“But don’t we have to go back when you get the painting of us finished?” Kaitlyn asked.
“Not necessarily. The painting is just the doorway. The place where the magic is tied to each traveler so they can be where they are meant to be. If you didn’t return home on this full moon, you could go on another full moon. Whenever you are ready to leave.”
“Do you have a lot of people stay?” Kaitlyn asked after a moment.
“There are a fair number. But not all.”
“Why does the magic pull us?” Kaitlyn asked. “I overheard one of your staff saying it was so people could find their love matches. Another said it was more random, just whoever was nearby when the magic reached out.”
“There are a lot of theories among my assistants. I have seen many love matches. And I truly believe the magic somehow knows who needs to be here. People have come back in time for a reason. Some I’m almost positive have led to wonderful changes, and others I think I’ll learn back in the time where they left from.”
“You know,” Kaitlyn said, “when we first arrived at your house in our time, you seemed like you knew us and you said some things that didn’t make sense at the time, but I do believe you’re right. You will figure it all out after it happens.”
“Oh, I hope I didn’t give anything away,” Nellie said with a small gasp. “That would be so inappropriate of me. I didn’t tell any of you that you’d meet your loves, did I?”
Kaitlyn shook her head. “No.”
“Good, because although I do have suspicions sometimes of who would be a wonderful couple, it needs to be all in the hands of those who are to experience it. I don’t want to encourage anyone one way or another.”
She glanced over at the group of people still sitting on the blankets talking. Kaitlyn looked as well and met Jack’s eyes. He smiled at her. As Nellie’s next words washed over her, she felt a flutter of something deep inside.
“However, if someone ever did choose to stay, I have the ability to provide a large dowry. Enough to set them up for life and to make sure they will not want for anything in life. And if someone found love, I make sure everything is taken care of. Because without love, nothing I do has meaning.”
Kaitlyn considered the possibility. Could she actually find love here? And if she did, would she have the strength to give up her life back home for it? She had joked with Jem about their mother’s response, but Kaitlyn knew her mother always wanted the best for her children. And she might even be able to visit the future if she chose to stay in the past. As she looked at Jack, she wondered if she ought to be open to the possibility. There was definitely something about Jack that drew her interest.
Her heart fluttered when she caught him watching her instead of devoting his attention to the young ladies next to him. She had a crazy urge to stand and move over to him. Instead, she had to act proper and remain where she was so she didn’t seem too brazen. But if she could will him over to her with her eyes, she totally would.
She turned to Nellie to see the cute faerie woman smiling softly at her.
“Give yourself time to explore. Don’t close yourself off to the possibility of finding love here. And no matter what happens, I do believe it will be for the best. I don’t exactly believe in fate, per se, but I do believe our lives have a meaning and purpose behind them. And if you run away from what is out there in front of you, you might run the risk of missing out on what was meant to be.”
Aunt Nellie stood slowly. “I do believe I should go talk to your brother and our dear Mr. Manning. The two of them seem to have forgotten to socialize. I think getting them to show us the game they’ve come up with would be a great way to return them to the party.”
“Oh, wait,” Kaitlyn said. “I wanted to ask a favor.”
Chapter Fifteen
When the picnic came to an end, Cyrus stood in front of Jem and frowned. “Are you sure Reese is gone?”
Jem nodded and handed him the short note, but it didn’t do much to answer any questions. Apparently she’d been invited to visit another estate and would be gone for a while.
He didn’t know what it was about the picnic, but the girls they’d arrived with had been constantly busy and off doing things on their own. Or in Kaitlyn’s case, visiting and charming everyone she interacted with. Cyrus hated to admit he felt lost and was glad Jem had been sucked into the past with them.
Aunt Nellie approached Jem and Cyrus. She smiled when they bowed to her. “You’re coming along so nicely, my dears. Before long, no one will even recall that you had awkward mannerisms before.”
“Were we really that bad?” Cyrus asked.
