Across the Ages (Across the Ages Book One) (7 page)

THIRTEEN

CHERRY BLOSSOMS

LUCY THOUGHT
about closing her eyes and trying to sleep as well. But she couldn’t. There was too much going on in her mind. Too much to see. Too much to think about. Too much… everything. She turned in her seat, looking out the window. They were moving across a large bridge. She could see the ocean in the distance. Boats with large sails navigated along the sparkling water. Large flat vessels lined the docks. The air hung heavy with smoke and chemicals giving the sky a nearly green glow. Machines whizzed by, causing Lucy to jump each time they passed.

Once across the bridge the claustrophobic atmosphere of the city melted into country. Bright green grass, pink cherry blossoms, and immaculately kept houses lined the streets. Lucy wanted to ask where they were but Will’s deep breathing told her he was asleep.

After several turns through what looked like an upscale neighborhood, the driver pulled up to a tall iron gate attached to an even taller brick fence surrounded by thick white-flowered bushes.

The glass on the driver’s side window lowered. Lucy waited somewhat impatiently as he reached through the window and pressed a button on a metal box.

“May I help you?” A low male voice came out of the box.

“William Godwin to see Charles Kincaid.”

“Very good. Please drive through.”

Lucy glanced over at Will who still seemed to be asleep. Lucy took the opportunity to admire his disheveled blond hair, his strong jaw, and the way his long lashes curled slightly at the ends. He had a scar on his left cheekbone. His bottom lip was full while his top was thinner. She felt herself blush as she studied him. He wasn’t fashionably handsome. He was strong, muscular, rugged—

“Enjoying the view?” One side of his top lip raised in a smirk.

Lucy’s blush deepened and she turned away.

The gate opened and their driver pulled through, down a long road lined with trees. Through the leaves Lucy caught glimpses of Charles Kincaid’s mansion. It was enormous, bigger even than the prince regent’s home. The outside was a pale yellow. There was an arch over the door with a balcony above that. Large double windows rested behind the balcony with three smaller ones on each side. The roof was had strange peaks and slopes with five tiny windows built into it.

The driver pulled up in front of the door.

“Stay where you are. I’ve got it.” Will opened the door and climbed out.

Lucy carefully made her way over and Will helped her.

When her feet touched the bizarre rock ground, Lucy felt a great sense of relief that she was once again on solid ground and no longer moving at breakneck speeds.

Lucy followed Will as he went up to the mansion’s door. He pushed a button and Lucy heard a sound ring from within.

After several seconds the door opened. The man was older with a thick head of solid white hair. His eyes were a pale blue, almost the color of ice. The man seemed full of life, despite his wrinkles. He had on a dark gray suit with a white shirt and a deep red tie.

“William, it’s so good to see you. Last I heard you were in Tajikistan searching for The Eye of God. Did you find it?” He shook William’s hand while pounding him on the shoulder.

“Kami no gankyuu. That’s what the locals called it,” Will said. “And of course I found it, Charles. The locals were adamant I not move it. They claimed I would be cursed if I did, but after sacrificing a goat—” he paused for effect while Charles chuckled and Lucy swallowed nervously. At last he continue, “And channeling my chi in the form of a thousand American dollars, the leader reluctantly let me leave with it.”

“So you’re no longer cursed?” Charles’s eyes twinkled.

Will played along, enjoying the banter between them. In a lot of ways Will considered Charles more of a father than his actual dad. “Oh, no. I’m still cursed. But we both know how many times that threat has been made.” Will shot Lucy an infectious smile. “If anything I just keep getting more and more lucky.”

Lucy swiftly took great interest in her dirty slippers.

Will went on. “I don’t know that there’s another person alive who is better at finding obscenely expensive religious objects.”

“Our very own Indiana Jones.” Charles stepped back.

“Only younger and way more handsome,” Will joked running a hand over his short hair. Then he barked out a laugh.

“And you’re incredibly modest, too.”

“Right.”

“Who was it for this time? A museum?” Charles asked. 

“The Eye of God wasn’t for a museum or an overzealous religious group. It was for a rich Indian girl who wanted it for her twenty-first birthday. She believes if she possesses the Eye, she’ll find her true love.” He snorted.

“You don’t believe it will happen?”

“I don’t believe it can help someone find their true love anymore than I believe it has cursed me.” 

“You’re probably right, but be careful. There are unexplainable phenomena out there. Marvels that will blow your mind and make you question everything you’ve ever known.” Charles focused on Lucy as he spoke. 

