The Baron - The Offer Part 5

From what she knew of Aunt Barresford, she didnat think the lady would turn her away, not with ten thousand pounds in her purse.

aYouall stop the nonsense, Sabrina. I wonat hear another word out of you. Youall stay here until I tell you that you can leave. Listen to me, even at this moment, Charlie is getting rid of the Christmas guests. I wonat have to leave you. My husband Hugh will be arriving from London in two days and weall all celebrate Christmas together. It will be quite like old times.

aRemember that one Christmas when you and I were angry at Charlie because he treated us like little girls, which we were, of course? Ah, but the revenge we exacted on him. He still shakes his head about that and shudders.a Sabrina managed a smile. aIall never forget the look on his face when he came downstairs from his bath, and you and I were hiding inside the cupboard behind the stairs. He was green from head to foot. A lovely moss green. It was a magnificent revenge.a aYes, and despite what you and I have done to him over the years, he is very fond of you. Ah, donat forget that Phillip is here, of course, and Richard Clarendon. He, Charles, and Phillip were closeted together in the library for the longest time. My maid told me that Teresa Elliott came out of there so angry she could barely speak. Iall bet she spewed her meanness on Phillip and he put her in her place.a aRichard Clarendon is here? At Moreland?a aYes. He was searching for you with all the other men. Even after your sistera"no, never mind that. Itas not important now.a aTell me, Margaret.a aI donat want to. Youare still ill. I donat want to make you mad.a aTell me, Margaret.a aVery well, Sabrina, but I want it noted that I donat want to. Elizabeth and Trevor called off the search for you. Richard was so furious he went on a rampage.a Oddly enough, Sabrina felt nothing much at all with that news. She could understand how her presence would ruin the tales Trevor and Elizabeth had told.

aYou say all the gentlemen were in the library?a aYes.a aThey were undoubtedly discussing what was to be done with me. And now, Richard Clarendon must needs be part of it. Perhaps, Margaret, theyare gambling, the loser will take me off everyoneas hands. Sabrina Eversleigh, neatly wrapped up like a Christmas gift and dispensed with quickly, to the most unlucky of them.a aDonat be a fool, Sabrina. You know thatas not true. Just stop it. Youare feeling sorry for yourself and I must tell you that I donat like it. It doesnat suit you. Itas really very unappealing.a aAll right, Iam sorry. Tell me, is there any news of my grandfather?a aNo, as far as I know his condition remains the same.a Margaret suddenly became brisk. aNow, Sabrina, itas time you had a cup of tea. It will make you feel better. Just remember, youare alive and soon will be well again. Your grandfather will recover, youall see.a Margaret wondered what was to become of her friend if she continued to refuse to marry Phillip. She realized that she was frankly amazed that any lady under the age of eighty would refuse Viscount Derencourt were he to offer for her. Sabrina wasnat a fool nor was she naive. She knew that shead been compromised, through no fault of her own, but that never made any difference to anyone. If ever there was anything redeeming in any scandal, it was quickly brushed beneath the rug.

What would it be like to have Phillip taking care of you for five days? She wished, in a small hidden part of herself, that she knew the answer to that.

aSabrina, donat you at least like Phillip?a aOf course.a aButa"a There was a light knock on the bedchamber door. Sabrina clutched at Margaretas hand. Her teacup crashed to the floor. aPlease, donat let anyone in, Margaret, please.a Margaret patted her hand. aWhat if itas Phillip?a aNo, particularly not Phillip. Please, Margaret.a aAll right. Calm down. Youare turning red in the face.a She walked slowly to the door, inched it open, and slipped out into the corridor.

The Marquess of Arysdale towered over her, Charles at his elbow.

aRichard wants to speak to Sabrina,a Charles said. aIs she awake?a She looked up into the marquessas darkly handsome face, dismissing the tug of attraction she felt. He was one of those rare men her mother had told her about, a man she could admire until her toes turned hot, but she wasnat to touch, ever. aIam sorry, my lord, but she doesnat want to see anyone.a aSheall see me,a Richard said and stepped forward. Margaret put her hand on his sleeve. aMy lord, I beg you to listen to me. Sabrina is still not well. So much has happened to her, and in so little time.a aCome, Richard,a Charles said quietly. aMargaretas right. Youave got to give Sabrina some more time.a The marquess looked undecided, his eyes still upon the closed bedroom door. aI wouldnat make her worse.a aNo, I agree,a Charles said, abut Sabrina? Let her be for the moment, Richard.a Margaret thought she heard him curse softly under his breath. He turned back to her, bending his dark eyes upon her upturned face. aPlease tell Sabrina that I will return to speak with her this evening. She will not deny me entrance then.a Before Margaret could form a protest, the marquess had turned on his heel and was striding back down the corridor.

