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

by Charles, Jane

Sabrina thought about the foods she enjoyed and smiled that he would remember the wine. “Raspberries and strawberries.”

  “Go on.” Marius prompted with a smile. “Though delicious, it isn’t much of a meal.”

  “Cheese, I love cheeses.”

  “What of beef or pork or chicken?”

  “Chicken I suppose, though I don’t eat all that much meat.” She couldn’t understand why he was asking except her eating and his cooking gave them something in common she supposed. “I do like warm bread, fresh from the oven with raspberry preserves.”

  “Back to raspberries again.” Marius offered with a grin.

  “My favorite. There is a patch behind the academy where they grew wild. Nobody knew they were there and I use to sneak off and eat my fill.”

  Marius laughed before he stood. Taking her hand, he bowed, kissed the back. “It was a pleasure seeing you again, Sabrina.”

  Sabrina stared after him. That was one of the oddest conversations she had ever experienced with a gentleman. Well, at least he didn’t make her palms sweat here.

  Chapter 15

  Sabrina pulled the curtains back to look out into the street. Rain streamed down the glass and the outside had a depressing grey hue to it. With a sigh she let the curtain drop back into place and turned to face the empty room. The restlessness was eating at her. She wanted, no needed, something to do. Some form of activity. She had been fine until Marius visited yesterday. After he had gone she had been unable to concentrate on the book. In fact, he completely unnerved her and she was trying to determine exactly what she was to him.

  Sabrina strolled to the settee and straightened the pillows, not that they really needed to be straightened, she just needed something to do, anything. Her mind was occupied enough already, what she needed was to be physically occupied as well. She turned and inspected the room hoping to find a stray cobweb that had been missed but the room was in perfect order.

  With a sigh she sank down into the stuffed green chair next to the fireplace and stuck her feet toward the flame in order to warm herself. The dampness from outside left a permanent chill in the air. Slouching back against the upholstery she wondered at her future. She was convinced there was none with Marius, and even though others paled in comparison, she was still determined to move past these feelings and seek a better companion for the future. But who?

  Sabrina straightened and pulled her feet back. She was attending the Thornton’s ball this evening. What better place to find a proper gentleman. In this venue she would be able to give her gentlemen callers more consideration. Perhaps even become acquainted with other gentlemen and completely block Marius from her mind.

  With new determination, Sabrina turned toward the foyer in search of something to occupy her restlessness. She would comb the entire house if she had to. Not everything could be in such perfect order.

  The footman was just closing the front door and turned to place a package on the table just inside the door. Since she had made her debut, gifts had arrived on a regular basis. Usually they were flowers or a handkerchief. Taking the package she wandered back into the parlor, wondering what it was and who had sent it.

  A gasp escaped as she unwrapped the book. Opening the cover she gasped again as she read the inscription.

  “Everyone needs a little romance.”

  Marius

  The gift puzzled her. Clearly this was a romantic story, but what had prompted him to buy it for her? Did the inscription mean that he knew how she felt and was subtly reminding her that the only romantic gesture he was willing to offer was through her reading material? Sabrina was horrified at the thought. It was the only explanation she could come up with so she renewed her vow to put him from her mind and seek love somewhere else.

  * * *

  Once again Marius was looking forward to a ball. If anyone would have told him six months ago that this was his future, he would have confidently wagered against it. The truth was, he couldn’t wait to see Sabrina and find out if she liked his gift. He had never courted a woman before, yet giving gifts she would enjoy certainly figured in, didn’t it? Another difference tonight was that he had given his valet free reign to bring Marius’s appearance up to snuff. Previously Marius had only cared if he was presentable. Tonight was different and he wanted Sabrina to notice him.

  Sabrina had barely arrived before he was at her side requesting her dance card. Hesitantly she handed it to him. He marked two dances, one being the supper dance, and he bit back a triumphant smile. When finished, he bowed, smiled, and walked not five feet away to resume his stance.

