Across the Ages (Across the Ages Book One) Read Online Free

save her family. It was her duty. Sighing inwardly, she said, “After they find out I’m taking you off the market they’ll despise me anyway.”
    “Very true,” Dashel admitted.
    A throng of couples paraded around the room, making their way over to Lucy and Dashel. She was cordial. Dashel was ever the proper gentlemen. After an hour, Dashel bumped her shoulder lightly. “Would you care to dance, Miss Channing? Out there we’ll be watched, but at least we won’t be interrupted.”
    Lucy nodded. Dashel took her glass and placed it next to his on a tray. When he returned he stuck out his arm. Lucy placed her hand on his arm and allowed him to escort her.
    Dashel bowed. She curtsied. Then he took her in his arms and twirled her around the dance floor. His hold on her was firm and confident. Lucy held her head up, keeping her back straight and her shoulders squared as she’d been taught. Dashel was a fine partner. “You’re very good at this,” Lucy commented. It wasn’t her first time dancing with him though it’d been many years. They’d practiced more than once with each other when she’d been eleven or twelve. During those rehearsals his arms and legs had been too big for his body. Now though he’d grown into them. Lucy could feel his strong, well-sculpted biceps under his fitted jacket.
    “You doubted me?”
    Lucy laughed, lowering her gaze. “I shouldn’t have.”
    “You’re absolutely right. I’m incredible at everything I do.” He came in close. “I’ve been told even my kisses are perfection.”
    At that Lucy blushed. “You’re flirting.” She glanced at her parents. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. What happens after the wedding when we have to start producing heirs?” She knew she was speaking boldly and that her mother would die of mortification if she heard, but this was important. The idea of kissing Dashel didn’t spark her heart. In fact she’d never felt the spark her romance books talked about. Yet their parents were forcing Lucy to marry Dashel and have his children. It frustrated her. She couldn’t understand why it didn’t bother him.
    Dashel’s features became serious. “Lucy, it’s true. I’m not in love with you, but I hold you in very high affection. I would even call it love. You’re a fine woman, with lovely birthing hips.”
    Lucy gasped, her cheeks getting hot. It appalled her to realize he’d considered her hips at all. “Birthing hips? If we weren’t in public I’d sock you in the arm. Hard.”
    Dashel threw his head back and laughed. “According to Father, birthing hips are quite important.” He winked. “Beyond that, you’re smart, caring, beautiful, and I enjoy your company above all others.”
    Lucy swallowed. She enjoyed his company above all others as well.
    Dashel went on. “We can talk, laugh, and even have a conversation that doesn’t end in you requesting a bauble.” He squeezed her hands. “Other than your very unfeminine love of tinkering, I believe you are an excellent match. Marrying you suits me just fine.”
    Lucy was shocked. She opened her mouth to speak but Dashel continued, “I know you don’t love me either and I wish things were different, but this is just how things are done.” He glanced down at their fingers clasped together. “Can you tolerate me for as long as we both shall live?”
    Lucy closed her mouth. He was honoring his family, doing his duty as the future Earl of Westington. She couldn’t fault him for that. In fact she respected him a great deal. Finally she met his eyes. “Dashel, you are wonderful and you deserve a woman who will love and appreciate you for all that you are.”
    Dashel smirked.
    “It saddens me that we are being forced to marry one another when our true loves are out there somewhere. What will happen to them? Our marriage will force them to settle as well.” Dashel made a move to speak but Lucy hurried on, “And yes, of course I’ll tolerate you, more than tolerate. I’ll enjoy