Marriage with a Proper Stranger

by Karyn Gerrard

  His protective instincts went into full alert and he scooped the frightened child into his arms. She immediately hugged him about his neck, holding on for dear life. “There, child,” he whispered soothingly. “No need to be afraid. Thunder and lightning can be loud and overpowering, but they are merely a facet of weather, just warm air and cool air slamming against each other. It will be over soon, I promise.” He walked about the front of the class, humming quietly until Annabelle settled.

  The young girl did not have a father; the man had disappeared when she was a baby. Annabelle ran to Riordan for protection because she had no other male influence in her life except him. A sad state of affairs, but Riordan soon learned many of his students looked to him as a father figure, and it was humbling indeed. He carried Annabelle to her desk and made sure she was calm and comfortable. Another crash sounded. Wait. It wasn’t thunder. Someone was pounding on the door.

  “Students, study the drawing of the map of the world in front of you. When I return, we will discuss the continents. Clara, watch over the class.” The older girl nodded and moved to his desk. Clara had expressed a desire to be a teacher, and he often used her as a de facto assistant.

  With the class under control, Riordan strode toward the alcove and the front entrance beyond. He flung open the door and a soaking wet Miss Tuttle stood before him, gasping and out of breath. “Mr.…Black …” she wheezed.

  He clasped her arm and assisted her across the threshold. “Good God. What is it?”

  She took several deep breaths and exhaled. “I…I ran all the way. One moment.” Regaining a more regulated breathing, she gazed up at him, her worried expression certainly cause for concern. “When we arrived, the earl was there. Sutherhorne.”

  Damn. “He wasn’t supposed to be there until tomorrow.”

  Miss Tuttle nodded. “Yes. Not expected. Lady Pepperdon was shoved into a room with him. She bade me to come to you, and to say whatever you’ve planned will have to be put into action immediately.”

  “Come sit by the woodstove and dry off. Unfortunately, I can do nothing until class dismisses in two hours. Hopefully by then it will have stopped raining. In the meantime, stay as my guest, Miss Tuttle.”

  “Thank you. Please, call me Mary as Lady Pepperdon does.”

  “Very well, Mary.” Still clasping her arm, he escorted her to the woodstove and saw her settled. “Class, this is Miss Tuttle. She is taking refuge from the storm and will be our guest for the rest of the afternoon.”

  “Good afternoon, Miss Tuttle,” the class said in singsong unison.

  Riordan’s mind raced. What he’d planned would have to be put into action right away. A good thing Garrett had not departed for home yet—he would need him. But first…he turned toward his eager students. “The continents…”

  * * * *

  The rain had let up by dismissal. After assuring Mary he would act immediately, he made for his cottage. Upon entry, he found Garrett sitting in the overstuffed armchair with one long leg dangling over the side. He had a book in one hand and a whiskey in the other. A roaring fire crackled in the hearth. Riordan stood in front of it and warmed his hands.

  Garrett looked up from his book. “Dismissal already? Where did the afternoon go?”

  “Don’t you look comfortable.”

  Garrett slammed the book shut. “I am. I do not often take a respite like this. I must do it more often. Your housekeeper brought a kettle of beef stew by, along with a fresh loaf of bread. I’m famished. Let’s tuck in.”

  Riordan turned to face his uncle. “The meal will have to wait. I have a favor to ask of you. All you need to do is stand next to me and look menacing.”

  Garrett cocked an eyebrow. “Does the wretch deserve to be menaced?”

  “Yes. He does.”

  Garrett stood. “What are we waiting for?”

  “First, I must ask you not to repeat to grandfather and father anything that happens or anything you hear. Rest assured I will attend the first of November’s family meeting and reveal all. I have already asked the board and was granted a personal day.”

  “Jesus, what in hell are you doing?”

  “I’m assisting someone in dire need. It is what we do as a family, is it not?” Riordan gave Garrett a brief smile. “The wretch in question is a marquess. There is a baron involved. And his daughter, the widow of an earl.”

