Gentleman's Guide 02 - His Contrary Bride) (17 page)

He looked back over at Sabrina. “I don’t
believe any of those gentlemen are right for her.” Sabrina looked
at him and raised an eyebrow in question. He really shouldn’t stare
at her all night, especially since he was not one of the gentlemen
attached to her court. He inclined his head and returned his
attention to his friends.

“Is that so?” Taylor looked past Marius’
shoulder to where Sabrina stood with her admirers. “Is there
someone else you think would be better?”

“Perhaps.” The conversation was becoming too
personal.

Leaning towards her husband, Phoebe
whispered, though loudly enough for almost everyone to hear, “I
believe Marius thinks he is the right one.”

Marius met her eyes, ready to deny but
couldn’t bring himself to lie. Instead, he said nothing and turned
to Felding to ask about the horses he just purchased, ignoring
Phoebe and Taylor’s quiet laughter.

*

Marius was barely awake when the summons
arrived. Apparently the solicitor needed to meet with Ramsey and
they thought he should be there as well. He hoped it was news that
could bring an end to the situation, Marius dressed quickly and
made his way to the Chester household. The gentlemen were waiting
for him in Ramsey’s office when Marius arrived.

“What news do you have, Mr. Jacobs?” Marius
asked as he took a seat.

“Not news Mr. Parker, but a document I had
forgotten about. In fact, it had been misfiled and I came across it
by chance.” The solicitor ‘s cheeks darkened with a light hue.

“What type of document?” Ramsey sat
forward.

As he retrieved it from his case, the
solicitor explained. “It is another affidavit Lord Chesterfield
gave to me. This one was signed by Lady Sabrina. As you did not
actually sign yours.” He indicated to Ramsey, “I wonder if Lady
Sabrina knew of this one.”

Ramsey studied the document before handing
it to Marius. “I don’t understand. How can she give up rights to
anything?”

“Apparently, this piece of property was
brought to the family through Lady Sabrina’s mother.”

“So it isn’t tied up with the estate,”
Ramsey clarified.

“It is also the only Chester property that
brings a large income,” Marius stated after he had digested the
affidavit.

“Precisely,” The solicitor agreed.

“Given what we know I think it is safe to
assume Sabrina knows nothing of this.”

“Is there a way to fight this?” Marius
asked.

“It isn’t necessary.” Mr. Jacobs stated to
their surprise. “The affidavit is not legal, which I explained to
Lord Chesterfield at the time. Just as she doesn’t receive the
property until she marries. She can’t give it away either. It is
only intended to be lumped with the Chesterfield lands
temporarily.”

“Tell me, what is the yearly income from
that estate?” Ramsey asked.

Marius didn’t really care. He was just glad
Sabrina had something of her own. Not that she would need it since
he intended to take care of her.

“Approximately twenty-five thousand pounds
per year. That is from the land, mines, and rent alone. Nobody
lives in the house, nor have they for some years. All the work is
done by tenant farmers who manage well on their own. It is quite a
productive area.”

“So, Sabrina is an heiress after all.”
Ramsey acknowledged out loud.

“Not precisely. Yes, the land and all that
goes with it is hers. Should she marry, her husband of course would
manage everything. However, it is entailed and must be left to a
daughter. It can only be left to a son if no daughters are born. If
there are no children, then the estate is absorbed into the
Chesterfield holdings at her death, even if she is married.”

“Isn’t it a bit odd that property should
pass to a daughter since ladies are not allowed to own any
property?” Ramsey questioned.

“That is why you would still have control,
Chester, in the event she remained unwed. It is the way of the
Powers Legacy.” The solicitor explained as he put the documents
away. “As Lady Sabrina will reach her majority in a month, she will
have the power to name you as its guardian and be able to remove
Lord Chesterfield from it’s control. However, that is the only
decision she has with regard to the property until she weds.”

The statement brought Marius up short. He
had been about to question the Powers Legacy until they realized
the possible danger Sabrina could now face.

After the solicitor left, Marius faced
Ramsey behind closed doors once again. “Are your concerns the same
as mine?”

