It held up its chain at arm’s length, as if that were the cause of all its unavailing grief, and flung it heavily upon the ground again.
“At this time of the rolling year,” the spectre said, “I suffer most. Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode! Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me!”
Reese glanced up to find the others staring at her. Ellen, of course, wore an admiring expression. The guests looked unsure, while the Earl’s eyes had tightened.
“Do I detect censure in your choice of reading, Miss Hamilton?” he asked.
“If the shoe fits, my lord, wear it. For me, any reading that lets me walk a mile in the shoes of another human being enriches my mind.” Before he could say anything else, she rose. “I have an early morning appointment and need to retire.” She curtsied and strode from the room.
When Reese had reached the stairs, she heard the sound of footsteps behind her. She turned to find the Earl closing the door behind him, his gaze on her.
“I fear I have offended you, Miss Hamilton.” He approached the stairs. “If so, it was in fair response to your perceived accusation.”
“You invited me to share what I thought was enlightening and then found fault with it. You may think it entertaining to mock a guest in your house. I don’t.” She turned, but he caught her hand.
“Do not leave while you are angry with me.” The Earl’s voice had turned soft. “Please accept my apology, and not merely for my sister’s sake.”
Reese stared up into his dark eyes. He looked and sounded sincere.
“All right.” She pulled back her hand, and he let it go.
At that moment, she almost mentioned his tenants. Then worry shut down the impulse. He was a man used to people doing whatever he told them to do. She doubted he would appreciate the way she had just swept in and changed how he was doing things. Not even Ellen’s participation would be enough if he took it wrong. Reese had to get done as much as she could, in case the Earl pulled the plug on the project.
“Do you wish to say something more?” Gareth was watching her closely.
“No.”
“Good night, then.” He bowed and turned back to the drawing room and his guests.
When Reese got up to her bedroom, she felt a little better. Somehow, she didn’t think Ellen’s brother was one to apologize often. That was progress. She hoped she had given him something to think about in that recitation. It was a shame Jem hadn’t been there to read it. When he had done it in the past, he’d given her chills. If the Earl’s heart could be softened, maybe he would let her continue to work with his tenants.
Chapter 17
WHEN LULU CAME TO WAKE her the next morning, Reese didn’t jump from the bed like she usually did. She’d found it difficult to fall asleep after her interaction with the Earl. Her mind had buzzed with the possibilities for change if she could get him to buy into her ideas. Someone like him would have the power to influence others.
She had read once that it took a life-changing event for adults to shift behaviors or mindsets permanently. That seemed even less likely if most people were comfortable with the way things were. But there might be more people like Ellen who just needed to be made aware of the plight of the poor, of a chance to see that they were real people with feelings.
Reese entered the kitchen and found the wagon ready to go, with the still-frazzled cook giving final orders to the servants who would be coming.
“You are a dear.” Reese gave the woman a quick hug. “I believe the heavens will open for you with blessings for helping with this. I know it’s added to your burden, and Ithankyou with all my heart.”
“Get on with you.” The woman waved them on, but her face had flushed with pleasure.
“All right, people,” Reese said as she climbed onto the wagon. “Let’s do some good today.”
The servants exchanged glances, and she wondered what they thought of the crazy American heiress. She knew that not all of them agreed with her project, thinking, like their masters, that the people deserved what they had. How they could look at those children and believe that was beyond her.
The groom had raised his whip when a tall figure stepped in front of the wagon. “My lord,” the man exclaimed.
“And where might you be going, Miss Hamilton?” The Earl surveyed the items stacked behind her.
“To your tenant village, my lord.” When his gaze darted to hers, she arched a brow, daring him to stop her.
“My tenants are none of your business.” His voice had turned hard, unrelenting.
“One visit there showed me they have been none ofyourbusiness either,” she said sharply before remembering he could stop her efforts right now. “My lord.”
The Earl shot her another of his hard glances. “I shall accompany you then.” He waved to the groom. “In the back.” When the young man had vacated the seat beside her, Gareth took his place. He snapped the whip and the horse surged forward. “I have not visited there in years.”
