“Let me see what I can find out about him. Mr. Riordan Black, you say his name is?” Sabrina nodded. “I’ll venture to town this afternoon, for your embroidery thread, and make subtle inquiries.”
“I don’t like to embroider, as you well know.” Sabrina smiled sardonically.
“True, but the baron doesn’t know it.” Mary stood. “Now, we should get you dressed and ready for the day.” Opening the nearby wardrobe, Mary held up the black bombazine dress.
“Discard the mourning garments, Mary. I am done with them. The black bonnets as well.” Mary tossed the dress to the bed and instead held up a green and yellow walking dress. Two years out of date, but who would notice?
Confusing feelings swirled about in her mind. This was to be a business arrangement, nothing more. However, she found Riordan attractive. Sabrina would never act on it. Her course of abstinence was set. Never again would a man lay a hand on her for any purpose.
* * * *
With the harvest break upon him, Riordan headed to Wollstonecraft Hall. Since his family estate was located near Sevenoaks in Kent and a mere twenty-one miles from London, he was sorely tempted to head to town and locate Sutherhorne. A visit to Barley, Kenworth, and Davis, Barristers and Solicitors, should be at the top of his list. Sitting at the dining room table, he pulled William Chambers’s letter from the side pocket of his coat and snapped it open.
Dear Riordan,
Smashing to hear from you! It has been too long. You, a schoolmaster? Knowing your progressive thoughts and beliefs, I suppose I am not surprised. Well done.
To address your inquires: Scotland is not a viable option. It is too far away and with many complicated rules, such as a permanent residency. There are other options for an annulment besides the ones you mentioned in your letter. One of you could claim the other insane and state that you did not know what you were doing when you entered into the marriage. There is also the underage option, or claiming force was used to ensure the marriage took place.
Or, one of you could claim fraudulent reasons. That one deceived the other into a marriage by using a false name, for example.
I can do nothing to assist with an annulment, as the cases are heard before the ecclesiastical court of the Church of England, and only proctors or advocates from the Doctors Common can oversee the proceedings. It is a drawn-out process, and the length of time before the annulment is granted varies case by case. Though most annulments are approved, there are a number that are refused. A person would be stuck with the other for the rest of their lives. It is a hell of a gamble.
I am almost afraid to inquire as to why you are asking these questions. While I sympathize with the unknown lady in question and her “hypothetical” dilemma, I beseech you to come see me here, at the office in London, or at my residence before you do anything rash.
Rescuing a damsel in distress, while an honorable cause, could have life-changing consequences.
Your concerned friend,
William
The passage about fraudulent reasons stood out like a lighthouse beacon. If he married her at a registrar’s office using the name Riordan Black, would it be considered fraud on his part? Grounds for an annulment? He scanned the rest of the letter. What honorable man did not desire to rescue a damsel in distress? Though he doubted Sabrina would wish to be thought of as such. As if he knew her at all.
Garrett strode into the room, heading straight for the sideboard. When most of the family was away, meals were informal. “Martin told me you arrived about thirty minutes past. Homesick already?”
Considering there were only six years’ difference in their ages, he thought of Garrett more as an older brother than an uncle. He slipped the letter into his pocket, then sipped his tea.
Garrett had hit the nail on the head: he was homesick, but he would never admit it. “Hardly. There is a short break for the autumn harvest. The children are expected to help out, free labor and the like.”
Garrett set his overloaded plate of sliced roast pork and assorted vegetables on the table, then sat across from Riordan. “Ah yes, the exploitation of children in the labor market. It is only right they assist with the running of a farm, it keeps them housed and fed.”
“I should have expected as such from you, seeing you have hay on your shirt and smell of horse,” Riordan teased.
Garrett laughed good-naturedly. “Come now, I do agree education is important. But so is the running of a family farm. At the least, the labor is honest and for the greater good of the family, unlike those poor youngsters who toil twelve hours a day in factories in wretched conditions, receiving no education whatsoever.”