Lucy grimaced, suddenly nervous about speaking with Charles Kincaid. What if the man hadn’t really known her grandmother? Her heart pounded and her palms began to sweat. What if he believed she was off her rocker as much as Will did?

“This is Lucy Channing, the girl who claims her grandmother knew you.” Will stepped up next to Charles and whispered something to him that Lucy couldn’t hear.

Charles dipped his head. “Won’t you come in?” As he spoke he opened the door wider, giving Will and Lucy easy access to the entrance.

When the door closed, the man, who was nearly as tall as Will, focused his attention on Lucy. “Miss Channing, I’m Charles Kincaid. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He bowed slightly.

Not one to forget her upbringing, she curtsied. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. Kincaid.”

“Do you by chance have a locket?” Mr. Kincaid asked.

Lucy nearly cried out in relief. He knew. “Yes, I do.” She lifted it from her nightdress. “It’s here. My grandmother Agatha gave it to me.”

“She actually said it was the ghost of her grandmother who gave it to her.” Will chimed in.

That brought Mr. Kincaid up short as pain shot across his features.

Lucy, momentarily forgetting herself, reached out and touched his arm. “She died a little over two weeks ago.”

Mr. Kincaid swallowed, turning away a moment. It was a strange moment. Lucy was happy that she might have an ally in Mr. Kincaid, but she also mourned with him. Her grandmother’s death still weighed heavily on her mind. Mr. Kincaid blew his nose and then turned back around. His face was the picture of calm. “I saw her not too long ago. She told me it would be the last time.” He smiled. “Forgive me for not being a better host. Unless you have someplace else to be, perhaps you’d like some refreshment and a chance to change your clothes. Then we can talk. I’m sure you have questions. I know I do.” He carefully kept his eyes from her nightdress.

Lucy tried to relax. She knew she was safe, at least for now so she returned his smile. “That would be most appreciated, Mr. Kincaid.” Her eyes went to Will where he leaned against a wall papered in an extravagant gold leaf print.

Will seemed caught between interest and apathy. “Do you believe her?” His question was directed at Mr. Kincaid.

Mr. Kincaid clasped his hands behind his back as he stepped closer to Will. “I wholeheartedly believe her.” He grinned. “And I think by the time we’re done here you’ll believe her too.”

Will shook his head. “I figured I’d take off. I have a date. Besides, you don’t need me anymore, do you?”

Mr. Kincaid chuckled. “I suppose not.” He walked Will to the door.

Lucy took the time to admire the entrance to Mr. Kincaid’s massive home. There was a staircase that curved upward and downward accompanied by a railing was made of wood carved in intricate, swirling details. It reminded her of something, but she couldn’t think what. Above was an enormous light fixture that twinkled in the setting sun along with a giant mirror. Underneath was a small table made of wood that matched the stair railing. There was a hallway to the left and right of the front door beyond which she guessed led other rooms.

“Thank you for bringing Miss Channing by, Will. Tell your father hello and that I’m still planning on golf Monday afternoon.”

“Got it.” Will opened the door. Then paused. His eyes met Lucy’s.

It was as though all the air left her lungs and fled from the room while warmth encircled her heart until she couldn’t breathe.

“It was nice to meet you, Lucy.”

“And you, Mr. Godwin.”

When the door closed, shutting Will out, a sense of discomfort replaced the warmth that had been there moments ago. She literally ached without his presence. What the devil did that mean?

Mr. Kincaid smiled brightly in a way that said he knew her secret and understood it but he didn’t comment further. “Right this way.”

FOURTEEN

HAVE A CUP OF TEA

MR. KINCAID
took Lucy up the stairs and led her down a long hall. Closed doors lined either side of the wood floor. Lucy couldn’t help but wonder what was behind them, but she didn’t get a chance to find out. They reached the end of the hall, which was an arched doorway. Mr. Kincaid opened it and walked through without pause. Lucy followed. Light bathed the entrance and Lucy soon understood why when they crossed a bridge encased in glass. Even the walls and ceiling were made of glass. Never one to be afraid, she leaned over the edge and saw a forest. There were trees with thick leaves and bananas hanging from them standing beside bushes with long thin green leaves that tapered sharply to a point at the end.

And the flowers?

They grew large and vibrant in a rainbow of colors. “What is this place?” Lucy asked.

Mr. Kincaid stopped. “This is my solarium. It’s a great place to relax and have a cup of tea.”

