Time Will Tell (Timeless Series) (24 page)

Reality eventually returned and Libby felt him roll over, taking her with him.
Without breaking contact, he situated her so that she was on top, kissing her again for what seemed like forever.

Stroking up and down her arms, he released her lips and sighed. “I could stay here forever, wrapped in your love.” He broke off for a heartbeat. “Ah, Elizabeth, I love you with all my heart.”

Tears blurred Libby’s vision. Never before had she felt so loved. So cherished. So complete. Why did it have to happen with someone who was in the wrong century? Why? Like a hamster on a wheel, the question ran through her brain. She laid her head on his shoulder and cried.

“Shush, Libby,” he whispered and kissed the top of her head. “’It wasn’t my intent to draw tears. I’ve accepted what is. How can I not? The question I ask myself is would I be better off without experiencing your love? The truth is, one moment with you is better than a lifetime without ever knowing you.”

It finally hit her. There was no way she would ever meet anyone else who gave what he did. Men like him just didn’t exist in the twenty-first century. Colin Thorpe would always be the love of her life. And he was right. She’d take any time left with him over never having met him.

“I’m sorry, Colin. I love you too. It hurts to know it can’t be forever.”

“Hush, Libby. My love for you will be forever. We will meet one day in the hereafter. I’ll wait.”

Blinking back tears, Libby could only stare at him. Their love did seem like something that would last through time. She prayed with all her heart that heaven existed. If it did, she knew she’d be spending eternity with Colin.

“I’m sorry,” Colin finally whispered, kissing her forehead after several minutes passed. “I must get dressed, but I don’t like leaving you like this. Will you be OK?”

Libby nodded. He
pulled away to stand, then began dressing. Libby remained on the bed and watched. She never got tired of looking at his naked body. He was gorgeous, with big broad shoulders, lean hips, and strong legs.

While he dressed, he talked. “I’m not sure what’s going on tonight. There is always some party or another. I’ve been out of the whirl for a time, but it shouldn’t be too hard to get an invitation. I’ll work on procuring one. My meeting should only take a couple of hours. I’ll meet you in the lobby at four o’clock and I’ll show you and Giselle a little of the city. Hopefully by then I’ll know where we’ll be going tonight.”

Now dressed, he stepped over to the bed, kissed her, then held out that damned corset. “Here, you need to get dressed too. Come, I’ll help do up your stays and buttons. You can’t manage by yourself. It wouldn’t be good for you to be found naked in my room.”

He reached for the crinoline and chemise. Putting them on one item at a time, Libby hated the thought of having to wear the stuff for the rest of the day. Then she smiled. Things really hadn’t changed that much. After all, women of her time wore spiked heels and panty hose, and spandex was all the rage
for keeping tummies flatter.

Walking over to the mirror situated in the corner of the room after dressing, she stared at her reflection. Twirling, she felt like a girl in them, a new sensation. Dressing in feminine clothes, much to Dave’s dismay, was at the bottom of her to-do list. Libby had always been more comfortable in jeans. Too bad she couldn’t go around town now in them. Oh well! Despite the discomfort, she figured three days wouldn’t be too bad to play dress
-up, especially for Colin. In no time they’d be back on the farm where she could wear her boys’ clothes and be comfortable again.

Colin stood and kept his
gaze on the mirror, catching her eye, seeming interested in the emotions playing over her face. He held out his hand. “You are lovely, Libby. Come. Let’s get you back to your own room.”

“You make me feel lovely.” Inhaling to still the flapping butterflies, she moved to meet him and put her hand in his. “So, what type of party do you think we’ll be going to tonight? I can’t wait. I hope it’s something that will allow me to dress in one of the formal gowns. They are so exquisite. How did you know what colors to choose?”

“Now you sound more like the woman I’ve come to know than the child I thought you were.” Colin laughed and led her out the door. “Supposedly, they are all the rage. I’m glad you like them. You require something that tells others you’re no child.”

“They do make me feel like I’m all
woman, Colin.” Your woman, she wanted to add, but didn’t. “Thank you. I still plan to pay for them, though. So don’t think you’re off the hook for that,” Libby stated firmly.

By this time, they were at her room. He took her hand and kissed it. “How long do I have to pay penance for purchasing your clothes?” he teased, grinning as he took the key out of her hand and opened her door. Ushering her inside, he added, “Until later, Libby. Rest while you can. You’re going to need the energy later.”

