Smiling with a new plan forming, Marius let himself from the house.
* * *
Sabrina made it to the privacy of her chamber before anyone saw her. She wasn’t sure she could keep the tears inside until she was alone and it wasn’t something she wanted to discuss with anyone. Oh, she knew people married for less emotional reasons, such as the joining of two families, but that is not how she envisioned her future. If she were going to marry she was going to have a marriage like her parents, before her mother died. Happy.
Once the door closed behind her she sank into a chair and faced some realizations. She was in love with Marius Parker, and probably had been for sometime. He, on the other hand, did not return any feelings or he would certainly have mentioned some emotion with the proposal. He was simply a gallant gentleman who now felt some responsibility for her since he picked her up by the side of the road. While the gesture was noble and very much appreciated, she refused to allow him to marry her and ruin his life.
She blinked back the tears at the loss of her friend and any future with him. It was for the best. She would hate to see what friendship they did have die when the ramifications of their marriage set in and resentment built in Marius. No, this was for the best, no matter how much it hurt.
Chapter 16
Ramsey crumpled the note from the family solicitor and tossed it in the fire. Sabrina watched it burn, trying not to worry. The two had already discussed how they would handle Uncle James. They would be as gullible as they had been four and a half years earlier. Hopefully, their uncle would become sloppy in his confidence.
They did not have to wait long because their Uncle James arrived within an hour of when they were advised of his return to London.
“Uncle James,” Sabrina exclaimed with happiness she could never truly feel as he walked through the door. “It is so good to see you.” He didn’t look much different than he had the last time she saw him. Still shorter than most men, but a bit more rounded in the middle, and the same Sandalwood scent, so overpowering one would think he bathed in the cologne. His temples had a hint of grey but for a gentleman in his early fifties he looked rather young with only a few crows’ feet at the corners of his eyes. Of course, he really had no worries, until now, and that is only if he suspects she might know the truth.
Lord Chesterfield looked his niece over. “It appears you are well. I was worried when Lady Davies informed me you had run away.”
Sabrina looked away in discomfort. It was difficult to look him in the eye and tell a falsehood, or even pretend that she still trusted him.
“Is that the truth Sabrina? She didn’t let you go did she?” Her uncle prodded.
“No uncle, it is the truth. I ran away.” She walked away, her head down, her back to her uncle. Let him believe she was ashamed, it was better than letting him see her face because she feared she would give her thoughts and emotions away.
“But why, I thought you were content there.”
“Oh, I was uncle, do not misunderstand. It was only within the last day of my employ that I knew it was time to leave.”
“Such an impetuous nature. One shouldn’t quit their employment on a whim.” He shook his head and walked to the sideboard and poured a glass of either Brandy or Whiskey. Sabrina couldn’t tell which from her spot across the room.
“It wasn’t actually a whim, uncle,” Ramsey interrupted, though he had yet to be acknowledged by their uncle.
Lord Chesterfield looked up at his nephew. “Go on.”
“A male guest was visiting who happened to be attracted to Sabrina. Lady Davies tried to make Sabrina.” Pausing, Ramsey cleared his throat. “Let’s just say, she wanted her to fill a role beyond the duties of a maid.”
Uncle James turned his attention back to her. “Is this true?”
“Yes. I couldn’t do what she asked and I left.”
Lord Chesterfield straightened in anger and tossed back all of the contents in his glass before he strode back to the sideboard. “That foolish, stupid woman.”
Sabrina and Ramsey shared a look behind his back, surprised at his outburst.
Taking a deep breath, Uncle James poured the amber liquid into his glass and turned to face Sabrina and Ramsey. “So you came straight here then?”
Distress filled Sabrina’s eyes again. “Please, Uncle, I would rather not discuss my trip. I’m still trying to come to terms with it myself.”
Lord Chesterfield walked toward her, picked up her hand and offered comfort. “I understand child. I won’t speak of it again.”
Sabrina relaxed, glad to have the ordeal past her. Inside she was relieved that she was able to skip the details of her travels. Taking a seat, she waited for Ramsey or her uncle to address the next issue.
“Uncle James, why did you not come to me when you realized the financial status of the family?” Ramsey asked.
“I didn’t want to burden you with the truth. Besides, there was nothing you could have done.”
“Not true uncle. I had the funds to pay for Sabrina’s education and give her a Season.”
Lord Chesterfield smiled sadly at his nephew. “At what cost to yourself? The debts were high. I knew you had a few funds from your parents, but surely not enough to rescue us all. It was bad enough Sabrina had to suffer. I didn’t want to see my nephew destitute as well.”
Sabrina was amazed that the man could lie so smoothly and appear deeply concerned over her plight.
As Ramsey opened his mouth to argue, Uncle James dismissed him. “It matters little now.” He stopped and looked around the room and probably noted the obvious wealth. “Sabrina is back with us. I have been able to turn the family finances around and it appears you are well-off as well, Ramsey.”
His nephew nodded his head in agreement.
“In fact, I was at the academy to retrieve Sabrina and bring her to London when I learned she had run away.” He turned to Sabrina. “I am so sorry dear, if only I had been successful a little sooner.”