Charles looked after the marquess. He was worried, very worried. aClarendon will see her, Margaret. He will have his way. Talk to Sabrina. At least now sheall have some hours to consider her decision. Now, my dear, Mother is in the midst of most charmingly ridding us of our guests. You must come downstairs and make your good-byes.a aIs Teresa Elliott gone yet?a aOh no. Phillip will probably have to lure her outside so that we may lock the door.a He grinned down at his sister, chucked her under her chin, and said, aSheall leave. Sheas got enough wit to know that she canat stay.a Margaret nodded briskly. aThe sooner the better for that lady. My maid told me that she was wheedling about the servants for any tidbit of gossip. Phillipas appearance with Sabrina turned her from a light breeze into a full-blown storm.a Charles shrugged. aThereas really not a thing I can do about her except to see that her horses are healthy and ready to pull her carriage out of here.a Margaret nodded. aIall speak to Sabrina. I donat understand, Phillip. Why doesnat she want either of them? What woman ever had such a choice?a aEven I threw myself into the ring. It boggles the mind, doesnat it?a So Sabrina had been right, Margaret thought. They hadnat drawn straws, but all three of them were ready to march to the altar with her.

aIt was Phillip?a Sabrina asked when Margaret came back into the room.

Margaret shook her head. aNo, it was the Marquess of Arysdale. He wants to speak to you, Sabrina. Charles helped me put him off, but only until this evening. You will have to talk with him or else he just might kick the door down.a Sabrina felt as if a small precious light had been extinguished. But what did it matter? aVery well. Iall preserve the door and speak to him.a Where was Phillip? Why hadnat he come to her yet? Would he remain much longer at Moreland?

After Margaret left, Sabrina let her mind wander to the carriage trip from Charlesas hunting box to Moreland. Phillip had cradled her in his arms; head said nothing much of anything, except to Charlie, and his face had been calm and blank. Shead been thankful for his silence, truly she had. But why hadnat he come to her? At least to say good-bye? She recognized her own perversity but she found no humor in it.

She stared grimly at the closed bedroom door. Had Richard Clarendon been chosen to be the sacrificial husband? Somehow, she could not imagine the marquess doing anything that was not precisely to his liking. Surely he still couldnat wish to marry her.

She sighed and closed her eyes. If Richard did indeed offer for her, she would just have to save him from himself.

Perhaps it was the flickering light of the candle touching her face that awakened her. Sabrina opened her eyes, followed the candlelight to its source, and saw Phillip seated on her bed, looking at her intently, his expression impa.s.sive.

She smiled. She was used to his being by her bed, in her bedchamber. There was no shock, just a pleasant recognition, a sense of safety because he was here and he wouldnat let anything bad happen.

He didnat smile back at her.

aWhat is the time?a she asked, trying to come up on her elbows.

He was up in an instant, his large hands on her shoulders, gently pressing her back down. aNo, just stay put. I donat need you to be a hostess. Itas just after midnight. Iad hoped the candlelight would awaken you sooner or later. Iam glad it was sooner or else I might have fallen asleep here.a aWhat are you doing here, Phillip? Weare no longer in Charlesas hunting box. As you told me a number of times, you being alone with me is very improper.a She laughed. aNot that it matters one whit. I could have a battalion of men parade through here and it wouldnat matter, would it?a aSo, at last youare being reasonable about all this.a aThere is nothing reasonable about my reputation being ruined. It isnat fair or even close to the truth.a aSo? What is your point?a aThere is no point,a she said at last. aItas the way things are, the way things will remain.a aThatas right, at least in the foreseeable future.a He sat down beside her, laying his hand across her brow. aYouare feeling better now?a aYes. What are you doing here, Phillip?a aRichard told mea"he was in the vilest of moodsa"that you wouldnat marry him. He wanted to beat me to a pulp, but decided that if youad decided I was to be the lucky man, then I couldnat very well go to the altar with a blackened eye. I wanted to see if he was right, but I waited until everyone had gone to bed. Iave only been here an hour or so. Watching you sleep. You look very peaceful when youare asleep, Sabrina. At one point you even smiled a bit. Do you remember what you were dreaming? No? Well, it doesnat matter.a aRichard was wrong. I told him I didnat intend to marry anyone.a She closed her eyes a moment, picturing the marquess towering over her bed, his look so bewildered, so incredulous, that if shead had it in her, she would have laughed. And when he spoke, he sounded as bewildered as he looked. aYou refuse my offer, Sabrina?a aYes, Richard, but I do thank you for your kindness, for your concern.a aWeare not talking about anything that is even close to kindness or concern. Donat you muck around with those silly words with me. Dammit, I was to wed you in any case. It was all arranged. Your grandfather approved the match.a aMy grandfather said nothing to me, my lord,a she said, and the fire in her eye, the bit of ire, disconcerted Richard, but not for long.

aYou knew I wanted you. Every female Iave known has recognized when a man is interested in her in that particular way.a aWell, I didnat.a aSo, I see the truth now. You spend five days with Phillip Mercerault and you are ready to whistle me down the wind.a If shead had the strength, she would have leapt from the bed and pounded him into the carpet. The anger felt good. aMy lord, you will listen to me. Iam not the sort of woman who teases a man, who leads him on, and then laughs at him. Now, you have made your gallant offer. I have said no. You are now freed of your obligation to me, if indeed there ever really was an obligation.

aMy intention is to first of all visit my grandfather to a.s.sure myself that he is well cared for. Then I shall go to London, to my aunt Barresford. You know, of course, that there is no place for me now at Monmouth Abbey.a And Richard had raged and argued and insulted her, all without really realizing what he was doing.

