“Now I understand why Clarisse warned me about you.”
“Say what?” he asked, his tone a little sharp.
“She said you were not in search of a wife.” Ellen brushed at her jacket’s cuff. “I think now that she was only partly correct, that you seek her to fulfill that role.”
“I think I’ve been in love with her since I was twelve.”
The front door of the house at the end of the row opened. Kellworth ducked his head and came out, Reese on his arm again. Jem took a step forward, about to call to her, but before he could speak, she threw herself into the Earl’s arms. Kellworth pulled her close and buried his face in her hair.
Jem felt like he’d been gut-punched.
“My sympathies, Mr. Taylor,” Ellen said while she patted his arm. She did sound like she felt bad for him. “But I should mention that I would have Clarisse for my sister.” Ellen stepped toward a group of children and their mothers. They hurried to join her, and she led them to an open field.
A chill had gone down his spine at her remark. If both Kellworth and Ellen were working on Reese, would they convince her to stay?
Nellie’s words echoed in Jem’s mind—save the lives of generations to come. It would be the fulfillment of Reese Hamilton’s goal in life. If this man gave her a chance to do that, would she accept it? What could Jem ever offer her over that?
He remembered a conversation he’d had with his sister when they’d returned from London. Kaitlyn had found him in the breakfast room alone, listlessly moving his food around the plate.
“What is wrong with you lately?” she’d asked from behind.
Jem had sagged in his chair. She’d wrapped her arms around him and rested her cheek on his shoulder.
“Is it Reese?” she whispered.
He nodded.
Kaitlyn straightened, rubbing his back, supportive. It gave him the courage to tell her.
“Two years ago, we—” His sister’s eyes went wide, and he quickly added, “Not that, but I kissed her. It was . . . intense. I left for tour the next morning.” He looked straight ahead. “Things were crazy busy when the tour first started. I was working really long hours.”
“You didn’t call her, did you?” Kaitlyn slugged his arm. “What a moron. No wonder she was so gloomy, like forever. I thought it was just her school schedule, but it was you.”
“I was afraid it had meant more to me than to her. I hoped she’d text me. She didn’t, and I thought I was okay with that, that maybe things could go back to how they’d been before.” Saying it aloud made it sound lame, and Jem shifted, his stomach knotting. Moron. Kaitlyn had it right.
“Seriously?”
“Look, I hadn’t planned to kiss her. But then it was—” He stared at Kaitlyn, hoping she’d understand. “You know how she is. When she commits to something, she never does it halfway.”
“And you ran scared. Oh, Jem.” Kaitlyn stood, her expression a mixture of incredulity and disgust. “You knew her father had abandoned her and her mother. Just took off. And then you did the same thing to Reese.” She huffed. “Now I know why she sounded off when I told her you were coming on the trip.”
“When we first got here,” he said, “I thought things were good between us.”
Kaitlyn studied him, her lips pinched, eyes narrowed. “You two kissed again, didn’t you?”
“The day before the picnic.” He then told her what Nellie had said and his fears that the Earl would convince Reese to stay. “Ellen’s brother has lots of power. How can I compete with him?”
“You and I both know Reese would never be tempted by that,” Kaitlyn said.
“Then why is Nellie so convinced Reese has a choice to make? It has to be a temptation for her.”
“Or, she’s fallen for the Earl.” Kaitlyn’s comment and meditative expression turned Jem’s stomach. His sister shook her head. “She has trust issues anyway because of her father. There’s no way she’d get together with a guy she’s only know for a few days.”
“Yeah,” he said with a sigh of relief. “I’ve known her half her life.”
“And known her long enough to have messed up royal too, doofus.” Kaitlyn elbowed him. “If she has to make a choice, Jem, you have to give her a choice! If she could really be tempted to stay here, you have to make her want a future with you.”
“Yeah.” He nodded, his mind already going to work. “But what about you, Kate?”
