The Baron - The Offer Part 10

aThat is an extreme thing to do, but she was very angry, the little one.a aSheall regret it soon enough,a he said as he jerked on his gloves.

aYou will beat her? Surely not, Phillip. Sheas half your size. That would hardly be fair. Besides, youare a gentleman. A gentleman wouldnat beat his wife.a He was already to her bedchamber door.

aBut sheas in love with you,a Martine shouted. aShe told you that.a aHa! Itas a girlas infatuation, nothing more. Surely she lost that after I took her three times in one night and never once gave her pleasure. Yes, sheas over that. Sheas just saying it by rote. It means nothing at all. Now Iam going to murder her.a He turned at the door. aI will always have my freedom. I will always do just as I please. Iall be back later, Martine.a Martine sat back down on the bed and leaned back against the pillows, listening to his galloping footsteps on the stairs.

Lans...o...b.. said not a word as his master jumped into the curricle and grabbed the reins. The furious working of the viscountas jaw didnat bode well for the viscountess. Like a frightened little animal, shead flown down the steps, running full speed toward a hackney.

Ten minutes later the viscount pulled his stallions to a steaming halt.

aStable them,a he said over his shoulder to Lans...o...b.. as he took the front steps of the Derencourt town house two at a time.

aWhere is the viscountess?a Phillip said the moment he saw Greybar.

aShe returned just a short time ago, my lord. I believe she went up to her room.a Phillip stopped in front of Sabrinaas bedchamber door. He turned the handle. The door was locked. The pulse pounded in his neck.

aOpen the door, Sabrina.a Her voice came back to him, loud and quite clear. aGo away, Phillip. Go back to Martine. I donat want to see you. Go away.a aIall go back to Martine whenever it pleases me to do so,a he shouted, took a step back, raised his booted leg, and crashed it against the door. He heard splintering wood. He aimed one more kick nearer to the lock and the door flew open, straining at its hinges.

Sabrina stood with her back against the windows. She stared at him, standing there in her doorway, breathing hard. aGo away, Phillip. Go away.a He walked toward her, slowly, his eyes never leaving her face. He was very, very angry.

Sabrina pulled her hand up from the folds of her skirt. She was clutching a riding crop tightly in her fingers. aStay away from me, Phillip, or Iall hurt you, I swear it.a aThe only thing Iall stay away from is your d.a.m.ned knee.a aI mean it. Go away.a She raised the riding crop and shook it at him.

aTry your best, you little witch.a He was on her. She swung it wildly at him, but he took a quick sideways step, and she merely flicked his sleeve. He lunged forward and gripped her arm just above the elbow. As he forced her arm down she tried again to kick him. He turned to his side, letting her strike his thigh.

He gripped her arm more tightly. She felt the numbness, felt the riding crop slip from her fingers. He pulled her close. aI canat believe you struck me,a he said.

aIn your groin or now?a He looked down at the riding crop. Shead hit him. He looked at her now, saw her face washed of color, saw the bruises beneath her expressive eyes, saw the fear in them. Lightly, he caressed his fingers over her cheek. He said quietly, aWhat have we come to, Sabrina?a She shook her head, saying nothing.

aI never meant to hurt you when I took you as my wife. I always meant to honor you, to protect you, yet weave come to this. Itas d.a.m.nable. What will we do now?a aI donat know,a she said, abut I canat bear it, Phillip, I really canat.a aYou unmanned me.a aI was very angry. Iam sorry, but Iad do it again. You were with her.a aI was there for a reason, Sabrina.a aYes, I imagine that you were.a He sighed and let her go. He leaned down and picked up the riding crop. aYou knew Iad come back here. You were going to protect yourself with this?a aI had nothing else. It seems like another lifetime, but I still remember. When we were at the hunting box, when you were taking care of me, you told me youad show me how to fight. You didnat. You forgot.a aYes, I suppose I did. If Iad taught you, I wonder what damage you would have inflicted on me at Martineas.a aGo away, Phillip. Iave really said everything I wanted to. Please just leave me alone.a aYes,a he said finally, aI suppose there really isnat anything more to say at the moment.a He left her then, walking away from her, lightly hitting the riding crop against his leg.

She turned to stare blindly into the glowing embers in the fireplace. He was right. There wasnat anything more to say.

Downstairs, Greybar said to Dambler just after the viscount had slammed his way out the front door, aI donat know whatas going on, but itas bad.a aI know,a Dambler said. aIave never seen his lords.h.i.+p like this.a aWeave both never seen him married.a Greybar shuddered. aWhat will happen now?a

39.

Sabrina slowly laid down the pen. She looked away from the letter shead spent the past hour writing. She looked out her bedchamber windows. Heavy-bellied clouds, laden with snow, hung low in the early morning sky. She glanced at the clock on the mantelpiece, quickly added several more lines to her letter, and turned away to finish packing her portmanteau.

She fastened the straps, dragged the portmanteau to the door, then saw her letter on the writing desk, and returned to read it one last time.

aDear Phillip,a she read. aIave returned to Monmouth Abbey. Iam truly sorry if my abrupt departure causes you embarra.s.sment. Iam also sorry for many other things, Phillip, least among them my outrageous behavior of yesterday. You were perfectly right. I had no right to act the wounded wife and kick you in the groin for having a mistress, although I didnat care at the time, I was so angry.

aYou will perhaps believe me the perfect hypocrite now, but I find that I simply cannot continue as we have. Youave said that your freedom is important to you, youave said it many times, I just never listened. Now I hear you. Itas just that now I realize that I simply canat be but one of the women to share your life. I want more than that. Iam worth more than that, at least I think I am, hope I am. Perhaps Iam wrong.

aItas time for me to return where I belong. I no longer have any real fear of Trevor, for as you have said, he values his own survival above all things.

aI know youare a proud man, Phillip, and thatas as it should be. I ask that in your pride you will not feel yourself honorbound to come after me. Iave thought hard about this. Itas the only thing to do. Itas what I want. Good-bye. Iam truly sorry for all the misery I brought into your life. You didnat deserve it.a Sabrina glanced one last time about her bedchamber, pulled her cloak closely about her, and made her way downstairs.

