Until Next Time The Angel Chronicles Book 1 (20 page)

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!” Charles exclaimed when Faith opened the door. “I must have died because only angels are as beautiful as you.”

Faith smiled wide as her husband beamed with pride.

He made a handsome figure in his dark suit. His crisp white shirt was starched and fitted to his muscular chest. He couldn’t hide the fire in his eyes as he reached out quickly, wrapped his large hands around Faith’s waist, pulling her to him. “Forget the party. Let’s stay up here and enjoy the room.”

His kiss was long and perfect, but Faith knew what needed to be done. “Charles, that’s a fantastic idea but, unfortunately, we have a prior commitment downstairs.”

Charles whispered, “That’s not what the rest of you says.”

Faith’s temperature rose. “Be good. There are other people in the room.”

He offered her a pout.

“Behave, my prince,” Faith laughed. “The night will eventually end, and we’ll find a quiet place to resume this conversation.”

Charles growled at the thought and scanned the room. “Where’s Liz?”

“She’s hiding behind the drapes, but I don’t think she’s going to be able to much longer,” Faith answered, just as Jason marched into the room.

His thick, dark hair was slicked back. The brilliant white shirt showed off his well-tanned skin, and the suit he’d chosen had a long jacket with tails that touched the backs of his knees. He seemed nervous, searching the room for the one woman he desperately needed to see.

He stopped short when he heard what Faith said, and looked at the window. A shot of sympathy ran through Faith’s heart, as her best friend’s gaze remained glued to the floor.

Charles whistled through his teeth when he caught sight of Liz. “Wow,” he exhaled. “My lady, what have you done with Miss Elizabeth? Where is the young girl we’ve loved for so long?”

“Charles, stop it,” Faith slapped his arm. “This is their time, not yours.” She pushed him out into the hallway. “We’ll be right outside when you’re ready,” she shouted back over her shoulder.

“Are you nuts? They’re never coming out. Did you
see
her?”

“Then we’ll call down for food, and sit in the hall,” Faith snarled. “Move, so I can shut the damn door!”

***

Liz heard their laughter and hot blood rushed to her cheeks. Jason remained across the room. The emotions playing out in his eyes seemed to move between desperation and longing to happiness and love. Liz’s head began to spin as she realized she not only saw his thoughts, but she could actually
feel
the raging passion burning in his soul.

“It’s okay, Jason. It’s just me.”

“I never imagined you like this,” he said quietly. A smile twitched at the corners of his mouth. “Well, I guess I did once or twice, but my mind didn’t do you justice. How is it that you can change so dramatically and still be the same girl that I love?”

“Jason, I… ”

She swallowed her words as he marched with purpose across the room—erasing the distance between them in the blink of an eye. He kept his hands in his pockets. It was as if he feared that she was just a vision who would disappear the moment he tried to touch her. No warm hand pressed against her back. No muscled arm brushed her thigh. Only his warm lips pressed softly against hers. The pressure slowly intensified, as if he needed to confirm that he wasn’t dreaming.

He pulled back. “You
are
real…I wasn’t sure.”

Liz shut out the voices in her head, allowing only Jason to enter into her thoughts. She washed away the guilt and fear, and all that remained was her own decision. There was nothing he had to prove—no promises that he’d not already fulfilled. He loved her in spite of her strange ways. It was time. She kissed him then, releasing the scared girl inside her. She let her soul come to life.

She felt him slowly respond to her advance. As always, the gentleman he truly was attempted to take charge. She could feel him fighting with himself, trying not to push her. Love flowed through her veins, knowing that he always gave her the gift of choice.

“I won’t be able to stop, Beth,” he warned. “And I don’t want you to regret anything.”

Slowly, she removed his hands from his pockets and placed them around her waist. “There are things we have to talk about, I know that,” she said. “But I also want you to know, before we go downstairs, that I’m yours…in every way possible.” Her eyes filled with tears. She wanted to tell him the truth before the clouds of doubt decided to return. “Jason, I love you.”

A look appeared on his face that Liz couldn’t explain. A mixture of hope, pride and happiness lit his beautiful brown eyes. He leaned in and kissed her as a sound came from behind them.

Liz opened her eyes and peered over Jason’s shoulder at the slightly open door. Charles stood there with a look of sheer anguish on his face; his eyes focused on the floor. “I am
so
sorry, but we were just requested—no, ordered—to go downstairs.”

“We’ll be right there, Charles.”

“Sorry,” he mumbled, closing the door softly behind him.

Jason smiled down at Liz. “Figures, you’re ready, but the world is still against me.”

Liz kissed him playfully on the lips. “Bad timing, but we’ll fight the world together and I promise you that we’ll win.”

