"Listen, let me explain." He swallowed hard, seeming to have a hard time forming the words. "I've been doing some reading." He indicated the desk. "I have several books and articles written by scholars with scientific interests. They study the possibility of time travel."
Her eyes widened. "Oh." She nodded. "Okay, Charles, but why does it have you so agitated?"
He glanced away from her. "After years of interest in time travel books and studying some of the papers I've mentioned by these scientists, it appears your window of opportunity may soon disappear if the closet is altered in any way."
She shook her head. What did this all mean? "Why are you telling me this?"
He grasped both of her hands with his. "Isabella, I'm afraid if you don't use the closet, the portal as it were, before it's renovated, you may forever lose your chance to return home to America."
She squeezed his hands. "I understand now what you're saying but honestly, I meant what I said when I told you I wanted to stay."
He was shaking his head before she'd finished speaking. "No, I won't let you give up your dream because you think it's what I want to hear. I know you love me, Isabella, but you've wanted to have this job opportunity for financial independence your whole life. Didn't you say you needed to be back shortly after Christmas for your meeting?"
"Yes but—"
He released her hands and stood. "Then for any opportunity of you not missing your chance at your dream, you must leave. Tonight."
****
Izzy sat in the middle of the large bed in her room. What was she going to do? She couldn't stay in a house where the owner didn't want her, could she? Would he call the police and have her hauled off if she didn't leave? Where would she go in 1812 London if that happened? There were no options for someone like her, with no money, no family or friends, and no job skills that didn't involve computers and modern equipment. Izzy was stuck.
Trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall, she might not have any choice but to try and return to America. It was ironic that just when she could have everything she always thought she wanted, she now wished for something completely different. The more she'd tried to please her father, the more foolish she'd been. If she'd put her interest and energy elsewhere over the years, she might even be married and have children by now.
No. Then there would be no chance for her to be with Charles, the one man she truly loved more than life itself. Tears stung the backs of her eyes. She'd already lost her chance when she refused his marriage proposal. He'd made it clear he wanted her to pursue her dream. She supposed she couldn't blame him. After their night together, as wonderful as it had been, she'd been stupid enough to turn the man down flat for an old dream that wasn't a true dream after all.
What an utter fool. Sighing, she decided to do what made the most sense. If she didn't at least try to go back to her time, there'd be no chance at all for that job. It seemed now, since Charles had made it clear they were through, it was her best option. Staying in England without being with Charles was terrifying as well as heartbreaking. At least if she were able to go home, the constant reminder of Charles wouldn't be everywhere she looked. Although, nothing in the world could ever make her forget, it seemed it was time to move on.
Izzy changed out of her dress, by herself for a change, which seemed odd. She'd actually gotten used to the long skirt and low-cut bodice. When she'd first been told she needed to wear the heavy dresses, she'd shuddered and thought she'd hate it. Now, though, that wasn't the case. The style of 1812 clothes made Izzy feel connected to Charles, but there wouldn't be a need for wearing them now.
She walked to the large dresser and found her shirt and pants folded neatly in a bottom drawer. While holding them close to her nose, she realized they smelled clean. Bless her heart, Sarah must have laundered them after Izzy's first day here. Izzy hadn't even noticed. Sarah was a jewel and Izzy would miss her. Even though Sarah was a servant and Izzy was her supposed mistress, she considered Sarah a friend.
She headed to the door of her bedroom and opened it, slipping into the hall. If what Charles said was true, tonight was her last chance to try to go back. Everything in her wanted to stay right here in this time, this place with Charles, but she'd ruined her chance with him.
Izzy stopped at the top of the stairs and glanced over the hallway and foyer below. Was it just yesterday she'd braved walking down there alone in broad daylight? She shook her head as she remembered laughing in the kitchen with Sebastian. If things had been different, Izzy felt sure they could have become close.