  Garrett closed his eyes. “Aw, hell.”

  Riordan wrapped his wool muffler about his neck. “It could become messy. But I gave my word to the lady in question.”

  Garrett’s eyes snapped open. “The widow? Again I ask: what the bloody hell are you doing?”

  Riordan marched toward the door. “Rescuing a damsel in distress. It is too bad the horse isn’t white, but I will ride up on a noble steed nonetheless.”

  Garrett grabbed his cloak and followed Riordan outside. The heavy rain had turned into a light mist, but the road into town was muddy and full of ruts. A nondescript brick building, the Carrbury Inn, came into sight. After handing off their horses to a young lad, Riordan pulled Garrett aside. “Go inside and ask for the Marquess of Sutherhorne. Tell him the Earl of Carnstone awaits him. I better not go inside, as the innkeeper sits on the education board. Having the schoolmaster threaten a peer would definitely be cause for dismissal.”

  Garrett arched an eyebrow. “You think? I bloody well hope you know what you’re doing, Nephew.” With a grunt of disbelief, his uncle headed into the inn.

  Actually, he had no idea what he was doing. He did not make a habit of threatening anyone, but could rise to the occasion if needed. No one stood in his way once his mind was made up. An unfortunate family trait, but it came in handy for their progressive causes. And this was a significant cause. Women should never be treated as property or chattel with no rights of their own.

  Garrett stepped outside, bending slightly to allow the doorframe to accommodate his height. “Well, the message has been delivered. Now to see if he comes on his own. He does have a couple of men with him, no doubt his valet and a coach driver. I suppose you will do the talking and I will threaten bodily harm.”

  “Yes. Thanks for this, Garrett. I will explain a little more when we return to the cottage.”

  “Carnstone? Where are you, man? And what is the meaning of dragging me away from my warm fire—”

  Garrett growled, clasped the marquess’s arm, and pulled him into the shadows of the alley next to the inn.

  The older man stammered in protest. He had come out alone, a lucky occurrence. “Sorry, no Carnstone. You are to leave this vicinity immediately. There will be no marriage between you and Lady Pepperdon.” Riordan barked, though he kept his tone as quiet as possible in order to not be overheard.

  “You insolent blackguard. Who are you to make demands?” Garrett growled once again, grabbed a fistful of the old man’s coat, and lifted him bodily from the ground. It looked to be no hardship, as the man probably weighed nothing more than a leafless twig. Sutherhorne cried out, struggling to free himself from Garrett’s tight grip to no avail.

  “No one of significance, but know that my friend here will break you in half over his knee like a rotten piece of kindling if you do not agree to depart. Tonight.” Riordan paused. “But not before you write a note to the baron withdrawing your suit. How much is he paying you for a settlement?”

  The marquess stopped struggling and glared at him. Riordan stayed in shadow and hoped his face was obscured from any possible identification. “Paying me? I am paying him!” Sutherhorne snapped.

  Riordan’s insides twisted at the news. “There is no money?”

  “No, there isn’t. Durning makes a habit of selling his daughter. He held a secret auction the first time around, I was there…and lost. Not again. I ensured I’m the only one in the running, as I offered him eighteen thousand pounds, which is to be paid before the marriage takes place. The
baron and I have a deal, in writing, you cannot…”

  Secret auction? Riordan could not believe his ears. Though Sabrina had said she was sold to the highest bidder, he’d thought it was merely a turn of phrase. Yet she’d spoken of a dowry paid to Pepperdon. Where did the truth lie? God, what a mess. “I can and I will. Since you have not paid for her yet, you can easily withdraw from the transaction. I have powerful friends, and I will let it be known that you were involved in illegal doings.”

  Sutherhorne squeaked as Garrett lifted him higher. “Call off your damned beast! I will write the letter and leave tonight. But know this: I will find out who you are, and you will pay for interfering. Both of you. This I promise.” The last sentence dripped with menace. They had made an enemy here tonight.

  “Take him inside to write the note.”

