Page 44 of Drowned in the Pleasure of a Devilish Baron
“But— no,” Sarah shook her head. “I won’t. I’ve never even heard of this gentleman! How can I possibly marry someone I have never met?”
“That is because he has been away for years, tending to his family’s business in Italy. I have heard he is incredibly cultured, and very,verywealthy.” Her voice turned into a purr at these last words.
“Mother, I do not care one whit if he is cultured or wealthy. Can’t you understand that I am in love with Sir Felix?” Sarah pleaded. Her mother turned uncomprehending eyes on her.
“You may not care if he is cultured or wealthy, but surely you care that he is an Earl? Did you hear me say that?” Her mother truly looked as if this was the only piece of information Sarah needed to change her mind.
“I heard you say that, of course I did. And I don’t care about that, either.”
“Well you had better start caring, my dear, because the gentleman in question will be calling here for dinner tomorrow evening and I expect you to be on your very best behavior,” she said sharply.
“I won’t.” Sarah crossed her arms over her chest. “If you bring that gentleman here tomorrow I shall make a scene. I will act like a madwoman, or tell him straight out that I am in love with another man. You cannot force me to marry him.”
Her mother’s eyes glittered dangerously. “Is this a game you want to play, dear heart? Fine, then. Play, we shall. If you are anything but beautifully dressed and impeccably mannered tomorrow, then I cannot promise that your beloved Sir Felix will not suffer the consequences in your stead.” She tsked softly. “Wouldn’t it be such a shame if something were to happen to him? You know how gossip works in theton.A few little words spread and he’s an outcast. He would be ruined, no chance of marrying anyone at all, or of building his wealth.”
Sarah’s hand flew to her throat at her mother’s words. Was she truly threatening Felix?
“A shame, indeed. Do not test me, my dear. Your brother and I have a great deal riding on this. You will do as you are told.”
Sarah stood, the thoughts of spending the afternoon sewing in the drawing room gone for good. “I will be on my best behavior tomorrow, but I promise you, I will not marry this gentleman, no matter what.”
Without giving her mother time to respond, she fled from the room.
I will find a way out of this if it is the last thing I do.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Sarah woke Sunday morning determined to do something, anything but passively prepare for the evening’s dinner with this Lord Ashton.
I do not care if he is charming, wonderful, and wealthy. I will not marry him.
She needed Juliet’s help, and she needed Felix to know how dire the situation had so quickly become. Perhaps there was a way to get her a letter.
Moving silently, not wanting anyone to know she was awake and then appear in her room, she dashed off a letter to Juliet, in pencil so that she would not have to wait for the ink to dry.
Jules,
Mother has a gentleman coming today to meet me. They have hopes we will marry.
I need your help. Please tell Felix that he must move quickly. He said he was working on a way to change my family’s mind. Whatever he meant by that, time is of the essence now. Please let him know that, and that I will not marry this gentleman, whoever he is. Please tell Felix my heart belongs to him alone.
Sarah
Slipping the letter and pencil into her pocket, she dressed the best she could without the help of Rebecca, resulting in a lumpy mess beneath her gown. She covered it with a cloak and crept downstairs and out into the yard. Their coachman, Mr. James, was drinking from a tin cup of tea in the stable, looking over the horses.
“Mr. James,” she said, startling him.
“Miss Marlow!” He stood up straight, his eyes wide. “What can I do for you?”
“I need your help.” She looked over her shoulder toward the house, which still seemed to be peacefully sleeping. “I know Mother forbade you from carrying me anywhere for now, but surely you can take a letter somewhere for me? It’s urgent, or I would not ask.”
He shifted from foot to foot, avoiding her eyes. “Begging your pardon, miss, but I don’t think I can do anything like that.”
“Please, Mr. James.” She held the letter out to him, but he moved back a few steps, his hands moving in front of him, palms out, as if to ward her off.
“Even if I wanted to, Miss, I simply couldn’t. I’d lose my job if I were to take a horse out without permission from Lord Marlow. I’m truly sorry.” And moving quickly, clearly desperate to be away from her, he left the stables.
Sarah slumped against the stable wall, defeated. He had been her only hope. Rebecca would not even entertain the thought before running to tattle to her mother. She was lost.