  “Cinderella seems to have gained quite a following,” Chambers observed.

  Marius briefly glanced in her direction. Six gentlemen surrounded her. None were worthy of her. Marius knew without a doubt that he wanted Sabrina as his wife. At one point he would have thought her agreeable. Except now he wasn’t so sure. She had changed since coming to London and was more reserved. Perhaps he should remind her how things could be. After all, it had been a number of weeks since Christmas Eve.

  “Why the frown, Marius? I would think her success would be pleasing,” Phoebe asked with a secretive smile. What was going on in her mind? It was probably safest not to contemplate the possibilities.

  He looked back over at Sabrina. “I don’t believe any of those gentlemen are right for her.” Sabrina looked at him and raised an eyebrow in question. He really shouldn’t stare at her all night, especially since he was not one of the gentlemen attached to her court. He inclined his head and returned his attention to his friends.

  “Is that so?” Taylor looked past Marius’ shoulder to where Sabrina stood with her admirers. “Is there someone else you think would be better?”

  “Perhaps.” The conversation was becoming too personal.

  Leaning towards her husband, Phoebe whispered, though loudly enough for almost everyone to hear, “I believe Marius thinks he is the right one.”

  Marius met her eyes, ready to deny but couldn’t bring himself to lie. Instead, he said nothing and turned to Felding to ask about the horses he just purchased, ignoring Phoebe and Taylor’s quiet laughter.

  * * *

  Marius was barely awake when the summons arrived. Apparently the solicitor needed to meet with Ramsey and they thought he should be there as well. He hoped it was news that could bring an end to the situation, Marius dressed quickly and made his way to the Chester household. The gentlemen were waiting for him in Ramsey’s office when Marius arrived.

  “What news do you have, Mr. Jacobs?” Marius asked as he took a seat.

  “Not news Mr. Parker, but a document I had forgotten about. In fact, it had been misfiled and I came across it by chance.” The solicitor ‘s cheeks darkened with a light hue.

  “What type of document?” Ramsey sat forward.

  As he retrieved it from his case, the solicitor explained. “It is another affidavit Lord Chesterfield gave to me. This one was signed by Lady Sabrina. As you did not actually sign yours.” He indicated to Ramsey, “I wonder if Lady Sabrina knew of this one.”

  Ramsey studied the document before handing it to Marius. “I don’t understand. How can she give up rights to anything?”

  “Apparently, this piece of property was brought to the family through Lady Sabrina’s mother.”

  “So it isn’t tied up with the estate,” Ramsey clarified.

  “It is also the only Chester property that brings a large income,” Marius stated after he had digested the affidavit.

  “Precisely,” The solicitor agreed.

  “Given what we know I think it is safe to assume Sabrina knows nothing of this.”

  “Is there a way to fight this?” Marius asked.

  “It isn’t necessary.” Mr. Jacobs stated to their surprise. “The affidavit is not legal, which I explained to Lord Chesterfield at the time. Just as she doesn’t receive the property until she marries. She can’t give it away either. It is only intended to be lumped with the Chesterfield lands temporarily.”<
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  “Tell me, what is the yearly income from that estate?” Ramsey asked.

  Marius didn’t really care. He was just glad Sabrina had something of her own. Not that she would need it since he intended to take care of her.

  “Approximately twenty-five thousand pounds per year. That is from the land, mines, and rent alone. Nobody lives in the house, nor have they for some years. All the work is done by tenant farmers who manage well on their own. It is quite a productive area.”

  “So, Sabrina is an heiress after all.” Ramsey acknowledged out loud.

  “Not precisely. Yes, the land and all that goes with it is hers. Should she marry, her husband of course would manage everything. However, it is entailed and must be left to a daughter. It can only be left to a son if no daughters are born. If there are no children, then the estate is absorbed into the Chesterfield holdings at her death, even if she is married.”

  “Isn’t it a bit odd that property should pass to a daughter since ladies are not allowed to own any property?” Ramsey questioned.

