He sat at the table in the common room of the inn where they were staying, watching the other guests but not really seeing them. When William sat down in front of him, it took Cyrus a moment to register the man was there.
“Did you get your business done?” Cyrus asked.
“Some of it. I’m afraid we won’t be able to leave tomorrow like I thought.”
Cyrus didn’t reply other than to nod. It was his own fault he was in this predicament, so he couldn’t blame William for the delay.
They’d gone on horses instead of the carriage. While it gave him a lot more freedom and movement, it wasn’t all that comfortable. They’d had to stop and rest the horses often, and William took them to four homes where travelers like himself had decided to stay. They were all women and the thought worried him. When he’d asked William about it, the man only shrugged.
“There have only been a few men who’ve traveled before. Usually it is single women, although occasionally a couple girls come together. Your arrival with five was unheard of.”
“How often do people come?” Cyrus asked. “Every month?”
“Oh no,” William said. “A couple times a year, maximum.”
“How often do people choose to stay?”
“Not too many do. But you never know when it comes to matters of the heart. For many, they have traveled from a time or situation that wasn’t as good as what they could have here. For your group, you have a lot to look forward to when you return. I have known some who come from the future and stay here for love.”
“Are they happy here?” Cyrus asked.
“You tell me,” William said. “You’ve met a few of them already. And none seem to want to give it up and go back home. They have found peace and contentment here. Our time doesn’t have as much to offer in some ways, yet there is something undeniably wonderful about this world right now.”
Cyrus nodded. If he didn’t know what he’d miss back home if he stayed here, this world did have a strong appeal. He could picture himself owning some land. He would farm it and raise horses while building a family. But he would only want it with Kaitlyn. Yet if she stayed here, it wouldn’t be for him. She had a much better option with Jack, who was obviously interested in her.
And the idiot that he was, he had run away because he was too frustrated at seeing her flirt with Jack. Without staying to make sure she didn’t fall for the baronet, he could very possibly lose her.
They still had another day for William to take care of some business in Bath before they could journey back to Twickenham manor along another route. William had more homes and travelers to check up on, but they should get back by Tuesday night at the latest. He could handle that long. And it would give him around a week before the full moon that could send them back to their time.
He had wasted too much time already. He had to let Kaitlyn know how he felt about her. To make sure she knew there could be an option for her back home if she wanted it. He prayed she would want it.
Seeing the way the women they’d visited each loved the life they’d chosen, he promised himself that if Kaitlyn decided to stay, he would do his best to respect her decision. At least he hoped he could be man enough to let her go if she chose someone else.
***
Two days later, he was still more than seventy miles away from Twickenham. In his own time, he could have been there in an hour. Instead, it would take at least two more days of constant travel. When he saw William writing a letter, Cyrus asked for some paper and a quill, hoping to figure something out.
Dear Kaitlyn,
I don’t even know if I’ll send this letter to you, but I have to write it. I wish so much that I dared to tell you to your face how I feel. How I’ve been feeling for the last few weeks. No, even longer. There’s been so many opportunities for me to talk to you, but I guess I’m just a coward. I don’t want to know if you’d tell me no. It’s just easier being your friend and always having you in my life than it is to put myself out there and run the risk of you not returning my feelings.
I…
Cyrus paused, wondering what he could say. He wanted to crumple the paper, but knew it was wasteful. He couldn’t express on paper what he didn’t even know how to say in person. He just allowed himself to write, hoping it would help him clear his mind. As the words flowed, he found himself describing the different things they had done together, the hopes and dreams she had shared with him over the years.
I miss you and wish I’d have never left your side, even though you only see me as a brother type of person. You might not believe this, given that I can never respond intelligently, but I’ve listened to everything you’ve said. I remember all your expressions and I love every one of them. The little twinkle in your eyes as you tell a story. The way your nose scrunches up in that adorable way when you try not to laugh. I love the way you are so good with people. I wish I could have even a fraction of your skills with people, but I’m always in awe of how you put everyone at ease.
I love the excitement you’ve shown while you’ve been here in these unbelievable circumstances. And you even calmed me down and helped me see the beauty and magic of this place and time.
He wrote of her kind heart and patient personality. He described all the ways she brightened the room and made others feel comfortable no matter the situation. Although he didn’t want to focus only on her beauty, he wrote of her deep and intelligent eyes and her contagious smile.
Cyrus put his hands over his face, cussing himself again for leaving Kaitlyn because it was easier on him in the moment. If he was any kind of a man, he would have stayed there. Faced her and told her how he felt and accepted her response. If she wanted someone like Jack Hughes Von Maughanhoe and the chance to change the world from the past, he would honor that decision.
He just needed to get back to her and tell her that in person.
Chapter Twenty-two
Jack and Amelia sat across from Kaitlyn in the vine-covered gazebo, enjoying some lemonade and biscuits after a long walk from Aunt Nellie’s little tenant village. She’d been amazed at the way Nellie’s little village ran, especially after hearing some of the descriptions Reese sent in one of her letters from the earl’s house.
