Page 27 of Marriage with a Proper Stranger

His uncle’s expression turned dark. “Have you been to the graveyard? My mother, Julian’s mother, my half sister, and all the women who came before. The old earl, my grandfather and your great-grandfather, buried two wives. And his father before him buried three. Shall I continue? I can recite all the way to the beginning of the seventeenth century if you require proof. It is real.” Garrett exhaled and ran his hands through his long hair. “Never mind the legal ramifications of what you’re doing. It smacks of fraud, and it’s not worthy of you no matter how earnest your intentions. You must have feelings for her already or you would not be barging ahead.” Riordan looked away. “Damn it, Nephew, I thought you smarter than this.”

Reluctantly, Riordan met his uncle’s worried gaze. His annoyance grew; the last thing he wanted was to argue with Garrett. “This has nothing to do with love. Not that you know anything about it.”

Garrett crossed his arms. “And what makes you think I know nothing about it?” he replied, his voice soft. “I know more than I ever wished to. You may think you’re in charge of the situation, but it will spin out of control, mark my words.”

This was a surprising development, for what did his uncle mean about love and knowing about it? When had he ever been involved with a woman? One of the summers he’d visited his Scottish relatives?

Garrett shook his head. “I can hear the gears turning in your head. Do not even ask. This is about you, not me. What about your father and grandfather?”

“I will reveal all when I come for the meeting.”

Garrett scoffed. “By then it will be too late, the deed done. I should tell them of your insane plan. Have them talk sense into you.”

“Uncle, give me credit for having a functioning brain. I’m not a stupid schoolboy, but a grown man out earning my keep. I’ve discussed this in-depth with William Chambers, my friend and solicitor, and this is all aboveboard. I had no idea the baron was selling his daughter, or had in the past. I was led to believe he would pay a generous settlement to be rid of her.”

Garrett banged his fist on the table. “Exactly what makes you think this widow is not playing you for a fool? Eliciting your sympathies, trifling with your compassion for humankind? Your desire for progressive causes? All to gain money from you?”

Riordan bristled. “All she knows is that I am a penniless schoolmaster. She has no clue of my family connections. My God, you are cynical.”

“Bah.” Garrett shook his head. “There is no arguing with you.”

“Please, allow me to break the news to father and grandfather. Will you?”

“It’s against my better judgment, but fine. You’d better attend the meeting in two weeks time or I will tell them what’s going on.” Garrett raised an eyebrow. “For argument sake, let’s say the widow is innocent. How do you think she will react when she finds out the money did not come from her father, but from you? And the fact you lied to her…. Think on it, Nephew.” He spoke the last couple of sentences with slow, emphatic deliberation.

A throbbing ache formed in Riordan’s left temple. He didn’t want to think about it. At least, not tonight. All he was concerned with was getting her away from her father and the marquess. To protect her, see her safe, and ensure she would not be used and abused anymore. To keep Sabrina from harm he would prevaricate, cheat, even kill. The depth of his turbulent emotions had him worried about how he was going to survive the next three months.

Chapter 11

Two days had passed since Riordan brought Sabrina and Mary to the inn. Sabrina had seen him only once, last night, to inform her he’d heard from William Chambers and they would be leaving by mail coach noon Friday. Reservations were made for two rooms at an inn near the law office and the registrar’s office. The brief civil ceremony would be held Saturday at noon, with Mary and Mr. Chambers acting as witnesses. There would be no music, no rings, and no solemn pronouncements before God. They would immediately return to Carrbury.

Just as well, since she’d already had a fancy wedding in a large church and it had led to nothing but misery. Also during this period, arrangements were made for Mary’s own room and employment. It would be an adjustment not to have Mary around day and night. She would come to Sabrina in the mornings, prepare her for the day, see to her lunch, and then return to the inn for her afternoon duties. In the evening she would come to Sabrina to prepare her for bed.

Sabrina took Mary’s words to heart: it wouldn’t hurt to be friendly and solicitous. Try and banish old fears. Could she do it when every instinct screamed for her to remain aloof? Especially after his show of temper with her father, though he deserved to be threatened. Her obligations to Riordan were accumulating at a swift rate.

Taking the silk bag from her valise, she spread her jewelry across the small table. There was a jeweler here in Carrbury; would he buy select items from her? Then she could pay Riordan instead of waiting for the settlement to be processed. Her fingers trailed across the pearl hair comb. As far as she knew, these were real pearls. A wedding gift from Pepperdon. It meant nothing to her, then or now. Surely it could fetch twenty pounds or more. Sabrina pushed it aside. Her wedding ring, a plain gold band. Again, it meant nothing. Not a fancy piece, but enough to garner a few more pounds, at least. Nodding, she laid it next to the comb. There could be enough to not only pay Riordan, but buy herself a simple wool dress or two. She would save the more expensive pieces of jewelry for later bargaining if required.

Sabrina had stayed in her room the past two days because she believed her father or the marquess would seek her out. Snatch her away. Paranoid, to be sure, but as much as she decided to move forward, old doubts still lingered. However, she would not allow dread to rule her life any longer with regards to any man. After scribbling a note for Mary informing her of her whereabouts, she readied herself for her departure.

It was another pleasant autumn afternoon; a cool breeze ruffled the remaining leaves on the trees lining the main thoroughfare. If she remembered correctly, the jeweler was located at the corner of the thoroughfare and Weldon Road next to the bakery. A few men touched the brim of their hats as she passed and she nodded in reply.

The pleasant odors of the bakery filled her senses. Baked apple and cinnamon, fresh bread. Perhaps she would stop in on her return to the inn and purchase a treat for herself and Mary. Pushing the door open to Davis and Sons Jewelers, a bell dinged overhead to signal her arrival. An older man stood behind the counter and gave her a polite smile. “Good afternoon, my lady.”

“You know who I am?”

“Yes, indeed. You are the widow of the Earl of Pepperdon. It is common knowledge that you have returned to the area. How pleasing to see you out and about. May I assist you, my lady?”

“Do you buy jewelry, Mr. Davis?”

He scratched his whiskery chin. “Well, my lady, I do. For select customers. I should reveal you would fetch a far better price if you sold the pieces in London. Alas, I can only offer a fraction of the going rate.”

Sabrina pulled the small silk bag from her reticule. “I assumed as much, Mr. Davis. I would still like to sell these.”

Taking out his handheld jeweler’s loupe from his pocket, he snatched up the pearl comb and inspected the piece closely. “Good quality pearls. Not the best, mind you.” He laid the comb on the counter and picked up the wedding band. “Hmm. I can give you ten pounds for the lot.”

“Let us agree on thirteen pounds, Mr. Davis. You will be making a significant profit here when you resell them. I’m desperate enough to absorb a loss, but not to accept an insulting offer.” She gave him a polite smile.

“Ah. Shrewdly bargained, Lady Pepperdon. Thirteen pounds it is. Will notes suffice?”