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“Feel no pressure. Lady Sarah, my feelings for you are like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I want to have you … all to myself. I’ll wait until the end of time for that.”
Sarah sat up and brought a hand to her forehead. “I don’t wish you to wait until the end of time. Nor do I want to wait. I merely need to sort out my mind.”
Reginald nodded his head. “I understand fully. If you’ll excuse me, I look forward to seeing you … within mere moments.”
They both smiled at one another. “I shall be down shortly.”
“If you’re not, I’ll come to get you.”
As Reginald turned to leave, he heard Sarah laugh to herself. Upon exiting, he closed the door behind him and walked down the hall in no uncertain terms. Reginald had had a mission the whole while, but now, the mission was clearer than ever. If earning Sarah’s love required him to reveal his true identity, then he’d do so. If Sarah discovered who he truly was and refused him—so be it. He’d have the peace of mind that came from knowing that he’d shown her his whole heart.
Coming down the stairs, Reginald gritted his teeth as he saw the Duke of Faversham approach.
“Where have you been, old chap?” the duke asked.
“I retired to my room after breakfast.”
“You’re coming on the ride?”
“Most assuredly.”
“I’ve spoken with Lady Sarah.” The duke’s voice turned hushed, and Reginald felt a rush of anger. He no longer cared for the duke speaking with Lady Sarah. The competition had become all too real.
“What words were spoken?”
“It was in regards to the saddle.” There was seriousness in the duke’s eyes, and Reginald laughed in indignation.
“And what of the saddle?”
The duke’s eyes narrowed. “Surely, you don’t approve of what happened yesterday.”
“I wholeheartedly approve.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“Lady Sarah is free to do as she chooses.”
As the two men glared at one another, it was the first time that Reginald gleaned that, deep down, the duke and he cared for one another less and less.
Finally, a smug smile came to the duke’s lips. “I suppose we’ll see about that in the end.”
“I suppose we shall.”
The duke turned on his heels and departed, leaving Reginald in the hall. What had happened in Sarah’s room had sealed his affections. Reginald could not let Sarah go, even if he weren’t who he said he was. And what’s more, he’d not allow the duke to win. Sarah would be miserable in Lord Edward Guilford’s company, and he wanted nothing more than for her happiness.