Riordan gave his uncle a nod. “You’ve got me there. Speaking of farms and such, how is Starlight faring?”
His uncle’s face lit up at the mention of his prize mare. “Swimmingly. She came through the birth in fine fettle. The foal? He’s an excellent specimen, will be a welcome addition to the stable. And Grayson?”
Grayson was Riordan’s horse, a six-year-old gelding he’d ridden exclusively for the past several years. “Stabled at a nearby farm. I ride him when I can, usually on Saturday and Sunday. He’s being well looked after. You can see for yourself; he’s being fed in the stable as we speak.”
“I will check on him later.”
“I had hoped to borrow a wagon and take pieces of furniture with me to Carrbury. We do have older pieces in storage, do we not? Is there a mattress?”
Garrett shrugged in between bites. “There are some choice bits in the attic of the barn. As for a mattress, we will have to ask Mrs. Barnes. She could no doubt scrounge up proper bedding as well.”
“Where is Aidan? Not coming down for dinner?”
Garrett grunted. “Since the blow with Julian, he scampered off to Bath, to lick his wounds and indulge in his various vices.”
Bath was a favorite haunt of his brother’s, a place of escape when his father and grandfather were in London. In Bath Aidan could attend as many brothels as he chose, or have a scandalous fling with an actress from one of the city’s many theaters without fear of censure. How could twin brothers be as different as they were? Since they were paternal twins they did not look exactly alike, and from their cribs they could not have been more dissimilar.
From his early youth, Aidan was always involved in mischief, leading the governess and nurse on a merry chase. Only Mrs. Barnes, the housekeeper, could put Aidan in his place with a stern look and a wag of her finger. Riordan decided not to follow his brother down such a mischievous path, and instead became a sober and studious young lad. The praise he earned managed to inflame his brother’s disobedient behavior and increase it a hundredfold.
Finally, Julian had had enough and sent Aidan away to school at age ten, two years before Riordan joined him. Perhaps that is when the resentment took root between father and son. The more their father reprimanded Aidan, the worse he acted. No amount of admonishment from the earl or the kindly Mrs. Barnes had any effect.
There was a serious clash coming, Riordan could sense it: irreparable harm causing a permanent rupture between Aidan and the rest of the family. Harsh words would be spoken, never to be taken back, Aidan sinking to even lower depths, losing himself in debauchery. If only there was a way he could broker peace between his father and brother. If only…
“Thinking of Aidan?” Garrett asked.
“How can you tell?”
Garrett pointed his fork in Riordan’s direction. “You always get a particular worried look, like your eyebrows are knotted. Leave Aidan to his devices. He will tire of them soon enough.” Riordan wasn’t as sure. “I’ll come with you to Carrbury. That way I can assist you with the furniture and shortly thereafter return home. I believe I will use Juno for the trip; he’s strong enough to pull a wagon full of furniture. Besides, I want to see your setup. Are you enjoying teaching?”
Riordan reached for a fresh
piece of bread and buttered it generously. “More than I ever imagined. To be able to mold and shape young minds, open them to worlds they never knew existed. To see the awe on their faces as they learn something new or accomplish a goal. To know you are making a difference in their lives, expanding their imaginations, to show them life holds many and all possibilities.”
“A noble calling,” Garrett murmured. “You make me feel guilty for not doing more regarding the family’s varied causes.”
“Nonsense. You do plenty for the tenants and surrounding farms. Did you not assist Mr. Jacobi in repairing his roof last month, not only with your labor, but by buying many of the supplies needed as well?”
“Bah. The man had a hard year, it was the least I could do. I’m hiring a few men to help repair Sir Walter Keenan’s fences. I attended the funeral on behalf of the family, and met the niece who is to take possession of the place. The property is in worse condition than I originally thought. Alberta Eaton, the benefactor of the will, is a widow living with a young man I first thought to be her son, but is in fact her brother-in-law.” Garrett tapped his temple. “The lad is simple, and I assume not able to oversee any renovations.”