“What about me?” She had sounded a little defensive, like she’d been when they were children and she was trying to keep a secret from him.
“You’re always hanging around with Sir Hughes. Is that getting serious? I don’t want to go home and leave you here.”
“It’s sweet of you to say that, but I’m all grown up now. I get to make my own decisions. I guess both Reese and I have choices to make.” Kaitlyn had patted his cheek. “Go win your lady.”
His focus returned to the tenant village where Reese and Kellworth were now talking. Jem had to find a way to talk to Reese.
***
Reese cried in Gareth’s arms, full of joy. All her worries and nightmares about the baby were for nothing. Seeing the improved pinkness of the baby’s skin had sent relief flooding through her. If not for the Earl’s support, she would have dropped to her knees, drained.
Lulu’s familiar cough brought Reese back to where she was and the realization that people might be witnessing this completely inappropriate behavior with the Earl of Kellworth.
Reese dropped her arms from around his neck and tried to step back, but Gareth tightened his hold on her. She looked up, and the fierceness in his gaze caught her off guard, freezing her in place. His heart beat so hard, it made the veins in his neck pulse.
She was totally giving him the wrong impression. They could never be a couple. Even if she wasn’t already in love with Jem, Gareth was the guy who’d never gotten over his dead wife and kept mistresses to forget his grief. Besides, he was so much older than she was.
Lulu coughed again, this time much louder. The Earl released Reese, and she stepped back. To cover her confusion, she wiped her eyes.
“Excuse me, miss, my lord,” Lulu said, her tone differential, her gaze stern. She sent him a meaningful look.
“I am the one who should beg Miss Clarisse’s pardon,” Gareth said. “I forgot myself in our shared happiness over the child.” He scanned the village, almost like he was seeing it for the first time. “I did not know.” He glanced at Reese. “But I know now, because of you.”
Hope fought with discomfort at the depth of feeling she saw in his gaze. Hope won, and she said, “There are many more improvements needed here, my lord.” She could keep this businesslike.
“I wish you to call me Gareth,” he said softly, his expression almost loving. But that was ridiculous. He’d only known her a few days. She had taken the gentle caress on the stairs to mean an apology, to assure her.
She’d been so wrong. This was not good.
“We’re not alone, your lordship.” And we’re never going to be now, ever again. She took a step toward the widow’s cottage.
“Miss Clarisse.” The Earl caught up and offered her his arm. When she hesitated to take it, he said, “I move too quickly for you. I apologize.” He nudged his elbow closer. “I will contain my impatience, but I give you fair warning that I intend to court you.”
Reese stopped so quickly that he strode past her and had to turn back. As he faced her, she lifted her hands, palms up, as a barrier.
“Please don’t.” She glanced at the workers, some of whom were watching them with interest.
“I will wait until we can be private,” he said, the corner of his mouth quirking up.
Her brain froze in panic for a second. This wasn’t happening. Lulu. Reese looked at the maid and mouthed help me, and she immediately stepped forward.
“Aunt Nellie has instructed me to be with Miss Clarisse at all times, my lord.”
The Earl arched a brow, his smile flattening. �
�And where were you last night when she was attacked?”
Lulu tried to speak but stumbled over her words.
Reese stepped beside her. “I waited until she was asleep, so I could be alone. It wasn’t her bad; it was mine.”
“Her bad?” he asked.
“It’s slang back home.” He wanted to court her? Reese needed to get him thinking about something else. She pointed to the row of cottages and said a little too quickly, “As I mentioned before, there are many things still needing to be done here. I hope you will continue this work.”
“You speak as though you will not be here to see it through,” he said.
She wouldn’t be. If this were in her time, she would love to be a part of it, especially the skills training. The mindset in this time was so narrow in regards to these people and what they were capable of learning.
“Have you met the widow? I would love to introduce her to you.” Reese stepped toward the woman’s cottage. Gareth was beside her again, his elbow extended.
