Page 18 of Marriage with a Proper Stranger

“I do not, but if I am seen entering the school, it would be better served if someone were with me, to stem any gossip. Especially since it’s the luncheon break and he is alone.”

“What will we do if he says no?” Mary sounded worried, and for good reason. Sabrina also remained anxious. She’d hinged her entire future on the schoolmaster, but what choice did she have? Her options were limited.

“I shudder to think. Perhaps I can sell my jewels.” But Sabrina knew that would be a short-term fix. The money would last them a year or two if they were frugal. At least it would give them time to formulate a different plan.

As they emerged through the cluster of junipers, the schoolhouse came into view. Sabrina’s insides fluttered nervously, not only with the pleasant prospect of seeing Riordan again, but also with concern over his decision. Making an effort to arrange her features into complete indifference, she knocked, and, not waiting for a reply, entered the structure. Riordan sat at his desk, scratching away with his pen.

He lifted his head and smiled warmly. Her breath hitched again, and Mary squeezed her arm as if to agree. Or perhaps it was to give her courage. Riordan stood and inclined his head. “Good day, Sabrina.” He moved out from around his desk and walked toward her.

Mary squeezed her arm tighter and murmured for her hearing only, “Good heavens.”

Good heavens, indeed. He was dressed all in black, and it enhanced his porcelain skin, dark hair, and attractive blue eyes. “My lady’s maid, Mary Tuttle. Mary, this is Mr. Riordan Black, schoolmaster.”

Riordan took Mary’s gloved hand and gave her a polite bow. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Tuttle.”

Mary flushed. “Good heavens,” she said breathlessly. “And pleased to meet you, sir.”

Riordan let go of Mary’s hand and stood upright. “Would you mind terribly if I spoke to your mistress in private? There’s an alcove to the side with a comfortable bench, if you would not mind waiting there.”

Mary looked to Sabrina questioningly. She nodded. As Riordan escorted Mary, Sabrina made her way to the front of the classroom and took a seat in the chair by his desk. Wringing her gloved hands, she waited nervously for his return. What would she do if he refused? With Sutherhorne arriving tomorrow, it was far too late to find another candidate. There was nothing else for it; both she and Mary would have to make a quick escape. Sabrina calculated the small amount of money she’d managed to tuck away before Pepperdon died: four pounds and ten shillings. Enough to hire a coach, to rent a small room—

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” His deep, masculine voice caused her heart to squeeze with longing. It took great effort not to show her reaction outwardly. Lord, even if he did agree, how could she keep pretending his presence did not affect her?

“Do not leave me in suspense, Mr. Black. I must have your answer. What have you decided?”

Riordan sat. “I thought we agreed to use first names.” He gave her another smile, making him even more attractive, drat him.

“It isn’t proper. You should have never mentioned it,” she muttered impatiently.

“Actually, you are the one who suggested it. Regardless, this entire situation is not proper, but here we are. There is no need to be haughty. I prefer the woman who came to my cottage after dark, sat in my parlor, and spoke from her heart.” His beautiful blue eyes twinkled. “You do have one, you know.”

Her mouth pulled into a taut line. “No, I do not. Your decision, if you please?”

His smile slowly slipped away, and she regretted her tone immediately as the warmth from his eyes also disappeared. “Very well, let us keep this about business. I did visit my solicitor friend, and, to be blunt, he tried to talk me out of it. Perhaps I should have listened. But in spite of his dire warning, I will assist you.”

The overwhelming urge to cry with relief swamped her, but she bravely met his hardened gaze and murmured, “Thank you.”

“William Chambers—he’s the solicitor friend—suggested we use the registry near his office for the temporary marriage. He has agreed to keep your settlement under his safe auspices.” Riordan’s voice was cool, officious, and she further regretted her tone. But they must keep this about business or her heart would be in danger of harboring the fires of love and longing she imagined all hearts had potential for.

At that thought, she experienced a slight pang of melancholy, for her heart was cold, barren, and lonely. Forcing such thoughts from her mind, she asked, “What about Sutherhorne? For all I know he and my father have been corresponding. I am told nothing, except I’m to say yes to his proposal. And what grounds will we use for the annulment? And—”

Riordan raised his hand. Sabrina inwardly bristled, for she had had enough of men trying to silence her. “Concerning the annulment: William and I deemed it best you not be told the reason. Then you can genuinely and honestly claim you knew nothing about it.”

Her mind quickly perused the various causes he had discussed with her earlier. No. He wouldn’t. “I do not want for you to humiliate yourself over me. Truly, I sincerely appreciate that you have decided to help me, but I will not see you suffer publicly.” For once, she did not hide her emotions; there was genuine concern in her tone.

A small smile formed about his sensual lips in response. “Ah, as I suspected. You do have a heart.” His voice was husky, and the sound of it made her breath quicken.

“I assure you all evidence is to the contrary,” she sniffed.

Riordan laughed, and jolts of heat cascaded down her spine. “As you say, my lady. The explanation we settled on is not one of those I mentioned last week. It is far less humiliating, I swear it.”

“Well, we will set it aside for now. And Sutherhorne?”

“First, where will he be staying, with you and your father?” Riordan asked.

A chilling shudder replaced the warmth she’d felt at his sensual laugh. “Good Lord, I hope not. As I said, I’m told nothing. Seeing as my father despises visitors, I assume the marquess will be staying at the inn in town.”

Riordan nodded. “Fine. I will pay the marquess a visit after he sees you tomorrow afternoon. I will convince him to withdraw his suit. Once he does, I will meet with your father.”