Page 44 of Allured By a Lord's Touch

Where Reginald Simmons thought perhaps they must end the encounter abruptly to save Sarah’s honour, Patrick Day thought the opposite. He was of lowly birth, and there was no reason for Sarah to fear being in his presence. And what’s more, being of lowly birth provided Patrick with unparalleled freedoms that he relished.

If Patrick was aware of anything, it was that he had only one life to live. He no longer had parents, didn’t have a home to tie him down—Patrick was entirely free in this one precious life that he’d been given, and he chose to be alone with Sarah, no matter the consequences.

“I trust you,” Sarah said breathlessly.

Once more, Reginald was conflicted. Yes, Sarah should absolutely trust Patrick, but she could not trust Reginald Simmons because that was the man seated before her, living a lie.

“Then allow me the honour of moving closer to you,” Reginald said.

Sarah nodded her head in agreement.

He inched closer to her, part of him fearing what he might do next, but Reginald would muster all the willpower in his possession not to take advantage of the situation. He merely wanted to be closer—he needed to be.

Once they were seated side by side, Sarah turned away towards the fire, perhaps thinking it too overwhelming to meet his gaze at such a close distance. In his mind, Reginald was grateful for it because he feared he might bring his lips to hers if they were too close.

“I think it extraordinary,” Sarah finally said. “How the duke craves your friendship despite the little rivalry you two share.” She lifted her brow.

Reginald had to smile. “So, you were able to see that. We’re both being gentlemen.”

“I have no doubt. Still, there’s no need for such rivalry.”

“Of course, there is. You’re a remarkable and rare prize.”

Sarah’s demeanour instantly changed, and Reginald found himself regretting his words. “I’m not a prize to be won.”

“Perhaps I said that incorrectly.”

“But that is just what society wants you to believe. That women must be won and then thrown into a cage for the rest of their days.”

Reginald paused and knitted his jaw. Yes, he had most certainly said the wrong thing. Patrick was always one for competition, and when it came to Sarah, he was more than grateful for the competition. But it was important, as Reginald, not to express such things.

He allowed the silence to cling to the air, thinking of a way he could express his penitence. He recalled how the men asked him at the Hound’s Bone how it was that he intended to win Sarah over, and Reginald had replied that he hadn’t the slightest idea. That challenge remained.

Finally, Reginald spoke, “I gather that you have a keen understanding of men.”

“Only from what I read in books.”

“But the instinct to treat women as prizes is built into our minds. There’s no escaping it, even if we can acknowledge that the practice is barbaric.”

Sarah replied sarcastically, “To say the least.”

“So please understand that the only reason I expressed that you’re some sort of prize is because even though men seek to be the victor, you are already the victor, and not the prize, for you have captivated us. You see, a remarkable woman such as yourself has an unbelievable amount of power over a man. It’s merely an illusion in our minds to think that you can be won. You have already won.”

Sarah finally smiled, and it gave Reginald a tremendous amount of relief to see it. Everything he expressed had been the truth. Sarah had already conquered him, just as she’d already conquered the duke and perhaps countless others. She was no prize.

Just then, there were footsteps down the hall, and Sarah got up with a start, concealing herself behind a row of books. He didn’t wish to see her so fearful, and Reginald quickly resolved himself to amend the situation.

Reginald was not surprised when he saw the duke enter.

“Say there, old chap,” the duke said, holding another glass of port. Reginald imagined that the duke must be far gone at that point.

“Good evening, Your Grace.”

“Enjoying a bit of quiet, are you, sir?”

“Indeed. I fear that I’ve usurped your library.”

“Quite all right.” The duke took a sip of his port then lifted his brow. “Sarah was extraordinary tonight, was she not?”

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