Page 44 of Marriage with a Proper Stranger

Mrs. Eaton stood incredibly close. She gazed up at him, for she was petite in height. He could drown in those golden eyes of hers. “Come in for tea; let me make it up to you.”

By God, he was tempted. “Another time. My son is visiting, and only here until tomorrow afternoon. I must return home. But I will, next I return from London, I promise.”

She gave him a warm smile. “Please do.”

After saying goodbye, Julian headed toward Wollstonecraft Hall. By the time he entered the library, much of his temper had faded. Only Garrett was in the room, slumped in his chair, his long legs stretched out in front of him, another glass of whiskey in his hand. “Where is everyone?” Julian asked.

“Father has retired to his study. I imagine Riordan is upstairs bathing, removing the dust of his journey.”

Julian tore off his coat and tossed it on the settee as he headed toward the whiskey decanter. He poured a generous amount. “I cannot believe you didn’t tell me. You are my brother, not Riordan and Aidan’s. Your loyalty should be to me.”

Garrett scoffed. “Don’t pout. It doesn’t become you. We may have a greater concern than Riordan’s hasty marriage.”

Julian sat next to Garrett and took a sip. “Such as?”

“What do you know of the Marquess of Sutherhorne and Baron Durning?”

“The baron? Next to nothing. Sutherhorne? I believe Father is more acquainted with him; they’re a similar age. We’ve conversed once or twice. To be honest, I did not care for the man. A cold, disagreeable sort.”

Garrett rubbed his glass between his large hands. “Well, we’d better find out what there is to know, for the marquess has made a definite threat toward both Riordan and me. He is not aware of our family ties…yet. It will not take him long, for Riordan used father’s name to induce Sutherhorne to come downstairs.”

Julian uttered a foul oath under his breath.

“I believe we’ve made enemies, ones who will seek retribution. We’d best be prepared and investigate what kind to expect,” Garrett said. “It may please you to know that Riordan handled himself well. Complete control of the situation.” He went on to relay the exchange outside the Carrbury Inn.

Brilliant. On top of everything else, now they must deal with vengeful peers. Julian had to agree: he did not like the tone of the threat, and Garrett would not exaggerate. They had best inform Father of the incident. Now to try and make Riordan understand the seriousness of his consequences.

And to make certain the damned annulment goes through as soon as possible.

Chapter 17

They all made an effort to dress for dinner. The menu was impeccable, as cook was no doubt glad to be able to prepare a large meal for once. Riordan was famished after the journey, and thankful that his father did not broach the subject of his marriage while they ate. Perhaps he’d walked off the bulk of his anger, or at least decided to set it aside for the rest of the evening. Riordan could only hope. He did not like being on the outs with his father.

The meal started with crayfish soup, a Dover baked sole, medallions of foie gras (not Riordan’s favorite), along with a saddle of mutton, potatoes, brussels sprouts, and French beans. Dessert consisted of peach pie, raspberry tarts, and vanilla cream.

The conversation stayed civil, the topics varying from the estate to recent news events and doings at parliament. Afterwards, while everyone sat around the table with brandy and cigars, though Riordan had never developed the tobacco habit, the discussion turned to him.

“Riordan, you must see this marriage cannot stand. You married the woman under false pretenses regarding your name. I understand it’s why you chose the annulment, and it is a logical choice.” Julian paused, swirling his brandy in his snifter. “Allow me to contact Miller Kenworth. Perhaps we can start the wheels turning and dissolve this marriage immediately. Negotiate a parting settlement with Lady Pepperdon for a few thousand pounds.”

Kenworth. Head of the law firm, and his friend William Chambers’s employer. It would be simple to become annoyed, start another argument. But Riordan tried to avoid conflict when possible. “Father, I gave my word to Sabrina, and it states in legal documents we both signed that she will be entitled to the entire ten thousand pounds on the day the annulment is finalized.” He sniffed the brandy, then took a sip, allowing the spicy taste to linger in his mouth before swallowing. “Beyond that, I have feelings for her. They are deepening with each passing day. I’m in no hurry to dissolve the marriage.”

Julian bristled, but his grandfather laid a hand on his son’s arm as if to calm him. “Why this woman?” the earl asked, his voice soft.

All eyes were on Riordan. “To begin with, she is attractive, with light brown hair and golden highlights seemingly added with a painter’s brush.”

“Jesus,” Garrett muttered. “He’s more than infatuated.”

Riordan shrugged. “Perhaps I am. You must understand, Sabrina has had a loveless, cold life. From her miserable father selling her to the old earl, to the horrific marriage she endured. I am not aware of specifics, but judging from her aloof nature and abhorrence for anything physical, it may be worse than I could ever imagine. I want to protect her from more hurt. I want to give her what she longs for the most: her independence. Her freedom. And I will do anything in my power to give her what she most desires.”

“Admirable grounds,” his grandfather acknowledged. “Then give her the freedom now.”

“Exactly,” Julian interjected. “If you promised Lady Pepperdon the money, I suppose we have no choice but to follow through. But you cannot be handing out money to everyone with a sad story.”

“I’m well aware of that fact, Father,” Riordan said. Tamping down his annoyance was becoming difficult as the conversation continued. “But it is my money, and it is my decision how I choose to spend it. It is a stain on this country that women cannot vote, are considered property, and cannot hold any property of their own. Nor can they escape a detestable marriage. Women are mistreated, abused, and when their husbands die, they can be left with nothing. If their only living male relative refuses to assist them, where can they turn?” Riordan continued to swirl his brandy. “I cannot rescue every woman in dire straits, but I will rescue this one. And if during the three months I’m able to convince her to open her heart and allow love and light to enter it, there may be no need for the settlement at all. Yes. It is more than an infatuation, more than merely physical. More than a cause. I want to explore the attraction already sparking between us.” He smiled. “There is a passionate woman beneath the outer layer of frost—I’m determined to find her.”

Garrett rolled his eyes. “I tried to warn him. Emotional attachments to women will only lead to trouble. And what of the curse?”

Riordan stared at his uncle. The man lived and breathed the damned curse. “I suppose I’ll lay the particulars of the curse before her and allow her to decide whether it is worth it. For my part? I have doubts. Why put a woman you care deeply for at risk? But then, why deny love on the premises of a medieval tale of woe?”