She stopped right in front of Greybar and said in her coldest voice, aIs my hired carriage here?a Greybar was wringing his hands. aWouldnat you prefer to wait for his lords.h.i.+p to return? He should be back shortly. It shouldnat be long now. Surely he wouldnat want you to travel in a hired carriage. A viscountess shouldnat ever travel in a hired carriage with hired horses. It isnat safe. Please, my lady, just wait a moment longer, perhaps just ten minutes. All right?a aGood-bye, Greybar. Youave been kind to me. But I must go now. Surely you understand that.a She carried her own portmanteau out the front door, leaving Greybar to stare after her, still wringing his hands.

She walked quickly from the house into the cold morning. She stepped into the carriage and waved her gloved hand to the butler, who stood s.h.i.+vering and uncertain on the front steps, still wringing his hands.

The horses started forward and she was tossed back onto the squabs. She drew a carriage blanket over her legs and sat there, staring out at nothing at all.

The weary horses pulled to a steaming halt in front of Monmouth Abbey early four evenings later. Sabrina looked at the great weathered stone building, half castle, half manor house, its jagged surfaces worn smooth through the centuries. Smoke billowed from the ma.s.sive fireplaces that towered twenty feet above the slate roof. Sharp points of candlelight dotted the latticed windows.

It was very cold but at least it wasnat snowing. It was quite dark, a quarter moon lighting the sky.

She paused a moment before the great oak doors, her stomach knotting at the thought of facing down Trevor. But she could do it. She would face him down. She would, quite simply, kill him if he ever tried to touch her again. She pounded hard on the huge bra.s.s griffin knocker.

Ribble opened the ma.s.sive doors. He just stared at her, then shouted, aLady Sabrina! Oh, my dear child, youare home. Do come in. Oh, gracious, itas wonderful to see you again.a He hugged her against him and she nearly burst into tears. aItas so good to see you again, Ribble. Youare looking well. Is Grandfather all right? Itas been almost a week since Iave heard anything. Please tell me heas all right.a aYes, he improves every day, I promise you.a Ribble set her away from him. She looked disheveled, thin, pale. He wanted to wrap her in three blankets, set her in front of a fireplace, and feed her. Instead, because he knew her, he said, aNo, itas all right. Everything will be fine. Youare home and weall all take care of you. Now, where is his lords.h.i.+p? Is he behind you?a aHe isnat with me,a Sabrina said simply, and walked into the large flagstone entrance hall.

aSabrina!a She looked up to see Elizabeth clutching the railing at the bottom of the staircase.

ah.e.l.lo, Elizabeth. Just a moment, please.a She turned back to Ribble. aPlease see to my coachman and have my portmanteau brought in. Thank you.a She was aware of Ribble giving instructions to two footmen who were gawking at the returned prodigal. What had everyone been told? What did they believe?

She walked to where her sister still stood, staring at her as if she were a ghost, that or something depraved that had wandered by accident into her view. aYouare looking very well, Elizabeth. I hope you are feeling just the thing.a aWhy wouldnat I be? I didnat run away and get caught in a snowstorm and nearly die.a To think shead nearly held out her arms to her sister. aNo, I expect youare just fine. Your gown is very stylish.a Actually, the gown was lovely, but it seemed that Elizabeth had lost flesh. The gown hung off her thin shoulders. But her glorious fair hair was full and thick in braids around her face, wisps dangling down her neck. Sabrina tried to smile. She knew she had to be conciliating.

Elizabeth took the last step and stood not a foot from her sister. aWhat are you doing here? I donat recall asking you to come back. I know that Grandfather hasnat. Well, maybe the old fool has written to ask you to come. I donat know since he wonat allow either Trevor or me to read his letters.a aNo, Grandfather didnat ask me to come. I came on my own. I would like to stay with you for a while.a Elizabeth said coldly, aNow that youare here, standing right in front of me, I suppose I canat send you away, at least tonight. Where is your husband?a aHeas still in London. I wanted to see Grandfather, Elizabeth. Iave felt so helpless not being here with him.a aDoubtless he will want to see you. You nearly caused his death, Sabrina. I hope this time youall behave as you should, as a lady should.a aAh, conduct myself as a lady should. Now what does that mean? I wonder. Does it mean that a lady would simply lie helplessly in her bed to wait for her brother-in-law to come and rape her? Is that what you mean? You say nothing. Listen to me. Please donat distort the truth now, at least not to yourself.a To her surprise, Elizabeth stared her down. Sabrina blinked, looked away. Elizabeth grabbed her sleeve and brought her close. aYou little s.l.u.t, donat you try to preach at me.a Then she released Sabrina and laughed. aIf you were guilty of nothing, sister, how is it that you are so very brave now? With your husband still in London, you have no protection from Trevora"if it is protection you need.a aItas very simple, Elizabeth. Both you and Trevor know that Phillip would kill him without hesitation if he so much as laid a hand on me, or even thought about it.a aSince it never happened, neither of us need to worry, do we?a aGood G.o.d, what have we here? If it isnat my little sister. What an unexpected surprise.a Sabrina saw Elizabeth go rigid at her husbandas voice. She turned to watch him come down the stairs, his walk lazy, the expression on his too-pretty face filled with rich humor. He never looked away from her face.

