Against the Magic

by Donna K. Weaver

  “But if you would rather not . . .”

  The hesitancy in Ellen’s voice made Reese roll over. “I’d love to see your home and come for a visit. I just need to see if I have any other obligations. I should know for sure in the morning.”

  “I must warn you,” Ellen said with a sigh. “Aunt Nellie’s house is much more entertaining than my own, especially when my brother is away.”

  “Don’t worry about that.” Reese yawned again. “I’m sure we’ll find things to do.”

  ***

  Jem woke late the next morning, a little stiff from the day before. He and the other guys had spent the day marking out a giant chessboard on a section of Nellie’s lawn. There were some other games they had coordinated, but the chess game had been the grandest. It looked to be a lot of fun, with real people as the chess pieces. The servants had constructed raised stands from wood, one for each side.

  When he entered the breakfast room, there was no sign of Reese, and several of the men were already there, including a few new faces come for the picnic. Jem filled his plate and sat next to Cyrus, near the door.

  “How did the shooting go yesterday?” Jem took a bite of his eggs.

  Cyrus grimaced. “I just can’t get into killing a bunch of birds, even if they end up on the table. I like a world where I can go to the grocery store and not worry about where the meat came from.”

  “One guy on our tour was always going on about our modern meat processing after he did some research,” Jem said. “It made him turn vegan.”

  “All the more reason not to know what I’m eating,” Cyrus said. “The weapons they use in this time are really basic. How did they fight wars when they had to have servants reload their guns for them?”

  “I’m glad now I’ve declined the invitations to go shooting with you guys,” Jem said. “I’d rather spend time with Reese anyway.”

  Cyrus glanced around the room at the others and lowered his voice. “Since you two have been so busy, you probably haven’t heard what the guys say about the women when they’re not around.”

  “What are they saying?”

  “It’s all about the money and the status, and what the woman will do for their pocketbooks. For most, it’s also about improving their status.” Cyrus shook his head.

  “I think it’s the same way with the women.” Jem remembered what Reese had said about Ellen. “Except the guys probably have more say in who they marry. I think a lot of the marriages are really just businesses set up to keep their place in society.”

  “So the rich can stay rich, they let their first cousins marry.” Cyrus made a mock gagging motion.

  “It’s one way to keep the money in the family,” Jem said.

  “Imagine the inbreeding,”

  “That’s probably why some of them aren’t overly bright.” Jem gave a dark chuckle. “Seriously, I have no idea how some of these guys would survive without their servants. They certainly aren’t marrying for brains, that’s for sure.”

  “Well,” Cyrus said, moving the food around his plate, “I know some people who didn’t exactly marry for IQ either.”

  “I guess. Still, it will be a relief to get back home again.”

  “Kaitlyn tells me you’re thinking of going on the road again,” Cyrus said, “when we return to our time.”

  “The director I worked with has requested me for her new show,” Jem said. “She’s going places, and that she asked for me will boost my resume, to say nothing of the experience. It’s a great opportunity for me.”

  “How long will you be gone this time?”

  “It always depends on how well the show is doing. It’ll be for at least a year, but it could go much longer.”

  “Kaitlyn said she really misses you when you’re on the road.”

  “And my mom misses mothering me.” Jem laughed. “It was great seeing everyone again, but being home reminded me of why I like to be on the road.”

  ***

  Reese stood just outside the breakfast room door, her arms clutching her abdomen and the ache that threatened to spill out. She took a quiet step back, then another and another. When she was far enough away that no one should be able to hear her footsteps, she turned and ran to the stairs. Pausing there, she didn’t know what to do.

  She wanted to run, to be gone. Jem was going to ditch her again. His words rang through her mind.

  “Being home reminded me of why I like to be on the road.”

  Reese sucked in her breath, blinking furiously. She had done it again, played right into his hands. Her mother’s words echoed in her mind.

  I told you so.

