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Chapter 24
Sarah’s father requested to take tea alone with her that afternoon, just the two of them. She was expecting such a confrontation and tried her best to steady herself. Seated in her room, Sarah gazed out the window at the gentle rain that fell on the grounds of the duke’s estate.
The evening before had been delightful. Never had she slept so soundly, nor felt so safe. Lying beside Patrick, Sarah perceived that nothing in the world could harm her. That was the feeling she looked forward to for the rest of her days, with or without her father’s consent.
“Shall I dress you for the afternoon?” Sarah’s lady-in-waiting asked.
“That would be splendid; I thank you.”
Whilst Sarah dressed herself for tea, she looked in the mirror and noted the contentedness on her face. Patrick made her happy—far happier than the duke could ever make her. She’d need to remind herself of this while her father confronted her over tea.
Fully dressed and coming down the stairs, Sarah had been instructed to come to the parlour; the other guests took tea in the dining room. Seeing as it was a grey day, the fire was lit, and Lord John stood waiting, gazing out the window.
“Such dreary weather today,” Sarah said, wishing to start the conversation off casually.
Her father turned to her and said through tight lips, “It’s fitting. Be seated.”
Noting his serious tone, Sarah gleaned that she was in for a rough afternoon. Once seated, her father did the same, and the tea service was presented by a single footman.
“I trust that you slept well,” Lord John said, not meeting Sarah’s eyes.
“That I did.”
In fact, she had to conceal the contented smile that would give away just how well she slept.
“I couldn’t sleep at all. There were too many things on my mind.” Lord John tossed his napkin upon his lap in frustration.
Sarah heaved a sigh. “Father, I know the reason why you wished to be alone with me this afternoon, and we might as well discuss that matter. I can’t stand the tension.”
“You can’t stand the tension? Daughter, do you realize how many more grey hairs I’ve accumulated in the last week?”
“I didn’t mean any of this to be disturbing. But I’ve … I’ve fallen in love, and there’s nothing to be done about it.”
The Earl of Benton laughed to himself. “Headstrong girl, what will it take to have me convince you that I’m your lord and commander until you are married?”
“Don’t say such things, Father. It’s so out of character.”
Indeed, her father was not behaving like himself. She knew that her father cared for her and wished for the best, but the whole matter with Patrick had made him into something that he’d never been before; a controlling pantaloon.
Lord John heaved a weighty sigh. “Daughter, I can’t have you marry that man. He’s a fraud. A fake.”
“I realize that Patrick pretended to be something he’s not. But please understand … I love him. I always will.”
Lord John scoffed, “And how do you know that? Child, you’re so young, so innocent. How can you tell what real love is?”
Sarah’s voice increased in volume. “Because I’m not a child! I know my own mind and my own heart. You simply don’t understand.”
The footman reentered the parlour, and Sarah fell silent. The outburst was not what she intended, but how was she to get through to her father? Certainly, raising her voice would not do. Sarah wished to beg and plead, but none of this would help, either.
Taking a deep breath, Sarah spoke yet again with a measured tone. “I’m asking you to give Patrick a chance. There’s no rush for me to wed. Why don’t you get to know him and see what a remarkable man he is?”
“He can’t support you. I doubt that he has any income whatsoever. Sarah, how do you know for sure that he isn’t going after your dowry?”
“Because, if you consent to my marrying him, there doesn’t need to be a dowry. I’ll live in poverty if I must.”
Lord John turned to gaze out the window once more, falling silent. Perhaps everything that she was saying was ridiculous. Sarah had only met Patrick a short while ago, and already she was prepared to give up everything to be with him. Sarah could see how, to the outside eye, that must appear extreme.
Looking down at her food, Sarah considered that she might not be able to eat a bite of it. If only Patrick were there so that he might comfort her. But getting through to her father was something that Sarah would need to do on her own.