aYes, it is I, Trevor. I have come back to see Grandfather.a He stopped at the bottom of the stairs, making no move toward her. aAnd where is your marvelously fierce husband?a Elizabeth said, aThe viscount is still in London. He will arrive shortly. As she said, sheas here to visit Grandfather.a aHow delighted the old gentleman will be. His precious little Sabrina, returned to the fold. You will find him sadly changed, little sister, but quite alive.a aYes. Both Phillip and Richard Clarendon a.s.sured me that Grandfather would continue to improve in his health, that you would see to it, Trevor.a aHow could one not see to that dear old man? Is he not my great-uncle? I have all the loyalty and tender feelings of a grandson. Yes, the old man will live until the next century.a Sabrina merely nodded and said to Elizabeth, aIf you wouldnat mind, Elizabeth, I would like to visit Grandfather now. I shall be quite content with a tray, if it wouldnat be too much trouble for Cook.a aPerhaps there is something remaining.a aBut, my dear Elizabeth,a Trevor said, ahave you forgotten? Why, we havenat dined yet. Surely there will be a veritable feast of food, some of which we can share with your dear little sister. Perhaps I can even bring a tray to her myself. Perhaps shead like me to remain with her and chat while she eats.a Sabrina didnat feel the numbing fear shead felt before. It was odd, but she was strong now, and it wasnat simply because she knew Trevor was afraid of Phillip. No, she knew that shead kill the b.a.s.t.a.r.d if he came near her. Why not tell him so? Then she saw her sisteras face. No, if he dared to come near her, then shead tell him.

She said, aSince Iall be with Grandfather, Trevor, he will doubtless entertain me.a She nodded to both of them, then walked up the stairs, her back straight.

Trevor called up after her, aDo ask the old gentleman if he would like to see either Elizabeth or me. Itas been a while since heas enjoyed our company.a aI can believe that,a Sabrina said over her shoulder. Neither of them said anything as she kept walking.

Trevor walked to his wife. He smiled down at her, raised his fingers, and lightly stroked them over her cheek. Then he drew her hand through his arm. aOf course, your sister is pleased to see me again, donat you think? It will give us an excellent opportunity to become better friends, donat you agree, Elizabeth?a Elizabeth stared at the toes of her slippers that were peeping out from beneath the hem of her gown. She nodded numbly.

aI believe I asked you a question, Elizabeth.a Sabrina had turned at the sound of Trevoras voice, all low and oily. She felt the blood pound at her temples as she watched Trevor slide his fingers to the soft skin on the inside of Elizabethas arm and pinch her. She couldnat help herself. She raced down the stairs, yelling, aDonat you touch her, you filthy b.a.s.t.a.r.d! Donat you dare hurt her.a Elizabeth said calmly, aBe quiet, Sabrina. Go on your way. Visit with Grandfather. Leave us alone.a Then she smiled up at her husband. aAs you say, Trevor, thatas perfectly true.a aPerhaps,a Trevor said, ajust perhaps, Sabrina, after Elizabeth has retired, you and I can have tea. Would you like that?a aIad like for you to change into a human being, but that is unlikely to happen, isnat it?a She turned on her heel and walked back up the stairs.

aUntil tomorrow then, little sister,a Trevor called after her; something in his voice would have scared her to her toes, regardless of Phillipas threat to Trevor, if she hadnat stolen Phillipas derringer and had it in her reticule at this very moment.

40.

Jesperson, the earlas valet, opened the door to the vast bedchamber and sitting room. aOh, my, itas you, Lady Sabrina. Welcome home. Ah, this is a wonderful surprise for all of us.a Jesperson, normally quite solemn in the presence of any member of the family, was actually smiling at her, lightly touching his fingers to her shoulder. aLet me tell his lords.h.i.+p that youare here. Oh, heall be so pleased. You can dine with him.a She took his large hand between hers. aThank you, Jesperson, for taking care of him, for protecting him.a A flash of deep emotion crossed his face, then he was calm again. aThis way, my lady.a Childhood memories stirred as Sabrina followed Jesperson through the sitting room to the long, rectangular bedchamber beyond. The small treasures shead collected in her younger days and presented proudly to her grandfather were still displayed atop a huge mahogany desk: colored rocks from the streambed, polished by the rus.h.i.+ng water to a smooth surface; a string of amber beads left her by her mother; a tattered kite whose long cloth tail lay wrapped limply about it.

Her grandfatheras bedchamber hadnat changed since before she was born. It was dominated by dark blue damask hangings. Thick Turkey carpets covered the planked floor, swallowing the sound of her heeled slippers. The earl sat in his chair before the roaring fireplace, wrapped in his favorite velvet burgundy dressing gown, his twisted fingers clutching the arms.

aGrandfather,a she said very quietly so as not to startle him. When he turned and saw her, she saw the love for her in his dark eyes. She shouted and ran to him, hurling herself at his feet, her arms going around him.

She felt his gnarled fingers stroke her hair, and she pressed closer and laid her head upon his legs.

He was long silent, and Sabrina felt sudden fear that he had believed Trevor and Elizabethas stories about her. In her letters to him, she hadnat written of what had happened, fearing to hurl him into a confrontation. She raised her head slowly and gazed into his fierce blue eyes.

aYou are so very much like her,a the old earl said, the tips of his fingers gently tracing her jaw, her nose, her eyebrows. aItas such a pity that you never knew your grandmother. Camilla had such grace, such goodness, just as you do. And those eyes, they are her eyes as well, Sabrina.a He gave her a grave smile, his twisted fingers cupping her face. aYouare a beautiful, vibrant woman, Sabrina. I am very pleased to see you, relieved, truth be told. Is your husband here? I must look him over, you know, make certain that he is indeed the sort of man to deserve you.a Jesperson said from beside the earlas chair, aDinner is here, my lord. My lady, would you please sit in this chair? Then you may continue conversing while you eat.a But Sabrina didnat want the formal chair. She eased down on her grandfatheras footstool, where shead spent so many happy hours. Of course then he hadnat been ill. No, head be working at his desk, dealing with family matters, with estate matters, vigorous and boisterous and laughing.

