Part 6 (2/2)

aAunt, I can explain all of it. I should have told you last night, but I honestly didnat think anyone would care about what Teresa Elliott had said. I found out differently today. I would have told you, but Lady Morton was here and I gather she couldnat wait to fill your ears. Iam sorry, but please, let me explain.a aYes, Iam positive you would have told me all of it, yes I certainly am. You would have smiled, I a.s.sume, while you confessed your trollopas behavior with Phillip Mercerault in Yorks.h.i.+re. Lord, first Elizabeth and now you. At least your sister didnat come to my home with her reputation in shreds, hoping to pull the wool over my eyes.a aAunt, I donat know what Lady Morton told you, but you must let me explain. You must believe that it is all lies, started by that wretched girl Teresa Elliott.a Lady Barresford stood directly in front of her, her hands fisted at her sides, her face very red. aI see. So you deny that you ran away from Monmouth Abbey?a aNo, of course not. I had to. Trevor tried to rape me. I couldnat stay because Elizabeth took his side. He would have come to my bedchamber if I hadnat run away. He would have succeeded.a aTrevor tried to rape you? Thatas your story. Not a very likely story that, my girl. Heas been married to Elizabeth for only a month. I suppose youall tell me that you didnat spend five daysa”alonea”with Phillip Mercerault.a aI was ill, very ill. He found me unconscious in the snow in Eppingham Forest. I was on my way to Borhamwood, to the stage. I wanted to come to you. He saved my life. There was nothing more than that, Aunt, you must believe me. I could have been his little sister for all he cared. He did nothing. Believe me, I was so ill I couldnat have done anything. It was Charles Askbridge who made Phillip believe head compromised me, but I would have none of it. I did nothing wrong.a Lady Barresford stared down at her in disbelief. aYouare trying to tell me that the viscount agreed that head compromised you? Youare claiming that he made you an offer? That is what you want me to believe now?a Sabrina said quietly, aYes, he made me an offer. I refused him. He didnat compromise me. He saved my life. Why should he have to marry me? He did nothing wrong. I did nothing wrong. We didnat even know each other.a aYou miserable little liar,a Lady Barresford fairly shrieked at her. She waved her fist in Sabrinaas face. aNo girl would be such a fool as to turn down Viscount Derencourt, much less one who has spent five days alone with him. What you really mean to tell me, isnat it, my girl, is that he offered to take you on as his mistress?a aNo, he couldnat do that. Iam an earlas granddaughter. Iam a lady. I donat understand you, Aunt.a aYou seduced him and he offered to let you continue. Thereas nothing difficult to understand in that. Heas a man, a very accomplished, a very handsome, sought-after man. Youare a very stupid girl.a aPhillip could never act like that. Why do you insult him and then call him accomplished and handsome? He is those things and he is also very kind. He was very good to me.a Lady Barresford shook her head in disgust. aIam not insulting him, but to call him kind merely shows what a provincial you are. He has a grand reputation with ladies. He can get any lady he wishes to toss up her skirts for him. He has no interest in marriage. All understand that. He is only twenty-six, after all. There is no way he would offer for you. Youare lying and I wonat have it.a She hit her palm to her forehead. aBut when allas said and done, youare still an earlas granddaughter. What in heavenas name am I to do with you now?a Yet another person to decide what to do with Sabrina Eversleigh, she thought, and stared down at her toes.

