His Contrary Bride (A Gentleman's Guide to One Upon a Time - Book 2)

by Charles, Jane

  Not far from the stables a garden had been planted. Most of the vegetables had already been harvested, yet Sabrina stood toward the back with a basket hooked over her arm. Once again he admired the view of her backside as she bent over. He called out a greeting and waited for her to respond.

  Sabrina stood, smiled and waved. Her smile grew and after signaling him to wait for a moment, she skipped over two rows.

  Marius grinned and wondered what she was up to. This time she bent over and lifted a cumbersome pumpkin. “Will this do?” She asked with a laugh.

  Marius returned her laugh. “A very fine pumpkin indeed. I will keep my ears open for news of that special ball.”

  She set the pumpkin back on the ground and curtseyed. “Thank you, kind sir.”

  They did not speak for the rest of the day or evening. The young ladies of the academy took it upon themselves to keep Marius properly entertained. He did however see Sabrina often, usually when one of the girls was in need of something minor. When Sabrina wasn’t fetching a parasol or cloak, she was dutifully working, both inside the house and out. She was intent on her tasks and gave no notice to the others. On the few occasions when their eyes did meet, she smiled.

  The others spoke down to her, which hadn’t surprised him. It was as if the girls went out of their way to disrupt Sabrina as much as possible simply to remind her of her lower status. Without being disrespectful, Sabrina saw to the requested tasks, as if these small matters were of no consequence. It was impossible not to admire the young servant given the rude and haughty manner in which she was treated.

  It was past dark when Marius was finally able to escape to the cottage. He longed to leave the following day, to be away from the household of young ladies. On the other hand, he was reluctant to part from Sabrina so soon. He could make no sense of his desire as he barely knew her. Her frequent smiles were infectious. Did she allow anything to dampen her mood?

  The bed had already been turned down and a fire burned brightly. It appeared his Cinderella had already been there and left. Marius was somewhat disappointed that he had missed her. Out of all the young ladies present, she was the one he would have actually enjoyed talking with.

  * * *

  As she began to ready herself for bed, Sabrina was called to Lady Davies office. She couldn’t help but wonder what she had done now and stood before the desk waiting.

  “It appears you are quite taken with our guest,” Lady Davies observed.

  Sabrina eyed her with curiosity. “I don’t understand what you mean. He appears to be a nice gentleman.”

  In anger Lady Davies rose to tower over Sabrina. “Do not play coy with me, girl. The entire household watched the two of you flirt throughout the day.”

  Sabrina blanched. “You misunderstand.”

  Lady Davies held up her hand to silence her. “Don’t bother denying it. His taste cannot be helped,” she spit out in disgust. “It is the reason I have called you here.”

  Sabrina waited, a feeling of dread crept into her belly. Lady Davies held the same look of anticipated pleasure she always held before assigning Sabrina some disgusting chore.

  “As he is our guest, and a personal friend of the Prince Regent, it is your duty to see to his every comfort, and need.”

  “I have already seen that the cottage is comfortable and he has everything he needs.”

  A small, cruel smile came to the older woman’s face. “I am speaking of his other comforts. Go to him and make yourself available,” she said, with a gleam in her eye. “My school could only benefit if Mr. Parker leaves having enjoyed a very pleasant visit. Perhaps the Prince will even return after learning how accommodating I am to my very important guests while still educating and sheltering the gently bred young ladies, wealthy enough to become the wife of an aristocrat.”

  Sabrina knew she paled as the meaning of what she was being told sank in. “I will not,” she spat back.

  Lady Davies’ hand cracked across her cheek barely a second after the words had left Sabrina’s lips. “You are a servant and will do as I say.”

  Sabrina stood straighter, refusing to place a hand on her burning cheek. “I may be your servant but I refuse to do this.”

  Lady Davies brought herself taller. “You do realize that I could dismiss you now.”

  Sabrina stood equally as straight, refusing to be cowed and looked her employer in the eye. “Yes.”

  “I’ll see to it that not one household welcomes you into their employ. There will be nowhere to go.”

  Sabrina knew the power the woman held. Still, she would not do what was being asked. “I understand completely.”

  Lady Davies smiled again, anticipating victory. “Then you will go to Mr. Parker now.”

  Sabrina turned and walked to the door to put as much distance between herself and Lady Davies. Before exiting, she gave her answer. “I will not act the whore for you or anyone else.” She closed the door and hurried to her room.

  For the moment, time was on her side. Lady Davies could not force her to offer herself to Mr. Parker. Sabrina also knew that matters would only get worse from here. She had always known the time would come when she would have to leave the academy with no character reference. It appeared her employment would end tonight. If she waited to be officially dismissed, Lady Davies would not allow her to take anything with her. By leaving now, Sabrina would be allowed to take the few remaining possessions she could call her own.

  Anticipating the cooler temperatures, she wore two extra dresses, as well as her cloak. All were far too large for her so making everything fit was not an issue. She stuffed the remaining clothing and personal items into a satchel and waited until the house grew quiet and she was assured all were asleep. Quietly, she let herself from the house and allowed one backward glance before beginning her walk toward the road to London.