“I must say I love the fact that you try to help your tenants when they live on your land,” Kaitlyn said, trying to make small talk. She didn’t dare say what she really thought, that no one should own that much land anyway and that the poor people who worked those farms should have been able to own it themselves.
Amelia nodded. “My cousin is a wonderful master. All his people are very pleased to see him and work so hard to make things succeed.”
Jack shrugged. “I do wish I could do more. So many things need attention, but there have been too many poor years lately. We were unfortunate to have a fire not many years ago that wiped out four complete crops and damaged many of the important structures. We’ve been struggling ever since then to make things work, but it is getting tighter.”
“That sounds difficult,” Kaitlyn said, meeting his eyes. “Have you looked into loans?”
Jack nodded. “I have. I was able to secure something to help, but the time is coming soon when the payment will be due. I’m hoping that the crops this year are as strong as we’re projecting.”
“I do wish you the best of luck,” Kaitlyn said. “It is so hard being at the mercy of unknowns. My father has always said that you take what’s given you and you make the best of it. I’m sure you will be able to figure things out.”
Jack nodded. “I do hope so. I get much satisfaction in solving the problem myself, but I am not against working with others for the betterment of all.” He met her eyes again, searching them for a moment, and then he took a bite of a biscuit, allowing her to be free of his gaze.
Was he feeling her out, trying to see if she might be interested in working with him? Nellie had promised her a dowry if she chose to stay on the off chance she found love here. But that was the kicker. She would only choose to stay if
she found true and undoubtable love. She could never give up her family and her life back home without knowing absolutely that she had found a soul mate back here.
How would she know if she found true love? She’d had romantic relationships before, but they were never deep and abiding. They were more of the thrill of something new for a time, which faded to a lack of interest of both parties. She didn’t really date seriously and it had never bothered her before. Now that she was out of school, the possibility seemed more real that she could find the person she would be happy to spend the rest of her life with.
Could it be with Jack? Had the magic pulled her back in time to meet him? If that was so, why did she have unresolved feelings for Cyrus? How had he managed to worm his way into her heart even though he kept his distance and maintained his friendship status?
“Miss Taylor,” Jack said. “Amelia was wondering if you might be interested in visiting my home to see the village there.”
Kaitlyn looked at Amelia, wondering if the girl came up with the idea, or if Jack was using her as an excuse. She could detect no surprise in Amelia, who watched her intently as if hoping for a positive answer. Amelia was definitely not the type of girl who could pull off a lie.
“That is a kind offer. I think it might be fun to see.”
“That’s wonderful,” Amelia said. “Perhaps you might be able to learn if things you’ve seen your father do on your property might work here.”
“Oh,” Kaitlyn said. “I’m not sure how much of what works at home for us would work here.” She looked at Amelia. “In fact, I believe you’d have better suggestions than I would, given the fact you live in the same world.”
Amelia shook her head. “Oh no, I could never presume to tell my cousin how to run his land.”
Kaitlyn looked at Sir Hughes. He didn’t look upset or worried at all, but he smiled at his cousin. “Amelia, my dear. You are always welcome to tell me what you believe I should know. We spent so much of our younger years together, so I have the utmost faith in your intelligence.”
Kaitlyn smiled at Jack. “Bravo, Sir Hughes. That is one of the most kind and respectful things I have ever heard a man here say to a woman. If only there were more men like you.”
Jack’s face pinked slightly as if he were pleased with her compliment. She wondered if he would think she was flirting. She’d have to be careful what she said around him.
“Would tomorrow work?” Amelia asked. “It would give us time to get some things ready to take to the houses. Breads and jams and some cheese.”
“I think that would be just fine,” Kaitlyn said. She’d have to see if Jem planned on doing anything or if Nellie had plans, but it sounded interesting to go to Jack’s place. Knowing more of what happened there and how he treated his people first hand would be a strong indicator of the kind of man he was.
***
Amelia was a delight. The more time Kaitlyn spent with her, the more Amelia pulled herself out of her shyness and started to reveal the truly sweet girl she was. Kaitlyn watched as she visited with the housewives in Jack’s tenant village, giving them tips and advice on how to increase the harvest in their little kitchen gardens.
Kaitlyn moved over a couple steps to stand nearer Jack. “She lives with her father?”
Jack glanced at her, then back to Amelia, who had stepped inside the doorway of the house after the woman. “Yes. He’s been doing his best for her, but I believe his health is failing. He’s asked me to watch over her while he goes to Bath in hopes of improving his health. I think it’s more likely that he is meeting with his solicitor to see what he can do to provide for her when he’s gone.”
“That is sad news,” Kaitlyn said. After a few moments of silence, she asked, “Does he have property that can go to her?”
Jack shook his head. “Not much. There is some, but it’s entailed to a nephew on his side. He is my mother’s brother, but he’s always been closer to Mother than to my uncle, whose son will get his property. And he doesn’t want Amelia to be in his care. He’s afraid she’ll be poorly used by him.”
“So he wants you to care for her?”