Sabrina opened her eyes at the sound of Phillipas voice.

aWell, whatever you told Clarendon, it is still his opinion that Iam to be the lucky man. I came here to ensure that was indeed the case.a She shrugged. It annoyed him, but not all that much. He wanted to see a reaction, even anger, anything but that flattened look of hers.

aHe said you plan to go to your aunt Barresford. Just what makes you think, my dear, that your aunt would joyously welcome an unexpected visit from her niece?a aI have ten thousand pounds.a Phillip c.o.c.ked a brow. aAn heiress, in short. As I live and breathe, an heiress. Thatas excellent. Now everyone will believe that Iave married you for your fortune, and your no doubt sizable dowry. Actually I much prefer being thought a fortune hunter rather than a chivalrous fool.a aI wonat wed for the wealth I would bring a gentleman.a He nodded agreeably. aThatas no problem. We will put your fortune in your name or in trust for our children.a Sabrina stared at him, then opened and shut her mouth. He was building a wall of words, and she was throwing herself impotently against it. She thought she would prefer another interview with Richard Clarendon. At least with him, it had been she who had been the calm, rational one. aPhillip,a she said, in an effort to focus his attention away from his logic, ait appears to me that youare taking your defeat at the wager as a good sportsman should. However, you may be sure that I shanat hold you to it. You may inform Charles and Richard that I can take care of myself without any of your powerful male a.s.sistance.a aWhat the devil did you just say?a Suddenly he was alert, and she saw it. aWhat defeat at what wager?a Even as he said the words, he remembered Charlesas stupid jest about offering himself as the sacrificial husband. He looked away from her.

She meant her laugh to be filled with wonderful scorn, but it came out bitter as old coffee. aYou canat deny it, can you? You and Charles and the wretched marquess are all eyeing each other like crowing banty roosters, fighting to keep your ridiculous male honor as well as your freedom. Well, Iall tell you, Phillip, I wonat have it. Iam not damaged goods and I refuse to shout to the world that I am by marrying any one of you. Now, Iam very tired and have found you a bore. Good night, Phillip. You always know your way about. Surely you can find your way out.a She turned onto her side, away from him.

Phillip was silent for some moments. She felt the bed give way as he rose.

He said slowly, and she heard the sadness in his voice, aThe world is very seldom the way we wish it to be, Sabrina.a aThen the world must change, and I shall force it to.a aI see that you must learn for yourself. The world will not change its rules for you, Sabrina. I presume that I will see you in London.a aYes,a she said. aBut first I am going to visit my grandfather. If he needs me, I shall, of course, do what I must.a He drew a deep breath. aYouave refused to listen to me about anything else, Sabrina, but I ask you to listen to me now. Your grandfather is too ill even to recognize you. There is absolutely nothing you can do to help him.a She struggled up onto her elbows and turned toward him. aDonat you understand, Phillip? I must be certain that he is being properly taken care of. You donat know Trevor. He has no love for any of us, least of all Grandfather. And only he stands between Trevor and the earldom. All the Eversleigh wealth. I must go.a The viscount was silent, his gaze fastened on the dark shadows in the corner of the bedchamber. He looked down at her and said abruptly, aWill you trust me to see that the earl is properly cared for and that he is protected from your cousin?a aBut what can you do?a aAnswer me. Will you trust me to see that all is taken care of?a aI suppose,a she said slowly, too aware of her own helplessness, athat since I trusted you with my life, I can also trust you with his. Thank you, my lord, for all you have done for me.a aCould you not also trust me with your future?a aNo, my lord. Iam not the kind of person to use another personas honor against him.a She heard him sigh as he picked up the candle and turned to leave.

aGood-bye, Sabrina.a He didnat want her reply. No sooner had he spoken than he turned away from her. She saw a dim shaft of light from his candle in the hall before he closed the door behind him.

22.

London Three Weeks Later aDo allow me to congratulate you, Anissa. Your niece is such a charming girl, although Iave heard some say that she is a bit arrogant, but arrogance is good, I always say, if, of course, it doesnat go too far. Iave also heard it said that she is far too thin as well, what with those bony elbows, but one can certainly overlook that, given her delicious dowry. At least her bosom isnat quite as thin as her elbows, but one will hope that she gains just a bit of flesh while she is with you. Donat you agree?a Anissa Barresford looked into Lucilla Mortonas avid sharp eyes, wanting to smack her, but Lucilla had more money and thus more power, and, of course, theyad been best friends since their youth. Thus she smiled and simply nodded. Her turn would come. aYes, if youall recall, Lucilla, I told you that dear Sabrinaa"did you notice those incredible violet eyes of hers? No other girl has such unusual eyes.a She was also cool and aloof and beautifully dressed.

aSo thin she is,a Lucilla said.

Anissa nodded. She could afford to be gracious. aYes, skinny as a henas lega"some sort of inflammation of the lung I was tolda"but she is on the mend now, at last. That pallor of hers is exactly the style at present, so fortunate, donat you agree?a aOnly if the pallor is from staying indoors, not from illness.a Anissa raised an eyebrow. Slowly, Lucilla nodded. At that moment her own daughter, Dorinda, now in her second season, was standing next to Sabrina, beneath a potted palm, and the comparison didnat make her happy.

aSheas an improvement over Elizabeth.a Anissa laughed. aAny girl would be an improvement over Elizabeth.a aI trust Sabrinaas character isnat quite so colorless as her sisteras?a aI trust not. Sheas been with me only a week now.a Actually, if she hadnat been talking to her best friend, she would have said that Sabrina was so very quiet, so docile, that she really had no idea at all if the girl was a saint or a shrew. Well, she had been very ill.

