“They are in the other chamber.” He gestured toward the door.
“I didn’t find them.”
Marius looked up from his breakfast. “Molly assured me that your clothes had been placed in the closet and the undergarments in the armoire. There is not much there but surely enough to last a week, until we retrieve the rest of your belongings.”
Sabrina’s cheeks grew pink. “Those are not my clothes. I’ve never seen the dresses before and the, um, undergarments are, ah, delicate.”
Marius bit the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling. “Who do you think the clothing belongs to?”
She looked away, her blush deepened. “I assumed they belonged to one of your mistresses.”
Marius raised his eyebrows. “Why would you think that?” His wife was now turning a lovely shade of red.
“Mostly because of the, um, intimate apparel. I can’t imagine what other type of woman would wear something so, um, revealing.”
Marius couldn’t keep the grin off his face. “Perhaps a wife?”
Sabrina looked up and eyed him suspiciously.
“We couldn’t pack your own things or it would have ruined the surprise so I consigned a small wardrobe when I ordered your wedding dress.”
Sabrina’s eyes grew wider and she began to pale. “You picked out those sheer, lacy items for me to wear?”
At her shock and dismay, Marius began to wonder if she had ever been told the more personal aspects of marriage. She was too appalled for him to ask her now. “Don’t worry, Sabrina. Those are for in the future, when we are more comfortable with one another.”
Sabrina rose from the bed. “Since those are mine, after all, then I suppose I should dress for the day.” Quickly she left the room and closed the door behind her. The doors connecting Marius’s room to the dressing room and bathing chamber were also closed.
Marius chuckled as he finished his breakfast. Only one week and he could start working on relieving Sabrina of her shyness.
* * *
Sabrina felt completely composed when she entered the kitchen a short time later. She only assumed this is where Marius had gone since his chamber was vacant of him and the remains of their breakfast. She found him stacking the dishes, preparing to clean them.
“Excuse me, but I believe that is my chore,” she announced coming into the kitchen.
“I don’t expect or want you to do anything, Sabrina, except perhaps keep me company.”
Locating an apron, she tied it around her neck and back. “Nonsense. I can’t let you do it all and since I can’t cook, I will clean.” Smiling brightly at him.
Marius stood before her, ready to argue.
“Please, I would like to do this. You can keep me company,” she urged him.
Reluctantly, Marius handed over the towel and took a seat at the large work table, not far from the sink. Sabrina retrieved his cup from the tray and poured him some more coffee before she began cleaning the dishes.
“That is the part I hate, you know.”
“What is?” Sabrina looked over her shoulder to where he was sitting.
“Cleaning up after I have cooked.”
Sabrina laughed. “Then it is a good thing you married me.” She turned back to the dishes.
* * *
For the first part of the week Marius and Sabrina didn’t venture from the house. They still wanted to visit the attractions but neither wanted to encounter other people and preferred to stay in their own private world. Marius tried to teach Sabrina to cook but after three meals they determined that for their own health she should stick to cleaning. He taught her billiards and was immediately sorry. Not only did she have an incredible knack for the game, but her position over the table did nothing for his frustrated state. If he wasn’t watching her rounded behind, he was glimpsing down the front of her gown as she bent over the table to take her shots. When he could take no more, he taught her chess. At least this ate away a number of the hours.
The nights were the most difficult for Marius, who slept less and less as his wife developed the habit of curling around him. Mentally he crossed off each day that passed and counted the days until they could consummate the marriage.
They had been married four days and Marius lay awake in bed listening to Sabrina’s even breathing. She had been asleep only a short time and the hour was just approaching midnight. He was wondering if he would even be able to sleep that night when he heard the scuff of a boot across the foyer and the creek of a door. He wasn’t expecting any of the servants this soon but perhaps one returned early. Yet, he was also on the alert in the event Chesterfield decided to harm Sabrina.
Gently, so as not to disturb his wife, Marius drew on pants and a shirt. Picking up his gun he silently made his way down the stairs. As he approached the landing in the foyer the acrid smell of smoke burned his nostrils and he rushed toward the kitchen, afraid he had left something on the stove. He came to a halt at the entrance of the dining room quickly filling with smoke and Marius ran toward the kitchen. It was completely engulfed and he knew he would not be able to put the fire out on his own. Racing back through the dining room, he paused briefly in the entry as a light from the parlor caught his attention. The back wall was burning in this room as well. On the other side of the wall was the library and Marius hurried to see if the fire had spread. This room too was on fire, but was burning in a separate area. All three fires were independent of one another and not all three could be accidents. By the time he returned to the foyer, the dining room was engulfed and the fire in the parlor had spread to the draperies. Running up the stairs, he slammed all the doors to his chamber shut and began shaking Sabrina awake. “The house is on fire. You need to wake up.”
Slowly she opened her eyes, a bit dazed. Within a fraction of a second her eyes widened. “Fire.”
“Yes.” Marius called back to her. He began searching the wardrobe for something she could wear. The white night gown would be too noticeable and he planned on escaping the house undetected. He found a pair of dark pants and shirt and tossed them to her. “Put these on. Your nightgown will be too much of a hindrance.”
