“I admire you for wishing to expand your mind. It is a fallacy girls cannot be educated the same as boys. Yet those in power believe females should only learn enough to prepare for their roles as wives and mothers. I do not hold with the view. My curriculum is for all children, regardless of gender.”
“Your students are indeed fortunate that you’re forward-thinking. I admire it. I admire…you.”
Riordan sipped his tea; the compliment pleased him.
After a few moments, Sabrina stood. “I believe I will retire. All of a sudden, I’m fatigued.”
Riordan rose from his chair. “Allow me to escort you to your room.”
“It is barely a few steps away.”
“Nevertheless.” He took her arm and escorted her to the door. Turning her to face him, he cradled her face, gently stroking her cheeks with his thumbs. “Good night. Sleep well.” He kissed her forehead, then laid gentle kisses on each of her cheeks. Her eyelids lowered, and he placed kisses on them as well. The temptation proved hard to ignore. Taking a chance, he leaned in and tenderly kissed her on the lips. Brief, but scorching.
Stepping away from her, and about to turn and head to the parlor, Sabrina moved toward him, encircling her arms about his waist. Her ample breasts smashed against his chest, causing blood to rush to his shaft, hardening it. It was the same fierce embrace she’d given him the afternoon they shared a picnic lunch in his schoolroom. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, “that I said you were trapping me like the earl and my father. Nothing could be further from the truth.”
Sabrina laid her head against his chest and hugged him tighter. Her enticing citrus scent filled his senses as she softened all around him. God, she felt glorious. A perfect fit. He was completely aroused. “You’re not like those poor excuses for men. No comparison at all. You’re the best man I have ever known.” He stroked her hair as her generous words made his heart swell.
As quickly as she hugged him, she let go and hurried into the room, closing the door behind her. Already he was bereft by her absence. Her scent lingered in the air, and the only sound was the ticking of the mantel clock. Or perhaps it was his heart, beating at a fast pace.
Damn. His entire body throbbed with need. He rested his forehead against the door and took a shuddering breath. How in hell would he be able to stay emotionally detached? The truth was he couldn’t, and he would not even try. This was moving beyond a surface attraction into a deeper bond. The challenge lay in making Sabrina admit that there was far more going on between them than friendship.
A challenge he gladly accepted.
* * * *
Sabrina had been awake since shortly after dawn. She lay in bed, not knowing what to do. Should she rise, or wait for Mary to arrive? The small cottage was silent, indicating Riordan must still be asleep, and she did not want to disturb him. Thankfully, she’d slept through the night, the stress of the day tiring her far more than she’d thought. Pulling the covers up to her chin, she glanced at the sun pouring in through the sheer draperies. It would be a fine autumn day for a ride.
I am married. Despite her second thoughts and last-minute apprehensions, Sabrina had come to the conclusion that she’d made the right choice. Besides condemning her and Mary to a life of poverty, there was no other option. Many revelations filled the day. The first, Riordan insisting that she keep the entire amount of the settlement. That she had not expected. The gesture, generous at its core, spoke of the honorable man she’d come to know—and wanted to know better.
But one of the biggest surprises? His suggestion that they make the marriage work. It had shocked her. Complete fright overtook her, hence the reason she lashed out and compared him to Pepperdon and her father. The earl, during the first months of their marriage, had tried to make an effort. But when it was clear that she abhorred his attentions, he turned cruel. Rough. The vindictiveness spilled over into their daily lives. As did the coldness.
During her first day married to Riordan, she experienced none of this, thank heavens. Sabrina closed her eyes, reliving his passionate kiss after the registrar declared them married. Then his tender kisses last night. After the ceremony, he was solicitous, engaged in every aspect of their shopping trip, assisting her in selecting books and giving his opinion when asked about the couple of dresses she’d purchased. He’d made her tea. Acted interested in what she had to say.
