“We will correspond,” her ladyship said.
“That will be fun.” Reese decided then that she’d need to write a few letters before she left and see if Nellie could make sure they were mailed.
Chapter 25
THEIR LAST FEW DAYS AT Twickenham, as Nellie finished the painting, turned out to be some of the best in Reese’s life to that point. In some ways, it was like she and Jem were kids. They never shut up and talked about everything, especially plans for their future together.
They usually went riding in the morning. Sometimes Kaitlyn and Cyrus would come along, and the four of them would have a picnic. One day it rained, and Reese and Jem cuddled up in front of the library fire and read together. Now they were engaged, Nellie had relaxed the chaperonage.
The day before the full moon, Reese received a note from Gareth.
Miss Hamilton,
I understand that you will be leaving soon to return to America. I wish to invite you and your intended to come to the village in the morning. I will remain at Kellworth, but I would like you to see the fruits of your kind heart.
Yours,
Kellworth
“What’s he want?” Jem hadn’t made any effort to read the note.
Reese handed it to him. “Will you come with me?”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
She sat at the desk and wrote a note, saying that she appreciated the invitation and hoped that both he and Ellen would be there.
***
When they approached the village the next morning, a light morning fog made it difficult to see the buildings. Then a ray of sunshine burned through, and the scene was ablaze with light. Where the first visit had been filled with poorly maintained stone buildings, rotting thatched roofs, and rank odors, the view had become more reminiscent of Aunt Nellie’s village.
“Look how much more they’ve done.” Reese urged her horse on, and Jem followed.
Jimmy, the little boy she had seen that first day, gave a cry of recognition. The cottiers flowed from their homes and surrounded the horses. Reese slid from hers and started embracing the people she had worked closely with.
From a distance came a squeal, and Reese recognized Lily who was jumping up and down. Sarah appeared in the doorway with a bundle in her arms. They hurried toward her. Reese grabbed Jem’s hand and ran to meet them halfway. The rest of the villagers followed.
“How is he?” She accepted the baby and inspected his skin. “There’s no yellow at all.” Reese reached an arm around the mother and gave her a quick hug.
“So, this is the little man you were so worried about.” Jem held out his hands. “May I?”
The mother looked hesitant, and Reese laughed. “Oh, he’s really good with children.”
Jem took the baby and proved himself comfortable with a newborn. Reese grinned. He caught the look and arched a brow.
“Just thinking about a day when it will be our baby you’ll be playing with.”
“So, you are to be wed?” an elderly voice asked from the doorway of a nearby cottage.
“Yes, Widow Hill.” Reese embraced the woman. “How go your classes?”
“I have many apt students now, and the Earl has agreed to provide us with fabric and tools of the trade until we can afford to buy our own.”
“Put your hand on my shoulder, Widow Hill,” a teenaged girl said. “Mother said the day will be fine and we should enjoy the better light outside.”
Reese handed back the baby and let another woman take her hand. It became obvious they wanted to show her each house.
“Please taste this scone, miss,” one woman said, proud.
