She stood as well, mortified that they all knew everything. “I thought I could trust you. I’ll never forgive you for this. You have ruined everything.” Choking on her words, Sabrina ran from the room.
* * *
Ramsey found her beneath a tree, sitting on a bench. She swiped the tears from her eyes when he took a seat beside her. “Are you upset that I know the truth or that you think Parker betrayed your trust?”
Sniffling, she looked up at him. “Both, I think.” How could she explain that Mr. Parker had destroyed something in her heart when he betrayed her wishes on keeping the family secret? It hurt deeply that he would disregard her feelings. She was also horrified at having to face Ramsey and explain. Her world was crumbling right before her.
Ramsey picked up her hand. “Parker didn’t betray you, Sabrina.”
“Yes, he did. I asked him to promise not to say a word.” Sabrina searched her pocket for a handkerchief. Before she could find one, Ramsey produced his own, which she gratefully accepted, wiping her eyes and nose.
“When you asked him to keep your secret, he already knew who you were and that we were related.”
“That shouldn’t have mattered,” Sabrina argued, finally in control of her emotions, for the moment.
“Ah, but it did. I have known Parker for some time. He has never made a promise he couldn’t keep, which is why he said he would try, not that he would.”
“You are speaking cryptically again.” Sabrina sniffled.
“Hear me out.” He grasped her hand tighter. “It was beyond Parker to understand why you were a servant and my cousin, which is why he promised nothing. He had yet to hear the entire story from you on how you came to be where you were. After you had told him, it was clear a number of things did not add up, which is why he brought you here and sought me out.”
Stiffening, Sabrina looked at her cousin. “That was not his place. Are you telling me that Marius Parker went directly to you, and he has not been looking for a new position for me?”
“That is exactly what I am telling you, and it is precisely what he should have done.”
Sabrina groaned. She would never trust anyone again, at least not a gentleman. “That is the last thing he should have done. You don’t understand.”
Ramsey smiled down at his cousin. “No, Sabrina. You don’t understand.”
For the next moments Ramsey explained everything he had learned after Marius had come to him and what their uncle had done. “Unfortunately, the funds that had been set aside for your education, introduction to society, and dowry are gone.”
Stunned, Sabrina could only stare at him. The only question that kept coming to her mind was “Why?’
“All we can figure is that uncle needed your wealth enough to sacrifice you. His actions were criminal.”
“I’m not sure what he did could be considered criminal. After all, as my guardian, he had the option to use my funds at his will.” She thought Ramsey was blowing this horrible situation out of proportion.
“Yes, criminal,” he argued before telling her of the affidavit and how he had originally been named as her guardian. “Apparently your father knew more of Uncle James than we did.”
Sabrina was having difficulty taking in this new information.
“Sabrina.” Ramsey intruded in on her thoughts. “I am going to make this up to you the best that I can.”
She smiled sweetly at her cousin, and tried to dissuade any obligation he might feel. After all, it wasn’t his fault. “That is very sweet Ramsey, but not necessary. What is done is done and we will move forward from here.”
“I am glad you feel that way because I would like you to return to London with me and Juliet. Stay with us and let me be the guardian I was meant to be.”
“No, Ramsey. I will not intrude on your life. You have a lovely, new wife and I will not disrupt that.”
“Parker is right. You are argumentative.”
Opening her mouth, Sabrina began to argue, but Ramsey stopped her. “You have not reached your age of majority yet, and it was your father’s wish that I see to your care. I am not giving you a choice.”
“Why do gentlemen have to be so controlling?” She knew he had the upper hand, but only for a few more months.
“It is in our nature,” he answered her with a smile. “I want to introduce you to society in the spring. I should have insisted two years ago, and I won’t be derelict in my duty this time.”
Sabrina rolled her eyes at the waste. “That is not going to happen. Besides, it will cost a small fortune to launch me and I cannot afford it. You yourself said the funds father had left me are gone.” She was not about to let him sacrifice what little he may have for her.
“You haven’t been really listening. I don’t need any of your or our uncle’s money. I am wealthy myself. In fact, I could launch you three times over plus ten daughters, if I am so blessed.”
Sabrina eyed him skeptically. “Juliet must have been an heiress.”
Ramsey shook his head. “I did not need to marry an heiress. I married Juliet because I loved her and would have married her if she was destitute. My wealth is my own, from what my own father and mother left me.”
She still eyed him carefully, not sure if she should accept his offer. Ramsey continued pleading his case. “Your father knew this. I believe that is why he named me your guardian. He knew I wouldn’t squander what was left to you and if, by chance, the funds were lost, I was in the financial position to see to you as he would have.”
“Then why didn’t Uncle James turn to you for help if he was in such dire circumstances?”
Ramsey shook his head. “I don’t know.”
She had spent the past four years as a servant to wealthy young ladies because of her uncle’s greed. If she would have told Ramsey the truth in the beginning her life would have been entirely different. Still, she didn’t feel right placing herself under his care at this point in time and thought she could take care of herself. “I am still not comfortable with moving into your home. Think of Juliet, your wife. I am sure when she married you she wasn’t expecting to suddenly become guardian to a grown woman.”
