Free Wandering Soul by Cassandra Chandler Page A

crinkling up at the corners.
    She enjoyed his company. He still had no idea as to why. She had all of time from which to choose companions. Why him?
    She drew him from his musings. “How is the encyclopedia set working for you?”
    â€œQuite well, thank you. The knowledge within them is beyond remarkable.” This was an excellent topic. Focusing on his learning would distract him from the fullness of her lips, the thin fabric of the revealing shirt she wore.
    â€œWhat’s your favorite thing you’ve read about so far?”
    â€œIt is difficult to choose.”
    â€œWell, what stands out to you?”
    Dante looked over the grounds, soaking in the rich scent of earth and the heat from the patio stones. The sensations relaxed him as he tried to formulate his thoughts.
    â€œI read the books covering transportation. I could scarcely believe the section on airplanes, though the physics behind them was clearly explained. However, there was nothing regarding…”
    Elsa’s face had paled, her forehead pinched above the delicate slope of her nose. Though he would feel better once he understood how she had brought him here, he could not bring himself to strain her further.
    â€œForgive me. We were not to speak of this.”
    â€œNo, it’s okay.” She began chewing on her lower lip—a subconscious habit he’d noticed when she was worried. “You won’t find time travel in those books.”
    Dante kept his voice as gentle as he could. He did not wish to frighten her away now that she seemed willing to broach the topic. “I take it the occurrence is uncommon?”
    â€œI’m the only person alive that I know of who can do it.”
    â€œBut you keep your ability secret, so how can you be sure?”
    â€œIf anyone else can do it, they’re smart to keep it to themselves.”
    He reflected on her words, the vehemence and utter hopelessness with which she spoke. As advanced as this time was, the instinct to persecute others was deeply ingrained in the human psyche. Dante was well acquainted with this. Nothing would inspire fear in people’s hearts faster than something they did not understand.
    â€œYou have not even told your friends?”
    â€œNo one else can know. Please.”
    â€œI will keep your secrets.”
    She let out a deep sigh, her smile returning. “Thank you.”
    She shifted the conversation back to the encyclopedia set and how well he was assimilating the information. Apparently, the subject of time travel was closed once more.
    Dante barely minded. He settled back in his chair to enjoy the conversation and the beautiful view. His gaze did not stray from Elsa.

Chapter Eight
    The shadow of the umbrella slowly drifted across the patio while Elsa and Dante talked. She watched him rearrange it several times to keep them in the shade. The third time, she said, “It must be getting close to tea time. We should go help Winston.”
    â€œI will assist him,” Dante said. “You need to rest.”
    â€œI can at least come along.”
    â€œThe sun and fresh air seem to be doing you good. We should make use of them while we can.”
    â€œIf we’re out too much longer, we’ll have to light the citronella candles and turn on the box fan in the studio to keep the mosquitoes away.”
    â€œI promise, I will only be a moment.”
    She smiled and nodded, even though she didn’t like the idea of him leaving her behind. Who knew what kind of questions Winston would ask. It made her heart beat faster to contemplate, but she knew she would have to trust Dante not to tell people her secret.
    They were still in the honeymoon period of their relationship, getting to know each other. Eventually, the novelty would wear off and they would need more time to themselves. Time with others. She couldn’t be with him constantly. But she could enjoy their time together now.
    The afternoon had passed with a