aYouare looking well, Grandfather,a she said, watching him eat a small bite of roasted chicken in Cookas famous cream sauce, quite in the French way, Cook would say with a superior smile.

aIam but an old eagle chained to his nest, Sabrina. Even my spirit grows weary.a She laughed and said, aYouare an old poet who loves the simile and I refuse to allow you sole claim to tired spirits.a aWhat does a girl like you know about weary spirits and such?a Then he frowned. aYouave seen your sister?a aYes.a She tried to keep all feeling from her voice, but the earl had known her since she was born. He wasnat having it.

aSheas become even more a whining termagant now that sheas married to that scoundrel. Bed.a.m.ned, if only Iad seen through him. I could have protected all of us.a aPlease eat, Grandfather.a He forked down a bite of potatoes. aSheas not happy, but then, how could she be?a The old earl looked away from her, toward the fireplace, where comfortable flames flared and danced. aElizabeth wonat ever be happy, Sabrina. I should have realized that long ago, but I didnat. I thought all she needed was a husband. I looked upon Trevor and believed him a gift from a beneficent G.o.d. More fool I. But you see, even if she were married to a kind man, she would still be miserable because she dislikes herself.

aI did give her what she wanted. She is now mistress of Monmouth Abbey. Someday she will be the Countess of Monmouth. She has always wanted to be the great lady, lording it over those about her, but it has brought her nothing. No, less than nothing. Now her misery is based on the behavior of someone outside herself. It is a pity, Sabrina, but there is nothing anyone can do about it.a Sabrina laid aside her tray. She slipped back to the floor, nestling her cheek against the earlas dressing gown. She felt the skin of his leg stretch against the bone.

aShe never comes to me anymore,a the earl said, his fingers patting her hair. aItas probably because she feels guilty. No, donat look so surprised, Sabrina. Now youave insulted me. How could you ever imagine that Iad believe the filth she and Trevor told me.

aIn all truth, Iad like to kill him, but then my family would be done. But perhaps it would be best if the line died with me. It makes me shudder to think of the sort of children Trevor and Elizabeth will have.a He paused a moment, still running his fingers through her hair. His breathing sounded calm, normal. It relieved her enormously.

aI remember when I brought that honey-voiced pretty boy here to Monmouth Abbey. I believed he was a fop, but harmless for all that. Heas not, Sabrina. I know that itas your husbandas hand and Richard Clarendonas that keep him from murdering me. Still, it grates that I could have been so wrong with respect to his character.a Was he seriously considering killing Trevor? She didnat know. Shead never thought of her grandfather in a way that would allow him to do such a thing. She leaned back, looking up at him. aThank you for believing me.a aYour husband told Jesperson what had happened. Jesperson told me. Iam in your husbandas debt for all my days, Sabrina.a She paused just a moment, just a veritable instant. aPhillip is very kind. He is honest and honorable. Oh, enough of this. We are together again and I want us to talk and laugh the way we used to until you groaned with weariness and finally sent me to my bed.a aYou came home because you have no place else to go.a She couldnat look away from those eyes of his that seemed to see everything both outside and inside her all her life. She ran her tongue over her bottom lip. How could he know that shead left her husband? She tried to smile, but it wasnat much of a success. aCould you read Grandmother Camillaas thoughts?a aNo, love, but I read what you didnat write to me in your letters. I know you very well, Sabrina. There was little joy in the words you wrote, then there was none at all. If I hadnat been tied here, I would have been in London immediately. Probably I would have challenged that viscount of yours to a duel.a aNo, I doubt you would have done that.a aWell, possibly youare right. Richard Clarendon told me all about him.a aRichard? He praised Phillip?a aRichard also is an honorable man. He told me the truth. By the time head finished, I felt as if I knew your husband. I canat tell you how relieved I was, Sabrina, that you didnat fall into the hands of another rotter, like Trevor.a aOh no, Phillip isnat a rotter by any stretch of the imagination. So now you know what sort of man he is.a She paused a moment, looking at the dancing flames in the fireplace. She said slowly, aItas just that London, all that fine society, itas very different, Grandfather. I didnat do well there. Actually, I did until it came out that Iad spent the five days with Phillip and everyone called me a trollop. No, itas the rules there. I donat understand them. I couldnat live with them.a aWhat rules?a aPhillip wanted his freedom. He has a mistress. Her name is Martine. He makes no secret of it. I just couldnat accept it.a aI see.a aOnly if Phillip hadnat damaged me. Can you believe that word, Grandfather? Damaged. As if I were something that could be torn apart, like a bundle. Itas difficult to accept that people think like that, but they do. Not just men, but women as well.a She stared down at the faded pattern in the carpet. aPhillip is generous, Grandfather, and as I said, heas kind and honorable.a The earl nodded for her to continue.

aWe fought. I never thought anyone could rival your temper, but Phillip does.a aYou fought about his mistress?a aAmong other things. It wasnat well done of me. You see, when I made him an offer to marry me, I told him he could have his freedom.a The old earl would have choked if head been drinking anything. aYou told this young man that he could continue bedding women who werenat his wife?a aYes. He rudely told me that he already had his freedom, that head do just as he pleased. And he did.a aAnd thatas why you left him?a She was so transparent, she thought, looking down at her short, blunt fingernails. aActually, I love him. He doesnat love me. He is responsible for me. He protects me, but he doesnat love me. Oh, Grandfather, I did the most terrible thing to him, and yet, I know that I would do it again. Thatas why I had to leave. I knew I could never accept the other women.a aWhat did you do? Something outrageous and worthy of an Eversleigh?a She smiled, but it quickly turned into a moan. She buried her face in his dressing gown. aI went to his mistressas rooms and found them together. No, he wasnat actually in bed with her nor was he naked. She was, or very nearly. I went mad. I kicked him in the groin, Grandfather, then I ran back home. He found me there. He didnat retaliate, didnat hurt me at all, regardless of what Iad done to him. But I knew at that moment that it was all over.a aOh, my G.o.d,a the old earl said. aYou kicked him? There?a aYes, I brought him low. I didnat realize that it would be so awful for a man to be kicked there.a aThere is no worse a place to be kicked.a aAfter he left me at home, I knew I couldnat remain. Everything was in a shambles. There was no hope, else I would have stayed. So I left the next morning. I hired a carriage and came here.a The earl looked thoughtfully into her violet eyes, Camillaas eyes. He thought it likely upon brief reflection that his ferociously loyal and loving wife would have done the same to him had he been inclined to take a mistress, which had never even occurred to him to do.