Her soft laughter broke free. She watched in amused silence as he turned and headed down the hall while whistling.

~

“Libby, he’s such an attractive man,” Giselle said as she shut the door. “How I would love someone like that to pay attention to me.”

Smiling dreamily, Libby nodded. “He is gorgeous, isn’t he? I do feel lucky.” Then she remembered her circumstance
s and amended, “Well, I’m lucky while it lasts.”

“Such a silly statement,” Giselle admonished, clearly not understanding her comment. “Anyone looking at the two of you together would know it was meant to last. It’s obvious he loves you and you him. I’m sure he will marry you.”

Instead of telling her why that would never happen, she offered, “I know that before I met Colin, I had no clue about how I could feel about another human being.”

“You are so lucky to find someone like that, Libby. My parents have that and Marguerite had it with her husband. Even though they found true love, it is rare.” Her smile turned wistful. “I hope to find such a love, but living in Shelbyville doesn’t provide me with many to choose from.”

Libby was silent for a moment. “Having a soul mate like Colin is indescribable.” Then she smiled. “You know, I just had a thought. Why don’t you come with us tonight?”

“
Non
, I don’t think so.” Giselle shook her head. “It isn’t done. I’m supposed to be your companion.”

“I bet you’re used to hobnobbing with wealthy people,” Libby said, having none of it. “Didn’t you say your dad was with the
government in Paris?”

“Yes, but what has that to do with me accompanying you tonight?”

“You’ve been through all kinds of social situations and are probably more comfortable in them than I am. I hate those types of functions. I’m only doing it because I can’t pass up the opportunity to see what it’s like. If you tagged along, you could help.”

Libby could see that Giselle was seriously considering her suggestion.

“It does make sense,” Giselle said after a few moments in thought. “I love parties and dancing. I rarely get the opportunity to attend anything since coming to Kentucky.” Her gaze turned reflective again. “In Paris, I was just starting to be allowed to attend them.” Giselle smiled warmly and twirled around gaily as if she were dancing, obviously happy, before she plopped back on the bed, sighing. “How I wish you were staying, Libby. You’re so easy to talk to. I don’t really have a lot of friends outside of my sister. I have to confide. This trip to Louisville is the most excitement I’ve had in months.”

“Do you have the proper clothes
,” Libby asked.

“Of course.
Marguerite makes the most beautiful gowns and I rarely get to wear them. Why do you think I came along on this trip?” She glanced up. “You don’t think Mr. Thorpe would mind?”

“No, I think it will work well for our story.” Libby laughed. “Help our cover
, so to speak, and make it more believable to have my companion accompany me. Don’t you think?”

“
Oui
, I like it, especially if I can attend a party. I think we should go out and celebrate.”

“I agree.” Libby grabbed her hand and started for the door. “I’ve been dying to see the sights. Colin is meeting me at four o’clock downstairs. We have a couple of hours to kill.” She was dying to become better acquainted. “I’m so happy you’re here. It’s nice to have a friend.”

During lunch with Giselle, Libby forgot some of her homesickness. In the past weeks, there were moments where she really missed Bev. Her new companion seemed to fill that void. Giselle was closer in age—more like an equal. Berta was a wonderful friend, but Libby couldn’t shake the feeling that the older woman looked upon her as someone to watch over and care for, rather than a confidante.

After lunch, Libby and Giselle went sight-seeing. As the two walked through the crowded streets of Louisville, Libby was taken aback with all she saw. The city looked so different, the buildings unrecognizable. The river, the main focal point without the concrete and steel impediments of the future, was totally new to her. The water’s edge was visible as was the steamboat dock. There were no Humana or
Aegon buildings. No tall skyscrapers reaching toward the heavens to impede the view.

Bigger than she imagined, Louisville in the past had a strong pulse and was alive. Libby then realized that no matter the time in history, cities were the lifeblood of the country. Activity hummed and the world went about its business, something that probably happened wherever people congregated.

They walked and gawked for a couple of hours, after which Libby’s feet hurt. Her walking boots were not made for walking as the song declared. Libby smiled at the thought that not much had changed in that area either. Fashionable shoes of any age hurt the feet after a few hours of wearing.

“I’ve seen enough. Let’s go back to the hotel and have a cool drink.” She glanced at Giselle. “How do you put up with all this junk you have to wear? It’s so hot.”

A look of confusion crossed her face.