  She had a few funds and wasn’t about to waste them on a coach. It should only take her a couple of days, at the most, to reach London. She hoped there were some inexpensive inns on the way. Tonight however, there would be no rest. She needed to put as much distance between herself and the academy as possible.

  * * *

  As the day was breaking, Marius checked on the horse, anxious to be on his way. The decision to leave had come in the early morning hours after awakening from a dream involving Sabrina. There was no future here and it was best to leave before he found himself breaking one of his own rules about dallying with servants.

  Thompson assured him the horse could be ridden, but only a short distance. With no rider, and at an easy pace, the horse could make the journey to London. From Thompson he also learned where he could hire a coach or horse in the nearby town. With his mind made up, Marius set his course and made his way to the house to advise Lady Davies of his plans before breakfast.

  Luck was on his side. The woman he sought was descending the stairs.

  “How was your night, Mr. Parker?”

  “It was pleasant. Thank you.”

  The woman had a strange smile on her face. Almost one of anticipation. “And have you enjoyed your stay? Have you been provided with everything you need?”

  “Yes, it has been most pleasant indeed.” He held the chair in the dining room out for her. “However, I must bring it to an end.”

  The smile fell from her face. “Has something not pleased you?”

  “No, as I said, this has been a pleasant stay, but I wish to return to my own home and the horse can now travel.”

  One by one the young ladies began to wander into the room, The first stopped and offered an apology for her tardiness. Those who followed did the same. Finally, as Lady Millicent entered, apologizing as well, Madame Davies questioned her charges. “May I ask why each of you is tardy this morning?”

  “Sabrina did not wake us.” Lady Millicent answered.

  Displeased, Lady Davies looked at each young woman, who nodded in agreement. She turned her eyes to Marius. “Mr. Parker, have you seen Sabrina this morning?”

&nb
sp; He shook his head. “No, I have not seen her since yesterday afternoon.”

  Lady Davies’ lips pursed together in irritation. She stood and placed her napkin on the table. “Please excuse me.”

  The room was strangely quiet with the woman’s departure. Each girl sat silent, not touching the food on their plate. After a few moments Lady Davies returned, her anger evident. “Sabrina will not be available today.” Her statement left no option for questions or discussions. After sharing speculative looks, the girls turned their attention to their meal.

  * * *

  No wonder this particular parish seemed to prosper, they were mercenary in their trade. After speaking with no less than five men, he finally purchased transportation back to London. Not one of them had a horse for lent or sale. The only item available to him was a curricle an older man wanted to be rid of. Though Marius was refused a horse originally, he was gladly sold two to pull the conveyance. Finally accepting the offer and needing to be on his way, Marius paid far more than the transportation was worth. He didn’t want to think about the profit the older man had made. Still, he would find a use for the curricle and horses. If not, he would sell them in London, most certainly suffering a financial loss.

  With the royal horse tied to the back, and traveling at a moderate pace, Marius finally headed toward London.

  He had been traveling for a few hours and was becoming bored. He preferred traveling on horseback, which was much quicker. Or, in a closed carriage while someone else drove while he either read or slept. This was mundane. Not a soul in sight, not even interesting wildlife. The only good thing about this travel was that it was a clear day of mild temperatures. With no cover, he would have been most put out if it had decided to rain.

  He scanned the road ahead, hoping to find something of interest, not expecting anything when he saw the lone figure walking ahead. It was a female, as identified by clothing, and she was carrying a satchel. What was she doing out here, in the middle of nowhere? Shrugging, he pondered the possibilities for entertainment and glanced over as he passed her. It took just a moment to recognize the young woman and he halted the horses. He turned in his seat to look at the figure now walking toward him. Surely he was mistaken.

  Marius was stunned to see Cinderella, no, Sabrina. “Good day, Sabrina. Might I ask what you are doing?”

  She tilted her head to answer him. “Walking.”

  “Obviously. Where are you going and why aren’t you at the academy?”

  She straightened her head and looked him in the eye. “I am on my way to London. I no longer work at the academy.”

  Lady Davies hadn’t mentioned Sabrina had quit or even left for that matter. Still, she had to have been gone when he arrived at breakfast for her to be this far on her trip. In fact, Sabrina would have had to have left in the dead of the night. “I take it Lady Davies didn’t know you were leaving.”

  Sabrina’s spine stiffened, but she didn’t answer.

  Marius noted the apprehension in her eyes and wondered why she was backing away from him. “What is wrong, Sabrina?”

  “Did she send you after me? If she did I am not going back, no matter what she promised you.”

  Marius was lost. “She didn’t even mention you were gone. When the others said you hadn’t been at your duties, I assumed you were ill.”

  Sabrina relaxed slightly. “I couldn’t stay any longer.”

  Marius .jumped from his seat. “You have been walking for hours, at night, alone?”

  “I was perfectly fine.” Her chin jutted out in defiance.

  Marius shook his head. Nobody with any sense walked alone in the middle of the night. “What will you do in London?”

  “Find another position.”

  “Did Lady Davies provide a reference?”

  “No, she didn’t.”

