Sarah smiled warmly. “No, Lisbeth. Patrick doesn’t live in Wales. Lord Reginald Simmons does, but that’s not Patrick’s true identity.”
“Oh, I’m ever so confused.” Lisbeth closed her eyes again.
“Come, let’s get you to yourownbed.”
Lisbeth heaved a sigh but complied. Sarah and her lady-in-waiting helped Lisbeth out of bed and down the hall to her own room. Once Sarah returned, her lady began the process of undressing Sarah but remained entirely silent. No doubt, the lady knew of what had happened that evening. News spread fast in such estates. But Sarah didn’t pay it any mind.
Once in bed, the lady excused herself for the evening.
“Keep the taper lit,” Sarah said.
“Yes, ma’am,” the lady replied before exiting.
Sarah stared at the flame for some time, her thoughts lingering over the days ahead and how she was to proceed. Just then, there was a knock upon the door, and Sarah feared that it might be her father. As the door opened, she was delighted to discover Patrick standing there, his coat removed, collar undone, and hair tousled.
Sarah sat up in her bed, beckoning him towards her. Patrick smiled warmly as he approached, and without saying a word, Sarah laid back down as Patrick laid beside her, facing her. They merely smiled delightedly and stared at one another.
“I’m happy,” Sarah whispered.
Patrick brought a loving finger to her cheek. “I’m warmed to hear it, but I don’t think that you’re as happy as me.”
“We can live in our own little world. We don’t have to trouble with anyone.”
There was concern written on Patrick’s face. “I shall try to make that possible, but I know there are many mountains to climb before we get there.”
“We’ll climb them together. I’m confident that we can.”
Even with those words, Sarah was putting on a brave face. She knew that the days ahead would be more challenging than she could imagine. Somehow, with Patrick by her side, Sarah knew that she’d have the strength.
“I was thinking,” Sarah said. “Lisbeth will inherit my title if my father pulls it away. It would make me most happy to have her so secure.”
“And you will be secure. I’ll make sure of it.”
“I trust you,” she replied, gazing into his eyes. “I know that you’ll take care of me, despite my father’s fears.”
Sarah felt Patrick’s warm, sweet breath while he was so near. Was this how it would be for the rest of their lives? Being able to lie so close, with no one to inhibit them? Sarah sincerely wished that it would be so.
“I must admit to you, Sarah. The resemblance between Lord Kelly and myself is troubling.”
“How can you explain it? It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.” A thought occurred to Sarah, and she sat up with a start. “What if you’re Lord Kelly Spencer?” she asked playfully.
Patrick smiled. “Then I’d call myself the luckiest Lord Kelly Spencer in the world. But a very fortunate Patrick Day lays beside you.”
Sarah placed her head upon the pillow once more. “I didn’t doubt you.”
“But understand, I find the whole ordeal troubling and plan to get to the bottom of it.”
“Do you think that he’s your brother?”
Patrick looked off into the distance blankly. “I haven’t a clue.”
In the silence, Sarah admired Patrick’s strong profile as he looked away. Yes, he was the handsomest man that she’d ever seen, but upon seeing Lord Kelly Spencer for the first time, the man did not sway her in the same way. There was something in Patrick’s character that made it so effortless to love him.