Page 37 of Allured By a Lord's Touch

“Not yet,” Reginald said, knitting his brow. “I’m returning this evening.”

Bo laughed. “So, you returned to gloat. Rubbing things into the wound?”

“Maybe a little.”

“Come on, then.” Bo put down his tools and walked towards Reginald. “A pint of ale before you return. I’ve already admitted defeat.”

“That’s a good man.” Reginald clapped Bo on the back before beginning their journey to the Hound’s Bone.

All four men walked, Reginald pulling Lucky Stars along, and the men discussed the progress on the farmhouse briefly before enquiring about every last thing that transpired at the Duke of Faversham’s estate.

“I imagine you dine like a bloody kind,” Jimmy said.

“The food is exquisite. Like nothing I’ve ever tasted.”

Bo asked, “And the ladies?” He had a mischievous grin upon his lips. “I bet they are just as exquisite.”

Reginald lifted his brow. “Only one in particular.”

“Tell us.”

Reginald didn’t know how much to say. He respected Sarah deeply and was unsure if his lascivious friends would make too much light of a situation that Reginald believed had turned serious.

“Do you recall that afternoon in the haberdashery? The two young ladies?”

Bo scratched his chin. “I do recall.”

“The eldest sister has captured my affections.”

The three men laughed, and Reginald frowned.

Ned was the next to speak. “How are you going to carry that out?”

Reginald set his jaw. “I’m unsure. But I’ll find a way.”

Upon reaching the Hound’s Bone, Reginald straightened his collar before entering. All eyes turned towards the men as they situated themselves at their customary place at the bar. No doubt, the tavern patrons were in awe of the fact that a noble was in the presence of such ruffians. No one even suspected that Reginald was an imposter.

“Well, what do we have here?” Tim Tom approached, cleaning a glass with a cloth. “I never thought I’d see your face again.”

Reginald nodded his head. “I’m a transformed man, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care for a pint of ale.”

Bo slammed his fist onto the bar. “Make it four, old Tim Tom.”

“That I can do.”

As the bartender left to secure the drinks, Reginald looked about the tavern in fascination. Just yesterday, he was still Patrick Day. Now, he was very much entirely Lord Reginald Simmons, and he was falling head over heels for Lady Sarah Crawford.

Once the ale was served, Ned, Jimmy, and Bo ordered hot pies, but Reginald abstained in anticipation of the supper that evening at the Duke of Faversham’s estate.

Bo took a hearty sip. “So, you’ve won the bet. But now, how are you going to win the girl?”

Reginald massaged the bridge of his nose. “That’s a fine question, my friend.”

***

Sarah felt dejected after hearing her father’s words, but she still managed to convince him to give the Earl of Buckland a chance. As she arrayed herself for dinner that night, Sarah took a good look in the mirror and was pleased with what she saw. Her light green dress accentuated her eyes, and the simple pearls around her neck showed off her elegant collarbones.

“You look so beautiful, Sarah,” Lisbeth said.

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