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Chapter 12
Reginald felt a tinge of fear. How long was he going to be able to hold the rouse up? Sarah had kissed him on the cheek, and he delighted in the feeling of it. He wanted more—so much more. But there would come a time if the affection progressed, that Sarah would deserve to know the truth.
Although everything was going according to plan, Reginald thought it best, despite the letter he had written, to approach the men back at Anders’ farm and inform them of what had transpired. He found the duke, who was seated in his study.
“Your Grace?”
The duke looked up from his desk. “Come in, sir.”
Reginald stepped into the room. “There is an errand that I need to run this evening. I hope that you won’t be offended.”
“Not in the slightest.” The duke lifted his brow. “Will you return for supper?”
“Past question. Yes.”
“Then we look forward to seeing you.”
As Reginald turned to go, he was halted by the duke’s words.
“Lord Reginald, I believe that we have a mutual understanding when it comes to Sarah.”
Reginald turned. “Oh?”
“I can tell that she fancies you, and of course, I want nothing but the best for her. So, we’ll be gentlemen about the matter and see how the situation progresses.”
Reginald knitted his brow. He was in awe of the duke’s understanding, and indeed, he favoured the gentlemen’s agreement.
“I concur.”
“You’re a fine man, and I enjoy having you under my roof. But take pains to allow Sarah to make her choice.”
Reginald bowed his head. “I shall do so.”
With that, Reginald left the room, feeling a bit of trepidation about the evening ahead. With Sarah’s father at the duke’s estate, the game's stakes had escalated, and Reginald wasn’t entirely sure how to proceed. But like with anything, winning was always the goal.
Riding Lucky Stars back to the farm, a delighted smile came to Reginald’s lips. Despite the difficulty and sensitivity of the situation, he was conquering in many ways. But should he hope to conquer Sarah? No, just as the duke had said, he’d allow her to make her choice and then figure out how the devil to proceed from there.
Arriving at Anders’ farm, he found the old man seated on the porch, smoking his pipe. He stood upon seeing Reginald.
“Where have you been?” the old man asked.
“It’s rather difficult to explain,” Reginald replied. “But if you’d be so good as to allow me to keep the horse, I can promise that I’ll pay you handsomely.”
Anders’ jaw dropped open, no doubt seeing the transformation that Reginald had undergone. “Very well.”
Reginald dismounted and walked around to the back of the house, where his three chums were hard at work on the farmhouse. Their jaws dropped open, in kind.
“What the devil?” Bo said.
“Good lord, Patrick,” Jimmy added.
A wry smile came to Reginald’s lips.
“As you can see,” Reginald stepped in. “I have experienced some success so far.”
The three men remained in stunned silence.
Ned asked, “Is it concluded?”