The earl leaned forward in his chair and took one of her hands into his. aYou love him, with all your heart? You would give your life for him? You would do your best to protect him, no matter the cost?a aYes.a He laughed. aIs he a blockhead then? Hasnat he the brains to see clearly and deeply into things? Into people? Surely a wifely kick in the groin should have convinced him of your feelings.a He wished that head actually met the viscount. He stroked her rich auburn hair, now tumbled down her back. aWell, I suppose weall just have to wait and see what happens.a He looked into the orange flames in the fireplace and saw another face, so like Sabrinaas, from a past that had long since turned to ashes and memories. aIave told you this before. You are Camillaas granddaughter. Believe me, Sabrina, no man who knew her would have ever willingly let her go. Once I saw her, once I really saw her, I never did.a

41.

Ribble pulled open the front doors and stared at the gentleman in front of him. He grinned. He laughed. He held out his hand, surely not what a butler should do, but he didnat think, just did it.

Phillip didnat hesitate. He shook the manas hand. aItas good to see you again, Ribble.a aThank you, my lord. Oh, dear, this is pa.s.sing strange and yet wonderful, donat misunderstand me. Her ladys.h.i.+p will be so very happy to see you. She didnat tell us precisely when to expect you. But you have come so quickly. Do come in, my lord. Yes, let me take your greatcoat and your gloves. Yes, this is a happy day.a aYouare right. Her ladys.h.i.+p will doubtless be very surprised to see me.a Phillip looked around the huge entrance hall. He saw a door open, heard the rustling of silk. There was Elizabeth. She didnat say a word until she stood a foot from him.

aSo, youave come.a He gave her a mocking bow and smiled at her, showing his teeth. aOf course. I trust youave taken good care of my wife.a Now he would find out what Sabrina had told her d.a.m.ned sister. He waited, all calm and composed, an eyebrow arched.

aShe only arrived yesterday evening, my lord. She went immediately up to her grandfather. Iave scarce had time to even see her. I doubt she even left his room last night.a aWell, that wouldnat be surprising, now would it, Elizabeth?a aI donat know what youare talking about, my lord.a aDonat you now? A very beautiful young girl just might fear becoming a victim to roaming villains in the halls. She could be afraid that one of those villains might try to break into her bedchamber.a aThatas ridiculous. There are no roaming villains here. But were I to guess, I would have to say that your metaphor was rude.a aIt wasnat a metaphor.a She froze. He waved his hand. aAll right, no more, Elizabeth. The earl continues to improve?a Elizabeth got hold of herself. She even managed to shrug. aNaturally. Everyone lives and breathes to see that he continues to do so. He will outlive all of us. I will be the Countess of Monmouth, yet sometimes I wonder if I will enjoy it if I only gain it when Iam an old woman.a She shrugged again. aUndoubtedly the arrival of his precious Sabrina has made him feel even better.a aIave found that Sabrinaas presence enlivens the spirits of most around her. Where is she, Elizabeth?a aWith the earl, I would imagine. As I told you, she hasnat left his rooms, as far as I know.a aI should be delighted to escort his lords.h.i.+p to the earl, my lady,a Ribble said.

Elizabeth merely waved them away.

aPerhaps I shall see you later,a Phillip said as he turned to follow Ribble up the great staircase. aOh, I should also enjoy seeing your sterling husband again. Does he flourish?a aHe will always flourish.a Was that a note of bitterness he heard? aThatas a pity,a he said. aBut you know, Iam not surprised.a Phillip dismissed the butler with a pleasant smile and knocked on the earlas door.

aMy lord!a aGood day to you, Jesperson. How goes the earl?a aAh, the laughter Iave heard since Lady Sabrina returned. He is smiling again and he has so much more strength. Donat get me wrong. He will be very happy to see you as well, Iam sure of it.a Phillip wasnat quite as sure as Jesperson was, but he only nodded. He wondered what Sabrina had told her grandfather.

As they walked through the sitting room to the bedchamber beyond, Phillip asked quietly, aYouave had no interference in your care of the earl?a aNone whatsoever, my lord, not since you and the marquess came to see Master Trevor.a aSo the little worm has kept his distance?a aA very goodly distance,a Jesperson said, and grinned widely. aI hear him carp and whine outside the door, but he never tries to push his way in.a aIs my wife with the earl now?a aNo, my lord. He sent her away about an hour ago. Wanted her to get some color in her cheeks, he said. Sheas always loved the outdoors.a aSheas riding?a Phillip asked. aItas very cold outside, Jesperson.a Jesperson shook his head. aNo, my lord. She said something about visiting Miss Pixelas new kittens in the stables.a aYou mean the d.a.m.ned cat isnat even married?a Jesperson laughed. He opened the adjoining door to the earlas bedchamber and motioned the viscount into the room. Phillip drew to a halt and looked at the old man who sat hunched forward in a chair by the fireplace, a tartan blanket wrapped about his legs. The earl turned his head slowly and the viscount found himself staring into a pair of lively blue eyes, sunk beneath a craggy brow. He looked like a tough old bird. Phillip smiled at him.

aYou, I presume, are Sabrinaas husband?a the earl said in a rich deep voice, a strong voice, not that of an invalid.