Aunt Nellie shrugged. “You’ve acclimated to the culture very well. I think it has helped that you’ve had so many friends with you. And sweet Kaitlyn had already introduced you to it through my program back home.”
“It’s a good thing I got to play at it for a week,” Cyrus said. “But you see how much better at this Jem is than me. He’s a natural at fitting in.”
“How well do you think you could do if you were to go on a little trip?” Aunt Nellie asked.
“Did Kaitlyn ask you about taking a trip into London?” Jem asked.
“She did. And I think it a lovely idea. Although I can spare only a few of my servants to go with you, I do want to make sure she is well looked after. She is so interested in what is going on in this time, but she doesn’t quite understand what is still expected of a young lady. I wouldn’t want her to go off and explore things on her own. She must always have one of you to guide her. Preferably Jem. Cyrus, I must ask you to keep your distance unless there is also another gentleman or lady with you. I’ve seen you try to sneak away with her, or to get her on her own with you, but that must not happen. You can’t injure her in that way.”
Cyrus frowned. “I have no intention of injuring her. I’ve been trying to be sure she’s not been alone. I’ve done my best to keep her from being in any kind of compromising situation with Jack.”
Nellie nodded slowly. “Yes, you’ve been very attentive, but in your efforts of keeping Sir Hughes away from her, you’ve put her in private moments with just you. And people have begun to talk. We don’t want Miss Taylor to be the object of gossipers.”
Jem looked at Cyrus and he wondered if her brother was going to be angry with him, but Jem’s words eased his mind. “I personally asked Cyrus to keep tabs on her. I know I have shirked my duties as her brother. With Reese gone for a time, I’ll be more attentive. You can be assured we will keep Kaitlyn safe as she explores London.”
“Wonderful. I have a home in town where my dear nephew William is staying. I’ll write to him and let him know you are coming. He’ll make sure you get a chance to use my box at the opera. It should be enough to give Kaitlyn a taste of what’s there.”
“That is extremely kind of you,” Cyrus said. “Without your introductions to society, there would be very little we could show her.”
“Oh, it won’t be all from me or William. I’ve talked with Sir Hughes. He already had some business in London he needed to take care of ― a visit to his solicitor. When he heard Kaitlyn talk about her desire to go to town, he offered to introduce the three of you to many friends there.”
Cyrus’s stomach soured. For a brief moment, he thought they would be able to get away from that blasted man, yet Nellie had made sure he was going to be part of their group. He glanced at Jem. Instead of him seeming worried the guy would be there to flirt with his sister, he seemed a little distant and preoccupied. Cyrus expressed his thanks to Aunt Nellie as she prepared to leave and say her farewells to one of the picnic guests who was leaving the manor.
Going to London had seemed like such a wonderful adventure before. Now he dreaded it. And he would have to keep his distance from Kaitlyn or run the risk of making Aunt Nellie give him another lecture.
***
She couldn’t believe she was actually in a carriage on her way to London, but instead of the quick Uber ride from their temporary flat in London to Nellie�
��s week-long immersion experience, she was already a couple hours into the ride.
Jem and Cyrus were both in the carriage with her. Jack had opted to ride his horse into town. With all the bumps and bouncing inside the carriage, she was almost wishing she’d been allowed to ride a horse. Of course, she probably would have been exhausted and very saddle sore.
At least, on horseback, there would have been more to keep her attention. Jem said very little as he leaned against the back of the carriage in an attempt to sleep. He seemed sad and mopey, but she didn’t want to pry. At least not with Cyrus and her ladies’ maid right there. He wouldn’t want to get into anything dealing with feelings when others might hear.
Cyrus didn’t seem interested in having a conversation. Besides, the noise of the wheels as they rode over the rough roads made it difficult to really talk easily, especially with him sitting across from her.
She spent most of her time looking out the window or making idle conversation with Sarah. On occasion, she would catch sight of Jack as he rode near the carriage. He would smile at her, and she’d smile back. A few times he requested the driver take a break, and Kaitlyn was always happy for the chance to walk around.
