~ Glimpse Of Forever ~

by

Evanell

Unable to camouflage her excitement, Jennifer grinned. The possibility of seeing Kacy and her babies made her feel giddy. And the fact that Drake had seen them in the spring indicated that time here had elapsed the same as in the future.

Jennifer stared at the familiar mole under his left eye, then at his hair, so blond it looked pearl-white, and at his mouth, sensuous and tempting. Being in the nineteenth century alone with him made her tremble. Could he be Dirk? Had he died in the future and come to live in the past? Taken over someone else’s life? If so, would he forgive her for losing the opal?

Her heart dived when she thought about the opal. She looked away, shaking with despair.

When she dared another glance at Drake, a glimmer of amusement still shimmered in his wonderful eyes. Fascinating blue eyes, so like Dirk’s.

"Kacy’s eyes are blue, too." Not knowing why she made that inane statement, heat crawled up Jennifer’s neck.

"The Countess has lovely eyes, however, they’re no more lovely than yours."

Jennifer’s heart did a flip-flop, then threatened to quit altogether.

"Have you nothing to say?" he teased.

"Look Mr.--?" When he didn’t fill in his name, she said, "I don’t even know your last name."

His amusement gone, he hiked a brow. "Do you not?"

"No. In my vision Miranda only called you Drake."

He looked confounded, and his voice sounded strained when he croaked, "You had a vision? Of Miranda?"

Jennifer nodded. "Yes, the same one you were in, along with Prudence and Sevil."

Drake rammed a hand through his wavy hair, his eyes troubled. "Who is Sevil?"

"A wizard."

"How do you know he’s a wizard?"

"Miranda called him one. And he did unusual things."

"Such as?"

Jennifer shrugged. "Magic."

"What kind of magic?" Drake pumped.

"At the end of my vision he shape-shifted. Then he jumped clear up to the top of a roof, and he took Miranda with him."

Drake looked startled. He folded his arms across his broad chest, his food apparently forgotten. His frown had returned. "Tell me more about--this vision."

"It wasn’t much," Jennifer hedged, not ready to repeat everything she’d seen and heard. If she said Sevil had promised to take Miranda to the future to see Catharine, Drake would probably think she was crazy. Suddenly remembering Miranda wanted Sevil to make a switch, apparently with her, Jennifer almost gasped out loud. But she expected Miranda to return soon. Even though they looked alike, Jennifer couldn’t pretend to be Miranda. Other than what she’d seen in the vision, she knew nothing about Miranda’s life, or what was expected of her. And Jennifer had no intention of being treated like a nineteenth century lady whose activities could be curtailed or restricted. She’d come back in time to see Kacy, and she intended to, just as soon as possible, then hopefully she’d return to her own time.

"I consider myself a patient man," Drake said, "however, I’m impatient to hear about your vision."

Jennifer licked her bottom lip. "I saw a man and lady, who called each other Miranda and Sevil, spying on you and another lady through a window. They called you Drake and Prudence. You were preparing to go out for the evening and I think that upset Miranda because she’s apparently engaged--betrothed to you."

"What did Miranda and Sevil say?" Drake pumped again.

"She said you ignored her and doted on Prudence. Sevil said he convinced you to let Miranda take the Grand Tour last year, then arranged your marriage as he promised. But now Miranda wants more."

"More what?"

Jennifer stared at the food on the table. She hadn’t been very hungry, now she felt even less so. "Miranda doesn’t want Prudence to be your mistress."

"I see," Drake said, but he didn’t look convinced. He looked doubtful.

At a loss for words, Jennifer picked up her fork and stabbed a piece of cold ham. When Drake remained quiet, she reminded, "You haven’t told me your last name."

"Edward," he said.

"Mr. Drake Edward." Jennifer said his name dreamily, then cautioned herself not to get carried away. He might not be Dirk. Even if he was, Miranda intended to marry him. Jennifer’s mouth went dry. That reminder bothered her. If he was Dirk, he was her husband, even though their marriage had lasted only a few days.