  Garrett gruffly lowered the marquess, then commenced dragging him toward the inn. His uncle was certainly playing his role with a good deal of relish. Riordan ducked farther into the darkened alley and waited.

  One statement was startling: if Sutherhorne was paying to marry Sabrina, there would be no dowry or settlement. How in hell could he break the news to her? Things had already been set into motion; there was no going back on the plan now. “Habit of selling his daughter…secret auction.” Which meant Pepperdon had paid for her as well. Disgusting, arrogant men, bartering for a young lady. Again, no dowry or settlement. It explained why Pepperdon had left her penniless. The late earl had obviously decided she did not deserve it, since he’d laid out a good deal of capital in order to marry her. Damn it all. He believed Sabrina was truly ignorant of these facts.

  If the earl wasn’t already moldering in a grave, he would have ensured he be put there without hesitation. Both the marquess and the baron deserved the same fate. The potency of his growing anger alarmed him. Never had he come this close to committing murder.

  Moments later, the inn became a beehive of activity. The marquess’s carriage was brought around, trunks hurriedly loaded on, and Garrett emerged from the inn with Sutherhorne in tow. He loaded the cursing marquess into the carriage and slammed the door. With a crack of the whip, the horses whinnied and trotted off out of town.

  Garrett handed Riordan the sealed letter. “There is nothing to stop the bastard from sending a message to the baron anywhere along the road.”

  “Yes, I thought of that. I’d better head to the baron immediately and inform Sabrina of what has transpired.”

  “Sabrina, is it?”

  “Garrett, if you could please procure the room Sutherhorne just exited, I would be grateful. Lady Sabrina and her maid will be staying here tonight. Probably the rest of the week. I’ll meet you at the cottage.”

  Garrett was about to speak, then changed his mind. He clapped Riordan on the shoulder and gave him a look of what could be admiration.

  Now to make his way to Baron Durning.

  And to Sabrina.

  Chapter 10

  Once Riordan announced that he carried a note from the Marquess of Sutherhorne, who had ordered it be delivered personally into the baron’s hands, he was quickly bustled into the library. While waiting for the baron to arrive, he glanced about the room. Not well-stocked as libraries go, and the draperies were worn and frayed along the edges. The baron must be in financial straits. What other motive could he have to sell his daughter? It would take every ounce of his restraint not to pummel the oaf as soon as he made an appearance.

  The door banged against the wall and Baron Durning strode in, his look arrogant and imperious. Early fifties, Riordan guessed, and in fine fettle. Close to six feet in height and broad of shoulder—could he take him in a fight? He was taller and younger than the baron, it could be accomplished.

  But this wouldn’t come to an altercation. They were hardly drunk laborers arguing in a pub. They were gentlemen. However, that did not stop Riordan from using his brawny uncle to threaten the marquess. Desperate times call for…well, perhaps he could have handled this entire situation in a more civilized manner. But he was on this path, might as well see it through. His anger certainly fueled his actions. “I’m to wait for a reply, my lord.”

  Durning snatched the note, tore it open, and scanned it, his face turning purple the more he read. “What is the meaning of this?”

  “The marquess has departed the vicinity and returned to his home. There will be no wedding. However, I offer myself in his stead. I am Riordan Black, schoolmaster.”

  “School…schoolmaster? Is this a joke?” Durning thundered.

  Riordan took a step closer. “I am removing your daughter and her maid from these premises at once. You will not be able to sell her any longer, nor use her for your nefarious and selfish means.”

  The baron’s eyes narrowed. “I can do with her as I please. However, you want the bitch? Take her. She comes without a farthing.”

  “I am aware. The Marquess of Sutherhorne was most forthcoming with the information regarding your transaction, including your previous secret auction,” Riordan snapped. “I aim to offer my protection to Sabrina and because of it, you will never tell her there is no settlement or that you tried to sell her. In fact, you’re to have no further contact with her. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Or you will do what, exactly? One word from me and you will be dismissed from your post and run out of this county.” A malicious smile spread across the baron’s face.