aYou will go home to Yorks.h.i.+re,a Lady Barresford said with sudden decision. aYou will try to be conciliating with Elizabeth and Trevor, for there is your grandfather to think about. You donat want to make him more ill than he is now. Yes, you will be nice, you will be civil, you will apologize. I hope Trevor and Elizabeth will forgive you.a Sabrina raised her eyes to her auntas face. aI canat go back to Monmouth Abbey, Aunt. Even though you donat wish to believe me, Trevor did try to rape me. I have no doubt that if I were to return unprotected, he would succeed unless I shot him, and I would have to. Then our line would die out since heas the only male heir. As to Elizabeth, I can no longer live in the same house with her. She has changed toward me.a aDo you blame her? You tried to seduce her husband of one month.a aI did not. Why wonat you believe me?a Lady Barresford looked like she wanted to shoot her. aBelieve you? That is nonsense. You may well be stupid but I am not, Sabrina. Oh, good Lord, what do you intend to do? You must know that after all that has happened, you canat remain here.a Sabrina rose. aYouare wrong, Aunt, about all of it. You wonat even consider that Iam telling you the absolute truth. Why? You said I was stupid and it was nonsense, but it wasnat, itas not.a aDonat be ridiculous. Even blind old Mrs. Baggil could see the truth of this. You stayed with Phillip Mercerault for five days. Of course he bedded you.a aVery well. Iall be out of your house as soon as I can pack.a aAnd just where do you think you are going, miss?a aI wonat be on the streets, if thatas what worries you. You forget that the money you have freely been lavis.h.i.+ng on the both of us belongs to me. I bid you good-bye, Aunt.a aMiss Sabrina.a Sabrina drew her gaze from the wall to her maidas doughy, satisfied face. She just couldnat bear it another moment. Did every person, regardless of station, know of her disgrace and revel in it? She said, her chin up, aI am Lady Sabrina and that is what you will call me. Do you understand?a Hickles obviously understood, but it was a trial for her. She was bored. Accepting the ladyas position, shead thought she would see a procession of gentlemen march through her rooms, but so far, nothing. Just the two of them, and the lady was silent and withdrawn. Finally, Hickles nodded. aLady Sabrina, itas teatime. Would you like me to order it up?a aYes, thank you, Hickles.a She saw the avid gleam in her maidas eyes, heard the ill-disguised impatience in her tone. How odd it is, she thought, staring after the woman, that even the servants knew of her disgrace. She certainly hadnat said anything. How had Hickles known? Of course, something else Hickles knew very well was that she was the only one to provide Sabrinaa”an eighteen-year-old-girla”with any respectability at all.

Sabrina watched the clock on the mantelpiece move its arms slowly into evening. She had no desire to leave the Cavendish Hotel for fear that she would meet someone she knew, or more accurately someone who knew her. She thought of the gentleman who had openly ogled her. She wished he were here so she could hit him.

When the clock finished chiming its four strokes, she realized with something of a start that it was Tuesday afternoon. She was to have ridden in the park with Phillip on Monday. She wondered if head been delayed at his home and was unaware of what had happened to her.

Phillip had known everything, had warned her again and again, and shead laughed in his face. She looked at herself in the narrow mirror over the mantelpiece. Her face was a strangeras, set, thin, dark circles beneath her eyes.

aItas been proved,a she said to that pathetic stranger in the mirror, ayouare a fool. A very stupid fool. A fool who has no future. All you have is a string of days that will stretch out without end into months and then into years.a She felt sudden fury at the injustice of it all and smashed her fisted hand into the mirror. The gla.s.s shattered and she looked at the blood that was beginning to trickle down her fingers.

Toward midnight, after hours of frustrated thinking, an idea came to her. The world hadnat changed, but she certainly had. Shead nurtured romantic ideas about a future that could no longer be hers, then shead allowed herself to wallow in self-pity, to act the broken, helpless female.

Yes, finally an idea. She would have to have the resolve to get it done. But she could do it. She knew she could do it. She finally fell into a deep sleep.

Phillip didnat return to London on Monday. He returned from Dinwitty Manor on Sat.u.r.day, earlier than expected. The fact of the matter was, he had missed her, curse those incredible violet eyes of hers. He couldnat stop thinking about her, wondering what she was doing, wondering if she was finally well and back to her former energy, which he imagined was formidable, hoping she was eating enough, wondering if she would like Cookas offerings here at Dinwitty Manor, and knew shead swoon at the food here, everyone did.

Head come back to disaster. He sat now in the library of his town house on Wednesday, staring thoughtfully into s.p.a.ce, his fingers wrapped about a folded piece of stationery.

