The Baron - The Offer Part 7

aHowever, let me add, that if forced, I would make a formidable enemy, as would my friends.a Head spoken so very quietly that it took her a moment to take in what head said.

She rose and took several stalking steps about the room. aYou donat understand, young man. My friends are already well aware of my feelings. They sympathize with me. They have commingled their tears with mine. They would continue to sympathize. They would stick by me. They would continue to hold me in high esteem.a Both of them knew, naturally, that a true friend was as scarce as a sunny day in January and that the likelihood was that her dear friends were probably sn.i.g.g.e.ring behind their hands, just out of her hearing. aWhy donat you do this: inform your friends that new facts have come to light and your niece is quite innocent. Indeed, she has been much maligned, and you, because you are her aunt and a fair and just woman, wish to be the first to right all the wrongs done to her. This should start a fresh spate of tears among your friends, donat you think?a aBut a wedding on Sat.u.r.day, itas impossible.a aIt can be done. Do you agree?a He thought he heard her curse under her breath. He merely waited. He looked down at his fingernails. Finally, she said, aVery well, I will do it, but it wonat be easy. If she isnat accepted, you will have no one to blame but yourself.a aShe will be accepted. I count on your striving your best to see that it happens. Now, would you like to have my secretaryas services?a She shook her head absently, and Phillip knew that she was already planning the necessary arrangements. He nodded. aIall bring Sabrina to you tomorrow morning. Remember, if her two days with you arenat pleasant, you will answer to me. Ah, when circ.u.mstances dictate, maaam, I can be a formidable enemy. Please donat forget that.a As he turned to take his leave, Lady Barresford said, aI hope you wonat regret your chivalry, my lord.a He merely nodded. She stared at him a moment, then said, aWhat makes you so certain that the girl is telling the truth about Trevor?a aI know Sabrina. I might also add that Iave made the acquaintance of Trevor Eversleigh. I fear for the future of the Eversleigh name. He brings new meaning to the word revolting. Please donat forget that Sabrina is now in my care. I bid you good day, my lady.a

29.

aNo one would ever believe you were a bride if it werenat for that expensive gown the viscount provided for you.a Sabrina turned away from the mirror. She looked worse than she had just the day before. aPhillip didnat buy the gown, Aunt, I did.a aItas all one and the same for you now,a Lady Barresford said, fingering her own exquisitely fas.h.i.+oned silk gown. aThe moment the vicar says youare his wife, you wonat have a farthing. Since your dear grandfather is still too ill to be approached in the matter, I, of course, had my solicitors draw up a marriage contract. Your dowry is even larger than I had thought. As for you, all you have now is a husband, and one, I might add, who has many pleasant demands on his time.a Sabrina was thinking about the shakily written letter a footman had delivered the previous evening from her grandfather. He had a.s.sured her that he would be well enough to greet her and her new husband in but a short time. He had not mentioned any of the less pleasant circ.u.mstances surrounding her sudden marriage. She wondered how much of it he knew. Her pleasure at his letter had carried her through until now. She turned at her auntas words. aWhen you speak of the viscountas pleasant demands, youare referring to his mistress?a Lady Barresford snorted, not an edifying sound. aIf indeed he has only one mistress, which is doubtful.a aIt doesnat matter. Iave given him his freedom to do whatever he pleases.a aHe doesnat need your permission, my girl, to do anything he pleases. Let me tell you that Phillip Mercerault hasnat led anything like a celibate life. It will be interesting to see if he parades his mistresses in front of your nose.a Sabrina tugged at the itchy Brussels lace at her throat. aPhillip is very kind. He would never do such a thing.a aHa. Heas a man and men do whatever it pleases them to do. If he chooses to ignore you, then he will. If he chooses to humiliate you, then he will. However, in all truth, the viscount has a good reputation. He is known as an honorable man. We will see. I will say that Iam shocked that you managed to fool him. I had not taken him for such a blockhead.a Not for the first time in the last three days, Sabrina wished she could smack her aunt. Just one little smack, right in the middle of all those ridiculous crimped gray curls. aHe isnat a blockhead,a she said, swallowing her anger. Soon she would be out of her auntas house. Soon she wouldnat have to see her at all. Well, perhaps once every six months. That would be more than enough. She straightened, then turned. aI believe itas time to go downstairs, maaam.a aYes, itas time. For G.o.das sake, girl, pinch your cheeks. You look like Iave abused you when itas been the other way around. The good Lord knows how much Iave had to deal with, between you and your sister. But you, bringing scandal into my house and lyinga"a She broke off. Sabrina just might tell the viscount something less than truthful, and the truth was that she had treated Sabrina better than anyone could possibly expect, given what the girl had done to her. Lady Barresford turned on her heel and walked toward the door, not looking back.

Sabrina closed her thumb and forefinger about her cheek and pinched herself. Her maid, Hickles, emerged suddenly from the corner of the bedchamber where shead conveniently withdrawn into the shadows. Sabrina jumped. She was certain Hickles had been eavesdropping. aWill you need anything else, my lady?a Hickles asked, her voice trembling with excitement.

aYes,a Sabrina said quietly, turning. aI never want to see your face again, Hickles. You truly are irritating.a She swept up the train of her gown and walked from the room, without a backward glance at her maid.

aSabrina was a lovely bride. Perhaps a trifle pale, but hardly a wooden doll.a Margaret Drakemore turned away from Madeleine Bingly, her hands clenched at her sides.

Lady Bingly raised a painted eyebrow. aI do believe that youare taking loyalty a bit too far, Margaret. Do finish with that flounce, you stupid girl,a she said to the maid who was kneeling before her mending a torn ruffle in her gown.

Lady Dorchester said from her seat before a mirror, aNow, Madeleine, surely itas time for some Christian charity.a Particularly, she thought with a small grimace, since her spouse, Lord Dorchester, was a good friend of the groomas and Rohan Carringtonas. She, for one, wouldnat gossip about the new viscountess, which was surely a pitya"it would have meant many pleasurable hours.

