Read Online Divine by Nichole van - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Nichole van
Tags: Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Romance, Time travel, Romantic Comedy, Teen & Young Adult, Inspirational
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time travel adventure. But if you are not able to come back to me—”
“Of course, I know that is a risk, James. But I need to understand why the universe sent this letter to me. Who I am still linked to in the past—”
“Georgiana, please, don’t go back.” He looked away. Swallowed. Brought his gaze back to her. “After Emme, you are the person I hold nearest to my heart. Please don’t leave me, Georgiana. I nearly lost you once. I don’t want to lose you again . . .” His voice trailed off, eyes bright.
Georgiana blinked back the raw burning in her throat.
“I’m so sorry, James. Trust me, just this once.”
He let out a long breath of air. The pause lengthened.
“Of course I trust you, Georgie,” he finally said, scrubbing his hand through his hair as he did. “Just, please, find a way to come back to me.”
“Yes,” she whispered. “I will. I promise.”
In the end, she never did call Shatner.
Chapter 4
The drawing room
Haldon Manor
Herefordshire
August 23, 1813
Birthday in minus 47 days
“R eally, Knight, this endless going around and around grows tiresome. I cannot believe you have no knowledge of your sister’s exact whereabouts,” Sebastian said, trying to keep frustration out of his voice. Failing to do so.
Sebastian sat in Arthur Knight’s drawing room at Haldon Manor, the whitewashed interior gloomy from the rain pattering against the mullioned windows.
Like thieves, Sebastian and Phillips had stolen from Stratton Hall in the dead of night, traveling quickly by horseback, telling no one of their destination. In so doing, he hoped the husband-hungry ladies would take a week or two to find him.
He and Phillips had arrived at Haldon Manor the night before. Arthur Knight had been surprised to see them but had immediately recognized the advantage of having an earl under his roof. Arthur had insisted they stay at Haldon Manor instead of the Old Boar Inn in nearby Marfield. Though grateful for the hospitality, Sebastian needed Arthur to provide detailed answers to a few, very basic questions.
Well, it was really only one question: Where is your sister?
Sebastian had been surprised to find Arthur did not greatly resemble his brother or sister—his hair more sandy-brown than golden, his eyes decidedly gray instead of blue.
Even more, Arthur seemed tensely wound. A far cry from Georgiana’s sunny smile and impulsive nature.
Being at Haldon Manor was a painful juxtaposition of joy and heartache. There were reminders of Georgiana everywhere: the fine painting of flowers done in her hand, that work basket decorated with quilled lambs and roses she had done with her old governess, the small miniature portrait on the fireplace mantle. The entire house echoed her presence.
Currently, he sat staring at a larger portrait of her on the drawing room wall. Obviously done several years previous, she sat serenely in front of a curtained window, embroidery in her lap. The artist had expertly captured the golden sheen of her hair and width of her smile, but the image lacked the vibrancy of her eyes, the energy of her presence.
It was a hollow imitation of the real woman.
Arthur sat across from him, straight and proper in his chair.
“I should like a little honesty between us,” Sebastian continued. “I have made it abundantly clear that my intentions toward your sister are honorable. I fully intend to do everything in my power to persuade Miss Knight to be my countess. So I ask you again, where is she?”
He didn’t even try to keep the irritation out of his voice. Speak firmly and expect results—being an army captain had taught him that.
Arthur shifted slightly, as if the question made him uncomfortable.
Normally, Sebastian was unflappable. Steady and pleasant in any situation. His good cheer had sustained his men through many a long march against Napoleon. They may have cursed his eternal optimism, but they leaned on it nonetheless.
Unfortunately, dealing with Arthur
“Of course, I know that is a risk, James. But I need to understand why the universe sent this letter to me. Who I am still linked to in the past—”
“Georgiana, please, don’t go back.” He looked away. Swallowed. Brought his gaze back to her. “After Emme, you are the person I hold nearest to my heart. Please don’t leave me, Georgiana. I nearly lost you once. I don’t want to lose you again . . .” His voice trailed off, eyes bright.
Georgiana blinked back the raw burning in her throat.
“I’m so sorry, James. Trust me, just this once.”
He let out a long breath of air. The pause lengthened.
“Of course I trust you, Georgie,” he finally said, scrubbing his hand through his hair as he did. “Just, please, find a way to come back to me.”
“Yes,” she whispered. “I will. I promise.”
In the end, she never did call Shatner.
Chapter 4
The drawing room
Haldon Manor
Herefordshire
August 23, 1813
Birthday in minus 47 days
“R eally, Knight, this endless going around and around grows tiresome. I cannot believe you have no knowledge of your sister’s exact whereabouts,” Sebastian said, trying to keep frustration out of his voice. Failing to do so.
Sebastian sat in Arthur Knight’s drawing room at Haldon Manor, the whitewashed interior gloomy from the rain pattering against the mullioned windows.
Like thieves, Sebastian and Phillips had stolen from Stratton Hall in the dead of night, traveling quickly by horseback, telling no one of their destination. In so doing, he hoped the husband-hungry ladies would take a week or two to find him.
He and Phillips had arrived at Haldon Manor the night before. Arthur Knight had been surprised to see them but had immediately recognized the advantage of having an earl under his roof. Arthur had insisted they stay at Haldon Manor instead of the Old Boar Inn in nearby Marfield. Though grateful for the hospitality, Sebastian needed Arthur to provide detailed answers to a few, very basic questions.
Well, it was really only one question: Where is your sister?
Sebastian had been surprised to find Arthur did not greatly resemble his brother or sister—his hair more sandy-brown than golden, his eyes decidedly gray instead of blue.
Even more, Arthur seemed tensely wound. A far cry from Georgiana’s sunny smile and impulsive nature.
Being at Haldon Manor was a painful juxtaposition of joy and heartache. There were reminders of Georgiana everywhere: the fine painting of flowers done in her hand, that work basket decorated with quilled lambs and roses she had done with her old governess, the small miniature portrait on the fireplace mantle. The entire house echoed her presence.
Currently, he sat staring at a larger portrait of her on the drawing room wall. Obviously done several years previous, she sat serenely in front of a curtained window, embroidery in her lap. The artist had expertly captured the golden sheen of her hair and width of her smile, but the image lacked the vibrancy of her eyes, the energy of her presence.
It was a hollow imitation of the real woman.
Arthur sat across from him, straight and proper in his chair.
“I should like a little honesty between us,” Sebastian continued. “I have made it abundantly clear that my intentions toward your sister are honorable. I fully intend to do everything in my power to persuade Miss Knight to be my countess. So I ask you again, where is she?”
He didn’t even try to keep the irritation out of his voice. Speak firmly and expect results—being an army captain had taught him that.
Arthur shifted slightly, as if the question made him uncomfortable.
Normally, Sebastian was unflappable. Steady and pleasant in any situation. His good cheer had sustained his men through many a long march against Napoleon. They may have cursed his eternal optimism, but they leaned on it nonetheless.
Unfortunately, dealing with Arthur
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