It had taken nearly more determination than he laid claim to not to go to Sabrina as soon as head known the full extent of her disgrace. Head even had Dambler speak to other servants so that he would know everything. It was bad. But head stayed put. He guessed that if head gone to the Cavendish Hotel on Sat.u.r.day or even Sunday or Monday, she would have been more furious than reasonable. He could easily imagine her anger, her bitterness, her sense of injustice at what had happened. Head even wondered if shead blamed him for being right. Of course she would. The messenger always got the knife in the innards.

He unfolded the note and read it swiftly through once again. At last. He doubted he could have stayed away from her much longer. She had a business matter to discuss with him, did she? At least she still had guts. Shead thought it all through and come up with a solution. He couldnat wait to hear what she had to say. It seemed to him now that head done the right thing by not going to her immediately, by offering his services yet again. No, now she was the one to offer. Shead finally come to her senses. He wondered as he allowed Dambler to a.s.sist him to dress exactly what she would say to him.

27.

On Wednesday at half past four in the afternoon, Viscount Derencourt lightly knocked on the door of the suite of rooms at the Cavendish Hotel. Thank the good Lord she had money. Head found that out quickly. If she hadnat secured her inheritance, he would have gone to her immediately.

A heavy woman of indeterminate age and frankly vulgar manner admitted him as if he were a prize goose for her dinner.

aIam Viscount Derencourt. You may announce me to your mistress.a He was haughty and cold, guessing that Sabrina had endured more than enough disapproval from this wretched person. There was an avidity in her that truly repelled him. He wondered how she behaved around Sabrina.

aAfter youave announced me, you may take yourself off.a He saw the womanas slack-jawed disappointment before she turned and led him into a small drawing room.

aLady Sabrina, Viscount Derencourt is here to see you.a Although Sabrina had dressed herself with care, Phillip was appalled at her appearance. Her face was pale and drawn and she looked at him as if she fully expected him to denounce her, just as everyone else had.

aMy lord, Iam delighted you could come,a she said with such fear he wanted to simply take her in his arms and tell her never to worry about another thing for as long as she lived. But he couldnat. She had a business proposition for him. He would play by the rules shead set. He didnat move. He watched her turn to the officious maid. aHickles, you may go now. Do dress warmly, for it is quite chilly outside.a Phillip shrugged out of his greatcoat and gloves. As Sabrina took them, he said, aWhat did you do to your hand? Hold still, let me see.a aItas nothing,a she said and whipped her bandaged hand behind her. aThank you for coming, my lord. Will you please be seated?a aNo, I first want to see what you did to your hand. Who bandaged it? A blind beggar?a aNo, I did. It was difficult to bandage it well with just one hand. I cut it on a mirror. It isnat important. It doesnat hurt at all.a But he just stood there, his hands out. Finally, with a snort, she brought up her hand. He unwrapped the bandage and laid the cut bare. aItas not too bad,a he said finally, abut I want to pour some brandy on it, just to make sure itas really clean. Do you have anything of that sort here?a She nodded and turned away to the sideboard. The brandy was probably very cheap, but as medicine it surely wouldnat matter.

aCome here,a he said, and walked to the window. He opened it, then held her hand outside. He poured the brandy over her hand. She didnat even jerk or moan. Fortunately there was no one walking below at that particular moment.

aNow, let me bandage this right. Did that hurt?a Her hand was burning like it was on fire, but she shook her head. He wrapped her own bandage very carefully around her hand, then knotted it. aThere, how does that feel?a aItas fine, thank you.a aWould you like to tell me how you did it?a aNo. I was simply clumsy. Really, itas not important. Please, my lord.a He nodded and sat down. He steepled his fingers and smiled at her.

aWould you care for tea?a aNo. I daresay that conversation is what I would like most of all right at this moment.a aVery well.a She sat down opposite him. She was calm, seemingly in excellent control of herself. She was behaving quite well. If he showed her his concern, she would likely think that he was pitying her, and that, he knew, she would never accept.