“Juliet and I have already discussed this, and we are in complete agreement.”
“Actually, I have insisted.” Juliet said, watching Sabrina with a sympathetic smile.
“You are too kind.” Sabrina believed Juliet probably hadn’t been given much of a choice since it appeared men, she had learned, felt the need to make all decisions.
“It is what I want. Besides,” Juliet continued as she stopped before Sabrina. “By the time the season arrives, I will be confined to the house. I will enjoy having some company and Ramsey will have someone to accompany to the societal affairs.”
What Juliet was insinuating began to dawn on Sabrina and a smile slowly formed and she turned to Ramsey. “I am so happy for you.”
“Say you will come home with us.”
“Yes, I will,” Sabrina reluctantly agreed. She couldn’t deny that Juliet was genuine in her request that she live with them, and it would be good to be in a family household again. If all he said was true, what could it hurt to allow Ramsey to do what he felt was his duty and right? At least for a few months, until she reached her majority.
As they entered the parlor again, Mr. Parker watched Sabrina expectantly. “Sabrina has agreed to return to London with me and I will see that she is introduced in the spring.” He turned to Parker. “She is argumentative, but as her guardian I will do my best to curb that habit.”
Sabrina gasped from beside him. She wasn’t about to let him have complete control over her just because she would allow him his duty.
Chuckling, Juliet patted her hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of your cousin.”
Chapter 8
Sabrina succeeded in avoiding Mr. Parker until the following afternoon when he located her by a stream at the back of the property. She stopped walking when he approached, still not sure how she felt about his betrayal.
Her mixed emotions had kept her awake a good portion of the night, and she hadn’t been able to make sense of what she was feeling. On one hand, he had disregarded her trust by confessing to her cousin. On the other hand, he was more knowledgeable of the situation than she and considered it in her best interest to inform Ramsey of the circumstances. On the other hand, he had led her to believe he was seeking a new position for her with every intention of speaking to Ramsey, which was a deceit in itself. Plus, he had taken it upon himself to make a decision that directly involved her without informing her first. It didn’t matter that he was right and everything had worked out for the best. She was still angry.
Sabrina tried to hold onto that anger, though it was difficult because just the sight of him made her want to smile. Today he was dressed in snug brown breeches, a dark brown jacket, and a cream shirt. The brown tones made his eyes warmer and friendlier. Sabrina tried to remind herself that those deep eyes could not be trusted while she bit her lower lip to keep from showing what the mere sight of him did to her.
When he stopped before her, Sabrina tilted her head to look up at him, waiting for him to speak first.
Clasping his hands behind his back, Parker looked down into her eyes. “I have been looking for you, Sabrina. I think we need to discuss what you believe was my betrayal.”
“You did betray my trust.” She was not willing to give an inch, forgive him, or trust him. It would be easier if she wasn’t looking into those magnificent eyes. His lashes were thick, long, and curled ever so slightly. She shook the thought from her mind. She could not back down now and willed herself not to be affected.
“I had hoped after your discussion with Ramsey that you would understand why I did what I did.”
“I do understand your motives, Mr. Parker.” He needed to know the true reason for her anger.
Parker tilted his head to the side. “I thought we had dispensed of formalities.”
Unable to look at him anymore, Sabrina turned her back and stepped toward the water. “That was when I thought I could trust you.” She lifted her chin.
Parker came up behind her. “You can trust me.” He grasped her upper arms and turned her to face him. “I knew the financial status of both your cousin and uncle yet couldn’t understand why either had allowed you to become a servant. When I visited Ramsey, I still was not sure if I was going to tell him or not. I needed to know if he knew what you were doing. ”
Knowing it would be her undoing, Sabrina refused to look up into his face. Instead, she looked past his shoulder. “I thought I could trust you.” The hitch in her voice betrayed her emotions.
His hands tightened on her arms, but not in a painful matter. “You can trust me, Sabrina. I was only concerned with your welfare.”
Why did he have to step nearer? She could feel the warmth of his body, reminding her of the night they had slept together and the comfort she had felt. Still, he needed to know that she did not appreciate control of her life being taken out of her hands. “You should have consulted me first.” She finally looked up at him.
He smiled down at her gently. “I understand that now and am asking you to forgive me. At the time, I thought I was doing the right thing.”
Her anger melted away. He had done what he felt best, and she had known that from almost the beginning. He hadn’t betrayed her because he hadn’t promised to keep her secret, even though he had led her to believe he would. She silently vowed to pay closer attention to his promises in the future, if she saw him in the future, after she was installed in Ramsey’s home. “I forgive you, but please don’t make decisions for me again.”
Parker let out a breath. “I will try not to make that mistake again.”
Sabrina returned his smile. Perhaps he did feel something for her if it was so important to him to patch the rift that had formed.
