He shook his mind from the current train of thought to focus on his purpose at hand. Besides, he didn’t want to examine the reasons why Sabrina was the only woman who interested him in the most basic sense.
“Why did you want to talk to me, Parker?” Shields finally asked.
Marius was surprised the man actually remembered him. It had been years since they had seen each other. “I need some information.”
Timothy Shields was quiet and studying him for so long that Marius wondered if he was going to get any answers. Shields had emptied half the pint before he finally spoke up. “What do you want to know?”
Marius relaxed, sighing inwardly. “Originally, my quest began to find out how Jonas Chester died on the continent.”
“That has changed?” Shields raised his eyebrows with the question, studying Marius.
“After obtaining a list of men who were with Chester from the war department, I started seeking them out. You are the first I have found who is still alive. I find the coincidence a bit unsettling.”
Shields shrugged. “These things happen. How many did you track down?”
“Of the eight who actually returned, six are dead that I know of. They all died under questionable circumstances.
“You think they were murdered?”
“Yes.”
“Perhaps I should leave the country then.” Shields pondered.
“May not be such a bad idea. But, first I need to know how Jonas Chester died.”
Shields studied him a few moments longer. “Tell me why you are so interested and buy me another pint.”
Marius summoned the friendly barmaid and after she placed another tankard before Shields, Marius told the man almost everything that had led him to the pub today.
“Jonas used to talk about his little girl. I had no idea at the time his little girl was sixteen.”
“Fathers have a tendency not to acknowledge their daughters becoming women.”
“She was all he really had.” Shields offered sadly after a short pause.
“So,” Marius prompted him, “Are you going to tell me what I need to know?”
“I’ll tell you what I know. After I do, I will disappear again and you are not to seek me out.”
“I’ll try.” Marius answered.
Shields smiled for the first time. “There are a few things I remember clearly about you Parker. You will promise to tell no one where you found me and promise not to seek me out again. If you need assistance, I’ll know.”
“Very well. I promise not to try to find you or tell anyone where you last were.”
“Jonas Chester was murdered.”
Marius was stunned, though he shouldn’t have been. Up to this moment he had hoped there were just some strange coincidences occurring that had nothing to do with the others. “How?”
“A knife in his throat as he slept.”
“Who?”
“A Dane was able to sneak past the guards.”
“Then you were able to catch him?”
“A few of us, some of the names you mentioned earlier, tracked him down. Suffice it to say we convinced him to tell us why he murdered Chester.”
“Go on.” Finally everything was coming together though he wasn’t particularly pleased with having to tell Sabrina the truth.
“Apparently, his own brother is responsible. It seems James was heavily in debt and his father had bequeathed absolutely nothing to him.”
“The Dane told you all this?” Marius was surprised the assassin would have so much information.
“No. We only got the name of the man who paid him. I have been investigating and traced the original threat back to James Chester and the reasons why since my return. As the others began to be murdered, I decided to go into hiding until justice could be done.”
“Some of these men have been killed recently. Lord Chesterfield has been on the continent for months.”
“He has a few men who take care of his messes. I’m sure they are looking for me now. Nobody was in danger until his daughter entered society.”
Marius could well understand why Shields went into hiding and why it had been difficult to find him in the first place. “How long have you known I was looking for you?”
“Since you discovered the second murder. I have had people watching and wanted to see what you were about before I alerted you to my whereabouts.”
Marius certainly couldn’t begrudge him that. He would do the same if he were being hunted. “So you think James Chester had his brother murdered so he could get his hands on the family wealth. I’m sure obtaining the title didn’t hurt either.”
Shields looked grim. “There is more. The treachery of the man astounds me, even after living down here.”
The door of the pub opened and momentarily the room was flooded with daylight. Marius glanced behind him for only a second but when he turned around, Shields was gone. Muffling a curse, Marius threw a few coins on the table and stood to leave. Why had he promised not to look for him again? What more could there be? Marius lifted his own tankard and drained it. As he set it back down, he noticed the one Shields had been drinking from was gone. In fact, there was absolutely no sign that Marius had been sharing the table with anyone. No wonder Shields has managed to stay alive.
The following day, Marius reported his findings to Ramsey. There were still too many unanswered questions. Additionally, Marius couldn’t help but worry that Sabrina was in danger as well. The uncertainty of how she played into Lord Chesterfield’s plan convinced Marius to move his own plans along. Sabrina had all the time she was going to have being courted by others. Now, she needed to be protected. His formal courtship would begin tonight.
Chapter 14
Sabrina simply assumed Marius would be leaving this particular gathering early. Never, in all these weeks, had he addressed her so early in the evening. Tonight they had both been invited to an intimate dinner of forty with various games to follow. As he approached, Sabrina scanned the room and mentally determined the rank of each guest, trying to figure out who would be her escort. Half of the guests were of similar rank. How did a hostess determine who was to be placed with whom in situations such as these?