She said aloud now, aMadame Giselle performed a wonder with Sabrinaas blue velvet gown. Iam very fond of the Russian style, though, naturally, I am just a bit too old to wear it comfortably.a Lucilla looked at her, said not a word. She admired the cut and was too old as well.

Lady Anissa smiled toward her niece who looked perhaps even colder than she had just a moment before, perhaps even more aloof as well. Unfortunately, she also looked as if she were ready to fall asleep as the young Earl of Grammercy led her in a cotillion. Perhaps she should tell Sabrina that just a hint of a smile, just a suspicion of wit, displayed very occasionally, might play to her advantage.

Lady Anissa said now, aI told her she must add pounds for the gown to be truly elegant. But do notice when she turns. She has a lovely back. Madame Giselle cut the gown lower to draw attention away from her lack of frontal endowments.a aHer hair is too long,a Lucilla said finally.

aBosh. Her hair is her secondary a.s.set, after her eyes. Have you ever seen a more beautiful red?a aItas not modern.a aThe auburn is of course modern.a aNo, the length. I vow that gentlemen arenat supposed to admire all that hair. Short is the style and everyone must applaud it, particularly gentlemen. If they donat, they have no taste.a aTrue,a said Lady Anissa. She would have preferred to have Sabrina roundly clipped, but the girl had held firm. Shead never tell Sabrina that she was pleased she had that thick beautiful head of hair, but she was. It would be her own private secret.

Lady Lucilla had fired all her cannon. It was time to get down to business. aYou say the girl is an heiress, Anissa?a aYes. Ten thousand pounds sheas inherited from her mother. As to her dowry, I havenat inquired. Her grandfather is still very ill. Of course, it is bound to be generous.a Lady Lucilla looked fondly toward her younger son, Edward, who was currently wasting his time dancing with that plump girl of Blanche Halfordas. When the dance was over, she would pull him aside and tell him how to gain his fortune and suffer no pain in the process.

Anissa Barresford was patting a crimped gray curl just in front of her ear when she stopped mid-pat and stared. aWhat is the meaning of this? Good heavens, I canat believe this.a Lady Lucilla followed Anissaas pointed finger to the drawing room door. There stood Viscount Derencourt in the doorway, looking indolently about the crowded room. He was immaculate, elegant, and slothful-looking as a lizard.

Lucilla said, aWhat is Phillip Mercerault doing here? I specifically asked Jane if he would be here, thinking of my dear Dorinda, and she just shook her head sadly. She said he never comes to small dancing parties such as this. In addition, itas January. What is he even doing in town? To be sure, Jane did send him an invitation, but still it is an unexpected treat.a Lady Lucilla suddenly recalled her dearest daughter, whose future husbanda"if she had anything to say about ita"was just standing there, all lazy and loose and lonely. She hurried to her daughter as Jane Balfour recalled her duties as hostess and nearly ran to the viscount, who smiled charmingly down at her.

Anissa Barresford thought Viscount Derencourt was about the most delicious man to come along in many a long year. Lucilla was mad if she believed Phillip Mercerault would ever give Dorinda a second glance. But Sabrina now, she was different. Why shouldnat he have Sabrina? Now that could prove interesting. She sank back deep in her chair and began plotting.

The cotillion drew to a close. She watched Sabrina curtsy to the young earl, dismiss him with a wave of her hand, and come back to her.

aYou should have let him bring you back, Sabrina. It isnat done for a girl to just skip away from her escort like that.a aYes, maaam. I forgot.a Sabrina sat down beside her. She was tired and hot and wanted to sleep for a year. She wondered how much longer it would be before her body didnat betray her, before she was completely well again.

aYou do dance pa.s.sably. That is something.a aThank you, maaam.a aYou may call me Aunt. Also, I believe you should strive for just a bit of animation in your voice, not a great amount, naturally, but a bit. If I didnat see you talking, I would think you were dead. Yes, you must strive for a whisper of vigor. To be sure, gentlemen have no admiration for a girl who can be heard talking and laughing across a room, but still, they are put off by ladies who have nothing at all to say. Try to squeeze at least one compliment out to each gentleman you dance with. Sometimes it is difficult, since many gentlemen are so sadly deficient, but I have faith you will manage it.a aI will, Aunt. Iam sorry, but Iam so very tired.a Anissa looked at her closely. There were circles beneath those extraordinary eyes of hers. That wouldnat do at all. Nothing must detract from those eyes. aWe will leave in a half an hour. Then you will sleep for as long as you like.a Sabrina wanted to tell her formidable aunt that she was more than just physically tired. She thought she could probably sleep for a week but her spirit would still be flattened. She forced a smile. Her aunt seemed pleased. aYes,a she said. aI just need to rest.a Anissa leaned close. aI would never wish you to be a flirt, child, but remember that this is your first appearance in London. Perhaps you could make just a small pusha"once youare not so tireda"to be more charming.a She paused a moment, remembering that she had spoken similar words to Sabrinaas snippy sister, Elizabeth. Not, of course, that it had done any good at all. An entire season she had squired Elizabeth about, and all for naught. She sighed. aIt was the longest season Iave ever lived through,a she said aloud. aElizabeth simply didnat gain any ground, but thatas neither here nor there now, thank the good Lord. I had quite given up when I heard from your grandfather that shead married your cousin. You know I imagine it was a bribe. Not that it matters now, of course. She is the future Countess of Monmouth. She is well set. Now we must see to you, Sabrina.a Anissa saw Jane Balfour leading Viscount Derencourt over to Dorinda Morton, Lucilla, like a dog, trailing after them. Her chin quivered. She would bide her time. She sent Sabrina after a cup of punch.

