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

our time together for as long as we both shall live, but we could have so much more.” Lucy leaned in. “You deserve so much more. And so do I.” She tapped his hand. “Also, I don’t tinker, I invent. There’s a difference.”
    Dashel’s smile was brilliant. “You’re a remarkable person, Miss Channing.”
    “As are you, Mr. Rothchild.”
    The set ended and the two of them walked over to their parents. Lucy knew they would announce the engagement soon and her heart ached with unfulfilled longing.
    Where are you? Lucy thought, searching the crowd for the man she should be marrying instead of Dashel. But he wasn’t there. She could sense it. Of all the men in the room Dashel was the best fit, the most perfect for her, by far. But they weren’t meant to be together. She could sense that too.
    “Dear, what are you doing?” her mother asked.
    “Admiring the gorgeous gowns,” Lucy lied.
    “Yours is the finest by far.”
    Her father and Dashel’s parents all agreed.
    “Thank you,” Lucy said.
    “Before you wreck my Lucy’s life forever, I need to speak with her.” Lucy’s grandmother spoke as she shuffled over. She wasn’t as quick as she used to be. Her grandmother had aged much more quickly that seemed appropriate, particularly in the last decade.
    “Grandmother,” Lucy said, reaching out and hugging her. Her grandmother returned the hug but only briefly. They were in public after all. If they’d been in private her grandmother, the Countess of Polenska, would have hugged her tightly and kissed both cheeks.
    Lucy’s mother barely acknowledged the countess’s presence, turning her attention to others in the room. The men fawned over her though. Lady Agatha was lively and quick as a whip. She was also stunning, even at sixty-five. She was short, like Lucy, and willowy too. Wrinkles lined her face, but Lucy thought they made her look wise. Her dress was bright red as were her lips. Her hair had been pulled up and pinned into a sweeping S at the nape of her neck. Lucy loved the gray streak that started at the middle of her forehead and ran the length of her chestnut brown hair. She thought it was beautiful. Her grandmother was beautiful. Inside and out. Around her neck was the peculiar locket she always wore.
    “Your locket really stands out against the lovely shade of your dress,” Lucy commented.
    Her grandmother glanced down. “This old thing,” she said, giving Lucy’s mother a nervous look. “I need some fresh air. Will you take a turn around the courtyard with me?”
    “Of course, Grandmother.” Lucy’s mother gave her an annoyed glare.
    Agatha patted her daughter’s arm. “You needn’t worry, Kathryn. We can’t go far. I’ll have her back in time for the engagement announcement.”
    Kathryn nodded once then turned away.
    Her grandmother sighed sadly and Lucy wanted to smack her mother. How could she be so cold and uncaring to such a warm and generous person? But then perhaps it was just her way. Her mother wasn’t warm toward her either, not like she was toward Ellen and Beaumont. Of course her mother could be kind, but she was clear on Lucy’s place in the family.

 
     
     
    FOUR
    A PROPOSAL
     
     
     
    LUCY AND her grandmother made their way outside. The courtyard consisted of a small rotunda with three steps that led down to a path lined with newly blooming rose bushes. In the center was a large fountain. The water misted the air. Lucy bent to one of the roses and leaned in, enjoying the sweet aroma.
    “Get back inside, Isabelle. If your mother knew you were out here with such a rake she’d be bedridden for a week. You don’t want to hurt your mother, do you?”
    Lucy turned back toward the entrance and noticed a couple hidden in the shadows. She watched in shock as the couple disentangled themselves. The man smirked as he straitened his jacket and adjusted his cravat. “Thank you for the kind words, Countess,” the man said. “Good evening, ladies.” His oily eyes