In This Life Rachel Carrington Prologue Alexander heard footsteps behind him and turned slightly, surprised to see Carla following him. “What are you doing? I thought you would spend time with my cousin now.” Carla hooked her arm through his and began to guide him toward the library though he knew his way quite well. “Sinclair will wait. There are a few things I need to go over with you before you leave. Now, when you get to New York, everything will look really strange.” “I’m sure it will,” Alexander agreed in a patronizing drawl. Surely Carla expected him to have a few surprises along the way. After all, he was headed into the twenty-first century. Anticipation climbed its way up his spine at the thought. Her gown rustled around her ankles as she walked across the imported carpet. “Close the door, please. “ After Alexander followed her command, she held out a piece of parchment paper which had been tucked in the folds of her dress. “Here.” “What’s this?” “It’s a note to a friend of mine. He’s really weird but a nice guy. I’ve told him to help you out, and he’s just strange enough to do it without asking any questions.” She walked to the long row of shelves next to the back wall of the library. “Oh and ignore his hair. And his clothes.” Alexander frowned. “What is the matter with his clothing? Does the man not know how to properly attire himself?” Carla grinned over her shoulder. “You’ll see. He’s just eccentric and may not come across as the smartest guy in the world. But not too many things get past him. Now, my sister’s address is written in the front of this book along with some other things you’ll need to know.” She returned to stand in front of him. “It’s a poetry book. I’ll have to admit I have not yet read this one. His first work received a fair amount of criticism and—” “Alexander, will you focus!? It’s Lord Byron!” He patiently waited for her to explain further while he jostled the book from palm to palm. “You look like an English gentleman. You talk like an English gentleman, and no one will suspect a thing if you’re seen carrying a book of Lord Byron’s poetry. And for now, it’s your bible. Not to mention, this,” she tapped the book, “is a work of art. I’ve spent many hours reading those poems.” “You are wandering far astray of our subject, My Lady. I believe you mentioned bible?” Her hand grasped his. “Listen to me. I’ve given you a lot of information in that book—information you’ll need when you arrive.” She checked the clock above the mantel. “We don’t have much time and there’s no possible way I can tell you everything that you need to know but…” Carla stopped and cleared her throat before tapping the worn leather cover of the poetry book. “I’ve tried to help you the best I can by writing what I think you’ll need in there.” Alexander studied her for a long second before responding. “And how can you be sure it will travel with me?” He didn’t want to disappoint her but in all likelihood the book would not arrive in the new century with him. After all, Sinclair had told him how Carla’s reticule had disappeared upon her arrival. Carla winked at him. “And before you saying anything, I know what you’re thinking but this different. Someone owes me a favor.” “By someone, you mean Sara.” Alexander inclined his head. He didn’t doubt that. It had been Sara who had brought Carla to this century. A favor or two would seem to be in order. “’Tis a wonder you do not feel some ill will toward my cousin’s dearly departed wife who brought you into his life.” He returned her wink. “But then, Sara always was attuned to the sufferings of others.” Carla blinked at him. “She knew I was unhappy.” Alexander’s thoughts drifted. If ever a love was meant to be, it was that of Carla and Sinclair and he only imagined Sara had seen the need for this couple to find love. Between them, they shared a magical kind of connection, one Alexander hoped to find for himself. Carla bumped his shoulder with hers. “Are you still with me?” He frowned. “Where else would I be?” She rolled her eyes. “Never mind. Now, let’s get back to the subject. We’re running out of time.” One fingernail tapped her chin. “When you get to port, you’ll need to hail a cab but wait.” Yanking the book of poetry from Alexander’s hand, she then thumbed through the pages before giving a sigh of relief. “Yes, it’s right here.” She tapped the linen paper. “I’m not certain if you’ll end up in the port which I know of or the one which existed in 1811. Either way, if I remember my history correctly, I’ve given you the proper instructions.” As she continued to babble on about taxis and fares and other items of little import to Alexander at the moment, Carla’s face became animated. And Alexander knew at that exact moment she would always miss her century—no matter how much she loved his cousin. “Now, as