Lady Bingly did a small pirouette. aThere, no one could tell that Colonel Sandavar put his foot through the flounce, clumsy man.a She waved away the maid and turned to Margaret. aI believe I hear a waltz striking up. Shouldnat we go back into the ballroom before our husbands think we have run away from them? Ah, to run away after being wicked and still manage to finish off your adventure being married to Phillip Mercerault, that is more than luck. That would require cunning and planning. It quite makes me gnash my teeth with envy that she managed it.a Margaret, who wished suddenly that she and Lady Bingly were at the top of the stairs and she could shove her down, rose to her full height and said, aI have told you the facts of the entire matter, Madeleine. It is really quite mean-spirited of you to continue these silly lies.a Lady Dorchester rose from her seat and gave a final pat to her dark hair. aMargaret is right, Madeleine. Whatas done is done. Itas over.a As she swept from the dressing room, she said over her bare shoulder, unable to help herself, aAt least the viscount will not have a shrinking bride on his hands tonight. How perfectly quaint that the wedding should follow the wedding night.a Her laughter rang out. Lady Bingly moved to follow her from the ladies with drawing room. She called out, aOr was it a wedding week, my dear Lady Dorchester? With the viscountas winning manners, it must have been an exquisite experience for the, er, child.a ab.i.t.c.hes,a Margaret said under her breath. She heard Madeleine call out, aI do wonder if the viscountess is breeding. An excellent reason for placing a gold band so quickly on her finger.a Margaret heard the carrying words, as, she suspected, she was meant to. At least, she thought, her spirits rising a bit, most of the guests were behaving as they should, with no overt nastiness toward Sabrina. The small wedding, held in the drawing room of Lady Barresfordas town house, had gone off without a hitch, her brother, Charles, having acted in the stead of Sabrinaas family. Rohan Carrington had been Phillipas best man. She wished that the wedding dinner and ball had been kept similarly small, but Phillip had insisted. aNo, Sabrina will dance her wedding waltz with me before as many people as I can squeeze into the ballroom. This will be no fly-by-night wedding.a Naturally everyone had come.

Perhaps, Margaret thought, Phillip had been right. But it didnat help that Sabrina looked so white and drawn. Margaret dismissed the maids and walked slowly back down the oak staircase to the ballroom.

Sabrina shrank back into the shadows until Margaret disappeared from her view down the winding stairs. She hadnat been meant to hear the cutting words, but she had. What had she expected? Indeed, what could she expect? She drew a long sigh. At least it was nearly over. She forgot the thick braid that was coming loose and made her way quickly back downstairs.

aHold still, Sabrina, and Iall fix your hair.a aPhillip,a she said, praying he hadnat overheard the women. He stood two steps below her, a slight smile playing about his mouth. She realized with a start that shead been so closed into herself for the entire day and evening that she had scarce even been aware of him. She looked at him now, devastatingly handsome in his severe black evening clothes. aYou look beautiful,a she said. aI hadnat really seen you today. Iam sorry. Youave done so much for me and this is the first time Iam really seeing you. You have eyelashes thick as a girlas, only most girls Iave seen donat have thick lashes either.a The smile became a wide grin. aWell, eyelashes is a good place to start. You really think Iam beautiful? Iam just a man, Sabrina. Beautiful?a aNow youare showing your conceit. You want me to rea.s.sure you all the while youare jesting with me. Very well, yes, itas true. You are beautiful. Does that please your vanity?a aYes. I trust that my thick eyelashes are all that a girl would want. Come here, Sabrina, before your hair falls into your face.a She obeyed, her steps slow and careful, for she feared tripping on the hem of her wedding gown. She felt his long fingers move deftly to draw the sagging braid back to where it belonged. She felt him slide in the pin to anchor it securely.

aThere, now youare the perfect viscountess.a She stared up at him. aGoodness, youare right. Thatas what I am now. But I donat feel like a viscountess. All of thisa"a she waved her hand around hera"ait all seems like a dream, like Iam not really me, that itas someone else whoas done all this.a He hooked his thumb beneath her chin. aItas real, Sabrina. Youare real, as am I. Weare married now. Itas done. What was the dream was all the nastiness before today. Itas over and done with now.a She thought of the malicious words of the women just moments before, but she forced a smile. aYes, itas almost all over now. Thank you, Phillip, for all youave done for me.a He hated her grat.i.tude, and thus said without thinking, aItas your money thatas paying for all of it. Thank yourself as much as me.a aMoney,a she said, anger deep in her voice now, amoney is one thing, but what you, Phillip Mercerault, have done is quite another.a That was true, he thought, pleased. He found himself wondering what she was thinking, for her eyes were vague now, and she was looking away from him. Shead said so little during the day, just the vows required during the ceremony, nothing more. She looked too pale. but he would change that soon enough. aThereas just one more waltz you must dance with me. Then, Sabrina, you may retire.a Lady Dorchesteras words flashed through her mind. She shuddered, unable to prevent it. aNo, I really donat want to retire. I want to remain down here, with you, with our guests.a She saw that he was frowning at her and added in a strained voice, aNo, I want to stay right here.a He saw her furtive glance back up the stairs. It occurred to him then that she was thinking about s.e.x. s.e.x with him, her husband. The thought of it scared her to her very toes.

He wanted to tell her again that she had nothing to fear from him, that he wasnat about to force himself on her, but not now. Now wasnat the time for such a discussion. He held out his hand as the strains of a waltz floated to his ears. aMy dance, Sabrina.a He drew her hand through the crook of his arm.

aKeep your chin up. Try to smile. Donat forget, this is supposed to be the happiest day of your life.a He gave her a huge smile. aItas my happiest day.a aYou must be jesting with me,a she said, but she did manage a small smile.

aPerhaps I am,a he said, and led her into the waltz.

The colorfully attired group of ladies and gentlemen obligingly parted their ranks as Phillip whirled Sabrina around the dance floor.

She saw Lady Dorchester from the corner of her eye and missed a step. She felt Phillipas arm tighten about her waist.

He gave her another dazzling smile, even laughed with those white teeth of his as he said, aShow the world how delirious you are to have me.a aIt is possible that I am delirious.a aNot good enough. Think about my glorious eyelashes.a That brought a giggle. aExcellent,a he said, dipped down his head, and lightly kissed her ear. aJust excellent.a

30.

As the waltz drew to a close, he said, aAre you convinced now that your grandfather is on the mend?a A genuine smile lit up her face. aOh yes, Phillip. But his handwriting isnat as firm as it used to be. That frightens me.a aHis handwriting will recover fully, just as the rest of him will.a The music stopped and Phillip drew her into his arms and kissed her lightly on her mouth. aWell done. Itas over.a He kissed her hair amid applause and laughter from the ladies and gentlemen. He realized for the first time just how short she was. The top of her head barely came to his neck. Naturally he hadnat realized it before. Most of the time shead been flat on her back in bed.