  “That is why you would still have control, Chester, in the event she remained unwed. It is the way of the Powers Legacy.” The solicitor explained as he put the documents away. “As Lady Sabrina will reach her majority in a month, she will have the power to name you as its guardian and be able to remove Lord Chesterfield from it’s control. However, that is the only decision she has with regard to the property until she weds.”

  The statement brought Marius up short. He had been about to question the Powers Legacy until they realized the possible danger Sabrina could now face.

  After the solicitor left, Marius faced Ramsey behind closed doors once again. “Are your concerns the same as mine?”

  “My uncle had already killed. Apparently the family estates do not bring in much income while Sabrina’s is enough to keep it’s owner wealthy,” Ramsey agreed. “I suppose we can count on Lord Chesterfield returning from the continent soon.”

  “All the more reason I marry Sabrina before then.”

  * * *

  Sabrina had been sorting linens when Parker was announced that afternoon. Though the chore hadn’t been enough to use up her energy, at least it gave her something to do. Closing the cabinet doors, she wondered why he was calling again so soon.

  Straightening her spine and ignoring the flutters in her stomach, Sabrina walked into the morning room to greet her guest. “Good afternoon, Mr. Parker. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?”

  “I had thought to take you on a picnic, Sabrina.”

  Raising an eyebrow she looked at him as if he were mad. “It is raining.”

  Marius bestowed a smile on her. “Yes. I know. That is why I brought the picnic here.” He stood aside and indicated to the blanket spread on the floor before the fire.

  Sabrina gasped in surprise and walked further into the room. “Why?” Not realizing she had uttered her thoughts out loud.

  “Because I enjoy your company.” Marius offered with a warm smile as he held his hand out to her.

  Hesitantly she reached for him and ignored the tingling at their contact as she allowed him to seat her on the blanket.

  First he poured their wine before opening the basket. “It will be an odd lunch, but you didn’t give me much to work with.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  His only response was a chuckle. First he withdrew a roasted chicken, then a loaf of warm bread. After cutting off pieces of each he placed them on her plate. He then spread raspberry jam on her slice of bread.

  Slowly Sabrina recalled the conversation surrounding food. It hadn’t been an innocent conversation from his point at all. Could she have been mistaken with regard to his intentions? No. She must not get her hopes up, she silently chastised herself.

  Marius kept their conversation to light topics and Sabrina entertained. The afternoon melted away as she basked in the warmth of his company. She should be grateful to have a friend such as Marius. Who else would bring a picnic into her home on such a dreary day? Certainly none of the gentlemen courting her.

  Her enthusiasm dropped at the thought. These are the actions of a friend, not someone wishing to engage the affections of another.

  He took her empty plate and offered a wicked smile. Sabrina was afraid to guess what he was planning now.

  “Now, for dessert.”

  She sat back in anticipation. So far everything had been delicious. The first bowl revealed raspberries. The second, chocolate covered strawberries. She closed her eyes and inhaled the sweet, fresh scent of the raspberries mingled with the rich smell of dark chocolate. Her mouth watered wanting a taste. “Where did you find these at this time of year?”

  Marius offered her a strawberry. “I have secret sources which I cannot reveal.”

  Sabrina savored every bite and occasionally moaned at the taste, licking her lips after she had swallowed. She knew it was unladylike to behave this way but it wasn’t as if he were courting her, which she already established, so why shouldn’t she be herself around her good friend.

  * * *

  Marius wondered what look she’d wear when he pleasured her in other ways. His thoughts and her tongue sliding across her lips had Marius shifting for a more comfortable position.

  When the fruit had disappeared, he returned the bowls to the basket and withdrew a box. “This is for later. Think of me when you enjoy them.”

  Sabrina looked at him strangely as she took the box. Untying the ribbon she lifted the lid. It was filled with chocolates. Bending close, she inhaled their aroma. “Thank you.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed the meal,” Marius said with sincerity. He was beyond pleased that he could bring her so much enjoyment and confident none of the other gentlemen thought to court her in this manner.

