“I wondered where you had taken yourself, Mr. Jem,” Geoffrey had said. “I thought you went riding.”
“He was at the Kellworth village helping with that putrid ditch,” one of the female servants had said.
“Ahh,” the servants had said as a group, many nodding their heads.
“Let’s finish getting you cleaned up.” His valet had reached out as though to put an arm on Jem’s shoulder but stopped. “If I’d known you wanted a disguise, I have better ways, ones that are easier to set right after.”
Tired, Jem had let his man clean him up for tea, grateful he’d made no mention about the little visit to the village. Jem didn’t know if that was because Geoffrey was on his side and willing to go against Nellie, or if the fae woman already knew. She’d said nothing. Maybe she had decided not to interfere and to let things play out.
That suited Jem just fine, he’d told himself as he saw lights that had to be Kellworth. He’d used an excuse of being tired for going to bed early, and Geoffrey had set out riding clothes and a cape instead of the usual bedclothes. Jem took this as a good sign that his valet seemed to be supporting his plan.
Now if Jem just understood the increasing sense of urgency he’d felt since leaving the tenant village.
Chapter 20
AFTER SENDING LULU OFF ON a quick errand, Reese slipped her workout clothes on and then her nightgown before crawling into her bed. She opened a book.
“Do you need anything else tonight, miss?” the maid asked when she returned.
“No, that will do.” Reese looked at her. “I’ve taken you for granted. I’m sorry. Do you have family over at Nellie’s you’d like to see?” She arched her brows. “Do you have a young man?”
Lulu colored.
“When do you get time off?” Reese asked, feeling guilty.
“I get half days on Sundays, miss, but Aunt Nellie said I was to stay with you.”
That hurt. “Haven’t I done much better?”
“With his lordship’s guests, yes, miss.” Lulu nodded sagely. “I cannot say you have done so well with her ladyship.”
“But she doesn’t have any idea I’m from the future. Give me credit for that.”
“Aye. I own you have done well there.” Lulu bobbed a curtsy. “Good night, miss.” The maid left the door between their rooms ajar. Did she suspect something?
Reese waited for the sounds of soft snoring before she eased off the bed and removed the nightgown. She slipped her hooded cloak on but left her shoes behind. Like the night with Jem—why did she have to think of him again—she went barefoot. She put the shields up on her lantern and opened her door.
At the top of the stairs, she listened for the sounds of the others. She made out the Earl’s voice and Ellen’s, plus the titter of one of the women. She should be safe to slip out the back way without anyone seeing her. Pulling the shroud of her cloak over her head, she tiptoed toward the back stairs the servants used.
The Kellworth lawn wasn’t as large as Nellie’s since Ellen had put in so many flower beds, but it would serve. Reese slipped off the cloak and started with her stretches. It felt so good after too many busy but physically-restrictive days.
She went through her kicks and punches and worked up a nice sweat. Then she moved into her katas. She hadn’t taken her lessons very seriously and hadn’t progressed up the belts like some of the other, more dedicated, members of her class. Maybe when she got home she should do that.
Reese was so focused on remembering the forms that she didn’t pay attention to the shiver that went down her back. She thought it was just the evening breeze on her sweaty neck. Then her hair stood on end, and she knew she wasn’t alone.
She spun around and took up a fighting stance. Against the background of the trees, she made out a dark figure. She dashed over to where she had left her cloak, thinking to grab it and run to the house. It wasn’t there.
“Are you looking for this?” Ned stepped into the faint light from the lantern, holding her cloak. He smirked and let his gaze travel over her body before coming back to her face.
Breathing heavily, it took all her strength not to cross her arms.
“You should have made your presence known.” Reese held out her hand for the cloak.
“I think not, Miss Hamilton. In fact,” he took a step closer, “I would like to see even less on you.”
Did he think she would just stand there and let him jump her? Moron. She spun around and sprinted toward the house.
“Get her,” he shouted.