When Sabrina returned to her aunt, she heard Jane Balfouras voice from behind her. aSabrina, allow me to introduce Viscount Derencourt. Phillip, you are acquainted with Lady Barresford naturally. This is her niece, Sabrina Eversleigh. Lady Sabrina.a She was relieved that shead already handed her aunt her cup of punch. If shead still held it, she would have dropped it, splas.h.i.+ng it all over her beautiful velvet gown. She knew shead see him in London, head told her that. But it was too soon. She hadnat had the time to gain distance from her feelings for him, or to school herself in how she must behave toward him. She slowly forced her eyes to his face.

He wasnat dressed at all like the man whoad taken care of her for five days. Of course, she wasnat dressed like that girl, either. She watched him bow over her auntas hand, exquisitely polite. aLady Barresford. A pleasure to see you again, Sabrina.a The gentleness of his voice nearly undid her. Shead never heard that gentle voice during their time when shead been so very ill. She nodded dumbly, unable to speak.

aWhat is this, my lord? Why, I had no idea you were acquainted with my niece.a What was going on here? Sabrina had suddenly turned into a sticka"thin, mute, and stiff.

aWe met only briefly, my lady,a Phillip said, forcing himself to look away from Sabrina to her aunt, an ambitious old biddy head always avoided in the past. aIt was a Christmas party at Moreland.a aAh, that is Charles Askbridgeas country seat,a Lady Barresford said. aAnd Charlesas dear sister, Margaret, married Sir Hugh Drakemore. I was pleased to hear of it since Margaret has always been on the short side and her mother despaired of finding her an agreeable husband. How does she like marriage, my lord?a Phillip thought of the glowing smile on Margaretas face when Hugh, a man Phillip had sworn would go to his grave a bachelor, had arrived at Moreland but one day before Christmas. He saw Hugh swing her up in his arms, laughing, kissing her. aIad say sheas tolerably happy with the inst.i.tution, maaam.a The small orchestra at the far end of the drawing room struck up a lively country dance.

aWould you care to dance with me, Sabrina?a aYes, my lord.a She didnat look at him, just placed her hand on his arm. aIs that all right, Aunt?a aYes, do enjoy yourself, child.a As the viscount walked away with Sabrina at his side, Lady Barresford felt a stab of apprehension. The viscount, although a charming, handsome young man, and quite wealthy, was known as a slippery fish that no one had ever managed to net. Later, she must tell Sabrina that head never marry her. He was still too young to worry about begetting an heir, though it was well known that gentlemen could pa.s.s to the hereafter at any age. Only they never seemed to realize how very fragile they really were. A wife was the best thing to keep a man firmly planted above ground and not beneath it.

Yes, she would speak to Sabrina. There was no use in having her waste her time. Also, it was doubtful Sabrina had ever before met a man like Phillip Mercerault. Still, she did appear to know him well enough for him to address her by her first name. This was interesting.

Phillip was saying softly not an inch above Sabrinaas ear, just before he bowed in the dance, aItas a pity you canat waltz yet.a aBut I can waltz. Grandfather hired a dancing master for Elizabeth and me, just before her marriage.a But she hadnat danced since shead been here in London.

aThat isnat what I meant,a he said, looking down into her eyes. aYou must have permission to waltz here in London.a aFrom whom?a aFrom the patronesses at Almackas. Has your aunt gained admittance for you?a aI donat know. She hasnat said.a She couldnat look away from him. Here she was fully dressed, looked quite as well as she could look, and she was with Phillip. He turned to face her at the edge of the dance floor. She couldnat help herself. She swallowed, leaning toward him. He let her nearly touch his chest, then he pulled her back. aI cannot, Sabrina, as much as I want to, I cannot.a She stared up at him, not understanding. She felt an almost physical pain. It boggled her mind. She hadnat expected this. She didnat understand it. Where were these odd feelings coming from? aWhy?a They were close, much too close. She was wearing all those d.a.m.ned clothes. Not that she didnat look wonderful, because she did. The problem was he remembered her naked, every white inch of her. Then he heard her one spoken word. aA man doesnat just succ.u.mb to any lady, for fear sheall compromise him. But I donat mind telling you, itas a close thing. Youad best not tease me.a aI donat know anything about teasing.a He sighed. aNo, of course you donat. Now, I asked you to dance because I want to speak to you.a The set formed and they were almost immediately separated. Sabrina set a smile on her mouth and let her feet move. She curtsied and walked down the line, giving her hand first to one gentleman, then to another. It wasnat particularly strenuous, yet she was out of breath at the end of the dance.

She felt his hand upon her arm. aI imagine you still tire easily.a aYes, but it gets better every day.a aI donat want to return you just yet. As I said, I want to speak to you. Would you care for a gla.s.s of punch? It should help revive you.a She nodded. She laid her hand on his arm. They walked across the huge ballroom to the dining room where there were several long tables holding quant.i.ties of food, everything from oyster cakes to apple tortes.

aAre you hungry?a She shook her head.