She didnat say anything, just stared at him. To get her started, he said, aI received your note, Sabrina. You wrote that you have a business matter to discuss with me?a aYes, I do,a she said finally, staring at a point just behind his left shoulder. aI suppose you know why Iam here.a aOh, yes,a he said easily. aI returned to London last Sat.u.r.day. I must say that youare quite the talk. The stories have gotten so extraordinary that neither you nor I could be considered just ordinary human beings. My prowess alone must make every man in London gnash his teeth in envy.a She stared at him, in his face now. aYou returned on Sat.u.r.day? You knew what had happened and you did nothing? Itas Wednesday. Wednesday!a aYes, thatas true. Now, what is your business matter?a She rose and drew herself up ramrod stiff. aYouare right, my lorda”a aPhillip.a aWell, yes, you are Phillip. You were right about everything. I find that Iam disgraced, all because of one lady, Miss Teresa Elliott, who, I believe, wants you for herself. Even though I told her that she could have you, with my blessing, it didnat matter. As you said, my lord, it would take but one vicious tongue and the damage would be done. My aunt, unfortunately, was not at all inclined to take my part in the matter; indeed, she believed everything anyone told her. She wanted me to return to Monmouth Abbey. You know I couldnat do that, so I left her house.a aI wonat waste your time reminding you that I told you this would happen.a aThank you. I appreciate your restraint.a He just smiled at her. aYes. And this famous business matter of yours?a aIave thought about this a lot. Iave never been without friends nor so much alone in my life, and I donat want to continue in this way. Itas very difficult. Itas perhaps even more than difficult. Itas d.a.m.ning. I canat continue to do it.a He could well imagine. So even marriage to him was preferable, he thought, without too much pain to his own vanity. It had cost her a great deal to admit this, particularly to him.

aSo you are lonely and alone. You donat like it. So what is it you want to do, Sabrina?a aI want to make you an offer. I want you to marry me. Itas an honorable offer, Phillip. If you agree, you can have my remaining nine thousand five hundred and fifty pounds and my dowry. I have no idea how large it is, but it is probably sizable. The reason the ten thousand pounds isnat intact is because my aunt Barresford dipped quite liberally into my funds, for both of us.a aYouare doubtless an heiress, Sabrina. Probably as much of an heiress as the Dinwitty lady back in the last century. That in itself makes this a very tempting business offer. Now, let me understand you. If I marry you, you will turn all your fortune over to me?a She hated the sound of it, hated giving away her independence. Shead only had it for five days. He sounded indifferent, as if they were counting sheep or turnips, as if it werenat about marriage and about her future and saving her. aYes,a she said, forcing herself to keep calm, matter-of-fact. aIn addition to all my money, well, I have given this a lot of thought.a She cleared her throat. It wouldnat be so difficult to say once it was out of her mouth. aI will also offer you your freedom. Youare young for a man, which I donat understand since youare eight years older than I am, but youare considered younger than I for marriage purposes. In any case, you are not through spreading yourself throughout all the ladies of London. You may continue to spread yourself to the extent you wish to do so. My aunt told me that youad never willingly wed as yet, because of all the still available ladies that youad want to enjoy. Thus I knew I would have to make my offer worth your while.a aAh, I understand now. Youare offering me my freedom, without any interference from you.a aYes.a Phillip laughed, he couldnat help himself. aI already have my freedom, Sabrina. Marriage doesnat curtail a manas freedom unless heas a fool. Isnat there something else besides all your funds to interest me?a She looked away, unwilling to let him see how his careless words sliced into her. She said barely above a whisper, aYou can also have me if that is of any interest to you. But Iam sure you already know that Iam young and ignorant and really not at all toothsome. Iam probably nothing close to the ladies you can choose from. But there it is. I have nothing else, other than my mare, who is at Monmouth Abbey, and sheas lame.a aA mare is something, even a lame one.a She raised her head at that and he saw the beginnings of outrage. Excellent. aI am something as well.a aYes, I suppose you are. Now, in addition to my freedom, which I already have, my part in all these machinations is to save you from disgrace. Give you the protection of my name.a aThatas right.a It sounded pathetic put that way. She was pathetic. There was no way around that. She waited to see what head say. Shead never hated anything quite so much in her life, except, of course, being at Trevoras mercy.

