English Rose Ch. 04

"Lady Radcliff left here five days ago and headed for London. Apparently, she spent two days at her father's townhouse before leaving for the country. Best guess is that she went to her father's home in Hampshire."

"Best guess?" Douglas growled.

"We haven't been able to confirm the information yet," Jared said. "Hampshire is a two day ride from here, I thought it best to consult with you before sending someone."

Douglas wondered if Sabrina would have gone to see her father, perhaps to confront him. It seemed the most likely scenario and his least favorite. The idea of confronting Sabrina, of trying to convince her to return to him while in her father's home held little appeal.

"You were right to wait, I'll make the trip myself." Douglas said, sitting back down at his desk. He had a number of things for Henry to work on while he was gone.

"Are you sure you don't want me to ride on ahead and confirm that she's there?" Jared asked.

"No, that would take too long and would be pointless. It's the most likely place for her to go." Douglas said, finishing his list of instructions and placing it in an envelope.

"Very well, my lord." Jared said.

Douglas left first thing the next morning and rode hard. It was a two-day ride but if he pushed he could make it there early on the second day. He was anxious to see Sabrina, to reassure himself that whatever her feelings for him she was okay.

The Duke of St. Ives' countryseat rivaled Arlington Park with its sprawling estate and bountiful fields. It was the first time Douglas had ridden out to Hampshire, home of the Duke of St. Ives and Douglas' mother. Suddenly, the trip became almost ironic.

Douglas slid off his mount, both of them exhausted, and hauled himself up to the front door. A moment later and he was waiting impatiently in the sitting room for someone to announce themselves.

"Lord Radcliff?" Came a cultured feminine voice.

Turning, Douglas knew from the confused look on the Duchess' face that Sabrina was not at her father's estate. Quickly, he tried to come up with a reason for being there. "Good afternoon, your grace. I hope you don't mind my unannounced arrival. I was passing this way on business; Sabrina asked that I stop and pass on her regards. I think she was feeling a little homesick."

"How lovely," Lady Montgomery said. "Won't you sit?"

"Thank you," Douglas said, trying to hide his fear and frustration at not finding Sabrina safely with her family.

"How is Sabrina?" her mother asked. "We haven't heard from her in a while, not since we received word that you would be summering at Arlington Park."

Douglas forced himself to endure forty-five minutes of chatting with Sabrina's mother, updating her on all that they had done at Arlington Park and his father's condition. After which he sat listening as Lady Montgomery gave him an update on the family to pass on to Sabrina.

Finally, when enough time has passed, Douglas rose. "Well, I really should be heading on."

"Of course," Lady Montgomery said. "You'll give my best to Sabrina?"

"Of course," Douglas said and followed the footman out. Turning his horse towards London Douglas wondered where the hell his wife had disappeared to.

At that moment Sabrina sat watching Ellie and her mother as they prepared for Ellie's wedding. It was obvious to all that Ellie was head over heels in love with her fiance and that the feeling was mutual. Lord Mathews was older then Ellie by close to ten years, enough for him to view her youthful exuberance as endearing. It was a good thing given the fact that Ellie had already changed her mind about everything from the wedding date to the cake and flowers at least four times - and that just since Sabrina's arrival.

"Really, Ellie, I promise, the pale pink and light green go very well together." Beatrice assured her daughter.

"I know Mama but the colors don't seem right for a fall wedding." Ellie was pouring over the pile of swatches covering her, the couch and every available surface within reach. "Sabrina, what do you think?"

"I think the same now that I did ten minutes ago," Sabrina said with a smile. "But what I think doesn't matter, this is your wedding. I say pick whatever colors make you happy and to hell with the season."

"Sabrina!" Beatrice admonished with a smile.

Sabrina was saved from making her apologies by the timely appearance of a footman. "Pardon me, my lady but Lady Radcliff has a caller."

Sabrina felt herself pale. "Lord Radcliff?"

"No, my lady," the footman said offering her a card. "Lord Edington asks if you are receiving."

Surprised, Sabrina missed Lady Mills' frown as she took Lord Edington's card. "Thank you." Looking around at the mass of wedding paraphernalia she addressed her question to Ellie's mother. "Would you mind if I spoke with Lord Edington in the library?"