Sabrina smiled sweetly at her uncle. “Do not concern yourself, Uncle James. All has worked out well.” She didn’t believe for a moment he had gone to retrieve her. He found out some other way, but how and from whom?
“Well, at least everything is cleared up now.” Lord Chesterfield slapped his hands on his thighs before he stood. “I will just take Sabrina with me. You don’t need the burden of another person in your house.” He nodded to Ramsey. “Just have Sabrina’s things sent over and we will have her settled straightway.”
Panic tightened in her throat. Why didn’t it occur to her that her uncle would want her close and under his roof? It would be the most dangerous place to be, if what Ramsey and Marius believed was true. Somehow she found her voice through the constriction. “If you don’t mind, Sir, I would like to stay here for a short while longer.”
“That isn’t being fair to Ramsey. I’m sure he would like to be alone with his wife. He has done much already.”
Sabrina turned to Ramsey, hoping he would find a way to keep her from having to leave. Thankfully he stepped forward. “Actually Uncle James, my wife and I would both like Sabrina to remain. Juliet will soon be confined and wishes to have Sabrina for companionship.”
James studied the two. “Very well, if that is your wish.”
* * *
Sabrina knew she should be relieved the visit with her uncle had gone so well. Instead, she was a jumble of nerves. It had taken everything she possessed to cheerfully sit with the man who had arranged the murder of her father. If only they could get proof, then he would be out of her way and she could get on with her life. Perhaps after her birthday she would leave London and travel to her own property. Oh, she understood it wasn’t truly hers until she married but, it was her dowry and the income from the property was supposed to support her. There was no stipulation stating she couldn’t live out her life there. Besides, hadn’t the solicitor said that nobody had lived there in years? Once she requested Ramsey’s guardianship over her uncle, she was sure he
would loosen the purse strings enough so she could live independently. If necessary, she would play on the guilt he still felt, though none of it had been his fault. Though she hoped it wouldn’t be necessary, Sabrina knew she would do exactly that as a last alternative to get away from London, and Marius.
Straightening her gown and allowing one last glance in the mirror, Sabrina hoped Marius wasn’t present at the rout this evening. She hadn’t seen him nor heard from him since she rejected his proposal and she was afraid to face him again. Surely he must realize that she couldn’t allow him to ruin his future just because he was protective of her. Another reason to be gone. If only they could expose her uncle. Then life would almost be pleasant again.
Juliet had decided to impose her own confinement. This occurred at the last moment when none of her dresses hid her condition any longer. Ramsey insisted it was still acceptable to go out but Juliet refused. Ramsey did not force the issue and escorted Sabrina on his own. As soon as they had arrived, Phoebe sought her out and the two found a place to sit away from the crowd. Soon the two ladies were joined by Janine, who took a seat on the other side of Sabrina. Though she had often spoken with the two women at various gatherings, it had never been in this manner. Perhaps they thought to fill Juliet’s shoes in friendship and Sabrina certainly had no objection.
She was having a delightful time. Many of the gentlemen who had been courting her stopped regularly to engage her in conversation. In addition, Phoebe and Janine’s husbands were often present, as well as their other male friends, with the exception of Marius. Secretly she wondered if they knew he had asked her to marry him and her response.
Just as she thought he would not be making an appearance and allowed herself to relax somewhat, Parker strolled up to their gathering with Ramsey. His behavior toward her betrayed nothing of what had happened between them and she couldn’t help feeling a bit surprised when he bent over her hand. Instead of placing a kiss where it was respectable, he turned her hand over and kissed the exposed wrist. Not only that, she felt the tip of his tongue only momentarily and Sabrina grew warm and her hand tingled at his touch. He was a wicked man. If anyone had noticed, they were keeping it to themselves.
Marius’s eyes glinted mischievously as he looked her in the eye when he stood once again. “You are looking quite beautiful this evening, Lady Sabrina.”
She couldn’t begin to guess at the reason behind this behavior and willed herself not to blush with embarrassment. “Thank you, Mr. Parker.”
“It is rather warm in here this evening. Would you care for a stroll on the terrace?” Marius asked in the most gentlemanly manner.
Sabrina heard his question and was deciding how to respond when she spied her uncle across the room. Coldness swept through her and her hands began to tremble.
Marius leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I never thought a stroll with me would be so distasteful.”
She forced her eyes back to him, confused over his words. “Pardon?”
Marius studied her, worry etched his brow. “Sabrina, what is it?”
She swallowed hard and licked her dry lips. “My uncle is here. He has spotted me.”
Marius squeezed her hand quickly. “All will be well.” He stepped to the side to converse with Taylor.
Lord Chesterfield stopped before the group and Ramsey made the introductions. He nodded and studied each gentleman standing by Sabrina before he looked at her.
“Are you feeling well?”
Offering her uncle a half smile, “I am fine. It is just overly warm in here.”
“In that case dear, let me escort you outside. I am sure after a bit of fresh air you’ll feel much better.”
