Chapter Fifteen
When the picnic came to an end, Cyrus stood in front of Jem and frowned. “Are you sure Reese is gone?”
Jem nodded and handed him the short note, but it didn’t do much to answer any questions. Apparently she’d been invited to visit another estate and would be gone for a while.
He didn’t know what it was about the picnic, but the girls they’d arrived with had been constantly busy and off doing things on their own. Or in Kaitlyn’s case, visiting and charming everyone she interacted with. Cyrus hated to admit he felt lost and was glad Jem had been sucked into the past with them.
Aunt Nellie approached Jem and Cyrus. She smiled when they bowed to her. “You’re coming along so nicely, my dears. Before long, no one will even recall that you had awkward mannerisms before.”
“Were we really that bad?” Cyrus asked.
Aunt Nellie shrugged. “You’ve acclimated to the culture very well. I think it has helped that you’ve had so many friends with you. And sweet Kaitlyn had already introduced you to it through my program back home.”
“It’s a good thing I got to play at it for a week,” Cyrus said. “But you see how much better at this Jem is than me. He’s a natural at fitting in.”
“How well do you think you could do if you were to go on a little trip?” Aunt Nellie asked.
“Did Kaitlyn ask you about taking a trip into London?” Jem asked.
“She did. And I think it a lovely idea. Although I can spare only a few of my servants to go with you, I do want to make sure she is well looked after. She is so interested in what is going on in this time, but she doesn’t quite understand what is still expected of a young lady. I wouldn’t want her to go off and explore things on her own. She must always have one of you to guide her. Preferably Jem. Cyrus, I must ask you to keep your distance unless there is also another gentleman or lady with you. I’ve seen you try to sneak away with her, or to get her on her own with you, but that must not happen. You can’t injure her in that way.”
Cyrus frowned. “I have no intention of injuring her. I’ve been trying to be sure she’s not been alone. I’ve done my best to keep her from being in any kind of compromising situation with Jack.”
Nellie nodded slowly. “Yes, you’ve been very attentive, but in your efforts of keeping Sir Hughes away from her, you’ve put her in private moments with just you. And people have begun to talk. We don’t want Miss Taylor to be the object of gossipers.”
Jem looked at Cyrus and he wondered if her brother was going to be angry with him, but Jem’s words eased his mind. “I personally asked Cyrus to keep tabs on her. I know I have shirked my duties as her brother. With Reese gone for a time, I’ll be more attentive. You can be assured we will keep Kaitlyn safe as she explores London.”
“Wonderful. I have a home in town where my dear nephew William is staying. I’ll write to him and let him know you are coming. He’ll make sure you get a chance to use my box at the opera. It should be enough to give Kaitlyn a taste of what’s there.”
“That is extremely kind of you,” Cyrus said. “Without your introductions to society, there would be very little we could show her.”
“Oh, it won’t be all from me or William. I’ve talked with Sir Hughes. He already had some business in London he needed to take care of ― a visit to his solicitor. When he heard Kaitlyn talk about her desire to go to town, he offered to introduce the three of you to many friends there.”
Cyrus’s stomach soured. For a brief moment, he thought they would be able to get away from that blasted man, yet Nellie had made sure he was going to be part of their group. He glanced at Jem. Instead of him seeming worried the guy would be there to flirt with his sister, he seemed a little distant and preoccupied. Cyrus expressed his thanks to Aunt Nellie as she prepared to leave and say her farewells to one of the picnic guests who was leaving the manor.
Going to London had seemed like such a wonderful adventure before. Now he dreaded it. And he would have to keep his distance from Kaitlyn or run the risk of making Aunt Nellie give him another lecture.
***
She couldn’t believe she was actually in a carriage on her way to London, but instead of the quick Uber ride from their temporary flat in London to Nellie’s week-long immersion experience, she was already a couple hours into the ride.
Jem and Cyrus were both in the carriage with her. Jack had opted to ride his horse into town. With all the bumps and bouncing inside the carriage, she was almost wishing she’d been allowed to ride a horse. Of course, she probably would have been exhausted and very saddle sore.
At least, on horseback, there would have been more to keep her attention. Jem said very little as he leaned against the back of the carriage in an attempt to sleep. He seemed sad and mopey, but she didn’t want to pry. At least not with Cyrus and her ladies’ maid right there. He wouldn’t want to get into anything dealing with feelings when others might hear.
Cyrus didn’t seem interested in having a conversation. Besides, the noise of the wheels as they rode over the rough roads made it difficult to really talk easily, especially with him sitting across from her.