I said, I don’t have any money to give you, at least nothing that will probably travel with you. I don’t imagine there’ll be a currency converter that can handle this century’s coins. Anyway—“ “Carla.” Sinclair’s voice carried a mixture of amusement and exasperation. “There is little time to ponder the intricacies of coins. Alexander’s ship will depart at half past the hour.” Flashing her husband a brief smile, Carla nodded. “Right. I know. I just–” She blew out a breath and took hold of Alexander’s hand. “I just want to make sure you’ll be okay.” Sinclair approached her and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Alexander will be just fine. He’s always been a resourceful fellow.” “Indeed,” Alexander inserted with a nod of his head. Carla leaned back against Sinclair’s shoulder. “Anyway, Seb will help you out.” “Seb?” Sinclair’s voice joined with Alexander’s. Warmth flickered in Carla’s eyes. “Sebastian, but he goes by Seb. That’s the guy I’m sending you to. He owes me many, many favors since I’ve hauled his ass out of jail more times than I can count.” “Jail? The rascal has been arrested?” “Carla, language, please.” The exasperation had returned to Sinclair’s tone. Alexander had grown accustomed to Carla’s blatant use of language not befitting a lady, but Sinclair heartily disapproved of the obscenities. But there was little time to be concerned with such trivial matters. “You’re sending me off to meet a fellow who has been arrested? Perhaps he is not suited to assist me—“ Carla kept talking as if neither man had spoken. “Not just arrested. Convicted and sentenced but don’t worry. He’s still a nice guy. Just likes his weed and he’s connected. He’s always managed to surprise me with the amount of people he knows as well as the things he can get done in a short amount of time. So be prepared to hustle…um…work quickly,” she amended with a fond glint in her eyes. “Seb doesn’t like to waste time and while he won’t be able to teach you everything, he can certainly help you get established or at least your foot in the door.” Alexander’s head spun and suddenly, it didn’t matter that Seb was a man without the proper social standing. “My foot in the door. Yes, I would imagine that would be beneficial.” Sinclair snickered. “I believe she means accustomed to this new century.” “I was aware of that.” He hadn’t been but then he imagined there were many things he would have to learn on this journey ahead of him. Carla stuffed the book back into his hands. “Now don’t lose Diane’s address. It’s taped to the inside of the front cover and you’re going to need it after Sebastian takes care of you.” “My lady.” Alexander bowed politely. “I fear I must remind you of an important fact which you seem to have forgotten.” At Carla’s expectant look, he continued, “Did you not tell me the soothsayer had said your family will not remember you? If that is correct, then providing me with your sister’s address will not be of use. I certainly do not want to cause any undue distress to a woman who may not have recollection of you. Furthermore, this Sebastian chap may have no recollection of you, either, nor do we have any assurances the book will arrive safely intact.” Carla glared at him. “You let me worry about all of that.” “I will be more than happy to do so but I fear we may need to have an alternate course of action should things go awry.” The glare intensified. “Things won’t go awry.” “I do not mean to distress you, Carla. ‘Tis only for your benefit that I discuss such matters.” “Well, don’t.” Her gaze dropped to the floor before she pinned him with a steely glance. “Look, you knew going to Diane’s house was part of the deal.” Alexander didn’t recall making a deal but Carla did speak in a strange manner. “But why should I go if she will not know who you are?” “She’ll remember me and so will Sebastian.” Her voice had a definite mutinous tone. “But your past will be erased. How can you assume their memories of you will not be also?” Alexander felt it imperative that she understand his point. With a stubborn shake of her head, Carla pointed to the book. “I promise you, she will remember me. I don’t care what Letta said. My sister and I share a special bond and while my parents will be too glad to forget about me, Diane will not.” “How can you be so sure? Rarely is Letta wrong.” “She’s not wrong this time, Alex, but Sara knows how much this means to me. She brought me here and she can protect Diane’s memories of me.” “And what of Sebastian? Does Sara know how much he means to you as well?” Alexander couldn’t keep the disapproval from his voice. Carla chuckled. “No but Sebastian is so weird he’ll believe anything.” Alexander almost gasped in a most unmanly way. “Are you telling me this fellow may not remembe...
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