  “No, you will not. I’m guessing you want to be rid of your daughter more than you wish to take revenge on a lowly schoolmaster. Besides, I have powerful allies: a viscount and an earl. Do not force my hand.”

  “You. Lie.” The baron spat the words, and a spray of spittle hit Riordan’s cheek, stoking his fury to untested levels.

  “Care to call my bluff? I will also ensure the authorities are made aware of the underhanded and illicit scheme to sell your daughter. There have been prosecutions in court for what you are doing. I’m guessing your finances are in a precarious position. May I suggest you find another way to procure income?” Riordan whispered dangerously. “Sell yourself in marriage instead.”

  The baron snorted, his look turning from anger to pure abhorrence. “You have cost me more than money, and it’s not something I will soon forget.”

  Riordan stepped away. “I seem to be collecting enemies today. Let me return the threat in kind: if you dare reveal any of this to your daughter, dare to speak of her or to her again, I will see you ruined. Arrested. Humiliated before Society.” Riordan leaned in close and whispered menacingly, “I will see you suffer in every way imaginable.”

  “You arrogant puppy,” Durning cried.

  Riordan collected himself. This heated situation was getting out of hand. But he was utterly furious at the way Sabrina had been treated. It made his hasty decision to assist her more urgent and equitable. But even more surprising was the desire to do anything to protect her. “Send for your daughter.”

  * * * *

  “Quickly, Mary. We must make a hasty escape.” Sabrina tore about her room like a whirling dervish, tossing various garments into her trunk.

  Mary gently laid her hand on Sabrina’s arm. “My lady, remember Mr. Black instructed us to only bring what we cannot do without. We must travel light. Do you truly care for these clothes?”

  Sabrina glanced at the pile of silk and velvet. No, she didn’t. All it did was remind her of her life with Pepperdon. Though her life with him was abhorrent, she had wanted for nothing. “I thought we could eventually sell them, but no, I don’t care for them. I will leave the trunk. Only what we are able to carry.” She marched to her dressing table and snatched up the sterling silver comb and brush set. “And what we are able to sell. The sun is setting; we will leave as soon as it grows dark.”

  “Shouldn’t we wait until Mr. Black arrives?”

  Sabrina shook her head sadly. “I doubt Mr. Black will be able to assist us. What was I
thinking? A schoolmaster against a baron and a marquess?” She stuffed the vanity set in her large carpet bag. “The plan is doomed.”

  “Well, I spent a couple of hours in his classroom today, and he had a commanding presence with complete control of his students. I don’t think he is a man who will be easily pushed around, not even by peers.” Mary smiled. “He had me mesmerized. I thought my education was solid and thorough, but even I learned a few things about the continents. I wonder what else he could teach a woman?”

  “Mary!” Sabrina froze.

  “Well, not me. I’m old enough to be his mother. But you, my lady? You’re attracted to him, you’re blushing even now. You will be alone with him in a small cottage and—”

  Sabrina held up her hand. “No. I cannot. I have no heart left. I have nothing to give any man.”

  Mary moved to her side. “How will you know unless you allow it? Be open to new experiences and emotions, my lady. I promise you will not regret it.” Mary shook her head. “I’m not suggesting that you seduce Mr. Black, good heavens. But as I said earlier, be open to friendship. And if it should lead to more…” She sighed, her expression wistful. “My lady, you have no idea how wonderful an intimate relationship with a man can be. It can enrich your life. I’m not merely speaking of physical intimacy, though that can be extraordinary. I mean friendship, sharing secrets, trusting that person with your life. Sharing a quiet evening when you are both in the room, each lost in their own pursuits but content in the companionable silence.”

  “My heavens, Mary. How do you know of such things? Do not tell me it is from your romantic books.”

  Her maid did something Sabrina had never seen before: she blushed. “No, not only from the books.”

  A knock at the door made them both start. “Oh, no. We should have left an hour since,” Sabrina whispered.

  “Who is it?” Mary called out.