AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Spotting Lord John in the corner of his eye standing next to the Duke of Faversham, Patrick approached, gritting his teeth. Sarah followed him close behind.
“Lord John, if I might have a word with you,” Patrick said.
The duke knitted his brow. “Are we dissolving into serious conversation already, without enjoying the remarkable sunset?” The duke lifted his glass towards the heavens.
“I don’t think either of you imparted the true gravity of Lord Kelly Spencers’s presence,” Patrick said. “In fact, the improbable discovery will change things greatly.”
Both Lord John and the duke frowned in confusion. Lord John asked, “What exactly are you implying?”
“Gazing at the two of us, there’s no chance that Lord Kelly and I aren’t related in some way. I intend to prove that I’m Lord Kelly’s identical twin brother and the son of a duke.”
The Duke of Faversham laughed. “How do you intend to prove that?”
“By journeying to Wales to receive confirmation from Lady Spencer that my mother, her housemaid, stole me from the estate upon birth.”
Everyone was struck dumb, and Sarah stepped in. “Just listen to what he has to say, Father. I’m going with him to Wales, and I’d like you to do the same.”
Lord John said, “Why on earth should I do that?”
“Because this is the man that I intend to marry, and I require your permission to do so.”
Lord John softened, seeing that his daughter hoped to obey his will. “I will come,” he said.
“This is ridiculous,” the Duke of Faversham exclaimed.
“If you think it ridiculous,” Patrick replied. “Then you’re free to come, as well.”
Patrick didn’t see any use in staying to enjoy the rest of the evening’s entertainment. He went right up to his room and began to ready himself to leave in the morning. When the footman asked if he cared to take supper in his room, Patrick complied. To his great delight, when the meal was served, there was dinner for two, and Sarah came walking through the door.
“Do you mind if I join you?” Sarah asked.
Patrick smiled warmly. “It would be an honour and a delight.”
Sarah seated herself across from him, and the footman removed the silver lids from the plates. They dined on roast duck, new potatoes, and creamed spinach as they spoke.
“I can’t believe that all this is happening,” Sarah said, putting down her knife and fork and gazing out the window.
“Nor can I. So much has happened.”
“Ever since I met you, life has felt like something of a dream,” Sarah said, lifting her brow.
“For me, as well. Can you imagine if I’d never seen you that day in the haberdashery? That one moment when I admired your rare beauty changed the entire course of my life.”
“It did for me, as well.”
Patrick heaved a sigh. “I can’t help wondering what will happen if it’s confirmed that I’m Lord Henry Spencer.”
“Lord Henry Spencer?”
“That was the name that was given to me before I was taken away. Sounds rather noble, if you ask me.”
“And well deserved. Even as I stood in the millinery, I saw your nobility shining through.”
“That can’t be true,” Patrick said with a laugh.
“It is true. There was something different about you. Of course, your appearance was quite different from the rest. You were dashingly handsome. But there was also an unspoken quality that set you apart.”
Patrick reached across the table and took Sarah’s hand in his own, admiring her beauty in the flickering candlelight. “Then I suppose that it was destined to be.”
“I suppose so, as well.”
Patrick entirely forgot about his supper and wanted nothing more than to kiss her and carry her over to his bed just across the room. All in good time, he reminded himself.
Once supper concluded, Patrick walked Sarah to the door to bid her goodnight.
“I would like to stay,” Sarah said coyly.
“You cannot. It would mean the loss of your honour,” Patrick said in no uncertain terms.
“Very well.” Sarah leaned in and kissed the tip of Patrick’s nose.
