Chapter 17
They all made an effort to dress for dinner. The menu was impeccable, as cook was no doubt glad to be able to prepare a large meal for once. Riordan was famished after the journey, and thankful that his father did not broach the subject of his marriage while they ate. Perhaps he’d walked off the bulk of his anger, or at least decided to set it aside for the rest of the evening. Riordan could only hope. He did not like being on the outs with his father.
The meal started with crayfish soup, a Dover baked sole, medallions of foie gras (not Riordan’s favorite), along with a saddle of mutton, potatoes, brussels sprouts, and French beans. Dessert consisted of peach pie, raspberry tarts, and vanilla cream.
The conversation stayed civil, the topics varying from the estate to recent news events and doings at parliament. Afterwards, while everyone sat around the table with brandy and cigars, though Riordan had never developed the tobacco habit, the discussion turned to him.
“Riordan, you must see this marriage cannot stand. You married the woman under false pretenses regarding your name. I understand it’s why you chose the annulment, and it is a logical choice.” Julian paused, swirling his brandy in his snifter. “Allow me to contact Miller Kenworth. Perhaps we can start the wheels turning and dissolve this marriage immediately. Negotiate a parting settlement with Lady Pepperdon for a few thousand pounds.”
Kenworth. Head of the law firm, and his friend William Chambers’s employer. It would be simple to become annoyed, start another argument. But Riordan tried to avoid conflict when possible. “Father, I gave my word to Sabrina, and it states in legal documents we both signed that she will be entitled to the entire ten thousand pounds on the day the annulment is finalized.” He sniffed the brandy, then took a sip, allowing the spicy taste to linger in his mouth before swallowing. “Beyond that, I have feelings for her. They are deepening with each passing day. I’m in no hurry to dissolve the marriage.”
Julian bristled, but his grandfather laid a hand on his son’s arm as if to calm him. “Why this woman?” the earl asked, his voice soft.
All eyes were on Riordan. “To begin with, she is attractive, with light brown hair and golden highlights seemingly added with a painter’s brush.”
“Jesus,” Garrett muttered. “He’s more than infatuated.”
Riordan shrugged. “Perhaps I am. You must understand, Sabrina has had a loveless, cold life. From her miserable father selling her to the old earl, to the horrific marriage she endured. I am not aware of specifics, but judging from her aloof nature and abhorrence for anything physical, it may be worse than I could ever imagine. I want to protect her from more hurt. I want to give her what she longs for the most: her independence. Her freedom. And I will do anything in my power to give her what she most desires.”
“Admirable grounds,” his grandfather acknowledged. “Then give her the freedom now.”
“Exactly,” Julian interjected. “If you promised Lady Pepperdon the money, I suppose we have no choice but to follow through. But you cannot be handing out money to everyone with a sad story.”
“I’m well aware of that fact, Father,” Riordan said. Tamping down his annoyance was becoming difficult as the conversation continued. “But it is my money, and it is my decision how I choose to spend it. It is a stain on this country that women cannot vote, are considered property, and cannot hold any property of their own. Nor can they escape a detestable marriage. Women are mistreated, abused, and when their husbands die, they can be left with nothing. If their only living male relative refuses to assist them, where can they turn?” Riordan continued to swirl his brandy. “I cannot rescue every woman in dire straits, but I will rescue this one. And if during the three months I’m able to convince her to open her heart and allow love and light to enter it, there may be no need for the settlement at all. Yes. It is more than an infatuation, more than merely physical. More than a cause. I want to explore the attraction already sparking between us.” He smiled. “There is a passionate woman beneath the outer layer of frost—I’m determined to find her.”
Garrett rolled his eyes. “I tried to warn him. Emotional attachments to women will only lead to trouble. And what of the curse?”
Riordan stared at his uncle. The man lived and breathed the damned curse. “I suppose I’ll lay the particulars of the curse before her and allow her to decide whether it is worth it. For my part? I have doubts. Why put a woman you care deeply for at risk? But then, why deny love on the premises of a medieval tale of woe?”
Garrett bristled, but Julian held up his hand to stay his brother’s response. “You speak passionately,” Julian said, “But you could be heading for heartache, and I’m not speaking merely of the curse, which is tangible no matter what you think. Even though you say there’s an attraction, there is no guarantee the lady will wish anything permanent with you.”
Riordan frowned. He didn’t like being reminded of such an outcome. “I will deal with that if it should happen. I’ll not stand in her way if she wishes to leave—for whatever reason. As I said, I will give her what she most desires.”
“And if you are able to convince her to stay, what of children?” the earl asked.
Riordan turned slightly to glare at his grandfather. “What of it? I’m not the heir. It is not my responsibility to procreate and carry on the Wollstonecraft legacy.”
“Who is to say?” Julian replied. “Your brother is not showing an inclination to take his responsibilities seriously.”