He also realized that she was now hisa"his responsibility and the future mother of his children. Now that was a thought to make a man pause.

He drew her forward to stand at his side to receive their guestsa parting congratulations. A few were genuinely kind. More were cold, but polite. Some of the gentlemen gave her looks that if Phillip had seen, would have angered him. But for the most part, all had gone well.

One of the last guests to leave was Lady Barresford. She paused at Sabrinaas side. aYouave managed to carry this off quite well, niece. You are more than fortunate that the viscount is an honorable man.a aYes, that is quite true. Thank you, Aunt.a She kept her eyes fastened to a mirror just behind her auntas right shoulder.

Lady Barresford nodded toward the viscount. aI bid you good evening, my lord. I leave you to your blus.h.i.+ng bride.a Phillip took Sabrinaas hand, raised it to his lips, and lightly kissed her knuckles. aSabrina is too tired to blush, maaam, though Iam certain that she would be inclined to do so at the tasteless comments sheas been forced to endure this evening.a aThatas as may be,a Lady Barresford said, and drew herself up.

Sabrina saw with relief that Greybar was hovering beside Lady Barresford, her ermine wrap on his arm. aThank you, Greybar. Her ladys.h.i.+p is on the point of leaving. Good night, Aunt.a Lady Barresford gave her a look that promised more spiteful words, then allowed Greybar to a.s.sist her into her wrap. aWell, niece, youave made your bed, and now you may lie in it.a It was a good shot, she knew it, but Sabrina just stared at her, her head c.o.c.ked to one side. One thick braid looked in danger of falling. aMen adore innocence,a Lady Barresford added, then turned on her heel, whipped the ermine wrap over her shoulder, and marched out the front door.

Phillip turned to Sabrina. aIgnore her. Ignore all of them. Are you ready to sleep now, Sabrina?a She gazed up at him uncertainly.

He smiled down at her as he said, aYouare not to worry about a thing. Trust me, Sabrina.a He wasnat a randy boy with no control. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her witless. Head said enough. Head give her time to settle in, time to get to know him.

He supposed he needed time as well. Head never had a wife before. He couldnat begin to imagine the adjustment that he would have to make in his very pleasant life. aGreybar told me that horrible maid, Hickles, is well and truly gone. He said Doris would suit you very well. Iall send her to you.a He patted her hand and turned away.

aIave never seen an angel with beautiful red hair like yours, my lady,a Doris said. aEven the pictures Iave seen in books, all the angels are the loveliest little blond girls, with huge blue eyes. But I think a red-haired angel would be a nice change. Shead look just like you.a If only you werenat so pale and lifeless, she thought as she twitched a beautifully embroidered batiste nightgown into place. She pictured his lords.h.i.+p in her mind and imagined herself swooning in his arms. Now there was a gentleman to please a lady. Such charm he had, such wicked eyes and manners, not that shead ever had them turned on her. But she wasnat his wife. This little one who looked more frightened than a rabbit in the sight of a hunteras gun was the new viscountess. She didnat look like a loose girl whoad lost her virginity to the viscount and been lucky enough to have him marry her. She looked rather pathetic, except for all that lovely red hair and those strange eyes that probably would have gotten her burned at the stake in another time and place. No, she didnat look like the viscount could charm her out of her chemise.

Sabrina nodded abstractedly, and Doris smiled to herself. She couldnat imagine any lady not having a really fine time in bed with his lords.h.i.+p, even this pale little creature. She laid down the hairbrush and stepped back. aCan I be getting you anything else, my lady?a aNo, thank you, Doris.a Doris curtsied and quietly closed the door behind her.

Sabrina turned slowly from the mirror and let her eyes rove again over the large bedchamber. It was severe and masculine, not at all unlike its master, she thought. She looked at the huge bed, a carved oak affair set on a dais in the middle of the bedchamber, with no hangings to soften its stark presence. She picked up a branch of candles, carried it to the bed, and set it on the bedside table. Phillip had told her that carpenters would be at her disposal to redo the adjoining bedchamber that had been his motheras. Head been sorry but there hadnat been time to make it right in time for her. So she had to sleep in this bed tonight.

With him. Shead never slept with a man before. Well, she had, when shead been fevered and head held her, but that wasnat real, that wasnat something that shead actually chosen to be a party to, something shead experienced as she was sure she would experience this.

She was married. Shead even offered herself to him as part of the bargain. She didnat remember that head been very enthusiastic.

Sabrina slipped in between the sheets and drew the covers up to her chin. She stared up at the dark oak beams that crisscrossed the length of the ceiling. She strained to hear Phillipas footsteps. She felt the nightgown slide over her skin as she drew her knees up to her chest.

Phillip would be kind. There was no reason for him not to be kind. He wouldnat maul her. Not like Trevor had. Head told her to trust him, and she would.

The room was so silent. She couldnat bear it. She began humming, hummed and hummed until her throat hurt.

He didnat come.

At least she knew her husband a lot better than every other girl knew her bridegroom. Head given her a bath. Head told her many of his adventures. Head cooked for her. Shead tried to escape him that one miserable night but his d.a.m.ned horse wouldnat budge. And the other, her womanas monthly flow. He even knew about things like that. Head even helped her. She squeezed her eyes closed.

Yes, she knew Phillip. Or, moreas the truth, he knew her, inside and out.

The clock on the mantel stroked one long single stroke. Perhaps he wasnat coming to her. But where would he sleep? She was in his bed. If he hadnat wanted her here, then he should have said something. Was he perhaps sleeping in a guest chamber down the corridor? She got out of the huge bed.

It wasnat fair that Phillip not sleep in his own bed. It was his home, his bed. She lit a candle and managed to get on her dressing gown. Barefoot, she opened the bedchamber door. She didnat hear anything. Slowly she walked down the vast corridor, opening each door along the way.

Empty. They were all empty. Where was he?

She walked downstairs, carefully cupping the slender candle flame. She finally saw a light coming from beneath a door toward the back of the house. She had no idea what room it was.

She raised her hand to knock, then pressed her ear to the door. She heard nothing at all. She very slowly turned the doork.n.o.b. The door opened silently. It was a manas study of some sort, filled with leather and wainscoting, like her upstairs bedchamber. There was a large winged chair that faced the fireplace. A sluggish fire was burning. She walked silently toward that chair.

