Past the Ages: Book Two Read Online Free Page B

ball?”
    “I wouldn’t miss it.” He smiled at Lucy’s mother.
    “Then you received an invitation?” Mrs. Channing’s lips pursed grimly as though reconsidering her offer to let Will stay.
    “Yes, a Mr. Dashel Rothchild helped me procure invitations to all of the most exciting events of the season.” 
    “Well then, that’s wonderful.” Mrs. Channing ushered Will out.
    “It was lovely to meet you both,” Will said.

 
     
     
    FOUR
    IN WHICH THEY MAKE A PLAN
     
     
     
    LUNCH CONSISTED of several courses including beef stew and peach cobbler, some of Lucy’s favorites. But she couldn’t eat. Will sat next to her, but the twins, Ellen and Beau were monopolizing his time. They’d discovered Will’s love of all things old and expensive. It seemed he’d kept that hobby as part of his cover and they were asking him about the arc of the covenant.
    “Have you seen it?”
    “No, but I’m confident it exists. I just delivered a stone tablet believed by some to be ancient prophecies inscribed by Moses himself.”
    “But no arc? That’s too bad.” Beau glanced down at her food, obviously disappointed. “Do you think you’ll find it?”
    “If I have anything to say in the matter, then yes, I most certainly will.” He took his final bite of cobbler.
    Ellen giggled. “I think your life sounds thrilling.” She pushed away her uneaten peaches.
    “Thank you. It is rather electrifying.”
    “And your father is all right with you traipsing all over the globe, taking risks, spending the family’s money?” Mrs. Channing sipped her drink, looking especially arrogant.
    “He’s all for it, actually, especially since I’ve only increased the family fortune and am constantly making useful political connections.”
    “I see. But your mother must be devastated that you’re constantly gone?” She took another drink.
    Will smiled and took a drink. Lucy got the feeling he was incredibly uncomfortable with her mother’s questioning. She wasn’t sure whether it was because of his fabricated story or something else.
    “Apologies for the interruption, madam, but you’re needed in the kitchen,” Sheldon said, appearing in the dining room.
    “Oh, honestly.” She removed her napkin from her lap and slammed it against the table. “Continue to eat your lunch. I shall return shortly.” Will had stood when her mother did. Mrs. Channing acknowledged him with a slight nod and retreated.
    Will took his seat and turned his attention to Lucy. “Hi.” He smiled, and his whole face lit up.
    She was mesmerized by his full lips. They looked soft and oh so kissable. “Hello,” she finally returned.
    “Have you thought anymore about when we’re going to get the amulet?” He kept his voice low.
    Lucy took a quick look at her younger siblings. They were engrossed in their own conversation. “A little.” She pushed her food around her plate nervously. “What about during the upcoming ball? Perhaps I could pretend an illness and miss it? That’ll leave the house relatively empty for a clandestine getaway.”
    “That’s a possibility. We’ll need to have help. Horses at the ready and so forth. Abney Park is close but we will probably be gone at least four hours.”
    “Right. Horses.” Lucy’s mind spun. “And possibly someone to cover for us if we’re late.”
    He poured himself some more wine and took a long drink. “Any ideas on who might be willing to help?”
    Lucy stabbed a piece of meat and stuck it in her mouth. Her first thought went to Harriet, but she quickly dismissed her. The girl would do anything for Lucy, but she’d been more absent of late, like after the masquerade they’d attended, and Lucy questioned whether she could be relied upon. Then there was her sister, Ellen. She might be an option. And Dashel? He might help too, if she asked. He was always up for shenanigans. “I think I know one, possibly two people.” She glanced over the table at her sister. “Maybe three?”
    “Good.” He