Page 56 of Allured By a Lord's Touch

“His fondness for you is growing.” The duke’s voice was flat.

Sarah turned to the duke. “I’m unsure of that.”

“It’s written all over his face. But then again, my fondness is growing, in kind.”

“Your Grace, let us talk of these matters at some other time.”

The duke appeared frustrated. “Yes, we will find the time.”

“I anticipate the ride this afternoon,” Sarah said, wishing to change the subject.

The duke lifted his brow. “Yes, you did not attend yesterday.”

Sarah fell silent. There were so many reasons why she hadn’t ridden the previous day. After the encounter with Reginald, Sarah was so beautifully shaken that she stayed in her room for the better part of the afternoon and remained quiet during supper.

“I felt ill, as I explained.”

“Yes.” The duke’s voice sounded dubious.

“But I promise that I’ll ride today … side-saddle.”

“I anticipate the event,” the duke said sarcastically, still not approving of Sarah’s penchant for riding in the traditional style.

It had been good that Sarah had made herself scarce the day before. It gave her time to think. What was to become of Reginald and her? She intended to wait for marriage for at least a year, but now, it seemed as though she couldn’t wait another day. She wished to be with Reginald all the time. Sarah longed for freedom, and freedom no longer meant being alone; it meant being with Lord Reginald Simmons.

Once breakfast had concluded, Sarah retired to her room, secretly hoping that Reginald would come again, but she knew that if he did so, it would mean she’d have to forfeit the day once more. No, Sarah would make sure that she and Reginald kept a little distance if only to give a respite to her senses.

After studying her French, enjoying conversation with Lisbeth, and arraying herself for the afternoon ride, Sarah’s father entered the room.

“Daughter, you will ride today?”

“Yes, Father,” she replied, turning to him and smiling softly.

“I’m glad to hear it. Your presence was missed yesterday.”

Sarah’s voice became soft. “As I expressed, I was feeling unwell.”

Sarah turned to the mirror to gaze at her riding costume. It had been tailor-made to fit her form back in London. Now that she saw it clearly, she was excited to show it off to Reginald, as it accentuated her curves.

Lord John placed his hands on Sarah’s shoulders. “You look lovely.”

“I thank you. They did an excellent job with this.” Sarah turned from side to side, admiring the craftsmanship of the skirt.

“I anticipate you meeting Lord Kelly Spencer. He is a fine young man.”

Finally, Sarah turned to her father. “What’s the meaning of inviting him here? It doesn’t seem as though he and the Earl of Buckland are friends.”

Lord John shrugged. “Well, they must be, no? They’re practically neighbours.”

“That doesn’t mean that they’re friends.”

“Come, come. This is a grand time that we’re having here at the Duke of Faversham’s estate. Why not add to the enjoyment with another noble personage?”

Sarah turned back to the mirror. “You’re up to something.”

“Hogwash.”

“It’s true. You can be so mischievous.”

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