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“It’s something that you must become accustomed to if you’re going to come out into society.”
“I suppose.” Lisbeth cocked her head to the side, regarding her sister. “There’s something different about you.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m unsure. Since coming to the estate, you seem to be a woman. A real woman—not the girl you were before.”
Sarah peered into the mirror once more. Perhaps Lisbeth made a sound point. She was different than the girl that arrived. Patrick had changed her.
“Much has happened.”
“That it has,” Lisbeth said wistfully.
Just then, there was a knock upon the door, and Lord John entered, wearing his evening suit. “Don’t my girls look lovely.”
“I’m ready for supper,” Lisbeth said. “I’m excited to meet the Duke of Glastonbury.”
“Lisbeth, will you allow me a moment alone with Sarah?”
Lisbeth crinkled her nose and stood. “I suppose.” She kissed her father on the cheek before exiting the room.
Lord John came up behind Sarah. She could see him in the mirror.
“That is my favourite dress.”
“Mine, as well,” Sarah replied.
Lord John crossed his arms in front of his chest. “I’m sure that the Earl of Buckland anticipates seeing the Duke of Glastonbury.”
“It’s all anyone can speak of.” Sarah adjusted her earrings. “Might I ask?” She turned to her father. “What is this business with Lord Kelly? Tell me the truth.”
“It was merely a suggestion. I thought they’d be pleased to see one another.”
Her father was lying—that much was clear. So, perhaps Lord John knew of the rouse. He invited Lord Kelly in order to expose Patrick. Let it be, Sarah thought to herself. Her love had not changed. She’d reveal all to her father.
Was there even a real Earl of Buckland? There had to have been for her father to make such a connection. And what’s more, who was the Earl of Buckland? What did he look like? Was his story the same as the one that Patrick told? If so, how was Patrick acquainted with the story?
There were too many questions for Sarah to bear. Instead of ruminating upon it further, Sarah decided it best to clear her mind of such things and ready herself for a bumpy evening.
“Come, let us go downstairs,” Lord John said.
“Very well.”
Taking one last look in the mirror, Sarah decided she was ready for what lay ahead. She heaved a deep sigh and walked towards the door. Her father escorted her down the hall and then the stairs. When they arrived in the parlour to greet the other guests before supper, Sarah spotted Patrick immediately.
There was something different about his appearance now, perhaps after learning about his true identity. Was it possible that he was more handsome? His secretiveness was seductive in some odd way. She wished to go to him at once, but Sarah prevented herself. Instead, she chatted with other guests—all of them requesting another piano performance that evening—and sipped some champagne that was being passed by footmen.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the duke said. “Even though the Honourable Lord Kelly has not yet arrived, I think it best to enter into the dining room and begin supper. If you’ll please follow me.”
Sarah watched as the guests filed out. They were wearing their best finery. Women sported feathers in their hair, and gentlemen wore black coattails, their collars starched up high. As she lingered, Sarah secretly hoped that Patrick might tarry, as well. Once everyone was gone, she was delighted to find him standing there.
“You look unspeakably beautiful,” he said, his blue eyes shining in the candlelight.
“And you look impossibly handsome.”
“May I escort you in?” He put out his arm for Sarah to grasp.
“I wish that you would.”