“Please, Miss Clarisse, introduce me to my cottiers.” He waited for Reese to take it, something implacable in his considering gaze. She took his arm, and he covered her hand with his, not quite lacing their fingers.
The motion reminded her of when Jem had done that. She glanced over her shoulder to where Jem had been but didn’t see him.
“You may follow us,” the Earl said to Lulu.
“Aye, my lord,” the maid said grimly. “I will.”
Several parties worked around the widow’s house and watched them as they approached. While Reese told Gareth more of the widow’s story, she tried to ignore the feel of his thumb running lightly over the top of her hand. It didn’t bother her like it should, and that realization unsettled her.
What was wrong with her that she should be attracted to two men she didn’t believe she would be with? She didn’t want to think of Jem.
As for the Earl, he still grieved his dead wife, and his lifestyle disgusted Reese. If there was any truth behind his reputation, he was probably riddled with STDs. Even if he did marry again, he’d pass them on to his wife and could render her infertile. Why had he shown that he had a heart that could be touched by a sick child, that he could learn to be a better man?
Reese was so messed up.
“Is this the cottage, Miss Clarisse?” Gareth asked, pulling her from her thoughts.
“Yes.” Reese gently pulled back her hand. She clasped them in front of her.
“Good morning, miss. My lord.” A girl of about twelve stood outside and curtsied. “You come to see what we’re learning? Widow Hill is proud of us.”
“Yes, that’s why we’re here.” Reese knocked on the doorjamb. When the wobbly voice bid her enter, she did.
A small group of women were sitting on log stumps around the old woman. As soon as they saw who had entered, all but the widow jumped to their feet and curtsied.
Gareth bowed and told them they should sit. Reese stayed by the door and watched as he asked for and received introductions to each woman. He listened to their histories, nodding his head. Reese wondered if it was all for show. She wished she had paper and a pen, so she could take notes.
“Please continue with your lesson, Widow Hill.” The Earl moved to the door and stood next to Reese.
The woman went into an explanation of design. Reese searched her memory but couldn’t recall how far back in her history the woman had shared. Not far enough, evidently. Widow Hill must have once been a dressmaker of some talent because she knew her stuff.
“I’m impressed,” Reese whispered to the Earl.
“I am as well.” He kept his voice low and glanced out the door. “Shall we step outside?”
Reese turned and strode out the door, careful to stay out of Gareth’s reach, should he decide to offer her his arm again.
“I wonder what it would cost to build a community center.” She glanced around the empty land on both ends of the little village.
“What is a community center?” The Earl scanned the property too, though she didn’t know if he knew what he was looking for.
“It would be a larger building that the community could gather in. Widow Hill’s house can’t hold any more people, but she could hold her lessons in a community center. It would be a place for them to gather together for pot luck dinners or dances when the weather is bad.”
“You use such strange words,” Gareth complained. “At times I wonder if we speak the same language.”
“A pot luck dinner is when each guest brings one of the dishes,” Reese said. “They then share the meal together. It builds a sense of community, of belonging. In America they have barn raising parties. Neighbors come together and spend a day building a barn, or a house, for a neighbor. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a time of play and friendship. A community center could also function as a school.”
“They are farmers or seamstresses,” the Earl said. “Why would they need a school?”
“What if they wanted to be doctors or lawyers or run a mill?” Reese crossed her arms. “In this time, it’s ridiculous to deny people a chance to learn skills that could pull them out of the ghetto.”
“There are no Jews here.” Gareth frowned. He tilted his head and peered at her. “In this time? You say that, as though my time is not your time.”
“Simply a poor choice of words.” Reese gave a dismissive wave of her hand, but her heart pounded. Had Lulu heard? Would she take her back to Nellie’s now? “So many of these women know little about healthy cooking, and I have more homes to visit.” She tried for a what-are-you-going-to-do-with-those-kids attitude. “I imagine you need to supervise your workers.” She left him there and strode to the next house, Lulu in her wake.