Phillip placed a filled gla.s.s in her hand and accepted a goblet of champagne from a footman. aTo London and your evident success.a She sipped her punch. It was very sweet. She put it down. aLetas drink to a world that doesnat need to be changed. My success isnat just evident, itas a fact.a aNo, Sabrina. Itas just that the world doesnat as yet know.a aDo you intend to make an announcement?a aIt isnat necessary. Your world right now is made of gla.s.s. It will require but one thrown rocka"but one vicious tonguea"and it will shatter.a aBut that makes no sense. I havenat done anything to anyone. I scarcely open my mouth. My aunt does all the talking. I just smile and nod and do what Iam told. No, Phillip, theread be no reason for such viciousness as you describe.a He could only shake his head. aYouare remarkably innocent, Sabrina. It will happen, you know. Itas just a matter of time. Did you receive my letter?a aYes, just this morning.a She gave him a brilliant smile. aThank you, Phillip. I can never repay you.a aI trust youave stopped your worrying?a aFor the most part.a aYouare lying, but thatas all right. As I wrote in my letter, your grandfather is improving steadily. Heas a tough old eagle. Your rapacious cousin, Trevor, will chomp at the bit for many years before taking his turn. Something I didnat write, just in case your aunt would read your mail, is that the earl is safe from Trevor, I promise you.a She frowned, her eyes upon his exquisitely tied cravat. aWhat did you do?a aI went to Monmouth Abbey. I saw the rotter. I made things perfectly clear to him.a

23.

aYou did what? What did you say, Phillip? You actually saw him? Did you shoot him? Please tell me it was just a little hole in his arm, nothing to kill him.a He laughed. aActually, I believe in about six months I shall go back to Monmouth Abbey and beat him into the ground.a He didnat add that Richard Clarendon would probably be with him, or get there before he did. The thought of it nearly made him rub his hands together. aNow listen to me, Sabrina. Yes, I went to Monmouth Abbey and cornered both Trevor and your blus.h.i.+ng bride of a sister. They deserve each other, you know.a She looked up at him helplessly.

aBut why?a aThey both have the moral fiber of ants.a aI donat really know about Aunt Barresfordas moral fiber.a aNo, not aunts. I was referring to the very small creature that always enjoys a picnic.a aPhillip, why did you go?a aI went because I owed it to you.a aNo, you didnat. You donat. Iave told you. You owe me nothing. You saved my life, Phillip. Surely thatas enough.a aAll right. I went because I wanted to see this pretty little dandy who cooed all over Richard Clarendon. I wanted to see the b.a.s.t.a.r.d who tried to rape his sister-in-law, who should be under his protection.a aHe is very pretty. You told him not to hurt my grandfather?a aYes. Whatever else Trevor Eversleigh may lack, he doesnat lack an instinct for self-preservation. I told both him and Elizabeth, quite succinctly, that I would put a bullet through the future earlas heart if the old earl died. There was a lot of outrage, sputtering about it being none of my business and the like, but eventually they believed me. But I admit, I did have to resort to a rather drastic demonstration. I had to knock Trevor to the floor and stomp on him a couple of times. Elizabeth stood by, shrieking. Actually, now that I think back on it, I think she might have been pleased that I hurt the little b.a.s.t.a.r.d. Who knows? Itas strange. Trevor yelled for the butlera"a aRibble.a aYes, Ribble. He came to the doorway, stood there, saw what was happening, then just turned around and left.a aBut, Phillip, youare talking about fighting a duel with Trevor if Grandfather dies. I canat approve of that. He could hurt you. Why would you risk your life for an old man you donat even know?a aHeas your grandfather, Sabrina.a aIave freed you of any obligations that Charles tried to foist on you. It puts me further in your debt. I canat bear it.a aIt appears you will have to since itas done.a Shead told him the truth. She couldnat bear it. She fanned her hands in front of her. aI thank you, Phillip.a Phillip felt a surge of anger at the position she found herself in, through no fault of her own, through no fault of his either, but the defeat in her, the role of eternal supplicant, he hated it for her.

aI donat want any more thanks from you, Sabrina. They are growing quite boring. Yes, all these little mewlings donat fit you at all.a Ah, that did the trick. Color crept up from her b.r.e.a.s.t.s to her hairline. Ah, her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, he tore his gaze away and looked directly into her eyes.

aLittle mewlings? You fool, that doesnat even mean anything. I have to thank you, thereas no way around it. Why donat you do something more fitting your character, which Charlie told me was wild and reckless and selfish? Yes, I now about all these ladies you do things with that you really shouldnat do because theyare married. Oh, enough of that. He also told me that you liked to build on your house, but that didnat really count, just the other, which should shame you to your toes.a aSelfish, am I? The othera"wild and recklessa"all right, Iall accept those. Iall even take your d.a.m.ned insults, but I draw the line at you calling me selfish. Donat you remember how I bathed you, Sabrina? How I toweled you dry? All of you? Every d.a.m.ned little inch of you? I proved to you that I wasnat selfish. I did everything for you.a aI was unconscious. Well, I was barely conscious. Only a complete villain would bathe me when I was barely conscious.a She was making no sense at all and he loved it. He wanted, quite simply, to see more. He fairly hummed with antic.i.p.ation as he said, aYou were nearly shrieking with pleasure when I suggested a bath. Unconscious? I donat think so, Sabrina.a aA gentleman wouldnat remember such fine details.a The color on her cheeks was blooming bright; her eyes were glittering with rage and life. Just a bit more, he thought, just enough so that she would growl at him. A growl would prove that she was regaining her fighting spirit.