She spent most of her time looking out the window or making idle conversation with Sarah. On occasion, she would catch sight of Jack as he rode near the carriage. He would smile at her, and she’d smile back. A few times he requested the driver take a break, and Kaitlyn was always happy for the chance to walk around.
When he stopped them again, Kaitlyn smiled. “Finally,” she whispered. “My butt is killing me. These cushions could use a little help, don’t you think?” She patted Jem’s shoulder. “Hey, want to get out and walk for a minute?”
Cyrus looked at her brother. “He said he didn’t sleep well last night. Maybe we should just leave him here. He’ll probably get better rest while the carriage isn’t moving.”
Kaitlyn nodded. “You’re probably right. How about you, need a break?”
“Yes. You’re right, these seats have nothing on the comfort of modern day cars.”
As Jack neared the door, she glanced back at Cyrus. “At least we aren’t sitting on a hard saddle.” When Jack opened the door and held his hand up to assist her out of the carriage, she didn’t hear the words Cyrus said behind her.
“Sir Hughes, you truly are perfect at judging the precise moment of my need for free movement.”
He bowed slightly. “I’m glad I could be of service. However, there is something I thought you might like to see. The view from the crest of this hill is most breathtaking.”
Kaitlyn looked up the hill that was only a few yards away. While curious what was on the other side, she thought it odd that he would stop the carriage just to show her something about the countryside.
“We’ve passed through beautiful country before. Why now?” Kaitlyn asked.
He looked up with a twinkle in his eyes. “Perhaps it’s just that I missed being able to talk with you and could no longer deny myself the pleasure of your conversation.”
“You flatter me,” Kaitlyn said. “But I do wonder if you have an ulterior motive.”
Jack’s eyes widened for a moment as if he’d been caught. She knew he really did have something more in mind. She raced for something to say to put him at ease. She saw his horse and said, “I think it might have more to do with taking a walking break for yourself. I can’t imagine riding a horse for hours upon end would be any more comfortable than sitting in a carriage.”
Jack visibly relaxed. “You have discovered my secret. I do admit that I have the better deal in being able to ride the horse. Unless the weather is especially poor, it is my preferred method of transportation.”
He offered her his arm and Kaitlyn glanced behind her to see that one of the coachmen and her ladies’ maid stepped forward to follow them. Cyrus seemed unsure if he should follow or not. She met his eye, hoping me might make a move. Anything to show his interest. He looked between her and Jack and the coachman and paused. Cyrus then looked into the carriage to see Jem. When he turned away, Kaitlyn’s hopes plummeted. Sadness that Cyrus wouldn’t be joining them on the small walk washed over her and she tried to push it away.
Having him come with them would have felt awkward. With the coachman and her lady’s maid Sarah nearby, she was perfectly chaperoned. No one could say anything had happened. Yet his disinterest stung.
She was lost in her own thoughts for a moment, but as they reached the top of the small hill, Kaitlyn gasped as she looked down into the beautiful little valley on the other side.
“Oh, you’re right,” Kaitlyn said. “What a gorgeous view.”
“Do you like it?” Jack asked.
“Very much. The colors are so pretty. I love seeing the fields out there all covered in the growth. And all those cute little houses with their gardens and rock fencing. There is something so beautiful about the way the land rises and falls here.”
“I agree. I’ve traveled to many places in England, and I must say this area is by far my favorite.”
Kaitlyn nodded. “I can see why. Whoever owns it is very lucky.”
Jack chuckled. “That I am.”
“This is your property?” Kaitlyn turned to him, her eyes wide. When he smiled with pride, she returned the smile.
“Why didn’t you say so at first?”
He shrugged. “I wanted to get an honest opinion first. To see what you really thought of it and know if it was as beautiful as I thought. If I’d told you it was mine, you would have flattered me and said everything that was proper, but now, I can be sure it really is as wonderful as I know it is.”
“You are in a great location. Close enough to London to go when you’d like, but in such a beautiful area. Thank you for showing me.”
“Thank you for allowing me to. I do apologize for the deception, but I haven’t had a chance to get a true honest opinion of it before. Most everyone I know or meet knows of my property.”
Kaitlyn didn’t know how far it really spanned, and she didn’t want to ask him how extensive his land was, or it might sound like she was digging for information, but she thought it was relatively large. Though he wasn’t a high-ranking Peer, he did have a title and the land to back it up.
“What are your dreams for your future?” Kaitlyn asked. “I hope I don’t go too far in asking, but I am not well acquainted with what is expected here. Do you have farmers working the land for you? Are you interested in pursuing the law or any position in government?”
