She cared about what happened to him, and it mattered to her that his entire demeanor had changed, lightened. It reminded her of videos where colorblind people were given glasses that let them see color for the first time.
Reese was about to take the color away, and it was ripping her up inside. But she couldnotstay with him in this time, not when she was in love with another man.
“It is time to meet our guests,” he said.
“My lord . . .”
“They’re here,” Ellen whispered as the servant opened the door.
Reese took Gareth’s arm, and he patted her hand. She felt sick. This was totally going to give everyone the wrong impression, but what could she do? She would not repay their kindness by embarrassing them in front of their company.
“ . . . Lady Ellen’s dear friend, Miss Clarisse Hamilton from America,” the Earl was saying and pulled Reese from her unhappy thoughts.
She plastered on a fake smile and curtsied to the couple, not even trying to remember their names. They moved on, and Gareth introduced another couple, who chatted with him for a few minutes.
Beside her, Ellen tensed. Sir Slimy, oozing his creepy predator cockiness, advanced on them.
“Lady Ellen,” he said, but his eyes were on Reese’s chest again.
With something akin to a growl, Ellen stepped forward and slapped the man across the face. The surprising blow sent him staggering back a step.
“Keep your eyes on herface, you pervert,” she said through gritted teeth, using the term Reese had used before.
Gareth moved closer to Reese, his arm protectively on her waist. “What happened?” he demanded.
“You stay away from Clarisse and stay away fromme,” Ellen continued, in spite of gasps from others still in the room. “Don’tlookat us. Don’t try totalkto us. Don’twriteto us. You’re not good enough towipeour shoes.”
“It appears I must rescind my invitation, Howard,” Gareth said, his voice low, ominous. He said to Ellen, “See to our guests.”
Sir Slimy was ranting as Gareth escorted him away, but the man kept his voice low, apparently not wishing to draw more attention to himself. Gareth urged him out the front doors again.
“Ellen, you were amazing,” Reese said, impressed. “You made me proud. I have every confidence that you will handle yourself well for your Season.”
Her ladyship beamed and rubbed the hand she’d used to hit him. When people around her whispered, she narrowed her eyes and pinned them with a dark look.
“Is not Gareth strong and forceful? He did not hesitate to champion us. Now, I must see to our guests.”
Reese stood in the entry, still a little stunned.
“Wow,” Jem said from behind her, and her heart leapt into her throat. “Quite a protégée you have there, and a great scene she made.”
“Yes,” she whispered, her pulse quickening.
“Well, I’m about to make another one.” Jem stepped around and faced her.
“What?” Reese felt rooted in place.
“I love you.” He cupped her face in his hands, his tender touch warming her to her core. “I don’t want a future that doesn’t include you. I want to share your dreams, to help you make them happen.”
Reese thought she was going to hyperventilate. Was she dreaming? This had to be a dream. She sensed others gathering around them. Jem dropped to one knee, and her gasp was lost with all the others.
“I want to be a family with you, grow old with you. Ipromiseyou I will always be there with you. Reese Hamilton, will you marry me?”
Shewantedthis. Herheartwanted this. But her mother’s bitter words crept through the euphoria flooding through Reese.
“Will the real Jem Taylor please stand up?” she whispered.
He jumped to his feet and leaned in close, his gaze holding hers, his mouth a hair’s breadth from hers.