They walked slowly to the door. Jason took a few extra breaths in order to try and compose himself for his entrance into society.

Taking his arm, Liz straightened her spine. Her gown was no longer an abomination in her eyes. Faith was right. The dress
had
made her shed her inhibitions and understand what Jason had known all along—that she was all grown up.

Opening the door, Liz watched Faith attempt to straighten Charles’ shirt.

“You’re terrible,” Faith muttered. “What will people think?”

Charles laughed. “They’ll think that you were just loved by the best man in all of Dublin.”

“I don’t know every man in Dublin, so who am I to judge?” Faith winked at Liz.

Charles sighed, “Let’s go.” He turned and punched Jason on the shoulder. “You ready?”

He offered Charles a contented smile—the smile of a truly happy man.

Charles’ eyes glistened. “Well, it’s about time your prayers were answered.” He kissed Liz’s hand. “Great dress, by the way.”

Liz smiled, as a genuine feeling of happiness exploded inside her.

“Time to enter the lion’s den,” Faith whispered.

Liz shuddered at her choice of words, as she and Jason followed the pair toward the chandelier beaming at the end of the hall.

Jason’s grip tightened around her waist. “It’ll be all right,” he said. “That dress is a show stopper, though. If you wanted to hide in the corner, I’m afraid you’re not going to be able to.”

“As long as you like it,” Liz whispered.

“
Like it
? I’ll be the envy of everyone here.”

“With a face like yours, I’m sure that you were a long time ago.”

Jason stopped in his tracks. He turned her to face him taking a deep, steadying breath. “When I look at you…when I’m with you…I understand what God was trying to accomplish.”

Liz reached out for him. He had just said the loveliest words she’d ever heard. No poem, book or speech had ever encapsulated such a simple and pure sentiment.

Charles stopped at the top of the staircase. His contemptuous laugh pierced the silence. “Here we go, everyone. May the saints protect us,” he said, glancing at Liz.

She winked back. “I surely will.”

Faith laughed aloud. “Sexiest damn saint, I ever saw.”

“Really?” Charles asked laughing along with her. “It’s unfortunate that the Good Book never offered pictures—I would’ve paid more attention.”

The music seemed to dip and swell with each step they took down the grand marble staircase. All eyes turned to watch them. The ladies stood up straighter, pushing their assets out in front of them, as the men simply stared anxiously at the quartet. Some eyes were filled with disgust, especially the ones gazing at Charles’ smiling face. However, good old Irish politeness came forth when Liz and Faith passed by.

The same men who’d laughed with their dates in the shadows of their carriages, now bowed with appreciation to the mysterious females.

Faith worked the room on Charles’ arm. She curtsied to the flirtatious young men, while sending glares, as sharp as broken glass, at the women who blatantly ogled her husband.

Liz clung to Jason’s arm as ill-mannered men offered her lewd smiles and lascivious winks. Liz couldn’t find her smile. Only when Jason stared down at her, did she remember that she had a reason to stand straight and proud.

Her spine shivered as she saw a young woman walk determinedly toward them. She reached the foursome at exactly the same time as Anthony, who had suddenly appeared at Charles’ side. “Drink, sir? Ladies?”

Charles helped himself to one of the crystal champagne flutes and passed one to Faith. “I’m surprised there’s any left with all the renown drunks in the room.”

“Yes, sir,” Anthony said with a smile. He turned and silently offered the tray to Jason.

With a frown, Jason took a glass. “Drink, Beth?”

She shook her head. Taking in the sight of Anthony and Jason standing side-by-side, realization ripped through her soul.

Anthony smiled at her with a kindness not seen since their arrival. Yet the strange girl remained, hovering behind him. Clearing her throat, she attempted to announce her presence to the group.

Liz studied the rude girl who was now shoving Anthony out of the way. Her bright blonde hair met her pale white shoulders, framing a young face that showed no more than sixteen years—with the exception of the dark circles that her fancy powder was unable to erase. Her dress hung on her tall, thin body like an expensive tarp; a straight tunic that fell to the floor like a waterfall of glittering gemstones.

“I can’t believe you’re finally home, Charles. It’s been so boring without you here. I put the wedding plans on hold, but now that you’re back, we can get on with it.” Her accent was muddled; every syllable seemed drawn out for effect.
Perhaps, too much champagne had killed the lilting tones of this daughter of Ireland.

The girl ignored them all as she crept closer to Charles. She spoke only to him, pretending that the rest were all just servants to be seen and not heard.

Charles pulled Faith closer to his side. “Thank you, Katherine. It’s nice to know that I’ve been missed. However, our wedding is off.” He nodded at Jason. “Surely, you remember, my partner in crime?”

The woman shrank at Charles’ chilly reception. “Of course, Jason…how nice to see you again.” She offered her limp-wristed hand.