  Reese wanted to talk with someone about this. It would have been Kaitlyn if the guy hadn’t been Jem. Cora might provide a sympathetic ear, but they’d been more workout and riding buddies than share-your-deepest-secrets friends. Reese felt so alone.

  She needed to put distance between herself and Jem, to give her time to pull her thoughts together. All she knew was that this hurt a hundred times—a thousand times—worse than it had two years ago. She had allowed herself to hope, and now she was paying the price.

  Without further thought, she climbed the stairs back to her bedroom and caught her maid as she was leaving.

  “Lulu,” Reese said, proud that she was able to get the words out when her voice wanted to crack. “Lady Ellen has invited me to return with her to Kellworth after the picnic. Can you please pack enough clothing to last several days? I have no idea how long I’ll be gone.”

  “Are you well, miss?” the maid asked, concerned. “You look pale.”

  “Nothing that a bit of fresh air won’t fix.” Reese turned and strode toward the stairs.

  ***

  “I see Kaitlyn is still captivated by Jack.” Jem set down his napkin.

  Cyrus let out a deep, disgusted breath. “I don’t get it.”

  “I don’t either,” Jem said. “Just when I think I understand my sister, she does something I never saw coming. I wish I could help.”

  “So do I.” Cyrus gave a dark chuckle and said softly. “We’re surrounded by faeries and magic. Why can’t one of them be my faerie godmother?”

  “And dress you for the ball?” Jem smirked, hoping to lift his friend’s mood.

  “I need someone to show your sister how good we’d be together.” Cyrus tossed his napkin on his plate. “Enough about me. What about you and Reese? Aren’t you pleased with how many times I haven’t gone riding with you two in the morning?”

  “You’ve done that on purpose?” Jem clapped him on the shoulder. “Thank you, though you could have come. Nellie’s had us chaperoned. It’s a royal pain, trying to get some time alone with Reese. She’s the reason I came on the trip, you know.”

  “How’s that going?” Cyrus asked.

  Jem grinned, remembering the kiss. Now if he could just shake their chaperones.

  “That good, huh?” Cyrus asked. “Will your plans change if you two get together?”

  “That’s what I’ll have to decide,” Jem said. “I’ve known plenty of people who’ve done the long-distance thing. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. Even when it does, it’s hard on them.”

  “What about your great career opportunity?”

  “I just spent two years away from Reese,” Jem said quietly. “In some ways, it was the worst two years of my life.”

  Chapter 11

  REESE WANDERED OFF BY HERSELF for a while, trying to gather her thoughts. She should have known not to expect too much from Jem, should have known that the kiss hadn’t meant anything to him, that it would be what they called in this time a flirtation. It was her fault for making it more than it really was. After all her mother’s bitter tirades against her father, Reese should have known better.

  As her mother had often said, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” Well, Reese was done being a fool. Her doubts would have gotten to her eventually, she knew.

  She headed back to the house and sought out Nellie
to find out what she could do to help. The faerie sent her to where the other ladies were distributing the flower arrangements from the night before and decorating them with ribbons. Reese found Ellen there and joined her.

  “I’m having Lulu pack my bags,” Reese said conversationally, “so I will be ready to go with you when you leave after the picnic.”

  “Oh, that is wonderful.” Ellen clapped her hands. “I cannot wait to show you my home.”

  The morning passed quickly. Nellie had brought on additional servants who stood ready to aid the guests with their horses, food, and the games. The rear lawn held the tables topped with white linens and piled with food. Reese’s stomach growled, and she realized she hadn’t eaten anything yet that day.

  She was about to go in search of something to eat, when the guests began to arrive, with carriages and gigs making a procession up the lane. They discharged their passengers, who spread out and greeted each other, the ladies with their colorful muslin dresses, parasols, and hats. The men in their buckskin breeches and beaver hats made Reese feel like she was on the set of a historical movie.

  The afternoon progressed, and she made sure to keep busy and on the move, always away from whatever activity Jem was engaged in. Whenever he headed in her direction, she would slip behind guests or servants and be gone before he could reach her.

