Read Online A Leap in Time by Engy Albasel Neville - Free Book Online

be very cruel. It’s his loss. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone wonderful at the summer feast. You seem fond of Marcus. Maybe he could be a potential suitor.” I smiled encouragingly while the tears streamed down her face. Before I could stop myself, I was reaching over to hug her.
    I felt torn. A part of me didn’t see the harm staying one additional day for the party. The whole point of coming back was to figure out why the painting had engulfed me in the first place. Besides, I was really liking Catina and wanted to get to know her a little more. The clearheaded part of me wanted to get out of here before something went wrong.
    What would Charlotte and Kate think if I didn’t return as promised? Would they panic and call Mrs. Ashton? Would they get my parents involved? I didn’t want to give them reason to worry more than they already were.
    “Lexi, please stay for the feast. Then you’re free to make your way to Rome. I wouldn’t stand in your way. I promise.” She pulled back from my hug to wipe her eyes. Her magenta colored tunic looked beautiful on her. For the first time I noticed the layers of ruffles that delicately brushed her slim ankles.
    I found myself saying, “Yes.”
    Now I needed to figure out a Plan B so I was still home by dawn on Sunday. If I sneak away tomorrow before dusk, I can still be home before the weekend ends and all will be normal again.
    Catina shrieked so loud there was no doubt people down the street heard. Was everyone from Pompeii this welcoming of strangers? She just met me for God’s sake. The cynic in me was doubtful and suspicious of her intentions and the trusting part of me welcomed her enthusiasm. I found it refreshing.
    “I’ll stay for the party on two conditions.” She looked at me as if no request was too big. “I need to borrow a dress and I need to leave by tomorrow before dusk.” She started to ask why, but I put my hand up to stop her. “Please Catina, don’t ask questions or press me to stay. I wouldn’t be leaving if it wasn’t important.”
    “All right, I won’t ask any questions for now, but I would like to know the whole story when you’re ready. I know there’s much more.”
    Surprisingly, I knew that someday I would be able to trust her with the whole story.
    As if reading my mind, she said, “You can trust me,” while clasping both my hands.
    If she knew only half the story, she’s have me committed to an insane asylum.
    “Regardless of what you’re not telling me, I’m glad you’re staying. You’ll have a wonderful time and you’ll meet Marcus. I have a feeling you’ll enjoy each other’s company.” She busied herself with fluffing the pillows on the sofa where I sat. What was she up to?
    “I don’t think I’m ready to start a new courtship right now.”
    “My mother always says to keep an open heart so the gods can do their work.”
    Mental note to self, look up gods when you get back home.
    “Please forgive me for asking, but why haven’t you considered Marcus as a suitor? You seem very fond of him.
    “I am—the same way I’m fond of my brother. And if Julius wasn’t already betrothed, I would play matchmaker with him as well.” She seemed to be telling the truth although I wasn’t sure why it mattered. Was I really going to be set up in Pompeii? I wouldn’t be here long enough for anything to happen.
    “Don’t be so closed off. Not all men are like your previous betrothed. If I had to guess, I would say you have a restless spirit that needs constant adventure to feel alive. You wouldn’t be here on your own otherwise.” She smiled wistfully. “You’ll find Marcus to be very similar.” Catina patted the cushion between us. “Enough about that, let’s find you a dress. Come, you’ll share my bed tonight. I’m sure Mother has already designated the bedrooms for guests.”
    She got up and pulled me to her room.

Chapter Eight
    The sight of him took my breath away. The room and everyone in it faded as