“Don’t talk about him like he’s an idiot,” Reese said. “How can I marry the Earl when I’m in love with the actor? Gareth deserves better.”
While Lulu worked on her hair, Reese watched her reflection. So, she would run away. Again. All last night she had thought about her life. For her projects, she never backed down. Yet, for herself, she always ran away. It seemed to be her solution for everything.
She’d run away from her lonely home to Kaitlyn’s happy family. Reese had run away from her desire to meet her father and ask why he had abandoned her. She had used it like a shield to protect herself from being rebuffed again. When Jem hadn’t called her two years ago, she’d almost called him. But, like with her father, she hadn’t had the strength to face Jem’s rejection.
***
“Do I look good enough to compete with the Earl?” Jem asked Geoffrey.
“You have the proper air about you now, Mr. Jem, if that is something Miss Clarisse likes about his lordship.” Geoffrey gave him a considering look. “The Earl is in his thirty-and-fifth year, and many ladies prefer the maturity of an older man, who has more experience and can guide her.”
Jem choked out a laugh. “If that’s the kind of woman Kellworth is looking for, Reese is not the girl for him.”
“True. True.” Geoffrey rubbed his chin, thinking. “But an older man is established and can provide for a wife and children, which the Earl can do.” The valet sent him a shrewd look. “Can you?”
Jem let out a deep breath. There was no way he could explain to the man how vastly different a modern woman’s expectations were from those of this time—or of their capabilities. He couldn’t imagine Reese sitting back meekly and letting her husband tell her what to do and think, how to be. She would never be any man’s trophy wife. She would be a partner, every step of the way through life.
He wondered when his feelings toward her had changed from friendship. From their first meeting, there’d been connection. Had he been right earlier when he’d said he’d loved her since he was twelve? Or had it been when she was being Miss Bossypants that first summer Kaitlyn had invited Reese over and she’d become a fixture at his home? Or maybe later, when he, Cyrus, Kaitlyn, and Reese had done everything together until he and Cyrus had graduated from high school?
All through high school and college and then on the tour, Jem had dated lots of different women. He’d had a couple of short relationships but none had lasted. Only now, looking back at it with new insight, did he understand that none of those women had stood a chance with him because they weren’t Reese.
“You also have something the Earl does not, Mr. Jem—a long-standing friendship with Miss Clarisse,” Geoffrey said. “She holds you in great affection.”
Jem spun around. “How do you know she holds me in great affection?”
“Because her entire countenance changes whenever you are in the same room together.” Geoffrey reached up to tweak Jem’s cravat. “She tries to hide it, but she cannot.”
Kellworth had found a way to get her to hug him. Had he also found a way to make her light up?
“I’m about to step into the most important role of my life,” Jem said. “Wish me good luck.”
Geoffrey frowned. “I wonder if perhaps that is where you have gone wrong with Miss Clarisse, sir.”
“What do you mean?”
“Is a role not a false personality an actor wears on stage, pretending to be someone he’s not?”
“I guess.” Jem had never thought about it that way before.
“Perhaps that is what Miss Clarisse does not trust.” The valet kept the contemplative expression but nodded his head. “Aye. She knows you well, but does she know when you are pretending and when you are not?”
“Wow. That’s kind of profound. Excellent question, Geoffrey. I thought I’ve always been myself with her. That’s one of the things I’ve loved about spending time with her, being myself. I thought she knew that.” Jem gave his reflection one more glance. “I guess it’s about time for me to go woo my lady.”
“Aye, Mr. Jem, and I wish you the best of luck.”
“Thank you.” Jem left his room and skipped down the stairs in search of Reese.
***
Reese had made sure to finish dressing quickly so she could help Ellen with the final touches on the flowers. The day had been an odd one, with Gareth gone and Jem in the background. He kept trying to get her attention, but every time he approached her, Ellen would appear at Reese’s side with a request for help. It had started to feel very much like it had at Nellies, when their fae hostess had seemed determined to keep them apart.
“Ellen?” Reese entered the dining room, but it was empty. Maybe she was in her morning room. She had mentioned something about possibly changing the seating arrangement.
Walking past the Kellworth library, Reese thought she heard something. The door was ajar, so she eased it open. No one appeared to be in the room. She turned and was about to walk away when she heard a deep psst.
Curious, Reese stepped through the door. “Ellen?”
The door shut behind her, and she spun around. Jem stood before her, the corners of his mouth curved up. Her heart gave a leap of joy and pounded furiously.
“I need to talk with you.” He didn’t move but watched her. Then the façade she had thought was always there seemed to fall away, like a faerie’s glamour. It was just gone, and what remained was Jem. The old chum she thought she’d known as well as she knew herself. One of her dearest friends. The man she loved.
Reese swallowed. The last time they had been in a library together, things had gotten a little out of hand. Her entire body warmed at the memory.
“All right,” she said.
Jem held out his hand to her and indicated a loveseat before the fireplace. She took it, and he brought it to his arm. He escorted her with proper Victorian courtesy and sat beside her.
“I thought we were good together,” he said. “I need to know why you left Twickenham—and we both know it wasn’t because Ellen invited you here for a visit.”
