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

by Charles, Jane

  Chapter 18

  Sabrina decided to give up kissing. It had been a failure anyway. The only knowledge she had gained was that none of the gentlemen of her acquaintance could interest her. Curses on Marius Parker for doing this to her.

  She was just thankful she was not at another ball this evening. Instead, she and Ramsey were attending a new production. Glad to be away from crowds, she settled into her seat in their private box. Sabrina barely noticed begin so lost in her own thoughts. If she couldn’t leave London, then she would not participate in the Season. This socializing was becoming tedious. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad if Marius wasn’t everywhere. Even now he was in a box not too far from theirs. Why did he have to be everywhere she went?

  Sabrina could remember nothing of the first act. Part way through the second Sabrina couldn’t sit idle any longer and excused herself to the retiring room. Just as she was about to enter the room an arm snaked around her waist, startling her in the poorly lit hall.

  “I must congratulate you on your ingenuity my dear.”

  Sabrina struggled to pull away. “Who are you? Unhand me.”

  The man merely chuckled. “I merely thought you were conducting a minor experiment. But, I think it is more than that.”

  She grabbed at his arm but it would not move. In fact, it tightened further and Sabrina found her back up against his solid chest, his hot breath on her neck. “It was an experiment that is over. Unhand me.”

  “No need to be coy. A lady does not go around being free with her favors without expecting others to believe they could have more.”

  Shocked, Sabrina stopped struggling. “More?”

  He kissed her neck. Sabrina cringed and moved away.

  “When I overheard your uncle mention you had no intention of marrying I put everything together.” He leaned closer to her face. The stench of cigars and brandy wafted to her nose and she turned her face. She needed to get out of this situation but his grip around her stomach kept her anchored in this spot. There must be something she could do to get away. “You wish to have the benefits of marriage without the husband.”

  Her stomach revolted. Perhaps vomiting on his shoes would do make him loosen his hold. Sabrina strained away from him and his questing lips. The hand previously locked on her hip moved toward a part of her abdomen no gentleman should ever touch and her panic increased. “You are mistaken sir. Now unhand me.”

  “No more games. The others were fools, but I am not.”

  Sabrina increased her struggles, unable to dislodge his hold. Oh dear, how was she going to get out of this? Just as she opened her mouth to scream a cool voice interrupted.

  “I believe the lady asked you to unhand her.”

  The man stopped, but didn’t let go. “Go away, Parker. The lady and I were just coming to an agreement.”

  At the sound of his voice relief rushed through Sabrina and she strained to look around her assailant and her eyes landed on Marius.

  “I don’t believe the lady wants to agree to your proposition.”

  The man looked at Sabrina. “Tell him he is wrong. You are just being a challenge.”

  The hand previously on her hip moved to her upper arm and squeezed. Despite the pain, she struggled to pull away. “I want absolutely nothing to do with you, sir.”

  His arms dropped and she scooted around him and hastened to the safety of Parker’s side.

  Marius took her hand and placed it on the crook of his arm, drawing her close as he stared at man.

  The man cleared his throat. “My pardons, I didn’t know the lady’s affections were already engaged.” He bowed and took his leave.

  Marius didn’t say a word as he escorted Sabrina toward the entrance of the theater. He paused only a short moment to have messages delivered to Ramsey and his own companions.

  Shaken from her experience, she allowed Marius to put his arm around her and pull her close once the carriage was moving. “I can’t believe the audacity of that man.”

  “Yes, Dexler has always been a bit bold for my taste.”

  “Whatever gave him the impression I was looking for a lover. I agree the kissing did not elevate my reputation but nobody ever thought I wanted to take a lover.”

  “Dexler just arrived in town and perhaps misunderstood what had occurred.” Marius shrugged. “Not that it would make a bit of a difference since he has always been one to press his affections.”

  Sabrina gasped and he looked at her.

  “Oh, he hasn’t ruined anyone. He just pursues what he wants and honestly can’t believe someone would actually reject him.”

  Sabrina shuddered. “I certainly hope others aren’t similarly misled.”

  “There is a distinct possibility that will occur. London is beginning to fill for the Season. Others are bound to hear and not understand the purpose, or possess the humor of those in Town at the time.”

  “I’ll just have to make sure everyone knows that is not my intention.” It was a simple enough approach. “Thank you for coming to my rescue. I was about to scream. That would certainly have created a scene. Why were you in the hall just then?”

  Marius shrugged. “I saw Dexler leave right after you and had a hunch.”

  “Well, thank you.”

  Marius rose the moment the carriage stopped. He was not about to let her get away from him again and escorted her into the house. She had to know the gossip before she faced society again. If she faced society again. The only positive aspect of what was being spread is she would have no choice but to marry him now that truth was out.

  Pouring a brandy for both of them he broached the subject delicately as he could. “There is another reason Dexler felt he could pursue you as he did.”

  Relaxing into a chair, Sabrina looked up at him. “What reason could that be?”

  Taking a deep breath, he answered her. “Someone has let it be known that you traveled away from the academy with a man, spent the night at an inn with a gentleman and never a chaperone in sight. For some reason they don’t know my identity, but they do know yours.”

