Page 30 of Marriage with a Proper Stranger

Chapter 12

The trip to London passed by in a complete blur. Sabrina and Mary sat on one side of the crowded carriage, while Riordan sat opposite. They were all crammed in like sardines in a tin, which made private conversation difficult. The older woman next to her continually sneezed the entire trip, and she smelled of olive oil, which supported the sardine analogy.

When they arrived in the city they took a hansom cab from the carriage stop to the inn. Thankfully it was not far, as the conveyance barely had room for the three of them. Sabrina became engulfed in heat—Riordan’s body pressed against hers from shoulder to calf. Since the kiss, she reacted to his nearness more than ever before.

Settled in their room, Sabrina expressed her desire to take a nap, but Riordan had acquired a small private dining area for supper. Mary informed him that she would take a tray in the room, effectively leaving Sabrina alone with Riordan. “I insist you come with me,” Sabrina pouted when they were alone.

Mary pulled a book from her carpetbag. “I would rather curl up here by the fire, read, and eat at my leisure.”

“So would I,” Sabrina replied.

“My lady, you should join Mr. Black. He’s gone to a good deal of trouble to arrange all of this for you. Besides, you had best become used to being alone with him. He is not the old earl. Mr. Black will wish for you to engage in conversation, act interested in him and what he’s doing or saying. I know it will be an adjustment after the lonely life you spent with that horrid man.” Mary paused, giving her an encouraging smile. “Come out of the shadows and look at the sun full on, my lady. Revel in the comforting heat and glory of the dazzling light. And I must say, Mr. Black is all warmth and brightness.”

Mary was correct, as usual. “Yes,” Sabrina replied. “He is.” Should she mention the kiss? Not tonight. No doubt it had been an aberration, nothing more. “Yet I cannot allow myself to grow attached to him. He is younger and beneath me socially, at least Society says it matters. I do not want or need a man for the long term.” She crossed her arms defiantly.

Mary shook her head. “None of it will matter if love is involved. Remember to be open to new experiences, wherever they may lead, my lady.”

“I will try, but I must protect…protect…”

“Your guarded heart? Your sensitive soul? Your hurt feelings?”

“Oh, Mary, you do have a way of getting directly to the core of the matter. Yes. Everything you mentioned. But also my damaged trust and deep-seated fears. My wounded pride. My lost innocence.” Sabina tossed her shawl about her shoulders. “I do not want to like him…but I do. I do not want to be attracted to him…but I am. It can go no further.”

Mary nodded, though her expression was dubious. “As you wish, my lady. Enjoy the meal and the conversation.”

Giving the slightest hint of a smile, Sabrina grabbed the doorknob. “And bask in his brilliance?”

Mary laughed. “Yes. Revel in it, in fact.”

Sabrina opened the door to find Riordan standing there. What had he overheard? Thank goodness he gave no indication that he’d heard any of the conversation. He wore his frock coat, with a white cravat tied simply at his throat. She stepped into the hall, closing the door behind her. Acting the gentleman, he placed his hand at her back, barely making contact, but enough for her to be aware of his touch. He guided her toward the small dining area in the rear of the inn.

“We are in luck; a private room was available. No peers staying here tonight. Well, besides you. I do hope you like roast turkey. I’m told it is the main course.”

They entered the room, and Sabrina was struck by how cozy and welcoming it appeared. A fire blazed in the stone hearth, and nearby stood an oak dining table set, complete with linen tablecloth and lit candles. Riordan pulled out her chair and she took a seat. “The journey has made me hungry,” she said as she arranged her skirts.

“Me as well. You don’t mind that we will return to Carrbury as soon as the ceremony concludes? Well, two hours after.” He sat opposite her. “There are a couple of shops in the vicinity you may wish to browse before we catch the mail coach. There is a bookshop, a dress shop—”

“Oh, yes. Especially the book dealer. I’m a voracious reader, as is Mary. How thoughtful of you.”

Riordan smiled broadly. “Your eyes are twinkling. First time they’ve done so since we’ve become acquainted.” He leaned in and murmured, “The green shade in your hazel eyes is pronounced, and it glitters like emeralds.”

Heat infused her cheeks. Oh, he was a shameless flirt, but the words were not insincerely spoken. It pleased her, for she was not used to such attention from a man, mainly because she was never given the opportunity to enjoy a season, or the company of any gentlemen close to her own age. Pepperdon could not be bothered with compliments and words of affection. He preferred insults, or hurling licentious phrases at her when he bothered to speak at all.

No. She would not think of that disgusting man. Not while she basked in the glow of Riordan’s company. Oh, Mary had the right of it. Warmth and brightness. No more cold darkness. “Thank you. I believe you’re the first man to compliment my eyes.”

“Am I? I’m honored. I confess I’m not a skilled flirt, so any praise is sincerely meant. I shall endeavor to do it more often.” He took a sip of water. “It is settled. A shopping excursion before we depart.”

A woman bustled into the room carrying a large tray laden with food. She was followed by a man, no doubt the innkeeper. The woman laid full platters in front of them as the man poured white wine into the crystal goblets. “If you need anything else at all, Mr. Black, let us know,” the woman said.

“Fresh bread perhaps?”

“Oh, blimey! I knew I forgot summat.” She scurried away.

“Mr. Beacon, this is my fiancée, Lady Pepperdon. My dear, this is Mr. Beacon, owner of this fine establishment.”

My dear? Fiancée? The words arrowed straight to her heart, causing it to swell with delight. She gave the innkeeper a polite incline of her head. Good heavens, she was a fiancée.

“A lady?” The innkeeper bowed, clearly flustered from the revelation that she was of the peerage. “Welcome, my lady. Anything we can do for you, the wife and I are at your service.”