He pressed one hand to his chest, resting it on his cravat, over his heart. “On my honor, Lady Sarah.”
“I have previously told you what I think about your honor.” She smiled sweetly. “You have one afternoon to change my opinion.”
He offered his arm. “Shall we?”
She took hold of him a might faster then she ought to have done, and he rewarded her with a rakish grin. “You do enjoy my company.”
She swatted his bicep with her fan. “Do stop. You are incorrigible. I could not possibly enjoy your company. On the contrary, I am making the best of a sour situation.”
His rich, throaty chuckle wrapped around her. Sarah’s own laughter erupted before she could stop it. Just for today, she determined to shut off her mind and allow her heart to lead. Would she regret it on the morrow?
CHAPTER 11
SARAH CLUNG to Lord Luvington’s arm as he steered her toward the Duke and Duchess of Tisdale. The duchess sat on a turkey rug waving a fan in front of her. A grin played on her lips. She appeared friendly, but the duke stared at them with pinched lips and drawn brows. The tautness of his jaw and stern lines of his face gave her pause. It startled her how much he looked like the lord at her side. She angled her head to gaze at Lord Luvington. “Why does your father seem displeased?”
He frowned. “Pay no mind to it. Father is naturally stern. I give you my assurance. He is looking forward to meeting you.” One corner of his mouth lifted in a weak grin.
Sarah wanted to believe him, but something about his father did not sit well with her. She took a deep breath and pasted a smile on her lips. For today, she would play along.
Grace caught up with the pair and walked next to Sarah. She patted Sarah’s shoulder. “The Duke of Tisdale is not so fierce as he lets on. Once you get to know him, you will see he is quite pleasant. And you will get on swimmingly with the Duchess of Tisdale.” She dropped her hand back to her side and grinned. “They will adore you, dear.”
She hoped against reason Grace was correct. Why did she care what they thought of her? Sarah agreed to one day and would be calling off this farce at its conclusion.
Her pulse quickened. The mere idea caused her discomfort but not nearly as much as a broken heart would. Her only rational choice was to beg him off before the damage became irreparable.
The Duke and Duchess of Tisdale rose to their feet as Lord Luvington guided Sarah and Grace up to the old lime tree.
“What are you waiting for, introduce the lady.” The Duke looked at his son before turning to Sarah.
“Mother, Father, allow me to introduce Lady Sarah Roseington, daughter of the Marquess and Marchioness of Havenshire.”
Sarah dipped into a curtsy and bowed her head. “Your Grace’s.” Coming back to her full height she could not help a grin. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“The pleasure is all ours, dear. Please join us.” The Duchess tipped her chin.
The quartet’s music drifted on a warm breeze, somehow comforting. “I would be honor to do so.”
The Duchess of Tisdale turned to Grace. “You simply must join us as well. It seems like ages since we have spent time in one another’s company.”
“Not since Lady Celia’s coming out,” Grace said. “Shall we make ourselves comfortable?”
The Duke of Tisdale arranged himself on the turkey mat under the shade of the tree. “Yes, all of you. Come sit.”
He seemed to have softened, but Sarah found him foreboding all the same. She would rather be anywhere else at the moment. Alas, she had struck a bargain with Lord Luvington and intended to see it through. Unable to bring herself to release his arm, she glanced at him.
He patted her gloved hand, then turned his attention to his parents. “I am afraid we cannot stay long. I have promised Lady Sarah some time with her friends.” He looked back at her, a rakish twist to his mouth.
A chill galloped down her spine as her heart leaped. She dropped her hand from his arm and sat beside Grace. That look affected her far too much. Perhaps once his parents were satisfied, she could convince hers to take her home. She never agreed to stay for the entirety of the party.
“I hoped to run into you today, Duchess. And how splendid you are here with Julian’s Lady Sarah.” Julian’s mother glanced at Sarah, then back to Grace. “What a perfect coincidence.”
Grace opened her fan and began to wave it near her face. “Lady Sarah and I became fast friends last season. I have grown very fond of her.” She glanced at Sarah.
