turned around in front of the mirror, the dress swinging around her. She looked like something straight out of one of her scrapbooks. One of her favorite parts about this mission was the clothing she wore. She tended toward the more old-fashioned outfits in the modern era as well, having become so accustomed to wearing the long flowing dresses of her people throughout her life.
“You look lovely, my lady. You will be the hit of the party.” Victoria stood back to admire the picture Delphine made. Victoria had curled her hair and swept it up into an elegant coiffure, showing off Delphine’s long sleek neck and allowing the chandelier earrings that had been sent along with the dress to shine.
“Victoria, I am so pleased that you will be accompanying us to Bath. I know I would not be able to accomplish these complicated hair creations on my own, and your fashion sense and knowledge of what to wear when and to what is invaluable.” Delphine grabbed the other woman’s hands and squeezed.
Victoria blushed with pleasure. “I am be delighted to be accompanying you, miss.”
“Delphine—you must call me Delphine.”
“Are all the women from the future bossy,” Victoria enquired.
Delphine winked at her new friend. “Only the good ones.”
Delphine lifted the hem of her gown and picked her way down the grand sweeping staircase. She was too busy making sure she didn’t trip—the little slippers worn in that time were slippery—to notice the gawking Flynn was doing at the bottom of the staircase.
Having reached the bottom safely, she lifted her head and did some gawking of her own.
Flynn had his hair slicked back away from his face, and the pinstripe suit he’d donned fit him perfectly, showing off his broad shoulders and trim waist.
“You look lovely, Mrs. Kirk,” Flynn said, offering his arm.
“As do you, Mr. Kirk.”
Flynn smiled down at her as they walked to the foyer. Stallings opened the door, and the stylish carriage awaited them just outside.
“I thought they had cars by this time,” Delphine said.
“They do, but they are not going to become widely available for a few more years—1908, to be exact,” Flynn explained as the footman opened the door for them.
“Who knew you were so knowledgeable about the history of vehicles?” Delphine smiled playfully.
“When we get back to the modern time, I have something to show you. Everyone spends their leisure time at the institute and their money differently. I spent a good portion of mine on cars.”
“You own a car? Why didn’t I know this?”
“We have been quite busy rescuing and raising a baby and hopping around on missions. My car collection never really came up.”
“Collection?” Delphine raised both eyebrows.
“Oh yes, wait until we are back—you have quite the surprise in store.” He gave her a mysterious smile then directed her attention out the window at the scene outside.
Delphine struggled to regain control of the conversation. She wanted to know what the mystery he referred to was. As she was going to ask him, she caught a glimpse of the world outside and all thoughts of questioning Flynn flew out of her mind.
The houses they passed made her gawk, growing more and more ostentatious as the carriage went on. Delphine wished she didn’t have to blink as she didn’t want to miss a thing. They stopped in front of one of the more elaborate homes she had seen, and it reminded her of a wedding cake—tall with many layers decked out in thick molding. It was beautiful.
The footman opened the door and Flynn stepped down. Taking his arm, she tried not to gawk as she sensed they were being watched from behind the billowing curtains of the home.
The double doors opened as they approached and a dour man in a tailored suit stood to one side.
“Mr. and Mrs. Kirk,” he intoned as they handed him their invitation and walked into the foyer. The conversations in the large drawing room stopped as the assembled peerage turned to look over at the American and his English wife. It was a fairly new concept that Americans were accepted into this society, where once only the old money and aristocracy of England were allowed to grace such rooms. They had been won over by the smell of the new money that could fill their impoverished coffers. The Americans wanted titles and prestige, and the aristocracy needed their money. It was a match born out of necessity.
Delphine saw one old matron purse her lips as they entered, no doubt one of the old guard wishing for the days when only the elite of English society attended such soirees.
Delphine firmed her lips as to avoid smiling at such a ridiculous notion. The people of this realm were no different than the Sirens of the isle and the other tribes of Sirens and mermaids; there would always be those who looked down their nose at people they thought of as less than.
Delphine might have been born into royalty, but she had been taught to treat all equally, her father being one of the few who let humans live and helped them on their way if they washed up on his shores. He had a reputation for kindness that some had thought meant he was soft. As a result, they had tried to invade the Siren isle, only to be greeted by the more brutal side of the king and the army he had built. Many had tried, all had failed, and now her father was allowed to live a mostly peaceful life. The memory of their kind was long, and the fierceness of the Sirens of the isle was well known.
Delphine pulled herself out of her reverie at a touch from Flynn at her elbow.
She smiled blankly at him and then noticed the two well-dressed people in front of them.
“You must excuse my wife, she is still adjusting to being back in England,” Flynn said, looking down at her and giving her a look one might give a small child. Delphine frowned up at him, but at another subtle nudge she turned a brilliant smile on their host and hostess.
“Thank you for the invitation, you have a lovely home,” Delphine said, smiling at the handsome woman in front of her. The woman’s dress was dripping in fine silk, and at her ears and throat, diamonds and rubies winked in the light.
“You are most welcome. We are flattered that you chose our home for your introduction into London society.” The woman’s voice was smooth, her smile reaching her eyes. Delphine could feel that she was a kind woman, and she felt herself relax a fraction at this realization.
