Against the Magic

by Donna K. Weaver

  “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.

  “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.”

  Reese took the Earl’s elbow in one hand and tightened her grip of Jem’s hand with the other and pulled them to a corner.

  “Are you okay?” she asked the Earl.

  Gareth darted a glance at Jem. “I will be if I know he will make you happy.”

  “I will, my lord.” Jem brought their clasped hands to his chest. “I give you the same promise I gave her.”

  “Am I dead in your time?” the Earl asked.

  “Yes,” Reese said softly.

  “Then be sure, young man,” Gareth held a finger in Jem’s face, “that if you do not make her happy, I will haunt you.”

  She would have laughed except that his expression was so intense.

  “What will you do now, Gareth?” Reese asked.

  “Ellen and I will continue what you have begun,” he said. “I have found more purpose in the last fortnight than I have had my entire life.”

  “You and Ellen have the power to save the lives of generations to come,” Jem said, glancing over to where Nellie stood.

  The corners of her mouth curved up, and she said, “Into position.”

  “Thank you, Reese,” the Earl said.

  “Thank you.” She stood up on tiptoe and kissed his cheek.

  He shot Jem a sly look and for a second Reese thought he meant to grab her for more. Jem must have thought so too because he tensed. Gareth smirked instead, bowed, and stepped back to the door, but he didn’t leave.

  “Make haste!” Nellie shot a glance at the hourglass on the table. The sand was almost gone from the top. “Stand before yourself in the portrait. You must hold hands.”

  “Thank you for taking such good care of us, Aunt Nellie,” Reese hurried to say, “even if we didn’t always appreciate it.” The fae woman gave them all an affectionate, understanding smile, like she’d heard similar things many times.

  They got into position, and Reese squeezed Jem’s hand. She whispered, “Will your parents be surprised when we come back engaged?”

  Beside her, Kaitlyn laughed. “Mom will be relieved. She’s been hoping it would happen for years now.”

  “Shhh.” Aunt Nellie did some kind of swirly thing with her hands, kind of like she was making a popcorn ball. Light emanated from the middle and, with each movement, it grew brighter.

  Reese squinted, hoping it wouldn’t damage their eyes.

  “There you go!” Nellie cried. Like the sun bursting over the morning horizon, the brilliance filled the entire room.

  “I’m melting,” Jem mumbled in the voice of the Wicked Witch of the West.

  That familiar sensation tickled Reese’s nerves, and she shivered. Everything felt wobbly fo
r a second, but then righted itself. The decor had taken on a more modern feel. They were in their own time.

  “They’re all dead.” She burst into tears, and Jem pulled her into his arms.

  Epilogue

  Three Months Later

  “I’M HOME,” JEM SAID AS he opened the apartment door. The smell of cookies told him Reese had been baking, and it made his stomach rumble.

  “I’m in the bedroom,” she called. “Did you remember the powdered sugar?”

  “That’s what you sent me for, isn’t it?” Jem found Reese sitting at the little computer desk, wearing her robe, her hair wrapped in a towel. He bent over to kiss the side of her neck, and she tilted her head to give him access.

  “I’m going to have to take a rain check on that,” she said. “Your mother’s expecting us in an hour, and we still have to frost the cookies.”

  “What have you got there?” Jem pointed to the screen. “More stuff for your skills program?” Reese turned the monitor so he could see it better, and he said, “Ah. Kellworth.” He fought back the jealousy that reared its ugly head every time the topic of the Earl came up.

  “I finally got the nerve to check on them.” His wife’s sadness put out the fire of his insecurity. Reese had chosen him, after all.

  “What did you find out?” He squatted down so he could be level with her.

  “I haven’t looked yet. I just want to know they were happy, but I’m afraid I might find out they weren’t.”

  “Are you ever sorry—” he began, but she put a finger to his lips and rose, pulling him to his feet.

  “I will never be sorry for choosing you. Ever.” She slid her arms around his neck and pressed her warm, soft lips to his.

  Jem savored the taste of her, the feel of her in his arms, the knowledge that she was his. She could have been a countess, but she had wanted him instead. He took the kiss deeper and moved to soft feathery kisses down her neck.

  “Wait. I’m getting poked.” Reese patted the lump in his shirt pocket. “What is it?”

  “A letter. It was in the mailbox, but I didn’t look at it.” Jem pulled it out.

  It carried the Twickenham seal. They looked at each other, their mouths open. His stomach knotted.

  Reese snatched it and tore it open with shaking hands. Jem bent to read it. It was a wedding invitation, dated 1850. She gasped.

  “Do you want to go?” he asked.

  “Of course!” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.

  Other Twickenham Time Travel Romances

  PS. I Love You

  by Jo Noelle

  (Cora’s Story)

  Cora Rey wanted a fresh start in life, but being thrown back in time to 1850 isn’t how she expected to do that. She discovers that Victorian England isn't the pleasant social whirl Jane Austen led her to believe, but when in Rome—or in this case Twickenham . . . She’s determined to have the vacation of a lifetime, especially in the company of a certain duke.

  Simon Tuttle never expected to become the duke of Hertfordshire, never wanted it, but now he is, and eligible women seeking a title consider him the next trophy to be taken in the marriage mart. A union of convenience is the most he hopes for due to the shame-filled secret he bears—until he meets Cora. Now, he imagines that a love match could be possible after all. Hiding his secret from society has been easy—hiding it from Cora proves impossible. Can Cora love a man like him despite learning the truth?

