His Contrary Bride (A Gentleman's Guide to One Upon a Time - Book 2)

by Charles, Jane

  “Your father knew Wellesley?” Marius was astonished her father knew someone of such importance.

  “They met in Eton and renewed their acquaintance at the French Royal Academy of Equitation. When Wellesley enlisted, my grandfather forbade my father from doing the same. So, my father would visit Wellesley whenever he could, staying in the background, listening to Wellesley’s difficulties in war, sharing a drink or two. I suppose simply being a friend.”

  Marius was bewildered. Her father had been a friend of Wellesley and attended Eton with him? That alone meant she had not always been poor, or at least her father hadn’t been. Why would her grandfather have refused to let his son buy a commission, unless he was the heir? “Did you have no other family?”

  “Only my Uncle James and Cousin Ramsey,” she answered with a shrug.

  Marius shook his head. No, it couldn’t be the same family. Could it? “The Earl of Chesterfield is your uncle?”

  Sabrina turned to question Marius, surprise lit in her eyes. “Do you know my uncle then?”

  Hesitantly, he answered. “Yes, by acquaintance only. Chester, Ramsey to you, on the other hand, I’ve come to know fairly well these past few years.”

  Her eyes brightened at his name. “How is he? Did he do well in school? He wrote that he had married. Have you met his wife? Is she nice?”

  The thoughts tumbled over in his mind and Marius didn’t know what to say first. Why had Lord Chesterfield let his niece become a servant? Why had Ramsey allowed it? He knew Ramsey rather well and couldn’t believe he merrily went through life while his cousin was made to wait on others.

  “Mr. Parker?” Sabrina asked, intruding on his thoughts.

  Hesitantly, Marius answered. “He is well and his wife is charming.”

  “Good. I so want him to be happy.” Sabrina relaxed beside him. A moment later she straightened again and turned toward him. “Could you do me a favor?”

  “What?”

  “When you speak with Ramsey, don’t tell him I was working as a servant at the academy.”

  This was becoming more and more bizarre. “Why not, doesn’t he know?”

  Her shocked eyes beseeched him. “No. He must never learn. I promised Uncle James never to tell him.”

  “Why wouldn’t he want your cousin to know?”

  Sabrina sighed and sat quiet for a moment. “Can I trust you not to say anything?” Marius did not like where this was going and never promised anything without knowing exactly what he was promising and why. “I’ll try.”

  This assurance must have been good enough for Sabrina. “When Uncle James inherited the title, after my father was killed, I was a student at the academy.”

  This at least explained, somewhat, how she came to be Cinderella. There was still a large gap in the history.

  Sabrina continued. “The family was in a bad financial situation according to Uncle James”

  Marius was dumbfounded. Lord Chesterfield was a very wealthy man and had been since he could remember, or at least he certainly gave that appearance. Ramsey wasn’t lacking either. Quietly, he waited for the rest of the story.

  “Ramsey had not been out of school all that long and Uncle James wanted him to have the best of everything. All the right connections, be embraced by the ton, and everything that went with it. Uncle hoped Ramsey would marry an heiress to help save the family.”

  Marius only nodded. Was she really talking about the people he knew?

  “Uncle could no longer pay for my schooling and I couldn’t return to his home because his wife was frail and ailing.”

  Marius tried to keep his face impassive. Lady Chesterfield had always been a healthy and very robust woman.

  “I agreed to stay on at the academy to earn my own way so Ramsey wouldn’t have to suffer.”

  Marius looked down at her. “Ramsey knows nothing of this?”

  “No. If he knew, Ramsey would never have agreed and sacrificed his own future to protect me. It was necessary that he marry well to save the family and our property.”

  “So, he thinks you stayed at school all this time? Didn’t he suspect anything when it was time for you to have a Season?” Marius asked, still boggled from all that he was hearing.

  “He did write and ask, several times. I insisted that I was happy where I was and considering a teaching position. I knew he didn’t have the funds to finance a Season.”