Suddenly he rose and faced her. He was still dressed in his evening wear, except head pulled his cravat loose and his hair was disheveled. He just stared at her. He was holding a snifter of brandy in his right hand.

aSabrina?a He took a step toward her, then stopped. aDid something happen? Is something wrong? Did you have a nightmare?a aOh no. Iam sorry to disturb you, Phillip, but you didnat come to bed. It isnat fair, so I came to find you and tell you to come.a He shook his head at her, as if he were uncertain what shead said. He said finally, aSurely this is a very strange offer from a girl who would probably prefer to see any man locked up in chains so he couldnat touch her. Let me get this straight. You want me to come to my bedchamber?a aYes, itas only right. You shouldnat be down here. This is your home.a aWell, I suppose itas now your home as well. Let me get this straight again. You want me to come to my bedchamber? With you there as well?a aOf course. Why else would I come to find you? If you would prefer that I not be there with you, then you must simply say so. It wonat hurt my feelings. Surely we know each other well enough not to see hurt where none is intended.a It was strange, but in that instant, he would have sworn that he heard hurt in her voice as she said, aYou werenat impressed with me offering myself. Therefore you neednat worry because I do understand. Itas a very large bed. Iam certain that thereas more than enough s.p.a.ce for both of us. We wonat have to disturb each other.a He cleared his throat. He plowed his fingers through his hair, making it stand on end. aThis is excessively strange, Sabrina. I had meant to speak to you about s.e.x, no, thatas too stark a word. No, I had meant to speak to you about intimacy between a husband and wife, but I decided to do it tomorrow. Youare very tired. You donat need to have any of this tonight. You should be asleep. You shouldnat be wandering about at one oaclock in the morning, wearing that embroidered thing that makes you look really quite lovely.a He stopped. aWell?a She looked down at her toes. She was glad she was standing on a thick rug. The wooden floor would be cold. She cleared her throat. aWell what? Listen, Phillip, what do you want from me?a aI want you to go to sleep and then tomorrow when there arenat any bruises under your eyes and you arenat as white as newly laundered sheets, I want to very gently speak to you about how a man and his wife do things at night, in bed, in the dark. But youare here and itas very late, and you donat look all that pale anymore.a He stopped, then cursed.

aThat was very good. Iad never heard any curse involving a horseas bodily parts before.a aForget that, I didnat mean anything by it. Itas just that youave taken me by surprise.a aIam just here to see if you want to come to bed, Phillip,a she said patiently. aItas very late, just like you said. You should be in bed. You probably have many things planned on the morrow. You need your rest. Youave done so much this week. Youave done so much for me.a aAll right,a he said and walked to her. She took a step back. He held out his hand but she didnat give him hers. She gave him the candle.

He smiled down at her then, a gentle smile, the sort of smile a parent would bestow on a child.

aYouare very brave, Sabrina.a He gave her back the candle. He patted her cheek. aGo to bed. Tomorrow, one of us can move into another bedchamber.a aYouall also talk to me about those other things as well?a He nodded at her again before she left. Phillip waited in the drawing room until he heard the door of the study open and close. He pictured her walking back up the stairs, that lovely white gown billowing ever so slightly around her bare ankles. Even if he hadnat had woman for a year, even if he was chewing on his knuckles, even if l.u.s.t was threatening to drive him over the edge, he wouldnat have touched that innocent fairy creature. And shead sought him out, offering herself to him. He felt a surge of l.u.s.t and with it a bolt of anger at himself. He wouldnat defile her, scare her, as he knew any sort of lovemaking would.

No, head protect her from himself. He would leave. Greybar was standing right outside the drawing room door beaming. aIt was a splendid occasion, my lord.a Phillip nodded, his thoughts still on Sabrina, on protecting her. aYes, thank everyone for me, Greybar.a aAllow me and the entire staff to wish you and the viscountess happiness.a Greybar hoped his master would understand his subtlety, but he wasnat too hopeful. His lords.h.i.+p had the look of a man on a mission after drinking a good deal of brandy. Why was he leaving? On his wedding night? Head watched from the shadows as the new viscountess had trailed back up the stairs, alone. Then the truth struck him right between the eyes. His lords.h.i.+p was being n.o.ble. Even the lowest scullery maid was well aware of the facts surrounding the viscountas hurried wedding. aPoor little mite,a Mrs. Hawley, the housekeeper, had said earlier that day, shaking her soft gray curls, of which she was inordinately proud, aafter the wedding weall keep her safe and sound with us.a Greybar was very proud of his master at that moment. Head risen above himself. He was showing immense gallantry. He wasnat giving in to a manas baser instincts. No, as a gentleman with money, he would take those instincts elsewhere, where they belonged, and not upstairs where that poor scared little girl was now lying in her virginal nightgown, quite alone and doubtless better off that way. Not that a newly married man should visit his mistress, but perhaps in this case, it was more well done of him than not. The master was young and l.u.s.ty. Because he didnat want to scare his little wife out of her wits, he was taking himself off to relieve himself elsewhere.

He helped his master into his greatcoat and handed him his hat and gloves. Phillip said, aI know youare aware that the new mistress has come through a rather trying time. But itas over now. Sheas young, Greybar, and untried in London ways. Iave decided against taking her to Dinwitty Manor, at least for the time being. She must learn her way here, in London, and I trust that you will a.s.sist her. A dinner party, say next week, will be just the thing to start her off.a aOh yes, my lord, that sounds like an excellent start. Weave a week to get color back into her cheeks, perhaps to add a bit of flesh on her little bones. Oh yes, that would be perfect.a Two hours and five minutes later, after shouting his second release to Martineas newly replastered bedchamber ceiling, Phillip rolled off her and onto his back. He crossed his arms behind his head. He thought of Sabrina benignly now, without any nagging l.u.s.t getting in the way, thought of her lying in his big bed, soft and asleep and him not attacking her.

aYou know, Martine,a he said now, feeling quite pleased with himself and her, aall my friends pulled the wedding off quite nicely. And you have helped me return my thoughts to more practical matters and away from matters of the flesh. Now I can a.s.sist Sabrina to recover her spirit without wanting to kiss her and caress her and just b.l.o.o.d.y look at her until sheas so terrified that shead just swoon right away onto the floor. No, with your help, I can regard her as a pupil whoas bright and willing to learn. But it will be up to her to make her own mark in society. Sheall be quite acceptable once she puts a bit more meat on her bones, thatas what Greybar said, and heas right. But whatas important is that I give her time to get over Trevor, that mangy b.a.s.t.a.r.d. Yes, once that happens, then I can introduce her to what goes on between a husband and a wife.

aExactly how Iam going to proceed I havenat figured out yet, but I thank you for granting me respite. You know how Greybar loves to entertain. Why I already told him that weall have a dinner party next week and thena"a There was a soft snore beside him. Martine was fast asleep. Phillip grinned as he dressed himself and took himself back home.

