May

May sat in an overstuffed chair in front of a roaring fire. “This house really is amazing. Even more so now that Simon’s mother and sisters aren’t here to spoil the festivities,” May said. “Although I’ve known of Simon my whole life, this is the first time I’ve been to his home.” She punched the bottom on her iPad to skip the song that came up.

Cora pulled out two bags of chocolate-covered peanuts. “I never would have dreamed to live in a house like this. Who could possibly need twenty-eight bedrooms?”

May cleared her throat. “You do,” she said. “In fact, this place will fill up by tomorrow night. You’ll do this several times a year, being a duke’s wife. Consider yourself the Marriott of Hertfordshire.” She picked up a bag of candy and ripped it open. “I see you’ve learned about James’ time travel black market stores.”

“Yes, bless him. Anyway, I doubt we’ll entertain that often enough to fill the rooms regularly,” Cora answered, shaking her head.

“Living here is not like in your century where you invite people over because you enjoy their company. For instance, Lady Radnor is coming to the party, is she not?”

Cora laughed. “I see the point.”

“At any rate, it looks like you’ll have two spare bedrooms,” May said, tossing the guest list on the table between them. “Everyone else will be coming for the ball and the midnight supper and then take to their carriages to go home.”

“Do you think everyone will come?”

May snorted and laughed again. “This really is too fun,” she said. “You have no concept of what it means to marry a Victorian-era duke, do you? They wouldn’t dare not to. It wouldn’t surprise me if people uninvited tried to sneak in too.”

Cora shook her head, and May could see the frustration in her expression.

“I didn’t marry a duke. I married Simon.”

“Well, yes, but it’s somewhat like marrying a divorcee. They come with baggage. Simon’s baggage happens to be several small townships, a whole passel of farmers, and enough acreage that require hundreds of servants to take care of the lands and homes. That’s enough baggage to have been divorced hundreds of times.”

“Sitting in the twenty-first-century, it was easy to imagine that the English feudal system just granted privilege and wealth to a few. I had no idea how much responsibility and oversight it took to manage all of that property. There’s still a grand amount of wealth, but it’s like Simon is a CEO.

“Technically, he owns all the property, but very little of it is for his private use. Even our home is open on public days, and people wander through all day long visiting with him about different problems they have.”

“Your life is public,” said May. “I enjoy that most about traveling to your century. I can just be. I can leave that expectation behind. I can be a private person.”

“I’m starting to get that,” Cora said.

May thought that might be another reason she’d never agreed to any of the engagements, though she hadn’t realized it before. It meant that she’d have to accept the responsibilities of a society wife along with the husband. She wouldn’t just be accepting Henry, but she’d also marry his estates as Cora had with Simon. She would give up a dream that defined her for years—nursing. The women sat quietly, watching flames lick around the edges of the logs. The passion she felt for Henry was like the flame, but she was afraid it would burn her.

Finally, May spoke up, “I just went over the latest RSVPs that you’ve received. Everyone is coming.”

“We did things today that I had no idea I’d ever need to do.” Cora extended a finger as she named each one. “We met with the housekeeper about room preparations and assignments according to the personal information you knew about each of the guests. That’s two things. Then we met with the cook about the final preparations for each of the meals. Earlier this week, when you helped me hire extra staffing for every position indoors, I thought you were crazy. Turns out I was. Finally, we observed their activities to see if it was satisfactory.” She had all five fingers on one hand up. “This means that if you hadn’t come, the party would have been a disaster and I wouldn’t have seen it coming. I couldn’t have done this without you,” Cora said.

“Oh, you’re so right,” May said with a chuckle. “And that’s why I invited myself to come live with you for a few weeks.”

“You’re welcome anytime. Especially if I’m having a party. I’ve learned so much. How did you even know what to do?”

“This is what I was raised to do,” May said as she stood and gathered her things. “At least, while I was on this side of the centuries. A lady raises her daughters to run the house, attend to the servants, arrange for parties. It’s not all glamorous for the women either.”

Everything was in order, and May was pleased with how much Cora had learned and took on for her assignments.