  Marius was amazed, stupefied, outraged and confused all at once. “That was very unselfish of you, Sabrina. Or should I say, Lady Sabrina.”

  She laughed then. “Sabrina is fine. I haven’t been addressed as Lady in a long time.”

  It didn’t bother her, which was painfully obvious. However, Marius knew the truth and wondered why she had been kept at the academy.

  The silence stretched between them and soon Marius felt Sabrina on his shoulder. She had fallen asleep. Who could blame her? She hadn’t slept the night before and after all the walking, she should be completely exhausted.

  While she rested, Marius made some decisions. He certainly was not taking her to London to fend for herself. If what she said was true, then Ramsey had no idea what had become of his cousin and Marius felt it a duty to inform him. He still couldn’t understand the why. Though it was farther away, Marius decided to take her to Lord and Lady Sandlin. He didn’t want to risk Sabrina being in London and a chance meeting with her uncle or cousin until he had figured things out. Besides, the only place he could take her in London at that moment would be his own townhouse and that certainly wouldn’t do. It was bad enough she had to work as a servant all these years, he wasn’t going to ruin her as well. As it was, they would need to keep their trip a secret.

  While she continued to doze, Marius turned on the road toward the Sandlin estate. He would have to stop for the night, something he didn’t relish given Sabrina was with him but, it could not be helped. They should be able to arrive at Sandlin’s by mid-day tomorrow.

  * * *

  Sabrina woke a short time later. “I am sorry. That was rather rude of me.” She sat up and tried to smooth her hair.

  “I am sure you were exhausted.” He smiled down at her.

  Mr. Parker turned north when they passed the junction. She straightened and looked around. The sign they just past clearly indicated London was in the opposite direction.

  “I am not taking you to London, Sabrina.”

  Her eyes widened in surprise. Had she misjudged him? “Where are you taking me?”

  “To a friend’s home.”

  “Why? Are they in need of a servant?” She certainly hoped that was the case.

  “No,” he chuckled. “Not that I am aware of anyway. I would like you to stay with them while I travel on to London on your behalf.”

  “Mr. Parker, I need to find work. You must take me to London.” Didn’t he understand the seriousness of her predicament? She had been quite clear as to her circumstances.

  “I understand your concern. Still, you have to admit you will have difficulty finding a reputable position without a reference.”

  Sabrina didn’t need to be reminded of the obstacle and made a face.

  Mr. Parker simply laughed. “Stay with my friends. I am sure Phoebe would love your company. I’ll travel to London and see what can be arranged.”

  “That is very kind of you, but it is also an imposition. I can’t allow you to do this.”

  He shook his head. “You are not allowing me to do anything. I insist.”

  Sabrina knew of no further argument she could offer and decided to accept her sudden holiday. Besides, perhaps there were some chores she could help with in his friend’s household to repay them for their hospitality.

  * * *

  Darkness had fallen when they came to the next small town. Unfortunately, there were few places to stay and only one room available. Marius wanted to punch the innkeeper for the knowing, suggestive look when he saw Sabrina and led them up to their room. Nobody in their right mind would ever believe he planned on sha
ring a room with this beautiful woman with only the purest intentions.

  After ordering a meal sent to their room, Marius dismissed the innkeeper with a scowl. “Don’t let it bother you, Mr. Parker,” she said, as she sank into a chair.

  He turned toward her outraged. “Do you have any idea what that man assumed?”

  “I can probably guess. It doesn’t matter. We will never be here again, or at least I won’t and he doesn’t know my name.”

  “That is beside the point,” Marius began to argue.

  Sabrina held up her had to stop him. “Let it go. It doesn’t matter. We know the truth.”

  Sighing, Marius shrugged. She was correct. People would always think and assume what they wanted and usually the worst. He was particularly surprised that she wasn’t concerned in the least.