He rose and extended his hand. She gave him hers and he shook it. aI will accept your offer, Sabrina.a For a moment he thought she would faint with relief. Then color flooded her face, healthy color. He looked into that thin vivid face of hers, into those incredible eyes. aI seem to recall you saying that you wouldnat marry where there is no love.a She wanted to strike him, but she knew she couldnat. She was the supplicant. But she was furious and he knew she was furious and she was certain he mocked her. aYouare not stupid,a she said. aEverything has changed. My former life is gone. Actually, here Iam going to marry you and I donat even like you at this moment.a And then the bitterness flowed out of her mouth. She simply couldnat help it. aI canat believe it! Youare still wonderful, greeted warmly by both men and women, invited everywhere. Youare not seen as morally bankrupt, but I am. Itas not fair!a aThatas true. Iave never understood it myself, but thatas the way things work. I told you once that I knew this jungle very well and that you didnat. Play by the rules, Sabrina, and youall survive this. Youave already asked me to marry you. Marrying me was rule number one. You see, youare already learning.a He sat back down in his chair and stretched his long legs out in front of him. He leaned back, lacing his fingers behind his head.

aI will learn all your d.a.m.nable rules. Now, would you care for more tea?a Phillip sat forward suddenly and tapped his fingertips together. aTell me, Sabrina, do you really offer yourself to me as well as your money and your horse?a Her hand shook. He saw it and she cursed. He heard that and smiled. aIf I must,a she said at last. aBut itas true, what I said. Iam not beautiful, Iam skinny, and I donat know anything. If you werenat disgusted with me, then youad laugh.a aI see. Now, you offered me my freedoma”a aYes.a aA freedom I already have. Now my question is do you intend to take a lover?a She turned as white as the walls. aOh no, thatas repellent! After Trevora”oh no, never.a aBut youave offered me your own precious self. Will you be able to survive it if I lay my hands on you?a She looked at her feet. aI donat know. I also donat know whatas involved in this mating business. From my experience with Trevor, I never want to have anything to do with any of it.a aWhat if I told you that itas not that bad at all? That, given the right man, you just may find you like lovemaking.a aNo, at least I canat imagine enjoying it right now. Iall do my duty. I promised. Yes, I told you that you could have me if you wished. I will keep to my end of the bargain.a aThat sounds just dandy,a Phillip said, and pictured Sabrina lying still as a statue on the bed with him panting over her. It was an awful vision. Still, he knew what had happened to her. Head been a b.a.s.t.a.r.d even to bring up the matter. She was terrified of men, and no wonder.

He rose and placed his hand on her shoulder. She stiffened. He wasnat surprised, but something inside him tightened, just a bit.

aSabrina,a he said, his voice gentle as a soft summer rain, aIam sorry to frighten you. It wasnat well done of me. Youare safe from me, I swear it to you. I will never force you to do anything that frightens or repels you. Iam happy to accept your offer. I will try to make you a good husband.a He paused a moment and lightly flicked his finger over her cheek. aWe will do well together, youall see. Now, there is much to be done.a She looked up at him, her expression grave. aIs there a chance that my shame will bring you disgrace?a aNo. Most people will think that Iave done the right thing. Trust me to see that no one will ever hurt you again. Will you?a aMy money is sufficient for you to make the sacrifice?a aMore than sufficient. However, if I ever find myself reduced to living in a ditch, why, Iall just strangle you and find myself another heiress.a He was kind. She was relieved. Indeed, she found the remnant of a smile. aI donat want you to live in a ditch. I will school myself to practice the most stringent economies.a He pulled her to her feet and lightly kissed her brow. aIall teach you how to make viscountas bread.a aOur first economy,a she said and let him draw her against his chest. For a moment she rested her cheek against his shoulder. She was no longer afraid. aIall try to make you a good wife, Phillip, I swear it.a He gave a low, deep laugh, then hugged her tightly. aA good wife. Now that is an appalling thought.a

28.

