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Sarah froze. The duke had made a sound observation. She did agree with the earl’s conduct and wished to do the same.
“Your Grace, if I may speak plainly. I believe that we’re all free to make our choices.”
“Although, as a lady, you must abide by your father’s wishes.”
The duke’s statement made it sound as though Sarah should follow her father’s wishes to marry Lord Edward Guilford. And deep down, she had to admit to herself that it would be advantageous and perhaps the right thing to do. But Sarah merely didn’t know if she could ever love the man that stood before her.
“I thank you for expressing that sentiment, Your Grace, but I’ll be the one to decide what I abide by and what I don’t.”
“Lady Sarah, allow me to take your hand.”
“If ... if you wish.”
The duke reached across and grasped Sarah’s hand, rubbing the back of it with his thumb. “You know my feelings.”
“I do, Your Grace.”
“Then allow me to express them openly. I care for you.”
Sarah was unsure if what the duke was saying was true or not. How was he to care for someone that he barely knew? Still, Sarah had to admit that she enjoyed the feeling of her hand in the duke’s. There was something so profound and pleasing about a man’s touch. What would the earl’s touch feel like? One day, Sarah wished to know.
“You’re a very kind man, Your Grace. But I would be remiss if I said that I’ve chosen whom to give my heart to. I simply don’t know.”
The duke appeared disappointed. He released Sarah’s hand but did not step back. “I will do my best to convince you.”
“I’m sure that you will.”
“But in the meantime, enjoy the estate and consider what it might be like to have it as your home.”
Sarah was struck by the boldness of the duke’s words. Her father already knew that he was officially courting her. Perhaps that gave him free rein to do and say as he pleased in Sarah’s company in terms of expressing his affections.
“I shall. And now, if you don’t mind, Your Grace, I wish to retire to my bed.”
“Very well.” The duke reached out for her hand once more, this time kissing the tips of her fingers. Sarah curtsied and then departed, leaving the duke standing in the hall.
Once in the privacy of her room, her lady-in-waiting got up from a chair and rushed towards her, helping Sarah to take off her gown and put on her sleeping chemise.
As this process was underway, Sarah was lost in her thoughts, thinking only of the Earl of Buckland. Never had she had such a relaxed conversation with a gentleman before. In the presence of Lord Reginald Simmons, Sarah felt entirely like herself with no need to hide or pretend.
“I hope that I have not kept you up too late,” Sarah said to her lady-in- waiting.
“No, My Lady. The hour is not too late.”
“Such remarkable staff here at the estate. I’ve been met with nothing but kindness.”
“I’m so glad to hear that, My Lady.”
“Tell me something. Is the duke a kind master?” It seemed like a rather audacious question, but Sarah considered that the answer was of importance. Not that the lady-in-waiting would say if anything were amiss.
“He’s most kind. This is the only great house that I’ve ever known.”
The lady’s reply was sincere, and Sarah considered that she must be telling the truth. It was a good sign indeed if the master was courteous to his staff.
Oh, perhaps she should lower her defences and marry the duke. Then everyone could be satisfied—except for herself.
Sarah thought of the earl’s story and how he’d been in love with a girl in the village, and she’d broken his heart. How could anyone not accept the Earl of Buckland’s affections? It was undeniable how remarkably handsome he was and how kind. For Sarah, these qualities were disarming in every way.
Still, in the back of her mind, Sarah couldn’t help thinking that he still looked rather familiar. She searched her memory to try to place when that might have been, then merely determined that it was impossible. Sarah could have never met Lord Reginald Simmons previously.