He fell asleep in a too-short bed in a guest bedchamber just as the dawn was turning the sky a pale pink outside the window. He thought of Sabrina, again without undue l.u.s.t. She was of impeccable breeding; she would make him an excellent wife. Yes, everything would be fine. He was aware of feeling quite pleased with himself as he drifted off into sleep.

31.

Early the next morning, the viscount, wearing a pleased, sated smile, turned to his wife at the breakfast table. aSome bacon, Sabrina? It will help put some meat on you, thatas what Cook said. Did you sleep well?a aI donat care for bacon, but I did sleep well, once I managed to get to sleep. That bed is very big and Iam not used to your house. It was very quiet and then theread be a creak and a little shudder. I dreamed about ghosts and things of that sort.a aIam sorry, but soon youall be used to everything.a She merely nodded and chewed on a slice of toast. She was dressed charmingly, in a high-necked pale pink muslin gown. The pink did wonderful things to her auburn hair and to that white skin of hers, not to mention how it seemed to deepen the violet eyes. He started to compliment her, then decided that it might frighten her, that she might think that he was flattering her so he could hoist her skirts up. So he said nothing, merely kept smiling, determinedly.

aYou wonat have to get used to my bed. Perhaps, if you wish, you can select another bedchamber until we have the viscountessas bedchamber redone. All right?a aDid you sleep in one of the other bedchambers last night, Phillip?a aYes. The bed was a bit on the short side. But it wasnat bad.a She toyed with a crust of toast. He handed her a pot of jam. She said suddenly, aDoris told me I looked like a redheaded angel.a That brought his head up. Head been carving himself a slice of rare beef when shead said that, and he very nearly cut his finger. aA redheaded angel, huh? Iall ask Rohan what he thinks.a aHeas very nice.a aYes. Weave known each other since we were boys. He and Susannah are very close.a aI know. He really missed her. All he could do was talk about her, about Marianne, his daughter, Toby, his brother-in-law, and Jamie, who seems to be a stable lad and sings limericks to his horses.a aYes, heas still besotted with his wife. Sheas pregnant and thatas why she didnat come. He said every time someone said something funny within her hearing, she vomited. He said itas difficult to be melancholy all the time around her but thatas what everyone has to do.a aYes, I know. Will I ever meet her?a aCertainly. Indeed, we can visit them at Mountvale Manor and go to a cat race.a aIave heard that cat races are very popular in the south of England. Grandfather told me all about them. I think heas always wanted to attend one.a aPerhaps all of us can. The most famous is the McCaulty Racetrack near Eastbourne. Theyave met for years every Sat.u.r.day from April to October.a He paused a moment, playing with his fork. aI always wanted a racing cat, but the Harker brothersa"theyare the big trainers down therea"they didnat think I had enough commitment. Oh, well, weall see how you like the compet.i.tion. They wonat begin until the fourth of April. As for right now, I just thought we would remain in London for a while.a She kept chewing on that piece of toast. She heard the rustling of the newspaper and said to the painting of very large painted fruits on the opposite wall, aI donat really feel married at all. I donat feel at all different than I did last night, except that Aunt Barresford isnat here, and that, I can tell you, is very nice.a She was still afraid her world was caved in, he thought. She needed a.s.surance from him and he freely gave it. aJust look at the Mercerault emerald on your finger, Sabrina. That ring has adorned many a Mercerault ladyas finger. I hope you like it since you will wear it until you decide to give it to our sonas bride someday. Youare good and married. Thereas nothing for you to fear now, I swear it to you. Folk will come about, they always do. Thereall be a new scandal that will t.i.tillate them and theyall forget all about you. By the time you have our first child, they will remember only that youare an earlas granddaughter and that you married a very handsome man who dotes on you. What do you think?a She supposed that he could be said to dote, at least in the way he treated her, as if she were a shepherdess figurine atop the mantel. No one had ever treated her like that before. It was very depressing. She looked at him as he forked down a thick bite of sirloin. She smiled. aI think youave very nice, Phillip. But perhaps there is more than just simple doting?a aYes, there is. Now is as good a time to tell you as any. You met Peter Straddling, my solicitor. He will be drawing up the necessary papers so that your funds will return to your name.a He gave her a fat smile. He knew he was a prince among men. She was just staring at him as if she couldnat believe shead heard him aright. Her mouth was actually open. He continued, his voice soft and rich and utterly serious, aI donat want you to feel that I ever married you for the wealth you bring me. I am keeping your dowry, thatas as it should be, but your inheritance of ten thousand pounds will be yours again to do with as you please. Also, youall have a quarterly allowance.a She was still as a stone and wore a particularly vacant look on her face.

aWhat donat you understand?a aI just donat understand you, my lord.a aThe b.l.o.o.d.y ten thousand pounds is yours again, thatas all. Whatas to understand? Whatas right is right. Thereas nothing more to it than that.a Sabrina carefully lowered her fork to her plate. aBut there was no reason for you to do that. Why did you do it?a aI told you. I donat need your money. I donat want anyone saying thatas why I married you. For heavenas sake, Sabrina, you might at least thank me. Youare quite independent now.a She felt the anger bubbling up in her, but it was a helpless anger, an impotent anger, one that was going to choke her if she didnat do something, say something, ah, but to say anything would make her look like an ungrateful idiot. Still, she just couldnat help herself. She slowly rose from her chair, splaying her hands on the table. aIs it, my lord, that you believe that since Iam only a simple female, such concepts involving bargains and honor are beyond my ability to comprehend? It isnat my money, Phillip. We made a bargain, a business agreement, donat you remember? The moment you accepted my offer, it was your money.a aOur bargain,a he said mildly, awas at your insistence.a He shrugged. aListen, Sabrina, that offer of yours allowed you to save face and the both of us to do what had to be done, namely marry before you were buried under the fast-acc.u.mulating piles of nastiness.a She leaned toward him now. He saw the furious pulse in her neck. She was clearly enraged. But what had he done? aYou make me ill. You are so smug, so certain you are the t.i.tan of generosity.a She was shaking now. aHow dare you treat me like some brainless little female whose only motive was to lure your high and mighty lords.h.i.+p into marriage? Save face, ha! What I offered you in return for your precious Mercerault name was all that I could, my lord. It isnat a piddling amount of money. Itas a great deal. It was an honorable offer and I had thought that your acceptance was to be taken in the same light.a He said slowly, not understanding her fury but certainly feeling it, aWhy are you twisting what happened? I have never even hinted that anything youave done was to lure me into marrying you. I saved your hide, and thatas the long and short of it.