  Love’s Past

  by Laura Bastian

  (Kaitlyn’s Story)

  Kaitlyn loves all things regency and jumps at the chance to take a trip to England for a full immersion experience. But when the ancient fae magic causes a disruption in reality, she’s unexpectedly pulled back in time to 1850. Kaitlyn is thrilled to spend time in the past and eager to try it all, including the harmless flirting with the wealthy men who visit Twickenham Manor. Though her mind belongs in the twenty-first century, as she spends time with a handsome Baronet she wonders if finding love in the past is really a possibility.

  Cyrus told himself the real reason he came to England was to help keep Kaitlyn safe as a promise to her mother, but he soon discovers that there’s more to his best friend’s younger sister than he remembers. When he finally gets a chance to explore where a relationship might lead, he finds himself in the past where there are others willing to sweep Kaitlyn off her feet. Will Kaitlyn give him a chance to prove his love, or will he lose out to a genuine Victorian gentleman?

  Author’s Note

  Thank you for taking the time to read Against the Magic. I hope you enjoyed it. There are so many book options out there that I feel privileged you chose my book.

  If you enjoyed it, I would be thrilled to have you leave a review on Goodreads or Amazon or anywhere else you share your thoughts on books. So many readers choose what to read based on the good word of their friends. I'd love it if you'd help share the word.

  I also love to hear from readers. You can find me on Facebook here, Twitter (@TheDonnaWeaver), my blog at donnakweaver.com, or you can email me at donnakweaver@gmail.com.

  Donna K. Weaver

  Other Books by Donna K. Weaver

  Safe Harbors #1

  When Lyn sets off on her supposedly uncomplicated and unromantic cruise, she never dreams it will include pirates. All the 25-year-old Colorado high school teacher wants is to forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. What she plans is a vacation diversion; what fate provides is Braedon, an intriguing surgeon. She finds herself drawn to him: his gentle humor, his love of music, and even his willingness to let her take him down during morning karate practices. Against the backdrop of the ship’s make-believe world and its temporary friendships, her emotions come alive.

  However, fear is an emotion, too. Unaware of the sensitive waters he navigates, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship—on the very anniversary Lyn came on the cruise to forget. But Lyn’s painful memories are too powerful, and she runs off in a panic.

  Things are bad enough when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise’s snorkeling excursions in American Samoa. However, paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped. Lyn’s fear of a fairytale turns grim. Now she must fight alongside the man she rejected, first for their freedom and then against storms, sharks, and shipwreck.

  A Change of Plans is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook.

  If you purchased the Kindle ebook, you can buy the audiobook at a sharp discount.

  To receive a free copy of Hope’s Watch (Safe Harbors #1.5) and to receive news and release updates click here.

  Safe Harbors #1.5

  Elle Reinhardt is filled with emotional wounds from a ship excursion gone wrong that ended in death and disaster at the hands of modern-day pirates. As grieving loved ones wait for news of those lost at sea, she tries desperately to buoy them up.

  Malcolm Armstrong, friend of one of the missing men, arrives to act as family spokesman. Elle knows it’s unreasonable, but she resents his presence. When Mal offers the strength she so desperately needs, will she be able to let go of her animosity and accept his support?

  This novelette includes excerpts from both A Change of Plans and Torn Canvas.

  Available on Amazon and Audible.

  If you own the Kindle book, the audiobook is only another $1.99.

  Safe Harbors #2

  Sometimes even a hero needs rescuing …

  **Winner of the prestigious RONE Award for best New Adult fiction**

  "A fantastic work of fiction... Jori is no longer the confident skirt-chasing model, but a man haunted by his scars. His journey of self-discovery ... helps him grow as a person and an artist... An absolute must read!" Sarah E. Bradley, InD'Tale Magazine

  Modern-day pirates took more than Jori Virtanen’s friends; they stole his face. Not only does the twenty-four-year-old former model have to confront months of reconstructive surgery, he discovers his previous life was as superficial as his looks. Up-and-comin
g talk show host Olivia Howard wants an interview. She, like the rest of the press, expects a hero, but Jori knows the truth. His beauty masks a beast.

  In seclusion and evading the press, Jori struggles to make a new life as an artist. But he can’t hide from himself; more than his face is damaged. How can Jori possibly make amends for all that he’s broken? When Olivia finally tracks him down, he must decide if he can trust her. Could this unlikely woman be a key to freeing his heart and healing the beast?

  Torn Canvas is available in paperback, ebook, Audible., and iTunes.

  If you purchased the Kindle ebook, you can buy the audiobook at a sharp discount.

  Safe Harbors #2.5

  It’s a time of change for Jori Virtanen. The former playboy model is about to be married. He juggles wedding arrangements, a bachelor party, and plans for keeping the ceremony secret from the press. But Jori has another problem. He has to figure out how to tell one of his best friends, Marc North, that his girlfriend may not be what she appears.

  Available on Amazon and Audible.

  If you own the Kindle book, the audiobook is only another $1.99.

  Safe Harbors #3

  An IED blew up more than Marc North's career as a Cobra pilot; it shattered his plans for marriage. After being dumped by his girlfriend and spending more than a year in rehab, all he wants is to fly again. He jumps at the chance to partner with a combat buddy in a helicopter sightseeing business. Now in a boomtown in southern Utah, Marc gets caught up with local politics. And the local election official.

  At work, McKenzie Terkildsen struggles to keep control of a dangerously contentious election. At home, she shares the challenge of raising younger half-brothers with her older step-brother. He complicates things by inviting a Marine buddy to stay with them while the two build a business together. As a council member takes liberty with facts and stirs the already caustic election brew, the last thing McKenzie needs is one more guy messing up her life—or her heart.