“Since you’ve never spoken to me before, Katherine, we should probably keep it that way,” Jason said before taking Liz’s elbow and leading her away.

Fear took over Liz’s soul. She closed her eyes and sent out a prayer, knowing that she’d just met only one of the many nightmares lurking inside this house.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Faith didn’t notice Liz and Jason’s exit. She remained still, staring at the young lady who clearly refused to leave. It was odd that she didn’t seem to recognize the uphill battle she was never going to win.

“Who are you?” Katherine asked.

“My name is Faith. I’m his wife.” She smiled and curtsied to the young woman whose face had gone completely white. Charles beamed with pride.

The girl recovered quickly. “Trust me, you’re just the new flavor of the month. Going below decks this week, Charles?” The scathing words dripped off her tongue like poison.

“The flavor of his life,” Faith corrected. “Now, Katherine, is it? Run along and inform the rest of this pretentious little crowd that Charles is no longer on the market. Shoo! I’ll be glad to let the Dublin gossip mill ease my workload.”

Charles laughed out loud, as Faith led him away. “Have I told you recently of my undying love for you?” he asked.

“In the last five minutes? No,” she replied. “It’s much easier to make the announcement once, than have to repeat myself all evening long. Don’t you think?”

“I’ll just put myself in your capable hands and…” Charles stopped, the smile evaporating from his face.

“Charles?” Faith’s worried voice echoed in his ears.

He cleared his throat. “Donald Faire has arrived.”

The arrival of Charles’ father instantly captured the attention of the entire room. His very presence seemed to dominate the gathering as he casually leaned against the doorframe. Mr. Faire was taller than his broad shouldered son, and the graying hair on his temples made him look almost regal, like the King of England, himself.

The men in the room seemed to bow on command, as he gazed at
his
people with the charismatic Faire smile set firmly on his face. The ladies, young and old, were awestruck. They curtsied when his gaze fell upon them. He appraised their appearance granting some a lewd wink of approval. It was then that he saw Charles from across the room—the only other man large enough to attract his attention. With a smirk, he bowed in greeting to his long lost son.

Charles grabbed Faith’s hand striding across the room to meet him.

“Your mother told me you were here. What are you doing back so soon, son?” His melodious voice rose above the whispering crowd.

Charles’ eyes grew dark, and his smile widened, matching his father’s. “What’s this? Can’t a son just drop by to see his mum and dad? Besides, I’ve found myself a bride, and I thought it was about time I introduce her to you.”

Faith’s heart jumped into her throat.

The large man slowly looked his son’s wife up and down with an appreciative gaze. He seemed to be memorizing every inch of her flesh, and Faith was overcome with embarrassment. “Your bride? I see. So my son marrying well below his station is something that I should be proud of, aye? Well…why not? So many things you’ve failed at—why should your choice of wife be any different.”

Charles’ eyes flashed with anger. His grin turned into a sneer as his hands balled into fists. “
Below my station
? I realize she’s not the lying, treacherous, drugged-out scum you wanted me to marry, but I decided winning the heart of a nice girl would be more of a challenge. I’m sure you’ll understand in time.”

Donald Faire’s voice remained calm; it was quite clear that he wasn’t going to be baited by the barbs being thrown at him from his flesh and blood. “So where is such a nice girl from? Who’s the proud family, may I ask, who raised such a wonderfully righteous young woman?”

Faith squared her shoulders. “My family has all gone the way of the angels, except for my sister who’s standing by the buffet in the corner.”

Charles’ father lifted his eyes studying the lady in red. His mouth pulled into a thin, angry line when he noticed the man by her side. “Him!” he snarled. The older Faire’s face turned scarlet red, like his blood was boiling inside his veins. Composing himself, he turned back to Faith. “I’m sorry to hear about your family—you and your sister all alone in the world. Orphans, are you? How sad. Considering your choice of clothing, you’re obviously not nuns who left the convent,” he leered. “Unless yours was a progressive order, perhaps?”

“Nuns?” Faith offered him a cold smile. “I’m afraid not, but I can call you Father, if you like.”

Donald Faire snapped his cigar in half between his fingers glaring at Charles. “I can’t believe you’ve come back, just to disgrace us further. But you’re going to be quick about it. Take my food and my money, but if you try to make me into a laughingstock again—
believe me
, you’ll not leave this town a whole man.”

Charles smiled. “I’ll leave here as soon as my business is complete. You can be sure of that, old man.”

“What business would that be? No, let me guess…”

“Drink, sir?” Anthony said, as he suddenly appeared.

“Did I request a drink?” Mr. Faire shouted at the hunched servant.

Like a dog being punished, Anthony shrank away.

“Into the study—now!”