“You look lovely as usual this evening, Lady Sabrina.” Marius bowed before her.
“Thank you, Mr. Parker.” Sabrina was at a loss from this point on. Usually after such a greeting he would lead her onto the dance floor. Since that first ball she had not had to make polite conversation with him in public. Why did the task suddenly seem so nerve racking and why were her palms sweating. Thank goodness for gloves. Now she was beginning to understand their necessity. Did anyone’s palms ever sweat so much the gloves became drenched. Would she be the first?
Beside her stood Lady Rose, who wasn’t at the same loss for words and quickly engaged Marius in entertaining conversation. Sabrina only half listened, if that, and if asked, would be unable to repeat the topics of conversation. With anyone else, she could carry on a coherent conversation as Lady Rose appeared to be doing and given their very short history, Marius was the last person who should cause her to be nervous. Yet, he was the only one who did and he seemed delightfully interested in whatever gibberish Lady Rose was spouting. If that is what he found attractive then they were welcome to each other.
Sabrina couldn’t imagine what was getting into her or why she felt so mean-spirited toward the young woman. She was one of the few ladies Sabrina genuinely liked. It was no wonder Marius was taken with her. In truth, Lady Rose wasn’t silly either. Actually she was very intelligent and Sabrina hadn’t heard one word of gibberish from the lady’s mouth. At least, not the parts she actually listened to.
Additionally, she was beautiful, charming, wealthy, and her father was titled. No wonder Marius had been quick to turn his attention to Lady Rose when Sabrina couldn’t manage to form any words on her own. She really had to get a hold of herself, not liking her nasty, jealous reaction.
Their hostess approached and on her arm was Hono
rable Kinnsey. Sabrina inwardly sighed with relief, assuming he would be her escort. The man was handsome and charming. Sabrina knew a number of ladies in the room wouldn’t mind being his partner. Besides, he didn’t make her nervous and uncomfortable like Marius. She needed to analyze this new and uncharacteristic development later.
Rumors had been whispered that the Honorable Kinnsey would be seeking a wife this season and Sabrina believed that whoever the lady was, she would consider herself fortunate. If she hadn’t met Mr. Parker, perhaps she would have wanted to fill the role herself. But no, it seemed he had spoiled her for any other gentlemen. It just wasn’t fair.
As the hostess introduced Lord Kinnsey to Lady Rose, it was clear he was to be the other lady’s escort. No bother, there were a number of other gentlemen she wouldn’t mind sitting next to. Sabrina was scanning the room when Marius tapped her on the arm, then offering his own. Sabrina looked up at him confused.
A smile tugged at Marius’s lips. “Didn’t Lady Benedict inform you that I am your dinner partner?”
Sabrina was positive her stomach flipped over and stammered. “No. No she didn’t.”
“I hope you aren’t terribly disappointed.”
Willing herself to gain control of her emotions, Sabrina smiled up at him. “Of course not, Mr. Parker.” How was she going to make it through dinner? Her appetite was long forgotten and Sabrina could actually feel her throat closing. Taking his arm, Sabrina allowed Marius to lead her into the dining room and assist her into a chair. The entire time Sabrina silently lectured herself on the stupidity of her emotions. It wasn’t as if they hadn’t already shared a number of meals together. What had changed?
Somehow Sabrina managed to eat most of what was placed before her, not that she recalled doing so. On one side of her Lord Kinnsey was regaling them with racing stories. On her other side Marius offered comments or observations, often leaning just a little too close to Sabrina as he talked to Kinnsey. As dessert was being served, a footman leaned over to whisper to their hostess. Raising her eyes, the hostess captured Marius’s attention and she smiled almost apologetically. Sabrina watched the exchange somewhat confused. Her confusion only deepened when Marius stood and excused himself before walking through a door that obviously led to the kitchen. Looking around the table, Sabrina noted that none of the other guests thought this odd and tried to hide her own bewilderment.
“I wonder what particular dish the cook wants his opinion on. They were all delicious,” Lord Kinnsey captured Sabrina’s attention.
“Pardon?” What was the man talking about?
“Why dinner, of course. It appears the cook is interested in Parker’s opinion or suggestion perhaps.”
Sabrina couldn’t keep the bewildered look off her face, nor could she begin to summon a comment from her confused brain.
Luckily Lord Kinnsey took pity on her. “Parker is known to be an expert of cuisine.”
Slowly Sabrina shook her head in agreement, though this was news to her.
“It is rumored that his favorite hobby is cooking and he has a flair for knowing exactly which ingredients enhance particular flavors. Cooks are beside themselves when they learn he is to be a dinner guest and anxiously await his opinion. If he hadn’t been born into gentry, no doubt Parker would be a renowned chef.”
“Mr. Parker does this often?” Sabrina could not get over the shock, or the mental picture of Marius cooking.
“It has occurred at every dinner and luncheon that we were both guests.”
While the guests were finishing their dessert, Marius returned to them smiling as he took his seat.