  “Everything was delicious,” Sabrina complimented and sipped her wine.

  “Thank you, it was simple enough. Though I’ll admit this was the first time I have ever made chocolates.”

  Her eyes flew wide. “You made everything?”

  “Yes. I certainly wouldn’t have chanced this meal to even my own cook.”

  A small, pleasant smile came to her lips. “Thank you, for everything. This has been a very pleasant afternoon.”

  “Now that you are pleasantly full, there is something I need to discuss with you.”

  The smile disappeared and Sabrina stiffened. Perhaps he should have worked this into the conversation instead of bringing what apparently was an abrupt end to the pleasantness of the afternoon. He shook off the thought. Eventually it wouldn’t matter. In the end she would agree to be his wife, or at least he hoped so. It was really the only option at this juncture and what was best for her.

  “I have been looking into your fathers’ death.” Marius began and continued to tell her everything he learned, including the affidavit she had supposedly signed. By the time he had finished, Sabrina was pale and shaky. Marius refilled her glass and encouraged her to drink.

  “I am concerned for your safety, Sabrina,” Marius stated matter-of-factly after she had seemed to calm some.

  “Do you think Uncle James would try to kill me as well?”

  “I would like to say no, but it probably all depends on the choices you make after your birthday.”

  Sabrina bit her bottom lip and stared into the fire. “If I name Ramsey has the controller of the property...”

  “Your uncle will not be pleased,” Marius finished for her.

  “I can’t, in good conscious allow my uncle to remain in control,” Sabrina argued. “Yet I want no one in danger.”

  Marius knew this would be a difficult decision because she wouldn’t want anyone harmed, which gave him the perfect opening. “I would like to make a suggestion.”

  Sabrina looked up at him hopefully.

  “Marry me.” Marius heart stilled and waited for her positive response.

  Sabrina stared at him. Her brow knit in concentration and her mouth hung open in surprise and there was not one sign of
happiness on her face. Could he have miscalculated this much?

  “Pardon?”

  Marius wasn’t sure what he was expecting from his question, but the stunned look had not been it. “I asked you to marry me.”

  She tilted her head as if she didn’t quite understand. “Why?”

  Marius’s heart sank. By now he hoped her arms would be around him and their lips engaged in activities other than talking. She had no idea of his interest or the plans for their future. Did she not realize he was a suitor? Clearly he would have to address this carefully and leave any admissions of emotions from the conversation. He ignored the tightening in his gut at the fear that she did not want him as a suitor, which equated into not wanting him as a husband. “It is the safest alternative. I’ll be able to protect you and Ramsey will be safe because he won’t be the one between you and Lord Chesterfield.”

  “So, you propose marriage to keep me safe?” She asked slowly.

  “Yes. What do you say?” Marius waited, scarcely breathing. He knew proposals should be more eloquent, but he did not know how to read her just now and that alone dictated that he should proceed with caution.

  Sabrina stared at Marius for a moment. “Thank you, but no.”

  Marius couldn’t believe he had heard her correctly. “Why?”

  “I appreciate your noble gesture but, it is not a sufficient nor reasonable reason to wed. I’ll find another way to deal with my uncle.” Sabrina came to her feet.

  Marius still could not believe she had told him no and stood as well. “Perhaps we should discuss the advantages before you make a decision.” He hoped he didn’t sound as desperate as he felt.

  A sad smile came to her face. “There is nothing to discuss. Please excuse me.” She was out of the room before Marius could offer the slightest of protests. Numbly, Marius packed the remains in a basket, determined to take his leave. What had gone wrong? Had he misjudged the situation so poorly? Though he didn’t expect her to love him, he thought she at least cared for him and enjoyed his company. Was there a chance that she didn’t care for him at all? No, he wouldn’t accept the possibility. As it had been some weeks since they stood below the mistletoe, perhaps Sabrina needed some reminding of what they could enjoy together.