Lucy could understand that. “It’s beautiful.”

“Thank you, Lucy.”

Once they crossed the bridge, Mr. Kincaid opened another door and they were once again in a long hallway. He opened the door on his left.

“This will be your room, Miss Channing. I hope you like it.” She walked in. The room was dark and Lucy wondered where the lanterns were.

Mr. Kincaid, realizing what she was doing, flipped a switch on the wall and light shot through the room.

“What did you do?” Lucy asked, looking up as she spun in a circle.

He chuckled genially. “It will never get old seeing how those from your time react to more modern technology.”

Lucy didn’t know what to say and she was too distracted to formulate a reply. The room was bright with light, as though it were midday though she knew it evening. “How is this done?”

He pointed at the switch. “See this?” He pushed it down and the light disappeared. Then he flipped it back up. The light reappeared. Lucy was in awe. Reflexively she covered her mouth with her hands.

“May I?” Lucy reached out to touch the switch.

“Of course.” He moved his hand away. “Down turns the lights off.”

Lucy pushed the switch down. “Oh,” she said when the lights went out.

“Up turns them on.”

Lucy pushed the strange switch up. “It’s like magic,” she whispered.

Mr. Kincaid laughed out loud. “Yes, it probably does seem that way.”

“Does every room in the house have such a switch?” Lucy glanced up at the ceiling, noticing the strange glass bulbs.

“Absolutely.” He moved across the room. “This is your wash room.”

Lucy walked over, curious about what he meant. When she stepped inside she was shocked. A wide mirror spanned the entire length of a wall. Overhead were three sconces emitting light. Below there were two bowls with strange bronze things protruding from above them.

Mr. Kincaid went over to the nearest bowl. “These are called sinks.” He turned one of the round knobs. “The right side is for hot water and the left is for cold.”

“Hot and cold water can come out at the same time?”

“That’s right.” He moved over to another strange contraption. “This is a toilet.” He opened the lid. Lucy peered inside.

“There’s water in there too?”

“This is used to relieve yourself.”

Lucy blushed.

Mr. Kincaid continued. “You take down your underthings and sit on this part,” he pointed at the thick white ring around the bowl of water. “You do what you need to, then use this—it’s called toilet paper—to clean up. When you’re finished you press this lever and it all goes away.” To demonstrate, Mr. Kincaid threw a piece of the toilet paper into the bowl and pressed the lever. The bowl produced a loud sucking noise as the toilet paper swirled around the bowl and then disappeared.

“That is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen,” Lucy said with awe. In her time she did her business in a pot and then Harriett took it away.

“Wait until you see what this can do.” He stepped over to an area encased in glass that looked like a bunch of rocks. There were two levers similar to those above the sinks. Mr. Kincaid twisted one and water rained out of a large bronze structure above her head. “This is called a shower. It’s used to clean your body.”

Lucy made a face.

Mr. Kincaid seemed to understand. “Your grandmother made the same face when she first saw a shower.”

That made Lucy smile. “She did?” She wanted to know all about what her grandmother did while in this time.

“Yes, and she worried that the water would be cold, but put your hand in.” He moved out of the way.

Lucy stuck her hand in the water. She felt her eyes grow big. “It is warm. And I stick my whole body in there?” 

“That’s right. You undress, step in, close the door, and then use these things to wash and condition your hair as well as clean your face and body.” He picked up a container and showed it to her. “This is shampoo.” He pointed to the word. “Wet your hair thoroughly and then put some of this on it. Lather it up, and then rinse it out.”

“Such luxury.” Lucy was beginning to get excited. Warm water and things to clean oneself. She felt richer than a queen.

Mr. Kincaid showed her another container. Its contents were thick and white. “This is conditioner. You put this on after you wash your hair, and then rinse it out again completely. It’ll feel slick, but that’s good. It’ll make your hair soft.”

Lucy bobbed her head. “Sounds wonderful.”

“This is body wash. It’s for exactly what it says—washing your body.”

Lucy sniffed it. “Smells incredible.”

Mr. Kincaid smiled. “Once you’re finished, turn off the water, step out and use a towel to dry yourself.

That at least was familiar.

Lucy continued to follow Mr. Kincaid as he turned off the water, left the bathroom and went over to another door. “Here is your closet. As you can see there are clothes already hanging up inside.” He paused. “They were your grandmother’s,” he said with a soft smile. “I had them moved in here after she didn’t come back the last time, but couldn’t discard them completely. I think she would have been happy to know they’re being put to good use. You’re more petite than she was, but hopefully one of the dresses will work.”

