No Decent Gentleman Page 5

  Sabrina gazed up at the night sky. Again, no moon shone overhead, only hundreds of tiny, distant stars.

  "Tell me about yourself," Sabrina said, trying to make conversation.

  "There is nothing to tell."

  "I know you are a successful businessman and a peer of the realm," Sabrina said.

  Adam nodded. "That much is true. As you know, my mother was the duke's sister, and my father hailed from another country."

  "You are only half English," Sabrina said. "Where did your father come from?"

  "Near the Mediterranean."

  Sabrina suppressed the feeling that he was hedging on the truth. "The south of France?" she persisted.

  Adam seemed to hesitate, but then inclined his head.

  "Did you always live in England?" she asked.

  "I was ten years old when my father died," he answered. "My mother sent me to be educated in England. Then she passed out of my life too."

  "So young to be orphaned," Sabrina said. Glancing sidelong at him, she asked, "Why do you carry the St. Aubyn name instead of your father's?"

  "My uncle adopted me when he made me his heir," Adam answered. "Uncle Charles's wife died miscarrying his child, and he never remarried."

  "How sad for both of you," Sabrina replied. "I'm glad that you have each other. How did you—"

  Adam stopped walking and turned to her, saying, "You are very curious, Princess."

  "I apologize for prying," Sabrina said, flustered by his intense gaze.

  "Ask me anything."

  "Where did you get that scar?"

  "Eton," he answered, touching the trace of scar that ran from the corner of his mouth to his right cheekbone.

  Ask him anything, Sabrina thought, but he won't give me a straight answer. "How did you get it?" she asked.

  "I was involved in a fight." Adam stepped closer and gazed down at her. In a husky voice he asked, "Where did you get those disarming green eyes?"

  Sabrina blushed furiously. She could feel the heat emanating from her cheeks and hoped the darkness would cover her embarrassment.

  Without warning, Adam reached out and gently placed the palm of his hand against her cheek. "Why are you blushing?" he asked. "I hope I'm not making you feel uncomfortable."

  If possible, Sabrina felt her blush deepening. Redheads were absolutely the worst blushers in the world.

  "I spent an hour in your father's study just staring at your portrait," Adam said in a husky voice. "You have the most arresting face and eyes."

  How should she reply to that? Sabrina wondered, feeling awkward. She dropped her gaze to the ground between them. Somehow, his staring at her portrait made her feel vulnerable. No man had ever spoken so intimately to her.

  "Look at me," Adam said quietly.

  Sabrina raised her gaze to his chest.

  "A little higher, please," he added with laughter lurking in his voice.

  Sabrina lifted her gaze to his and became mesmerized by his penetrating blue eyes. When he dipped his head closer to her face, his clean, spicy bay scent intoxicated her senses and her heartbeat quickened. His lips were periously close to claiming hers.

  "The past few days have been difficult," Sabrina said, stepping back a pace. "I would like to retire now."

  Adam inclined his head. "Run along inside. I want to steal a few more minutes before facing my business ledgers."

  The short distance to the front door seemed like a million miles away. Forcing herself to walk with slow dignity, Sabrina felt his gaze on her every step of the way and berated herself for retreating from what would have been her first kiss.

  When she entered the foyer, Forbes was there to take her cloak. "His lordship will be returning shortly to work on his ledgers," she told the majordomo. "Set a tray of nougats, Turkish delights, and port in the study."

  "Yes, my lady."

  Taking a night candle in hand, Sabrina climbed the stairs to the third floor where her bedchamber was located. She set the candle on the dresser, but instead of changing into her nightshift, she crossed the room to the window.

  Sabrina gently drew the curtain aside and peered into the night. In the drive below her window, she spied the telltale glow of the marquess's cigar. The glow seemed like a lonely firefly trying in vain to brighten the night.

  The sight of that solitary pinpoint of light made her feel strangely sad. Sabrina had the feeling that, in spite of his immense wealth and title, the marquess was as lonely as she.