  Sabrina’s stomach churned. She was truly ruined now. “Who would have said anything?”

  Marius shook his head. “I don’t know. But the gossip flew through the theater this evening. I am surprised you didn’t hear it.”

  “I wasn’t paying attention to anything.” This was mortifying.

  “Given the gossip came on the heels of your kissing experiment, the gentlemen now believe you weren’t necessarily looking for a husband.”

  “Oh dear.”

  “You know what this means, Sabrina.” Ramsey’s voice came from the doorway.

  “I’m ruined.”

  He walked to the table to poor his own brandy. “Not if you marry Marius. I know he has asked.”

  Sabrina looked between the two men. He was right of course, but that didn’t mean she would agree. “So now I should marry Marius to salvage my reputation?”

  “Yes,” Marius answered.

  Sabrina was torn between just giving in and sticking to her own values. She would be miserable if they married under these conditions.

  “I still cannot marry you. I don’t care if society shuns me but I will not marry to save my reputation.”

  Marius turned to Ramsey. “May I speak with Sabrina alone, please?”

  Nodding his head, Ramsey left the room, shutting the door behind him.

  “I’ve given you three excellent reasons why we should marry.”

  “They are not excellent reasons for me,” Sabrina argued.

  “Does another hold your heart Sabrina? Is that why you reject me?”

  She smiled at him sadly. “No other holds my heart, Marius. Until you can understand why these are not sufficient reasons, then you’ll not understand why I must decline.”

  “Then explain it to me.”

  Shaking her head. “No. It is not something that can be explained.”

  Rising on her tiptoes she kissed him on the cheek and left the room. Sabrina d
idn’t expect to see Marius again.

  * * *

  Once dropped at his own home, Marius didn’t enter. Instead, he walked, needing to clear his head. Sabrina had been cryptic in her answers to him. What could possibly be so difficult to explain? Was it possible she had no feelings for him? No, not after the fiasco of her kissing experiment. If anything, it should have proved the truth of his words. He had courted her the best he knew how and was at a complete loss as to what to do now. This was one problem he wouldn’t share with even his closest friends, though the married ones could possibly offer insight. Shaking his head Marius decided they would be a last resort.

  It was early morning before he finally fell into bed and was able to sleep. Three hours later a summons came from his parents. They had returned to town and insisted on him attending them at once.

  His parents were enjoying their breakfast when Marius arrived. He helped himself to eggs and kippers and poured a cup of hot coffee.

  “Your mother and I returned to town a few days ago,” his father began.

  “It didn’t take long for the gossip to reach us, even without leaving the house,” his mother explained.

  Marius raised a skeptical brow to his father and waited silently for him to continue.

  “Lady Sabrina is a lovely girl and I can see why you were taken with her,” his mother added. Of course they would be happy. It was time he married and produced an heir.

  “Of course now, we have our misgivings as I am sure you understand.”

  Marius’s irritation began to rise. “No, I don’t.”

  “We were only slightly concerned after hearing that she was showing attention to so many, the kissing. Amazingly society forgave her. The question of her innocence will not be as easily overlooked.” His father tried to explain as both parents watched closely.

  “Were you serious about her son?” His father finally asked.

  “Of course he was,” his mother answered. “He missed Christmas with the family to be with her.”

  “I intend to marry her,” Marius stated bluntly waiting for their reaction.

  “But her reputation. They say she traveled with a man alone and spent the night with him at an inn.”

  “I am well aware of the gossip. Further, it is true.”

  His mother gasped. “She admitted as much to you?”

  “She didn’t have to. I was the gentleman with her.”

  “Oh. This certainly changes the circumstances,” his father coughed and gulped down the milk before him. “My question, Son, is why haven’t you done the proper thing in marrying her?”

  “She has refused me.” Pausing, he looked at his mother. “Three times.”

  “Surely after she hears the latest gossip she will change her mind,” His mother suggested.

  “No. That was her most recent refusal.”

  “Oh dear.”

  His father shrugged and returned to his meal. “Then there isn’t much you can do about it, son. Best to just move on.”

  Marius looked between his parents. Their attitude toward the topic was odd. “On the contrary, I intend to convince her to marry me.”

  Rising he stalked from the room to think. His parents were acting very strange. He had expected his father to take the situation in hand and somehow force Sabrina to marry him. After all, his father always did the right thing. This man said to let it go. This is the first time in Marius’s memory his father hadn’t pushed for the purpose of propriety.

  “So, Son, tell us how you met Lady Sabrina and how you came to stay at the inn and now be in London,” his mother asked, after following him into the library, her husband by her side.

  For a moment he said nothing. Then slowly he began to tell his parents the basics of his involvement with Sabrina.

  “Tell us of the proposals. Why do you think she turned you down?” His mother prompted.

  Whatever he said, he knew his secrets were safe. His mother didn’t speak until Marius had explained the circumstances behind the second proposal. “That explains why she kissed so many gentlemen.” His mother laughed as if she approved.

  Eventually he finished with what had occurred the evening before with his parents looking at him thoughtfully.

  “I only have one question, Son,” his father spoke. “Do you love her?”