aI saved you, Sabrina. Itas the truth. Get used to it. Also, get used to having your money back. What the devil is wrong with you? Didnat you hear what I just said? Good Lord, I must be losing what little bit of brain I still possess.a aYour brain is your own problem, my lord. You refuse to see the point. Why do you want to destroy my honor and treat me like some idiot? Surely you can understand that.a He rose slowly now, their faces not a foot apart. aVery well, madam, it will be as you wish. I shall keep your b.l.o.o.d.y money, all ten thousand pounds of it. Maybe Iall even gamble it away, though Iave never enjoyed gambling that much. Further, madam, if you wish it, we can hold a reckoning at the end of each quarter. I will expect you not to exceed your allowance. Is that what you want, Sabrina, to dance to my tune?a She was shaking. It wasnat his tune she was dancing to, it was societyas tune. But he represented society. He represented all the ridiculous strictures that had brought her low. She said, aAnything, Phillip, anything is preferable to being in your debt. Even the humiliation of a quarterly accounting. As for your n.o.ble male honor, I hope that you choke on it.a aI wanted you to get your spirit back after you were safely wedded to me, madam. However, if that means that youare going to be an irrational, stubborn mule, a girl who is so trapped in her petty little concerns thata"a aIad rather be a mule than a stubborn blind a.s.s.a aI am your husband. You wonat interrupt me again, Sabrina.a aIall do precisely as I wish. I have, after all, paid you quite dearly for that right.a aYou have a lot to learn, Viscountess,a he said easily, for he was in control again. aAs for rights, you have none. You will do what I tell you. An earlas granddaughter you may be, but more to the point is that you are now my wife. Why donat you go to your bedchamber and think about your nonsensical charges and insults? When youare ready to apologize to me, tell Greybar, and he will inform me.a A jar of jam flew past his head.

He could only stare at her. Her b.r.e.a.s.t.s were heaving she was breathing so hard. If he shook her, which is what she deserved, he would probably hurt her. aGo to your room, Sabrina.a aI donat think so,a she said finally. aNo, I believe Iall send a message to Charles Askbridge. Perhaps he would like to take me for a ride in the park. He, at least, isnat an officious tyrant.a aDonat push me, Sabrina, else I shall remove you to Dinwitty Manor where you could cool your ridiculous temper in peaceful solitude.a aYouad like that, wouldnat you? Then you could spend all your nights with your mistress.a She paused a moment at the shocked expression on his face. There were two spots of color on his cheekbones. He looked chagrined. He looked embarra.s.sed and guilty. She wasnat mistaken about that. She blinked as understanding flooded into her brain. She said slowly, aThatas what you did last night, isnat it? You left just after you dismissed me. I thought I heard the front door open and close just before I was back in your bedchamber.

aYou went to your mistress on our wedding night, didnat you? You couldnat be bothered to bed your wife, even spend one night with her, even stay in a bedchamber close to hers, no, you bedded your d.a.m.ned mistress.a He was silent as a stone.

She flung back her head, looking through him. aIt amazes me that you could bed your mistress all the while telling me and anyone else who will listen about how chivalrous you are, how n.o.ble.a aI havenat done that.a aHa! If not out loud, youave preened and strutted about, all confident and smug in your d.a.m.nable generosity. Should I throw myself at your feet, Phillip, for saving me? Should I then kiss your boots? Should I perhaps send a little token of appreciation to your mistress for keeping you away from me on the most special night of a womanas life?a He stared at this wife of his, hearing her rage, her disbelief. He said slowly, getting to what was the most important thing shead said, aIs it really the most special night in a womanas life?a aOnly if the woman knows nothing of what men are really like.a aEnough baiting me. Answer me. Did you want me to stay with you last night?a There came a discreet knock at the dining-room door. aOh, h.e.l.l,a Phillip said. He pointed his finger at her. aYou will answer that question, Sabrina. Oh yes, you most certainly will, as soon as I get rid of this wretched person who is knocking and probably wonat leave until I answer. And you wonat write to Charles. d.a.m.n you, obey me.a He straightened. aCome,a he called out.

aYour carriage is ready, my lord,a Greybar announced, his eyes fastened on his masteras snowy cravat. He wasnat deaf. His relief at seeing the carriage had been boundless. His relief that they were only shouting and not throwing dishes was even more boundless.

aI have no further wish for the carriage, Greybar. Her ladys.h.i.+p will be remaining here. You may tell Lans...o...b.. to bring around my curricle.a Greybar looked ready to argue. He popped his knuckles, something Phillip had never seen him do in his life. He cleared his throat. It nearly sent Phillip over the edge. aThe curricle, Greybar. Now. No arguments. Get to it.a aYes, my lord.a When Greybar had closed the dining-room door behind him, Phillip turned again to his wife. aAnswer my question, Sabrina. Did you want me to stay with you last night?a Shead had two minutes to ready herself. She examined her fingernail. aI said it was the most special night in a womanas life unless she knew what men were really like.a She raised her violet eyes, startlingly dark in her anger. aI have had experience with men, my lord. Trevor taught me a lot. You have taught me even more. Do you think I would want you to maul me as men do women? Do you think Iam completely and utterly stupid?a It wasnat what she would have said before Greybaras unfortunate timing, he was sure of that, but for now, shead dug in her heels. Given the short amount of time shead had to prepare, shead done a good job at slamming him into the floor. aVery well. Since itas obvious you have no wish for my company, I shall take myself off. It is one of your duties to plan the menus with Mrs. Hawley. You will tell her that I shall be eating at my club this evening and wonat be here for dinner. Good day, Sabrina. I hope you wonat choke on your misplaced resentment.a Sabrina didnat leap on him, though she did have two ready fists. aYou never told me if I should buy a small token of my appreciation for your mistress.a aYou will forget that my mistress exists,a he said, and left the dining room before he put her over his knee and pounded her bottom. But he paused, saying over his shoulder, aYou will not throw her up to me again. I forbid it.a He left before she could hurl another pot of jam at him. Head seen another pot on the table, not far from her right hand.

