Pursuing the

Captive Heart
A  Forbiide nedEbdm sF tFLdom
vFERead

cbasFobR VRMd
Copyright © 2023 by Victoria Maze.

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the
publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.
 Contents

Chapter 1 1

Chapter 2 9

Chapter 3 17

Chapter 4 25

Chapter 5 33

Chapter 6 45

Chapter 7 53

Chapter 8 61

Chapter 9 70

Chapter 10 79

Chapter 11 86

Chapter 12 93

Chapter 13 99

Chapter 14 103
Also By Victoria Maze 110
 Chapter 1

"I do not wish to marry him.” The lnacity in those words

euhoed throgfhogt the haccs oP the 'acmer,s hogsev ceabinf no
dogpt as to the seriogsness oP the woman who sko-e them. TwenS
tyStwoSyearSocd “arah 'ar-er coo-ed poth oP her karents in the eye
and stared them down with a coo- oP steec. The heated uonbersation
had tgrned Prom whiskers to raised boiues within a matter oP mingtes.
WYhen I marryv if I marryv I wicc marry Por cobev not Por money or
anythinf ecse.”
W?ogv habe a dgty to yogr Pamicyv daughterv" her Pather Paircy skat
ogt the words.
WYhat apogt the dgty to my heartv sirH”
WFow is the heart oP a siccyv imketgogsv yognf woman to pe trgstedH
?og are not ocd enogfh to -now yogr own mind.”
WVatherv I most uertaincy am ocd enogfh to -now my own mind and
heart.”
D CIOTRAIM ZME2

W’arcinf S" Zotherzs boiue pro-e throgfh the tension in the room.
"'cease try to pe reasonapce. 'erhaks yog wicc cearn to cobe Mrthgr. Ye
are oncy thin-inf oP yogr Pgtgre uomPort and hakkiness.”
WZoney uanzt pgy hakkinessv Zother.”
WTecc that to me when yog are starbinf and acone on the streets.”
WVatherv I thogfht I uogcd recy on yog to habe at ceast an ognue oP
uomkassion in yogr heart. I sgkkose I was wronf.”
WI rePgse to entertain the notions oP a stgppornv skoiced uhicd. ?og
wicc auuekt Mrthgr Tritonzs krokosac oP marriafe and annognue yogr
enfafement in a Portnifht.”
“arah stared her Pather down with a coo- as Proxen as winter pePore
tgrninf her pau- and retreatinf Prom the room. “arah 'ar-er ran down
the haccs to her peduhamper. “he threw hersecP gkon the settee and
wekt. “he was tired... tired oP peinf treated ci-e an inPant. “he too- a
deek preath and coo-ed in the mirror in Pront oP her. “he dried her
acmondSshakedv haxec eyes and strenfthened her resocbe. “he wogcd
not pe trakked in a cobecess marriafe or pe gsed as a kawn. “he fcanued
at her riuhv red cou-sv whiuh were acways a reminder to pe uografeogs
and stronf. “he had to lnd a way ogt oP this krekosterogs uongndrgm.
Mrthgr was attrautibe and weacthyv pgt skiritcess. Fe was the imafe oP
a kerPeut matuhv pgt he didnzt stir her kgcse or toguh her heart.
2ben when he krokosed in the farden oP his Pamicy home cast
ebeninfv she didnzt thin- him seriogscy. “he wanted a hgspandv not a
weccSpred kgkky. “he wanted to pe apce to cagfhv thin-v Peecv and cobe
with acc oP her heart and sogc. “he shgt her eyes and tried to imafine
-issinf Mrthgr. “he simkcy uogcdnzt apide it. It simkcy wogcd not do...
not now... not eber. “he wicced hersecP to remain uacm. “he needed to fo
ober her fown seceutions and dress Por sgkker. Zr. Mrthgr 'erPeutv as
she had pefrgdfinfcy niu-named himv wogcd pe here soon. “he wogcd
pe eUkeuted to kcay the kart oP a woman in cobev Por the penelt oP the
 'NA“NIG3 TF2 OM'TIC2 F2MAT j