"Of course not, dear. I'll have tea sent in." Beatrice went to ring for a maid. She was tempted to call for Tilly and direct her to the library. However, Sabrina was a married woman and no longer in need of a chaperon. "Damn you, Marcus," she whispered to herself.

Sabrina let herself into the library, smiling in greeting. "Good afternoon, my lord. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Marcus turned from the window and was struck by how beautiful Sabrina was. She'd always been a beauty, even as a child and a young girl. However, marriage and whatever tragedy she'd recently suffered added a certain dimension to her that hadn't been there before. She looked wiser, he realized. Not older, but wiser and certainly more experienced. He wondered, and not for the first time since seeing her in the garden, what had happened between her and Radcliff.

"My lord?" Sabrina asked, drawing him out of his thoughts.

"I was wondering if you might care to join me in a ride into town?" Marcus asked. "There's a farmer's market and a vendor's fair that might be of interest to you."

Sabrina's head tilted slightly as she considered him, a hint of amused confusion marring her brow. "Pardon my confusion, my lord but you do recall our last...encounter? I was poor company then and I dare say I'm little improved today."

Marcus shrugged, "Then you'll be in good company as I've been accused of being a moody bastard on any number of occasions."

Sabrina laughed. "Well, it sounds like we're a perfectly matched pair." Looking outside she noted the weather and the time of day. "Give me twenty minutes to change and have my horse brought round."

Marcus bowed, waiting until she hurried from the room before taking a deep breath. Her laugh had been unexpected; low and throaty it promised things best experienced in the dark.

He had argued with himself over the wisdom of seeking Sabrina out. Not only had Bettie warned him away from the young woman but there was something about her, a hint of vulnerability wrapped in a blanket of strength that suggested he was better off leaving her alone. But it was a tempting combination and one he couldn't ignore.

Sabrina dashed upstairs and ordered Tilly to pull out one her riding habits. She didn't bother to stop and wonder at her decision. She was well aware of Lord Edington's reputation, was familiar with his moods and knew that she was using them both as a distraction.

She was tired of sitting around watching Ellie prepare for her wedding, every moment reminding her of her wedding to Douglas. She was happy for Ellie, absolutely, and enjoyed sharing in the planning with her best friend but she needed to get out - out of the house and out of her head - if only for an afternoon.

"Thank you!" Sabrina called to Tilly as she ran from the room. Her maid had helped her to change in record time and was left with the mess. Next she poked her head into the sitting room where Lady Mills and Ellie poured over yet more fabric. "I'm going into town with Lord Edington, be back in a bit!"

Sabrina didn't wait for an answer but turned and rushed out the front door where Marcus sat atop his horse waiting.

"Twenty three minutes," he said, closing his pocket watch. "Not bad."

Sabrina laughed again, accepting a boost up into the saddle. "I have a fabulous maid."

Turning together they headed off on the short ride into town. They were about half way there when Marcus noted Sabrina glancing at him from under lowered lashes. "What?" he asked.

"I believe, sir, that your reputation is largely unearned." Sabrina said.

Marcus raised one light blonde brow in question. "And what brought you to this conclusion?"

"You seem to be in a rather good mood every time I see you," she said.

"Both of them?" he asked pointedly.

"Touche," she said. Sabrina considered Marcus with his blonde good looks and athletic build. "You don't appear to be as morose as your reputation would lead one to believe."

Marcus looked away, all humor having fled. "You would do well to believe my reputation, my lady. All of it."

Sabrina's comment died on her lips as he turned dark eyes back on her. Gone was the look of light banter and in its place something dark and a little bit dangerous.

"I see," she said. "So your plan then is to seduce me, is that it? Now that I'm married," she nearly choked on the word, "I'm considered fair game?"

"Yes," Marcus said, pulling his horse to a stop, forcing her to pull up on her mare. "I have every intention of seeing you in my bed." It was the only warning he would give her and it was one more then any other woman had ever received from him. "Do you wish to continue?"

Sabrina knew that he was asking about their trip into town. "I have no intention of engaging in an affair, with you or any other man. However, if you would like you are more then welcome to escort me in to town."

Marcus smiled as he set his heels to his horse and felt a thrill at her words. All too often women threw themselves at him, he was overdue for a challenge.

On the ride back Sabrina had to admit that she'd enjoyed herself immensely. Marcus was a charming companion even if his entertainments held a hint of sarcasm. He had walked her through the market pointing out the local favorites and buying them a flask of local wine. Later, he'd secured a private dining room at one of the local inns where he was obviously well known.