Sabrina stood and took his offered arm. There was no way she could reject her uncle.
He said nothing until the stepped through the doors leading to the gardens. A cool breeze swept over her but she knew once her skinned cooled she would become chilled in the early March weather.
He stopped just at the edge of the steps and Sabrina looked down. They appeared steeper than most manor’s possessed. Her uncle wouldn’t stoop to pushing her down the steps in hopes she broke her neck, would he? She took a step back and walked toward the railing while insisting to herself that her imagination was getting was getting away from her.
Her uncle strolled over to stand before her. “It appears you have gathered quite a court, Sabrina. It is a good thing I returned when I did.”
Sabrina took a deep breath and willed herself into control and turned. “They are of no significance.”
“Perhaps the dozen or so who stopped by to speak with you? I am not so sure of the others.”
“What others?” Sabrina feigned ignorance.
“I recall three bachelors standing around you as I approached.”
Sabrina relaxed and chuckled. “They are friends of Ramsey. I am around them often and can assure you that none of them are interested in me in a romantic way.” To Sabrina, it was the truth. Though Marius had asked for her hand, it wasn’t as if he had declared any deep feelings for her.
“I am surprised. They seemed quite friendly toward you.”
Sabrina laughed. “That is only because they feel comfortable with me.” She paused, making the reasons up as she went, drawing on all the gossip she had heard, keeping in mind her uncle’s objective. “They know I have no desire to marry anytime soon so I believe they think me safe to be around and dance with.”
“I am surprised. Most young ladies your age want a husband. Isn’t that the reason for coming to London in the first place?”
“Uncle James, I am having too much fun. Why would I want to ruin it with marriage?”
“There seemed to be a lot of gentlemen interested in you.”
“I know, though I can’t understand why. I like being courted, Uncle James, but none of those gentlemen you saw hold my heart.”
Lord Chesterfield studied her. “I am glad you told me this. As your guardian, I’ll now know how to respond to any inquiries.”
Sabrina’s face fell. “You don’t want to marry me off do you, Uncle James? I know you have that right, but please let me have at least one season.”
Lord Chesterfield smiled and patted her hand. “If that is your wish, Sabrina. Promise to tell me if you change your mind.”
* * *
Lord Chesterfield took his leave less than an hour later and his nephew followed suit, wanting to return to his wife and confident their uncle would not return. Sabrina’s chaperones were now Phoebe and Taylor. Thus, for the next two hours Sabrina stood with Phoebe while gentlemen gathered close. Marius stood at Taylor’s shoulder, directly behind the ladies, trying to hide his irritation.
Marius accepted the reasoning behind her rejection, but it had not altered his plans. If only he could be alone with her, only for a short time. Then he could convince her of the rightness of a marriage between them.
With Ramsey as her chaperone, Marius had hoped he would get an opportunity to speak with Sabrina alone. Now Taylor stood guard and sent him a look which clearly bespoke that there wasn’t a chance in hell Marius would be alone with Sabrina. It wasn’t that Taylor was worried about what Marius may do, his friend just enjoyed having the control of making Marius suffer. They had been friends too long not to know his intentions.
As the chords of a waltz struck, Marius took his opportunity. Stepping forward he bowed and asked Phoebe to dance. Taylor began to object but Marius quickly reminded him of his duty to watch over Sabrina.
In the center of the floor Marius bowed and Phoebe curtseyed before they began to dance.
“I might be flattered if I didn’t know the real purpose for this dance.” Phoebe smiled up at him.
“You wound me.” Marius placed a hand over his heart attempted to look insulted. “What possible other reason could there be other than wanting to bask in your beauty?”
Phoebe laughed loudly, drawing a few looks. “You should be on the stage, Mr. Parker.”
“You think so? It coul
d be fun I suppose.”
Phoebe simply laughed more as he twirled in a spin across the floor.
“As you must have heard, my first proposal didn’t go very well. I need to speak with Sabrina again, alone.”
Phoebe looked up at him as if considering his words.
“You know I can’t openly court her now that her uncle is in town and your husband isn’t about to give me an opportunity this evening.”
Phoebe glanced toward Taylor before looking back to Marius with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Suddenly I am growing tired. Would you mind seeing Sabrina home, Mr. Parker?” She asked innocently.
“I could kiss you, Phoebe, but I don’t want to get up at dawn to face your husband.”
“Wise decision.” Phoebe offered her arm so Marius could lead her from the floor.
Taylor began to object the moment Phoebe made the suggestion.
“Oh please, Taylor, what could possibly happen in a carriage?”
Her words were met with stunned silence from Marius’s friends. Her smile alone indicated she knew very well what could happen, but everyone remained silent regardless.
An hour later, Marius had her by his side in the dark carriage. She remained stiff in her seat and stared forward. He lowered the shades when they were on the street away from the manor and lit the lamps.
She turned to look at him, eyes wide. “What are you doing, Mr. Parker.”
“I wish to protect your reputation and I don’t want to risk your uncle seeing you with me.”
His Contrary Bride (A Gentleman's Guide to One Upon a Time - Book 2) Page 14