32.

He was pulsing with furious energy, wanting to pound someone, but seeing no likely candidate. Then he smiled. He would be at Gentleman Jacksonas Boxing Saloon in twenty minutes. He spent the next two hours exhausting himself, hurting four men, and sweating until he was blinded with it.

aI would have thought, Derencourt, that you had found more pleasant ways to relieve yourself of such excesses of energy.a Phillip lowered the towel he was using to mop his face. The Earl of March, not long married himself, was regarding him with a good deal of amus.e.m.e.nt.

aGood afternoon, St. Clair. I wish you had come earlier, you could have come into the ring with me.a aAnd let you pound me into the dirt? I donat think so. Allow both Kate and me to wish you happy on your marriage. We only just returned last evening from St. Clair, else I would have been there to waltz with your lovely bride.a aMy d.a.m.ned lovely bride is at this moment amusing herself with Charles Askbridge. I told her she wasnat to see him but I know, I just know, St. Clair, that she disobeyed me the moment I stepped into my curricle, maybe the instant I had stepped out of the front door, maybe while I was still putting my gloves on. She informs me that Charles isnat a tyrant.a aAnd you, I take it, are?a aYes, the silly twit, and after all Iave done for her.a The earl looked with some interest at this outburst from a normally self-possessed and rational man. aI suppose itas a stupid question, Phillip, but what have you done for her?a aWhy, Ia"well, you know, I did save her life.a aYes, that was well done of you.a Phillip stared down at his hands. d.a.m.nation, Julien was right. Sabrina had been right. Head held himself up as a veritable G.o.d among men, n.o.ble, generous, selfless. He wanted to punch himself. Instead, he just stared at his friend of some fifteen years.

The earl said easily, aIt would appear to me that you managed to marry a lovely girl of good breeding and excellent dowry, a lovely girl, who, in the normal course of events, you would have met here in London. Would you have fallen in love with her? Wanted to marry her? Who knows? From what Iave heard, sheas a beauty. Any number of gentlemen would have pursued her. Would you have been the one to win her? Who can say?a ad.a.m.n you, Julien, I hate it when youare right, not that youare necessarily right in this particular instance, but still, itas an annoying habit you have.a He flung down the towel. aIall thank you to keep your valued opinions to yourself. The fact is that she is my wife and it doesnat matter who would have proposed to her if not for this wretched misadventure. Sheas mine now and sheall do as I tell her and thatas an end to it.a aCharles Askbridge, confirmed bachelor that he is, would likely agree with you. I, on the other hand, will offer you but one more opinion. Donat try to break her to bridle, Phillip. With that, my friend, I bid you good day. I have a wife who adores the ices at Gunthers. It pleases me to please her. In fact, it makes my innards melt.a Phillip watched his friend leave the room. He slowly flexed his tired muscles. He hated being wrong. He hated being wrong even more when it was pointed out to him.

Sabrina handed her sable-lined cloak to an unhappy Greybar and stood quietly as a footman divested Charles of his greatcoat and gloves.

When they were in the drawing room, waiting for tea, Charles said, aWhatas wrong with Greybar? I thought he would cry. That, or hit me.a aHe is his masteras servant. His master didnat want me to even see you, thus he didnat either. One thingas for certain, this bunch is loyal to Phillip, all the way to their bone marrow.a Charles walked to the fireplace to warm his hands over the bright blaze. After some moments, he turned to watch Sabrina fidget about the room, unable, it seemed to him, to contain her restless energy. Although head thought it odd for her to ask him to escort her to the park, head agreed, even managing throughout the afternoon to keep his questions to himself. Sabrina had chattered away so persistently throughout their ride, about the most trivial of topics, boring him until he thought head begin snoring on his chest, that Charles was now thrilled that she was at last still. But the fact was head known Sabrina all of her life. It hurt him that she was hurt and trying to hide it.

He said, aWhere is Phillip? I expected to see him upon our return.a She turned to face him. Her face was flushed from the cold wind, her hair in some disarray around her thin face. She shrugged, a nice gesture of indifference that didnat fool him a bit. aI have no idea, Charlie.a aDo you expect him soon?a aThis is his house. I a.s.sume heall come back when it pleases him to do so.a Anger, not defeat, he thought, and said, aListen to me, Sabrina Eversleigh, for the past two hours Iave been battered by silly chatter that has numbed me to my toes. Now I ask you a simple question as to the whereabouts of your husband, and you turn into a snarling dog. Youave only been married for two days. What the h.e.l.l is going on here?a aI might have known youad side with him.a aSide with Phillip? Dammit, I donat even know where he is. Come on, Sabrina,a he said, softening his voice at the misery he saw in those incredible eyes of hers, atell me whatas wrong. Youave known me forever. You know you can trust me. Talk to me.a Greybar entered bearing the heavy silver tea tray. While Sabrina was fussing with the cups, Charles was left to warm his hands and wonder just what the devil was going on here.

