“I willnotbe like your father. I made the biggest mistake two years ago by walking away from you, but I’ve learned Ican’tlive without you. I love you.Pleasesay you’ll marry me.”
A sharp ache in her chest was followed by a surety that she had never before experienced. He was worth the risk.
“Yes.” Reese slid her arms around his waist and met his lips with hers. Something that sounded a lot like a sob came from his throat, and then he was kissing her mouth, her cheeks, her eyes, and then her mouth again.
From behind came a soft cry that sounded like Ellen. Reese pulled free and turned around. Ellen stood in front of her company. She glanced at the door where her brother stood watching them, his earlier joy gone.
“I wish you both very happy.” With glistening eyes, Ellen held out her arms.
Reese stepped into them and hugged her back, whispering, “I am so sorry.”
“Do not be sorry. One cannot control whom one loves.” Ellen held her hand toward the door.
Reese turned around to face the Earl. The mask that she had become familiar with on Jem fell over Gareth’s face. He took his sister’s hand and brought it through the crook of his arm.
“As my sister has said, we wish you both happy.” He waved his hand at his other guests. “Our little dinner party has turned into a celebration. Come.” He nodded to Jem before leading his sister into the dining room.
Jem offered Reese his arm, and they followed. What came next was the most bizarre meal Reese had ever experienced. The glances from the other guests, many of them disapproving after that tasteless public demonstration of affection, was uncomfortable. Yet others watched them with understanding, and a few a little wistfully. Ellen and Gareth played gracious hosts, and the Earl even offered a toast to their happiness.
During the meal, when Jem’s hand was free, he held Reese’s. The meal finally came to an end, and it was time for the ladies to withdraw.
***
Jem was still flying so high from his success with Reese that he wanted to grab her and ride back to Twickenham to tell Kaitlyn. He contained himself and sat back at the table when the ladies had withdrawn. The other guests knew each other well, and Jem did what he always did when new to a group. He listened and paid attention.
Because he’d read the newspapers every day, he knew enough about current events to comment occasionally. Otherwise, he listened and sometimes nodded, making sure to appear engaged. Since his attention was on the other guests, he felt rather than saw the Earl’s gaze on him.
Jem turned to look at him. Kellworth’s expression was considering. He leaned forward.
“I do not know what she sees in you.” He pitched his voice soft and low. “What do you have to offer her? I can make her mistress of this estate.”
“I told you before,” Jem leaned closer, his elbows on the table, “Reese doesn’t care for that kind of thing.”
“Reese.” The Earl said it slowly, like he was tasting it. “Clar-reese.” He pinned Jem with a hard gaze. “Is your fortune large enough to support a wife, one with a heart for charitable work such as . . .Reeseengages in?”
“Yes.” Jem studied Kellworth, trying to decide what more he could say to allay his concerns. The questions actually made Jem feel better about the man, that perhaps he really did care for her. “Where we come from, my lord, men and women work together to build their future.”
“Future.” The Earl rubbed his chin, his eyes narrowed.
Jem straightened and cleared his throat. Why would the guy go there? What had Reese told him? Notthat.
“Shall we join the ladies?” Kellworth didn’t wait for a reply but rose and led the way from the dining room.
***
Reese’s heart still pounded as she walked into the drawing room. Jemdidlove her. She was going to marry him.Jem.
She sat in a corner, away from the others, and closed her eyes, tired of the curious looks. Her heart ached with her own happiness and with sadness for Ellen.
Someone sat next to her and covered her hand. Reese opened her eyes to Ellen’s kind expression.
“Iamhappy for you,” she said, her voice soft. “Though I did want you for my brother.”
“Ellen, I didn’t mean to make him think—”
“Shh. We will be . . . How is it that you say it? O-kay?” Ellen heaved out a breath. “And Lord Slimy is gone. I need fear him no more. You showed me I have the strength to stand up for myself. You are a dear friend.”
“I will miss our fun times together,” Reese said. “I hope you’ll continue learning whatyouwant to learn.”