“Besides,” the earl interjected, “she was married to Sutherhorne for years and there was no issue from the union. Granted, the fault may not be hers.”
Riordan took another sip. “Here is my last word on the subject. I’ve listened to all your concerns and I will take them under advisement. Ultimately, however, it is my life and my decision. If it is a mistake, I’ll live with the consequences. Heartache or no. Meanwhile, no interference from any of you. Trust me to make my own choices.”
The table was silent. Perhaps too silent.
“Father?”
“I will not contact Kenworth. At least, not for now. I still stand by my belief that you should end this marriage, sooner rather than later.” His father blew out an exasperated breath. “Best we change the subject. I met our new neighbors this afternoon.”
Garrett grinned as he took a puff on his cigar. “Mrs. Alberta Eaton and her brother-in-law, Jonas Eaton.”
“What can you tell me about them?” Julian asked.
Riordan glanced at his father; he was interested in what Garrett had to say. All of a sudden, so was Riordan.
“Mrs. Eaton is thirty-nine. She was married to Mr. Reese Eaton, barrister, for ten years before he died of heart failure. I believe she said her husband was close to twenty years older. And Jonas? A late birth for Mr. Eaton’s mother, one she did not survive.” Garrett sipped his brandy. “Alberta said the cord was wrapped around his neck at birth. They thought him stillborn until the doctor brought him around by massaging his chest. Was he deprived of air for too long? Or is this the way he was meant to be? No one knows the answer.”
Julian stubbed out the remains of his cigar. “Unfortunate. How is it you are privy to this information?”
“Many a cup of tea in the parlor over the past several weeks. Do I detect a spark of interest in the widow, Brother?” Garrett’s eyes twinkled with amusement.
Julian scoffed. “Hardly.”
The men gave him dubious looks, including Riordan. His father had not shown any curiosity toward a woman in recent memory. Oh, he was aware that his father had a few affairs through the years, but he never mentioned any of them. Interesting development.
“Riordan, over brunch tomorrow we wish to hear a detailed account of your schoolroom adventures, and the results of your progressive curriculum,” the earl stated.
“Of course, Grandfather.”
He would depart immediately after and head home. To Sabrina. This visit had made Riordan all the more determined to pursue a permanent bond between them. He’d spoken the truth: he was more than infatuated. Taking a chance with his heart? Perhaps. But she was worth the risk.
In all ways.
* * * *
He stood, resplendent in his soldier red, the breeze ruffling his thick, black hair. Tall and broad-shouldered, he looked every inch the hero. Handsome beyond measure, with eyes that rivaled the summer sky above, he gave me a sly smile and a slight bow. My insides somersaulted as a heated yearning tore through me, culminating in my body reacting in the naughtiest of ways. I wanted to possess him; I wanted him to possess me. It was then I knew I would sacrifice everything I was raised to believe in order to have him in my bed for one night.
Sabrina closed the book and heaved a sigh. Last night she’d started to read The Bold Seduction of Miss Featherstone and found herself swept up in this young woman’s tale of sensual awakening. The entertaining read was a combination of the heroine’s journal entries interspersed with third-person narration.
Much of what was described in this story, Sabrina was slowly becoming aware of: the tumbling of her insides, the reactions of her body, whether naughty or not. There was no doubt about it. Finally, when in a man’s presence, she experienced arousal. In Riordan’s presence. This never happened with her husband. Not once.
She’d enjoyed their first night of reading Wuthering Heights. It certainly highlighted how all-consuming passion could be—and how tragic. The thought of Heathcliff standing before the open window, beseeching a ghostly Cathy, his heart’s desire, to come to him made her eyes fill up. But it was not only the story itself—it was Riordan’s mesmerizing voice, and the emotion he injected into every word.
Mary bustled into the bedroom. “Luncheon is ready, my lady. Come to the table… Oh! You’re reading the book.”
Sabrina slipped it under her pillow. “Yes, and I have questions.”
“Come, before it grows cold. I made us poached eggs on toast. Ask me what you will while we eat.”
Sabrina smiled as she stood and followed Mary into the parlor area. “Not as fancy as we are used to.” Since coming to the small cottage, she and Mary had shared meals, the line between lady and servant further blurred, and Sabrina did not mind in the least.
As Mary poured their tea, Sabrina cut her egg and toast into small pieces. Her maid cut generous slices of Cheshire cheese. “Mrs. Ingersoll and I have made a workable plan between us. Since the foodstuff order has been delivered, I will be able to prepare a few extras outside her domain.” Mary laid pieces of cheese on Sabrina’s plate. “We will follow Mr. Black’s meal pattern. Breakfast, luncheon, and supper. A bit different from the breakfast, afternoon tea, and late dinner of your class.”
“I will adapt, Mary, never fear.”