aNow, now, Sabrina, a gentleman should remember fine details. That ability aids him in pleasing the lady even more the next time. Should I not speak of them? I will think about that later. Ah, but I do remember that you werenat at all unconscious that memorable day I bathed you. As for the earlier days, you werenat completely unconscious either. You were in a fevered, almost frenzied state.a He looked at her left ear, framed by loose red curls. He said easily, knowing if there was a growl in her, it would explode upon him soon, aDonat you remember how I warmed you when you were so very cold?a Hazy memory stirred and she felt her skin flush the color of her hair. Head held her tightly against him, warming her with his own body. Now she remembered his hands moving up and down her back, cradling her against his chest. She remembered the dizzying warmth of him, how shead tried to burrow into him.

aYouare no gentleman.a She backed away from him, splaying her hands in front of her to ward him off, to ward the memories off.

Head gone too far, pushed her too hard. No growl this time. Well, h.e.l.l.

He said now, his voice clipped and hard, aYouare right. I apologize. Let me a.s.sure you that you were indeed unconscious. I did only what I had to do to save your life. Donat become hysterical on me. I promise I wonat mention any of it again.a aIam never hysterical.a He laughed, he couldnat help it. aNo, and I beg you never to become so. I have the rankest fear of a female who shows the incipient signs. Come, letas go dance again. Or, if youare too angry with me, Iall simply return you to your aunt. The aunt married to a merchant, as I recall. No, forget I said that. Youare breathing too hard. It bespeaks a nervous state. Calm down.a aYour wit would fell an oak,a she said, whipped about, picked up her skirts, and walked stately as a queen down the corridor back to the drawing room, to the safety of her aunt.

aNow that insult really hurts,a he called after her, laughing. aPerhaps it wasnat an insult?a He said polite good nights to his hostess and took his leave. Some hours later, after having consumed a half bottle of brandy at Whiteas, he went to Martineas rooms on Fitton Place.

It was some minutes before Annie, Martineas maid, butler, and chef, cracked the front door open a few inches at his insistent knocking, demanding irritably who was trying to raise the dead.

When she saw him, she drew back with a startled, aMy lord, itas after two in the morning.a aA fine morning it is, my girl.a He knew head had a skinful, and gave her a big grin. He tossed Annie his greatcoat and hat. aNo need to announce me, Iall surprise your mistress.a He took the stairs two at a time, clutching at the banister several times to keep his balance, and burst unceremoniously into Martineas bedchamber.

A long candle suddenly spurted into wavering light.

There was Martine, propped up on her elbows, those beautiful lips of hers parted in a lazy smile.

aGood evening, madam,a he said, and swept her a drunken bow.

She sat up and the covers, as if with a sigh, fell to her waist. She was naked. He stared at the expanse of white flesh and became instantly harder than a rock.

He groaned and jerked off his clothes, leaving them to lie where they fell.

aQuelle sottise,a Martine said in a hard Manchester accent. aCome, my lord, I believe you need my a.s.sistance, and quickly.a She pulled back the covers and drew him down into her arms. aYou are drunk, Phillip? Too drunk to give us pleasure?a aIad have to be dead before that would happen. Trust me, Martine, I wonat disappoint you. If I happen to skip some steps on the way, just remind me. I love to backtrack.a She just laughed and bit his shoulder. aI will, but I donat think you will miss any steps, theyare too much a habit with you.a He grinned, and buried his face between her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. He knew she wanted him because she forgot to practice her French on him. At least some woman wanted him.

She stroked his dark hair, s.h.i.+ny and thick in the candlelight. She arched her back so he could kiss her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. aAh, the pleasure of that.a aI could give every d.a.m.ned woman in London pleasure,a he said between kisses, aincluding that stubborn little witch.a Now this was interesting, she thought, until pleasure poured through her and she pulled him to her mouth so she could kiss him until neither of them could breathe. After some minutes of absolute enjoyment, he suddenly reared back and stared down at her. She saw that his eyes werenat quite focused.

He fell onto his side, balancing himself on his elbow. His right hand, out of habit, stroked her, molding her flesh, making her sigh. aSheas a fool, Martine. I compromised her but still she wonat have me. Oh, I didnat ask her to marry me again this evening, I knew better than that. I already did enough of that. Why slap myself in the face again when I knew shead refuse me yet again? No, Iam not that much of a fool.

aI donat know what to do about this. It gnaws at me. I hate this defeat in her. It doesnat suit her at all. But you know what? She had the gall to accuse me of losing some harebrained wager, in short, of having to be the sacrificial husband. Me, a sacrifice? I donat think so. Itas a ludicrous thought.a Martine blinked her creamy brown eyes at this outpouring. His hand was no longer caressing her. He was clearly abstracted, far away from her, at least in spirit. Well, truth be told, this could prove just as interesting. aYou compromised a lady, my lord?a aOf course I didnat. Do you think so ill of me?a Martine sifted her fingers through his tousled hair. aBut didnat you just say thata"a aThere was no compromising involved. She would have died if I hadnat taken care of her. She knows it, I know it. The whole d.a.m.ned b.l.o.o.d.y world should know it.a He laid his hand on her stomach and began tapping his fingertips.