“My uncle had already killed. Apparently the
family estates do not bring in much income while Sabrina’s is
enough to keep it’s owner wealthy,” Ramsey agreed. “I suppose we
can count on Lord Chesterfield returning from the continent
soon.”

“All the more reason I marry Sabrina before
then.”

*

Sabrina had been sorting linens when Parker
was announced that afternoon. Though the chore hadn’t been enough
to use up her energy, at least it gave her something to do. Closing
the cabinet doors, she wondered why he was calling again so
soon.

Straightening her spine and ignoring the
flutters in her stomach, Sabrina walked into the morning room to
greet her guest. “Good afternoon, Mr. Parker. To what do I owe this
unexpected visit?”

“I had thought to take you on a picnic,
Sabrina.”

Raising an eyebrow she looked at him as if
he were mad. “It is raining.”

Marius bestowed a smile on her. “Yes. I
know. That is why I brought the picnic here.” He stood aside and
indicated to the blanket spread on the floor before the fire.

Sabrina gasped in surprise and walked
further into the room. “Why?” Not realizing she had uttered her
thoughts out loud.

“Because I enjoy your company.” Marius
offered with a warm smile as he held his hand out to her.

Hesitantly she reached for him and ignored
the tingling at their contact as she allowed him to seat her on the
blanket.

First he poured their wine before opening
the basket. “It will be an odd lunch, but you didn’t give me much
to work with.”

“I don’t understand.”

His only response was a chuckle. First he
withdrew a roasted chicken, then a loaf of warm bread. After
cutting off pieces of each he placed them on her plate. He then
spread raspberry jam on her slice of bread.

Slowly Sabrina recalled the conversation
surrounding food. It hadn’t been an innocent conversation from his
point at all. Could she have been mistaken with regard to his
intentions? No. She must not get her hopes up, she silently
chastised herself.

Marius kept their conversation to light
topics and Sabrina entertained. The afternoon melted away as she
basked in the warmth of his company. She should be grateful to have
a friend such as Marius. Who else would bring a picnic into her
home on such a dreary day? Certainly none of the gentlemen courting
her.

Her enthusiasm dropped at the thought. These
are the actions of a friend, not someone wishing to engage the
affections of another.

He took her empty plate and offered a wicked
smile. Sabrina was afraid to guess what he was planning now.

“Now, for dessert.”

She sat back in anticipation. So far
everything had been delicious. The first bowl revealed raspberries.
The second, chocolate covered strawberries. She closed her eyes and
inhaled the sweet, fresh scent of the raspberries mingled with the
rich smell of dark chocolate. Her mouth watered wanting a taste.
“Where did you find these at this time of year?”

Marius offered her a strawberry. “I have
secret sources which I cannot reveal.”

Sabrina savored every bite and occasionally
moaned at the taste, licking her lips after she had swallowed. She
knew it was unladylike to behave this way but it wasn’t as if he
were courting her, which she already established, so why shouldn’t
she be herself around her good friend.

*

Marius wondered what look she’d wear when he
pleasured her in other ways. His thoughts and her tongue sliding
across her lips had Marius shifting for a more comfortable
position.

When the fruit had disappeared, he returned
the bowls to the basket and withdrew a box. “This is for later.
Think of me when you enjoy them.”

Sabrina looked at him strangely as she took
the box. Untying the ribbon she lifted the lid. It was filled with
chocolates. Bending close, she inhaled their aroma. “Thank
you.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed the meal,” Marius said
with sincerity. He was beyond pleased that he could bring her so
much enjoyment and confident none of the other gentlemen thought to
court her in this manner.

“Everything was delicious,” Sabrina
complimented and sipped her wine.

“Thank you, it was simple enough. Though
I’ll admit this was the first time I have ever made
chocolates.”

Her eyes flew wide. “You made
everything?”

“Yes. I certainly wouldn’t have chanced this
meal to even my own cook.”

A small, pleasant smile came to her lips.
“Thank you, for everything. This has been a very pleasant
afternoon.”

“Now that you are pleasantly full, there is
something I need to discuss with you.”

The smile disappeared and Sabrina stiffened.
Perhaps he should have worked this into the conversation instead of
bringing what apparently was an abrupt end to the pleasantness of
the afternoon. He shook off the thought. Eventually it wouldn’t
matter. In the end she would agree to be his wife, or at least he
hoped so. It was really the only option at this juncture and what
was best for her.

