AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What is it, if I may ask?”
“You may ask. I’d say that my favourite book is a geographical account of India.”
“You don’t say?”
“It’s a fascinating part of the world, and somewhere that I have not yet ventured. I wish to go.”
“I’m told the food is rather exotic,” Sarah said.
“Yes, so many rich and rare spices. I often find that cultures are similar in character to the cuisine that they enjoy.”
Sarah laughed once more. “I’m unsure what that says about Britain, but I’m even more fascinated with what that says about France.”
Just then, there were footsteps heard in the hall. The orchestra had not yet ceased, leading Reginald to believe that the ball had continued. But truth be told, Reginald had almost entirely lost track of time in Sarah’s presence.
As the Duke of Faversham entered the library, Reginald knitted his brow. It was perhaps the last person that he cared to see.
“Lady Sarah?” The duke appeared confused.
“Your Grace.” Sarah got up from where she sat. Again, Reginald observed her every move. “I fear that I became a bit tired after bringing my sister to her room. I stole a few moments with a book, which is a personal favourite.”
The duke looked down at Reginald, who continued to sit. “It’s quite all right. I wasn’t sure if you retired for the evening.”
Reginald felt the need to explain. “Your Grace, Lady Sarah was in the library alone. I entered to find a book, as well. We’ve merely been engaged in conversation.”
“That’s quite all right, old chap. No harm done.”
Reginald stood in awe of how the duke entirely trusted him, having only met him that very night. Considering the mounting feelings Reginald had for Lady Sarah, he was beginning to be convinced that the duke shouldn’t trust him.
“Before you retire, Lady Sarah,” the duke went on. “Be sure to come and bid goodnight.”
“I shall, Your Grace.”
With that, the duke continued down the hall and left the two of them yet again alone. Sarah seated herself once more.
Reginald frowned. “Do you think you’ll marry him?”
Sarah heaved a sigh. “That’s a rather difficult question to answer.”
“It’s actually a simple question.”
“He is a good man; that much is plain. But I’m unsure if I’d be able to marry him.”
“You don’t wish to be ensconced in a lavish estate,” Reginald quipped.
“It’s not that. I’m in love with London. I’m enamoured by the dirty streets and the people from all walks of life.”
“The duke has a townhome, I’m sure.”
“He prefers the country.”
“But you could remain in the library all of your days, reading books.”
“I don’t know what polite society is like in Wales, but that’s simply not the case. As the Duchess of Faversham, I’d have many duties.” Sarah inspected Reginald’s face once more, and her brow creased. “Are you entirely sure we’ve never met? I’m beginning to feel as though we’ve known each other all our lives.”
There was that heat in Reginald’s breast once more. A tinge of guilt struck him as Reginald realized that Sarah didn’t know the truth—that he was a lowly vagabond worker with very little income and no breeding to speak of. For some odd reason, the Earl of Buckland sensed that if Sarah did know, she’d still accept him all the same.
“We have never met,” Reginald said warmly. “But I’m most glad that we have now.”
