AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 19
The duke had said in so many words that Reginald should not ride off with Sarah, and on this occasion, Reginald complied. There were several reasons for this decision. First, Reginald was so delighted with the memory from yesterday that he already felt like the victor in many ways and chose to bask in the glory of it. Second, Reginald felt the overwhelming need to respect Lady Sarah and her honour. Last and most importantly: Reginald knew that it was time to tell Sarah the truth, and he didn’t wish to do so in public.
The notion wouldn’t leave his mind the following day. After their delicious interaction, Sarah had made herself scarce, and Reginald was not put off in the least. He, as well, took time to be alone and away from the other guests. It gave him the space that he needed to recall every seductive detail of the time he had spent alone in Sarah’s room.
But with that time and space, it became abundantly clear to Reginald that the rouse could go no further. Sure, he could try to keep it up, buying more clothes, returning to London with Sarah, finding a way to make a good show of it. None of this would do. Sarah deserved to know the truth, and Reginald deserved the repercussions of his actions.
The Earl of Benton inviting the son of the former Duke of Glastonbury was yet another problem. Sarah would need to know the truth before then, for when Lord Kelly Spencer arrived, he would naturally reveal that he did not know the man who stood before him, claiming to be Lord Reginald Simmons. There was a good chance that the Duke of Glastonbury knew the real Lord Reginald. He would in no way recognize Patrick Day.
Since Reginald decided not to steal away with Sarah, he kept his distance and admired her loveliness from afar. Although he loved her intrepid nature when she rode in a traditional saddle, she was no less lovely in side-saddle, though he noted the frustration upon her face.
There were so many qualities to admire from a distance; how Sarah kept a particular, pleasant face when she dealt with those in society, then how she dropped the mask when she was alone with Reginald and showed just how remarkable and complex she really was.
What was simple about Sarah was her beauty, her kindness, and her many talents. What was also simple about her was the tantalizing nature of her kiss, the softness of her flesh, and the deliciousness of her moan. Reginald would have to wait to think of these things at a later time.
Once the guests were all seated at the picnic, Reginald spotted Sarah seated next to her sister, Lisbeth. The two girls chatted and carried on, and it brought a smile to Reginald’s face. She was glowing. Sarah appeared happy. All of these things brought delight to his breast.
The duke said, “I’m sure you look forward to the Duke of Glastonbury’s arrival from Wales. I’ve just received word he’ll arrive this very night.”
Although one might think that this would fill Reginald with fear, it did not. He was ready for his reckoning. Reginald was quite prepared to tell Sarah all.
“I must admit that I know very little of him.”
“I’m told he’s a fine man. We met at Almack’s one season. Like yourself, he’s something of a hermit.”
“And can you blame him? The beauty of Wales inspires one never to leave.”
Looking around at the spread of food, Reginald’s thoughts momentarily shifted to his mates back at Anders’ farm. What were they to think now? They had no money, Reginald was staying on for another week—would they be gone once he departed the estate? And would Reginald depart alone, or would Patrick Day carry Sarah on his arm?
“We’ll have a fine supper in his honour,” the duke said, cutting off a piece of meat and placing it on a piece of cheese. “I always enjoy meeting a new peer.”
“As do I.”
Reginald’s mind would not stop. What would the duke’s reaction be to his reveal? Would Reginald be banished from the estate at once? He had the mind to think that was exactly what would transpire.
The picnic concluding, Reginald got back on his horse as the rest of the party did the same. Just after mounting, he watched as the duke helped Sarah onto her horse, and Reginald frowned. He wished to be the one to do so, to take her waist in his hands and hoist her up. Reginald would listen to her giggle as he did so, and it would fill his entire body with warmth.
Off in the distance, there was a patch of grey clouds that appeared quite menacing, and this led Reginald to believe that the riding party should return to the estate at once, lest they find themselves doused by rain. Thunder was audible, and the horses began to speed back towards the property.
Within a half-hour, the rain did begin to fall, and the riders quickly dismounted their horses and fled into the estate. All the while, Reginald looked from side to side, trying to locate Sarah. She was nowhere to be found.
Dismounting and holding the reins of his horse, Reginald watched as Lisbeth passed with a ghastly expression upon her face.
“Where is Lady Sarah?”
Lisbeth turned to look behind her. “She said she wished to pick a few flowers and told me to go forth before the rain fell.”
Reginald knitted his brow in concern and looked out towards the field. There was no sight of her.
“Do you think that she is lost?”
Lisbeth brought her hands to her cheeks. “She said she’d be but minutes behind. Oh, did I do the wrong thing when I sped ahead as she told me to do?”
“Wait here,” Reginald said, quickly jumping back onto his horse and riding through the rain.
As he sped through the field, Reginald looked all about, calling her name. “Sarah?” He heard his voice reverberating through the nearby forest. Was that where she had gone? “Sarah?”
“Reginald?”
