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

by Charles, Jane

  He couldn’t have slept long when he woke again. He came awake much quicker this time. At least he wasn’t curled around her. Instead, Sabrina was sound asleep with her head on his shoulder, one hand on his chest and a leg draped over his thighs. As before, his body had already noted the nearness while he had slept. Not sure what to do, Marius lay there, contemplating the situation. If he woke her, she would be mortified to find herself this way. The last thing he wanted to do was cause her any discomfort. Besides, what harm could there be? She appeared very comfortable, sleeping soundly, and it didn’t seem right not disturb her. Besides, there was a comfort in her sleeping this way.

  * * *

  As was her habit, Sabrina woke with the rising sun, quickly coming awake and horrified at herself. When had she moved to his side of the bed? She was draped all over the man. Tilting her head slightly, she was relieved he slept and his breathing was even and deep. Thank goodness. He would surely think her wanton if he woke and found her this way. Slowly, Sabrina disengaged herself and got out of bed. Pain shot through her feet the moment she stood. Limping to the chair, she sat to examine her feet. Blisters ran along the bottoms of both feet and ankles where the boots had rubbed. It was nothing too horrendous and they would heal in time. She just had to be careful while walking and not put on her boots until the last moment.

  Unable to sit still, she added kindling and logs to the hot embers. Soon a fire was burning which helped take the early morning chill from the room. Next, she put the extra dresses in her satchel before taking out her brush. Mr. Parker came awake and watched her limp back to the chair.

  “Why are you limping?”

  Startled, Sabina looked over at him just as she walked into the table, banging her knee. “Ouch.” She muttered while rubbing her knee as she sat down. “I have a few blisters, that is all.”

  Mr. Parker rose from the bed and walked toward her. “As well as your knee. I am sorry. That is twice now you have been injured because I startled you.”

  “It is my own fault for not paying better attention.” Sabrina dismissed his concern.

  At least he didn’t argue the point, but sat on the floor before her. “Let me see your feet.”

  She gasped at his suggestion and pulled her feet back to hide them under her skirt. “No. It is not necessary.”

  Mr. Parker grinned at her. “There is no need to suffer maidenly modesty. We did share a bed last night.”

  Sabrina’s eyes grew wide as her face colored. Did he know she had slept all over him? She was mortified at the thought.

  “Sabrina, let me see your feet. I promise to be a gentleman.”

  Her face burned hot as he brought her foot out for his inspection. At least he didn’t know how they had slept and she certainly wasn’t about to share it with him.

  * * *

  When she mentioned a few blisters that was what Marius expected, not what he saw. On the bottom of each foot, beneath each big toe was a large blister. One had already broken open and looked raw and painful. Similar blisters appeared around each foot where the boots must have rubbed the skin. There was no way he was going to allow her to put those boots on and she most definitely would refrain from walking. “I want you to stay off those feet as much as possible.”

  She gave him a lopsided grin. “I had already decided that for myself.”

  He stood and looked down at her. “I’ll see that breakfast is delivered up here and return shortly.”

  After dining, Sabrina bent to retrieve her stockings and boots. Marius took the boots away and stuffed them into the satchel. “I am not about to let you wear those today.”

  “I can’t very well leave here in my stockings alone, now can I.”

  “Yes, you can and will. In fact, I will carry you.”

  Sabrina’s eyes popped open in shock. “You can’t do that. What will people think?”

  He was not willing to let her win this argument. “You already pointed out last night that they already assume what they will, so I don’t see where it really matters.” He lifted her into his arms.

  “Mr. Parker, put me down.”

  He stopped at the door. “My name is Marius,” he told her as he proceeded through the door. “I am through arguing. Besides, I am somewhat grumpy in the mornings so you should just let me have my own way.”

  * * *

  Sabrina sat quietly and kept her thoughts to herself as Marius put the horses into motion. His face was tense and he didn’t look at her once after putting her on the seat. A few girls from the academy were often grumpy in the morning and she was used to the disposition, knowing it was better to just let them be for a while. Yet, Marius hadn’t seemed grumpy when he first woke. Not until he announced that he was. Apparently, unless confronted, he kept his foul mood hidden. She decided it was best to just ignore him until he was in better spirits and turned her eyes to the road ahead of them.

  She couldn’t help but be confused over what the innkeeper had said, about her not being able to walk or why Mr. Parker had to punch him in the nose. If only she could have heard the entire comment, then perhaps she would understand.

  Turning, she glanced at Marius and wondered if he would explain.

  He looked at her. An eyebrow was arched in question.

  “Marius, what exactly did the innkeeper mean?”

  His jaw tightened and he looked back at the road. “Do not ask. It is nothing you need to know and something I am certainly not going to explain.”

  Sabrina was taken aback by his abrupt response. She would engage him in conversation later, when he was less irritable.

  * * *

  The two rode in silence for nearly an hour before Marius felt he could speak. It took him that long to cool his anger from the innkeeper’s crude comments and to get over her unbelievable question. Soon, guilt over came him for punishing her with his silence. She didn’t intentionally cause him to lose sleep last night and it was the innkeeper that made him angry. “Sabrina, I apologize for my behavior and treatment of you.”