When he stopped them again, Kaitlyn smiled. “Finally,” she whispered. “My butt is killing me. These cushions could use a little help, don’t you think?” She patted Jem’s shoulder. “Hey, want to get out and walk for a minute?”
Cyrus looked at her brother. “He said he didn’t sleep well last night. Maybe we should just leave him here. He’ll probably get better rest while the carriage isn’t moving.”
Kaitlyn nodded. “You’re probably right. How about you, need a break?”
“Yes. You’re right, these seats have nothing on the comfort of modern day cars.”
As Jack neared the door, she glanced back at Cyrus. “At least we aren’t sitting on a hard saddle.” When Jack opened the door and held his hand up to assist her out of the carriage, she didn’t hear the words Cyrus said behind her.
“Sir Hughes, you truly are perfect at judging the precise moment of my need for free movement.”
He bowed slightly. “I’m glad I could be of service. However, there is something I thought you might like to see. The view from the crest of this hill is most breathtaking.”
Kaitlyn looked up the hill that was only a few yards away. While curious what was on the other side, she thought it odd that he would stop the carriage just to show her something about the countryside.
“We’ve passed through beautiful country before. Why now?” Kaitlyn asked.
He looked up with a twinkle in his eyes. “Perhaps it’s just that I missed being able to talk with you and could no longer deny myself the pleasure of your conversation.”
“You flatter me,” Kaitlyn said. “But I do wonder if you have an ulterior motive.”
Jack’s eyes widened for a moment as if he’d been caught. She knew he really did have something more in mind. She raced for something to say to put him at ease. She saw his horse and said, “I think it might have more to do with taking a walking break for yourself. I can’t imagine riding a horse for hours upon end would be any more comfortable than sitting in a carriage.”
Jack visibly relaxed. “You have discovered my secret. I do admit that I have the better deal in being able to ride the horse. Unless the weather is especially poor, it is my preferred method of transportation.”
He offered her his arm and Kaitlyn glanced behind her to see that one of the coachmen and her ladies’ maid stepped forward to follow them. Cyrus seemed unsure if he should follow or not. She met his eye, hoping me might make a move. Anything to show his interest. He looked between her and Jack and the coachman and paused. Cyrus then looked into the carriage to see Jem. When he turned away, Kaitlyn’s hopes plummeted. Sadness that Cyrus wouldn’t be joining them on the small walk washed over her and she tried to push it away.
Having him come with them would have felt awkward. With the coachman and her lady’s maid Sarah nearby, she was perfectly chaperoned. No one could say anything had happened. Yet his disinterest stung.
She was lost in her own thoughts for a moment, but as they reached the top of the small hill, Kaitlyn gasped as she looked down into the beautiful little valley on the other side.
“Oh, you’re right,” Kaitlyn said. “What a gorgeous view.”
“Do you like it?” Jack asked.
“Very much. The colors are so pretty. I love seeing the fields out there all covered in the growth. And all those cute little houses with their gardens and rock fencing. There is something so beautiful about the way the land rises and falls here.”
“I agree. I’ve traveled to many places in England, and I must say this area is by far my favorite.”
Kaitlyn nodded. “I can see why. Whoever owns it is very lucky.”
Jack chuckled. “That I am.”
“This is your property?” Kaitlyn turned to him, her eyes wide. When he smiled with pride, she returned the smile.
“Why didn’t you say so at first?”
He shrugged. “I wanted to get an honest opinion first. To see what you really thought of it and know if it was as beautiful as I thought. If I’d told you it was mine, you would have flattered me and said everything that was proper, but now, I can be sure it really is as wonderful as I know it is.”
“You are in a great location. Close enough to London to go when you’d like, but in such a beautiful area. Thank you for showing me.”