“I’m not used to wearing a corset,” Libby said, hoping the explanation was enough.

Giselle shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve never known anything else, so I’m used to it.”

On the walk back to the hotel
, Libby thought about her adventure. One thing she liked—it didn’t seem as hot and humid. Louisville could be worse than hell in July. The river breeze actually made it quite pleasant, despite the sun beating overhead. Besides, they were able to stay in the shade of the buildings, which made the heat easier to bear.

Smiling, Libby imagined wearing a pair of shorts and a sleeveless shirt in this crowd. Some of the ladies she watched go by would have heart attacks if they knew what people in the future wore on an everyday basis. She almost laughed out loud at that thought.

Libby still wondered how these women put up with all the constraints. Besides being dressed to the hilt, almost every woman Libby saw had a hat or bonnet covering her head. Even the men she saw wore hats, which seemed so odd in the middle of July.

“My feet are hurting,” Giselle said. “I am glad we’re finally back. Next time we should wear more comfortable shoes,
n’est-ce pas
?”

“You have comfortable shoes?”
In this century? Libby was struck dumb.

“Of course.
There’re not so pretty, but sometimes beauty is forfeited for comfort,
non
?”

“I agree.” Libby nodded. “Next time, we’ll wear more comfortable shoes while walking.”

Laughing, the two headed inside the hotel toward the restaurant. They were seated immediately. Libby pulled the ornate timepiece out of her pocket that Colin had given her. It was a pin, but Libby felt funny wearing it, which was why it was in her pocket.

They still had about a half an hour before she would meet Colin.

When their lemonade came, Libby lifted hers in a toast. “Here’s to friendship.”

She
clinked glasses with Giselle as the memory of her and Bev sitting under the two oak trees and clinking soft drinks came to mind.

In response, Libby began to wonder when she’d be going home. The thought didn’t cheer her at all.

A bubble of excitement warmed Libby’s insides. This adventure with Colin would continue at an old-fashioned ball tonight. Well, it wasn’t old-fashioned for now, but to her it would be like stepping into a painting from times long past.

Someone abruptly stepped too close to her, and she had
to pull hard on the reins of Colin’s saddle horse. Riding single file along Third Street behind Colin and with Giselle following, she weaved in between two horse-drawn wagons parked on opposite sides of the dusty road that had suddenly become crowded with a different kind of traffic than what she was used to.

The din was totally different from twenty-first century Louisville. There were no interstates or congested streets with cars buzzing, horns honking, or sirens blaring to interrupt the quiet. In fact
, the sounds seemed amplified without the background traffic muffling the noise of other activity. People shouting, horses neighing, dogs barking, and wagons rumbling carried on the air for blocks.

Libby tried not to gawk at the incredible sights. Dressed in a rainbow of colors, people walked along the sand
-colored road. It was like seeing a Monet painting come to life. Everything moved at a much slower pace here. She wondered if she’d ever get used to seeing the formality of the late nineteenth century. Even more amazing, they all seemed so comfortable. She stretched her legs farther into the stirrups and took a deep breath. Her riding habit wasn’t too bad, except for the corset. She’d never get used to wearing one.

Eventually Third Street widened and the traffic thinned. By the time they reached the outskirts of town, they were the only ones on the road.

Libby glanced around at the peaceful scenery. It was quiet enough to hear birds chirping and insects buzzing.

“I can’t get over how different it all is,” she said to Colin as he came to a stop beside her.

He nodded. “I can’t imagine what the area will be like in a hundred years. You’re lucky. You’ve glimpsed both past and future.”

Colin dismounted, helped both her and Giselle off their mounts, then led the horses to a tree and tethered them to a branch.

Libby turned a full circle, taking it all in. She pointed. “I think the twin spires are located in that area. I have no point of reference, so I can’t be certain. Just think. This is where the tradition begins.”

“Twin spires?
Hmmm.” His eyes followed her hand. “They’ll start on it soon. The grandstand will be over there. The track should be ready for the spring meet.”

Giselle sighed. “I cannot wait. I love going to the horse races. We went many times in France. There is nothing
so exciting as watching the horses run, especially when your horse wins.”

“So, you’re a gambler?” Colin teased.

Giselle’s lips curled into a sly smile. “
Oui
, we all become gamblers when we go to watch thoroughbreds run,
n’est-ce pas
? And after seeing such beauties, picking one to win cannot be avoided.”