That afternoon marked the first of many days spent with Marcus. Sabrina would often slip away leaving Ellie and her mother to plan while she walked in the garden or rode out with Marcus. She resisted his less than subtle attempts to join him at his home keeping him at what she hoped was a safe distance.

Sabrina sat in the library, a book forgotten on her lap. Staring out the window at what promised to be a beautiful day she couldn't help but worry. It had been three days since Marcus last called on her. He hadn't gone that long without stopping by since their first trip to the market. She went over their last visit - a ride down to a small lake separating his property from the Mills' - and assured herself that nothing had been said or done that would result in his prolonged absence.

She thought they had developed a nice friendship. Oh, he still wanted more and made no secret of his intentions towards that end. Still, their time together was pleasant and she'd come to enjoy their afternoons. Setting her book aside, Sabrina started for the door. "I think I'll go for a ride before lunch is served."

Ellie and Lady Mills barely bothered to looked up; they'd both grown used to Sabrina spending her days with Marcus, despite initial misgivings. "Take a footman with you," was all Lady Mills said.

An hour later Sabrina pulled her horse to a stop in front of the Edington estate. She waited as the footman helped her down from her horse and then took the reins. "Wait here," she said.

Suddenly nervous, Sabrina nevertheless walked up to the front door and knocked. She was met by a solemn looking butler, handing him her card she said, "Please tell Lord Edington that Lady Radcliff is here to see him."

"Lord Edington is not receiving, my lady." The butler took her card and started to step back.

Something in his manner caught Sabrina's attention. Staring behind him, she noted that the house was dark, almost closed up with the drapes drawn. Slipping inside before he could close the door Sabrina said, "I'm sure he'll see me, where is he?"

The butler considered her for a moment. A long time employee of the Edingtons he was accustom to his master's moods. He was also aware that the young lady before him was the current favorite. He had strict orders not to admit anyone but something in the young woman's face gave him pause - genuine concern.

"Lord Edington is in the study, however," he said as Sabrina turned towards the closed door he'd indicated, "it would unwise to go in there, my lady."

Sabrina saw the concern and warning on the butler's face. "I appreciate that, but sometimes friends don't always do what's wise."

Slipping inside, Sabrina quietly closed the door behind her. The drapes had been drawn, the fire cold and the candles unlit. Heavy pieces of furniture left large shadows of blackness that her eyes couldn't penetrate. Not letting go of the doorknob, she stood for several seconds trying to let her eyes adjust to the dark. "Marcus?"

"Leave. Now." His voice, almost unrecognizable, came from across the room.

Sabrina headed to what she thought was the far corner of the room knocking her shins more then once before finding Marcus.

He sat sprawled in a large, leather chair facing the center of the room; both arms hung over the sides, one hand grasping an empty bottle. His hair was mussed, his cravat gone and the top two buttons of his shirt hung open. "Marcus," Sabrina said softly, kneeling beside him and taking the bottle from his hand.

"Don't," Marcus bit off. "Don't you dare pity me."

"I don't pity you," Sabrina said. "I grew concerned; when you didn't call..."

"What? A few days without me to dance attendance and poor, sad Sabrina grew bored." Marcus fought down feelings of anger and shame, shame that she should see him like this and angry that he cared.

"That's not fair," Sabrina said. "I never asked for your attention but there you were; you can't blame me for having grown fond of you."

"Fond?" Marcus snorted. "I don't want your 'fondness' anymore then I want your pity." Unable to see the hurt in her eyes, Marcus turned his head away and stared into the darkness. "Now, get out."

"No," Sabrina said and stood.

She was unprepared for how fast Marcus could move. One moment he sat sprawled lazily in the chair, the next he had her by the arms and had slammed her up against the wall. Her heart beat hard against her chest in fear and feminine awareness.

"I suggest you leave now," Marcus growled. "I'm in no mood to deal with your tender sensibilities or your loyalties to a husband that has left you."

"Douglas didn't leave me, I left him," Sabrina said, not sure why she bothered to make the distinction.

"Why?" Marcus asked. Staring down into her face he saw a myriad of emotions that he was unable to name.

"Why do you sit here drinking in the dark?" Sabrina countered.