  * * *

  While Mr. Parker built up the fire, Sabrina relaxed further into her chair. She could barely bring herself to move when their meal arrived. Marius pulled the table to the hearth before she could rise. He placed his chair on the opposite side and they dined while sharing stories of their childhood. Mr. Parker also shared recent stories of Ramsey which she found delightful. It pleased her greatly that Ramsey was happy, doing well and married a nice young woman.

  After clearing the remains of the meal way, Mr. Parker set them outside the door before locking it for the night. He filled both their glasses with the remains of the wine and they sat in companionable silence.

  Sabrina hadn’t had much experience with gentlemen. In fact, she had none. Still, she knew Mr. Parker was different, if not better than any other gentlemen she would ever encounter. Though it was only a feeling, she held onto it, comfortable being with him and, away from the endless chores that had plagued her these last years. She couldn’t help but wonder if things had been different, would she have met him in society? Would she have found him as attractive as she did now? Would he have even noticed her in the crowd of beauties?

  She shook her head and rose from the chair. All the ifs in the world would not change her situation. He simply was a kind gentleman helping to make her way easier. Nothing more and it would do no good to wish or ponder the impossible. He certainly thought nothing more of her than perhaps an obligation because he felt responsible for her predicament.

  She winced from the pain of the blisters on her feet and suddenly sat back down. “What is wrong?” Mr. Parker asked.

  “My feet are simply sore from all the walking.” She bent down and began to unfasten her boots, thinking she would be more comfortable with them gone from her feet. Sighing, she set the boots aside and stretched her stocking feet before the fire, forgetting proprieties and earlier deportment lessons.

  As the wine and fire began to warm her further, Sabrina became uncomfortable before she remembered that she wore three dresses. Standing once again, she began to unbutton the first. Mr. Parker noted her movement and stood. “If you would like to make yourself ready to retire, I’ll step into the hall.”

  Confused, she looked up at him before laughing when she realized what he must be thinking. “I’m sorry.” She lifted the first dress up. “I am wearing three dresses because of the cold last night. It is becoming quite warm in here and I thought to lose a few layers.” She explained as she began folding the first dress. “I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

  He visibly relaxed though the color had not left his cheeks.

  She removed the second dress.” I promise to leave the last one on.” She chuckled.

  “This is a strange situation and we haven’t figured out sleeping arrangements yet.” He laughed with her.

  She took her seat once again. “There is nothing to arrange. I’ll be perfectly content in this chair by the fire.”

  Mr. Parker gave her an odd look. “That wasn’t exactly what I meant.” He turned back to the fire. “I was thinking more along the lines of how many blankets were on the bed and the type of privacy you would need.” He turned back to her. “And, it is I who will sleep in the chair and you will be in the bed.”

  Sabrina stared at him in disbelief. “It is kind of you, but I will be more comfortable here. You take the bed.”

  “A gentleman does not take the bed and leave a lady to sleep in a chair.” He sat forward, looking into her eyes as if to make her understand.

  Sabrina simply laughed back at him. Someone being concerned with her comfort was a novelty. “Ah, but Mr. Parker, I am no longer a lady, but a servant. Therein lies the difference.”

  He stood rigid and frowned down at her. “I don’t care what they thought you were at the academy. You are the cousin of a friend of mine and, your lineage alone makes you a lady. I will not allow you to sleep in a chair.”

  Sabrina was taken aback by his code of honor and didn’t dare laugh again. He considered her a lady regardless of her circumstances. It made her feel a bit like Cinderella must have felt when she first entered the ball. “Very well. We will both sleep in the bed.” That would certainly solve the argument.

  “What?” He yelled.

  She shook her head and tried not to laugh again. “The innkeeper already thinks we are sharing the bed so both of us might as well be comfortable.” She nodded to the item being discussed. “It is certainly large enough and we should not disturb each other.”

  Mr. Parker looked at the bed. She could tell he weighed his decision. She followed his line of vision. It was a larger bed, much larger than she had ever slept in. Why, two people could easily slumber and never know the other person was there.

  He sighed and turned back to her, his face rigid. “Very well.”