Sabrina was not used to any of this. Though overwhelming, she found she took great delight in not only his company, but his attention. All her talk of boundaries and still he kissed her. Regardless of the limitations she tried to place, she did not stop it, for she quite liked it. Her fingers brushed her lips, the memory of him still upon them. Gathering the sheets and blankets, she held them up to her nose and inhaled. His lime and bergamot scent. Masculine. Enticing.
The sound of Riordan moving about caught her attention. Was he dressing? Her cheeks flushed as she imagined it. There was no mistaking: he was a fine figure of a man. The strange sensations when they touched, when they kissed. She wanted more. As quietly as possible, she rose from the bed and crept to the door. Voices. Mary had arrived. Cracking open the door, she listened.
“I will attend church services with you both, Mr. Black. Then I will return here and ensure her ladyship is settled in. Regarding lunches, sir.”
“Yes?”
“I’m not much of a cook, but I can manage certain meals, as well as make scones and biscuits. I’ll handle Lady Sabrina’s lunch. Will you be coming here for your break, or staying at the school?”
Sabrina waited for his response with bated breath. See him every day for luncheon? Her heart swelled with anticipation. How odd. She never expected to have these feelings toward any man. What feelings, exactly, remained a mystery.
“Most days I will stay at the school. I manage to accomplish much during the break, planning, correcting, and the like, but there are days I will come here for the meal. I will give you plenty of notice,” Riordan answered.
“Very good, sir.”
“Make a list of what needs to be purchased. There is not much here, seeing as my meals have been supplied by Mrs. Ingersoll. I usually take what remains from supper for lunch the next day.”
“Leave it with me, sir. I’ll speak with Mrs. Ingersoll and we’ll work out the meals between us. I should see to her ladyship. She doesn’t rise much before nine.”
Sabrina scurried to the bed, climbing under the covers. Mary entered the room, closing the door behind her. “Good morning, my lady.”
“Good morning, Mary.”
“We best get you ready for church. You should have a bite before we depart, though there’s not much here. Sandwiches from yesterday will have to do.” Mary tossed aside the covers. “Sleep well?”
“I did.”
Mary leaned in and whispered, “I think I woke Mr. Black. He answered the door looking disheveled and appealing.”
“Mary!”
Her maid winked, then commenced bustling about the room, opening Sabrina’s luggage, laying out the newly purchased dark blue wool dress with pearl buttons. “This will do nicely. Understated, but elegant.” Mary lifted a cloth bag onto the bed. She removed a book and handed it to Sabrina. “Not what you’re used to reading, but I recommend it.”
“The Bold Seduction of Miss Featherstone?”
“Yes, my lady. It is erotic. More sensuous than salacious.” Mary tapped the cover of the book. “Time you knew what passion consists of, though by your expression when Mr. Black kissed you yesterday, I believe you’re beginning to understand what pleasure can be had with a man.”
“This is entirely improper….”
“Oh, bosh, my lady. Read it. It involves a rake, the son of a viscount and an ex-soldier.” Mary sighed. “What a delicious hero. Reminds me of Mr. Black, with the dark hair, blue eyes, and broad shoulders.” Mary cleared her throat. “Well, best to get the day underway. I sup
pose you heard my conversation with Mr. Black.”
Sabrina chuckled. “You know me well.”
“We’ll get it all sorted, my lady, don’t you worry. The meals and the cleaning and whatnot. Three months will fly by.”
Sabrina trailed the tips of her fingers across the gold-embossed title of the book. Seduction? Passion? Mary was correct, as usual: she absolutely knew nothing about it. Did she wish to learn? Perhaps she was incapable of base emotions.
She had close to three months to discover if such were the case. But if her reaction to his kisses was any indication, and the fact that she’d impulsively embraced him twice already, Sabrina suspected she may have found the one man who held the key to her locked away and hidden emotions. What to do about it was another question entirely.