Colin grinned. “I never imagined you as a gambler. Maybe you’re not such a good influence over my Libby after all.”

Snorting, Libby swatted at his shoulder. “I hate to break it to you, but I’ve already been to the track. Too many times to count. Giselle’s right. The minute you view the horses from the grandstand, you can’t help but become a gambler.” Libby sighed, remembering the fun she and Bev used to have. “There is nothing like a day at the races. Even when you lose, you don’t mind because it is so entertaining.”

“My, my.”
Colin shook his head, tsk-tsking. “The temperance ladies would have a field day with you two. I suppose you both drink to excess, too.”

“I’ve been known to sport a hangover now and again
.” Libby grinned, enjoying his teasing. “How about you, Giselle? Ever drink too much French wine? Enough to cause a headache the next day? We mustn’t disappoint our host.”

Giselle laughed and winked at Libby.
“Of course, but only on special occasions.”

“I’ll have to watch out for you, Miss Edwards
,” Colin admitted, holding out his hand. “It’s time we head back.”

Libby smiled, wishing that her time with him would never end.

The horses seemed to sense their journey was ending and trotted at a faster pace. Every now and then Libby would egg Colin on, and a race would ensue. The two would shoot ahead of Giselle, galloping down the road at breakneck speed.

“How did you do that
,” Libby asked after losing the second of three races. “I should have easily beaten you.”

“Skill?”
Colin’s sideways grin was disarming.

“Ha! I’m more skilled than you. I should have won, and you know it.”

“I can’t allow that.” He shook his head. “Be happy for the one win. Where you’re concerned, I fight extra hard to maintain an advantage.”

Libby grunted. “That’s so macho. You know
, Colin, men and women are equal in the twenty-first century. We don’t play these little games of one-upping.”

“Oh?” He eyed her for a moment too long. “I don’t belong to that century, so those rules don’t apply. Besides, I like playing games with you, Libby. What’s more, as long as we’re together, I’ll always relish winning.”

Libby could only laugh at his audacity. He was the ultimate male. She didn’t mind losing to someone as sexy and as potent as he was. It made surrendering that much sweeter.

Back at the hotel, Colin escorted the two women to their room. Before turning to leave, he said, “Be ready no later than 8:15. We don’t want to be too fashionably late. Dinner is served at nine.”

~

Libby considered her reflection in the mirror. “Giselle, your sister is very talented. Look how beautifully this dress hangs. The material is gorgeous.” She felt transformed, as if she were Cinderella going to the ball. The midnight blue creation fit snugly at the bodice, bustled slightly in the back, and flowed into a small train. The gown, cut low in the front, showed off her sleek shoulders. Best of all, Libby loved having cleavage, which made wearing the corset easier to endure. “You need to pinch me so that I know it’s real.”

“
Oui
, she is talented, but you make her creation shine.”

Glancing at her new friend, Libby smiled. “You are also one to make a dress shine. Look at you. I’d venture to say, you’ll turn a few heads tonight.”

“I just want to have a good time. I love to dance. Thank you, Libby, for insisting I do this. It is much better than going to dinner alone.”

“Why is it that you can go to dinner alone and I can’t?” She scrunched up her nose. “I don’t understand all the social restrictions.”

“There are a lot of rules, but it is not so bad in this country. Not like Great Britain, where they are tedious about how to act. Still, there is one similarity. The rules differ for the working class versus the wealthier class. If one is a servant, she is invisible.”

“Seems kind of stupid, if you ask me.”

“You will be with Colin. Wherever he goes, they know him. Since you’re with him…” Smiling, she shrugged.

“God, I hate rules.”

“Most are in place for our safety,” Giselle said in a no-nonsense tone. “Not all men are gentlemen, and many take advantage of women if they can.”

Libby sighed. “I never thought about the women who went before me and paved the way to equality.”

“You are talking about suffragettes,
n’est-ce pas
?
Oui
, I’ve heard of them. Some men do not like them. You should be careful about what you say in front of Colin’s friends.”

“Don’t
worry, I’ll be on my best behavior. I’ve had a little practice with Dave’s friends.”

“Dave? Who is Dave? Does Colin know about him?”

“It’s a long story.” Libby looked in the mirror again and patted her head. “I love what you’ve done to my hair. I realize short isn’t in, but it really looks chic. And what is that stuff you put on my eyelashes? My eyes stand out and appear darker, but I don’t look made up.”