Sabrina watched him curiously. “Is all well?”
“Yes.” He smiled at her.
* * *
“So Parker, have you learned anything new?” Ramsey settled into the chair behind his desk.
“No, and that is not the reason I asked to see you.” Marius was surprised at his slight nervousness.
“Oh?” Ramsey asked with an eyebrow raising in question.
“I would like your permission to court Sabrina.”
Ramsey’s lips quirked. “I believe Sabrina is the one you should ask.”
Marius eyed him, realizing Ramsey was enjoying his discomfort. “Yet, her father did name you guardian. As such, I thought it best to follow the rules and seek your permission first.”
Ramsey studied him. “Why the sudden interest?”
“It is not sudden. In truth, I had already decided that I wanted Sabrina as my wife before Christmas.”
“Then why wait so long to declare yourself?”
Marius stated his reason in a well rehearsed speech.
“The season hasn’t started yet. Why change your plan now?”
Because I want her now and am not sure I can remain honorable if I have to wait. “I’m concerned with the murders and the possibility Sabrina could be involved in this somehow.”
“Then you wish to protect her?”
“Of course. I don’t doubt your ability to keep her safe, but you also have your own wife to care for as well.”
“Does Sabrina know of your intentions?”
“I’m not sure, though I don’t believe so.”
Standing, Ramsey offered his hand. “The decision is still Sabrina’s but you have my blessing.”
“Thank you.” Marius shook his friend’s hand.
As Marius began to leave the room, Ramsey called after him. “She is in the library if you are interested.”
Marius stood at the door watching Sabrina. He had never met anyone who became so absorbed in what they were doing that the rest of the world melted away. Perhaps this was why she was able to remain so cheerful at the academy.
He slowly walked into the room, waiting for her to notice him. She didn’t and continued reading while she delicately nibbled on a chocolate as if she were savoring each bite. She had the same look that night at the inn when she sipped the wine. So, now he knew two of her likes. Not much, but it was something to work with. Coming to stand beside her, he looked over her shoulder to see what she was reading. A smile came to his lips. Romance. What else would Cinderella enjoy after all?
* * *
Feeling a presence, Sabrina glanced up, surprised to find Marius standing so close and startled in her seat. “Do you make it a habit of sneaking up on everyone or do you only save this particular talent for me?”
Grinning, Marius took a seat across from her. “You made such a pretty picture sitting there, absorbed in your book and the chocolates.” He gestured to the box on the table. “I hated to disturb you. I couldn’t resist finding out what kept you so captivated.”
Propriety demanded she no longer remain curled in the chair but she could think of no way of righting herself without revealing a good portion of her legs. Not that he hadn’t already seen both of her legs, but those were dire circumstances. Modesty was a minor concern when one was about to crash through a roof, unlike now, sitting safely in a library. “It is simply a book, nothing all that interesting.” She refused to admit she was captivated with a romance of all things. He would think her silly and simple if he knew the truth of her tastes in reading material.
“Ah, not just any book. It is a romance. Tell me Sabrina, are you a romantic at heart?”
Sabrina dismissed him with her hand while she fought the urge to fan her heated face. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“I see you like chocolates as well.”
She grew warmer with embarrassment. How frivolous she must appear to him and turned the topic away from herself. “Is it true that you enjoy being in a kitchen and cooks across London seek your approval and suggestions?”
“It is true. I enjoy cooking.”
Sabrina smiled at his discomfort. “That is a bit unusual isn’t it, given your place in society?”
Marius simply shrugged his shoulders. “My parents were gone when I was a boy and I was often in the kitchen, where there was companionship since I was several years younger than my brother. One day our
cook told me that if I was going to be hanging about then I should be useful. Thus I learned to cook.”
“How old were you?”
“That was right after my seventh birthday I believe.”
Though she kept her smile in place, Sabrina couldn’t imagine how lonely he must have been as a child if he had to seek out companionship in the staff.
Marius must have noted the sadness in her eyes. “You misunderstood. Truthfully, I preferred being in the kitchen. Even when my family was in residence I could be found there. It became the first place my mother looked when she wanted me.” A smile spread across his face. “I taught her how to make bread.”
“That is why you didn’t dismiss my presence simply because I was a servant.”
“We are all people with feelings and dreams, despite our station in life,” Marius said with such complete sincerity and seriousness that Sabrina was taken aback.
“The difference is,” Marius continued, “the privileged tend to treat everyone with disdain while the servant station tends to be more understanding and accepting of the failings of us mere humans. In whole, servants make better friends.”
That hadn’t been her experience. Though the servants at the academy seemed close, she hadn’t been included. Clearly, their experiences had been different.
“So tell me, what is your favorite meal, Sabrina?”
Startled by the question, Sabrina took a moment to answer. “I don’t believe I have any particular favorite.”
“Then food perhaps. What do you enjoy besides chocolate and wine?”
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