Page 73 of Marriage with a Proper Stranger

Sabrina shook her head. “No, not physically. The baron made me swallow laudanum or he would have killed Mittens. When I awoke, I was in that horrible room.”

Jesus. He placed the glass on the small table, struggling to control his fury. “I’ve news of the baron; do you wish to hear it?”

“No.” She sighed. “Yes.”

“His creditors are circling him as we speak. Sutherhorne has refused to assist him. Grandfather has it on good authority that your father owes more than twenty thousand pounds. Even selling Durning House and all its possessions will not see him free and clear from this crushing debt.”

She shook her head. “He claimed it was a railway scheme.”

“There have been quite a few investments that have fallen through and ruined all those attached to them. What these men, including your father, are doing is referred to as speculation, and it is heading for complete collapse. Again, improper regulation leads to utter greed and—you don’t want to hear this. Your father’s hearing is in early January. Durning is heading for debtor’s prison, I’ve no doubt. It’s over for him.” Riordan frowned. “Sutherhorne is another thing entirely.”

“Why?” she asked.

“He’s a marquess. Untouchable. I will not bring charges of abduction and the buying and selling of a human against him if it means involving you in public conjecture, especially when nothing will come if it. Unless you wish to see him brought up on charges?”

“No. It would come to nothing, as you say. I want to put it behind me.”

“We will keep an eye out, as I did not like the way Sutherhorne glared at us, Garrett in particular.”

She clasped his hand, a worried look on her face, the first show of emotion since he’d arrived. “Are you and your family in danger?”

He would not lie. Not ever again. “Perhaps. But if the marquess is smart, he will let this pass.”

“My father told me the marquess would seek vengeance, and he did. I fear this is not over. I should have told you that I came across my father the day I sold the jewels. It appears we both kept secrets.”

“We will never do so again. As for the family, we will remain vigilant, I promise.” Riordan threaded his fingers through hers. “Speaking of danger, I must tell you of the curse.”

She allowed his touch for a moment, then pulled her hand away. “What curse? Oh, the one tied to your family, about how women who love Wollstonecraft men don’t live long?”

“I suppose another reason I was reluctant to mention my real name is because I do not wish to place any woman I care for at risk.” She gave him a dubious look. “It is part of my family. Our legacy. Not easily dismissed.”

“Do you believe in it?” she asked, her voice soft.

“Yes…and no. Not enough to deny love. But I would understand if any woman turned from me because of it.” Sabrina’s eyebrows furrowed, and she didn’t reply. He might as well soldier on. “Again, allow me to apologize for lying to you. About my name, the settlement, not informing you of your father—”

“It hurts. Deeply. I understand the motivation, but after what we shared, you should have told me,” she whispered.

“I agree. I’m not perfect. Far from it, it turns out, as I’ve made many mistakes. I arrogantly thought I was protecting you from hurt, because you’ve been hurt enough. But I failed in all ways.” He reached in his suit coat pocket. “Allow me to make amends. Allow me to give you what you desire most…your freedom.”

Her brows knotted in puzzlement as she reached for the paper. As she read it the furrow between her brows deepened. “What does this mean?”

“A week from today, we appear at the ecclesiastical court. The annulment is all but guaranteed. My father pulled various strings. You will be free. It is what you desire most.”

She shook her head as she folded the paper with trembling hands. “No. It is not what I desire most.”

“The money will be yours—”

“I don’t want your money! I want you!” she cried. “You are what I desire most. I love you, you stubborn, glorious man. When you told me you loved me the night I lay in your arms, I was too frightened to say it in return. For you see, I’m not perfect either.” Sabrina choked back a sob. “Once, long ago, I dreamed of having a father who would spoil me, read me stories, and teach me how to dance. One who would share the last piece of cake with me. Bring me a gift when I least expected it, like you did with Mittens.”

Shaking her head sadly, she continued. “How I yearned for it, but never experienced any of it.” She caught his gaze, her eyes shimmered with emotion. “But I have found a different version of it—love—with you, haven’t I?”

“My darling, I will spoil you just enough, and when you least expect it. I will continue to read to you every night, share my cake, and lavish you with small gifts. Dance with you whenever you wish. I love you to absolute distraction. I would do anything to see you smile, laugh, and enjoy life.”

“I do, with you,” she whispered.

Riordan gathered her in his embrace, burying his face in her neck, his eyes wet. Sabrina held him tight, stroking his hair. Lifting his head, he kissed her. As always, it turned fierce for the both of them. He pulled away. “Do you forgive me?” He leaned his forehead against hers.

“Yes. How can I not?”