The first chapter of this series appeared under Nonconsent/Reluctance; however, the rest of the series will most likely appear under Romance. Thank you to everyone that commented on the first chapter, as always, it is appreciated.
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London, 1800s...
A year and a half after her abduction found Sabrina preparing for the end of her second Season in London. There were still a few weeks left but after the final round of balls, soirees and luncheons she would be retiring to the family's country home - permanently.
As expected, her father had given her the choice between residing in the country or becoming a companion to her older sister. As much as Sabrina loved her sister, she couldn't bear the thought of watching her live the life Sabrina had been destined for. The country, while quiet, would accord her a certain amount of freedom, free from the painful memories of the past and all that she had lost.
Sabrina never finished her first Season in London. Her family, letting it be known that she was ill, had whisked her away to the country. Those first few months had been a dark time for her; no one in her family understood what she had suffered and all were at a loss as to what to say. Everyone had treated her gently, acting as if she might break at any moment. Their quiet presence, while designed to be reassuring, had served as a constant reminder until Sabrina thought she might snap.
Eventually, Sabrina started spending most of her time alone walking in the garden, riding out across the countryside or reading quietly in her room. It had been a relief to everyone when she emerged from seclusion and requested a final Season in London.
As the daughter of a Duke, she was considered an essential name on every guest list. Women constantly sought to curry her favor while men tried their hand at courtship. Sabrina had struggled to re-enter society and there had been a number of times over the past several months when Sabrina had regretted her decision. The ton, with their incessant gossiping and endless entertainment, often overwhelmed her.
The one bright spot had been her friendship with Lady Eleanor Mills. Ellie would never have questioned Sabrina's sudden disappearance from London if not for the silence that followed. Close friends, it was unlike Sabrina to sequester herself in the country, avoiding the summer house parties and weekend retreats. Worried, Ellie had arrived unannounced and cornered Sabrina.
Sabrina, relieved to have someone to talk to, had poured out the entire story. That's when the real healing began. After that, the girls were inseparable, finishing out the summer in the country before preparing for the Season together. While most of the ton remained in the country until the Season officially started, Sabrina and Ellie spent their days shopping and taking tea together. If this was to be Sabrina's last Season, she wanted to experience it to the fullest.
While some nights proved challenging with all the gossip over her sudden disappearance and her obvious lack of interest in marriage, tonight promised to be easy. Tonight was a dinner party given by Ellie's mother, Beatrice Mills, the Countess of Ingles.
Sabrina and her family arrived just after nine; the ball already in full swing and the inevitable crush confirmed. Pausing at the entrance to the ballroom, Sabrina tried to catch a glimpse of her friend. If she knew Ellie, she would likely be at the center of a large group of admirers. This was also Ellie's second Season and it was common knowledge that her father expected to see her married. Catching sight of her friend's distinctively blonde hair, Sabrina started across the room.
It took Sabrina the better part of half an hour to reach her friend's side. Not only was the ballroom crowded, but Sabrina was also forced to stop and talk with several members of the ton. Ellie, seeing Sabrina approach, quickly stepped forward and gently pulled her into the center of her circle of admirers. "You made it!"
"Of course! You know we'd never miss your mother's annual ball," Sabrina said. Pasting a smile on her face, she nodded her head in greeting to the several young men that surrounded her friend. Already, she could see that Ellie's dance card was full, some of the names on her card belonging to the gentlemen loitering nearby. Sabrina didn't have to count to know that there were more men then were places on Ellie's card. Those unlucky enough to find themselves without a dance would have to be content making conversation and offering to fetch a glass of punch in hopes of catching Ellie's eye.
Sabrina was content to entertain those left behind as Ellie's hand was claimed for the next dance. Ellie had gained a certain following, the same young men returning to her court night after night. Most of them were used to seeing Sabrina by her side and sincerely enjoyed talking with her while Ellie danced.
There was always one or two new members that ventured to ask Sabrina to dance, tonight was no exception. Although she refused, Sabrina was careful to offer a compliment or a smile to help ease any awkwardness or disappointment.
Douglas Radcliff watched as Sabrina turned down yet another offer to dance. He noted that she hadn't bothered with a dance card and spent most of the time entertaining her friend's suitors. It had been the same at every event that she attended.
His presence at Lady Mills' annual ball was no accident. In fact, he'd gone to great lengths to ensure an invitation, including entering into a business arrangement with the lady's husband. He had spent the better part of the Season watching Sabrina. Not always able to predict which event she would attend, he'd known without a doubt that she would be at a ball given by her best friend's mother.