Phillip walked forward and took the earlas twisted fingers in his hand. aYes, sir, Iam Sabrinaas husband. Phillip Mercerault.a aSit down, my lord.a Phillip did as he was bid, and sat on a faded brocade chair opposite the earl.

aForgive my travel dirt, sir. I didnat wish to take the time to change.a The earl waved an indifferent hand. aRichard Clarendon told me good things about you, my lord. He said you were a man of honor, no matter that youad poached upon his preserves.a aRichard and I have known each other since we were boys at Eton. Iam pleased he didnat paint me as another devil to you.a aOh no. The dear lad wanted desperately to kill Trevor, to strangle the cur, he told me. He said youad told him he could kill Trevor only after you were done with him.a Phillip laughed. aThatas close enough. Is Sabrina all right, sir?a aWell, now, my lord, she will be vastly surprised to see you though I must admit Iam not.a aYes, she will be surprised. She has yet to recover her confidence from the drubbing she took in London. Also, she doesnat seem to understand what effect she has on people, particularly the effect she has on me. Iam here to fetch her home.a The viscount was handsome, the earl would give him that. He was well spoken, well made. There was no cruelty in his face, no signs of discontent, or displeasure at what he was. He was a manas man, but with the charm to seduce the skirts easily off any woman he set his sights on. Perhaps head been like Phillip Mercerault when head been young. He honestly couldnat remember the man he was before Camilla had come into his life.

A manas hands told him a lot as well. They were strong hands, well formed. Capable hands. The earl approved of what he saw. He said slowly, his eyes going back to the viscountas face, aYouave set yourself a goodly problem, lad. Sabrina just might not choose to go back with you. This is her home, you know, and I wonat force her to return with you if she doesnat wish to.a Phillip, tired to his bones, so worried he was nearly cross-eyed, sat forward in his chair, his hands clasped between his knees, and said, aForgive me, my lord, for being blunt, but Sabrina is my wife, and will do as I bid her. She isnat yet in the habit of obeying me, but perhaps that will change once she understands what Iam about. Yes, Iam here to get her. Thatas an end to it.a The earlas blue eyes twinkled. aIt surprises me, lad, that my granddaughter hasnat taken a whip to you, called you a tyrant, and tried to shoot you.a Phillip smiled, a pained smile. aActually, she kicked me in the groin. It wasnat pleasant. I thought I was going to die and for a few minutes there I would have welcomed it. I donat know how I can smile about it now. I suppose itas because Iam here and have nearly got her again and I know that she didnat render me impotent.a The earl couldnat help himself. He laughed out loud. He squared his shoulders at the quick burst of pain, a bit difficult, but he managed it. He said quickly, seeing the look of concern on the viscountas face, aKeep your seat, my lord. Age and infirmity are a d.a.m.ned bore, but itas what awaits all of us. What is of the most importance now is my granddaughter. She spoke of you as being kind, my lord, kind and n.o.ble.a aShe has alternately yelled at me that Iam a conceited a.s.s, then tried to strangle me with what she perceives as my blasted n.o.bility. It will stop.a aYou didnat wed Sabrina out of duty then? n.o.bility, if you will?a Phillip was silent for a moment. He said, finally, aThere are rules, sir, codes of behavior that must govern society, else we might well find ourselves back in trees and caves, wearing animal skins. I suppose that in the beginning my offer of marriage to Sabrina was motivated by a sense of duty. She refused me upon several occasions. As you are undoubtedly aware, it was her imminent ruin in London society that finally forced her to wed me. It was she who offered for me then. I didnat regret wedding her. I doubt I ever will, even if she strikes me in my manhood again. Well, perhaps Iall entertain visions of strangling her if she does it again. A man can take just so much, you understand.a aI well understand you. Now, you say you donat regret marrying her. Still, it was a marriage forced upon both of you, by the rules of society. I wonder how such a marriage can flourish if there is nothing else to support it.a aSabrina loves me. She told me she did.a aDid you believe her?a The old earl looked down at his twisted fingers, blast the pain of them. aOr did you just think that she was a little girl playing a woman and it was all just infatuation?a aYes, thatas exactly what I thought because, you see, I didnat want her to love me. It scared me to my toes, this love of hers that offered me everything. I told her it was just infatuation. I was a fool. I freely admit it. I plan to tell her that, as soon as I get my hands on her.a aSheas very proud. Sheas also very stubborn, just like her grandmother. That woman would get something mired in her mind and it would take the earth tilting to change her opinion. I wish you luck.a aThese two qualities make us well suited, I think.a aPossibly. But it will lead you both to ferocious ragtag fights. Doubt it not, my lord.a aJust so long as she doesnat try to destroy my manhood, she can screech at me as much as she wishes. Actually, she excels at hurling things such as jam pots, plates, and such, at my head.a Phillip rose then. aSabrina did me a great disservice by leaving London before I could speak with her again.a He frowned. aActually, thatas not exactly true. I left her. I was sunk in a sinkhole and couldnat get my brains together. Itas also true that we havenat dealt well together since our marriage. However, it is my intention to a.s.sure that she will never again have the opportunity to misinterpret my feelings. Now, if you will tell me where I may find her.a aAnd if she refuses to speak with you?a A singularly gentle smile touched the viscountas hazel eyes. aThen Iall kiss her until sheas silly. If I have to Iall even tie her down, then kiss her some more.a aItas likely youall find her either in the orchard or in the stables, playing with Miss Pixelas new kittens.a aI wonder if thereas a possible racing kitten among them?a aAh yes, even Iave heard of the Mountvale racing cat trainers in southern England. Itas a wonderful sport though it has yet to catch on up here in the north. But everyone has heard of the McCaultry Racecourse near Eastbourne. Do you have a racing cat?a aNo, not yet. If sheas with the kittens, Iall look them over for possible racing potential. Who says I have to be sanctioned by the trainers? Given time perhaps I could even figure out some of their strategies.a Phillip took the earlas hands once again into his and pressed them slightly. aI thank you, sir. Sabrina is mine now. I havenat done well by her since our marriage. However, I will take very good care of her from now on. And I will tie her down if I have to. She will listen to me.a aPerhaps she will,a the old earl said and waved the viscount off. aGood luck. You will need it.a aI bid you good-bye, sir, for both your granddaughter and myself. We shall comea"togethera"in a couple of weeks to see you again.a He grinned. aNo, I wonat kill Trevor, if he doesnat push me, that is. Itas just that even thinking about the rotter pushes me.a Phillip met Ribble downstairs. aYou have her ladys.h.i.+pas portmanteau all packed?a He had no intention of spending this night beneath the same roof with her brother-in-law.

