Past the Ages: Book Two Read Online Free Page A

she’d lost her mind. Then she’d tell her mother who would tell Lucy’s mother and then she’d end up in an asylum.
    “Sit at the pianoforte and play something,” her mother ordered.
    Playing wasn’t one of her talents, but she lifted the piano lid and began to plunk out the one song she had memorized, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sonata quasi una fantasia.
    “May I present William Godwin, Count of Polenska?” Sheldon announced him with complete solidarity.
    At Will’s name Lucy’s heart sprang to life. She glanced up, her fingers tripping over the keys before recovering quickly.
    He walked in, tall and commanding in tan breeches, matching jacket, and a white shirt. His boots were polished and his hat was the height of fashion. His hair was a little on the longer side and hung in his eyes, but he was gorgeous.
    “William? Count?” Her mother was completely flustered. “Should I know you?”
    Will’s charm sprang to life and he went to work putting her at ease. “I apologize for calling so early and without a proper introduction.” In his hand was an envelope. He presented it to her. “I hope the letter can put you at ease. We are related, distantly.” He glanced at Lucy. “My father and the Count of Polenska were cousins.”
    She broke the crested seal and looked over what Lucy guessed was an introduction and possibly a family tree. If that were the case, she wondered how he’d acquired all of the necessary paperwork, but guessed Mr. Kincaid probably helped him out. For several minutes her mother read, sighed, and grunted until she refolded the paper and put it back in the envelope. “Well, you’re right. A proper introduction would’ve been preferable. But according to the letter you’ve been out of the country, which explains your odd accent.” She waved her hands as though brushing away something unpleasant. “No matter though. We are always available for family.” She smiled genially. “And where are you staying?”
    “I have a room at the Wysteria.” He snuck Lucy a quick look, looking like an over indulgent cat that swallowed the proverbial canary.
    Her face reddened.
    “Nonsense. You’ll stay here. You’re family, after all.” She took the paper and set it on the desk. “It’s a little unorthodox, but it will be for the best.”
    “Mrs. Channing, that is not necessary. I have a perfectly good room.”
    “Absolutely not. Sheldon!”
    “Madam.” He appeared around the corner. “Have Jinnifer make up one of the spare bedrooms. Get Harriet to help her. Then send Jim to the Wysteria to pick up William’s things.”
    “Yes, Madam.”
    “And tell Geneviève to tell the cook we will need an additional place setting for lunch.”
    “Yes, Madam.”
    “Lucy, come over and meet your third cousin on your father’s side.”
    “Cousin?” Lucy fought to hold back a laugh.
    “Yes, cousin. Don’t be impertinent, child.”
    Lucy stood, feeling unusually nervous. “Hello Mr. Godwin. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She curtsied and tried not to blush, but couldn’t help herself.
    “And you, Miss Channing.”
    “Lunch will be in an hour.” Lucy’s mother seemed terribly out of sorts.
    “Well I still have a few things to take care of this morning.” He took a few steps back. “But I’ll return in an hour.”
    “Very good.” Lucy’s mother worked to cover up her relief. She hadn’t been planning on entertaining and she wasn’t the kind of woman who easily went along with change. “We will see you for lunch and your room will be ready as well.”
    “Thank you, Mrs. Channing.” He bowed, placed his hat on his head, and walked through the front door, which Sheldon had opened in anticipation of his departure.
    Desperate to keep him close, Lucy clutched his arm. “Will?” Her voice cracked.
    He turned, his cerulean blue eyes studying her violet ones. It seemed to be telling her to stay calm. She quickly stepped back. “Um, will you be attending the Duke of Vladimir’s annual