“Oh, all right,” Reese said, “but that was fun. I wonder if we could get Kaitlyn to come riding with us. She used to love jumping.”
“That group doesn’t seem much into physical stuff,” Jem said.
“Good point,” she said. “Well, I’m pretty windblown now, so I guess I’ll have to get cleaned up before lunch.”
Jem led them through more idle conversation as they rode. The reward came once she was ready to dismount. He had gotten off his horse quickly and was at Honey’s side in a flash to help her down. Reese recognized it for what it was—a chance to touch. He took a very long time to lift her from the horse, holding her in the air for a few seconds before slowly lowering her to the ground, their bodies so close they almost touched.
Their eyes met, his intense gaze warming Reese right to her core. He smelled so good. Her blood pulsed hard in her ears. If he whispered anything to her, she couldn’t hear it.
Before Lulu could complain, Jem stepped back and offered Reese his arm. After he slid her arm around his elbow, he put his hand over hers and laced their fingers. It felt sodangerousit was thrilling. The need for coy fan language finally made sense.
***
Jem went along with the flurry of activities that accompanied Cora’s return and the preparations for Nellie’s picnic. Their hostess kept everyone busy, giving her male house guests the job to come up with a variety of outdoor games. She gave the Americans a stern reminder that the games must be appropriate for ladies.
The tension between him and Reese intrigued him. He wanted to talk privately with her, but Nellie’s watchdogs made sure that couldn’t happen. Sometimes he’d catch a look from Reese that made it clear she wanted the same thing. She had been a powerful draw for him for a long time anyway, but not being allowed to talk with her alone and having to sneak in a clandestine touch when he could was kind of hot.
He had even considered sneaking into Reese’s room for a chance to talk to her, until he remembered her ever-present maid. He wondered if Nellie realized the effect her rules were having on him.
“Mr. Jem,” Nellie said, interrupting his thoughts after dinner, “will you please call the ladies inside? I have the flowers assembled.”
He didn’t have a chance to ask her what that was about before she hurried off. When he opened the front door, he was surprised to find Lady Ellen climbing the stairs with a basket, followed by her maid and a groom, both laden with boxes.
“Lady Ellen.” Jem bowed and hurried down the stairs to take the basket from her. “What an unexpected pleasure.”
“Good evening, Mr. Taylor.” She dipped a curtsy and began climbing the stairs, a pretty flush to her cheeks.
“I didn’t expect to see you until tomorrow.” He shifted the basket to his right hip.
“Did Aunt Nellie not tell you that I help every year with her flower arrangements for the picnic?” Ellen took the arm he offered. “For the last three years, she has invited me to stay the night, and we make a party of it.”
The footman opened the door for them.
“So, you’re staying the night?” Jem asked.
“Yes. Miss Clarisse has offered to share her room with me. I believe she called it a ‘sleep-over’.”
“That should liven things up.” It was a good thing he had already given up on trying to sneak past Reese’s maid. What would have happened tonight if he’d gotten in the room and found Ellen there?
“Lively only if you enjoy arranging flowers. I believe the gentlemen will be engaged in other activities.” She pulled off her gloves. “Jason and Sarah, you know where to take the boxes.”
“I guess I’ll see you around then.” Jem handed her basket to the footman and bowed to Ellen.
“Thank you.” She looked like she wanted to say something more but seemed to chicken out at the last minute, her cheeks going red. With a sweep of her full skirts, she turned and hurried away.
Jem watched her, fascinated with how smoothly she moved, almost like she was flowing over the ground. He was used to his sister’s enthusiastic prancing and Reese’s purposeful strides. Did women of this time learn to walk like that in finishing school or something? Or was her grace uniquely Ellen’s?
“Do you have any idea what’s going on tonight?” Cyrus asked, coming down the stairs to the entryway.
“Not really. I’ll bet William knows.” Jem nodded toward the man who was coming from the drawing room with a piece of paper in his hand.
“Pardon?” Nellie’s nephew said. “Did I hear my name?”
“I’ll be right back,” Jem said, remembering his own assignment. “I have to let the ladies know Nellie needs them.” He jogged out the door and down the stairs to where Nellie’s female guests had gathered in a gazebo.
“Hey, Jem,” Kaitlyn called. “Come to help decorate?”
“Nellie needs everyone inside,” he said. “She told me to send you all in.”
