Page 25 of Marriage with a Proper Stranger

“Shouldn’t we wait until Mr. Black arrives?”

Sabrina shook her head sadly. “I doubt Mr. Black will be able to assist us. What was I thinking? A schoolmaster against a baron and a marquess?” She stuffed the vanity set in her large carpet bag. “The plan is doomed.”

“Well, I spent a couple of hours in his classroom today, and he had a commanding presence with complete control of his students. I don’t think he is a man who will be easily pushed around, not even by peers.” Mary smiled. “He had me mesmerized. I thought my education was solid and thorough, but even I learned a few things about the continents. I wonder what else he could teach a woman?”

“Mary!” Sabrina froze.

“Well, not me. I’m old enough to be his mother. But you, my lady? You’re attracted to him, you’re blushing even now. You will be alone with him in a small cottage and—”

Sabrina held up her hand. “No. I cannot. I have no heart left. I have nothing to give any man.”

Mary moved to her side. “How will you know unless you allow it? Be open to new experiences and emotions, my lady. I promise you will not regret it.” Mary shook her head. “I’m not suggesting that you seduce Mr. Black, good heavens. But as I said earlier, be open to friendship. And if it should lead to more…” She sighed, her expression wistful. “My lady, you have no idea how wonderful an intimate relationship with a man can be. It can enrich your life. I’m not merely speaking of physical intimacy, though that can be extraordinary. I mean friendship, sharing secrets, trusting that person with your life. Sharing a quiet evening when you are both in the room, each lost in their own pursuits but content in the companionable silence.”

“My heavens, Mary. How do you know of such things? Do not tell me it is from your romantic books.”

Her maid did something Sabrina had never seen before: she blushed. “No, not only from the books.”

A knock at the door made them both start. “Oh, no. We should have left an hour since,” Sabrina whispered.

“Who is it?” Mary called out.

“It’s George, my lady. Your presence is requested in the library.”

Mary marched to the door and flung it open. “Who is in the library with the baron?” she demanded.

The young footman jutted his chin in the air and did not answer.

“Oh, stop being contrary, George. It doesn’t suit you,” Mary snapped. “Who is it?”

“I recognize him, it’s the schoolmaster,” he muttered.

Sabrina let out the breath she’d held. Not the marquess. Thank God. Smoothing her skirt, she walked toward the door. “Continue packing, Mary.” She followed George downstairs, her legs shaking the entire way. Crossing the threshold of the library, the tension hanging in the air was palatable. Her father faced the window, his fists at his sides. By his stance, she could tell he was angry. Sabrina slid her gaze to Riordan. He also looked furious.

“We are leaving immediately. Mary as well. The bags should be brought down, I have a wagon outside,” Riordan said, his voice tight.

George looked toward the baron, who kept his back to everyone. “My lord?”

“Do it,” the baron barked.

George scurried away, looking relieved to be departing.

“Then we shall take our leave,” Riordan said in a clipped tone.

“Good luck with her,” the baron stated coldly. “The late earl said she is a contrary, frigid hag who couldn’t even manage to give him an heir. She is spoiled, taciturn, and thoroughly unpleasant. I’m glad to be rid of her.”

Sabrina gasped and covered her mouth in shock at her father’s hateful words.

Riordan’s expression turned dangerous, and with three large strides he spun her father around until he stood toe-to-toe with the baron. “You are not to speak of your daughter in such a way ever again.” Riordan grabbed a fistful of the baron’s cravat. “Remember what I said. I will follow through, have no doubt.”

The quick burst of violence from Riordan made her blood run cold with fear. Good heavens, he was no better than every other man in her life.

As if sensing her distress, Riordan released the baron and moved to her side, gently clasping her elbow. “Come, Sabrina. We are departing.” He leaned in and whispered, “Don’t look back. Do not ever look back.”

Biting her lip, she nodded. Strangely, tears clustered on her eyelashes. This part of her life was over. Her father would not even look at her or say goodbye. Fine, neither would she. With shoulders straight, she left the room, allowing Riordan to steer her toward the front door.

The sky had cleared and the sun all but set. Pink clouds hovered across the horizon, showing proof tomorrow would be a glorious, sunny one. A new beginning. Though many questions formed in her mind, she knew if she put voice to them, she would begin to weep. Liberation. Freedom. She was on the path to achieve it, and it made her heart soar.

He helped her up onto the bench seat, and she stiffened at his touch. “I will be escorting you and Mary to the inn, where you will stay until we can depart for London. The marquess has left town.”