JEM STOOD BY, NOT SURE what to do next about Reese. Something had been bothering her that morning. With Kellworth acting like an irritating mosquito that Jem couldn’t shake off, he hadn’t had a chance to talk to her.
He was, however, aware of Ellen standing next to him. In his preoccupation with Reese, he’d almost forgotten Nellie’s warning. And Kellworth’s. This might be the time to explain things, but Jem wasn’t sure how to bring it up. People’s expectations were so different here, and what if the fae woman and the Earl were wrong about her ladyship’s interest in him?
“Would you mind accompanying me?” Ellen asked softly, her voice hesitant.
“I would be happy to assist in any way I can.” He couldn’t stop his gaze from following Reese as she walked on the Earl’s arm to that house they had visited yesterday. Jem’s eyes narrowed.
“I wonder . . .”
Jem glanced at Ellen and found her watching them too. “Wonder what?”
She lifted shrewd gray eyes to meet his, and the corners of her mouth lifted in a sad smile. “Do Americans marry their cousins?”
Jem understood why Reese liked the girl so much.
“I’m terribly sorry if I’ve led you to believe something that wasn’t true. I shouldn’t have let Aunt Nellie spread that story around,” he said. “Friends would be a better description. Miss Clarisse and I are not related.”
Ellen let out a deep breath. “And you are in love with her.”
“I am.” Jem searched his mind for the appropriate expression. “I came on this trip to fix my interest with her.”
“Now I understand why Clarisse warned me about you.”
“Say what?” he asked, his tone a little sharp.
“She said you were not in search of a wife.” Ellen brushed at her jacket’s cuff. “I think now that she was only partly correct, that you seekherto fulfill that role.”
“I think I’ve been in love with her since I was twelve.”
The front door of the house at the end of the row opened. Kellworth ducked his head and came out, Reese on his arm again. Jem took a step forward, about to call to her, but before he could speak, she threw herself into the Earl’s arms. Kellworth pulled her close and buried his face in her hair.
Jem felt like he’d been gut-punched.
“My sympathies, Mr. Taylor,” Ellen said while she patted his arm. She did sound like she felt bad for him. “But I should mention that I would have Clarisse for my sister.” Ellen stepped toward a group of children and their mothers. They hurried to join her, and she led them to an open field.
A chill had gone down his spine at her remark. If both KellworthandEllen were working on Reese, would they convince her to stay?
Nellie’s words echoed in Jem’s mind—save the lives of generations to come. It would be the fulfillment of Reese Hamilton’s goal in life. If this man gave her a chance to do that, would she accept it? What could Jem ever offer her over that?
He remembered a conversation he’d had with his sister when they’d returned from London. Kaitlyn had found him in the breakfast room alone, listlessly moving his food around the plate.
“What is wrong with you lately?” she’d asked from behind.
Jem had sagged in his chair. She’d wrapped her arms around him and rested her cheek on his shoulder.
“Is it Reese?” she whispered.
He nodded.
Kaitlyn straightened, rubbing his back, supportive. It gave him the courage to tell her.
“Two years ago, we—” His sister’s eyes went wide, and he quickly added, “Notthat, but I kissed her. It was . . .intense. I left for tour the next morning.” He looked straight ahead. “Things were crazy busy when the tour first started. I was working really long hours.”
“You didn’t call her, did you?” Kaitlyn slugged his arm. “What a moron. No wonder she was so gloomy, like forever. I thought it was just her school schedule, but it wasyou.”
“I was afraid it had meant more to me than to her. I hoped she’d text me. She didn’t, and I thought I was okay with that, that maybe things could go back to how they’d been before.” Saying it aloud made it sound lame, and Jem shifted, his stomach knotting. Moron. Kaitlyn had it right.
“Seriously?”