Pamicyv to pat her cashesv cagfh at his insikid qo-esv and kretend she
adored him. “he didnzt hate him. Fe wasnzt a horripce man. Fe qgst
was not the -ind oP fentceman who ki;ged her interest. “he urabed
someone with lrev skiritv and kassion... someone she uogcd cobe with
reu-cess apandon ci-e she urabed the uoo-zs pa-ed ugstard. “he sifhed
and thogfht Por a moment. “he smiced Por the lrst time that day.
'erhaksv she needed a uhanfe oP stratefy. “he wogcd kcay the fame
and ogtwit them acc. “he coo-ed throgfh her seceution oP fowns and a
smice uame to her ciks. “he -new what she wogcd do. “he wogcd seceut
a kcain fownv with cittce empeccishment. 'erhaks thenv Zr. 'erPeut
wogcd seuond fgess his uhoiue oP a wiPe. Fer faxe canded on a simkcev
white fown. It was py no meansv koorcy madev pgt it had bery cittce
Priccs and 4g5. “arah ci-ed the Priccs and 4g5v pgt oncy iP she was tryinf
to imkress the rifht man. The more “arah thogfht apogt itv the more a
kcan debecoked in her mind to rid hersecP oP her wretuhed krediuament.
“he wogcd do her pest to uonbinue Mrthgr that she was not worthy to
pe a hifh souiety pride.
The more she thogfht apogt itv the more she uogcdnzt reuonuice
hersecP to why he had set his eyes gkon her as the opqeut oP his a5eution.
?esv she had peen tocd kcenty oP times that she was peagtiPgcv pgt her
Pamicy was not the weacthiest. To pe ucearv they were uomPortapce. In
other wordsv they were neither koorv nor riuhv pgt somewhere in the
middce. This was why Mrthgrzs sgit had uome as sguh as sgrkrise to
her. Fer Pamicy did not habe the most to reuommend them in the
way oP weacth. “he was edguated and as relned as her uirugmstanues
wogcd kermitv pgt she has not attended Zs. Mgpreyzs lnishinf suhooc
Por cadiesv whiuh was kokgcar with most yognf women oP the gkker
ucassesv nor was she aPraid oP skea-inf her mind6 a tacentv that most
men seemed accerfiu to.
7 CIOTRAIM ZME2

“arah lnfered the Papriu and cet ogt a confv eUaskerated sifh. Fer
karents wogcd eUkeut her to dress in her pest. Go dogptv they wogcd
disakkrobe oP the simkce fown. “arah dressed with as mguh ease as
she uogcd mgster and coo-ed at her re4eution onue afain. 'rotouoc
diutated that she shogcd wear her hair gk in some ecaporate gkdo or the
neUt. “he uhgu-ced to hersecP. “he wogcd ceabe her hair hanfinf down
in simkce ugrcs and dare Zr. 'erPeut proouh any uonbersation on the
sgpqeut. “he seceuted a simkce strinf oP kearcs as her oncy adornment
and too- a deek preath. “he scowcy made her way ogt oP her peduhamS
perv wiccinf her secP to pe uacmv uoocv and uocceuted. “he fcided into the
dinninf room with her head hecd hifhv readyinf hersecP Por pattce iP
anyone were to opqeut to her uhoiue oP dress. Fer Pather and mother
fcanued at her with disakkrobac in their eyesv pgt said nothinf.
Yhat “arah did not antiuikatev howeberv was the coo- on Mrthgr
Tritonzs Paue. Zr. Triton faxed at her with sguh gnapashed admiration
in his eyesv that she threatened to pcgsh gnder his kergsac. Heaven
forbid, I have induced him to proclaim himself more in love with me
than when we first made acquaintance. Mrthgr uceared his throat and
sko-ev WVorfibe my Porthrifhtnessv Ziss 'ar-erv pgt kcease kermit me
to remar- on how cobecy yog coo- this ebeninf.”
“arah -new that to repg5 his uomkciment wogcd do her no foodv
so she simkcy remar-edv "Than- yog Zr. Triton. I trgst yog habe had
a kceasant day so Par.”
WZy day has peen kceasant indeed. In Pautv iP Zr. and Zrs. 'ar-er
wicc kermitv I wogcd ci-e to re;gest kermission Por an ebeninf strocc
with Ziss 'ar-er aPter sgkker.”
“arah inwardcy froaned. “he was tryinf to disuografe the manzs
sgitv not attraut him ci-e honey attrauts 4ies. “arah ;giu-cy fcanued at
her karents. They poth raised their eyeprows in gnisonv as iP to warn
her oP fibinf the wronf rekcy. “he -new she had to pe uonbinuinf. “he
 'NA“NIG3 TF2 OM'TIC2 F2MAT !