Jack turned to her. “I have no interest in politics or government. I am not one of the Peer and don’t automatically have a place or duty there in the House of Lords.” He looked back over the valley. “I suppose my dreams for my future is to see my land cared for. My tenants work hard and have a great love for this land. I want to see them prosper and do all I can to help them.”
“That is a noble desire. I hope you can see it all come to pass.”
“Thank you. I do hope so as well.”
As they stood on the crest of the hill, someone down in a field of one of the closer farms seemed to recognize him. He waved and motioned for Jack to come down. Jack turned to her. “I believe I might need to go visit my tenants. Would you forgive me if I don’t accompany your party to London tonight? I will take care of some business and call on you at Aunt Nellie’s house tomorrow sometime.”
“Of course,” Kaitlyn said, happy to see that his people were important to him.
“Thank you.” He turned and signaled to the man below and then he turned to face her again. “I’ll see you down to the carriage and retrieve my horse.”
When they reached the carriage, Jem was awake and standing outside it, talking with one of the groomsmen. He glanced at Jack and Kaitlyn as they approached, smiled at her and continued on his conversation. Cyrus, on the other hand, watched her like a hawk the whole time. Had he been that worried about her doing something she shouldn’t have? Then why didn’t he come with?
Jack offered the other men his excuses and bid them all farewell. He mounted his horse, ascended the hill again, and disappeared from sight. “That’s his land on the other side?” Jem asked.
“Yes, and he saw one of his farmers down there who seemed to want to talk to him.”
“Can you imagine having to wait to see your boss on the off chance they happened by? Or write a letter and wait for it to find them?” Jem asked.
“How frustrating that would be,” Kaitlyn said. “So glad we have things like emails and phones and text messages.”
Cyrus nodded. “You know what’s odd? I haven’t really thought much about all that in a while. I think I’ve gotten used to this relaxed style. There is something wonderful about not being tied to everyone all at once. You can actually take time to enjoy life.”
“Me, too,” Kaitlyn said. “I missed it at first, but after Nellie explained that time back home wasn’t passing and we weren’t missed while we’re gone, it really allowed me freedom to just enjoy the moment.”
“Bet you didn’t think this immersive experience would turn out like this, did you?” Jem said.
“No, definitely not.”
The three of them moved back over to the carriage. Sarah climbed in first and offered her hand to help Kaitlyn while Cyrus took her elbow and assisted her inside. He followed soon after. As he sat down directly across from her, their eyes met and she smiled. It was good to see him back to his usual happy self. With Jack gone, he didn’t have to worry about watching her so close. He could go from overprotective to her regular friend again.
“Think we’ll have any energy to go explore things tonight?” Kaitlyn asked.
“Jem might, since he’s been napping most of the ride.” Cyrus elbowed Jem good naturedly.
“I don’t know,” Jem said. “There is something rather tiring about all the riding and traveling. We might be able to go for a little jaunt, but I doubt any of us will be up for much.”
When they reached London a few hours later, she wasn’t surprised he was right. Instead of the bright and exciting city she knew in the twenty-first century, this place was completely different. The smell itself was unbelievable.
The acrid smoke of the coal and wood-burning fire places replaced the fresh air of the countryside. Then the scent of the river was horrifying. “Holy moly,” Kaitlyn said. “No wonder anyone who had a chance to leave London for the countryside would.” She held a handkerchief to her nose.
“Sorry, miss,” Sarah said. “If I had been thinking, I would have brought the perfume to scent your handkerchief with. It helps to dampen the odors. And the further we get from the river, the better it is.”
“How far away is Nellie’s house in town?”
“She’s in a great area. Closer to some of the parks and near the more refined neighborhood. We should be there soon.”
Kaitlyn stared out the carriage windows as they worked their way through the narrow streets. The variety of people was astounding. Men and women bustled around, each of them looking as if they were on important business. Some men and women dressed in fine apparel, walking down the streets as if on what she would have termed a date. Or perhaps the better term would be courting. She was sure some of them were married, just seeing how close they were to each other.
The day was beautiful without a cloud in the sky, but the closer they got to the center of the city, the more the smoke from the fires inside each building built. Even though the weather was warm enough, she doubted anyone needed the fires for heat. It was the only way to prepare meals that needed any cooking.
Kaitlyn turned to Cyrus. “You were right about the buildings. Look at how dark they are.”
“Isn’t it crazy?” Cyrus said. “We went down this neighborhood not long ago, and all the bricks are completely different.”
Kaitlyn’s lady’s maid looked out her window as if interested in seeing what they saw. Though she was one of the faeries that worked with Aunt Nellie and knew they had traveled from a different time, she herself had never experienced it.
“Look at how much the same everything is,” Kaitlyn said. “There is no way we could go back more than one hundred-sixty years into any place in the United States and still see things close to the way it is now.”