  Sabrina smiled at herself. What foolishness was this? The Marquess of Stonehurst was exactly what he appeared to be—a worldly aristocrat who had never known a moment of insecurity in his life.

  "Here she comes now," Aunt Tess said.

  Walking into the drawing room the next afternoon at teatime, Sabrina sat down beside her sister on the sofa. Across from them sat Aunt Tess and Lady DeFaye. Uncle Charles looked comfortable in the upholstered chair near the sofa, while Adam stood near the hearth.

  A platter of cucumber sandwiches and a plum cake sat on the rectangular table perched between the two sofas. Forbes poured tea into porcelain cups from the service's matching teapot.

  Sabrina glanced at the marquess. His attention was on Forbes. Without a word, Adam caught the major-domo's eye and gave him a pointed look. Forbes left the drawing room and closed the door behind him.

  Sabrina thought that was odd. In her memory, nobody had ever closed the door during teatime.

  The Duke of Kingston peered over his shoulder as if verifying that the door was closed. Then he turned his full attention on Sabrina and Courtney.

  "Rather than boring you with all of those tedious legal terms, I decided to tell you in my own words what your father's last will and codicil states," the duke began. "Of course, you are welcome to read it yourselves if you wish. I hope you have no objection to Belladonna and Adam listening since they will be indirectly involved in this matter."

  Adam St. Aubyn involved in her father's last will? Sabrina thought in surprise. Uncle Charles probably meant receivership of the Savage properties.

  "Sabrina?"

  "I have no objection," she said, focusing on him.

  "Your father designated Tess and me as guardians until you wed or reach the age of twenty-one," the Duke of Kingston informed her, smiling fondly at her aunt. "In the event that we die before that time, Prince Adolphus will become your guardian."

  "Prince Adolphus will be our guardian?" Courtney echoed in excited surprise.

  "Only if both Aunt Tess and Uncle Charles die," Sabrina said, touching her sister's hand. "We wouldn't want that to happen."

  "Oh, no," Courtney said. "I only meant—"

  "We know what you meant," Sabrina said. "Please continue, Uncle Charles."

  "Your father wanted stipends for Courtney and Tess placed in trust with Adam," the duke continued. "I suppose he judged that a successful businessman would be wise enough to make those stipends grow through investments. The remainder of the Savage assets are bequeathed to you, Sabrina, because you are the oldest child. With Prince Adolphus's assistance, your father managed to obtain royal permission to pass his title to you rather than let it die with him. Child, you are now the Countess of Abingdon."

  Sabrina was so surprised by this turn of events she didn't know what to say. Courtney giggled. "Must we curtsey to you?" she asked her sister.

  Sabrina gave her an unamused look.

  "Does this mean you'll never cook for us again?" Courtney asked.

  "I will always cook and bake for you," Sabrina answered with a smile. "How could I not when you are so flatteringly appreciative?"

  "Tell them about the codicil." Aunt Tess spoke for the first time.

  "Your father believed that life must always move forward," the duke told them. "His codicil states that he did not want his death to interfere with the living. In other words, he wanted his daughters' coming-outs, betrothals, and weddings to go on as planned without waiting the usual year of mourning."

  "Meeting the codicil's term
s will be easy," Sabrina said. "Courtney and I have no plans to do any of those things."

  "You are wrong, Princess," Adam spoke up.

  "What do you mean?" Sabrina asked, meeting his gaze.

  "Courtney and you will come out in the spring," Belladonna explained, drawing their attention. "We'll need to leave for London after the first of the year, though. Both of you need a completely new wardrobe."

  "I am not going to London," Sabrina stated. "I am in mourning."

  "So am I," Courtney agreed.

  "Would you ignore Henry's last wishes?" Aunt Tess asked.

  "No, but—"

  "I agree with Tess," Uncle Charles announced. "You honor your father's memory by doing what he wished for you."

  "In London you will have the opportunity to meet Prince Adolphus," Belladonna pointed out. "The prince is an influential man with the power to declare your father's death an accident. You do want his body moved to hallowed ground?"

  "I want to prove my father did not commit suicide," Sabrina said.