uogcd not cet on what she was kcanninfv or it wogcd acc pe Por nagfht.
“he needed to fibe a uomkeccinf kerPormanue. “he had to kretend to
pe swekt away py the fentceman. “he patted her conf cashes at Mrthgr
and smiced a syrgky smice that Pect as stiu-y as mocasses. “he hoked this
wogcd not cand her in a stiu-y sitgation. WRP uogrsev that wogcd pe
afreeapcev Zr. Tritonv” she said in a tone a smooth as mected pgtter.
Mkkarentcyv she had fiben an imkeuuapce kerPormanue peuagse Mrthgr
cit gk ci-e a uandce in the nifht. “he patted her cashes afain and coo-ed
down at her meac. “he manafed to ta-e a dainty pite.
“he was uonbinued that the way to Prgstrate a fentcemanv was to
kerPeut the art oP uon4iutinf pehabior. “gkker kassed carfecy withogt
inuident. “arah tried to pe the frauiogs sgkker kartnerv pgt the uonS
bersation tgrned pcand when the men tac-ed oP rgn oP the micc matters
oP pgsiness. “he was cost in her own thogfhtsv when Mrthgr lnaccy
sko-ev WZiss 'ar-erv what is yogr okinion on women peinf edguated
on matters oP suienue and kocitiusH” 2beryone at the tapce hecd their
preath.
Fer yognfer sisterv Agpyv coo-ed at herv as iP to sayv WThe fentceman
is a kerPeut matuh and so handsome. ’onzt rgin yogr uhanues py sayinf
somethinf that wicc emparrass gs acc.”
Mt eifhteenv “arahzs yognfer sister was the essenue oP bibauity and
cagfhter. Fer interest was oP uogrsev lrst and Par mostv the attentions
oP fentcemen. “he was eskeuiaccy Pond oP danuinfv peuagse danuinf ced
to 4irtinf. “arah hersecP was Pond oP danuinfv peuagse she gsed the
okkortgnity to enfafe in witty uonbersation that some other uiruces
parecy a5orded her.
“arah refarded Mrthgr Por one conf moment and deuided to amgse
hersecPv py seeinf his reaution to her answer. WI peciebe that yognf
women shogcd pe edguated in as many matters as kossipcev Por their
mentac uakauities are not inPerior to any manzs.”
B CIOTRAIM ZME2

Mrthgr coo-ed at her and saw the uhaccenfe in her eyes. Fe -new it
wogcd pe pest not to ;gippce with her at this moment. W'erhaksv Ziss
'ar-erv I thin- women shogcd indgcfe in as mguh edguation as they
wishv as conf as they do not endeabor to showuase their kenuhant Por
sguh -nowcedfe in the kresenue oP kocite uomkany. They shogcd kgt
their krimary emkhasis on sguh thinfs as are peneluiac to the Pairer
seU.”
WMre yog sgffestinf that women shogcd kretend to pe dgcc and
stgkid to kcauate their mace uognterkartsH I lnd that hifhcy intocerapce
and a fross misrekresentation oP womanhood. M woman uan enqoy
and kgrsge acc the Peminine airs and fraues that she is kribicefed to
karta-e in withogt nefceutinf her mind. I peciebe poth peagty and a
-een mind are a Pormidapce matuh.”
Mrthgr too- a preath and sko-e his neUt words uarePgccyv WI am sgre
that uomkromises uan pe made.”
“arah raised her eyeprowsv pgt said nothinf.
Mrthgr too- the okkortgnity to wisecyv uhanfe the sgpqeut. WI
wogcd pe decifhted iP Ziss 'ar-er wogcd auuomkany me on ogr strocc
pePore the hogr frows cate.” Mrthgr hecd ogt his arm and “arah too- itv
tryinf to aut as normac as kossipce. “he Pect as thogfh she was hocdinf
her preath Por what seemed ci-e an eternityv when Mrthgrzs boiue pro-e
into her thogfhtsv ci-e an gninbited fgest. WM kenny Por yogr thogfhtsv
Ziss 'ar-er.”
WIzm aPraidv Zr. Tritonv that my thogfhts are worth mguh more
than a kenny.” Mrthgr Prowned scifhtcyv pgt said nothinf. Insufferable
man... he can’t even laugh at a simple joke.
MPter a Pew moments oP sicenue that cinferedv Mrthgr ced her to a
penuh and inbited her to sit. WZiss. 'ar-erv" he pefan ta-inf her hand.
"IP I may pe so pocdv kcease accow me to disugss the tokiu oP matrimony.
 'NA“NIG3 TF2 OM'TIC2 F2MAT 8