“I have been looking into your fathers’
death.” Marius began and continued to tell her everything he
learned, including the affidavit she had supposedly signed. By the
time he had finished, Sabrina was pale and shaky. Marius refilled
her glass and encouraged her to drink.

“I am concerned for your safety, Sabrina,”
Marius stated matter-of-factly after she had seemed to calm
some.

“Do you think Uncle James would try to kill
me as well?”

“I would like to say no, but it probably all
depends on the choices you make after your birthday.”

Sabrina bit her bottom lip and stared into
the fire. “If I name Ramsey has the controller of the
property…”

“Your uncle will not be pleased,” Marius
finished for her.

“I can’t, in good conscious allow my uncle
to remain in control,” Sabrina argued. “Yet I want no one in
danger.”

Marius knew this would be a difficult
decision because she wouldn’t want anyone harmed, which gave him
the perfect opening. “I would like to make a suggestion.”

Sabrina looked up at him hopefully.

“Marry me.” Marius heart stilled and waited
for her positive response.

Sabrina stared at him. Her brow knit in
concentration and her mouth hung open in surprise and there was not
one sign of happiness on her face. Could he have miscalculated this
much?

“Pardon?”

Marius wasn’t sure what he was expecting
from his question, but the stunned look had not been it. “I asked
you to marry me.”

She tilted her head as if she didn’t quite
understand. “Why?”

Marius’s heart sank. By now he hoped her
arms would be around him and their lips engaged in activities other
than talking. She had no idea of his interest or the plans for
their future. Did she not realize he was a suitor? Clearly he would
have to address this carefully and leave any admissions of emotions
from the conversation. He ignored the tightening in his gut at the
fear that she did not want him as a suitor, which equated into not
wanting him as a husband. “It is the safest alternative. I’ll be
able to protect you and Ramsey will be safe because he won’t be the
one between you and Lord Chesterfield.”

“So, you propose marriage to keep me safe?”
She asked slowly.

“Yes. What do you say?” Marius waited,
scarcely breathing. He knew proposals should be more eloquent, but
he did not know how to read her just now and that alone dictated
that he should proceed with caution.

Sabrina stared at Marius for a moment.
“Thank you, but no.”

Marius couldn’t believe he had heard her
correctly. “Why?”

“I appreciate your noble gesture but, it is
not a sufficient nor reasonable reason to wed. I’ll find another
way to deal with my uncle.” Sabrina came to her feet.

Marius still could not believe she had told
him no and stood as well. “Perhaps we should discuss the advantages
before you make a decision.” He hoped he didn’t sound as desperate
as he felt.

A sad smile came to her face. “There is
nothing to discuss. Please excuse me.” She was out of the room
before Marius could offer the slightest of protests. Numbly, Marius
packed the remains in a basket, determined to take his leave. What
had gone wrong? Had he misjudged the situation so poorly? Though he
didn’t expect her to love him, he thought she at least cared for
him and enjoyed his company. Was there a chance that she didn’t
care for him at all? No, he wouldn’t accept the possibility. As it
had been some weeks since they stood below the mistletoe, perhaps
Sabrina needed some reminding of what they could enjoy
together.

Smiling with a new plan forming, Marius let
himself from the house.

*

Sabrina made it to the privacy of her
chamber before anyone saw her. She wasn’t sure she could keep the
tears inside until she was alone and it wasn’t something she wanted
to discuss with anyone. Oh, she knew people married for less
emotional reasons, such as the joining of two families, but that is
not how she envisioned her future. If she were going to marry she
was going to have a marriage like her parents, before her mother
died. Happy.

Once the door closed behind her she sank
into a chair and faced some realizations. She was in love with
Marius Parker, and probably had been for sometime. He, on the other
hand, did not return any feelings or he would certainly have
mentioned some emotion with the proposal. He was simply a gallant
gentleman who now felt some responsibility for her since he picked
her up by the side of the road. While the gesture was noble and
very much appreciated, she refused to allow him to marry her and
ruin his life.