Riordan gave Garrett a teasing wink. “A widow, you say?”
Garrett scoffed. “Though attractive enough, she is too old for me. Around Julian’s age, I would guess. Besides, you’re well aware I have no interest in romantic entanglements, especially with a neighbor. Blasted awkward.” Garrett shoved another forkful of pork and vegetables in his mouth.
Speaking of entanglements. Riordan was tempted to inform Garrett about what had happened since he’d arrived at Carrbury, but caution stilled his tongue. First, he must meet with William and ascertain the lay of the land before deciding what to do about Lady Sabrina.
Chapter 7
William Chambers looked at him aghast. “You cannot be serious. Marriage with a stranger?” He rubbed his temples in irritation. “There are many ways I imagine this going, and all of them end in disaster. Not to mention, if the baron finds out the marriage is a complete charade, there could be charges of fraud, a chaotic court case…dear God.”
Riordan had had the same thoughts over the past several days. “I will need your assistance to ensure no harm or consequence can damage either one of us. Of all the options available for annulment, I wish to discuss the fraud aspect. I’m using the name Riordan Black for my teaching position.”
William raised an eyebrow. “What on earth for?”
“My family is well-known, infamous even. There is the blasted curse hanging over me wherever I go. I didn’t want the townspeople and the students to be intimidated by the fact that I’m rich and my father is a viscount and my grandfather an earl. It was of paramount importance I stand on even ground in order to be accepted into the community.”
“Does this Lady Pepperdon know your true identity? Does anyone in the vicinity?”
“No, she does not, though one member on the board, Mr. Beatty, is aware and agreed with my well-meaning deception. He will keep quiet, I’m sure,” Riordan replied.
William stood and strode to the sideboard. “Good bloody hell, I need a drink.” He clasped the whiskey decanter and waved it toward him. “You?”
“Yes, please.”
Running his hand through his sandy-blond hair, he poured the whiskey, murmuring under his breath. Riordan smiled. They had shared a room at Cambridge, and William often did this when irritated or under stress.
After passing the tumbler to Riordan, William sat and huffed out a short breath. “Listen to me, my friend: In order for the fraud option to be viable, you cannot tell Lady Pepperdon your real name. The reveal has to be authentic, based in some sort of truth. Do you understand?”
Riordan crossed his legs and regarded his friend. “You mean lie? She is sure to ask me about my background….”
“Tell her nothing. It is not as if you will be carrying on conversations on personal matters anyway.” William took a long pull on his whiskey.
“I can hardly avoid it, the cottage is small.”
“What do you tell the townspeople?” William asked.
“That I’m half Irish, my mother came from Dublin, and my father is involved in factory work. None of it is a lie, though it is vague. Father is involved with factory reform work with Lord Ashley, but people assumed otherwise. I let it stand.”
“There’s your answer. Tell her that and nothing more if she asks.” William threw back another generous swallow, gritting his teeth. “I cannot believe I am going to be a party to this barmy plot. Have you spoken to her father yet?”
“No. I will when I return to Carrbury. I want a legal and binding agreement drawn up, stating the money is hers free and clear on the date of the annulment. She offered me a percentage—I will not collect. Until then, keep the amount in trust. You look after all my holdings; this will be one more item. I also want a contract for the baron to sign. The money is to be paid to this firm before the marriage takes place. Ten thousand pounds. No more, no less. The marriage will not go forward without payment.”
William made notes on his legal pad. “The baron can pay this money to the old marquess with the same result. Why would he choose you?”
Riordan smiled. “Because I am going to ensure Sutherhorne is out of the running.”
William shook his head. “I shall not ask.”
“It is wise you do not. Here is a question: how long do we keep up the pretense of a marriage?”