  "Discovering the truth may take some time," Aunt Tess reminded her.

  "You will help Sabrina, won't you, Adam?" Belladonna asked.

  "I've already promised to do what I can," Adam answered, his blue gaze fixed on Sabrina.

  "Then everything is settled," Belladonna announced, taking charge. "Tess and the girls will take up residence with me in London. Charles, you can move in with Adam."

  "That sounds reasonable if Adam doesn't mind," the duke replied.

  Adam smiled at his uncle. "You are welcome to be my guest for as long as you like."

  Sabrina stared at her hands folded in her lap. Within the short span of one week, her entire world had gone spinning out of control. And then an unpleasant thought occurred to her.

  "Eventually, London society will learn that we are not who they think we are," Sabrina said, beginning to wring her hands in her lap. "Being on the receiving end of a social cut would be too humiliating to endure."

  "But you are not imposters," the duke said, apparently confused by her remark.

  "She means people will not accept them because they are adopted," Adam explained.

  "That is utter nonsense," the duke said.

  "Courtney and I are bastards," Sabrina said in a voice raw with anguish. "Papa told us that our natural parents never married."

  "Do not ever let me hear you describe yourself like that again," Uncle Charles said in a stern voice.

  "Darling, I can guarantee that you will be hugely successful in society," Belladonna added.

  "You cannot predict the future," Sabrina replied.

  "Trust me, darling," Belladonna said. "I know exactly what I am doing. Society will know how much your father valued you.... So, what do you say to it?"

  Sabrina looked at her sister, who gave her an encouraging smile. "Very well," she relented. "But breaking mourning troubles me."

  A knock on the door drew their attention. Forbes stepped inside and in a low voice said, "Lord Briggs is here to see you."

  "Don't bother to announce me, Forbes," Edgar said, brushing past the majordomo. "Abingdon Manor is more home to me than my own estate."

  Smiling broadly, Edgar Briggs walked across the drawing room toward Sabrina. He seemed indifferent to the fact that he'd arrived uninvited, and everyone was staring in silence at him.

  "What are you doing here?" Sabrina asked, irritated and surprised by his arrival. "My dinner invitation was for tomorrow night."

  "Yes, I know," Edgar replied. "I am on my way to visit a friend but decided to stop in to say hello. I miss you."

  Sabrina felt a surge of relief that he wasn't staying, but then Courtney blurted out, "Sabrina is now the Countess of Abingdon."

  "Your father gave you the title?" Edgar asked in surprise.

  "Sabrina and I will make our coming-outs in London society this spring," Courtney continued excitedly in a loud voice, as if eager to spread the news.

  The baron looked shocked. "You are in mourning."

  Sabrina shrugged.

  "Sabrina has no need for a coming-out," Briggs said, turning to the others. "She has an admirer here in Abingdon."

  "Darling, a woman can never have too many admirers," Belladonna drawled.

  "It is what Henry wanted for them," Aunt Tess added.

  "If that is what Henry stipulated, then that is the way it will be," Edgar replied, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "By the way, what was in that codicil to the will?" he asked.

  "Nothing of importance," Sabrina hedged, knowing he would propose marriage again. Edgar believed that only her father had blocked their marriage. Now she wished she had refused his suit without relying on her father.

  Edgar nodded his head tentatively and then turned to Adam. "If the weather holds, my lord, would you care to go foxhunting?"

  Adam's face remained expressionless, but there was an edge of contempt in his voice when he answered, "I never kill for sport."

  "And what do you kill for, my lord?" Edgar asked.

  "I kill only in self-defense," Adam answered.

  The marquess's answer lightened Sabrina's mood. She despised the barbaric ritual of killing animals for pleasure. Certainly there must be other ways for the male of the species to amuse himself.

  "Killing only for self-defense is a noble idea but decidedly out of fashion," Edgar was saying, obviously trying to anger the marquess.

  "I have no need to impress others," Adam replied, giving the baron a stiff smile. "I leave that to the social climbers."

  Sabrina's lightened mood vanished beneath the enmity between these two men. Lord, why couldn't people get along with each other?

