Page 89 of No Place in Time

“Thank providence she had protection.” Stephen stepped aside. “Come, both of you.”

The hall inside was warm and well-lit. Servants appeared at her uncle’s call. He fussed over Cecily, ordering clean clothes brought for both, hot water prepared, and food readied.

“I’ve been so worried,” he said, guiding Cecily to a chair by the fire. “The rumors about your health. Some said you were very ill indeed. I tried to visit you twice last autumn.” His brow creased. “Julian’s men turned me away both times. Said you were too ill for visitors. I should have insisted.” He shook his head. “I should have insisted.”

“I’m much better now, truly.” Cecily sat, and Finn saw her shoulders relax slightly. “Uncle, could we stay the night? We’ll return to Veyron in the morning.”

“Of course! You’re always welcome here. You are family.” He patted her hand. “I’ll have rooms prepared immediately.”

At dinner, Finn watched Cecily navigate her uncle’s worried questions. Stephen fussed, bemoaning the state of his kitchens since she’d left, then pressed for news of Veyron. Cecily answered with a calm Finn knew was forced, a shield against her uncle’s well-meaning intrusion. Finn said little, focusing on the roasted meat and warm bread, luxuries he hadn’t realized he’d missed so acutely.

Later, when the house fell silent, Finn slipped from his room in the servants’ quarters. He moved through the unfamiliar halls, grateful Cecily had pointed out her chamber’s location before they parted. Finding the door, he tapped lightly, and it opened at once.

“We have to leave first thing,” Cecily whispered once he was inside. “Julian can’t find out we’re here.”

“I know,” Finn said. “We’ll leave at first light.”

“And go where?”

“Toward Veyron. We have to find the machine.”

“We don’t know where it’s hidden.”

“We’ll find out,” Finn said. “I know every hiding place on that estate. Every outbuilding, every cellar, every corner my father thought was secret. If the machine is anywhere on Veyron land, I’ll find it.”

Cecily sat on the edge of the bed, her voice a whisper. “What if we can’t get it? What if Julian—?”

He sat beside her and took her hand, his grip firm. “Listen to me,” he said, his voice low and certain. “We will get it. We have to.”

She tucked her head against his shoulder. They sat in silence as the fire burned low. Finally, she said, “You’d better go back to your room, and be careful of the servants. I’ll miss…” She didn’t finish her thought.

“I know,” he said. “I’ll miss you tonight too.”

Back in his room, Finn couldn’t shake the feeling that time was running out. He thought of Cecily, both versions of her. If only she knew how much he cared for her. How difficult it was to hold her at night and not ask for more.

His last thought before sleep was of her in the chapel ruins, her face smudged with dirt, her eyes fierce. The way she argued with him even when she was wrong, and especially when she was right. The way she’d looked at him like she couldn’t decide whether to strike him or kiss him. The way she always, always got back up.

He had no idea how to tell her any of this. He worried he might be running out of time to try.

44

FINN

1301

When the first light appeared at the window, Finn rose and began gathering their few belongings. Arriving in the dining hall, he heard voices outside, then the sound of horses and a carriage. Finn went to the window and looked out.

He drew in his breath.

Below in the courtyard, Julian sat on a new dappled gray stallion, the kind of horse that cost more than most men earned in a year, with Benedict standing beside an impressive carriage. With them were several guards. Cecily’s uncle was already outside, greeting them.

“What’s happening?” Cecily appeared beside him.

“They’re here.”

“What? How?”

“Your uncle must have sent word early this morning.” Finn backed away from the window. “We have to go.”