“Mrs. Ingersoll will arrive at four o’clock each afternoon, do a little light cleaning, and leave supper behind for you both. I will be done with my own duties and supper by seven, and will come to you directly after eight to prepare you for bed. If that is satisfactory, my lady.”
“Sounds as if you have it all planned out. You do not mind the work at the inn?”
Mary shook her head. “Not at all. Tidying rooms, making beds, assisting at the front desk…it’s no problem, my lady. I would have made the sausages, but I thought we would save those for a luncheon when Mr. Black can join you.”
Popping a piece of egg and toast in her mouth, Sabrina chewed and swallowed. “Speaking of Mr. Black.”
Now seated and cutting into her egg, Mary lifted her head and caught her gaze. “Yes?”
“As you witnessed, Mr. Black—Riordan—kissed me with a good deal of enthusiasm at the registrar’s office. But he kissed me before, and after too.”
Mary smiled. “You allowed it?”
“I did. And I…enjoyed it.” Sabrina sipped her tea.
Mary laid her utensils across her plate, and her smile slipped away. “I was with you through those long eleven years of your marriage to that wretched man. Many a night the other servants had to restrain me from marching into the bedroom and tearing you away from his deviant clutches.” Mary’s eyes welled with tears. “I wish now I’d mustered the courage.”
“Oh, Mary.” Sabrina patted her hand. “It only would have fueled his anger, and he would have taken it out on you.” She paused, wondering whether to reveal anything of what had gone on behind closed doors. She’d never told anyone in any detail. “Do you remember a winter’s night in the fifth year, you knocked at the door asking if I was all right? I know there was more than one occasion.” Mary looked up at her, dabbing the corners of her eyes with a napkin, and nodded. “The earl had me tied to the bed. Facedown. Committing an act I now know is sodomy.” Mary gasped. “When you knocked, he bade me to say all was fine, or he would pull you into the room and do the same to you, and make me watch.”
Mary cried out. “Oh, my lady.”
“You know he would have done it. When at last he became bored of me and realized I would not become…pregnant, he left me alone. He also left me dead inside. Completely numb. But not all physical relations between a man and a woman are what I endured, are they?”
Mary shook her head as she picked up her utensils and speared a piece of egg with her fork. “No. Not at all.” Her maid sighed. “I’m not a virgin, my lady. I have known contentment in a man’s arms…and in his bed. We were to be married, you see, but he was a sailor like my father.” Her expression softened. “Oh, he was a considerate lover. You’d think he would be rough and uncouth, considering his occupation, but my Billy knew how to love a woman good and proper. Unfortunately, he was on the same ship as my father and was lost at sea.”
Now Sabrina’s eyes welled with tears. “Oh, my dear. How tragic.”
Mary continued eating. In between bites she said, “I had no time to mourn. It was left to me to provide for my mother and me. But I stray from the point. Going by the look in Mr. Black’s eyes when he gazes at you…I saw the same in Billy’s. Respectful and loving. Mr. Black would be a caring and thorough lover, I’m sure of it. Maybe even a little wild. You can tell about a man from his kiss. Was Mr. Black aggressive? Forceful?” Sabrina shook her head. “Good. For I will reveal that when complete trust exists, a little wildness in the bedchamber can be exciting.” A flush of embarrassment colored Sabrina’s cheeks at Mary’s blunt words. “But if he starts off gentle like, understanding of your reaction, and then kisses more deeply, allowing the desire to flame between you…there is nothing better. Am I describing Mr. Black?” Mary asked.
Sabrina quickly shoved a small bite of egg in her mouth and nodded.
“It is not always easy to forget the past, but you must not allow it to rule your life. Perhaps, my lady, you could try.”
“I would like to,” Sabrina whispered. “I miss Riordan. I’m longing to see him again. Mary, what is happening to me?”
“You’re falling for him,” Mary replied matter-of-factly.
“But I cannot. We have plans. We must follow them through….”
Mary shrugged. “Life rarely follows the earnest plans we make. Do not close this door, my lady, see what develops.” Mary continued with her meal.
See what develops. Dare she? Oh, she was confused, her emotions in a jumble. It would be quite a step from being a baron’s daughter and an earl’s wife to be with a mere schoolmaster. In the past, such an obstacle would not have even been considered. She had been brought up to believe that one stays in one’s own class. She didn’t think as such anymore. What had her class given her? Nothing but misery.
Turning her attention to her meal, Sabrina began to eat in earnest. Yes. Why not see what develops? A few passionate kisses did not have to lead anywhere; she could continue on with her original plan of her and Mary finding a small place to live out their days. Yes, this would be the more prudent path to take. And if she could manage to learn more about the schoolmaster, all the better.
But Sabrina could not deny that she’d never felt more alive than when she was with Riordan.
Gaining independence meant she was at last in charge of her own life. Truth be told, she wanted—ached—to bask in Riordan’s warmth and attention.