Page 16 of Marriage with a Proper Stranger

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 your 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.

* * * *

Sabrina was beside herself with worry as each day passed. Riordan sent a short note stating that he’d departed for home—wherever that was—then to London to see his solicitor friend. The blasted man still had not given her a firm answer regarding her plan.

“Sabrina, I am speaking to you.” Her father’s cold voice cut through her disquieted thoughts.

Looking up from her barely touched dinner, she met her father’s disdainful gaze. “Yes?”

“I have received word from Sutherhorne. He will be here Tuesday afternoon for a short visit. You’re to be gracious and attentive, and when he asks you to consider his suit, you are to say yes.”

“Have you made progress with whatever poor young woman you have set your lurid sights on?” she snapped in reply.