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“We bring you an engaged man.” Bo slapped Patrick’s back.
“What is that?” Tim Tom lifted his brow and stood up straight.
“It’s the truth,” Patrick said, taking his seat at the bar. “That lady that I pursued, she has agreed to marry me.”
“Drinks all around!” Tim Tom proclaimed.
As the ale began to flow, Patrick knew that this was exactly the kind of celebration that an engagement afforded. There should be cheering and carousing, not leering and accusing, as he’d discover back at the duke’s estate.
Loosening his collar, it was the first time in days that Patrick could relax himself. The ale went down smoothly, and the men continued to chat and drink. Tim Tom brought out a plate of friend potatoes, and Patrick felt his cares drift away until the Duke of Faversham stepped into the tavern.
Lord Edward Guilford spotted Patrick immediately and approached, leaning his hands upon the bar.
“I’m not surprised to find you here, Patrick.”
“I frequent the tavern, Your Grace.”
“And these are your cronies, I suppose?”
The duke gazed at each of the men. Bo puffed out his chest defensively, and Jimmy stood, ready for action. It was something of a standoff, and Patrick relieved the tension with his words. “These are my closest friends, Your Grace.”
The duke frowned. “I’ve seen you here before, haven’t I, Patrick? Before you magically transformed into the Earl of Buckland.”
“You most certainly did,” Patrick replied.
“And I suppose yourclosest friendshelped you with your transformation.”
Bo nodded his head with pride. “That we did.”
“Patrick, I’m going to give you a bit of advice,” the duke said, leaning in closer. “How about you remain in the tavern for the rest of the day into the evening, then go ahead and sleep outside there upon that main road. Don’t return to my estate. Nothing remains for you there.”
“That’s an interesting prospect, Your Grace. My my fiancée remains at your estate.”
“She won’t be your fiancée for long.”
Tim Tom stepped in. “I don’t want any trouble from any of you in my tavern, do you hear?”
The Duke of Faversham innocently threw up his hands. “No trouble whatsoever. I’m merely asking Mr Patrick Day to stay away from my property.”
“Your Grace,” Patrick said, keeping his tone level. “Might we step outside and have a gentlemanly conversation?”
The duke glared at him but relented. “Very well.”
Everyone seemed relieved as the duke and Patrick departed, except for Bo, who no doubt still wanted to see a duel.
Once outside, Patrick said, “Allow me the opportunity to return to your estate so that we can resolve these matters.”
“And why should I do that?” The duke crossed his arms in front of his chest.
“Because I have a feeling that you know more about Lord Kelly Spencer than I do, and I wish to discover the truth, even if you wish to keep it from me.”
The duke froze. Was Patrick’s premonition true? Was the Duke of Faversham hiding an important bit of information that he possessed?
Lord Edward slowly nodded his head in agreement. “I’ll allow you to return, but you cannot have Sarah’s hand until her father gives his consent, which I’m quite sure he’ll never do.”
“We’ll have to see, but I agree to your terms.”
Patrick put out his hand for a shake, and after several moments, the duke took his hand within his own. Here was the next challenge that Patrick would need to overcome.