  Reese had no idea what to say to him, even if they were allowed some privacy to talk. She blamed only herself. Jem had every right to follow his dreams, just as she planned to go after hers.

  While she milled around the guests, she had to pretend to enjoy herself and put up with the flirting guys who were after one of the American heiresses. Her mind kept pulling up memories of the last few days, the times when she and Jem had understood a joke no one else had or shared a fond memory of their childhood. Her heart wanted to believe that she meant more to him than a stolen kiss.

  Then she forced herself to review how different their life goals were. They definitely had chemistry, but their worlds, their dreams were too different. There really had been no future for them, even if he had meant something by the kiss and the touches and the longing glances. She shook her head. He obviously hadn’t.

  And even if they’d had real feelings for each other, they might have tried to make it work. The truth was they would have eventually disappointed each other.

  She accepted that by visiting Ellen for a while, Reese was saving them both from future heartache. Overhearing that conversation had been a blessing, a reminder of reality. Better to hurt a little now than a lot later.

  When the picnic finally appeared to be winding down, she wearily climbed the stairs to her bedroom. Lulu had her things packed.

  “I didn’t think I had that many clothes.” Reese stared at the stack of luggage, too tired to care.

  “You said we might be gone for several days, miss,” Lulu said. “Aunt Nellie insisted that I prepare you for any eventuality.”

  A knock sounded on the door, and Lulu opened it.

  “Her ladyship’s carriage is waiting,” a footman said.

  The maid stepped aside, and he entered the bedroom, followed by two other footmen.

  “I’ve been looking all over for you.” Kaitlyn came in behind the servants and paused. “What’s going on?”

  “Lady Ellen has invited me to visit her house for a few days.” Reese hoped Kate wouldn’t ask about Jem.

  “Oh, then you won’t be able to go to London with us.” Kaitlyn put on a pouting expression for a second but then grinned. “But you’ll get to visit another estate. That should be fun.”

  “Lady Ellen’s really excited,” Reese said.

  Someone called Kaitlyn’s name. “Oh, I think that’s Sir Hughes.” She gave Reese a quick hug. “Have fun.”

  “You too.”

  “Have you told Mr. Jem you’re leaving?” Lulu asked when Kaitlyn had gone.

  “I haven’t talked with him today.” Reese put on her traveling hat. “His sister can tell him.”

  “Seeing as you and him have been spending so much time together, it’s not good manners to leave and say nothing to him.” Lulu went to the desk and put a piece of paper on it. “Let me get the nib.”

  “I can’t keep Lady Ellen waiting,” Reese said.

  “She will understand, miss.” The maid took Reese’s elbow and pulled her to the desk. “Now you do this right.”

  With a sigh, she sat on the chair. Nellie had both quill pens and an early version of the fountain pen in each of the bedrooms. Reese chose the more familiar fountain pen.

  It wasn’t like she had much to say anyway.

  Jem,

  Ellen invited me to come back with her to Kellworth today, and I accepted. I’ll be gone a few days.

  Reese paused, feeling like she ought to say something more but not sure what. Thanks for riding with me every day? Thanks for working out with me? Thanks for being my friend?

  Thanks for kissing me senseless?

  Her eyes stung, and she closed them. She hated drama, and here she was being a total drama queen. Enough of that.

  Cyrus will be glad to have you to do things with again.

  Reese

  She blew on it to make sure it was dry before putting it in an envelope Lulu provided. Once it was sealed, Reese wrote Jem’s name on it.

  “Will you see that he gets this?” She held it out to the maid.

  “I’ll make sure his valet delivers it to him.” Lulu took the letter.

  Numb, Reese said nothing and went out the door.

  ***

  “Sorry to keep you waiting,” Reese said as she joined Ellen in the entry.

  “It was no problem.” Ellen squinted at her. “Are you well?”

  “Just tired,” Reese said. “Nothing a good night’s rest won’t cure.” And a lot of days away from Jem.