Chapter 15
“May I present Mr. and Mrs. Black?” Reverend Thackeray declared. Sabrina stood at the front of the small chapel, her hand lightly resting on Riordan’s arm. The entire congregation stared at them, some with mouths agape. Shocked murmurs rose from the pews. “Isn’t she the baron’s daughter?” One young lady even cried out, “No!” Sabrina scanned the small crowd and found the woman. The look of distress on her face showed she harbored a tendre for Riordan. No doubt more than one young lady had found herself infatuated with the handsome schoolmaster.
When services concluded, the vicar insisted upon announcing the marriage. Sabrina made a point of asking that he not call her Lady Pepperdon. She could’ve kept the courtesy title while married to a commoner, but in truth she was glad to be shunt of the earl’s name. Next would be to banish him from her memory entirely.
Initially, the vicar had acted affronted that they’d traveled to London to see the deed done, and then aghast when Riordan told him they’d married at a registrar’s office. The man had the audacity to ask to see the certificate. Riordan must have guessed that he would, because he had it tucked in his coat pocket. Once Reverend Thackeray established they were indeed married, he stated that the announcement must be made.
Good heavens, she didn’t like being on display like this. Riordan must have sensed her stiffen next to him, for he laid his hand on top of hers and squeezed it gently. Eventually a small number of people came forward and offered congratulations, but the rest followed the vicar toward the main entrance to make their exit.
“Let’s slip out the side door,” Riordan whispered.
“Oh, could we?”
Riordan nodded toward Mary, who returned a smile as she headed down the aisle. Stepping out into the sunshine, Sabrina exhaled.
“It’s over with. After a bit of tittle-tattle over tea in various parlors and kitchens, everyone will move on with their lives and forget us,” Riordan said, his tone reassuring.
Sabrina had grown up in this area; it had been always a focus of gossip. Thankfully, her father had not attended Sunday services today. His attendance over the years had been sporadic and unpredictable. Move forward. No looking back.
“The farm is not far. A good stretch of the legs.”
“I could do with a pleasant constitutional,” Sabrina stated, remembering when she’d last ventured on a walk: the day she had discovered Riordan and his mesmerizing, melodic schoolmaster voice. A small smile curved about her mouth.
After arriving at the Walsh farm and exchanging introductions, the mare was fixed with a sidesaddle and Riordan helped Sabrina mount. His large hands grasped her on either side of her waist, and his touch seared. The sensation was growing in intensity with each contact. As she collected the reins, she patted the butterscotch-colored mare’s strong neck.
Riordan climbed onto his magnificent horse with relative ease. Pulling on the reins, he brought the gelding about to stand next to her. “The mare’s name is Goldie.”
“I can see why yours is named Grayson. He’s beautiful. The black mane offsets his dapple gray color.”
As if he had heard the compliment, the horse kicked the dirt with his front hoof and nickered, giving his head a shake. A giggle escaped her.
“And he is a bit of a show-off. Shall we head out? Start with a trot and work up to a canter?”
As they travelled along the path leading from the Walsh farm, Sabrina tilted her head toward the sun. Though the air was slightly cool, the sun held comforting warmth. Birdsong sounded from the surrounding oak and juniper trees. The colorful autumn leaves shimmered with vibrancy. Everything was enhanced, bringing all her senses alive as never before. Because of Riordan.
“A beautiful day, is it not?” he asked.
“Completely glorious,” she replied dreamily.
“See the brook ahead? I’ll race you.”
“Hardly fair; I’m riding sidesaddle. Now, if I were astride, it would be a true race. In fact, I could beat you.”
He laughed, and the deep resonance of it made her heart skip a beat. “Then I will give you a head start.”
Leaning over Goldie, Sabrina shortened the reins and gave the mare a gentle kick with her heels. The horse needed no further encouragement; she vaulted forward, leaving Riordan and Grayson behind. It didn’t take long for pounding hooves to fill her hearing. Riordan caught up to her, and with a jaunty salute passed her. She dared not go any faster.