Phillip stood by the mantelpiece in the library of his town house. He looked first at Charles Askbridge and then at Rohan Carrington.

aI believe thatas the whole of it. Charlie, can you think of anything else to help Rohan get the full picture of this wretched debacle?a aNo, but I donat mind telling you Iam more relieved than I can say that Sabrina has finally come to her senses.a Rohan Carrington, Baron Mountvale, was shaking his head. aThis makes my belly cramp, Phillip. Oh, I know it isnat all that unusual, but to actually hear firsthand how a supposedly honorable man tried to rape an innocent girl under his protection. I really would prefer to kill him. If I were the old earl, I wouldnat want that manas blood in my future generations.a Phillip nodded. aAll of us would like to kill him, but it comes down to preserving the line. The rotter is the next earl, curse his miserable hide, bad blood and all.a Charles said, aAt least Phillip has ensured that Trevor and Elizabeth will tell no more lies about Sabrina.a aI still would like to kill him. So would Susannah,a Rohan added, picturing his wife of six months in his mindas eye and her rage upon hearing this.

Phillip said, aMy G.o.d, the fellow will be my brother-in-law. Howas that for a fist in the face?a Rohan Carrington said, aWhat do you want us to do, Phillip?a aI need you to be your most autocratic and persuasive, Rohan. Do you think we can pull it off?a aOh yes,a Rohan said, sipping his brandy. aThereas but one problem I see looming and that is the aunt, Lady Barresford. If she can be brought around to see reason, then I daresay we shouldnat have much difficulty with the rest of society. Itas the relatives that always cause the most problems. Itas a pity my mother isnat here. She could deal with Lady Barresford and still have enough energy to waltz the entire night.a aAh no, Rohan, leave that lady to me.a He actually rubbed his hands together. aOh yes, I want the privilege of dealing with that one. Not only will she reinstate Sabrina in her good graces for all society to see, she will also hold the private ceremony at her home. The wedding festivities will, of course, be held here.a aHow much time do we have?a Charles asked.

aI want the ring on her finger by Sat.u.r.day afternoon. In short, gentlemen, we have four days.a Actually, what Phillip wanted more than anything was to see Sabrina smile.

aThis is close to a miracle youare asking for,a Charles said.

aThatas right,a Phillip said and grinned at them. aWhy do you think I got the two of you over here? Well, shall we take on the world?a Rohan raised his gla.s.s. aTo your imminent demise as a bachelor. Itas not bad, Phillip, trust me. Susannahas my very best friend. Actually, truth be told, I really canat imagine how I got along without her.a aIall remain a bachelor,a Charles said. He drank down the rest of his brandy. aItas a challenge to while away the winter hours. Very well, Phillip. Iam off to Whiteas to begin working my magic.a aAnd I,a Rohan said, shaking Phillipas hand, aam off to see my dearest friend, Lady Sally Jersey.a aThank you both,a Phillip said. aReally, thank you.a After Rohan Carrington took his leave, Charles said, aWhat do you intend to do about Teresa Elliott? It is she, you know, who brought the whole thing about in the first place.a Phillip shrugged. aIf it hadnat been Teresa, it would have been someone else.a aTeresa wanted you. What if she treats Sabrina badly?a aWhy, Iall ruin her.a Charles nodded. He believed him.

aBesides, Charles, after we get this d.a.m.ned wedding over with and Sabrina has a chance to settle down, Teresa Elliott will discover quickly that sheas no match at all for Viscountess Derencourt.a The following morning, after fortifying himself with two strong cups of Spanish coffee and a haunch of rare sirloin, Phillip drove his curricle to the Barresford town house. Although the day was overcast, he was in good spirits; indeed, he was looking forward to his meeting with Lady Barresford. He jumped lightly from his curricle, tossed the reins to his tiger, Lans...o...b.., and walked up the wide front steps.

aI shall announce myself,a he said to the butler. He heard the man groan as he made his way to the Barresford drawing room on the second floor. He wasnat at all surprised that the butler knew exactly who he was. He doubtless knew everything, like every servant in London.

aGood morning, maaam,a he said in an obnoxiously cheerful voice as he walked into the drawing room.