“That’s the magic of a civilization started thousands of years ago,” Cyrus said. “So much of the layout and structure was established from the first civilizations, and then as more people came into the areas and population sizes increased, they just built more and more on top of it.”
“Yeah,” Kaitlyn agreed, “but here in the city, there wasn’t room to expand so is that why things are stacked so high or pushed tight together? Out in the countryside there is more open land, even before we arrived here in 1850.”
“I think a lot of that has to do with the land owners having so much property in their estates, then as years passed and things changed with the peerage, those who didn’t manage their estates well and had to sell them off are where the newer communities were developed. But there are still huge stretches of wide-open land here. You saw all those fields as we drove to Bath before we went to Nellie’s that first time.”
“I wish I could have made it earlier,” Jem said. “I was in such a hurry to get to Twickenham for the ball, I didn’t really pay attention to much after leaving the airport.”
Kaitlyn nodded. “It was such a wonderful time. But this, I think, is even better.”
Cyrus pointed out the window. “This?”
Kaitlyn chuckled. “Well, not this exactly, but the more simplistic time. The openness of Nellie’s place is much better right now than where we came from. I do think modern London has some definite pluses compared to this now. Much cleaner. Which is odd since most other cities back home are so much more polluted than they were hundreds of years ago.”
“When we go back, what’s the first thing you’re going to do?” Jem asked.
“Hot shower!” Kaitlyn said. She quickly added, “And shave my legs. I’m dying with these long stockings I have to wear. I can’t wait to get back to my flip flops and shorts.”
Cyrus and Jem laughed. “I can’t wait to get back to my tee shirts. These breeches aren’t that bad actually, but I’m so tired of all the stiff shirts and the extra layers with the coat and things.”
Kaitlyn snorted. “Don’t get me started on layers. If it wasn’t inappropriate to talk about all my underwear, you wouldn’t believe what women have to wear nowadays.”
Sarah giggled aloud. “I’m sorry, but is it really not inappropriate to talk of underclothing where you come from?”
Kaitlyn felt herself blush. “Well, no, actually we don’t talk a ton about it either, but it’s more casual and apparently it isn’t all that taboo. I mean, there are commercials about underwear on television.”
Sarah’s face turned red. “Your time sounds so strange. It will be interesting to see it someday.”
“I hope it isn’t rude of me to ask,” Cyrus said, “but are you immortal?”
Sarah shrugged. “Not immortal, really. We can die if we are severely injured, but we don’t age and die like humans.”
Kaitlyn turned to the girl. “How old are you?” She seemed not much older than herself, but if she’d been working for Nellie, anything was possible.
“I stopped keeping track after the last time I switched rolls.”
“What do you mean?” Cyrus asked.
“We always move away from Nellie’s when we’ve grown too old, then return to our true home for a while and come back looking different.”
“Does Aunt Nellie do that as well?”
“Yes, in a way. She always comes back as herself, without a drastic change. But she returns as a niece or relative of herself. That way she can maintain the manor and keep the lines of magic from accidentally falling open without proper protection.”
“Interesting,” Jem said.
“She’ll be like this for many more years. She’s lived to be in her nineties before she has passed on the manor to one of her relatives.”
“Are there more places on earth where the magic is open to the surface?” Kaitlyn asked.
“No,” Sarah said. “This is the only place, but as the world slowly shifts and the continents drift, a larger crack over time has developed. That’s why Nellie’s house is always getting more layers and more wings. One time, not long after a massive volcanic eruption, a huge gap was found. We had to frantically build a new wing. It was difficult to keep it from becoming too well known. Those of us not involved in building the structure had our hands full trying to convince everyone we had started construction on it long ago.”
“Wow,” Cyrus said. “I can’t even imagine. I wonder if I could find something about it in any history books, or online when we get back home.”
Sarah shook her head. “No, I’m sure we’ll modify history little by little as we go to make sure our secret will stay safe.”
“What about those who travel to and from?” Jem asked.
“Do you think you’d really be believed if you told someone you’d traveled through time to another place?” She asked the question as if it were rhetorical, but Kaitlyn was sure she was listening for any indication they would do something like that.
“No,” Cyrus said. “I will never tell anyone about this, though I’ll be talking to the ones who came back with me.”
“As you should,” Sarah said, “but Nellie will expect you to keep our secret. I’m sure if you were to speak of it in the future, Nellie would hear of it. And you really wouldn’t want to anger someone like her.”
Kaitlyn shook her head. “Definitely not.”
The carriage came to a halt, ending their conversation. Sarah looked out the window. “Oh, wonderful, we’re here.”