aYes, my lord.a But she wasnat in the orchard. Nor was she in the stables, playing with Miss Pixelas kittens. He didnat take the time to see if there could possibly be a potential racing cat among the litter.

She was gone, d.a.m.n her beautiful eyes. Phillip yelled to the rafters.

It was the head stable lad, Elbert, who came running. He said, aLady Sabrina ainat here, malord. She told me to give ye a message.a The man stopped, shuffled his feet, and looked like he wanted to sink into the hay. Phillip was on the edge of strangling him. aWhat, d.a.m.n you? Connect your brain and your mouth.a aShe said, malord, to tell ye that sheas left the Abbey and that she wonat be back until ye take yer leave. She said she didnat want to see ye, that ye had to leave her be.a aDid she tell you where she was going?a Phillip asked, his voice furiously calm. The man shook his head. aDid she take a horse?a aThe brown mare.a aWhat sort of brown mare?a aJest yer average sort, malord. Nothing here, nothing there, jest a brown mare. I donat know no more, malord. None of us know no more.a He knew then that he was in the middle of a conspiracy. He wanted to knock their heads together, but time was of the essence. He had to find her. He honestly doubted shead told them where shead gone because she knew head probably intimidate them. Well, if he believed they knew anything, head threaten to gullet them. aWell, h.e.l.l,a he said, turned on his heel, and left the stable.

42.

Dinwitty Manor ah.e.l.lo, my dear, You must be Phillipas new wife, Sabrina. Thatas a lovely name and you have very seductive eyes. The color, itas violet? Yes, how unique, not a boring blue like mine. I will teach you to use those eyes to good effect. Youare very young. You have a long time to learn, but you will have to apply yourself. Iam Charlotte Carrington, of course. Rohanas mother.a aYou can really teach me how to use my eyes to make men wild?a aThat is the point, my dear. One begins, naturally, with oneas husband.a aThat could pose a problem, Charlotte.a Sabrina took a step back and the most beautiful woman shead ever seen in her life floated into the house like a fairy princess wearing golden slippers. Cotter, the Mercerault butler, was staring as well. She saw from the corner of her eyes that three footmen were all stacked upon each other to see her. She was a G.o.ddess, her beautiful thick blond hair piled artfully on her perfect head, her eyes a brilliant blue, not boring as she claimed, but mesmerizing. Just the purity of her features was enough to make any breathing person come to a full stop and stare at her.

Sabrina stuck out her hand. aHow do you do, Charlotte? Iam sorry that the viscount isnat here. Actually I donat know where he is. Why are you here? May I a.s.sist you with something? Perhaps if you have time, you could give me a lesson in using oneas eyes?a aHmmm. I adore those Moorish arches, I always have. I believe a seventeenth-century Mercerault had them built.a aOh yes, Dinwitty Manor is one of the strangest houses Iave ever seen. Phillip told me I might just take one look and double over laughing, but I didnat. Perhaps it was because I was a mite unhappy, but I donat think so. The house and grounds are charming. They feel right. Iam sorry, please come into the drawing room. Iam just standing here staring at you, forgetting my manners, because youare so incredibly beautiful. Itas hard to believe that youare Rohanas mother.a aI know, but itas true. I understand that my sweet son was Phillipas best man at your wedding in London?a aYes, he was. Unfortunately, his wife couldnat come. Why didnat you come, maaam?a aI was in Paris, my dear. I just arrived at Mountvale Hall two days ago. Augustus and I have just returned from Moscow, a fascinating place. Fortunately everyone speaks French. Isnat that odd? There are more people living in that country than you can begin to imagine and yet all the aristocrats and all the royals, of course, speak French.a aHo, Mother, are you rolling over poor Sabrina?a It was Rohan Carrington, smiling brilliantly, coming to stand behind the vision, who surely couldnat be his mother.

aShe is truly your mother, Rohan? I know it must be true in theory, but seeing her, it surely isnat possible.a aYes. Amazing, isnat it? Toby, heas my brother-in-law, he swore he believed her to be my younger sister. Now, hereas my own glorious wife, Susannah. Susannah, my love, this is Phillipas new wife, Sabrina.a Sabrina, whoad been utterly blinded by Charlotte, had to shake her head. She shook hands with a very pretty young woman who appeared to be just a bit older than herself. She invited everyone into the drawing room.

aHave you gained flesh yet, Sabrina?a Susannah asked, grinning like an unrepentant sinner as she stripped off her gloves.

aSo, youave been here before then. Oh, goodness, itas so difficult, isnat it? Cook took one look at me and vowed I couldnat leave until she had me bursting out of my gowns.a Suddenly, embarra.s.sed, she stopped talking. Cotter, fond of his new mistress not really because she was sweet and lost and rather pathetic, but fond of her because she would doubtless settle the master, if they would only speak to each other again, was absolutely delighted to see Baron Mountvale and his reinforcements. Things would happen now. He began to rub his hands together.