“Thank you for allowing me to. I do apologize for the deception, but I haven’t had a chance to get a true honest opinion of it before. Most everyone I know or meet knows of my property.”
Kaitlyn didn’t know how far it really spanned, and she didn’t want to ask him how extensive his land was, or it might sound like she was digging for information, but she thought it was relatively large. Though he wasn’t a high-ranking Peer, he did have a title and the land to back it up.
“What are your dreams for your future?” Kaitlyn asked. “I hope I don’t go too far in asking, but I am not well acquainted with what is expected here. Do you have farmers working the land for you? Are you interested in pursuing the law or any position in government?”
Jack turned to her. “I have no interest in politics or government. I am not one of the Peer and don’t automatically have a place or duty there in the House of Lords.” He looked back over the valley. “I suppose my dreams for my future is to see my land cared for. My tenants work hard and have a great love for this land. I want to see them prosper and do all I can to help them.”
“That is a noble desire. I hope you can see it all come to pass.”
“Thank you. I do hope so as well.”
As they stood on the crest of the hill, someone down in a field of one of the closer farms seemed to recognize him. He waved and motioned for Jack to come down. Jack turned to her. “I believe I might need to go visit my tenants. Would you forgive me if I don’t accompany your party to London tonight? I will take care of some business and call on you at Aunt Nellie’s house tomorrow sometime.”
“Of course,” Kaitlyn said, happy to see that his people were important to him.
“Thank you.” He turned and signaled to the man below and then he turned to face her again. “I’ll see you down to the carriage and retrieve my horse.”
When they reached the carriage, Jem was awake and standing outside it, talking with one of the groomsmen. He glanced at Jack and Kaitlyn as they approached, smiled at her and continued on his conversation. Cyrus, on the other hand, watched her like a hawk the whole time. Had he been that worried about her doing something she shouldn’t have? Then why didn’t he come with?
Jack offered the other men his excuses and bid them all farewell. He mounted his horse, ascended the hill again, and disappeared from sight. “That’s his land on the other side?” Jem asked.
“Yes, and he saw one of his farmers down there who seemed to want to talk to him.”
“Can you imagine having to
wait to see your boss on the off chance they happened by? Or write a letter and wait for it to find them?” Jem asked.
“How frustrating that would be,” Kaitlyn said. “So glad we have things like emails and phones and text messages.”
Cyrus nodded. “You know what’s odd? I haven’t really thought much about all that in a while. I think I’ve gotten used to this relaxed style. There is something wonderful about not being tied to everyone all at once. You can actually take time to enjoy life.”
“Me, too,” Kaitlyn said. “I missed it at first, but after Nellie explained that time back home wasn’t passing and we weren’t missed while we’re gone, it really allowed me freedom to just enjoy the moment.”
“Bet you didn’t think this immersive experience would turn out like this, did you?” Jem said.
“No, definitely not.”
The three of them moved back over to the carriage. Sarah climbed in first and offered her hand to help Kaitlyn while Cyrus took her elbow and assisted her inside. He followed soon after. As he sat down directly across from her, their eyes met and she smiled. It was good to see him back to his usual happy self. With Jack gone, he didn’t have to worry about watching her so close. He could go from overprotective to her regular friend again.
“Think we’ll have any energy to go explore things tonight?” Kaitlyn asked.
“Jem might, since he’s been napping most of the ride.” Cyrus elbowed Jem good naturedly.
“I don’t know,” Jem said. “There is something rather tiring about all the riding and traveling. We might be able to go for a little jaunt, but I doubt any of us will be up for much.”
When they reached London a few hours later, she wasn’t surprised he was right. Instead of the bright and exciting city she knew in the twenty-first century, this place was completely different. The smell itself was unbelievable.
The acrid smoke of the coal and wood-burning fire places replaced the fresh air of the countryside. Then the scent of the river was horrifying. “Holy moly,” Kaitlyn said. “No wonder anyone who had a chance to leave London for the countryside would.” She held a handkerchief to her nose.
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