Sabrina scampered to dress while his back was turned and Marius located dark jackets for both of them. Escaping by the front door would alert anyone watching that they had survived, even if it were still possible. The kitchen door at the back of the house was impossible to get to. Smoke was slipping beneath the bedroom door and he was afraid they were running out of time. After stuffing a rug against the crack beneath the door, he went to the window. Cautiously he opened it glancing out. Nobody was within the small enclosed garden. Even though it was a dark night, the fire from the inside of the house illuminated the area well. His only concern was getting safely to the ground.
Sabrina came to stand next to him and looked out as well.
“It is only two stories. We should be fine.” Marius climbed out the window. “Do what I do and I’ll catch you.”
Holding on he let his body stretch until he let go and dropped to the ground. Once he had his footing he looked up and encouraged his wife to do the same. Sabrina didn’t hesitate and climbed out the window after him. He should have known she wouldn’t cower. She held on and let her body drop. After a moment she let go and fell into Marius’ arms, but her sudden weight knocked into his chest and Marius ended up on her backside losing hold of his wife. Marius quickly kneeled over her. “Are you hurt?”
Sabrina sat up and dusted off her hands. “It would take much more to injury me.”
Marius stood and offered his hand. Sabrina took it and he pulled her to her feet. They turned to look up at the room the just vacated. Light was now coming from within which meant the fire had breached the second floor and their room. They escaped just in time.
Marius grabbed her hand and led her away from the house. “We need to keep to the shadows. Don’t let anyone see you. I’ll explain when we are away.”
Sabrina nodded mutely, grasping his hand tightly and followed Marius dow
n a back ally. Less than a block away he lifted her onto a stone wall and was quickly over the side, helping her down. This was the closest and safest place Marius could think of and prayed at least a few servants were in the kitchen to help him.
At first he tapped on the door lightly. He didn’t want to alert anyone who may be lurking in the ally of their presence. When no response came and he knocked a little louder, silently cursing for someone to answer the door. He just prayed he didn’t bring danger here as well.
“Mr. Parker.” The none-too-formal valet stated in surprise as he opened the door.
“Yes, Jones. We need to come in.” Marius pushed past the man.
“Of course.” The valet stood back and closed the door behind them.
Marius ushered Sabrina into the kitchen where she sank into a chair. Her eyes were wide with shock and she was pale.
“Do you know where Chambers went this evening?” Marius asked, turning to the servant.
“I believe he was to attend the Chesterfield ball, Sir.”
Sabrina looked at Marius in surprise.
“Their home is only a street away from ours. Someone has probably already noticed the fire,” Marius said with some thought. He had completely forgotten the ball.
“Jones, I need you to find Dillon as quickly as possible. It is imperative that nobody knows we are here for the moment.”
“Yes, sir. I understand.” Which Marius didn’t doubt. The servant had an uncanny way of knowing everything that went on in the lives of others and he didn’t doubt Dillon had probably told him everything.
“Could you bring us some brandy before you leave?” Marius asked, worried about his pale wife.
“Of course, sir. Shall you remain in the kitchen?”
“Yes, I don’t want to be seen through the windows and I doubt anyone will think to look here anyway, but this room is safest.”
“Very good, sir,” Jones said before leaving through the back door.
Marius poured a drink for both of them and sank into a chair beside his wife. Sabrina took a small drink before turning her eyes on her husband. “You don’t think the fire was an accident, do you?”
Shaking his head, “No. I know it was not.” And he went on to explain what he had found below.
Tears began to form in her eyes. “Oh, Marius I am so sorry. We should have never married. It only put you in danger.”
“That is nonsense. Had we not married, I don’t doubt your uncle would have tried something similar because you have reached you majority. You could have been killed because you would have been alone.”
Sabrina shuddered. “Your home was destroyed.”
Marius reached over and squeezed her hand. “It was only a house. Everything can be rebuilt and new items purchased. The important thing is that we are alive. You are the one thing I can never replace.”
Sabrina smiled at him weakly.
Chapter 23
Jones was gone barely a half an hour before he came through the back door. “I know you wanted to keep you presences quiet, Mr. Parker, but I am afraid Lords Meadows and Sandlin may have caught on.” The man looked away. “They know I don’t leave the house at night.” He focused back on the two. “They will be here shortly.”
“Is the house still burning,” Sabrina asked while tears pooled in her eyes.
“Yes, I am afraid.” He shook his head and put a pot of water on to boil. “There was quite a crowd gathered.” He turned to them. “Your parents are very distraught, Mr. Parker. I suggested your mother come here to await news as this home is closest to yours. And, I know you want your presence to remain secret, Mr. Parker, but I couldn’t bear to see the ladies so upset, or the gentlemen either.”
Marius shook his head. “It is fine Jones. I can trust each of them completely.”
The valet sighed. “Those were my beliefs as well. However, your wife’s uncle was standing not too far away so I suggest you stay hidden until we can be assured only those you trust arrive.”
Agreeing, Marius took a seat next to Sabrina. Jones left to prepare for the guests.