Jack nodded. “He had expressed the hope that I might…”
Kaitlyn looked at him. “He’d like to call you a son and not a nephew?”
Jack sighed. “Yes. And though I do love her, she is only a sister to me. There could be nothing more between us.”
“Does she know what her father’s wishes are?”
Jack shook his head. “I don’t think so. She’s still completely honest and open and comfortable with me. I think if she knew what her father hoped, she’d have changed a little.”
“Well, that’s good then. You can treat her as you always treat her, and care for her until you can find her a perfect husband.”
Jack turned to Kaitlyn. “The problem is, her father is most persistent. As long as he thinks I might be persuaded to marry her, he will continue on that path. I don’t want to refuse him outright, especially with him being so unwell. I don’t know how much longer he might be with us. He is most urgent in being sure she will be cared for.”
“What will you do?” Kaitlyn asked, feeling sorry for his predicament.
“I don’t know,” Jack said. “The only thing that would stop him was if I were to be engaged myself. That isn’t something I am likely to be before he returns.”
A strange combination of relief and disappointment washed over her as she realized he had no interest in her as a wife despite her substantial dowry that could help his land be revitalized. She tilted her head and looked at him, considering the idea forming inside her mind.
“I wonder if you might be willing to take a walk with me a little way to the side, so we might avoid being overheard,” Kaitlyn asked.
Jack looked at her, and then back into the doorway where his cousin Amelia still talked with the woman inside the building. He offered her his arm and they moved down the road just a little, her maid from Nellie’s was close enough to see them, but not where she could hear what Kaitlyn was about to say.
“I do hope you don’t take this the wrong way. If you don’t think this idea will work, then tell me so at once, but I might have an idea on how to help you.”
Jack narrowed his eyes and tilted his head a little to the side.
“Now don’t say anything until you hear me out.”
When he nodded, she took a deep breath. “What if you and I were to enter into a fake engagement? I am only here for just a week longer. I’ll be leaving Aunt Nellie's soon, and I don’t plan to return.”
“But I thought you were all here to find husbands?”
Kaitlyn smiled. “I think that’s what Aunt Nellie was hoping for us. Although I have found much to admire in the men I’ve met, I don’t think any man here would actually be the one for me. I think my true love might be back at home in my own place.”
“So you are proposing marriage to me, even though you know you don’t love me.” Jack’s eyes widened. She studied them for a moment, trying to decide if there was humor or disgust in them for her brazen offer.
“I’m trying to help you out of the problem you say you have. You want to have time to find the proper wife for you. The one you could be happy with forever. You also want to find the right man for your cousin. And you don’t want to be pressured into anything that you don’t want to do. So why not do this thing of your own free will, and when I leave to return home, we could break the engagement then.”
Jack frowned. “After only a fortnight?”
Kaitlyn waved a hand. “Well, we could do a couple of other things. I could either write a letter that Nellie could deliver later saying I changed my mind, or that my father didn’t give his approval or whatever and you’d be released from the engagement. I could die at sea on the way back home to America or when I’m traveling across the country back to Ohio.” Kaitlyn grinned.
Jack shook his head. “You talk of your death as if it entertains you.”
“Well, how many people ge
t to plan their own death? And then tell their fiancé about it?”
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Jack said. “It would mean your name would be soiled if you break the engagement.”
“Not if I’m dead.” Kaitlyn grinned again.
“So how do we go about this?” Jack asked. “Do I need to ask your brother’s permission? Do we let him know your plans? I don’t want him to think I’m treating you ill and have him call me out.”
Kaitlyn grinned. “Actually, I kinda want to know how he’d react if you asked for his permission.”
“What if he refuses?” Jack asked.
Kaitlyn shrugged. “I’ll be in there with you. I can tell him what’s up. I just really want to see it, especially since I told him there was no way I’d fall in love and stay here.”
Jack looked at her again and she bit her lip. “And you want to put me in front of him like this?”
Kaitlyn tried not to giggle. “Please, he’s gonna love it. I promise. At least after the first shock of it all. See, he’s an actor, or a thespian, and he’s always doing things to tease people because he can keep a straight face. One time, he came home and told me something untrue. He had me going for almost a full day before I figured out he was joking. I’ve been dying to get back at him ever since.”
Jack smiled. “You two have a very interesting relationship. So easy going and playful.”
“Yeah,” Kaitlyn said. “He’s the best brother ever. And coming on this trip has really helped me to see that, but I want to still tease him. Please say you’ll ask his permission. And do it with the straightest face possible. I’m not nearly as good an actor as he is, but I’ve had a bit of practice with him.”
Jack bowed and took her hand in his, kissing it gently on the knuckles. “Well, then, my dear. I cannot refuse you. If you are to make me the happiest of men, then it’s the least I can to do make you happy in every little way I possibly can.”
Kaitlyn grinned. As she caught sight of a few of the servants from Nellie’s estate who had been sent as chaperones, she wondered how quick the gossip would fly. “Do you think we’ll have time to get to him before the others do?”
Love's Past: A Twickenham Time Travel Romance Page 15