“I think a Christmas ball should be an annual tradition for Simon and I. I love how many people are employed in the preparation. It will make everyone’s holiday and the coming year for them just that much easier.” Cora stood, but immediately pressed her hands to her abdomen and swayed next to her chair.

There was a long pause while Cora closed her eyes, and May stood ready to help. When it looked like the symptoms passed, May asked, “I’ve been wondering, are you pregnant?”

Cora’s hands went to her stomach again. “Why do you ask?”

“You’ve been sick every evening. It isn’t always morning sickness, you know.”

“Well, yes, but I haven’t told Simon yet. I was hoping to get the party over first.”

May sprang toward Cora and hugged her. “I’m so happy for you. I promise I won’t tell anyone. If you need something, just ask. I can be your private nurse.” May latched arms with Cora and they began walking toward their bedrooms.

“I will,” Cora said. “I’d like to check on the chalk drawing on the ballroom floor. I’m so excited to see it finished.”

“Do you want me to come with you?”

“No. It’s a huge surprise for you too. Good night, May, and thanks!”

May pushed open the door to her room. A lovely floral scent wafted toward her. As she pushed the door completely open, she could see that her room was filled with dozens of flowers. Where did they come from? Any bloom in December was precious in Victorian England. And only Henry would know the exact flowers she loved. Most of them were potted plants—violets. The cut flowers were roses. She wondered how many hot houses he’d cleared out with this request.

She shook her head with surprise and couldn’t help but feel excitement bubbling up. She flitted from one grouping to another looking, touching, or smelling. Henry was more than a great catch. He was an amazing, thoughtful person.

The back and forth of making this decision was the equal of romantic whiplash. For now, she’d enjoy his offering and bask in being spoiled by him. There were a couple of hours before she had to change. She reclined on the bed and enjoyed the aroma. She had five days until she’d give Henry her answer. About the same amount of time before these flowers wilted.

Just before dinner, Nellie approached May while she chatted with Cora in the salon. “I’d like you to meet a new friend, named Vera. She’s also from America,” Nellie said with a wink. “She’s an accidental traveler from 1926 who arrived at the Full Moon Ball last night, one second before midnight. That was cutting it close.”

Cora’s face looked at her with suspicion and a smirk. “You got here really fast.”

“In a flash, you might say.” Nellie laughed.

James and Gerard Morrow joined them. “I would appreciate an introduction, Aunt Nellie,” James said as he bowed to the petite blonde newcomer.

Vera giggled behind her hand.

“Don’t get fooled by him,” May cautioned, ignoring the mock surprise James was acting out. He’s not a Victorian gentleman. “He’s a traveler too.”

Aunt Nellie extended the introductions and then Gerard excused himself.

“You’re a viscount? What exactly is that?” Vera asked.

“It means he lives off of his father’s money,” May commented.

“She’s not wrong.” James laughed. “But there’s so much more to it. It’s going to take some time to explain. Shall we start?” James said, extending his arm to her.

Aunt Nellie patted his arm and smiled at James. “I was sure you’d show her a nice time. Enjoy the party and find me when it’s over.”

May laughed but James seemed not to notice as he led Vera toward a far corner.

Henry approached and stood before May.

She inspected the floral design of Henry’s purple coat. His pants were the color of the goldenrod center of a pansy. “I believe you have outdone yourself tonight, my lord,” May said with a smirk on her lips as she looked down and back again to his face, hinting at the jest. The tailoring was impeccable and the fit was definitely flattering. Oh, my! He really could wear anything and be gorgeous. “In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in other than black at a dinner party or anywhere else really.” Her heart raced more than a little to recognize the gesture he was making.

“It seems a popular color tonight,” he said, obviously admiring her dress too. “Why I believe we’re a perfect match.”

May’s cheeks warmed with a blush as the guests were called into the dining room.

Henry extended his arm to her. “I’m pleased to be your dinner companion this evening, Lady May.”