  Dumbstruck, he looked at his parents. He always acknowledged that he wanted her, but love her? It was a feeling that had never really been discussed. “I don’t know.”

  “That is the only reason a girl like Sabrina would marry,” his mother explained.

  “You’ll have to search your heart. Can you imagine the rest of your life without her? Can you imagine living with her every day, sharing meals, a bed, and children?”

  Marius thought about what his father said. No. He did not want to go through life without Sabrina. His existence would be empty. Until this moment he had only acknowledged that he desired her. It was so much more than that. She was a part of him.

  He left his parent’s home somewhat in a daze. It was more important now than ever to convince Sabrina to marry him. But how?

  There was only one way he could think clearly. Upon entering the house he went directly to the kitchen, promptly giving the cook and the kitchen maids a few days off. The remaining staff would eat whatever he prepared.

  After five loaves of bread, two roasted chickens and plum pudding, Marius was still no closer to how to approach Sabrina. Finally he had to acknowledge it was fear. If he confessed his feelings and she turned him down again, then he would be forced to leave her alone, not ever bothering her again. It was a future he didn’t want to contemplate. If only he had a clue to her feelings for him, but he didn’t. Not once had she ever shared how she felt other than she appreciated his friendship.

  Perhaps he needed a woman’s perspective.

  Those thoughts had him arriving on the doorstep of a lady he trusted completely. He prayed Martin was gone so he wouldn’t need to offer uncomfortable explanations. As it turned out, Martin had gone off to one of his clubs with a few other gentlemen and Janine planned to have a quiet dinner with Phoebe and Simone, Richard’s reclusive wife due to her blindness. This was working out better than he had planned.

  What he hadn’t counted on was a total of four women present. It was Sabrina’s presence that surprised him. This was the first time he had seen her since he realized the depth of his feelings. How could he have not known?

  “Marius, it is good to see you.” Janine came to her feet when he entered. “Martin and the others are at their club.”

  Quickly Marius formed an excuse for being there. “I am aware of that and plan on joining them shortly. I only came by to speak to your cook. She sent a message around earlier.”

  Though he spoke to Janine, he couldn’t take his eyes off Sabrina. She hadn’t even looked at him.

  “That is kind of you. Cook has been struggling with some sort of sauce for weeks now.” Thank goodness Janine played along. “Before you go, however, why don’t you join us in a glass of brandy?”

  “How can I refuse the company of such four beautiful ladies?”

  Sabrina was the only one who didn’t laugh.

  Marius accepted the glass and stopped directly in front of where Sabrina sat. This forced her to look up at him.

  “You are looking particularly beautiful this evening, Sabrina.”

  “Thank you,” she mumbled.

  “We were just assuring Sabrina of our friendship so she wouldn’t be afraid she’d lost all her friends,” Phoebe informed him.

  “I appreciate it, as I am sure you know the truth of the situation.” Wondering if Phoebe had said anything.

  “Sabrina told us what happened. It is a shame,” Mr. Lavin’s wife offered.

  Deciding to gauge Sabrina’s reaction, he changed the topic. “I would like to call on you tomorrow if that would be convenient. Perhaps a drive through the park.”

  “I’m sorry Mr. Parker. That will not be possible.”

  Marius k
ept his face impassive. “Very well. Another time perhaps.”

  Sabrina looked away without answering him, placed her teacup on the table and stood. “Thank you for a lovely dinner.” She directed the comment to Janine. To the rest of them she added, “And I think each of you for your friendship. You have no idea how much it means to me.”

  Janine stood. “Surely you don’t wish to leave yet?”

  Sabrina smiled gently. “I am rather tired, I apologize.”

  “I’ll have your carriage brought around.” Janine walked from the room.

  Sabrina nodded her head to Marius. “Good evening, Mr. Parker.” With that she turned her back and marched from the room. Her posture stiff and head held high.

  He strolled to the window and waited. There was complete silence in the room. He watched her step into the carriage and the door shut before he turned back to the group of ladies. “I apologize if I ruined your evening.”

  “Why are you here, Marius? I know my cook didn’t send for you,” Janine asked. “Were you hoping to see Sabrina?”

  “No. It never occurred to me she would be here. I came to see you and prayed Martin wasn’t here or I would never hear the end of this.”

  “Now this should be interesting.” Phoebe sat back and crossed her arms in front of her.

  “This isn’t easy and I would appreciate it if you would keep this conversation from your husbands.”

  “This is better than I hoped. I’ll finally know something Richard doesn’t. After all, he is my source of gossip.” Mrs. Lavin’s clapped her hands in glee. “Do go on.”

  Phoebe and Janine nodded their heads in agreement before Marius spoke. “How does Sabrina feel about me? Do any of you have a clue?”

  He was met with amused expressions, then laughter. He should have known they wouldn’t go easy on him.

  “Don’t you have any idea?” Phoebe asked.

  “Would I have come here if I did?” His irritation grew. Perhaps he should have just done this on his own.

  “To tell you the truth, she’s never really said,” Phoebe finally answered with sympathy.

  “Then I guess there is no help here.” Marius stood ready to leave.