Page 15 of Marriage with a Proper Stranger

Garrett pointed his fork in Riordan’s direction. “You always get a particular worried look, like your eyebrows are knotted. Leave Aidan to his devices. He will tire of them soon enough.” Riordan wasn’t as sure. “I’ll come with you to Carrbury. That way I can assist you with the furniture and shortly thereafter return home. I believe I will use Juno for the trip; he’s strong enough to pull a wagon full of furniture. Besides, I want to see your setup. Are you enjoying teaching?”

Riordan reached for a fresh piece of bread and buttered it generously. “More than I ever imagined. To be able to mold and shape young minds, open them to worlds they never knew existed. To see the awe on their faces as they learn something new or accomplish a goal. To know you are making a difference in their lives, expanding their imaginations, to show them life holds many and all possibilities.”

“A noble calling,” Garrett murmured. “You make me feel guilty for not doing more regarding the family’s varied causes.”

“Nonsense. You do plenty for the tenants and surrounding farms. Did you not assist Mr. Jacobi in repairing his roof last month, not only with your labor, but by buying many of the supplies needed as well?”

“Bah. The man had a hard year, it was the least I could do. I’m hiring a few men to help repair Sir Walter Keenan’s fences. I attended the funeral on behalf of the family, and met the niece who is to take possession of the place. The property is in worse condition than I originally thought. Alberta Eaton, the benefactor of the will, is a widow living with a young man I first thought to be her son, but is in fact her brother-in-law.” Garrett tapped his temple. “The lad is simple, and I assume not able to oversee any renovations.”

Riordan gave Garrett a teasing wink. “A widow, you say?”

Garrett scoffed. “Though attractive enough, she is too old for me. Around Julian’s age, I would guess. Besides, you’re well aware I have no interest in romantic entanglements, especially with a neighbor. Blasted awkward.” Garrett shoved another forkful of pork and vegetables in his mouth.

Speaking of entanglements. Riordan was tempted to inform Garrett about what had happened since he’d arrived at Carrbury, but caution stilled his tongue. First, he must meet with William and ascertain the lay of the land before deciding what to do about Lady Sabrina.

Chapter 7

William Chambers looked at him aghast. “You cannot be serious. Marriage with a stranger?” He rubbed his temples in irritation. “There are many ways I imagine this going, and all of them end in disaster. Not to mention, if the baron finds out the marriage is a complete charade, there could be charges of fraud, a chaotic court case…dear God.”

Riordan had had the same thoughts over the past several days. “I will need your assistance to ensure no harm or consequence can damage either one of us. Of all the options available for annulment, I wish to discuss the fraud aspect. I’m using the name Riordan Black for my teaching position.”

William raised an eyebrow. “What on earth for?”

“My family is well-known, infamous even. There is the blasted curse hanging over me wherever I go. I didn’t want the townspeople and the students to be intimidated by the fact that I’m rich and my father is a viscount and my grandfather an earl. It was of paramount importance I stand on even ground in order to be accepted into the community.”

“Does this Lady Pepperdon know your true identity? Does anyone in the vicinity?”

“No, she does not, though one member on the board, Mr. Beatty, is aware and agreed with my well-meaning deception. He will keep quiet, I’m sure,” Riordan replied.

William stood and strode to the sideboard. “Good bloody hell, I need a drink.” He clasped the whiskey decanter and waved it toward him. “You?”

“Yes, please.”

Running his hand through his sandy-blond hair, he poured the whiskey, murmuring under his breath. Riordan smiled. They had shared a room at Cambridge, and William often did this when irritated or under stress.

After passing the tumbler to Riordan, William sat and huffed out a short breath. “Listen to me, my friend: In order for the fraud option to be viable, you cannot tell Lady Pepperdon your real name. The reveal has to be authentic, based in some sort of truth. Do you understand?”

Riordan crossed his legs and regarded his friend. “You mean lie? She is sure to ask me about my background….”

“Tell her nothing. It is not as if you will be carrying on conversations on personal matters anyway.” William took a long pull on his whiskey.

“I can hardly avoid it, the cottage is small.”

“What do you tell the townspeople?” William asked.

“That I’m half Irish, my mother came from Dublin, and my father is involved in factory work. None of it is a lie, though it is vague. Father is involved with factory reform work with Lord Ashley, but people assumed otherwise. I let it stand.”

“There’s your answer. Tell her that and nothing more if she asks.” William threw back another generous swallow, gritting his teeth. “I cannot believe I am going to be a party to this barmy plot. Have you spoken to her father yet?”

“No. I will when I return to Carrbury. I want a legal and binding agreement drawn up, stating the money is hers free and clear on the date of the annulment. She offered me a percentage—I will not collect. Until then, keep the amount in trust. You look after all my holdings; this will be one more item. I also want a contract for the baron to sign. The money is to be paid to this firm before the marriage takes place. Ten thousand pounds. No more, no less. The marriage will not go forward without payment.”

William made notes on his legal pad. “The baron can pay this money to the old marquess with the same result. Why would he choose you?”

Riordan smiled. “Because I am going to ensure Sutherhorne is out of the running.”

William shook his head. “I shall not ask.”

“It is wise you do not. Here is a question: how long do we keep up the pretense of a marriage?”