Warmth spread through her for the woman. Thank heavens Grace was here with her to make the situation more comfortable.
“Won’t you both join me for tea tomorrow at our country estate?” The Duchess of Tisdale angled her head toward her husband.
Something akin to dread streaked through Sarah. How could she deny the invitation of a duchess? She glanced at Lord Luvington, who nodded, his eyes alight. The cad either enjoyed her discomfort or believed this farce would lead to an engagement. Sarah clenched her teeth and focused on his mother.
“I cannot speak for Lady Sarah, but I am happy to accept your invitation.” Grace reached up and loosened the ties of her bonnet.
“Do say you will join us, Lady Sarah.”
Drat. Sarah glanced at the Duchess of Tisdale. “Yes of course I will.” What other choice did she have? One did not simply toss out the invitation of a duchess. Mother would have her hide if she dared.
The Duke cleared his throat. “Splendid, Julian and I will join you ladies. We can discuss the nuptials.” He lifted one hand and waved it toward Sarah and Lord Luvington.
Sarah jerked her eyes up to meet Lord Luvington’s. His face paled as his gaze locked on hers. Heat seared her cheeks. He had tricked her again, outright deceived her. She had asked him directly if he told his parents they were going to marry and he said he had not. It was foolish of her to trust him for even a moment, and she had better make a point of remembering it from now on.
Lord Luvington peered at his father. “Lady Sarah has not agreed to anything beyond my courting her, Father.”
When he looked at Sarah, his gaze no longer held the playful spark she had become accustomed to. Rather he appeared subdued like a fearful child. Perhaps he had not misled her after all. The Duke certainly did not seem like a nice man, and she knew the demand he placed on his son. Maybe he decided to take matters into his own hands. It must have been awful for Lord Luvington growing up with such a crass father. A tinge of regret touched her heart.
The Duke stared at her. “You know Julian will be cut off if he fails to marry a respectable lady by month’s end?”
Sarah clasped her hands on her lap in an attempt to stop them from shaking. How dare the duke put such demands on his son. And now to drag her into it as though only she could remedy the situation. The man was despicable.
“That is quite enough, Piers. This is neither the time nor the place.” The Duchess of Tisdale shook her head at Sarah. “Please accept our apology. The Duke merely worries about our dear son’s future. He does not mean to cause you any distress.”
Sarah nodded and forced a smile before staring at the plush green grass next to her.
Grace reached over and squeezed Sarah’s hand. “The Duke never did mince words. One always knows what he is thinking.” Her soft eyes sparkled. “I assure you, he means no harm.”
“I need no defending, ladies,” The Duke stated flatly. “However, if I have offended you, I do apologize.”
Sarah forced a polite nod. “Shall we just put this behind us and move forward? No harm done.”
Lord Luvington gazed at her. A small smirk pulled at his lips and some of the playfulness seemed to have returned to his gaze. If she could just talk to him alone.
“I am rather parched. My lord, would you mind escorting me to the refreshment tent?” She tilted her head to look at Lord Luvington.
“It would be an honor, Lady Sarah. Can I bring something back for you, Your Grace?”
“No
thank you, dear,” Grace replied.
He stood up and offered his hand to Sarah.
She took it and allowed him to help her. Once standing, Sarah smoothed her blush colored skirts then squared her shoulders.
“Mother, Father, are you in need of refreshments?” he asked.
“Some fruit would be divine.” The Duchess flipped open her fan.
“Very well.” Julian offered his arm. “Shall we?”
She placed her hand under his arm, allowing him to lead her toward the tent.
They strolled in silence. Her mind raced as she attempted to make heads or tails of his father. The last thing she wanted was to feel sorry for Lord Luvington, but how could she not?
At least he had his mother. The Duchess turned out to be delightful, just as Grace said she would. Perhaps they could be friends. But the Duke?
“I do not wish to spend any more time in your father’s company at this soiree.” She glanced at Lord Luvington from the corner of her eye. His shoulders stiffened, and he met her gaze.
