An Honorable Arrangement by A.S. Fenichel

Author:A.S. Fenichel
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: A.S. Fenichel

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.

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