  “I understand. Aunt Nellie’s picnics always leave me happily fatigued.” Ellen took Reese’s arm. “I am excited to show you my home.”

  “Yes, I am too.” As they walked down the stairs to the waiting carriage, Reese purposefully did not glance around for Jem, though it took all her willpower not to. A part of her wanted him to see her and . . . She let the thought die. He had his life, and she had hers. Her focus as they drove away was to get past the wrought-iron gates and leave Nellie’s house, and Jem, behind.

  With the two maids sitting on seats outside on the back of the carriage, they were free to talk about whatever they wanted.

  “My brother has written that he intends to bring some friends with him from London.” Ellen glanced down at her hands, her cheeks flushing. “He has said he would invite Mr. Jem to join the party.”

  “He’ll like that,” Reese said, wondering how she would find an excuse to leave Kellworth just as Jem was arriving for a visit. And Ellen. The girl’s excitement was almost palpable. She must either be really lonely at home or really into Jem. Reese might need to find a gentle way to warn Ellen off him, but would she listen? He must seem like a much better prospect than Sir Slimy. Reese hoped the man wouldn’t be one of the Earl’s guests.

  Ellen chatted happily about her home, especially the grounds and gardens. “I love strolling through something I helped create.”

  “I look forward to seeing them,” Reese said. “I’ve always been a fan of gardens myself.”

  “Fan?” Ellen asked.

  “It’s short for fanatic, but it doesn’t mean I’m crazy.” Reese searched her mind for a better phrase. “I guess you’d say that I’m partial to gardens.”

  “Oh, yes. As am I. Aunt Nellie has such lovely ones.” Ellen glanced at her. “I have wondered how you spend your time in America. Is your father’s estate a large one? Do you dwell in town, or does he prefer his country estate?”

  “He has a nice house in California, but we don’t live with him.” Reese had gone through a stage, when she was in high school, where she had stalked her father online. After she had read a story about his live-in girlfriend and their two children, which he was re
ported to dote on, Reese had stopped.

  “Are your parents estranged?” Ellen asked.

  “That’s a good word.” Reese watched the trees outside the coach window. “He’s a jerk.” At Ellen’s frown, she added, “He’s not a nice man and used my mother badly. I have the same feeling about him that you do about Sir Slimy, which is why I don’t want to see you be pressured into accepting a proposal from him.”

  “We agree on that.” Ellen’s face had paled.

  “I’m sorry,” Reese said. “I shouldn’t have brought him up and ruined the mood.”

  “I try not to think of him, but—oh, look.” The girl straightened and pointed out the window. “When we come around this curve, we shall have a delightful view of the manor.”

  When they did, the trees opened to a broad vista. In the distance, surrounded by luscious lawns and shrubs, was “the manor.”

  “Oh, Ellen,” Reese breathed. While Nellie’s house, with its Gothic architecture style, had a fitting, fairytale look to it, Kellworth reminded Reese more of Pemberley from the Colin Firth version of Pride and Prejudice. It sat on a rise and must give an incredible view to people on the top floors. Off to the left, the grounds dropped away into large, tiered gardens. These had to be the ones Ellen had mentioned earlier.

  They drove up the long road, and Reese imagined a line of carriages full of people dressed to the hilt to attend a ball here. Lady Ellen’s brother didn’t just have a title; he had money too.

  “Do you like it?” Ellen asked, sounding worried.

  “It’s incredible.” Reese squinted against the bright sunshine. What really caught her attention was the broad expanse of lawn. Hopefully the whole place wasn’t full of manicured flowerbeds. She needed somewhere to exercise on her own. “Do you spend all your time here?”

  “My brother owns several homes,” Ellen said, “including our original family estate. He liked this property better, both because of the temperature here but also its proximity to London. I believe I may have mentioned that he moved the family seat here. It belonged to his late wife. She had inherited it from her mother, and their son was born and died here.”