Page 24 of Marriage with a Proper Stranger

Moments later, the inn became a beehive of activity. The marquess’s carriage was brought around, trunks hurriedly loaded on, and Garrett emerged from the inn with Sutherhorne in tow. He loaded the cursing marquess into the carriage and slammed the door. With a crack of the whip, the horses whinnied and trotted off out of town.

Garrett handed Riordan the sealed letter. “There is nothing to stop the bastard from sending a message to the baron anywhere along the road.”

“Yes, I thought of that. I’d better head to the baron immediately and inform Sabrina of what has transpired.”

“Sabrina, is it?”

“Garrett, if you could please procure the room Sutherhorne just exited, I would be grateful. Lady Sabrina and her maid will be staying here tonight. Probably the rest of the week. I’ll meet you at the cottage.”

Garrett was about to speak, then changed his mind. He clapped Riordan on the shoulder and gave him a look of what could be admiration.

Now to make his way to Baron Durning.

And to Sabrina.

Chapter 10

Once Riordan announced that he carried a note from the Marquess of Sutherhorne, who had ordered it be delivered personally into the baron’s hands, he was quickly bustled into the library. While waiting for the baron to arrive, he glanced about the room. Not well-stocked as libraries go, and the draperies were worn and frayed along the edges. The baron must be in financial straits. What other motive could he have to sell his daughter? It would take every ounce of his restraint not to pummel the oaf as soon as he made an appearance.

The door banged against the wall and Baron Durning strode in, his look arrogant and imperious. Early fifties, Riordan guessed, and in fine fettle. Close to six feet in height and broad of shoulder—could he take him in a fight? He was taller and younger than the baron, it could be accomplished.

But this wouldn’t come to an altercation. They were hardly drunk laborers arguing in a pub. They were gentlemen. However, that did not stop Riordan from using his brawny uncle to threaten the marquess. Desperate times call for…well, perhaps he could have handled this entire situation in a more civilized manner. But he was on this path, might as well see it through. His anger certainly fueled his actions. “I’m to wait for a reply, my lord.”

Durning snatched the note, tore it open, and scanned it, his face turning purple the more he read. “What is the meaning of this?”

“The marquess has departed the vicinity and returned to his home. There will be no wedding. However, I offer myself in his stead. I am Riordan Black, schoolmaster.”

“School…schoolmaster? Is this a joke?” Durning thundered.

Riordan took a step closer. “I am removing your daughter and her maid from these premises at once. You will not be able to sell her any longer, nor use her for your nefarious and selfish means.”

The baron’s eyes narrowed. “I can do with her as I please. However, you want the bitch? Take her. She comes without a farthing.”

“I am aware. The Marquess of Sutherhorne was most forthcoming with the information regarding your transaction, including your previous secret auction,” Riordan snapped. “I aim to offer my protection to Sabrina and because of it, you will never tell her there is no settlement or that you tried to sell her. In fact, you’re to have no further contact with her. Do I make myself clear?”

“Or you will do what, exactly? One word from me and you will be dismissed from your post and run out of this county.” A malicious smile spread across the baron’s face.

“No, you will not. I’m guessing you want to be rid of your daughter more than you wish to take revenge on a lowly schoolmaster. Besides, I have powerful allies: a viscount and an earl. Do not force my hand.”

“You. Lie.” The baron spat the words, and a spray of spittle hit Riordan’s cheek, stoking his fury to untested levels.

“Care to call my bluff? I will also ensure the authorities are made aware of the underhanded and illicit scheme to sell your daughter. There have been prosecutions in court for what you are doing. I’m guessing your finances are in a precarious position. May I suggest you find another way to procure income?” Riordan whispered dangerously. “Sell yourself in marriage instead.”

The baron snorted, his look turning from anger to pure abhorrence. “You have cost me more than money, and it’s not something I will soon forget.”

Riordan stepped away. “I seem to be collecting enemies today. Let me return the threat in kind: if you dare reveal any of this to your daughter, dare to speak of her or to her again, I will see you ruined. Arrested. Humiliated before Society.” Riordan leaned in close and whispered menacingly, “I will see you suffer in every way imaginable.”

“You arrogant puppy,” Durning cried.

Riordan collected himself. This heated situation was getting out of hand. But he was utterly furious at the way Sabrina had been treated. It made his hasty decision to assist her more urgent and equitable. But even more surprising was the desire to do anything to protect her. “Send for your daughter.”

* * * *

“Quickly, Mary. We must make a hasty escape.” Sabrina tore about her room like a whirling dervish, tossing various garments into her trunk.

Mary gently laid her hand on Sabrina’s arm. “My lady, remember Mr. Black instructed us to only bring what we cannot do without. We must travel light. Do you truly care for these clothes?”

Sabrina glanced at the pile of silk and velvet. No, she didn’t. All it did was remind her of her life with Pepperdon. Though her life with him was abhorrent, she had wanted for nothing. “I thought we could eventually sell them, but no, I don’t care for them. I will leave the trunk. Only what we are able to carry.” She marched to her dressing table and snatched up the sterling silver comb and brush set. “And what we are able to sell. The sun is setting; we will leave as soon as it grows dark.”