AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s an important evening. I wish to make a good impression.”
“I’ve never seen you so excited for an elegant supper. Something has come over you.”
Sarah said simply, “I have a fondness for Lord Reginald Simmons.”
“Oh, Sarah, you can’t marry him. You’d have to move to Wales!”
“Let’s not talk of that. It’s far too soon.”
“Father must be so upset.”
Sarah turned to her sister. “He’s not upset, Lisbeth. I explained the situation to him, and he’s willing to keep an open mind. Lord Reginald is a noble, after all.”
“But he’s not the Duke of Faversham.” Lisbeth raised her brow.
“And that’s perhaps a good thing.” Sarah smiled.
Once the two girls were fully arrayed for supper, they came down the stairs and proceeded to the dining room. Servants flitted about as guests descended all at once. Sarah looked from side to side, trying to locate Reginald. She hadn’t seen the earl since they returned from their ride. She thought it too forward to enquire about his presence.
A sinking feeling came over her as Sarah feared that perhaps the earl had departed for his grand tour. What if she was never to see him again? Perhaps he overheard the rest of the conversation with her father and decided that the situation had become too serious.
All of these fears were laid to rest when Sarah entered the dining room and beheld the Earl of Buckland standing next to another gentleman, enjoying pleasant conversation. Sarah heaved a sigh of relief.
Reginald instantly spotted her, and their eyes met. There were warmth and anticipation in his eyes. Sarah’s reverie was broken by her father’s words.
“Be seated on either side of me, girls.”
Lisbeth said, “Very well, Father.”
There were still many guests remaining at the estate. The long dining table was arranged to perfection, and as Sarah sat, she admired the fine china and dinnerware. Across the way, Reginald seated himself, and Sarah could see him through the light of the candelabra. He winked his eye at her, which brought a blush to Sarah’s cheek.
Lord John Crawford spoke to Sarah without turning to her. “So, tell me about this man.”
“As I said, he’s the Earl of Buckland.”
Lisbeth said, “He lives in Wales.”
“Is that so?” her father asked. “And what’s his income?”
Sarah protested. “Father, it’s inappropriate to speak of such things.”
“Then I suppose I’ll wait to enquire after the ladies have removed themselves from the table.”
Sarah wished to roll her eyes but instead chose to keep her face and demeanour calm.
“He’s a very kind man. Everyone has taken to him.”
Sarah’s father looked across the table perspicaciously, inspecting Lord Reginald. Sarah looked in that direction as well and saw that those seated to Reginald’s left and right were very much enjoying his presence.
Lisbeth said under her breath, “He’s so handsome.”
“Handsomeness is not dependability,” Lord John said. “He appears to be a sound man.” The earl turned towards the head of the table to inspect the Duke of Faversham. “But Lord Edward Guilford is also a sound man.”
Although it was nerve-wracking to watch her father judge the two men, Sarah was confident that Reginald was coming across in a good light. Peering at him again through the candlelight, Sarah couldn’t help thinking of the extraordinary afternoon they had shared, riding through the countryside and seated at the picnic. She also recalled how physical instinct took over, and she couldn’t help kissing him on the cheek.
It was the first time in her life that Sarah had any feelings that were carnal in nature. She didn’t have such feelings for the duke, nor for any other man she’d ever come across. She’d read of such sensations in her Gothic novels, but that was all she’d experienced of it—until she met Lord Reginald Simmons.
There was something unique about his handsomeness. She desired to touch him. Sarah wished to know what it would feel like to place her hand upon his cheek, his chest, and various other parts of him. She also imagined what it must feel like to be touched by him. When he’d kissed her fingers, the overwhelming heat seemed too much to bear.
The supper progressed, and the duke finally stood to say some words to his guests.
“Lord and ladies, I do hope that you’ll remain at my estate for as long as you choose. There are more festivities on the horizon tomorrow for those who care to partake.” There was polite applause. “And I’d like to mention my gratitude that my new friend, the Earl of Buckland, has decided to postpone his grand tour and remain.” There was more polite applause, and Sarah turned to her father, who seemed to be taking all of this information in.
Lord Reginald stood, and Sarah felt a quickening in her chest. “I’m most honoured to be here, and honoured that my presence has been requested for a greater length of time.”
The duke went on, “For various reasons. We have all delighted in your charming company. And what’s more … ” A mischievous grin came to the duke’s lips. “I delight in having a skilled opponent.”
All eyes turned to the duke, then back to Lord Reginald. Should Sarah take that to mean what she thought it meant? Such a display of rivalry would be scandalous.
Sarah turned to her father, her eyes wide and jaw dropped down.