Lucy reached out and touched a pale blue morning gown. The fabric was soft and lovely. She wondered about her underthings, but wasn’t going to ask Mr. Kincaid.

“Look through the drawers. Use whatever you’d like. Everything you see here is yours now.” Tears suddenly clouded his vision and he cleared his throat. “I’ll leave you alone for a while. Dinner is at eight thirty.” He showed her a box with bright white numbers in it. “This is the time. It’s now five forty-seven. If you finish before it’s time to eat, please feel free to explore the house. I’m sure you’ll find your way to the kitchen without trouble. Just follow the amazing aromas. Klaus is a genius in the kitchen.” He went over to a small round table. “You must be famished so I took the liberty of having some fruit, cheese, and cucumber sandwiches brought up. There is also tea. It’s your grandmother’s favorite.”

Lucy wanted to throw herself into his arms. He’d thought of everything. She followed Mr. Kincaid as he made his way to the door. Before he left, he said,  “I look forward to speaking with you at length, Miss Channing.”

“And I, you, Mr. Kincaid.”

He bowed slightly and then closed the door behind himself, leaving Lucy alone.

She spun around and clasped her hands together. The room was delightful. It was as though Mr. Kincaid had plucked her wildest fantasy out of her mind and made it a reality. The bed was enormous. The frame had a column at each of the four corners done up in a faded white that reminded her of the pictures she’d seen of the Coliseum in Roman times. The headboard was a soft lavender material as was the bedding. A small table of the same material as the bed was perched on either side, each with an interesting decoration sat on top. Lucy found the trinkets to house more light. Inside the drawers were papers and some sort of odd writing utensil. Across from the bed were two floor to ceiling windows. After some inspection she realized they were doors, which opened onto a balcony.

Outside she had a vision for a view. The ocean! 

Back inside Lucy fell into one of two thick stuffed chairs and took a bite of what Mr. Kincaid had called a cucumber sandwich. The bread melted in her mouth while the creamy spread and the snap of the crisp cucumber made her mouth sing. “Mmmmm.” Next she took a bite of the cheese. It was firm and had a nice smoky flavor. The fruit was a real treat. She ate until she was full, then she poured some tea and sipped. When the clock said six fifteen she went into the bathroom, used what Mr. Kincaid had called a toilet, then stripped off her nightgown and got in the shower.

Lucy felt like crying with joy. The warmth of the water and the delicious smells of the cleaning products were the closest thing to heaven Lucy could imagine. When she finished, she toweled off and then wrapped one around her body as she moved toward the vanity.

One thing Mr. Kincaid hadn’t mentioned was what she should use to comb through her hair.

She pulled open drawers and found a brush and some cosmetics. She ran the brush through her hair until her arm was tired and fervently wished Harriett were here to help. That done she wasn’t sure what to do with her hair. She tried a braid but couldn’t get the front to look right. Finally she decided just to leave it down. The cosmetics weren’t what she was used to, but she understood lip stain. She dabbed a little on her lips, pinched her cheeks and used a strange little comb to get her eyebrows in order. Finished in the bathroom, she went to the closet. Taking one of the dresses in her hand she brought it to her nose. It smelled like her grandmother’s favorite scent—jasmine. She’d said she loved the scent of jasmine because it was exotic and Lucy had agreed. She preferred the simpler scent of vanilla, but the jasmine had fit her grandmother perfectly.

Lucy went through the drawers and was relieved to find items akin to those with which she was familiar; a chemise, garter, and silk stockings. She couldn’t find a petticoat so she went without. Still feeling somewhat naked, she decided to put on what looked like a set of drawers. Her mother would die of mortification if she knew, but she felt fairly safe from her mother here—two hundred years in the future. When she was satisfied with her underthings, she picked out a sea foam green gown with an empire waist and a scoop neck and pale pink braided trim. The fabric was different than what she usually wore. The underdress was so soft against Lucy’s skin.

Her grandmother had had a lot of shoes, all of them beautiful. There were slippers, mules, half boots and even some that came up to the knee as well as beautiful shoes with a tall heel. She spent several minutes admiring a particular pair of tall boots, which had a most curious fastening mechanism running up and down the side. At last she selected a pair with a slight heel the same color as her gown.

When she finished, she checked the clock. It was seven thirty. She still had an hour and decided she’d explore as Mr. Kincaid had suggested.