Giselle smiled smugly and winked. “I’ll never tell. We French have some secrets.”

Moments later, Libby answered Colin’s knock at the door.

“My God, Libby,” he said, standing in front of her. He motioned for her to turn around. “Look at you! I’ll be fending off the men all night.”

Blushing, she looked down at her gown. “Thank you.” She cleared her throat and glanced at him, worrying her bottom lip. “Social situations aren’t my specialty. Dave always said I lacked polish. I hope I don’t embarrass you tonight.”

“Dave is a fool. You lack no polish, Elizabeth. You’re brilliant the way you are, the rarest of gems.”

Libby loved hearing his compliments. She slipped her arm into his curved elbow. “You look very dapper, Mr. Thorpe. I’m being escorted by the most handsome man of all.”

Chuckling, Colin turned to Giselle, who now stood next to him. After telling her how beautiful she looked, he offered her his other elbow. “Shall we? I will be the envy of all who know me, escorting two lovely ladies to the ball.”

He led them down the stairs and out of the hotel to George and the awaiting carriage. Colin helped both Libby and Giselle ascend into the vehicle before seating himself. George climbed on board and they were off.

A mansion soon came into view as the open carriage turned onto a
treelined drive.

“Tomorrow, Jameson is having one of his balloon ascensions and fireworks afterward,” Colin said as the conveyance slowed, easing behind a line of other horse-drawn carriages.

“That sounds like fun,” Libby said enthusiastically. “Who is Jameson?”

“Jameson Claremont.
He’s hosting the ball tonight.”

George stopped the vehicle and jumped down.

Arm in arm with Colin in the middle, the three started up the steps leading to a large veranda.

Hundreds of candles flickered everywhere, shedding soft light into the now darkening night. Men in formal black-tie attire, complete with top
hats, escorted gloved women dressed in gowns and matching hats, these colors more Renoir than Monet.

Colin practically had to drag Libby into the huge entryway. “Don’t gawk, love. There are people behind us. You’ll have plenty of time to take in the sights later.”

Amazing, she thought, picking up her pace. It was like stepping into a page from a fairy tale, so much so that Libby felt the magic of the event. Who wouldn’t want to attend a ball and dance by candlelight?

This must be what it’s like to attend a Derby party that the elite of the city held every year, or walking the red carpet on Oscar night. When she realized there was a receiving line ahead, she froze. “Colin, they’re announcing people. Can’t we slip in the back?” She didn’t want to be singled out in such a public way.

“There’s no reason to worry,” he said, offering a reassuring smile. “Trust me, Libby. You’re the loveliest woman here. No one will say or do anything to make you feel uncomfortable. Otherwise they’ll have to contend with me.”

Nodding, she forced herself to relax and follow Giselle’s lead.

She heard their names being called out as they walked farther into the room until they stood in front of a couple Libby assumed to be the Claremonts.

“Colin, so nice to see you again,” the man said, shaking Colin’s hand. “I’m glad you’re out and about after your loss.”

“Thank you, Jameson.” He turned to Libby. “May I present a friend of my mother’s and her companion. Miss Elizabeth Edwards and Giselle Franklin. Mr. and Mrs. Claremont.”

Libby smiled.
“So nice to meet you.”

Giselle followed suit.

“See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” Colin whispered in her ear.

“No.” But this is only the beginning, she thought, still in awe over the scene in front of her.

They were directed farther into the ballroom where Colin signaled a servant holding a tray of champagne-filled glasses.

While sipping champagne
, Libby met so many people it was hard to keep track of them all.

Eventually Colin took her drink and set it down with his. “I’ve been waiting all afternoon to dance with you,” he said, leading her in a waltz that she was now comfortable in following. Libby sighed, loving the romance of being swept around the room while the orchestra played. She was living the fairy tale.

“What do you think?” Colin released his hold as the music died. His hand lingered at the small of her back.

“What can I think? It’s pretty impressive,” Libby replied honestly, looking into his questioning eyes. “I’ll never forget this night as long as I live. Thank you for bringing me.”

He smiled. “The pleasure is all mine.”

“Dinner is served,” a servant announced, and several formally-clad waiters steered the large group into the dining room. Never in her life had Libby seen anything so spectacular. Everywhere she looked, there were tables set with enough silver and crystal to fund a small war.

Libby and Colin were seated at the main table, which held at least fifty people. Giselle, all smiles, sat across from them and next to one of the gentlemen she had danced with earlier.