Just snooty. “I figured that out by how you treated them,” Reese said. “I do feel a little bit like an intruder here. This is your brother’s house, and he has the right to be comfortable here without a snarky American making things awkward for him and his company.”
“Please stay.” Ellen clasped her hands to her chest.
“I really think it would be better for everyone if I leave,” Reese argued.
The door creaked open behind them, and they turned to find the Earl there. Had he overheard them?
“I thought I might find you still here.” He shut the door behind him and came to stand by them, placing himself as close to Reese as he did to Ellen.
“Before we found you in the garden, Miss Hamilton,” he said, “my sister was telling me how diverting she found your company. It can be lonely for her when I am busy in London. I appreciate you keeping her entertained.”
“Her ladyship is delightful. It has been my pleasure,” Reese said, “but I believe I have overstayed my welcome. It is time for me to return to Aunt Nellie’s.” She curtsied.
“I wish you would not. My guests will continue their journey in a few days,” the Earl said, holding up his hand to stop her. “I hope you will stay.”
Reese studied him, suspicious of his invitation. There had to be ulterior motives. Because he wasthatkind of guy. Wasn’t he? The Earl must have read from her expression that she still meant to leave.
“Please, Miss Hamilton. It would mean a great deal to my sister. She spends too much time here alone, I know.” He sent Ellen an apologetic glance. “She looks forward to the end of the Season because it means that I will be home. Next year, when she has come of age, it will be different, and I must face losing her.”
The real affection in his voice and in the look he gave his sister softened Reese’s attitude. For the first time, she understood Ellen’s high opinion of her brother, distorted as it might be. Love made it easy to excuse bad behavior. Reese had seen it too many times in abused children who craved the love of unworthy parents. She let out a breath of resignation.
“I will stay,” she said, “for Ellen.”
“Oh, yes!” She clapped her hands. “Thank you.”
“Have you already sent Jem an invitation?” Reese didn’t like it, but she had learned a long time ago not to fight the inevitable.
“Oh, I forgot to mention it.” Ellen’s cheeks flushed. “Mr. Taylor is Miss Hamilton’s cousin and also a guest of Aunt Nellie’s. He is interested in learning about Kellworth. I think you two would get on famously.”
The Earl shot his sister a shrewd glance before his piercing gaze shifted to Reese’s in query. He was trusting her to tell him if Ellen was safe around Jem? How curious.
“Lady Ellen need not fear that he would behave inappropriately with her.” Just Reese.
“I will look forward to meeting your cousin then, Miss Hamilton. Ellen, I would prefer Mr. Taylor not join us until after my other guests have gone. Perhaps we should invite him for a dinner party.” The Earl bowed and strode from the room.
“Oh, Clarisse, thank you.” Ellen gave her a quick hug.
Chapter 16
JEM STARED AT HIS CARDS. He had spent hours among Nellie’s staff working on his accent. Until he’d been around them more, he hadn’t paid attention to things like posture and body language. It shamed him when he realized he’d been giving more attention to Nellie’s “quality” guests. Reese was right. This culture could suck a person in.
Geoffrey had interrupted Jem’s time in the kitchen several times to announce visitors asking for him and Cyrus. With his friend off visiting Bath with William, Jem hadn’t been able to make excuses not to come. It turned out that they were lady callers, eligible single women in the company of their mothers. They came under the pretense of visiting Nellie, but seemed awfully anxious to meet the two American men who had fortunes. Sitting in their company, making meaningless conversation, he once again understood Reese’s feelings.
Had she met the Earl yet? Was she, at this very moment, being pursued by Ellen’s widowed brother? Since these noblemen didn’t necessarily marry for love, the guy might find an American heiress worth the effort to court.
Or could the threat come from one of the guests the Earl was reported to be bringing with him from London?
Jem couldn’t shake the image of Reese deciding to stay here. Not for the title and prestige, but because being married to someone with power and influence would let her help more people. And that tenant village was full of people who needed someone like Reese. Besides sneaking into the project as a servant, Jem had to find a way to get an invitation to Kellworth as an official guest.
He threw in his cards and stood abruptly. Nellie’s evening guests looked at him in surprise.
“You should perhaps retire, Taylor,” one man said. “Your mind has not been on the game anyway.”
“Good advice.” Jem bowed. Tomorrow would be a busy day.
He went to the pool room and entertained himself there until he heard the sound of Nellie’s guests retiring for the night. With the door open a crack, he watched for her to come toward the servant’s quarters as she did every night to discuss the next day’s needs.
“Aunt Nellie.” He approached her.