Two years ago, he had set out to avenge his mother. At the time, still just a bastard son, no one knew or cared who he was. While the Duke of St. Ives was beyond him, the man's daughter was not. It hadn't been hard to discover her identity; after that he'd had her followed until he had a good idea of her routine and then waited. Eventually, the opportunity to take her had presented itself and he'd ordered it done.
What followed had been two of the most unforgettable nights of his life. His disappointment at the sour taste of revenge had been eclipsed by his surprise at the night of passion spent with Sabrina. Expecting never to see her again, Douglas had returned her to her father and waited for news of her marriage. Surely, as the daughter of a duke, she would still be able to marry despite her misfortune. It was only after the death of his half brother and his begrudging acceptance into polite society that he learned Sabrina had rejected any attempts at making a match.
Douglas' own father was anxious to see him safely married. Nevertheless, Douglas was content to wait for the right time. After a year of watching Sabrina, he realized that he wasn't waiting for the right time; he was waiting for Sabrina. But how was he to get Sabrina, who had obviously deserted the idea of marriage, to marry him? Never one to leave things to chance, Douglas plotted and planned, arranging the players as if they were pieces on a chess board until he was satisfied that everything was as it should be. Tonight he would see the first of his plans come to fruition.
Sabrina was surprised at the light touch on her elbow; turning, she smiled in greeting. "Good evening, my lord. I didn't expect to see you here." Lord Jeffery was an old acquaintance of her father's and had been a guest at their table many times.
"Good evening, my lady. I was wondering if I might impose on you a moment?" Lord Jeffery was older then Sabrina's father by several years and it was unusual for him to venture into the ballroom. Typically, he spent his evenings in the card room with the other married gentlemen.
"Of course," Sabrina agreed. Whatever his request, Sabrina knew she couldn't refuse. Not only a dear friend of her father's, he was also a business associate.
"I'd like you to meet a friend and business associate of mine. Lady Sabrina Montague, may I present to you Lord Radcliff, the next Duke of Spiegel."
Sabrina felt her eyes widen slightly as Lord Radcliff bent over her hand. Not only was he notorious, a favorite topic of gossip among the ton, but he was by far the largest man she had ever seen. Remembering her manners, Sabrina dipped a quick curtsy. As the daughter of a duke, she was his equal in rank and needn't curtsy at all. Still, her upbringing demanded that she afford him a measure of respect. "Good evening, my lord."
Douglas felt his blood heat at the sound of her voice, remembering how the slightly husky tones of whiskey could turn dark with desire. Pressing the barest of kiss to the back of her gloved hand, Douglas lifted his head to find her staring at him. It had been almost two years since he'd allowed himself to get this close to her; he couldn't help but wonder if she might recognize him.
Sabrina slipped her fingers from Lord Radcliff's hand, giving a gentle tug when he didn't immediately release her. "It's always a pleasure to meet a friend of Lord Jeffery's. Did you two originally meet over business or did business come later?"
Douglas let Sabrina lead them in a conversation of easy chitchat. She was really quite accomplished at asking and answering questions, steering them clear of any topics considered inappropriate for an unmarried lady.
It was only at the first stings of the waltz that he stepped in. "Dance with me," he asked and held out his hand.
To Sabrina, it sounded more like an order then a request and she was inclined to refuse. Looking from Lord Radcliff's outstretched hand to Lord Jeffery, she had the distinct impression that the entire exchange had been designed with this moment in mind. Lord Jeffery obviously expected Sabrina to accept and she couldn't very well disappoint. "Of course," she said and slipped her hand into Lord Radcliff's.
Douglas allowed himself a small smile in triumph as he led her out onto the floor and pulled her into his arms. Still, he had to fight a tiny shiver of awareness as their bodies brushed with the start of the dance.
For her part, Sabrina was trying desperately to ignore the whispers and stares that had followed them into the waltz. Lifting her chin, she kept her eyes focused on the center of his cravat and fought to keep from blushing.
Douglas found himself staring down at the top of Sabrina's head as he led her through the steps of the waltz. It didn't take long for him to realize that she planned to suffer through their dance quietly before quickly returning to the safety of Lady Mills' suitors. "I apologize if you find dancing with me unpleasant," he said.
Sabrina's eyes flew to his face, "I don't!" She exclaimed, surprised at both her outburst and the truth of her words. Despite his size, Lord Radcliff held her lightly and moved them effortlessly around the room. It was a fast waltz, one of her favorites, and she found that she was enjoying herself. "Actually, my lord, it is I that should apologize. I fear that we are the focus of much scrutiny and that I am to blame."