“He can be a lot to take in. I do not blame you. We will excuse ourselves after I bring Mother her fruit.”
Sarah sighed. “Yes, I suppose you must follow through. And we abandoned the Dowager Duchess as well.” Sarah nibbled her lower lip.
“Do not worry over the Dowager Duchess. As I said, she is an old friend of the family and quite capable of handling herself.” The muscle in his arm flexed under Sarah’s hand.
A jolt coursed through her at the power beneath her gloved fingers, culminating in her core. What would it be like to be wrapped in his arms? It was a dangerous idea, but the thought had a mind of its own. She should be mindful of her own scandalous intentions.
Seeing him with his father softened her resolve. He had transformed from the rakehell she knew him to be into the gentleman she never believed he could be. One who wore his emotions on his sleeve and fought to hold his head high while his person was under attack. A gentleman who fetched refreshments for older ladies and entertained them despite his own discomfort. She could not help but admire the way he handled himself around the loathsome Duke of Tisdale.
“Will you join us for tea tomorrow?” Sarah asked. “I should not like to be in your father’s company without you.”
He chuckled. “You could beg off. But if it pleases you to have me there, I shall move heaven and earth to avoid your disappointment.”
His smooth words wrapped around her. “It would be rude to decline the invitation. Your parents hold a higher social rank than I.” She slanted her glance at him. “As for my disappointment, I trust you will keep it at bay.”
“Do my ears deceive me?” He flashed a wicked grin. “It sounded as though you said you trust me.”
Sarah laughed. “Pray, do not let it go to your head.”
CHAPTER 12
SARAH TOSSED and turned the entire night as she mused over all that had happened since her introduction to Lord Luvington. She could not help but want to save him after meeting his father, but could she sacrifice her chance to be loved in order to do so?
By the time she departed the garden party, it had become clear Lord Luvington held her heart. Would her love for him be enough to carry her through the rest of her days? Perhaps she could love enough for them both.
Sarah shook the foolish thought from her muddled mind and focused her attention on the drive leading to her townhouse.
Grace would be here to fetch her any time. A light breeze brushed Sarah’s skirts around her ankles. She glanced at Mother. “The weather is lovely today. Perhaps we should go for a ride this afternoon.” Small talk, but at least it distracted her from her other line of thoughts.
“What a wonderful idea, dear. I should love to.” Mother tipped her chin. “The Duchess has arrived.”
The Duchess of Abernathy’s carriage approached. Sleek and black with her crest in gold leaf on the side. Sarah’s stomach tightened. She had no desire to spend the afternoon in the Duke of Tisdale’s company. At least she would have Mother by her side. The Duke invited Papa as well, but they were to hunt before tea. Did Papa enjoy the Duke’s hospitality, or did he itch to break away? She could not imagine how he could not.
Sarah and Mother made their way over and allowed a liveried footman to assist them into the carriage. Grace grinned as they settled in. “Lady Sarah, Lady Havenshire. You both look splendid today.”
“You make a smashing vision yourself, Your Grace.” Mother tilted her head.
Something about the pleasantries made Sarah laugh, releasing the tension that hung in the air. The other ladies soon joined in. The merriment soothed her nerves, but it would not last.
Grace knocked on the carriage roof. It jolted forward as the driver urged the horses into motion.
“I wonder how Papa is getting on with the Duke of Tisdale.”
“Marvelously, I am sure.” Mother straightened her bonnet ribbons. “Your father is an avid hunter, and I am certain the duke holds prime hunting lands.”
“Yes, but the Duke is ghastly. You did not witness the way he treated Lord Luvington yesterday.” Sarah leaned back against the plush upholstered seat. “My heart broke for him.”
Grace patted Sarah’s glove covered hand. “I fear you have an inaccurate idea of the Duke. He is really a splendid man who loves his son a great deal. He only wishes to see Lord Luvington settled. I do hope your opinion of him is changed after this afternoon’s tea.”
