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 get 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?”
Jack eyed the servants. He took her hand and rested it on the crook of his elbow as he led her back to the cottage where Amelia was. As Kaitlyn saw the girl and then her expression as she caught sight of Kaitlyn’s hand on his arm, she knew for sure Amelia didn’t have feelings for Jack other than sisterly affection. Her expression lit up and Amelia smiled brightly at the two of them.
“What do you think of Jack’s holdings?” Amelia asked.
“I believe you are right,” Kaitlyn said. “He is a wonderful master of the area. I can see the people respect him and are well cared for. I do hope he can find great success in his future endeavors.”
Jack smiled. “I believe fortune has already smiled down on me.” He patted her hand and Amelia smiled again.
She looked up into his face. “Do you have news you might want to share?”
Jack turned to Kaitlyn as if to ask permission. She didn’t know how to respond, so she smiled back shyly. Jack let go of her hand. “Nothing is official until I can speak with her brother, but I am hopeful things may work out to everyone’s satisfaction.”
Amelia moved over to Kaitlyn and took her arm after Jack had released it. She looked down at the sweet girl, hoping she hadn’t made a mistake. She hadn’t considered what might happen with Amelia. She was relieved to know there was no jealousy, but if she loved Jack the way a sister would, then how hurt would she be when Kaitlyn broke off the engagement and never returned?
The thought of playing a trick on her brother no longer seemed as fun as it had now that she knew her impromptu idea would have consequences beyond a little fun on her part and a way for Jack to get his uncle to ease up the pressure.
***
Kaitlyn’s heart pounded as she looked into the library, hoping Jem wasn’t actually in there, even though three different servants had all confirmed seeing him in there within the last quarter hour. She saw his boots crossed at the ankle as he sat in the chair that had become his customary spot while he read through the newspapers of the day. She’d thought it odd that he actually read them, but he said it helped him get into character better.
“Jem.”
He sat up a little and turned toward where she stood. “Kaitlyn, you’re back. Did you have a fun time?”
She smiled. “I did.” After a slow breath to steady her nerves, she took a few more steps into the room, glancing behind her to see Jack still standing just outside of view from where her brother sat. He must have noticed her gaze because he turned more in his chair to see what she was looking at. After catching sight of Sir Hughes, he stood and joined Kaitlyn.
She looked at him and could tell his curiosity was growing. Hopefully she’d be able to pull this off. She very much wanted to beat him at his own game. If Jack could keep a straight face and deliver his lines, she was sure it would work.
“I wondered if we might have a private conversation for a moment?”
Jem nodded. “Sure, what’s up?”
Jack closed the door of the library, making Jem’s eyebrows raise a little. As Sir Hughes took a few steps closer, he moved more toward where Kaitlyn stood rather than approaching Jem directly, and Kaitlyn thought the man was a genius. Jem’s eyes widened a touch as Jack reached for her hand, and then he lowered his hands before touching Kaitlyn. He squared himself and faced Jem directly. Kaitlyn had to bite her lip and hold her breath to keep from laughing at the growing concern on Jem’s face.
“Mr. Taylor,” Jack began. “I understand you are the acting guardian for Miss Taylor, and I was hoping I might plead my case before you.”
Jem’s eyes widened even more. He turned to Kaitlyn, his mouth almost opened, but he furrowed his brow and studied her. She hoped she might be able to keep a straight face, but his intense gaze was intimidating. She looked down at the floor as Jack reached for her hand. She gladly grabbed it, knowing that it was all pretend, but having him there to face down her brother’s concern, even though she was doing this on purpose helped strengthen her resolve to see the joke through.
“As I’ve spent time with Kaitlyn,” Jack said, her name rolling off his tongue with a hint of reverence like he’d been too afraid to ever say it before, “I’ve come to realize she is unlike any other woman I’ve met. She’s bewitched me and I hope we may have your blessing on our future union.”
Jack squeezed her hand and she nearly burst out laughing. She struggled to control her face and make it look concerned for Jem’s approval. When she looked up, the fear and panic in his expression was almost enough to make her give up and come clean.
He shook his head and cleared his throat. “I’m sorry.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “What?” He stared at Kaitlyn. “Are you actually serious?” He looked at Jack and then back at her. “You told me you’d never consider staying here. That this was all for fun. Mom could never handle this. I can’t go home without you.” The sound of loss and anguish filled her ears.
Kaitlyn’s heart tightened and she let go of Jack’s hand, reaching for her brother. “Oh, Jem. You are the sweetest and most loving brother out there. And for that reason, and that alone, I’m going to put you out of your misery.”
“You mean you aren’t engaged?” Jem asked.
“Oh, no,” Kaitlyn said. “We are engaged.”
“What?”
“But it’s temporary.” Kaitlyn looked at Jack, who was watching her like he wasn’t sure what to do. Like the planned prank hadn’t gone as she’d hoped.
Jem shook his head. “Explain. Please.”
Kaitlyn took Jem by the hand and led him over to the little settee. Jack followed close and sat on a chair nearby, raising him in her esteem even more. If she wasn’t actually intent on going home, she could very easily fall in love with the kind of wonderful and honorable man Sir Hughes was.
“I proposed to him as a way to help.”
Jem’s voice rose a little. “You did what?”
Kaitlyn shushed him and glanced at Jack. “Can I tell him all?”
Jack nodded. “I think it would be best.”
As Kaitlyn explained the reasons behind her rash idea, Jem visibly relaxed. After a moment he slumped into the seat as if he’d melted. Then he sat up so fast and grabbed Kaitlyn in a gentle headlock and pulled her tight against him. “You are just horrible.”
Jack stood and moved closer, but Jem had already let her go and Kaitlyn lifted her hands to calm Jack down. “Don’t worry, Sir Hughes. He’s teasing.”
Jack studied them for a moment. When he seemed sure Jem had calmed down and really wasn’t upset with Kaitlyn, he returned to his seat.
“I’m sorry, Jem. I just had to. How many chances will I get to completely freak you out like that?”
“I hope never again,” Jem said. “I told you when we first got here that if you did fall in love and stay here, Mom would kill me. I thought I was a goner for sure. I was gonna have to get a job working here on some farm, or go try to get into some theatre group.”
“So can you keep the falseness of it a secret?” Kaitlyn asked. “It will only be for a little while. And since we’re leaving soon, the engagement can go on for a while until Sir Hughes is in a position where he can get the news of either my breaking the engagement or of my death. Whichever he wants to use for his benefit.”
“I’ll keep the secret from the others, but I’m not going to keep it from Reese or Cyrus.”
Kaitlyn nodded. “I planned on telling them. And Cora when she returns. But everyone here needs to believe it’s true.”
“Even Aunt Nellie?” Jem asked.
Jack shook his head. “No, she needs to know the truth.”
“How will she take it?” Kaitlyn asked.
Jack shrugged. “I believe she’ll be understanding. She knows Amelia now and I think she’ll want what’s best for her. In fact, I think she might help me find someone perfect for her. She seems to know so many people.”
“Good thinking,” Kaitlyn said. “So now I guess we need to figure out how we’re going to announce this fake engagement. And we’ve got to be sure we need to hold off on setting a date. We’ll tell everyone I have to wait until I can return home to my family and prepare to bring them back here for the wedding.”
Jack stood and took a step close to Jem. “Thank you.”
“Not a problem,” Jem said. “Thank you for not stealing my sister from me for real. I just hope we can work it all out for the best in the short time we have left here.”