“Finally, we’re in agreement,” Papa said with visible relief.
Willing to grant him his victory, Sarah resumed eating. The conversation turned to Sarah’s niece and her upcoming birthday – a light discussion that offered a mental reprieve from all the tension the day had offered thus far.
Later, however, once Papa had left for his club and Mama had gone to call on a friend for afternoon tea, Sarah turned to Athena. “Are you still willing to help me?”
Athena’s eyes widened. “You heard Papa.”
“Indeed. He forbade me from approaching Brunswick but insisted I not ignore him if he approaches me.” Sarah held Athena’s gaze. “Surely there’s a way to make that happen.”
Athena shook her head. “Your tenacity may prove foolhardy in this instance.”
“I know, but considering my age and the fact that I’ve probably frightened away the last men who might have been interested in me, it’s not as though I have much to lose. On the other hand, there could be much to gain from helping him.”
“Has it not occurred to you that he may not want your help?”
Sarah crossed her arms. “Of course. But he also wants a wife. Me, as it turns out.”
“Until this morning, when you turned him down.”
“And,” Sarah said, deciding not to let her sister’s comment deter her, “if I am able to put him to rights, he could turn out to be a wonderful match.”
“You’re serious?”
“Absolutely.”
Athena slowly nodded. “Very well then. I’ll get to work on a plan right away.”
Contentment filled Sarah’s veins. She was happiest when she was working toward a concrete goal – preferably one involving a rescue of some sort. As projects went, Brunswick would be her biggest yet. She only hoped she was up to the challenge.
Chapter Two
“THE DUKE OF BRUSWICKwould like to know if you’re in,” Simmons said the next morning when he located Sarah in the library an hour after breakfast.
She stared at the butler a moment, then turned to her sister. “Is this your doing?”
“No,” Athena said. “The best workable solution I’ve been able to come up with so far involves him coming to your rescue. Not exactly the sort of thing that can be arranged from one day to the next.”