She knew she’d paid strict adherence to the dinner escorting arrangements by order of precedence as she’d helped Cora plan the dinner. She wished she hadn’t. She and Henry wouldn’t be seated together. He was supposed to lead Cora in, and Simon would have led May’s mother, leaving her on her father’s arm. Instead, Henry led her through door of the dining hall, and everyone else paired up to their own liking instead of by society’s rules. She liked Henry’s idea much better.

Inside, she looked over the tables they passed by. These weren’t at all the orders she’d made for the decorations. She noted each place setting had a small ornamentation of a white rose clustered about by several violets. May gasped, seeing the same flowers on the table as he’d arranged for her bedroom. Oh, my. He’d been sneaky for the past few days to arrange all of that, and she loved him the more for it.

“Is there something not right?” Henry asked.

“No. Everything is very much the opposite. And I believe you well know that.” May expected to see guilt on his face, but he looked smugly pleased.

“I might,” he replied. His hand covered hers at his elbow. The gaze on his face smoldered with passion as Henry led May to their seats. She trusted his guidance and didn’t take her eyes off of him for even a moment to walk on her own.

She noticed he also deviated from the seating arrangements May had helped Cora create when he sat her beside himself. May also had arranged the seating by strict attention to precedence. She had hoped to help Cora fit in with society in her first entertaining debut. “Another little change you’ve made?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“I’m pleased with your choices. This part is definitely an improvement.” She sat as he moved her chair forward. “Will there be more?”

“Yes. Many more.” He couldn’t have closed his lips if he’d tried. His smile stretched across his face with glee, his dimples deep and tempting. Even in eggplant purple, he was strikingly handsome.

May and Henry sat near Simon who had Cora on his other side. The new assignments made it possible for Henry and May to hold private conversation and the same for Simon and Cora. Friends and acquaintances filled the tables scattered in the room. Shamay and her son, Gerard, sat with May’s parents and the Radnors. Lucy hadn’t escaped them, but at least Everett sat beside her as well. That was another couple that benefitted from the more casual setting assignments for the evening.

May glanced around at the splendor of the room. Floor to ceiling height windows with arches at the top lined both walls, and the ceiling was domed between the two with hunting scenes painted in the panels overhead. Crystal chandeliers dangled like earrings along the dining hall’s length and candelabras dotted the tables. Servants in the blue and yellow livery of Simon’s estate began handing around the first course.

The aroma of chicken and almonds rose from her bowl. She looked at Henry. “Is this Lorraine soup?”

Henry shrugged his shoulders. As soon as the soup hit her lips, she knew it was. Her gaze swung toward Henry. His dimples were deep, and she detected his chest shaking with silent laughter.

“How did you find the recipe for this soup? Or change the first course?” May smiled at him. She wished they were at a picnic and they could have some private time so her lips could show him exactly how much she appreciated his attention. “I think it’s absolutely perfect. Of course, it’s my favorite. Did you know that?”

“I might have,” he answered with a smile.

The next course deviated from the plan as well, and every course after that. The whole meal was comprised of May’s favorite foods. If she didn’t know better she would think her mother’s chef was in the kitchen preparing the food—the recipes were exact.

“I don’t know when I’ve ever had a better meal,” May commented. “I’ve enjoyed each of those courses individually for years, but this is the first time I’ve had them all together. Every course was something I love. Thank you, Henry,” She was flattered that he was so attentive to remember and arrange the foods she liked and arranged a marvelous night just for her. She knew it was possibly rude, but her attention was completely captivated by Henry for the entire meal.

“My pleasure. I promise you this is the only meal plan I tinkered with. The rest will be as you and Cora planned.”

There were no after dinner activities arranged—by design. Cora had been very tired of late and wanted to rest the day before the ball. Any guests that were already at the house had the evening to themselves.

“Are you interested in a little stargazing?” asked Henry. “I thought it might be a good activity for us.”

Of course it was. He knew very well it was one of her favorite things to do. She took his extended arm and he led her toward the veranda at the back of the manor. Before they left, he draped a fur-lined cloak around her shoulders and donned one for himself too.

A chill hit her cheeks as they stepped from the building. Tiny specks of light glistened in a neat row at the far edge of the lawn and disappeared behind the hedge. The sound of the other guests fell behind them with the closing of the door, and only the silent winter air surrounded them.