  Chapter 4

  Marius noted her glass was empty while his was not. He also wanted to buy some time before he retired. “Why don’t you go to bed? I am sure you are exhausted.” He had no intention of actually crawling into bed with her. He may have a high moral code, but he was no saint either and it was best to leave temptation as far away as possible.

  Sabrina looked around the room, coloring visibly.

  Marius was astounded. He thought she was beyond embarrassment.

  “May I have a few moments of privacy?”

  He realized her need, which wasn’t much different from his own and stood quickly. “Of course. I’ll return shortly. Lock the door behind me,” he muttered, somewhat embarrassed himself.

  Marius quickly saw to his own comfort behind the inn then requested another bottle of wine before returning upstairs. Sabrina answered the door upon the sound of his voice. As he entered, she walked back towards the bed. “Is there a side you prefer?”

  Marius bit back a groan. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that sharing a bed with her was a very bad idea. It was one of the reasons he had obtained another bottle of wine. It didn’t help that he noticed the stocking folded neatly on top of her dresses either. “It doesn’t matter. Tuck yourself into bed. I am not tired enough to sleep yet.”

  Sabrina got into the bed and he turned his back and set about removing his boots. After settling in the chair, he poured wine into his glass.

  “You purchased more wine?”

  Marius turned, startled at her voice. He had hoped she would be under the covers trying to sleep. Instead, she sat there watching him. “Yes.”

  “May I have another glass?” She asked hesitantly.

  “Of course.” He was surprised at her tone. Filling her glass part way, he handed it back. Sabrina sipped slowly, enjoying the taste. A look of joy was in her eyes.

  “I didn’t realize you liked wine so much.” He was intrigued by her response as he hadn’t paid close attention when they had dined.

  “I do. I’ve never had it before. I almost feel pampered.”

  Marius almost choked on his own drink. They were in a modest inn, ate a bland dinner and she was drinking a cheap wine, yet she almost felt pampered. She had to be one of the easiest women in the world to please. With half a smile, he responded. “I am glad you enjoy it.”

  Soon they lapsed into silence
and Marius took his seat once again, concentrating on the fire and trying to ignore the attractive woman in the bed behind him.

  Marius relaxed when her even breathing from deep sleep could be heard. He had felt her watching him, wondering what she was thinking. When she sighed, he had almost asked. Yet, he couldn’t look in the direction of the bed to see her sitting there sipping wine. The first vision had formed more visions in his mind. Very improper visions where she was concerned. Only when she had been sleeping over an hour and he had finished over half the bottle of wine did Marius feel it was safe enough to crawl into bed. Sabrina had been right. Anyone who knew they were here, already suspected the worst so, why shouldn’t they both be comfortable?

  * * *

  Sabrina awoke to the darkness of the night and sensed a strange presence. It took only a few moments to remember where she was and with whom. It took a few more moments to realize why she had awakened. Mr. Parker’s body was curved behind hers. She could feel his deep, steady breathing on the back of her neck as well as his thighs behind her legs. Most alarming was that his hand cupped her breast. The combination caused strange feelings to form in the pit of her belly. By rights she should be offended that he was taking such liberties, but Sabrina couldn’t summon outrage. The man was sound asleep and had no idea that he was touching her person in such a familiar manner. Besides, there was comfort in his arms, lying next to him. Heaven knew when or if she would know this type of comfort again. It also felt right, as if he belonged there. Those were her last thoughts as she drifted back to sleep with a faint smile on her lips.

  * * *

  Marius drifted into consciousness with his body already humming with desire. For a moment, the fog of his mind tried to comprehend the woman in his arms. Alarms sounded when he realized it was Sabrina and he was caressing her breast while another part of his anatomy responded to her soft backside cuddled up against him. Thank God they had remained fully clothed. And, thank God she was still asleep. He could just imagine her reaction if she were to awaken and find him this way. Slowly and carefully Marius pulled himself away from her, hoping he didn’t disturb her sleep, and settled himself on his side of the bed. It took sometime before he was finally able to drift off.