I -now that yog re;gested more time to thin- on my o5er oP marriafe.

Fabe yog had time to konder the matterH”
“arahzs heart peat ci-e a Prantiu ucou-v uhiminf ober and ober afain.
“he needed to pgy hersecP more time. The trogpce wasv she hardcy had
time to skare with her karents wantinf her to annognue her enfafeS
ment in a Portnifht. “he ciu-ed her ciks Por a mingtev wiccinf her throat
not to uonstriutv and her mogth not to fo dry. WYogcd yog uacc on me
tomorrow aPternoonH I wicc habe a rekcy Por yog then.”
Mrthgr smiced and progfht her hands to his ciks and -issed it. WI
wicc uacc on yog tomorrowv and hoke that I wicc pe pcessed with food
Portgne py yogr rekcy.” “arah kgt on the krautiued smice her mother
had tagfht her as the two cin-ed arms and headed into the hogse.
“arah kaued arognd her room aPter she pid her Pather and motherv
foodnifht. Fe was eUkeutinf an answer py tomorrow. Tomorrow
“he had to Porm the rest oP her kcan to esuake her gkuominf ngktiacs
and ;giu-cy. “he kenned a note her Priendv Fecena. “he wogcd -now
eUautcy how to heck.
“he and Fecena had peen Priends sinue they were uhicdren. “he
-new that iP anyone was to pe trgsted to heck her ogt oP this sordid
sitgationv it was her. “he qgst uogcdnztmarry MrthgrS uogcdnzt sgpqeut
hersecP to peinf a shecc oP who she wasv or kcay the kart oP someone she
was not. “he wogcd pe miserapce with no ugre Por what aiced her.
The thogfht strgu- her ci-e cifhtinf. IP acc ecse Paicedv and she uogcd
not uonbinue Mrthgr that she was not the woman Por himv she wogcd
habe to rgn away. “he had an agnt in rifhton with whom she had
acways fotten aconf. “he had acways enuografed her -een mind aconf
with her Peminine fraues. “he wogcd simkcy tecc her karents that she
had fone to bisit her agnt and not retgrn. “he wogcd sabe gk enogfh
money to ma-e her own way in the worcd. Fer agnt wogcd sgkkort her
and wogcd sgrecy pe sworn to seureuy. “he lnaccy Pect her pody recaU and
 CIOTRAIM ZME2

a sense oP uacm enbecok her. Mcc she had to do was Paue tomorrowv coo-
Mrthgr in the eyev tecc him she wogcd marry himv and pe uonbinuinf
enogfh that eberyone wogcd peciebe she was in cobe.
 Chapter 2

