Page 33 of Marriage with a Proper Stranger

“It could, but the chance is remote. However, if it happens, there is a clause in this agreement stating that the money is yours, and no one else can lay claim to it, not even your husband.” William paused, inclining his head toward Riordan. “On the slim possibility the annulment is refused, Riordan will not stand in your way if you wish to continue on with your plans regardless. Your independence—on your terms. You will live separately, though legally married.”

The ramifications of this significant point hit home with Riordan. If she decided to move ahead with her plan to live by the sea, he would be left in marital limbo. There would be no remarriage. No children. No future with any woman, unless he took a mistress. Rather bleak, when he thought about it. His father and grandfather had certainly had one or two short-term mistresses throughout the years, and they were content enough with their lives. But they had been married previously, and were widowers with children. In his haste to assist her, he had not fully comprehended all the variables.

Sabrina must have been having similar thoughts, for she turned toward him. “You’re giving up far more than I realized. How utterly selfish of me.”

“Sign the agreements, Sabrina,” he encouraged. “I will have a full and satisfying life, you need not worry. This will ensure that you will as well.”

Taking the sheets of paper, she reclined in the chair and read the forms. As she did, William turned his attention to Mary. “Miss Tuttle, Riordan would like to give you a portion of the pay that was owed to you by the baron. Unfortunately, the man refused to see to the obligations of your employment. Riordan will be reimbursed when the money comes through. Would five pounds suffice, with the balance of fifteen pounds and what you are owed for three months to be paid on the date of the annulment? Again, if not granted, I’m sure Lady Pepperdon will see that you are compensated.”

“Thank you, Mr. Chambers, it will be more than sufficient,” Mary replied.

Riordan glanced at Sabrina. Her brows were furrowed as she continued to read the documents. The room was quiet as they waited for her to sign. “I need to speak to Riordan. Privately. Do you mind, Mr. Chambers?”

William stood. “Not at all. Miss Tuttle and I will wait in the outer office. Though I must remind you of our appointment at the registrar’s office at noon.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

William and Mary departed, closing the door behind them.

“What is it, Sabrina?” Riordan asked.

She set the papers on the desk. “For once in my life, I’m not going to think of myself. I cannot allow this to go forward. I must admit that in my haste to escape my father and his abject plans for me I did not take in all considerations. For either one of us. This could go wrong in many ways.” She turned to face him. “You are a young man. What if you meet a woman and fall in love? You could never marry her if we were still bound together—if the annulment is not granted. What of children?” She shook her head. “We must call this off.”

Damn. After all he went through to get them to this point. “And how will you live?” he asked quietly.

“I have more jewelry to sell…and other items.”

“It will not be enough to live on for any extended period. You’ve broken with your father. There is no going back, only forward.” He paused, wondering what to say next. He did not want to force her into this temporary marriage. “Perhaps I can raise enough money….”

“No. Absolutely not. I cannot be beholden to anyone. The debt would hang over my head, and I have no way to reimburse the amount. I could never accept a loan, from you or anyone else.” Her tone was firm and adamant.

Wonderful. He rubbed the bridge of his nose. How could he ever reveal it was his money and not the baron’s? Tell her now, his inner voice whispered. Before it’s too late. He decided to take another tack. “Have you considered the possibility that we could make this marriage work?”

She blinked at him, her mouth slightly agape, no doubt from shock—he’d shocked himself. Yes, he’d briefly considered it, but sitting here with her, his emotions in turmoil, the idea held merit. “Hear me out: We get along. As you said, we’re already friends. It is more than some people have. Perhaps more than most.” He took her hand; it trembled in his. “I would never make demands of you, dominate you, or humiliate you. As far as the physical aspect, I’m a patient man, and I would wait until you are comfortable with us—”

Sabrina pulled her hand from his. Her expression held a degree of horror. “You’re no better than the marquess or my father, after all. You’re trying to…trap me.”

Damn it, was he? “No. Never.”

“I don’t want a real marriage. If we do this, it is a temporary arrangement. I must have your word on this, or I cannot go through with it.”

Well, he’d bungled this thoroughly. A wave of disappointment rolled through him. It appeared he was young and foolish after all. He’d splayed open his heart, literally handed it to her, and she’d tossed it back at him. “My apologies for suggesting it. You have my word. If you wish this to be temporary, then it shall.” He took her hand again, holding it firm. “Allow me to explain about myself. I don’t like being told what to do or being pushed about any more than you do. Nor shall I be told how and what to feel. I will not act as a stranger toward you. I can only be who I am. You must accept this, or I cannot go through with it.” He threaded his fingers through hers. They had removed their gloves when they first stepped into the office, making the touch of skin against skin stimulating—even more heated than when she’d touched his cheek earlier. “Make a decision, Sabrina. Stand up for what you want. For I shall. Every time.” And to my complete astonishment, I want you.

* * * *

The way he looked at her. The intensity of his gaze. Sabrina’s mind was in a whirl. Make the marriage work? He’d no idea what she’d endured. Perhaps she should have told him, at least enough to make him understand the reason why she did not want such an arrangement again. This false, transitory marriage she could endure, knowing at the end she could walk away and start her new life.

Could she take him at his word? He did state this would be temporary…but what if the decision was not theirs to make? Sabrina glanced down at their clasped hands. Her skin burned where he touched her. Her insides were aflame. This must be desire. What else could it be, unless she was suffering from a stomach ailment? I can only be who I am. Why did the statement simultaneously thrill and alarm her? The way he spoke, with such firm conviction, confidence, and emotion…she was not used to it at all.

Make a decision.

Her desire for freedom took on fresh significance. This was her plan, and she wanted to be in complete control of it. But whatever power she held over the situation slipped away in Riordan’s presence. Every time he touched her. If she wanted the money and her future, she had to move forward. Make a decision.

Slipping her hand from Riordan’s, she snatched the pen from the desk, dipped it in ink, and signed the forms. It was done. Sabrina pushed her chair from the desk and stood. “We had best recall Mr. Chambers and Mary and depart.”

Riordan stood and clasped her shoulders, turning her to face him. “You won’t regret this, Sabrina. It will all work out the way you wish.”

She walked away from him and opened the door. “You may come in. The forms are signed.” Mr. Chambers and Mary entered the room.