  “You have nothing to apologize for. Some people are just not pleasant in the morning. You did warn me.”

  Nobody was this easy going, Marius thought to himself. “I was rude and it is not your fault. Normally, I am in better spirits when I wake. That was not my usual disposition.”

  She patted his hand in understanding. “It could be the travel. You have been sleeping in strange beds for a few nights now and are probably anxious to return home.”

  “Yes, that is probably it.” Her explanation was better than the truth.

  “When will we arrive at your friend’s home?” Sabrina asked in a lighter mood.

  “Within the hour. I think you will like Taylor and Phoebe. They married a year ago last spring and now have nine-month-old twins.

  “Twins,” she responded in an astonished voice. “Are you sure they won’t mind us coming? I don’t want to be an imposition to anyone.” She turned her eyes back toward the road in thought. “Then again, I probably could help her out. It can’t be easy managing two babies.”

  Marius chuckled before he answered her. “Taylor and Phoebe are the Earl and Countess of Sandlin. Their home is large enough for two dozen guests, and they probably have more servants than they know what to do with because nobody ever retires. Taylor hires younger ones to help the older ones.”

  She was silent for some moments and worry marred her brow. What could possibly be going on in her mind now? He was too afraid to ask.

  “I don’t think you should ask me to stay, or ask them to have me unless you think they have a position for me.”

  As she had done earlier, Marius patted her hand. “You have nothing to worry about. I am sure Phoebe will love the company. She doesn’t get to visit her family as often as she would like. They will both like you. Trust me.” Marius finished with a smile.

  Sabrina returned a half-hearted smile.

  Marius tried to reassure her a few more times but finally gave up when her apprehension did not disappear. In fact,
it would grow whenever he mentioned Taylor and Phoebe so he finally lapsed into silence. How could he explain the reception she would receive, especially after he explained everything he knew to Taylor?

  * * *

  As they pulled in front of the large house, the door opened immediately and the servant greeted Mr. Parker by name. This small gesture gave Sabrina some comfort as it appeared he was a frequent enough guest to be welcomed without question.

  Coming around the side of the curricle, Marius lifted Sabrina from her seat. She was waiting to be set on the ground when he lifted her higher in his arms and began carrying her to the house.

  “Put me down,” she hissed softly while hitting his shoulder.

  “I will not. Have you forgotten your injuries?”

  “I can certainly walk to the door and greet your friends on my own two feet.” She struggled against him.

  “Hold still. You are not as strong as I, and I assure you that they will take no offense.” Marius explained as they entered the foyer.

  “Lord and Lady Sandlin are still breaking their fast, Mr. Parker. I have had you announced.”

  “Thank you.” Marius acknowledged the older servant.

  “Please put me down.” Sabrina whispered urgently in his ear.

  Lord Sandlin entered the foyer first and she recognized him instantly as one of the gentlemen who had been at the academy a few days earlier.

  “Marius, what brings you here? I thought you had a horse to take care of.” He stopped and studied her for a moment. “If I may ask, why are you carrying Cinderella?”

  Sabrina chuckled at the name, surprised that he actually remembered her.

  Marius ignored Taylor’s question and Lady Sandlin came around to the side of her husband. “Lord and Lady Sandlin, may I present Lady Sabrina Chester.” He turned toward Phoebe. “Do you have a spare room where I may place her? She has suffered injuries to her feet.”

  Sabrina’s face flooded with embarrassment and she turned and urgently whispered in his ear. “I can walk on my own and don’t need to be shown to a room.”

  Marius only smiled at her before returning his attention to Lady Sandlin.

  “Of course, Marius. Follow me. Does she need a doctor?”

  “No.” Sabrina answered first.

  “I’ll leave the decision to you, Phoebe,” Marius answered.

  “My wife would know better than anyone if a doctor is needed for an injury,” Lord Sandlin offered in a dry tone as he followed them up the stairs.

  Lady Sandlin turned to her husband. “Oh hush. Lady Sabrina doesn’t even know us and I will not have you making disparaging remarks about me in front of her.”

  Marius turned as well. “Where are you going?

  Taylor was confused at the question. “I thought to accompany you.”

  “I think not. It is one thing for Phoebe to see the injuries, but not you.”

  Lady Sandlin showed them to a lovely room papered in lavender and cream. The curtains of dark purple were pulled back to allow sunlight to reflect off the dark, wooden floor. Marius placed her on the tall bed draped in a purple coverlet.

  Marius turned his back and Sabrina removed her stockings. Lady Sandlin lifted her feet and began her examination. “No, she doesn’t need a doctor, but she certainly doesn’t need to be walking either.” She stood and looked at Sabrina. “You will just have to stay put until they heal.”

  “Lady Sandlin, it is not necessary. As long as I walk carefully, I am sure I will be fine.” Sabrina protested.

  Before Lady Sandlin could reply, Marius did. “We have already had this discussion, Sabrina. You will stay put.”

  Sabrina glared at him. “You are assuming much, Mr. Parker. I just met Lord and Lady Sandlin. You cannot have me intrude on them this way.”