  Marius couldn’t understand her lack of concern. Had she no idea that doors would be closed to her without proper references? “Perhaps if you had waited until morning,” he offered, though he knew it was too late.

  “Mr. Parker, I knew two years ago that Lady Davies would never write a reference for me. I only stayed because it was easier than striking out on my own.”

  Concern grew in Marius. What would become of her? He already could guess and he wouldn’t allow it. “Why did you leave now?”

  She turned away from him and studied his horses instead. “She gave me a duty I wasn’t willing to perform. Had I waited to resign this morning, she would not have allowed me to take any of my personal possessions. She believes that everything I have is rightfully hers.”

  Marius continued to watch her with curiosity. She already did most of the work. “What was it she wanted you to do?”

  A blush strained Sabrina’s cheeks. “I would rather not say.”

  Marius studied her, trying to guess what could have made her leave this way. Then he recalled what Sabrina had said about Lady Davies promising him something. “Did it have anything to do with me?”

  Her blush only deepened. Sabrina didn’t answer him.

  Marius was convinced it had to do with him. “Tell me what Lady Davies wanted you to do.”

  Sighing, Sabrina looked up at him. “She ordered me to see to all your needs.” Sabrina answered in a quiet voice.

  “As in offering yourself to me?”

  Sabrina’s face deepened into a dark red. “Yes. I wasn’t willing and knew if I stayed, things would only get more difficult. So, I left.”

  Still shocked, Marius stepped closer. “Sabrina, if you would have come to me, I would have turned you away.”

  Her eyes showed disbelief so he continued. “I do not dally with servants, even those as attractive as you. I would not have broken that rule, especially if I knew you were being sent to me as if Lady Davies was your. . .”

  Her blush returned. Marius took her arm and escorted her to the curricle. “Let me drive you to London.”

  Sabrina took a step back. “No, I couldn’t.”

  Marius pulled her along. “Yes, you can. I feel partially responsible for you being in this predicament and, I could use the company.”

  Sabrina stood rooted in her spot.

  “I promise to be on my best behavior. Besides, I am not about to leave you out here alone. If you didn’t get into the curricle, I will simply walk along beside you.”

  Sabrina narrowed her eyes as if she didn’t believe him.

  He stood and waited. He would wait all day if necessary.

  With a deep sigh, Sabrina allowed him to assist her onto the seat. She moaned once she was off her feet. “It feels good to sit down.”

  Marius merely chuckled and set he horses into motion once again. “There is a village further down the road. Have you eaten recently?”

  She dismissed the need to stop. “I had some bread and cheese a short while ago.”

  A short while ago could have been hours as far as Marius was concerned and he wasn’t going to let her starve either. “Good, I am famished and we both could use a good meal.”

  Her eyes widened. “I am not really hungry.”

  Marius suspected she probably didn’t have funds for food, and he wasn’t about to let her go without a meal. “We shall see.”

  Chapter 3

  Sabrina was happy to ride rather than walk. Her feet did not throb nearly as much, though her back still ached. Who would have thought the walk would have made her so sore and weary? It wasn’t as if she wasn’t used to doing chores all day long. She climbed stairs and ladders, carried water, cleaned floors, chimneys and everything else. Simply walking shouldn’t have tired her out. It must just be the lack of sleep.

  The village was small but Mr. Parker located a coaching inn and escorted Sabrina inside. After taking seats in the back of the room, he proceeded to order for both of them before she could form an objection. Sabrina knew she should save every shilling, still she couldn’t deny the hunger gnawing at her belly, nor hide the grumbling as the aromas drifted toward her from the tables where other patrons wer
e eating.

  Mr. Parker chuckled and leaned toward her. “I thought you weren’t hungry?”

  With half a smile, she shrugged. “I suppose I am.”

  After they ate in silence, Sabrina excused herself. When she returned, Mr. Parker waited for her. “I’ve seen to our meal.” He offered his arm and escorted her outside to the curricle.

  Sabrina opened her mouth to argue. Mr. Parker held up a hand to silence her before he helped her up into the seat. “I assume you have few funds. As I feel partially responsible for you being in this situation I insist on seeing to the expenses until I deliver you safely to London.”

  “It is not necessary.” She was thankful yet it wasn’t easy for her to take charity.

  Mr. Parker slid into the seat. “I beg to differ, so humor me.” He set the horses into motion once again.

  Sabrina didn’t have the energy to argue and his assistance would save her precious funds. “Thank you,” she finally offered with sigh. “I promise to pay back each shilling once I have secured a position.”

  * * *

  After they were away from the village, Marius began with his questions. “So Sabrina, do you have a last name by chance? I am not sure Cinderella did.”

  She laughed. “She must have, but I don’t know what it was. My last name is Chester.”

  Marius knew a few Chesters and it wasn’t an uncommon name. “Do you have any family?”

  “My mother died when I was young. My father was killed at Køge.”

  Marius nodded. “What regiment was your father in?”

  She sighed. “None. He shouldn’t have even been injured, let alone killed.”

  Marius turned, looking at her oddly. “Why do you say that?”

  “My father was fascinated with war and strategy. When he could, he would visit Wellesley.”