As their feet crunched along the sandy path, May snuggled closer into Henry. Why couldn’t this be her future? It was so easy to be with him. Every minute she spent with him made the twenty-first century blur. “I appreciate your attention this evening. You arranged everything so perfectly.”

“I’ve missed you, May. You only left in October, and I was at ends always looking for you, wanting to be near you, to hear your voice, or to touch you, anything.”

May couldn’t see the features on his face well in the darkness, but she could hear the earnestness in his voice. She tried not to miss him when she was gone, but she desperately did. May paused and stepped in front of Henry when he stopped as well. “I’ve missed you too.” She pulled her cloak open as Henry did, and she stepped within his.

Henry’s mouth took hers with strength and fervor as his lips caressed hers. Her body responded immediately. There was no guessing how to fit together. They were perfect. May’s hands pulled him tighter. Every cell seemed as if it were reaching for him. She needed this. His head tipped, and she adjusted to increase their pleasure. She moved her hands across his back and then his chest. His quick gasp thrilled her. Then he softly moaned her name, and her head spun with emotion. He kissed her, and she kissed him in the moonless night.

Finally, he broke the kiss and laid his cheek against her forehead. “I’d like to show you to your observatory, May.”

She was grateful that his arms stayed around her, realizing that he was holding her up. She hugged him and then released. “Please show me.” She walked beside him and the yellow lanterns marking the way.

As they rounded the corner in the path around the hedge, Henry yelled, “Get out of here, James.”

James’s head popped up and soon after so did Vera’s. May laughed aloud. James and Vera jumped from a chaise lounge, and she straightened her dress.

“So this is yours?” James asked with a lazy smile. “I should call you out for bringing my sister here.”

“Oh, get out of here,” May said, shooing him with one gloved hand.

“Did you really think someone left the couch out here for your benefit?” Henry asked.

“Actually, I thought it quite fortunate.” James grabbed Vera’s hand, and they began walking toward the garden, both laughing loudly.

May watched the anger in Henry expression turn to disappointment. “I’m sorry,” he said. “This has spoiled it for us.”

May was not going to let that happen. She stepped in front of Henry, then tipped up on her toes and kissed him, her fingers intertwining with his. She repeated the kiss again. “Were you saying something important? I think I missed it.” Then she tipped up for another quick kiss before he could answer.

“Let’s set this to rights.” May picked up the blanket that had fallen on the large rug he’d had dragged out to the lawn. “So you’ve been very busy thinking of romantic ideas, Lord Saalfeld.”

His mouth dropped open, but he didn’t answer right away. He picked up a pillow and placed it on the little couch. “There wasn’t much to keep my mind productive while you were gone. I threw myself into hunting trips at my estates and anyone else’s who would have me. I had to think of something while I trudged through the dry grass.”

“I’d say that was time well spent, then. You did happen to bag a few birds, didn’t you?” May asked, glancing around them. The trees around them created a sort of three-sided room far removed from the house.

“Birds, rabbits, deer,” Henry intoned as they straightened the blanket. He seemed sufficiently convinced that no lasting harm had been done. “Shall we stargaze?”

“Yes, I’d like that very much. It’s much better than talking.” She leaned against him and raised her hands around the back of his neck. She had no intention of looking at stars for quite some time.

Henry’s arms held her tightly to him.

May stiffened, wondering if he had gone to such lengths to make yet another proposal. “I’m not ready to hear a proposal,” she said when their lips parted. She tried to step backward, but his arms held her firmly against him.

He leaned over and spoke in her ear, “I know. I’m not even going to ask. You said Christmas, and I’m going to wait.”

Her ear tingled from his words blowing across it. Her shoulders relaxed. He might be waiting, but not patiently. And the kisses he was trailing down her neck were quite persuasive. Her thoughts dried and broke apart. Making decisions about Henry was like trying to catch leaves in a storm. May sat on the lounge and pulled on Henry’s hand to sit with her and enjoy the time they would have alone.