Page 20 of An Honorable Arrangement
"What a perfect plan," he said. "Might we also take our time in arriving at your new home?"
She stopped, which forced him to look directly at her. "You may take as much time as you like, my lord."
"Sarah, I…"
Whatever he was about to say was cut off by Mrs. Pratt calling their names and running up the street toward them. "My lord, you have a letter."
Gasping for breath, Mrs. Pratt handed over the letter.
Sarah's air supply seemed to have a shortage as well. It was likely his uncle was ordering him to Sussex. The earl was likely angry and Monty would be in some trouble. She took long breaths while Montgomery broke the red sealing wax and unfolded the parchment.
A deep line formed between his furrowed brow.
Gathering herself, she asked, "Is something amiss, my lord?"
"No. Not at all." He refolded the paper and tucked it inside his coat. "My parents have decided to join the party at Willoughby Castle and have informed me of their plans to arrive on the day of my aunt’s ball."
She wanted to ask him why the news troubled him, but Mary's presence and her own selfish relief kept her silent. "Shall we order some luncheon before we make our way to the sea?"
He offered each of them an arm, and they walked back to the Wayfarer. Mary blushed, almost making Sarah laugh.
* * *
Sarah had loved the vastness of the sea. It had left her feeling small but somehow part of something bigger. It was long past the hour when she had taken to her bed. Mary had been snoring for hours. Sleep wouldn’t come to Sarah.
Thoughts of Montgomery warmed her in a way she'd never expected. He acted with kindness and encouraged her to do what she needed for herself rather than telling her what to do and ordering her about. Many men of his station would have been furious with her for running away, and maybe he had been at first. Yet since his arrival, he'd been kind and solicitous. He'd been the truest of friends. Thinking of him filled her with joy and made her uncomfortable at once.
Before she could think better of it, she slid her feet into her slippers, grabbed her robe, and stepped into the hallway. A moment later, she stood tapping on Montgomery's door with her heart lodged in her throat.
Regaining her senses, she stepped away.
The door opened, and there stood Montgomery in his breeches and blouse with his blond hair mussed and his voice filled with confusion. "Sarah? Is something wrong?"
"I…I couldn't sleep. I'm so sorry to have woken you. I don't know what I was thinking. Ladies don't knock on the doors of men in the middle of the night unless someone is dying, and clearly, no one is in danger of that." She forced her mouth shut to stop her blathering and made to run back to her room.
"Sarah?" He stepped into the hall. "Are you running away because you think I do not wish to see you or for some other reason? Because I most definitely do wish to see you."
Something she'd never dared feel before bloomed inside her. It might have been hope, but the notion was so unfamiliar, she hardly knew. She dug for something intelligent to say. "I thought it might be nice to arrange a Michaelmas box of food and treats for Mrs. Cochran."
He smiled that knowing in. "It is a fine idea. I'll send Mr. Knox a note and arrange something with the innkeeper tomorrow before we depart. Was there anything else?"
"Is that true that you wish to see me?" Her voice sounded small.
His warm smile touched his eyes as his knuckles grazed her cheek. "Do you think me still in my day clothes because I could sleep? I have spent this night thinking of nothing but you and how lovely it has been to chase after you."
"I'm sorry I ran away."
He offered his hand, and she took it. He led her into his room then closed the door. She leaned against the hard oak, not following deeper into the room where his bed stood as a warning.
"I'm not sorry you ran. If you had not, I would never have gotten to spend time with you and learned what a delight you are." He cocked his head and waited for some response.
The events of four years earlier quashed any romantic notions she might have allowed. Her pulse pounded and breathing became a struggle. "I should have stayed in my room. What was I thinking? You must think me a terrible harlot."
Gripping the door latch, she pulled but couldn't get the door to open. Panic erupted, and she yanked harder without results. It was her nightmare come to life, and fear rocketed through her.
Montgomery's body pressed firmly to her back. "Shh, you're safe, Sarah." His hand covered hers on the latch, and he gently opened the door. "You are safe. As to what I think, you must believe that I respect you entirely. I'm proud of what you did with your father, and I'm honored to call you my friend. I would never force myself on you, but I will not lie to you."
She let her hand drop and allowed the door to shut again. How it was possible, she didn't know, but for the first time in her life, she did feel safe. Nothing terrible could happen to her because Montgomery would protect her and she would protect him. "What is the truth?"
