Page 23 of Drowned in the Pleasure of a Devilish Baron
“Then don’t,” Juliet said matter-of-factly. “If they ask, tell them you don’t know if Felix will be visiting because you aren’t writing to him, just like they told you that you couldn’t. And that is true, because you won’t be writing to him, and you won’t know for sure whether or not he is visiting until you get here.”
Felix looked admiringly at his little sister. “I had no idea you were so sly.”
She smiled and moved her head from side to side. “That’s part of my slyness,” she said with a wink. “Now. Are we all agreed?”
Sarah and Felix looked at each other. “I suppose she’s right,” Sarah said hesitantly. “And we will be together eventually, why not spend some time together now?”
“I would come here every day if there was even the slightest chance of seeing you. This past year, where we did not see one another, was my darkest year. I don’t want to go back to living that way, especially now,” he said.
“It’s settled then.” Juliet stood. “You’ll meet here as often as you can both get away. Shall I see you both tomorrow then?”
If Sarah can get away.
He caught Sarah’s eye. “I won’t let anything stop me.”
Chapter Eleven
Sarah dithered at her doorway upon returning from Juliet’s. She had always been a bad liar, and the idea of her mother or John taking away the little glow in her chest was disheartening.
She glanced at the closed front door and decided to give herself a few more moments alone. Sitting on the front step, she leaned back against her hands and looked up at the sky. It was a beautiful day, gloriously blue and bright. She pressed her hands to her heart, marveling at the warm feeling inside of her.
I never knew it was possible to be so happy.
That kiss. Felix was so masterful, but so gentle at the same time. He let her feel like they were creating the moment together, rather than forcing it the way he wanted it. She put a hand to her hair, thinking about the feeling of his big hand tangled in her curls. She couldn’t stop a small smile from lighting her face at the thought.
“Lost in another drift, are you?”
She hadn’t even heard the door open. John came out, stepping regally down the stairs, dressed in a new jacket.
“You’re looking very nice,” she said, eyeing his sleek double-breasted waistcoat and complicatedly-tied cravat. “Are those silk stockings?”
He extended one long, slim leg and looked down at them. “Yes, quite sharp aren’t they?” Hooking his thumbs into the pockets of his coat, he looked down his nose at her. “It is possible to put a bit of effort into your appearance, you know.”
She looked down at the gown she had owned for years, one that Rebecca had made small modifications to, but had otherwise remained the same. It was comfortable and allowed for free and easy movement, but was certainly nothing special.
“And what have you done to your hair? Really, Sarah would it kill you to put a bit of effort in?”
“What’s got you putting so mucheffortin?” she shot back. “Who do you have to impress all of a sudden?”
Instead of looking irritated, he only smiled widely. “Don’t you worry your little head about that, Sister. Just know that if my meeting today goes well, we are looking at a very bright future, indeed.”
Sarah had a sinking feeling that the “we” in that sentence did not include her.
He took the steps to the yard two at a time, heading towards their carriage. “Mother is waiting for you in the drawing room, by the way,” he threw over his shoulder as he climbed in and left.
It wouldn’t do to make her mother wait. With a sigh, she stood and headed to the drawing room.
“How is Lady Juliet?” her mother asked, not taking her eyes from her needlepoint in her lap.
“Very well,” Sarah said. “Baby George is growing every day.”
“I suppose that’s why she wants you there so often, hm? You’re her nursemaid now? Little Lady Juliet needs some help running things? She was never the most promising girl.” Lady Marlow smirked.
“No, Mother—”
But she interrupted her. “And have you kept your word? No writing to Sir Felix? Rebecca has not reported any letters, but maybe you thought you might sneak off to Lady Juliet’s and send one from there?” her mother said with a sideways glance.
Sarah bit the inside of her cheek. “No, Mother. I have kept my word. I have not even attempted to send a letter to Sir Felix.”
