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Chapter 17
Reginald entered Sarah’s room with the best of intentions, but just as soon as he was alone with her, there was only one thing on his mind.
The morning light flooded through Sarah’s window, illuminating her face and making her hair shine. It was all too intoxicating to bear.
“I spoke with your father last night,” Reginald said, trying to take his mind from her loveliness.
“And what did he say?” There was trepidation in her eyes.
“That he wishes you to be married within the year.”
Sarah stood from her chair and walked over to the window, clutching herself. “That is what I assumed he would say.”
“You need not make a decision. Your life is your own.”
Sarah turned to him. “That’s a charming sentiment, but it’s simply not true. No, my father’s intentions have become all too plain. He came here to the estate because he was more resolved than ever. He’ll stop at nothing until I’m wed.”
“The duke is a good man.”
“How can you say such a thing?” Sarah knitted her brow. “My Lord, if you’re not aware of my feelings for you, then I would have to admit to being able to conceal my emotions better than I originally thought.”
A flood of warmth came into Reginald’s chest. Just another thing to love about Sarah Crawford; how candid she was when it pertained to her feelings.
“I share the same sentiment.” Reginald stood. “Perhaps more deeply.”
Sarah laughed. “I can’t imagine that is true.”
“I’ve decided to cancel my grand tour.” Reginald was making it up as he went along. “I wish to remain here at the estate until a conclusion is reached.”
There was accusation in her eyes. “So, you wish to push the matter just as much as my father?”
Reginald shook his head. “That’s not it in the slightest. I merely can’t leave you.”
Sarah softened and looked down at the ground. She swallowed a lump in her throat. “I would be bereft if you left.”
“I would ask you to come with me.”
Sarah smiled. “On your grand tour?” Surely, she thought it preposterous.
“Yes,” Reginald said softly. “Although I know that there is no chance of that.”
There was no chance of that in several ways. Patrick Day simply didn’t have the means to go on any grand tour. But his imagination took hold, and Reginald imaged he and Sarah walking along the Seine, hand in hand. Perhaps they’d enjoy the cuisine of Rome, the Alps in Switzerland, the canals of Venice.
But this was all a fantasy and could never be real. What sort of life could Patrick Day afford Lady Sarah Crawford? Perhaps if he found a steady job, they could purchase a little cottage somewhere and live out their days in bliss. But Sarah would need to relinquish her title, and most likely, her dowry. They’d live their days in financial poverty, but Reginald was sure that they’d be happy.Patrickwas sure that they’d be happy. The lines were blurred, and he couldn’t tell who to be anymore.
Reginald felt his heart pound in his chest. The situation had turned grave. “Sarah, there’s something that I wish to tell you— ”
“Do not.” Sarah swiftly approached and brought a finger up to his mouth. He gently kissed it as Sarah explored his lower lip with the tip of her finger, staring at it the whole time. As she did so, Reginald stared at her lips in kind. “I apologize,” she said.
Reginald frowned. “Whatever for?”
“For this.” Sarah leaned in and brought her lips to Reginald’s yet again.
He closed his eyes in rapture, not once expecting that he’d earn another kiss by entering her room. Once more, instinct took over, and Reginald wrapped both arms around her, pressing her body into his own. He could feel her heat, smell her remarkable perfume. Reginald was instantly lost in a dream of happiness and longing.
Reaching his hands down, Reginald grasped the sides of her waist, not able to hold back. He pulled her hips into his own. He was aroused yet again and did not fear if Sarah might feel it. He wanted her to know how much he longed for her—how he dreamt of her at night, and in the morning, he’d wake to the excitement of seeing her once more.
Time stood still as Reginald felt her hand come up to his chest, grasping at his muscles and sliding her hands down to his lower abdomen. It was all too much to bear, and Reginald picked her up by the waist, carrying her over to the bed. He was in deep waters now, but it couldn’t be prevented. It was the effect that she had upon him and nearly impossible for a man to hold back in such circumstances.