  Phoebe silently watched the exchange.

  “I assure you, they will not mind in the least.” Marius insisted. He turned toward Lady Sandlin, fists planted on his hips and awaited her response.

  “Of course, we don’t mind,” she insisted and looked over at Sabrina. “Marius has known my husband and brother for years and knows he can visit anytime and bring guests whenever he wishes. I just wish this could be a more enjoyable visit for you.”

  “See.” Marius said with a smug look.

  Sabrina ignored him. “Thank you for your hospitality. I don’t expect to remain an invalid for long.”

  “It is not a problem.” Lady Sandlin assured her with a smile. “I wouldn’t count on walking for a least a couple of days.”

  Marius’ smile was triumphant. “I knew you would know what to do, Phoebe.”

  Sabrina wondered why Lady Sandlin would know this. “Have you studied medicine, Lady Sandlin?”

  Both Lady Sandlin and Marius burst out laughing. It was Lady Sandlin who answered. “No, but I have been injured enough that I may know as much about injuries as any physician.”

  Sabrina watched them curiously. Why would they laugh over all her injuries?

  “I’ll send a maid to help you get comfortable.” Lady Sandlin finally offered. “I’ll also send up some tea and something to eat.”

  “Thank you, but I am fine.” Sabrina wasn’t about to have anyone waiting on her, at least no more than necessary.

  “I’ll decide what is best.” Lady Sandlin turned to Marius. “This is a novel position for me. I get to order someone about who can’t get out of bed.” She ended with a smile. “Would you like something to occupy your time? Do you sew? Embroidery perhaps?”

  “Yes, that would be nice. Is there mending that you would like done?”

  Lady Sandlin made a face. “I won’t have a guest in my house mending. I hate it enough that I wouldn’t subject someone else to it.”

  Marius stepped forward. “Sabrina, you are a guest here. Not a servant.”

  She sighed deeply. “I only wished to offer some help since you have put me in their household.”

  Before the two could start arguing again, Lady Sandlin stepped forward. “Would you care to read a book perhaps?”

  Sabrina’s eyes lit up at the idea. How long had it been since she had read a book for pleasure? She hadn’t even read one for educational purposes in years. “Yes, a book sounds wonderful.”

  “What would you like to read?”

  “Oh, I don’t know.”

  With a grin, Marius offered his own suggestion. “Perhaps something by Charles Perrault.”

  While Lady Sandlin chuckled, Sabrina merely made a face. “I am not exactly interested in fairy tales, Mr. Parker.”

  “Besides, I left that book in London when Taylor brought me back after the fire.” Lady Sandlin explained.

  “Would you like something of a romantic nature, historical, classical, Shakespeare?” Lady Sandlin offered.

  Sabrina was thrilled at the selection. “It doesn’t matter. I haven’t had time to read a book in years and anything would be wonderful.”

  “I’ll bring up a selection of our newer novels for you to choose from.”

  The two left and Sabrina watched after them. Her life had certainly taken some unexpected turns in the last day or so. What is going to happen next?

  Chapter 5

  “Does Lady Sabrina need a doctor?” Taylor asked as his wife and Marius came into the dining room.

  “No. Nothing a few days off her feet won’t cure,” Phoebe answered. “How did she get so many blisters?”

  As he helped himself to a cup of coffee and sat to join his friend, Marius told them all that had transpired since Taylor had left him a few days earlier. “That is why she offered to do some mending,” he explained to Phoebe.

  Taylor relaxed back in his seat, cradling a cup in his hands. “What do you plan to do now?”

  “I planned on leaving Sabrina here while I travel to London and pay a visit to Ramsey. I have to believe that he has no idea what his cousin has been doing.”

  “I agree. I don’t think he would have stood for this.”

  “Those were my thoughts exactl
y.” Marius stood. “I’ll say my goodbyes to Sabrina and be on my way.”

  Taylor nodded some more. “Yes. Contact me as soon as you know something. If Ramsey is as surprised as we expect, bring him back here to see Lady Sabrina.” He cast a quick glance at Phoebe before continuing. “Given my own family experience, I am not sure you want her reunion to be in London until you know what is going on.”

  Phoebe and Marius both grimaced at his words recalling the devastation Taylor’s own cousin had brought to keep him from inheriting.

  * * *

  A maid helped Sabrina bathe and wash her hair. She was tucked into bed, reading Sense and Sensibility when Mr. Parker knocked on the door. It had been so long since she had been treated as a lady that she had forgotten how wonderful it could be.

  “I have come to say goodbye.”

  The smile faded from her face. She hadn’t expected him to drop her in this household and up and leave. She sat up.

  “I am going to London to see what I can find for you.”

  She relaxed back against the pillows. Marius would have better luck in knowing what positions were available. If he had friends like the Sandlins, chances were he knew others in society. Surely one of them could give her a position within their household with his recommendation. At least she hoped that was the case. She just had to be sure there was no chance of Ramsey learning. Maybe working in a country home would be best. She would just need to come up with some excuse of why she was no longer at the academy.