* * *
He studied her face. They were back on friendly terms, she was smiling at him, and looking entirely too attractive. He let his eyes drop to her full, rosy lips and pulled her closer. He did not think about what he was about to do and simply acting on what he wanted. He lowered his head, placing his lips against hers.
Marius lifted his face from the very light kiss. While she hadn’t pulled away, she hadn’t engaged either. It was a bit disconcerting. “Have I taken a liberty I shouldn’t have?” What if she wasn’t attracted to him? Marius had never stopped to consider the possibility, only knowing what he was feeling.
“Probably, but I don’t mind.” Sabrina smiled back, revealing the dimples he loved.
He studied her closer. So she had wanted to be kissed, but she had not reacted. That had never happened to him before. This was difficult and perhaps he should just forget kissing her and escort her back to the house. Yet, he knew that wasn’t an option until he tried at least once more.
Marius gave her a half smile. He studied her lips, and watched as she instinctively licked them, as if waiting for another. He had to acknowledge to himself that in his uncertainty, he had given her a very chaste kiss, almost brotherly. Perhaps that was the problem, he thought as he lowered his head again. This time he used more pressure, wanting her to know there was more than innocent friendship on his mind.
Sabrina gasped.
Taking advantage of her parted lips, Marius deepened his kiss, unable to get enough. Perhaps he should have left her after the first kiss because her reaction was setting him on fire. She was now leaning into him as if she needed support. If Ramsey came upon him, he would never believe the night in the inn had been as innocent as they had said. Marius could not will himself to stop and found himself pulling her closer. Her arms went around his neck, and she molded her body to his almost as closely as it had been that night.
The moan from the back of her throat made him aware of his own actions, where they were, and that what he was doing was entirely improper. He lifted his head, though the last thing he wanted to do was end their kiss.
Letting her head drop back, Sabrina looked up at him with a small smile on her swollen and bruised lips. Her eyes were partially closed with lingering passion. Marius groaned and forced himself to pull away, though it would be a picture he would not soon forget, if ever. If this is how she looked after a thorough kiss, how would she look after a thorough loving? The thought chilled him to the bone and abruptly, he pulled away from her, stiffening. He shouldn’t be having any thoughts of making love to her. She was innocent, under the care of a friend, still waiting to have her first season and not some trollop or mistress.
Offering his arm, not sure what to say, he escorted her back to the house, in silence.
* * *
Mortification built in Sabrina because he didn’t say a word and suddenly seemed more distant than ever. She had behaved improperly and what must he think of her? Years ago, when she was still a student, Lady Davies reminded the girls again and again of the proper behavior expected of all young ladies. If they allowed kisses, especially passionate kisses, a gentleman would never consider them virtuous to be a wife. And the kiss she and Marius just shared was far from chaste. She had practically plastered herself against him. If he had ever considered her beyond a friend, all of that was now destroyed. Though she doubted there would be another opportunity, especially after this display, Sabrina vowed that if he ever attempted the liberty again, she would certainly control herself and hoped she had another chance to prove she was a lady.
Upon returning to the house, Sabrina escaped to her room as quickly as possible. She needed to distance herself from him and think.
* * *
Marius strode to the kitchen, his mind and emotions in a turmoil. He turned to the only thing he could think of to work through this revelation – cooking. It had worked for years and he prayed it worked today. This was not the first time the cook had seen Marius enter her domain, and she greeted him with a short nod.
He ran his fingers through his hair and looked about the room. Besides the cook, a staff of five worked at preparing the evening meal. He walk
ed to the counter where a young maid stood before a pile of vegetables. He held out his hand. She handed him the long knife. He took his position and began to chop carrots in precise slices.
It didn’t take him long to come to terms with and accept that Sabrina would be more to him than a short-term interest. All he had to do was bid his time until she had come out and perhaps courted by a few gentlemen. After all, every young lady deserved that time in her life and, it would be grossly unfair of him to deny Sabrina hers because of his own selfish desires. If only the season wasn’t sooner.
It would kill him to watch from afar while gentlemen danced attendance on her. None would be worthy of her, of course.
What did he really have to offer? He was a second son of an Earl. He had no title, though he did own a townhouse and had funds of his own from an inheritance and investments. But, was that enough for a wife? What if a duke or marquess offered for her? Was it fair of him to take a better life from her? He didn’t doubt someone, several someones, would take an interest in her. Then what was he to do?
“Mr. Parker, those are all the vegetables we planned to cook.”
He glanced up at the cook and then down at the large pile of carrots, celery and potatoes. He had chopped everything on the table. “What did you plan on doing with them?”
“They are going be served with the chickens.”
“Very well.” He walked to the shelves then pulled down a large roasting pan. He seasoned the dish with savory and sage before he set about roasting the vegetables. He could always think more clearly while he cooked. Thank goodness he was in a household that allowed him to do this.
* * *
It was some hours later when Sabrina found Mr. Parker with Ramsey. It was difficult to look at Mr. Parker and her face heated in remembrance. She hoped he didn’t notice or comment on the blush.
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