How to Fool a Duke (The Husband Dilemma #1) - Lancaster, Mary Page 0,4
Whitmore’s gaze fell to the table.
“I would like to make a suggestion,” she said at last. “In the past, I have helped other young ladies in various difficult situations by inviting certain gentlemen to events here in Whitmore. It is a much more discreet form of matchmaking than the hectic marriage market in London. So no one here will think it odd if I invite his grace to the exhibition of paintings we hold next month. In fact, we might ask him to open it formally. And then you may conduct your revenge in the safety of this sanctuary, without any loss of reputation.”
“Here?” Sarah frowned. “I never thought of that.”
“It means you may leave Whitmore with a clean slate, if you like. And carry on with your life unencumbered by the ill-feelings of the past.”
Sarah mulled that over, then glanced at Hammy, who nodded once. Lady Whitmore’s scheme did have advantages. The grand, public humiliation she had once planned for the duke, no longer seemed so important. But nor could she let the slight go unanswered. He would have to learn.
“Very well,” she said. “Thank you. I will take up your offer. Providing the duke answers your invitation, of course.”
“Of course. I shall set it in motion.”
It was odd, for although Lady Whitmore spoke with her usual calm friendliness, when she raised her wine glass to her lips, her hand seemed to tremble.
***
“You did notice the slight tremor in Lady Whitmore’s hand as she discussed the duke?” Sarah looked Hammy over, always waiting for her delayed reaction to things. Her former governess wore her heart on her sleeve, so her opinion could be counted as honest.
“I did,” Hammy said rather tight-lipped. “Our gracious hostess appeared greatly troubled, if not saddened by your wish for revenge on His Grace.”
“Perhaps she is acquainted with his family? Or maybe she has experienced something similar to my own past, and it hurt her to relive the memory?”
Her companion shook her head. “I sense something deeper than that in her.”
“Oh?” Sarah stopped walking and stared at Hammy. “What would that be?”
“I do not wish to speak out of turn, so I will not explain any further, not until I am sure of myself.”
Sarah frowned, impatient as she had always been. In fact, she stamped her foot but then quickly corrected her bad behavior. “I am sorry.”
A demure smile brightened Hammy’s face. “There is the young woman who has matured this last year.”
Sarah sighed. “Yes, she is inside me, but so is the spoiled, impudent child I have always been.”
Her companion squeezed her hand affectionately. “I am proud of you. I do not believe you would have admitted such a thing six months ago.”
“Perhaps not. Yet, I find myself still wanting to be that spoiled girl.”
“You cannot serve two masters, Sarah.”
“Whatever do you mean by that?”
“Only that you must choose which person you wish to be more. The girl throwing apples, or the lady ready to face the world and win the admiration of her peers.”
Sarah knew what resonated most in her heart. Becoming a graceful member of society. Yet… Temptation beckoned her nearly every minute of every day. If no one expected much from her, then she needn’t expect much from herself. But the duke… She envisioned him, that warm smile, those pleasant eyes, and his broad shoulders—so handsome, so physically appealing.
What would it feel like to bring him to his knees? To experience him falling in love with her, to want her after that embarrassing rejection? She did not hate him, but neither did she appreciate his unfair judgement. Her tender feelings for him had been instantaneous after he climbed the tree and sat beside her. She bit her bottom lip and looked away from Hammy, an undeniable tear in the corner of her eye.
“Sarah?”
She tried to wave her away.
“Do you forget how well I know you?” Hammy asked quietly.
“Of course, not,” she admitted. “That is why I looked away from you. I do not wish you to see me cry.”
“Dearest.” Hammy’s comforting arms came around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. “If you could find it within yourself to let go these negative feelings for the duke, we could make arrangements to travel back to London at the end of the week. No one need know the true nature of our stay here.”
The softest part of Sarah considered her suggestion sincerely. Forgiveness was a virtue she hadn’t quite mastered yet. It was also something Lady Whitmore hadn’t provided instruction on. Why