  "Social climbers?" Edgar echoed, his irritation obvious in his voice.

  "You know, those unworthies who try to get ahead in life by clinging to their betters," Adam answered. This time the marquess's smile was infuriatingly sincere.

  "Do you mean, for example, a baron who wishes to marry a countess?" Edgar challenged.

  "I never said that."

  "You were implying—"

  "Edgar, it's time for you to leave," Sabrina interrupted, ending their verbal sparring.

  "Will you walk with me to the foyer?"

  Sabrina would have agreed to almost anything to get him out of the drawing room. She nodded once and rose from her perch on the sofa.

  In silence, Edgar and Sabrina walked the length of the corridor to the main staircase and down one flight to the foyer. Forbes stood near the door, and when he saw them approaching, retrieved the baron's cloak.

  Sabrina felt like laughing. It seemed that everyone, including Forbes, was anxious for the baron to be gone.

  "Thank you for stopping by," Sabrina said when they reached the foyer.

  "How can you agree to a coming-out when you are in mourning?" Edgar asked without preamble.

  "My father's codicil stipulated that in the event of his death, he didn't want my and Courtney's coming-outs postponed," Sabrina answered. "I guarantee I won't enjoy myself."

  "What about the possibility of forfeiture on the Savage estate?" Edgar continued.

  "Prince Adolphus is going to arrange for me to keep the lands," Sabrina told him.

  Edgar looked shocked. "Do you mean that a member of our royal family will condone breaking the law of this land?"

  Sabrina narrowed her gaze on him. "Do you want me to lose the land?"

  "No, of course not. I am merely disappointed that I will not be rescuing you." Edgar lifted her hand to his lips, saying, "Marry me, Sabrina."

  "How can you ask that when you failed to take my side against the vicar?" Sabrina asked, yanking her hand back. She knew that evading the marriage issue was cowardly, but she didn't have the strength for another stressful confrontation. In a few days she would tell him that marriage was out of the question.

  "I've apologized for that," Edgar reminded her in an accusing voice. "You said you forgave me. I've given you my heart, and now you are trampling upon it. Are you developing an i
nterest in the marquess?"

  Sabrina felt the rising tide of irritation surging through her. If he truly cared about her, why was he making life so difficult? Steeling herself against him, she lifted her chin a notch and ordered, "Leave Abingdon Manor, and do not return until you are thinking clearly."

  The look he gave her was one of barely suppressed anger. Sabrina stepped back a pace.

  Without another word, Edgar walked the short distance to the front door. As he passed the majordomo, Forbes said, "Have a good evening, my lord."

  Sabrina sighed with a mixture of relief and remorse as the door clicked shut behind the baron. She disliked being so harsh with her oldest friend, but with any luck, he wouldn't return until after she'd left for London.

  Turning away from the door, Sabrina crossed the foyer to the main staircase. Slowly and wearily she climbed the stairs, but stopped short in surprise when she neared the second-floor landing. The marquess sat in the shadows on the top stair.

  "You've been eavesdropping again," she accused him.

  "I couldn't help but overhear." Adam grinned un-repentantly and then added, "The baron appears to be in ill humor. Do you think he's having digestive problems?"

  "Stop spying on me," Sabrina ordered, her voice raised. She brushed past him, but instead of returning to the drawing room, she raced up another flight of stairs to the third floor.

  Sabrina burst into her bedchamber and surrendered to the overpowering urge to slam the door. Good Lord, she felt like baking all night, but didn't think there was enough flour in the cupboard to calm her rioting nerves. A week ago her life had been proceeding steadily and peacefully; now she felt like she'd been trapped on the road to—to where?

  Sabrina dropped into the chair in front of the hearth and breathed deeply trying to calm herself as she had done the day of her father's death. She was as unsuccessful now as she had been then.

  How dare the marquess meddle in her relationship with Edgar! Yes, he had offered to aid her in clearing her father's good name, but that did not give him the right to—

  A knock on the door drew her attention.

  "Who is it?" she snapped, certain the marquess was standing in the corridor.