She could pull this off, and it would be a good practice for the socializing they would be doing once they got to Bath.
“Your dress is beautiful. Is it a House of Worth gown,” the duchess asked Delphine, who looked down at Mrs. Bloom’s creation and smiled.
“No, it was designed by a very talented designer from America, but it was done in the Worth style.”
“You will have to give me the name of the designer—I am always looking for new ones.”
Before Delphine could reply, the butler called out, “Duke Willingham.”
Flynn pulled Delphine away and allowed the duke to step up to their hosts.
“That was a close one.” Delphine blew out a breath.
“Let’s mingle with the other guests. This is a good practice ground for when we go to Bath. They won’t be expecting perfect manners from you as you have not been in society, so you will given some slack for that. Just be your charming self and everything will go smoothly.” He gave her a reassuring squeeze as the other guests started to move toward them. Delphine took a breath, feeling a bit like prey amidst a herd of predators.
Delphine laid her head on Flynn’s shoulder as the carriage jolted them through the nighttime streets of London.
“That went well. You charmed them all—I am not surprised,” Flynn said as he kissed the top of her head.
“It was much easier than I thought it would be, and once my nerves settled, it felt like a state dinner. I had to attend many of those on the isle.”
“I think you will do just fine in Bath. Your natural charm and beauty will draw people out and they will end up telling you much more than they originally set out to. Add in alcohol and you will have this case solved overnight.�
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Delphine giggled and snuggled up to him. The air had become brisk while they’d wined and dined with the aristocrats, and the wrap Delphine had brought was not enough to keep her from shivering.
Pulling up to the townhouse, Flynn helped Delphine down, and she felt an overwhelming weariness cascade over her. Being that on was tiring, and she was ready to crawl into bed and sleep.
Stallings held the door open for them and gave Delphine a small smile. “Did you enjoy the party, miss,” he asked as she handed him her wrap.
“The architecture was beautiful. It was like a three-tiered wedding cake, and the gardens—don’t get me started on the gardens. If I ever have my own home, I want gardens just like those. They were magical.”
Stallings chuckled at her enthusiasm. “Not to be indelicate, but we were told you two would only need one bedchamber prepared.” A slight blush dusted his cheeks and Delphine grinned.
“You heard correct, Stallings.” Delphine couldn’t keep the amusement out of her voice.
“Very good. The master’s bedchamber has been set up for you.” He bowed and left them alone in the hallway.
“I think we may have scandalized him.”
“He hasn’t seen anything yet.” Flynn swiftly pulled her into his arms, ignoring her squeal of surprise, and carried her up the long winding staircase to the bedroom.
Chapter 23
The next day dawned clear and sunny, a rarity for London. Delphine swung her skirts and watched the fabric swish. She had chosen a sunny yellow walking dress with matching parasol, and the jewels on her tiny yellow satin slippers winked in the light.
“Miss, that dress suits you so well,” Victoria said, stepping back to admire Delphine.
“Victoria, really, you must call me Delphine. I am not your employer.”
She blushed. “All right miss—I mean Delphine.”
“Is there anything I can help you with? I feel bad that you did all the packing before I awoke this morning.” Delphine looked around at the trunks and hat boxes containing the clothes she was taking to Bath. Tucked into the bottom were her favorite leggings, warm socks, and a sweatshirt. If she was careful to only wear them inside her rooms, she could don her comfortable clothes when she was alone.
“Do not be. The institute pays me a more than fair wage. It would be like you asking me to help you with a mission,” Victoria said.
“I think you would be a fantastic asset to any mission, but I see your point. It looks like you have taken care of everything. Are you ready for Bath?” She smiled at the other woman.
“It will be nice to get away and see the countryside,” Victoria said simply. “I will get the footman to load the bags. You go find Mr. Flynn, and I will supervise the loading of the trunks.
Victoria’s tone brooked no argument, so Delphine went downstairs in search of the man she loved.
“You look amazing,” he said, and Delphine smiled.
“The clothing of this time is somewhat restrictive, but I could get used it. They have such rich colors and fabrics.”
He chuckled. “Delphine, I think you have come forward too far. This would be a lovely era for you.”
“Remember, Flynn, I am from this era, just an island, and if I hadn’t gone forward in time, I would have missed leggings, and meeting Ovidia and Teagan.”
Flynn pretended to frown as he gathered her in his arms. Delphine tried to keep a straight face but the twinkle in her eye gave her away.
“Ovidia, Teagan, and leggings? You can’t think of anyone else,” he teased as his voice lowered and he captured her lips with his.
When the kiss broke, leaving Delphine gasping for air, she smiled. “Oh yes, and Esme—can’t forget her.”
Flynn gave her a playful shake and dug his fingers into her ribs, causing her to laugh out loud.
“Okay Flynn, you. It will always be you.”
Flynn picked her up and swung her in a circle before depositing her on the ground once more.
“And don’t you forget it.” He took her hand and led her outside to the carriage that would take them to the train station.