When she reached the brook, Riordan had already dismounted. She pulled up on the reins, slowing Goldie until the mare came to a full stop. “Being a gentleman, I should have let you win. But Grayson would not have it. He is from racing stock, and blood will win out.” He reached up to help her dismount. Heavens, he would be touching her again. Steeling herself from any reaction, she placed her hands on his shoulders.
Riordan lifted her from the saddle as if she weighed nothing at all. He held her aloft, his gaze searing and smoldering. Then he lowered her, close enough that his body made contact with her own. Her breasts brushed by his chest, her legs tangled with his. The friction was like flint to tinder. Still he held her gaze, and she could not look away. Blue fire crackled with life and danced in his eyes.
At last, her boots hit the ground. His hands remained about her waist. Gazing up at him, she marveled once again at his nearly flawless face. Already she could see dark bristles forming along his firm jawline. How she ached to run her fingers along it. “We should allow the horses to drink,” he said.
“Yes, of course.”
He stepped away and grabbed the reins, urging Grayson to the edge of the brook. She did the same with Goldie. “We should have brought a picnic lunch. It is still warm enough to enjoy one.” He pointed to the cluster of trees. “Right under there, it’s perfect.”
She glanced to where he pointed. It was perfect. Flat ground tucked under a shelter of trees. Sun shone through the gaps in the branches, creating a magical effect. “Perhaps next week, if the weather holds,” she offered.
“Ah.” He inclined his head toward the horses still drinking. “They will be fine.” He took her gloved hand, threading her fingers through his. He did it naturally, as if they always held hands. “Next Sunday I’ll be heading to my family home. Nothing serious. I will return Monday night. The board has granted me a personal day. I’m sure it will be the last one for a while.”
“Oh.”
“You will not be alone. I’ll ask Mary to stay with you for the night I’m away.”
“Thank you.”
“You look lovely today.”
A hot flush spread across her cheeks at his compliment. She wore merely a plain wool dress and her cloak, with a gray linen bonnet with a silk flower on the brim. This morning, Mary had wound her plait into a bun pinned at the nape of her neck. “Thank you.”
“Not used to compliments?”
“Oh, dear, does it show? I’m not. But I do appreciate it.”
“The fresh air and ride have done you a world of good. You are flush with health and color. It’s entirely appealing. Enhances your natural beauty. And I’m not spouting false
praise to win your favor; I mean what I say. Always.”
As if he had to win her favor. She innately understood his sincerity was genuine. His words warmed her more than the autumn sun high in the sky. “Allow me to compliment you. I’m in awe of how you have handled this entire situation, from my bizarre request to managing my father and the earl, and the plans for the actual marriage. The agreements and the living arrangements…all has gone smoothly. Your career as an organized schoolmaster does you credit.”
He lifted her gloved hand to his lips and laid a quick kiss on it. “Why, thank you, my lady. Let us hope all remains smooth.”
“What are your plans for the future, regarding your career? What do you want from life?” she asked.
They stopped under the cluster of trees. The horses stayed by the edge of the brook, alternating between drinking the water and grazing on the grass growing nearby. “All I can think about is what I want right now.”
“Oh? And what is that?”
He caught her gaze and held it. Again his expression smoldered. “To lean you against the trunk of this oak tree and run my hands over your lovely curves. Across your waist to your glorious breasts, where I would cup and caress them until you gave a sensual moan in reply.” He stepped closer. The husky tone of his voice caused her to tremble with yearning. He should not be speaking to her this way. Not at all. But she could not tear her eyes away from him, nor muster the words to tell him to stop.
“I would continue on my journey, pull the pins from your hair. See it hang long about your shoulders. Run my fingers through the silken strands while I inhale your citrus scent. Nuzzle your delicate neck, pull you close into my embrace.”
Both of them were breathing hard. Aroused. Yes, she was aroused from his heated, sensual words. Dear heavens. How to respond?
Riordan took another step. They were inches apart. “Do you feel it? What is between us?” Sabrina could only nod. “Despite what I want, what I…desire,” he continued, “I will settle for a kiss.”
Marriage with a Proper Stranger Page 14