Shadows from Another Life by Katherine Gilbert

Author:Katherine Gilbert
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Katherine Gilbert
Published: 2023-03-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12—Twilight on the Orient Express

William

Dressed in a much nicer evening suit than usual but still one from his own era, William walked nervously toward the door of Teena’s cabin. Because of both his undead status and his decades of being jostled around the high seas on the Queen Mary, he had no particular issues with making his way down the tiny, shaky corridor of the train.

Despite himself, his thoughts were scattered, the last hour both enlightening and confusing. Seeing Teena in that dress had made it very difficult not to beg her to take him back—and possibly marry him into the bargain. Also, he’d ended up in a cabin with a very pleasant gentleman but one he was certain was holding something back. He hadn’t even seemed that surprised when he’d been presented with an unknown roommate, and—since William was certain that wasn’t normal on the train nowadays—that alone was odd enough to note.

And, of course, none of them knew why they were here on the train when Teena’s uncle didn’t seem to be. They simply knew they had to keep their eyes open for . . . something.

But what worried him the most was knowing that he would see Teena in evening dress. How he was going to keep from wanting to kiss her, he had no idea. While he liked her in any fashion, there was something about seeing her in styles closer to his own time which just made him want to get on his knees and beg.

And a gentleman from any era does not press his undue feelings upon a lady.

Teena was always a lady, too, in every lifetime. She didn’t need to be raised in a castle for that.

Steadying himself and nodding at a steward, William came to Teena’s door and, to his relief, only saw Ines standing in it. While she was an exceptionally lovely creature—even more gorgeous in the cream silk dress the Council had provided for her—he felt nothing besides a friendly sort of companionship toward her, tinged brighter by the fact that he knew Teena was quite fond of her.

Nodding, he greeted her.

“Miss D’ambrisio. If you and Teena are ready, I’d be happy to escort you to dinner.”

Ines’ smile was a little wolfish but genuine, as she looked back into the cabin.

“Damn, girl. He’s a keeper.”

William heard nothing other than a sort of grunting moan from behind her—and was too worried to try to understand.

Turning back to him, she tapped him on the shoulder—which was currently solid enough to allow such contact, although he often went ghost in unconscious defense when someone came too near.

“I could get used to this politeness thing, but you’re not mine to keep.”

Peering over his shoulder into the tiny hall, she frowned.

“Kind of hard to offer either of us an arm in this space, but we’ll come form a conga line with you, at least.” Looking back to her roommate with a raised eyebrow, she added, “Won’t we, Teena? Got your purse now?”

William thought he heard another small moan but wasn’t sure, as he soon wasn’t able to think.

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