“Certainly, Pops. There’s no need to air our dirty laundry in front of all your vile, disgusting guests.”

Faith clung to his arm as Charles walked toward a large oak door in the corner of the ornate room. He patted her hand. “My dear, this conversation is not for your ears.”

“But, Charles…”

“Jason!” Charles shouted across the room, ignoring the gasps of the crowd. “Father wants to discuss things with us in his study.”

His father’s voice boomed across the hall like thunder. “I don’t think the
help
needs to be invited.”

Charles smiled. He enjoyed seeing the look of disgust on his father’s face that he always seemed to be able to provoke, shattering his cool veneer. “The
help
? Why, Father, you still have a fine sense of humor—and you’re still a good dresser, if I do say so myself. Tonight’s ensemble is lovely; you look almost human.” He turned and smiled at Faith. “Just shows you, luv, money
can
buy class—at least on the outside.”

Jason took Liz’s arm as he led her across the room. He pushed the guests aside one by one while coming to the aid of his best friend. “Good evening,” he said finally getting the chance to address his former employer.

Mr. Faire took Jason’s extended hand pulling his mouth into a sour grimace. He pumped it once and released it quickly, as if he was afraid he’d catch something from the servant boy. He quickly focused his attention on the quiet girl at his side.

Donald grabbed Liz’s hand and brought it forcefully to his lips. “And you are?”

Liz tore her hand from his sweaty grip. “Elizabeth.”

“
You
, my dear, are charming. It’s about time someone dressed correctly for one of my parties. You positively light up the room. Where are you from?” he questioned her as his eyes walked over the curves of her body.

“Far away from here,” she stated.

He clicked his tongue inside his cheek. “That’s a shame. Are you visiting for long?”

Liz stepped back into Jason’s arms. “Yes, I am.” Her voice grew louder, dominating the room. “I’m here with my husband.”

“Your husband? What a shame! The rest of the men here tonight will be so disappointed. And who, may I ask, is the lucky man?”

Liz looked confused, as Donald Faire openly ignored the handsome boy at her side who was, quite obviously, her escort. “Why…the man on my arm. Who else in this room could win a lady’s heart?”

“I should’ve known,” Donald snorted. “Only a servant would refuse to spend his life savings on a ring to adorn your beautiful hand.”

Anger came from deep within her soul. “
You
may need to buy a woman’s affection, Mr. Faire, but Jason’s love is worth far more than you’ll ever possess.”

Charles’ father stepped back from the harsh words. “All beauty and no brains, how unfortunate. Let’s get this over with, and then you can all get the hell out of my house!”

Jason pulled back and smiled into Liz’s frightened eyes. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

“Let me come with you,” she whispered.

“I can’t. Charles is right. This discussion is not meant for you to hear.”

“Then keep your mind open. If you need me, I’ll know.”

“What?”

“Never mind,” she sighed, as Charles and Jason turned and followed Mr. Faire into the darkened study.

Faith looked at Liz. “I want to go with them.”

“Let’s just mingle,” Liz suggested, as the door slammed solidly in their faces. “Come on, you can start some trouble.”

Faith turned back to the noisy room. “Now you’re talking.”

“May I have this dance?” asked a young gentleman who appeared out of the crowd, his golden mane of hair feathered around his face like a lion.

Faith looked at Liz.

She nodded. “Find out what you can. It’s too quiet in here.”

“I will,” she replied, as the young man whisked her across the floor.

***

Liz watched her friend twirl away, and quickly scanned the rest of the room. Setting paranoia aside, it did seem like everyone was looking at her. From every corner of the room there were unblinking eyes that studied her. Huddled groups whispered in her direction while pointing at her as if she were an alien from another world. The young men who made eye contact bowed and smiled, while the young women shot her looks that were so loud they made her ears bleed.

Trying her best to ignore them, Liz walked to a large table filled with incredible platters of food, most certainly arranged by Martha. Her stomach rumbled for anything she could find; she needed something to stop her head from spinning. The unwanted buzzing had begun as her heart beat fast with panic. Her skin began to tingle and she waited for the mist to envelope her, already dying of embarrassment for the red heap she would soon make on the polished floor.

She felt herself begin to fade, when a face suddenly appeared before her. His large hands grasped her by the elbows, holding her up so she wouldn’t collapse. He began to sway back and forth. Taking her in his strong, supportive arms, he danced with her across the floor.

Trying to regain focus, she took in a face she knew as well as her own. “Daniel?” she whispered, as his appearance began to shift before her eyes. His eye color went from green to a brilliant blue; his hair changed from a soft red to a golden brown…then back again. However, his smile remained the same. His face was lit up with happiness, and he brightened the room with his laughter.

“Hello, Liz,” he said quietly. “How have you been?”