“Miss, you must watch your words,” the maid said when they were out of earshot. “Else you will return to Twickenham Manor.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” Reese took a deep breath. Maybe she should go back to Nellie’s. Reese was getting too comfortable around the Earl. She’d have to be more careful.
If she left Kellworth, would Jem stay or come back to Twickenham?
***
Between the baby and the confusing Earl, Reese had been exhausted when they returned to Kellworth after the day’s work on the village. She had excused herself from tea, saying she needed a nap. Ellen had slipped into Reese’s bedroom and thrown her arms around her.
“I cannot thank you enough.” Her ladyship stepped back, her eyes misty. “You have brought my brother back.”
“I’m glad he’s finding the man he used to be.” Reese raised her arms so Lulu could pull the work dress off.
“Oh, Clarisse,” Ellen said, her voice tight with emotion, “I have always wished for a sister, and I could not wish for a better one than you.”
“Whoa, girl.” Reese turned around to face her. “You’ve misunderstood. I’m not marrying anyone.”
“But of course you are. I have seen how he looks at you,” Ellen said, her face bright and happy. “I never thought to see the day when Gareth would give his heart again. You have freed him to love again.” She burst into tears and flung her arms around Reese again.
Not sure what else to do, she patted Ellen’s back. Reese needed to get out of here and back to Twickenham. Soon.
Chapter 23
BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE TENANT village, Jem had sent word to Twickenham with a request that his clothes be sent to Kellworth. He’d also asked Geoffrey to come valet for him and be prepared for an indeterminant stay. The Earl had not asked Jem to leave, so he didn’t plan to.
Reese had excused herself from tea and then sent word that she would take dinner in her room, that she needed to rest. Dining with a self-satisfied Kellworth had been awkward. Jem thought his performance that evening had been the best in his life.
“The workers have their assignments for tomorrow,” Ellen said over dessert. “I will need Clarisse’s help, so I hope to keep her here with me.”
“Good. She will not want to be too fatigue
d to attend,” the Earl said. “I fear I have some pressing business I must see to before your dinner party.”
Smiling behind his wine glass, Jem sent a mental thank you to the magic. With Kellworth gone for part of the day tomorrow, Jem would finally have a chance to talk to Reese.
***
While Lulu was helping Reese dress the morning of the big dinner, Ellen slipped into the room again.
“You look fagged,” she said, concerned. “Are you still unwell?”
“I didn’t sleep well,” Reese said.
“Dreams of the future, I’m sure.” Ellen gave her a quick hug. “Gareth asked me to give you his apologies. He has several appointments today that he cannot put off any longer but will return in time to dress for the party. You need not fear about the work on the village. The servants all know what to do, so none of us are needed today. I will have some nuncheon sent up to you. If you feel well enough later, I would love for your help with the flower arrangements.” Without waiting for a response, her ladyship left.
Reese sighed and exchanged glances with Lulu, but the maid said nothing. If not for the dinner party, Reese would have left for Twickenham that morning.
“We’ll need to pack my things today,” she said. “After the dinner, I’m going back to Nellie’s.” Since the Earl had taken back his responsibility, Reese would leave Kellworth and never see Ellen or Gareth again. Reese’s eyes burned, and she closed them.
“Are you sure, miss?” Lulu asked, her voice soft. “You can stay in this time. Others have.”
Reese shook her head.
“The Quality do not expect love matches.” The maid ran a brush through Reese’s hair. “I knew his lordship when he was younger, and he was a good man. Lady Ellen speaks truth that you have freed him to be that man again. You do not wish to set him back again, do you?”
Still weary but now irritated, Reese straightened. “I will never marry a man just because people think I should. And I won’t treat the Earl like he’s one of my projects.”
“If you leave, he might become the project of a very different kind of woman.”
Against the Magic Page 21
