Page 24 of Drowned in the Pleasure of a Devilish Baron
Her mother placed her needlepoint down on her lap and looked at her closely. Finally, she nodded. “I believe you. You always were a terrible liar.” She made the characteristic sound like an insult. “I sent for some new material for you, it’s upstairs on your bed. I would like you to embroider it nicely. We will have it made into a new gown for you, but it needs to look special.”
“Why?”
“Don’t bother asking questions, do as you’re told.”
Sarah stood and made her way to the door.
“Remember what I said, Sarah. It’s to look special. Don’t disappoint me, now.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Her mother’s face softened, and she rose to stand with Sarah, putting a cool hand to her daughter’s cheek. “I know we’ve been hard on you, dear, but trust me, we only have your best interest at heart.”
Sarah leaned into her mother’s soft touch. “I know you do. But Mother, truly, I believe if you got to know Sir Felix, you might approve the match. He’s a good gentleman.”
Lady Marlow smiled. “I know you believe that, but it’s my job, and your brother’s job, to look after you. A match with Sir Felix is simply not feasible.”
“Butwhy—”Sarah began, but her mother’s face shut down in response.
“I will not be questioned by you. You will have to trust us both. Now go and get back to work.” And just like that, Sarah was dismissed.
The next few days held a steady routine for Sarah. She would wake early and spend the morning hours being the model daughter. She sewed her new fabric industrially, asking her mother’s opinion on thread colors and designs, knowing that nothing made her happier than to be consulted. To John, every sentence she said was meekly obedient, lovingly familial.
Then, in the afternoons, she slipped away to Juliet’s house. The reasons she gave varied—Juliet needed help with the baby, there was an event coming up she needed advice on, she wanted a voice accompaniment as she played the piano. With each day, she felt a bit less guilty, particularly as she was always careful to actually do whatever she said she would be doing while she was at Cunningham Manor.
Even better, her time with Felix had her heart singing. They talked of everything and nothing, their childhoods, their families, memories of growing up, their dreams for the future… no subject went untouched. And always, at some point, Juliet would leave them alone and they would kiss.
It was Wednesday, and Juliet met Sarah at the door. Today, Sarah’s excuse for her family was that Juliet required a second opinion for the decorating of George’s nursery.
“I had a picnic prepared for us,” Juliet said brightly. “I thought we could enjoy the sunshine together. Felix is already waiting for us around the back.”
Sarah loved the idea of escaping into the brightness of the day. She followed through the halls to the back of the manor, where Felix was, indeed, waiting.
The three were only a few steps through the gardens when Juliet stopped in her tracks and put the palm of her hand to her forehead. “Why, silly me, I’ve forgotten little George!”
Felix shot her an amused look. “Could the nursemaid not be sent for?”
Juliet smiled slyly. “Certainly she could, but I should really oversee this.” She gestured to the top of the hill. “I had thought we would picnic overlooking the vineyard. There’s a nice spot at the top of this hill here. George and I shall meet you there. We won’t be long!” Waving gaily, she picked her way through the garden back to the door, leaving Felix and Sarah exchanging fond looks.
“Shall we?” Felix crooked out his arm, and Sarah placed her hand on his sleeve.
“I think we shall.” She smiled at him.
It was a stunningly beautiful day, the sun at full height, spreading a buttery warmth across the Cunningham acres. When they made it to the top, only slightly out of breath, it was immediately clear which spot Juliet meant.
A patch of old, leafy oaks stood regally, their branches coming together to create a spot of shade in the soft grass. A blanket lay across the ground, with a large basket in the center and small cushions scattered across. They sat together on two of the cushions.
Sarah lifted the lid of the basket to peek inside.
“We will wait for Juliet, of course, but I wonder what she had packed for us,” she said. “Ooh!” She lifted her eyebrows. “Such delicacies!”
“What's inside?” Felix leaned to look around her hand but she snapped the lid closed with a grin.
“You will have to wait and see,” she said primly, sliding the basket out of reach.
“That’s all right with me, there’s plenty here to look at,” he said, his eyes were locked on her.
She blushed, looking down at her lap.