Sarah pulled her brows together.
“Truly, dear, you cannot judge a man until you know him well. The Duke was a perfect gentleman when your father and I were introduced to him.” Mother smiled at Grace. “It is possible you had the misfortune of meeting him at a bad time.”
Sarah opened her fan. “All the same, I do not see my opinion changing.”
“Will Lord Luvington be joining us?” Mother asked, a sparkle in her eyes.
Sarah rested her fan in her lap as a wide grin stretched her lips. Heaven help her, she could not help the joy springing forward in her. “I have it on the best of authority he will.”
“Splendid. I do enjoy his company.” Mother folded her hands on her lap.
Grace tossed her head. “Pardon me for what I am about to say.” She glanced at Sarah and smirked. “Wild horses could not keep him away from our dear Lady Sarah.”
A flutter took up residence in her heart. Sarah closed her eyes and willed her body to behave. If only Grace’s words were true, she would accept his proposal and gladly become his wife. Alas, they were not. Lord Luvington saw her as nothing more than a means to an end. It had nothing to do with love.
“He does seem to be rather fond of my darling daughter. It would be superb if they made a match.” Mother reached over and patted Sarah’s hand.
Sarah sighed. “It is a lost cause, Mother. I am not interested in Lord Luvington.”
“We shall see.” Mother smirked before looking out the window.
The carriage turned into a long drive lined with sycamore trees. Sarah gazed out the window in anticipation. A grand manor house came into view, all pillars and stone. It stood at least three stories high and sported elegant embellishments.
The carriage came to a stop in front of a sprawling stone porch with a solid carved wood door at its top. She swallowed down the lump forming in her throat. They had arrived.
SARAH SAT across from Lord Luvington clutching her silver-rimmed teacup. Tension hung thick in the air around her. The Duke and Duchess of Tisdale sat at each end of a sprawling mahogany table trading furtive glances. Mother and Grace were on either side of her, and Papa sat next to Lord Luvington. The tea had just arrived, and already, she wished to escape.
“Julian must marry before month’s end. He wishes to wed Lady Sarah, and I see no reason to wait.” The Duke grinned at Sarah’s father.
Lord Luvington stood up, his chair grinding against the floor. “The lady has not accepted my suit. For heaven sakes, I have not even proposed.” His voice rumbled through the room.
&n
bsp; Sarah jerked her gaze to him. Her cheeks warmed. How could a loving father corner his son in such a way. Twice in as many days. She looked at the Duke her heart breaking for Julian.
“There would have to be a proposal before there could be a marriage.” Papa set down his teacup and glanced at Sarah.
“Of course Sarah would be happy to entertain the offer, should it be made.” Mother tipped her chin at Sarah then beamed at the Duchess of Tisdale.
Lord Luvington cleared his throat. “Lady Sarah has made it clear she is not interested in my proposal.” He turned then strolled from the room without pause.
Sarah’s heart plummeted. She glanced at Grace, who nodded, then stood and followed Lord Luvington’s path.
“Shall we arrange the suit?” The Duke’s voice filled her head, followed by the others, though she could no longer make out what anyone said. She did not care a whit anyway.
Sarah grabbed her organdy skirts and lifted them slightly to keep from tripping as she went after Lord Luvington. She darted out of the house and ran across the lush grass toward him. Her heart hammered harder with every step.
“Lord Luvington, wait. Please wait for me.”
He continued to move into the distance.
“I have something to tell you. Please, stop.”
He froze in place, turned and stared at her with his hands on his narrow hips.
Sarah pushed herself to move faster. She needed to state her mind before she lost her nerve.
He dropped his hands to his sides and began walking toward her with purposeful strides. She wished she could make out the expression on his face.
As the gap between them closed, Sarah slowed her pace and released her skirts. He stopped mere inches from her. The warmth of his body radiated between them, sending a tingle through her. “I have changed my mind.”
“Pray tell, about what?” His gaze heated, holding hers.
Dashing Rogues: A Historical Romance Collection Page 39