Marcus didn't answer, as she knew he wouldn't, instead he gentled his grip on her arms, sliding his hands down the length of her arms and back up again. Sabrina felt her breath hitch as the movement caused him to brush the outside of her breasts with his fingers. "Marcus, don't."

"Why did you come here?" Marcus asked, watching her face as he continued to stroke her arms, each pass brushing his fingers against her breasts.

"I told you, I was worried." Sabrina said.

"No other reason?" Marcus pressed.

"No," Sabrina insisted. "Marcus, let me go."

Marcus dipped his head and brushed his lips against her mouth, once, twice, and heard her sigh. "You had your chance," Marcus said just before his mouth captured hers in a kiss.

Sabrina whimpered as his mouth covered hers. Even she didn't know if it was a sound of protest or acquiescence. For a moment she stood frozen, indecisive as Marcus explored the outer contours of her lips. His mouth, having started out hard and unyeilding, suddenly softened.

Marcus nibbled on her lower lip before gently sucking it between his teeth. "Let me in," he whispered against her mouth. "Just this once open up for me."

"I can't," Sabrina whispered, tore between desire and what she knew to be right.

"It's just a kiss," Marcus said, licking at her lips. "Just one kiss."

"It's not just a kiss," Sabrina said, feeling her resolve starting to

weaken.

"One kiss," Marcus said, "and I'll let you go," he promised.

Sabrina felt her resolve crumble as he bit gently at her lower lip and then licked the sting away. Without further thought, she surrendered, opening to him.

Marcus groaned in triumph as Sabrina's lips parted beneath him. Sweeping inside, he sunk them into a kiss the likes of which he'd never experienced. Knowing that this was his one chance and that she may very well resent him for it afterwards, Marcus intended to take as much as he could.

Sabrina's head spun as Marcus kissed her; he didn't just kiss her with his mouth but got his entire body involved. His hands swept up her back, pulling her him. At the same time his hips rocked forward and found a place to settle between her thighs. She hadn't even realized that she'd parted her legs to accommodate him until he was pressed up against the front of her. Seemingly of their own volition, her hands reached out and grabbed Marcus by the hips, pulling him harder against her.

Marcus put everything he had into that kiss; all the desperation he'd felt over the past three days was there for her to feel. He used his tongue to explore the curve of her mouth, finding her lower lip to be slightly fuller then the top before moving back inside and tasting her. She tasted sweet, reminding him of honey and making him wonder how the rest of her would taste.

Marcus tasted like brandy. His mouth wet and hot against her, Sabrina gave over to his exploration until she grew itchy and restless. Never a passive lover, Sabrina sucked gently on Marcus' tongue hearing him groan against her mouth in response. Her hands moved from his hips to his chest and up into his hair. His hair felt like stands of silk in her hands and she grasped at his tightly.

Marcus could feel his control slipping as she responded beneath him. Never before had he called a halt to a willing woman but he already suspected that Sabrina would start to have regrets.

Slowly, he reined in their passion working to cool them both with gentle touches. Finally, a measure of willpower beneath him, Marcus broke the kiss.

Resting his forehead against hers, he stared down at her lips, red and swollen from their kiss. "Go. Now, before I do something you will certainly regret tomorrow."

Sabrina stared at him. Her body protested the idea of leaving unsatisfied and her head had yet to clear.

"Go!" Marcus said, pushing away from her.

Sabrina fled across the room. It was only as she reached for the door that she stopped. "Marcus?"

Marcus laughed quietly, dark and without humor. "I'll call on you tomorrow."

Marcus waited until the door closed behind her before falling back into his chair. He would keep his promise and call on her tomorrow. Until then...he reached for another bottle of brandy and brought it to his lips but hesitated before taking a drink not wanting to wash away the taste of her.

Douglas hired a bow street runner to find his wife. It took a surprisingly small amount of time for the man to report back that the Lady Radcliff was residing at Heritage Hills. Douglas could have kicked himself for his stupidity. Lady Eleanor Mills was to be married at the start of London's Little Season. It made sense that Sabrina would chose to stay with her best friend until then.

Douglas had returned to London after his failed attempt at finding Sabrina. Summer was drawing to a close and he had thoughts of finding Sabrina in town. Unfortunately, he didn't have much time. Already he'd received word from Mae that his father's health continued to decline. He had given himself until November to find and patch things up with Sabrina. Come the first of the month he would be returning to Arlington Park - with or without her.