She smiled at him, encouraging him with her silence to talk. And he did. aDid you know that even Clarendon wanted her? Why the devil canat she see that social ruin is nipping close at her heels?a aBut if you didnat compromise her, then why would she be facing ruin?a Phillip flipped over on his back. The weaving light from the single candle at the bedside was spiraling upward toward the shadowed ceiling. He could make out a patch of plaster that was cracked and in imminent danger of falling on the bed. aCall the d.a.m.ned carpenter, Martine. I donat want to have my head bashed in while weare in the midst of lovemaking.a She made a soothing, agreeable sound, then said, aI donat understand why this girl who hasnat been compromised refused Clarendon. A romantic figure, that one. I nearly swoon just speaking his name.a She was laughing at him. He frowned as she added, aHowever, at the sound of your name, Phillip, I do a complete swoon. Why donat you want him to marry this girl?a aHe just wants her. He doesnat love her. Heas a rake and heas not worthy of her.a aDo you love her?a aCertainly not. I scarcely know her. You know Iam far too young to love anyone. Far far too young to wed.a aArenat you also a rake?a aNo, not really. Itas all a matter of degree. Iam a very low degree, as in Iam barely on the scale at all. Most of it is just gossip. Iam not as clean as Rohan Carrington is known to be now, but itas close. All right, not all that close, but Iam not a womanizer, not like Richard Clarendon.a aIave always enjoyed the degrees youave given to me, Phillip.a aStop twisting my words, Martine. Clarendon would have really compromised her, taken gross advantage of her innocence, had it been he who had found her. She was very lucky in her rescuer. Iam honorable. I might have felt l.u.s.t for her, but never would I have acted on it.a Martine pondered this for some minutes, then harked back to two words that quite struck her fancy. aClarendon, he also wanted to be the sacrificial husband to this girl n.o.body compromised?a aIt wasnat ever a question of that. It was Charles Askbridgea"the blockheada"who said that. Your romantic Clarendon would have s.h.i.+ed away had he thought of himself as a sacrifice, no matter how much he shouted about his desire to marry her, if only I swore I hadnat damaged her. Damaged. Can you believe that? After hearing that she nearly died, he had the gall to ask me if Iad damaged her. Sometimes itas a sorry world, Martine. Itas a world that ranks down there with slugs.a aYes, that is true,a Martine said as she ran the tips of her fingers over his chest, down to his belly. To be truthful, which she hoped she wouldnat have to be, she was getting bored with all this talk about a girl she didnat even know. She leaned up and kissed his throat. aHow hard you are,a she said, her fingers low on his belly now, touching him.

aYou know I spar at Gentleman Jacksonas Boxing Salon,a he said absently, his attention returning to the cracked plaster overhead.

Martine chuckled and kissed him all over his chest. aNo, Phillip, I donat think your Gentleman Jackson has anything to do with this particular hardness.a She was holding him now and he sucked in his breath.

He pulled her on top of him. She said into his mouth, aI donat understand something here, Phillip. Youave told me many times that youare too young to marry, that the last thing you want is a wife. But you act like a man with a very guilty conscience.a Then she began to move over him. His mind very nearly blanked out.

She stopped for a moment, and he managed to say, aShe spent nearly a week with mea"alone. And that wretched pair, Elizabeth and Trevor, were spreading tales about her having tried to seduce her own brother-in-law. At least when I saw them, I made it cleara"in no uncertain terms, mind youa"that they were to keep their mouths closed. But no doubt the damage has already been done. It just hasnat reached London yet, but it will. Sabrina doesnat understand this, d.a.m.n her for not trusting me, for not believing me.a Martine let him fill her completely. It was a wonderful feeling, particularly with Phillip. aThis girl whom you did not seduce, would she like this?a Phillip thought of Sabrina, small, slight, pressed hard against him during the worst of her fever. He could feel again her consummate embarra.s.sment at his intimate care of her. Although his l.u.s.t had very nearly overcome his wits, he managed to bring himself to heel. A gentleman didnat discuss a lady of quality in such a way, much less discuss the matter with his mistress. He knew, of course, that it wasnat Martineas fault this had happened. It was his.

aNo more, Martine, no more. Just this. Yes, just this.a He wrapped his fingers in her short fair curls and pulled her mouth down to his.

24.

Dambler wasnat happy when he admitted his master at near dawn the following morning. He trailed after him up the wide staircase of Derencourt House. He knew very well what his master had been doing. Head ceased being envious years ago. He was now happily sour about the entire business, a benefit of getting old. One of the very few. He sniffed. His master smelled of s.e.x and brandy. More of the former than the latter.

aDonat you preach at me,a Phillip said over his shoulder, thinking that at any minute Dambler would tread upon his heels.

Dambler didnat say a word. When he reached his bedchamber, Phillip tried his best to get off his rumpled clothing. His fingers didnat seem to want to work together.

aThe nighttime, my lord, is for sleeping and not for carrying on,a Dambler said as he helped his master undress.

aItas only for sleeping if youare old, Dambler, and you well know it. I remember my father telling me what a wild young man you were. Youare just jealous now.a aI donat think so, my lord.a Phillip grunted. He couldnat imagine a man not being jealous. He slid in between the sheets. They were cold. He wanted to complain about it, but he was too sleepy.