Tears stung her eyes. Now she was going to hear from him that he was leaving. The little bit of hope that had grown shriveled up.
“Oh, Reese.” He cupped her cheek, and she closed her eyes. “Please tell me what I did wrong. I want to fix this.”
“You told Cyrus that being home reminded you of why you liked to be on the road.”
Jem blinked in surprise, remembering the conversation, but Reese hadn’t been in the room. She must have overheard. Relief filled him. It had all been a stupid misunderstanding. How lame.
“Look at me, Reese.” When she did, Jem said softly, “I was talking about my mother.”
“Just say it,” she hissed. “You’re still going out again.”
“Not unless you come with me,” he stated simply, his voice heavy with emotion.
His words weren’t at all what she had expected to hear. She stared at him. “I don’t understand.”
“Reese, I—”
“Clarisse, I have been searching everywhere for you.” Ellen swept into the room and over to where they sat. She took Reese’s arm and pulled her to her feet. “Excuse us, Mr. Taylor, but we must make haste.”
Her ladyship practically dragged Reese out of the library and toward the hall, her hands shaking.
“What is it?” Reese asked, alarmed.
“Merely that our guests will arrive, and Gareth has asked you to join us to greet them.”
Reese could hear the sounds of people outside and knew Ellen spoke the truth. But what had Jem been about to say?
Chapter 24
“AH, CLARISSE,” THE EARL SAID as they approached. “You look lovely.”
Ellen hadn’t been kidding about the change in her brother. He took Reese’s hands in his, his expression adoring, and kissed each palm tenderly. It was the sweetest, most flattering thing she had ever experienced.
She cared about what happened to him, and it mattered to her that his entire demeanor had changed, li
ghtened. It reminded her of videos where colorblind people were given glasses that let them see color for the first time.
Reese was about to take the color away, and it was ripping her up inside. But she could not stay with him in this time, not when she was in love with another man.
“It is time to meet our guests,” he said.
“My lord . . .”
“They’re here,” Ellen whispered as the servant opened the door.
Reese took Gareth’s arm, and he patted her hand. She felt sick. This was totally going to give everyone the wrong impression, but what could she do? She would not repay their kindness by embarrassing them in front of their company.
“ . . . Lady Ellen’s dear friend, Miss Clarisse Hamilton from America,” the Earl was saying and pulled Reese from her unhappy thoughts.
She plastered on a fake smile and curtsied to the couple, not even trying to remember their names. They moved on, and Gareth introduced another couple, who chatted with him for a few minutes.
Beside her, Ellen tensed. Sir Slimy, oozing his creepy predator cockiness, advanced on them.
“Lady Ellen,” he said, but his eyes were on Reese’s chest again.
With something akin to a growl, Ellen stepped forward and slapped the man across the face. The surprising blow sent him staggering back a step.
“Keep your eyes on her face, you pervert,” she said through gritted teeth, using the term Reese had used before.
Gareth moved closer to Reese, his arm protectively on her waist. “What happened?” he demanded.
“You stay away from Clarisse and stay away from me,” Ellen continued, in spite of gasps from others still in the room. “Don’t look at us. Don’t try to talk to us. Don’t write to us. You’re not good enough to wipe our shoes.”
“It appears I must rescind my invitation, Howard,” Gareth said, his voice low, ominous. He said to Ellen, “See to our guests.”
Sir Slimy was ranting as Gareth escorted him away, but the man kept his voice low, apparently not wishing to draw more attention to himself. Gareth urged him out the front doors again.
“Ellen, you were amazing,” Reese said, impressed. “You made me proud. I have every confidence that you will handle yourself well for your Season.”
Her ladyship beamed and rubbed the hand she’d used to hit him. When people around her whispered, she narrowed her eyes and pinned them with a dark look.
“Is not Gareth strong and forceful? He did not hesitate to champion us. Now, I must see to our guests.”
Reese stood in the entry, still a little stunned.
“Wow,” Jem said from behind her, and her heart leapt into her throat. “Quite a protégée you have there, and a great scene she made.”
“Yes,” she whispered, her pulse quickening.
“Well, I’m about to make another one.” Jem stepped around and faced her.
“What?” Reese felt rooted in place.
“I love you.” He cupped her face in his hands, his tender touch warming her to her core. “I don’t want a future that doesn’t include you. I want to share your dreams, to help you make them happen.”
Reese thought she was going to hyperventilate. Was she dreaming? This had to be a dream. She sensed others gathering around them. Jem dropped to one knee, and her gasp was lost with all the others.
“I want to be a family with you, grow old with you. I promise you I will always be there with you. Reese Hamilton, will you marry me?”
She wanted this. Her heart wanted this. But her mother’s bitter words crept through the euphoria flooding through Reese.
“Will the real Jem Taylor please stand up?” she whispered.
He jumped to his feet and leaned in close, his gaze holding hers, his mouth a hair’s breadth from hers.
“I will not be like your father. I made the biggest mistake two years ago by walking away from you, but I’ve learned I can’t live without you. I love you. Please say you’ll marry me.”
A sharp ache in her chest was followed by a surety that she had never before experienced. He was worth the risk.