When Greybar bowed himself out of the drawing room, looking as disapproving as a nun in a room of harlots, Charles said, aNow, tell me what happened to make Phillip escape from his own house.a He jumped when Sabrina yelled, aYou see, Charlie, you are siding with him. Why do you automatically blame me? Canat you even consider for a single minute that his absence might not be my fault?a aNo, I wonat consider it. Iave known you all your life. Iam used to you and the way you think and the mischief you led poor Margaret into for years and years. But poor Phillip, hea"a aPoor Phillip, you say? Heas not poor, d.a.m.n him. He has my dowry, which is magnificent, and he also has my ten-thousand-pound inheritance. Poor Phillip, ha!a aThatas not what I meant and you know it.a aVery well, your poor Phillip informed me at the breakfast table that he was returning my inheritance to me, so that I would be financially independent.a aHang the b.a.s.t.a.r.d, I say.a aAre you telling me, Charlie, that Phillip didnat tell you about our business agreement?a aA business agreement with you? That makes no sense at all. First of all, gentlemen donat indulge in business, much less indulge in business with ladies.a She looked down at her hands and began to pull relentlessly at her thumbnail. aAfter that horrible night at Almackas, Phillip stayed away from me. It was I who approached him about marriage. It was an honorable bargain we struck, Charlie. He gave me the impression that he needed my money, that we had come to an agreement that benefited us both.a aBy all thatas holy, surely Phillip wouldnat say anything of the kind. Ever since the Dinwitty heiress back in the early part of the last century, the Merceraults have never needed funds. Theyave only increased their wealth the past two generations. Phillip needs your money about as much as he needs a case of the hives.a aI suppose I realized that after this morning at the breakfast table.a She sighed deeply. aIam an heiress, Charlie.a aI know that. Naturally you would be. Now, tell me the truth. Well, now you know that Phillip never wanted nor needed your precious money. Lord, he would have followed the same course even if you hadnat a sou. It sounds to me as if you forced him to subterfuge so that he could do the right thing by you.a aI guess I did know it,a she said in a low voice that made him lean toward her to hear her. aIt was all a sham, a lie.a aI wish you would remember how you turned him down several times. He was responsible for you, even though it was you who plunged him into this entire mess. Well, you certainly didnat mean to, it wasnat at all your fault, but if you hadnat been there, it wouldnat have happened.a aHead still be free if not for me. Oh, donat you understand, Charlie? I didnat want him to marry me for those dreadful reasons. I didnat want a sacrificial husband. I wanted to bring him something, anything besides my sullied reputation.a aIf you would just stop worrying about your own honor and think about his for a momenta"a Sabrina felt tears swim in her eyes. She hated them but she couldnat keep them back. She gulped, raising her eyes. aHe doesnat love me, Charlie. He would never even have known me, much less married me, if it hadnat been for what happened.a aOf course he doesnat love you. How could he? The two of you hardly know each other. As for the other, naturally he would have met you, here in London, when youad come this spring for the season. He probably would have taken one look at you and thrown himself at your feet.a He sat down beside her and patted her shoulder. She turned and buried her face in his neck. aHe didnat spend last nighta"our wedding nighta"with me. He went to his mistress.a Charles felt deep waters close over his head. No, surely Phillip wouldnat have done that. Surely. It wasnat as if Sabrina were as ugly as a doork.n.o.b. She was lovely. In the next instant, he realized his friendas motive. He patted her back. She wasnat crying, just leaning into him, all boneless, like a child. aListen, Sabrina. He didnat want to rush you. He wanted to give you time to get over what Trevor tried to do to you. He didnat want you to be frightened of him. Also you were very ill. Youare still so pale it scares me. No, he was being careful of you and your feelings. Donat hate him for trying to do the right thing by you.a Her bones returned in a flash, her whole body stiffening. Her eyes were narrowed and mean. aAh, I see it all now. Heas so wonderful that he went off and bedded his mistress. It would seem to me, Charlie, that if Phillip were truly the saintly man youave been painting, he wouldnat go sleep with his mistress. Head have stayed here in his own house, in his own bed. I could have slept next to him. He wouldnat have to touch me, not that saintly man. Or, idea of ideas, he could have slept by himself, the entire night, not just the hours before dawn, which is when he probably returned home. Heas a pig, Charlie.a aNo, heas not a pig, trust me on this, Sabrina. The problem is that Phillip is a man whoas used to women, heas used to havinga"a He pulled back, aware of what almost spurted out of his mouth. aI didnat mean that. Just forget it.a aYes, I see,a she said slowly, and he thought that she was now in control of herself. It was an unspeakable relief. A crying woman annihilated him. She said slowly, pulling herself together, aThat would make sense. Of course Phillip would want to bed a woman at night. Itas the way he is. He didnat bed me because he was afraid head scare me. Ah yes, now I understand.a She jumped to her feet and began pacing to and fro in front of him. aThen I suppose itas up to me to show him that Iam quite well again and I wonat run shrieking out of the bedchamber if he kisses me.a aThereas, er, more to what happens between men and women than just kissing.a aI know.a Then she whirled about to face him and she was grinning.

Charles just looked at the bright girl in front of him. It was difficult not to burst into laughter. It was a concept that boggled the braina"Phillip Mercerault was going to be seduced by an eighteen-year-old girl who just also happened to be his wife. He hoped she would succeed. He would also say thirteen prayers that she didnat remember Trevor and get frightened.

aBut you know, Charlie, I donat know what to do about his mistress. I gave him his freedom, you see.a aYou wonat do anything, Sabrina,a Charles said in his firmest voice. aYou will let well enough alone. Your courts.h.i.+p with Phillip, it hasnat exactly been conventional. Take everything slowly. Thatas my advice. Just donat yell at him. He isnat used to it. Heas quite used to having women coo at him and kiss him and tell him heas wonderful.a aYes, but he has to pay them to do that. He doesnat have to pay me. Iam his wife.a She paused, then added, aWell, he will give me a quarterly allowance.a aItas true that he pays them, in some cases.a He started to say more but decided against it. Charles smiled at her and squeezed her hand. aYes, let things progress slowly. Just wait, Sabrina. You know that Phillip probably doesnat know what to do any more than you do. Just give him time. He is quite new to marriage.a aI know, and I suppose Iam an old hand at it. Goodness, Charlie, Iam only eighteen years old.a aThatas true, but ladies seem to know things before gentlemen do, particularly things that involve feelings and such. Yes, Sabrina, keep that tongue of yours leashed. Give him a chance.a aIall wager youave never heard Phillip unleash his tongue.a aWell, I have, but thatas different. Men are supposed to yell and hit each other. Now, Iam leaving. Youave worn me to a bone. Iam exhausted. I have the headache. I want to escape before Phillip comes back and demands to know what I said to you.a

33.

For a moment Martine just stared at her lover. He was the last person shead expected at her door. aPhillip, what the devil are you doing here? Itas early evening. Itas the second evening of your marriage. Surely this isnat how things are done. You were here last night, after all. Donat you like this wife of yours who, I understand, is quite young and lovely and rich as anything? Whatas wrong?a Martine always prided herself on acting the languid beauty. She was serene, she was smoothly flowing in her speech and in the way she made love. But now, she couldnat help herself, she stared nearly openmouthed at him.

aGood evening, Martine,a Phillip said, tossing his greatcoat onto the back of a chair. aYes, Iam here. Yes, itas the second night of my marriage. So? Am I suddenly not welcome?a He strolled over to his staring mistress and kissed her.