He stepped forward and a.s.sisted their guests with their cloaks, handing them off to two silent footmen who couldnat take their eyes off Charlotte Carrington. He then said in a very gentle voice, aMy lady, would you like Cook to send tea to the drawing room?a aOh yes, thank you, Cotter.a She led them into the drawing room. They all sat. Suddenly Sabrina dropped her head. Her shoulders slumped. Then she blurted out to Rohan, aIam sorry, my lord. Phillip isnat here. Actually, I donat know where he is. I donat know why Iam here, really, but it seemed the only place to come. You see, I ran away from Monmouth Abbey when he arrived there. Iave been here three days now, but Phillip hasnat come. Everything is a mess and I donat know what to do.a aI thrive on messes,a Rohan said, and kissed her fingers. aListen, undoubtedly Phillip knows what heas doing. He usually does.a He turned to his wife. aMy dear, how is your belly at this particular moment in time?a Susannah appeared to consult her innards. aFine, really. Itas so amazing,a she said to Sabrina. aRohan had to stop the carriage just an hour ago. I was so ill. That was why I couldnat come to your wedding. Do forgive me.a Charlotte, dowager Lady Mountvale, smiled at Sabrina and said, aI believe I must inspect the Tudor wing. Itas been a good half-dozen years since Iave seen it. Phillip, the dear boy, told me he was going to make some changes.a aWell, maaam,a Sabrina said, aI believe Phillip is more interested in the medieval period.a aAh, yes, his crenelated tower,a Rohan said. aHe said it bored him and so he stopped with his plans late last summer, after we all got back from Scotland.a Charlotte waved at them. aCotter, bring two of those lovely footmen and take me to the Tudors. The four of us can rattle through those magnificent corridors and avoid Cookas apple tarts.a She turned to Sabrina. aYou and I will become friends. Ah, those eyes of yours. It will be a pleasure to take you in hand.a aSheas so beautiful,a Sabrina said, staring after her. aIt must be difficult to be her daughter-in-law.a aYes, it is, particularly when itas just the two of us and weare walking together and all the gentlemen stop in their tracks and swoon,a Susannah said. aYou know, Charlotteas never said anything about taking me under her wing. Thatas hardly fair.a aWell, this man only swoons when he sees you. Donat be jealous of my mother. Itas disheartening. She doesnat tutor you because she knows it wouldnat please me if you began to attract the gentlemen like leeches.a Susannah laughed and poked his arm.

aIam sorry that Phillip isnat here, Rohan.a aAh well, I suspect that it shouldnat be too long before he discovers your whereabouts.a aHe might discover where I am, but that doesnat mean heall come here. Trust me.a Rohan and Susannah Carrington just smiled. As one, they turned toward the open doorway. There, with no warning at all, stood Phillip. He nodded to them, then said easily, aThatas b.l.o.o.d.y nonsense and you know it, Sabrina. If you hadnat run away from Monmouth Abbey like a racing cat, then you would have seen me raving around and tearing out my hair because you werenat there.a aPhillip!a She jumped to her feet, a hand outstretched toward him. Then she didnat move. She just stood there, so thin and pale that it smote him.

aActually, let me tell you the truth now. I enlisted Rohan and Susannah and Charlotte. Theyare my protectors, my witnesses, my frontal force. They were to get themselves through the door, perhaps soften you up a bit, then I could make my grand entrance. What do you think? Was this a good strategy?a She stared at each of them in turn as if shead lost her wits.

aPromising,a Phillip said, nodding. aYes, they came just ahead of me. That was the plan. I was afraid that youad run away again if it was just me. You do understand, donat you, that you canat leave our guests in the lurch? It wouldnat be the done thing. And they are our guests and they deserve a hostess.a She was still just standing there, her hands bunching and unbunching the soft muslin of her gown. aWonat you at least say h.e.l.lo to me, Sabrina?a ah.e.l.lo, my lord. Iave been here three days. All your people have been very kind to me. When I arrived and told them who I was, they immediately accepted me. I was worried because I had to walk from the village. I was cold and dirty, but still they took me in without hesitation and Cookas tried to fatten me up. I was very grateful, but itas been so cold and thereas been no sun and all one can do is just wander through the Moorish arches, walk beneath the Ionic columns, and dream about medieval towers that could possibly be built beside the suite of Italian music rooms at the corner of the east wing.a aWas that an attempt at humor?a aYes, it was. Iam very sorry I ran, Phillip, but I didnat know what else to do. Donat worry that I didnat have enough money, I did. I would have hired a carriage to bring me here, but there wasnat time. I thought youad track me down, so I took the stage.a A spasm crossed his face. aYes, I know you took a stage, but by the time I found out, it was too late. Youad nearly arrived here.a aI left you wanting to strangle me.a aWhat makes you think I still donat?a aI donat blame you. Iad probably still want to strangle me if I were you.a She turned to Rohan and Susannah, who were sitting very quietly side by side on a lovely pale blue settee, holding hands. aDonat you see? I kicked him in the groin because I found him with his mistressa"a aYes, thatas true, but I wasnat doing anything with her. I was, in fact, on the point of telling her that Iad decided to become like Rohan. I was going to design medieval towers, Rohan was going to design his gardens, and the two of us would forever tread the straight and narrow. I was also going to promise you that I wouldnat gain flesh from Cookas incredible cooking.a aBut I hurt you dreadfully, Phillip.a She turned wild eyes to Rohan. aAfter I kicked him, he fell to his knees and moaned. I thought he was dying.a Then to her husband, she said, aWhen you came back to the house, I thought you would strangle me then, or beat me, but you didnat.a aWhat I did was worse. I left you. Iam sorry for that, Sabrina, but I honestly didnat know what was going on in my brain, if anything. My wits were roiling about like batas wings and lizardas toes in a witchas cauldron.a aCook is now serving, so all conversation must come to a halt,a Cotter said, motioning in two footmen, different ones from those whoad taken everyoneas cloaks and gloves, and gone off with Charlotte Carrington. They carried in trays piled high with food.

aI thought you went with my mother, Cotter,a Rohan said.