William laid his pen on his desk and met his gaze. “Before I answer, I want you to think about the ramifications of what you are doing. This will be a stain on your reputation. You have plans to open a progressive school. Do you truly believe people will want to send their children to a school run by a swindler? For that is what they will call you.” William paused, his expression turned sympathetic. “Annulments are part of the public record. When your true name is revealed, it will make the papers. Granted, scandals are fleeting in most cases—it well could fade from memory over time—but it could damage you, and your family, in the interim.”
Riordan had already considered it. He and his family could weather a temporary storm of scandal. They’d already endured Aidan’s antics and the constant scrutiny regarding the curse. “My family will be behind me. We stand for progressive causes. The plight of women needs attention. What better way than this? It is past time women are allowed to have property and rights.”
William gave him an indulgent look. “There is more to life than causes.”
“Perhaps. But at the moment, not in mine.”
“There must be other reasons besides women’s rights compelling you forward,” William stated.
Were there? To be honest, he hadn’t quite made up his mind. He wanted to hear all the options. Perhaps it was her late-night visit and the way she spoke of her plight with such honesty and emotion. She’d spoken to his heart. “I haven’t worked out the rest as of yet.”
“What of Lady Pepperdon? Is she willing to expose herself to scandal and censure?”
“She’s informed me that once the money is in her possession she plans to move far away.”
“And leave you to bear the brunt of gossip.” William shook his head. “Very well. I will do as you ask. You should be married at a registrar’s office. Not in the church. It is an easier process. I know it is blasted hypocrisy that you can marry civilly but must seek an annulment through the church.” William waved his hand. “More laws that must be changed. If and when the laws are amended, it will give those of us in the legal field additional clients if divorce and annulments are obtainable through the regular courts.”
Riordan smiled. “Always the charitable one.”
“To answer your earlier question, I would stay married three months at most. It’s enough time to give the marriage a little credence.” William paused. “As your solicitor I must beg you rethink this. As y
our friend, I know you have already made up your mind and will plow ahead regardless. I will do all I can to ensure this goes as smoothly and quietly as possible.”
Riordan reached across the desk and held out his hand. William took it and shook it. “Thank you, William.”
“I want to meet Lady Pepperdon. Let me know the approximate date, and I will make arrangements at a registrar’s office nearby. You both come here first and sign the papers. I will accompany you, to act as witness and attest to the fact that you signed your name Riordan Black.”
“Will I have to sign the legal paper as Riordan Black?”
“No, use your real name. We will have her sign it first. We can say you signed Riordan Black at the registrar’s office in error, since it is the name you’re using at the moment. I may be disbarred for this, but we might get away with it.”
“And the motivation for not telling Lady Pepperdon my true name?”
“The truth: you wanted to keep your background a secret because it would interfere with your teaching assignment. The man on the school board can verify. Gad, I need another drink.”
“You are a true friend.”
“I’m only doing this to protect you, because, as I said, you would plow ahead and damn the circumstances. This way, it may lessen the scandal.”
Riordan frowned. “Perhaps I’m making a mistake. This is all becoming convoluted.”
“You can try another avenue. Maybe you forced one or the other into the marriage.” William leaned forward. “Or, here is a novel idea: do not go through with it at all. Lend her money, it would be less cumbersome.”
Riordan shook his head. “She would not take it. Lady Pepperdon is adamant that her father owes her for her misery and is determined to collect recompense. I cannot say I blame her. Besides, how would I explain that I’m rich without revealing my true identity?”
“God, what a tangle.”
Riordan dismissed the warning bells ringing in his head. Much could go wrong, or, as William succinctly put it, all could end in disaster. Sitting in the law office, he made up his mind: he would assist Sabrina to gain her independence. The fact he found her attractive could not play a role in this scenario. Damn it, she was pretty, and he was growing to like her besides. The path was set, and since stubbornness and determination made up part of his character, he would see this complicated arrangement through to its inevitable conclusion.
Marriage with a Proper Stranger Page 6
