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“That will be all. Thank you.”
With that, Patrick was left alone in the room, making plans for how he would deal with Lord Kelly.
The appointed hour came quickly. Patrick looked out the window and saw the blue sky turn pink and purple. It would be a remarkable sunset, what with all the rain. He proceeded to exit his room and came down the hall, making his way to the ground floor.
Just as soon as he located the door to the veranda, Patrick stepped out and discovered Lord Kelly standing there with his back turned. Patrick approached and stood by Lord Kelly’s side.
“I thank you for meeting me under such strange circumstances,” Patrick said.
Finally, Lord Kelly turned to him, and the effect knocked the air out of Patrick’s chest.
“It is quite perplexing, is it not?” Lord Kelly asked, examining Patrick’s face.
They each knitted their brows in the same manner, then laughed in the same manner.
“It really is extraordinary,” Patrick said through his smile.
A footman approached with a tray. “Champagne, My Lords?”
“I suppose I’m going to need a few of these,” Lord Kelly said, reaching for a glass.
“That’s well said,” Patrick added, taking one as well.
They each identically took a sip and then commenced with their conversation.
“What made you take the identity of Lord Reginald Simmons, might I ask?”
Patrick rested his flute on the stone balustrade. “My mother worked at the late Earl of Buckland’s estate. Lord Reginald and I were of the same age, and I would observe him often. He was a very reserved sort of boy.”
“I must agree,” Lord Kelly said. “Although we were raised as friends, Lord Reginald rarely left his estate in Wales. He much preferred sitting in his library or tinkering with his model boats. I still hold the earl in high regards.”
“How fascinating to consider. It’s been so many years since I laid eyes on him.”
“What did your mother do on the earl’s estate?” Lord Kelly asked.
“She was a housekeeper. She worked there for several years before her death. Once she was gone, I was offered a position on the estate but turned it down. I was much keener on travelling the countryside, and truth be told, getting into some trouble.”
Lord Kelly laughed. “And did you get into any trouble?”
“Not as much as I’d liked to until I came to the Duke of Faversham’s estate.”
“I must say that your rouse is impressive. I would never have known.” Lord Kelly looked down to admire Patrick’s fine suit.
“I find it quite baffling myself, how easy it has been to pull off.”
“And you’ve had no experience in society? No education or breeding?”
“None of it. I assumed the posture of Lord Reginald, and then I became Lord Reginald. It was as simple as that.”
Lord Kelly shook his head in wonder. “And now you’re in love, I’m told.”
“Engaged to be married.” Patrick took a sip of his champagne. “I dare say, there’s a very slight chance that the father will concede, but I must make him concede, nonetheless.”
“My father has returned my correspondence. He says that the Earl of Benton is a sound man.”
“I would agree with your father. So, how am I supposed to get him to see that, despite my lack of funds, I’m a suitable match for his daughter?”
Lord Kelly heaved a sigh. “A rather important question, and one that I don’t have the answer to.”
Patrick’s lips curled into a smile. “Funny, that’s how I might have answered my own question.”
They stood in silence for mere moments, watching as the sky continued to change colour right before their very eyes.
Lord Kelly cleared his throat and said, “Apparently, my twin brother died at birth.”
Patrick’s eyebrows shot up.
