“I wonder what it would cost to build a community center.” She glanced around the empty land on both ends of the little village.
“What is a community center?” The Earl scanned the property too, though she didn’t know if he knew what he was looking for.
“It would be a larger building that the community could gather in. Widow Hill’s house can’t hold any more people, but she could hold her lessons in a community center. It would be a place for them to gather together for pot luck dinners or dances when the weather is bad.”
“You use such strange words,” Gareth complained. “At times I wonder if we speak the same language.”
“A pot luck dinner is when each guest brings one of the dishes,” Reese said. “They then share the meal together. It builds a sense of community, of belonging. In America they have barn raising parties. Neighbors come together and spend a day building a barn, or a house, for a neighbor. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a time of play and friendship. A community center could also function as a school.”
“They are farmers or seamstresses,” the Earl said. “Why would they need a school?”
“What if they wanted to be doctors or lawyers or run a mill?” Reese crossed her arms. “In this time, it’s ridiculous to deny people a chance to learn skills that could pull them out of the ghetto.”
“There are no Jews here.” Gareth frowned. He tilted his head and peered at her. “Inthistime? You say that, as thoughmytime is notyourtime.”
“Simply a poor choice of words.” Reese gave a dismissive wave of her hand, but her heart pounded. Had Lulu heard? Would she take her back to Nellie’s now? “So many of these women know little about healthy cooking, and I have more homes to visit.” She tried for a what-are-you-going-to-do-with-those-kids attitude. “I imagine you need to supervise your workers.” She left him there and strode to the next house, Lulu in her wake.
“Miss, you must watch your words,” the maid said when they were out of earshot. “Else you will return to Twickenham Manor.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” Reese took a deep breath. Maybe sheshouldgo back to Nellie’s. Reese was getting too comfortable around the Earl. She’d have to be more careful.
If she left Kellworth, would Jem stay or come back to Twickenham?
***
Between the baby and the confusing Earl, Reese had been exhausted when they returned to Kellworth after the day’s work on the village. She had excused herself from tea, saying she needed a nap. Ellen had slipped into Reese’s bedroom and thrown her arms around her.
“I cannot thank you enough.” Her ladyship stepped back, her eyes misty. “You have brought my brother back.”
“I’m glad he’s finding the man he used to be.” Reese raised her arms so Lulu could pull the work dress off.
“Oh, Clarisse,” Ellen said, her voice tight with emotion, “I have always wished for a sister, and I could not wish for a better one than you.”
“Whoa, girl.” Reese turned around to face her. “You’ve misunderstood. I’m not marrying anyone.”
“But of course you are. I have seen how he looks at you,” Ellen said, her face bright and happy. “I never thought to see the day when Gareth would give his heart again. You havefreedhim to love again.” She burst into tears and flung her arms around Reese again.
Not sure what else to do, she patted Ellen’s back. Reese needed to get out of here and back to Twickenham. Soon.
Chapter 23
BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE TENANT village, Jem had sent word to Twickenham with a request that his clothes be sent to Kellworth. He’d also asked Geoffrey to come valet for him and be prepared for an indeterminant stay. The Earl had not asked Jem to leave, so he didn’t plan to.
Reese had excused herself from tea and then sent word that she would take dinner in her room, that she needed to rest. Dining with a self-satisfied Kellworth had been awkward. Jem thought his performance that evening had been the best in his life.
“The workers have their assignments for tomorrow,” Ellen said over dessert. “I will need Clarisse’s help, so I hope to keep her here with me.”
“Good. She will not want to be too fatigued to attend,” the Earl said. “I fear I have some pressing business I must see to before your dinner party.”
Smiling behind his wine glass, Jem sent a mentalthank youto the magic. With Kellworth gone for part of the day tomorrow, Jem would finally have a chance to talk to Reese.
***
While Lulu was helping Reese dress the morning of the big dinner, Ellen slipped into the room again.
“You look fagged,” she said, concerned. “Are you still unwell?”
“I didn’t sleep well,” Reese said.