It was another half hour later before they were all seated in Dillon’s parlor and Jones was serving brandy, wine and tea. The group was strangely quiet and Marius waited out of sight listening. “Is this all that will be joining us sir?”
“I believe so, Jones,” Dillon answered.
“Then I can be assured that Lord Chesterfield will not be appearing?”
“I can assure you, that man will never be welcome in this house.” Dillon spit out with hatred. “I have no doubt he is responsible for the fire and I won’t rest until I have that proof.”
“Very well, sir, but there is something you should know.” The valet stated, closing the draperies. “Mr. Parker and his wife escaped the fire. I couldn’t say anything further until I knew only those you trusted were present.”
Surprised gasps followed his statement. “Where is my son?” Lady Wilkes asked, standing.
“I am right here, Mother.”
Marius had barely stepped in the room before his mother was hugging him and crying. Phoebe embraced Sabrina in a similar fashion. It was some moments before the group had calmed and was sitting again. Marius explained about the three separate fires and how he and Sabrina had made their escape.
“I walked around the house. The windows were all closed,” Taylor stated, surprised.
Marius looked at Sabrina confused. “Did you close the window somehow after you climbed out?”
Shaking her head. “No. It never occurred to me to even try.”
“Then who closed the window?”
“I did.” A voice came from the end of the hall. “I was about to climb up myself and alert you when I saw you escape. I closed the window after you and followed until I knew you had reached safety.” Timothy Shields walked further into the room. “Since I last talked with you, I have had a few men keeping an eye on your wife. As soon as I heard of the marriage I knew Chesterfield wouldn’t wait long.”
“Shields, is that you? What do you know of this?” Dillon asked.
“He has been trying to keep alive and find a way to bring Chesterfield to justice. Shields was with Sabrina’s father when he was killed,” Marius explained.
Sabrina looked at the man with interest.
“One of my men saw a few unsavory characters around your home earlier. There were too many for him to confront alone and by the time he returned with help, they were gone and the fires had been set.” He accepted a glass of amber liquid. “Because you remained hidden I knew you suspected the truth so I closed the window to lead Chesterfield to believe you were still inside.”
“Thank you, this should buy us some time. At least until they comb through the destruction and find no bodies,” Marius stated as Sabrina shivered at his side.
“I would suggest you disappear for a while. Once Chesterfield realizes you are missing and not dead, he may panic and hopefully finally make a mistake.”
“I agree with him,” Taylor stated.
“Never underestimate your enemy or take safety for granted,” Phoebe added seriously.
Marius clasped Sabrina’s hand and thought for a moment. He wanted to confront the man now but had no proof. Besides, it would only bring another attempt. The best thing they could do is make the man worry or perhaps draw him out when they were prepared to face him.
“You are right, of course. However, Sabrina and I can’t go anywhere at the moment. This is the only clothing we have and I don’t dare draw on my accounts or he will know we are alive.”
“Just make a plan of where you can disappear to. I’ll find clothing for you both. Meet me at the end of the ally in two hours, before the sun rises. It is best to be away from London before Chesterfield is any wiser.”
Marius nodded his head and turned toward his father, who began digging in his pockets. “It is not much, son. Lady Willaby took me at Whist tonight.” His father handed over the remainder of his funds.
Each of the other gen
tlemen pulled out the purses they carried and handed it to Marius while Dillon went to his desk and pulled out a lock box, handing over yet more to Marius. It was enough to see him and Sabrina through for some time, depending on where they went. “I appreciate your generosity.” Marius was touched at their offering. “I’ll see that each of you are paid back.”
“Don’t worry about it, Marius. Just stay safe.” Taylor clapped him on the shoulder.
“Do you know where you will be going, Son?” His father asked.
Marius thought for a few moments, before turning to Sabrina to answer him. “I have an idea but I will send word once we get there and have our bearings. It will be safer if you don’t know.” He knew none of them would ever betray him but felt it was safer, for them as well, if they knew very little. He squeezed his wife’s hand.
* * *
Sabrina looked into his eyes. Despite all he had lost and that he was being forced to leave London at the beginning of the Season, all she saw how much he cared for her.
“Why don’t you gentlemen go discuss possible plans in the library,” Phoebe suggested. “I want to be sure Sabrina is fine.”
Marius looked at her closely.
Sabrina smiled at him. “I am fine. I just think she wants to talk to me alone.”
“Are you sure you are alright?”
“Go on.”
As soon as the gentlemen left and closed the door, Phoebe opened her reticule, taking out money of her own funds and pressed it into Sabrina’s hand. “I want you to take this. Marius shouldn’t be the only one with funds available.”
Sabrina started to protest, but Janine and Lady Wilkes stepped forward. “I agree dear. Though I know my son would make sure you are provided for, one can’t be too careful.” Lady Wilkes pressed more notes into Sabrina’s hand.
Janine was grinning when she handed over her a small bag. “I won this off of Lady Willaby after Lord Wilkes vacated his seat.”
His Contrary Bride (A Gentleman's Guide to One Upon a Time - Book 2) Page 20