“Yes.” Reese slid her arms around his waist and met his lips with hers. Something that sounded a lot like a sob came from his throat, and then he was kissing her mouth, her cheeks, her eyes, and then her mouth again.
From behind came a soft cry that sounded like Ellen. Reese pulled free and turned around. Ellen stood in front of her company. She glanced at the door where her brother stood watching them, his earlier joy gone.
“I wish you both very happy.” With glistening eyes, Ellen held out her arms.
Reese stepped into them and hugged her back, whispering, “I am so sorry.”
“Do not be sorry. One cannot control whom one loves.” Ellen held her hand toward the door.
Reese turned around to face the Earl. The mask that she had become familiar with on Jem fell over Gareth’s face. He took his sister’s hand and brought it through the crook of his arm.
“As my sister has said, we wish you both happy.” He waved his hand at his other guests. “Our little dinner party has turned into a celebration. Come.” He nodded to Jem before leading his sister into the dining room.
Jem offered Reese his arm, and they followed. What came next was the most bizarre meal Reese had ever experienced. The glances from the other guests, many of them disapproving after that tasteless public demonstration of affection, was uncomfortable. Yet others watched them with understanding, and a few a little wistfully. Ellen and Gareth played gracious hosts, and the Earl even offered a toast to their happiness.
During the meal, when Jem’s hand was free, he held Reese’s. The meal finally came to an end, and it was time for the ladies to withdraw.
***
Jem was still flying so high from his success with Reese that he wanted to grab her and ride back to Twickenham to tell Kaitlyn. He contained himself and sat back at the table when the ladies had withdrawn. The other guests knew each other well, and Jem did what he always did when new to a group. He listened and paid attention.
Because he’d read the newspapers every day, he knew enough about current events to comment occasionally. Otherwise, he listened and sometimes nodded, making sure to appear engaged. Since his attention was on the other guests, he felt rather than saw the Earl’s gaze on him.
Jem turned to look at him. Kellworth’s expression was considering. He leaned forward.
“I do not know what she sees in you.” He pitched his voice soft and low. “What do you have to offer her? I can make her mistress of this estate.”
“I told you before,” Jem leaned closer, his elbows on the table, “Reese doesn’t care for that kind of thing.”
“Reese.” The Earl said it slowly, like he was tasting it. “Clar-reese.” He pinned Jem with a hard gaze. “Is your fortune large enough to support a wife, one with a heart for charitable work such as . . . Reese engages in?”
“Yes.” Jem studied Kellworth, trying to decide what more he could say to allay his concerns. The questions actually made Jem feel better about the man, that perhaps he really did care for her. “Where we come from, my lord, men and women work together to build their future.”
“Future.” The Earl rubbed his chin, his eyes narrowed.
Jem straightened and cleared his throat. Why would the guy go there? What had Reese told him? Not that.
“Shall we join the ladies?” Kellworth didn’t wait for a reply but rose and led the way from the dining room.
***
Reese’s heart still pounded as she walked into the drawing room. Jem did love her. She was going to marry him. Jem.
She sat in a corner, away from the others, and closed her eyes, tired of the curious looks. Her heart ached with her own happiness and with sadness for Ellen.
Someone sat next to her and covered her hand. Reese opened her eyes to Ellen’s kind expression.
“I am happy for you,” she said, her voice soft. “Though I did want you for my brother.”
“Ellen, I did
n’t mean to make him think—”
“Shh. We will be . . . How is it that you say it? O-kay?” Ellen heaved out a breath. “And Lord Slimy is gone. I need fear him no more. You showed me I have the strength to stand up for myself. You are a dear friend.”
“I will miss our fun times together,” Reese said. “I hope you’ll continue learning what you want to learn.”
“We will correspond,” her ladyship said.
“That will be fun.” Reese decided then that she’d need to write a few letters before she left and see if Nellie could make sure they were mailed.
Chapter 25
THEIR LAST FEW DAYS AT Twickenham, as Nellie finished the painting, turned out to be some of the best in Reese’s life to that point. In some ways, it was like she and Jem were kids. They never shut up and talked about everything, especially plans for their future together.
They usually went riding in the morning. Sometimes Kaitlyn and Cyrus would come along, and the four of them would have a picnic. One day it rained, and Reese and Jem cuddled up in front of the library fire and read together. Now they were engaged, Nellie had relaxed the chaperonage.
The day before the full moon, Reese received a note from Gareth.
Miss Hamilton,
I understand that you will be leaving soon to return to America. I wish to invite you and your intended to come to the village in the morning. I will remain at Kellworth, but I would like you to see the fruits of your kind heart.
Yours,
Kellworth
“What’s he want?” Jem hadn’t made any effort to read the note.
Reese handed it to him. “Will you come with me?”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
She sat at the desk and wrote a note, saying that she appreciated the invitation and hoped that both he and Ellen would be there.
***
When they approached the village the next morning, a light morning fog made it difficult to see the buildings. Then a ray of sunshine burned through, and the scene was ablaze with light. Where the first visit had been filled with poorly maintained stone buildings, rotting thatched roofs, and rank odors, the view had become more reminiscent of Aunt Nellie’s village.
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