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Chapter 9
“Oh, Sarah, you were alone with that man,” Lisbeth said.
“That I was,” Sarah replied.
She wished to smile again, as she had in the earl’s presence, but Sarah did her best to conceal it. It wasn’t entirely scandalous that she had been with Reginald alone, but Sarah felt no compunction even if it was. The evening hadn’t been delightful until Reginald stepped into the library.
What was it about the man that was so effortless and agreeable? The rest of the party noticed it, as well, because he was the biggest success at the ball. It was his character that shined through and attracted attention. He was unlike any of the other gentlemen that Sarah encountered that night. Their interaction was so pleasing that Sarah was sure she’d anticipate seeing him the next morning at breakfast.
“Why was the earl in the library?” Lisbeth asked.
Sarah was convinced that this would be the first of many questions. “I had retired there to read a book, and the earl just happened to find me.”
“I’m sure the duke was quite cross.”
Sarah knitted her brow. “Oddly, he seemed rather comfortable with it.”
It was strange that the duke had shown no sign of frustration upon discovering Sarah and Reginald. Yet still, she was grateful for that.
Sarah led Lisbeth back to her room and closed the door behind them.
“I’m so frightfully tired,” Lisbeth said, yawning and stretching out her arms.
“Then perhaps you should have stayed in bed,” Sarah quipped.
“But I had a horrible nightmare and rushed to your room, trying to find you.”
Lisbeth laid back in her bed, and Sarah pulled a blanket over her.
“What kind of nightmare?”
“I dreamt that there were spiders all over me.”
“That is terrible.”
“Yes, it was.” Lisbeth nodded. “I fear spiders.”
“Well, there are no spiders here.” Sarah placed a loving hand on her sister’s cheek.
“I met so many lovely gentlemen this evening.” Lisbeth narrowed her gaze. “But none as handsome as the Earl of Buckland.”
“He’s a very good looking man.”
“And you were alone with him.”
“Oh, Lisbeth, you don’t need to keep repeating that. And you certainly don’t need to tell father.”
“So many handsome men in love with you, Sarah,” she said wistfully. “I’m rather jealous.”
“When you get to be my age, you’ll see that it’s not all that extraordinary.”
Although, if Reginald did have some kind of fondness for Sarah, then it would be most extraordinary. No, she reasoned with herself that he’d go off on his grand tour, and Sarah would never see him again. The thought made her heart sink.
“What was your favourite pudding?” Lisbeth asked.
“Come now; you must sleep.”
“Just answer the question.”