Lady Barresford was on her feet in a surprisingly short amount of time, given her bulk. aMy lord. What are you doing here?a He saw the pen and stationery spread on the small writing table. He wondered how many letters shead already written, bemoaning her betrayal by her immoral niece. His smile never slipped.

aI hope youall forgive me visiting at such an early hour, maaam. However, you already seem to be quite busy writing letters. Now I can provide you with good news to write.a aYou will leave, my lord. I have nothing at all to say to you.a She took a step toward him and waved her fat hands toward the door. aI imagine youare here to plead for Sabrina, but it will do you no good. I will never speak to her again. Leave, if you please.a He eyed her with a joyful expression. aSurely, maaam, you would like to visit for a little while with your future nephew-in-law?a Lady Barresford slowly lowered her hand. She stared at him. aI donat believe you. You havenat offered for her, itas impossible. No gentleman would, at least not now, now that itas known what she is, and everyone has had the opportunity to chew it over for a week.a aNot so impossible. Iave offered for Sabrina several times, maaam. I suppose I must thank you. If you hadnat treated her so badly I doubt she would have ever accepted my offer.a aYou wouldnat dare call my behavior into question, my lord.a aWhat I would say, maaam, is that my future wife doesnat appear to be blessed with relatives who care for her, protect her, and, naturally, take her side. However, Iam more concerned now with societyas behavior. I think that we can, together, turn off most of the gossip. Within a month there will be a new and more diverting scandal that will make everyone forget everything.a Lady Barresfordas mighty bosom was heaving. She was angry and she allowed her anger full rein. aThat little creature is a disgrace to the Eversleighs and to the Barresfords. Lies she told me, all lies. Who could believe such absurd tales as she told?a aAnyone who knows her even slightly would believe her. She doesnat lie. However, itas immaterial to me whether or not you believe her or me. What is important, however, is her acceptance by society, as my wife.a Lady Barresford said with a good deal of satisfaction, aNo one with any decency will ever recognize her again. As for you, my lord, were I you, I should seriously wonder how many men sheas been with before you marry her.a Phillip pictured her wrinkled throat between his hands. But telling her what he thought of her wasnat the best approach. He would save that for a special treat at a future date. But his voice was very hard as he said, aListen to me, maaam, I have had enough of your tiresome venom. Youare speaking of your niece and my betrothed. You will now oblige me by sitting down and listening to what I have to say.a Lady Barresford didnat want to sit. She wanted to rant, to tell him how Sabrina had deceived her, but the viscount looked determined. It occurred to her then that perhaps it would be better if Sabrina could be rehabilitated. Surely it would reflect on her if Sabrina was tossed out of London. She sat down.

aHere is whatas going to happen, maaam. Sabrina and I will be married here in a small ceremony on Sat.u.r.day. I will return her to you tomorrow and you will treat her with the respect she deserves.a aLet her back into my house? Thatas ridiculous. Why, look at all the little wretch has done to me! If my reputation werenat so excellent, her actions could have brought me low.a Phillip wanted to strangle her, but he smiled instead. aIn short, maaam, we could have a scandal that perhaps could touch you, bring you low, just as you said. Would it not be preferable to scotch all gossip now? Can you think of a better solution than to have Sabrina safely wed to me? I a.s.sure you that my friends are at this moment putting a stop to most of the gossip-mongering. You wonat have to fear for your position in society, maaam, if you give in now.

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