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Chapter 25
Patrick returned to the estate in the late afternoon. After their ale and nuncheon, the men walked around Hamel, dreaming of the future and making plans. All the while, Patrick remained silent, thinking of how he was to proceed with Sarah and the obstacles they faced.
It occurred to Patrick that before he and Sarah proceeded any further, they’d need to have a serious discussion. Things had moved so fast, and although Patrick’s feelings were passionate and true, he couldn’t knowingly push Sarah into a blind corner. He’d have a discussion with her that very afternoon.
Entering the estate, Patrick noted that the rest of the guests had gone out for their afternoon ride and picnic. Patrick enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the estate when everyone was gone. Footmen and maids rushed about, cleaning the rooms and preparing the evening supper upon the guests’ return.
A moment of nostalgia overtook him, and Patrick made his way to the library, the very place that he and Sarah had been alone for the first time. Considering that the rain had abated, there was still a fire crackling in the library, and Sarah sat in front of it. Patrick’s heart leapt upon viewing her. For whatever reason, her hair was down, just as it had been when he slept by her side the night before. She gazed into the book on her lap dreamily.
As Patrick slowly approached, Sarah finally looked up and smiled. She appeared just as excited to see him as he was to see her, for she sprang from the floor and threw herself into his arms. Her head nestled into his shoulder; Patrick brought his hands to the back of her neck and held her tightly.
“I hear you were at the tavern,” Sarah said, pulling away.
“It’s true. I decided to tell my friends the whole truth.”
“About our marriage?”
“Indeed.”
Sarah smiled and came into his arms once more. Patrick took several contented breaths before bringing his lips to her hair, inhaling the sweet smell of it. He could stand there forever with Sarah pressed against his chest and his arms around her. It was utter bliss.
Yet still, he intended to have the conversation that he planned.
“I wish to speak with you, Sarah,” Patrick said, pulling away.
“You are speaking with me,” she replied playfully.
“I’m referring to a serious conversation.”
Her face fell. “I’ve had too many of those already. Can’t you relegate the serious conversations to my father?”
“I intend to have one with him, as well.”
Sensing Patrick’s gravity, Sarah walked over and seated herself once more by the fire. Patrick joined her, and soon as he was comfortable, he spoke.
“You don’t need to do this, Sarah.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“You don’t need to marry me.”
Sarah laughed. “I don’tneedto marry anyone. Why do you make it sound as though I’m being forced? I love you.”
“And I love you.”
“Then why the serious conversation?”
“Because you’ll never be rich again, Sarah. I have very little money and don’t know that that situation is ever going to change.”
Patrick chose not to mention Anders’ farm. Although the offer would prove beneficial, Patrick didn’t wish to paint the picture any differently from what it was; he was a poor man.
“How many times must I tell you that I’m not interested in being wealthy. It hadn’t made me happy thus far.”
“But you don’t know that, Sarah,” Patrick protested. “You’ve never been poor. You’ve never had to wander about looking for work. How do you know that that life wouldn’t make you miserable?”
Sarah reached across and took Patrick’s hand. “Because I’ll be with you. That’s how I know that I won’t be miserable.”
Patrick softened. Her eyes were genuine, and Patrick believed everything that Sarah said. She was telling the truth; she would be happy in his presence, no matter their circumstances.
