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Chapter 16
Sneaking back into the Duke of Faversham’s estate, Reginald considered that the day had been a success so far. Sarah had kissed him; he craved another. The men had agreed to give over their wages, and Reginald would secure more clothes and purchase the horse. Perhaps he’d stay at the estate for another week or so. After that, Reginald had no idea how to proceed.
It was upon walking down the hall that Reginald encountered someone that he did not anticipate. The Earl of Benton stood before him, still wearing his evening clothes but with his collar loosened.
“Say there, good sir,” Sarah’s father said, approaching empty-handed.
“Good evening, My Lord.”
“Out quite late, I can see.”
“There were some matters that I needed to attend to in Hamel.”
“A charming little town, I would say.”
“Indeed.”
Lord John’s face was placid. Reginald had no idea why he was being approached by him. Sadly, he feared for the worse.
“Would you mind accompanying me to the parlour?” Lord John asked. “There are some matters that I wish to discuss.”
“Of course.”
Of all the attendees at the estate, Lord John was the most observant. Reginald felt a tinge of fear, but considering his success of late, he was confident that he could keep up his disguise.
Upon entering the parlour, Lord John took a seat, and Reginald did the same.
“I’m sure I could summon a footman for some tea,” Lord John said.
“That will be unnecessary. I plan on retiring soon.”
“That’s a good choice. It’s been rather a long day.”
“That it has.”
Sarah’s father had no idea what a long day it had been—and what a success. Reginald was seated across from the man that was the master and commander of the woman he loved. He had no words to describe how much his affections for Sarah had mounted so quickly. For the time being, he’d have to keep a calm and detached demeanour in order not to instill suspicion.
“I intend to stay on at the estate for at least a week with the girls. I feel that it’s beneficial for them.”
“In what way?” Reginald asked out of pure curiosity.
“They don’t introduce themselves into society nearly enough as they should. If you ask me, I think they should attend more of these events. At least … until they are wed.”
“You seem quite keen to have them wed as quickly as possible,” Reginald said.
“That would be true.” Lord John looked into the fire. “It’s difficult to make a young man like you understand how challenging it can be to raise two marriageable daughters on one’s own.” Lord John got up from his seat to stand in front of the fire—the embers slowly dying.
“You may not believe this, but I have some understanding. I am the only child of the former Earl of Buckland. When there is only one parent, it makes things considerably more difficult.”
It was a mild lie. Reginald was not raised by the former Earl of Buckland, but he was raised by a single mother and remembered the extreme pressure she was under.
“It’s different with girls.” Lord John massaged the back of his neck. “Sarah has the means to be on her own, but who is going to care for her, and what would that mean for her standing in society?”
“All important questions.”
“I approve of the rivalry between you and the duke, sir.” Lord John turned to Reginald.
“You do?”
