“And be sure to add a bit of my rose jelly to it,” another woman said. Reese wondered where they had gotten the sugar from and decided it was probably from Kellworth.
Jem stayed with her and chatted with the people. When it came time to leave, Reese scanned the area, hoping to see Gareth and Ellen. Her ladyship sat on her horse near the curve of the road, her groom beside her. The Earl had not come. The cottiers bowed or bobbed curtsies, and her ladyship urged her horse foreword.
“I’ll leave this one to you,” Jem said.
“Good answer.” Reese swallowed a lump that had appeared in her throat and strode forward. She felt in her pocket to make sure the packet was still there.
“Are you well?” Ellen asked.
“Oh, come here.” Reese tugged on Ellen’s skirt until she dismounted and then pulled her into a hug. “Your friendship has meant so much to me.”
“Yours as well.” Her ladyship gave a bright smile, like she used to do. “I have missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too, but I’ve had a good distraction.” Reese hesitated, wanting to ask about Gareth but not sure if it was appropriate. Had he not come because he was hurt or because he was showing that he had stepped aside and was being a gentleman? She reached into her pocket and pulled out the package. “I have a parting gift for you.”
Ellen opened it and gave a little gasp. “Did you not commission this from Mary for yourself?”
“No. I thought it would go beautifully on your blue morning gown.” Reese tapped the paper. “I wonder if any of the girls here might want to learn how to tat.”
“My, yes,” Ellen said, excited. “With Widow Hill’s seamstress skills and Mary’s beautiful handwork, the ladies of the Kellworth and Twickenham villages could soon have a thriving business.”
“Exactly my thoughts.” Reese hugged her again.
“I will always remember how you gave me courage,” Ellen said, “and taught me how to be a tiger.”
They both growled.
Chapter 26
AS THE CLOCK APPROACHED MIDNIGHT, they gathered in the portrait room. So much had happened since that day when the magic had yanked them into the past. In many ways, it felt like a lifetime ago.
The Americans took up the same positions they had in the newly-finished painting. Jem’s hand felt warm in Reese’s. What a different world she would be going back to.
“You may always return for a visit,” Nellie said in her chipper voice.
“What?” Reese might be able to see Ellen and the cottiers again?
“Now I have an anchor in both times, yes.” Their fae hostess winked at her, as though she knew what Reese was thinking.
The sound of heavy footsteps running up the stairs caused them all to turn. Gareth Hildebrand burst into the room. Nellie hurried over.
“I’m sorry, my lord,” she said, “but this is a private party.”
The Earl raised an imperious hand, and she stopped. He said to Reese, “You leave now, from here.” No question.
“My lord—” Nellie tried again, her tone dismayed.
“You came from another time and not simply another place,” he said.
Nellie groaned.
“Yes,” Reese said. “From decades in the future.”
“My dears,” Nellie said. “We must do this soon, or you will stay another month.”
“Everyone get in position,” Reese said. “I’ll be right there.”
“Sorry.” Jem laced their fingers. “I’m not risking only one of us going back home.”