Chapter 24
Delphine leaned back in the chair and watched as the green landscape rolled by. She had never traveled by train and found the rocking motion comforting. They had been booked on one of the more opulent train cars, and there was gilt and sparkle everywhere she looked.
She sat drinking a glass of wine and enjoying the scenery while Flynn hobnobbed in the cigar room with the other male passengers.
“Excuse me, miss, where did you get that dress you are wearing?” A smooth accent caused Delphine to turn and see a handsome man dressed in an expertly tailored suit standing next to her seat.
Delphine improvised as the man scrutinized her outfit. “It is an American designer, the House of Bloom.” Normally she would be concerned about how his gaze lingered on her body, but she got the impression it was the dress and not the body underneath that he was interested in.
“It is fabulous, just fabulous. I must meet this designer,” he said, causing Delphine’s eyes to widen. She looked around but Flynn was nowhere to be seen, still doing his part of pumping information from the other gentlemen aboard the train.
“She is a recluse, only takes a few clients, and is very secretive,” Delphine hedged.
The man laughed and waved his hand. “I assure you, for me, she will gladly open her doors and share her secrets.”
Delphine was taken aback at the man’s arrogance. “Sir, I mean no offense, but who are you?”
His eyes widened and he placed a hand over his heart. “I am hurt—shocked even. The name of Worth has surely traveled over the great ocean to America, has it not? I have had many a debutante there order my gowns.”
Delphine tried to hide her smile at the man’s theatrics, but a tiny smile slipped across her lips. She didn’t want to offend the great designer, but he was really very full of himself.
“Of course we have heard of the House of Worth. Your creations are the standard of sophisticated ladies wear.” Delphine watched him relax and felt her shoulders ease a bit; her compliment appeared to have pacified him as well as gotten him off of the subject of the designer of her gown. She would have to work with Flynn on a better cover story. It was not like she could whisk him off to the future and let him have a meeting with Mrs. Bloom.
She would like to be a fly on the wall of that meeting. Maybe she could come to this time…
Delphine’s thoughts were interrupted by a sigh from Mr. Worth. “You society ladies are all the same—so flighty. Young lady, have you heard a thing I’ve said?” He cocked his eyebrow and gave her a somewhat disdainful expression.
“I apologize, Mr. Worth. I was lost in my own thoughts. What were you saying?” Delphine made a point to look the man in the eye and show him she was hanging on his every word.
“I have decided to have a little party, a coming out for my new styles, if you will. I would like you to wear one of my frocks and attend the party as my honored guest. It is obvious from your ensemble that you are a lady of fine taste, and you possess the figure and coloring I have been searching high and low for. I have a creation that is almost as if it was made for you.” He pulled out a cream-colored calling card and pressed it into her hand. “Here is the address where I will be staying. Come by tomorrow at two o’clock for the fitting. The soiree will be at eight sharp with dinner and drinks followed by the unveiling of the new frocks. You will be part of the show.” He stood and nodded, leaving her staring speechless after him. He hadn’t asked her, just told, as if being chosen to be in what was the equivalent of a fashion show was an honor.
“Was that Mr. Worth?” A young lady sat down next to Delphine, her cornflower blue eyes gazing earnestly.
“Yes. He asked me to a party at his Bath residence and wants me to wear one of his new creations for what he is calling an unveiling,” Delphine said, smiling warmly at the other woman.
“You were chosen for an unveiling?” Her
eyebrows disappeared into her hairline and her voice went up an octave. “I can see why he chose you—your beauty is beyond compare. You must be speechless. A Worth unveiling, what a great honor.”
“It is an honor to parade in front of people and be gawked at?” Delphine frowned. It was something she was familiar with because it happened at state events when other clans were in residence on the Siren isle. She was scrutinized from every angle, and it was something she had hated, the one thing she wouldn’t miss about the island now that she had decided to stay at the institute full time. Now this girl was saying wearing this frock and being stared at was some kind of honor. If that was what the land people of the time considered an honor, they could keep it. “Being paraded around like a living doll does not feel like much of an honor,” Delphine told the girl.
“There are many who would kill to take your place.” The girl sniffed and walked away, nose in the air.
Delphine sighed; she was not helping the mission by being obstinate. She knew there were likely things she would have to do in her employment for the institute that were distasteful. She’d thought those things would include using her powers to lure suspects and such, but her years in the court of the Siren isle were a skill in itself. If she could use that knowledge to curry favors with those important to the upper class then she was determined to do it, even if the thought of being gawked at like a prize-winning pony made her skin crawl.
“Learn anything good while I was gone?”
Delphine turned and smiled at the sound of Flynn’s voice. “Not exactly, but I did get invited to be a model, as it were, for Mr. Worth’s new collection. It is to be the soiree of the Bath season and we are invited.”
“Well done. I think I learned a bit myself. Let’s retire to our quarters and we can swap information.”
Chapter 25
Delphine sat back in the chair and took a sip of her tea, mulling over what Flynn had learned. Apparently they were not the only “Americans” flashing money around Bath. He had learned that there was a new group of wealthy men and women labeling themselves as American investors and flaunting their newly found wealth around town. There had also been rumors of the disappearance of a notable lord and lady, as well as a few of the natives of Bath.