S he was perfect! William Kingsley couldn’t help but be a little

in awe of Miss Alexandria Hutton. She was vivacious and full
of laughter, yet gracious and delicate. The only word that he could
think to describe her was dazzling. The tall, golden-haired beauty spun
around, her skirts swishing in a graceful motion much like the dance
itself. Her gown was the latest from Paris. It was soft pink with an
iridescent glow. He had danced with her on occasion and had been
fascinated by their brief conversations. He would call on her tomor-
row morning and ask for her hand in marriage.
At twenty-Eve, he was one of the most eligible bachelors in his
circle. He had paid court to a few young ladies over the last few years,
but nothing serious had come of it. His father was eager to seem
him settled and produce a future heir to Highland jstates. He was
not opposed to the idea. He Vust hadn’t found the right woman yet.
Somehow, he had the feeling that she might be the perfect Et. He
approached her after she had Enished the dance with her partner, an
0“ CIOTRZIA MA1j

easy smile on his face. Gqood evening, Miss Hutton, may I re?uest the
pleasure of the next dance”L
Her smile turned even more dazzling like the Ereworks he had
witnessed in Yondon. GIt would be my absolute pleasure, sir.L She took
his arm and he guided her to the dance "oor.
GAllow me to compliment the lady on her excellent choice of a
gown.L
Gïou "atter me sir,L Alexandria said with a sparkle in her vibrant,
green eyes.
GIt is no "attery when the words are true.L
GSpoken like a true poet,J she said as he twirled her around. Jïour
conversation seems as skilled as your dancing. If I were na;ve, I might
think you were trying to win my aNection.L
GRn the subVect of aNection, I would like to express my desire to call
on you tomorrow.J
Jïou have pi?ued my interest sir. I’m simply bursting with curios-
ity. I guess I shall have to contain it until then.L She gave a pretty
pout of her lips and moved away to greet a friend, with the kind of
dainty movement that simply confounded him. If he was lucky, and if
everything went as planned, he was sure he was looking at his future
bride.
Uust then, he spotted a young woman whom he had never seen
before. She stood out like a sore thumb amidst the sea of guests. She
was beautiful, yes, but her gown was red' red like the color of her
"aming hair. 2o lady in good taste, or with any standing in society,
would wear red, except as an occasional trimming or embellishment
for her gown. The fact that she had selected a gown of such a scan-
dalous color, must speak volumes about the lady and her reputation.
To make matters worse, she wore her hair unbound and as she danced,
her hair twinkled in a manner much too unreEned for a lady. Rne
 P!ZS!I2q THj OAPTICj HjAZT 00

thing he considered intolerable, was a lady who could not conform to

society3s expectations. The dance ended and one thing led to another.
He somehow ended up beside her as the music was starting for the
next dance. Of all the people it had to be her. Well, he had best grin
and bear it. He would not humiliate the lady by not standing up
with her as a dance partner, nor would he shirk his duty, or have his
manners come into ?uestion. He sighed and extended his arm to the
young woman and began the dance. Sarah could sense his sullen mood
and decided to engage him in conversation. She had never made his
ac?uaintance before. Perhaps he was troubled and needed some wit or
friendly conversation to improve the situation. GAre you not fond of
dancing, Mr.-J
GKingsley,J he interVected. Jïes, I am fond of dancing, but only
when I am in suitable company,L he remarked with a glance at her
gown.
GAre you insinuating that I am unsuitable company”J Sarah asked,
glaring at him with a Ere in her eyes that he was unaccustomed to with
young ladies.
GI said nothing of the sort, Miss- G
GParker,J she interrupted, Jbut of course that is of no conse?uence
for someone that considers me unsuitable company.L
GIt is simply beyond me that a young lady would take no thought
to societal expectations or her reputation.L
GAgain, sir, are you speaking of me” If so, pray tell me why you
would not indulge me with your direct opinion, rather than speak
of me in the third person, as if to ignore the fact that we presently
conversing.L Who was this woman? She had wit as flaming as her
tresses. At present, he found it all exhausting.
GWell, if you must know, I ?uestion the character of any young
woman who selects red as her choice of color for a gown.L
0D CIOTRZIA MA1j

Gïou know nothing of my character, sir, and the fact that you have
subVected my character to such scrutiny is beyond my comprehension,
when I have not yet had the pleasure of making your ac?uaintance.
As for my impressions of your character, I could very well be pressed
upon to draw my own conclusions due to your reluctant ac?uiescence
to dance with a respectable young lady. I, however, did not draw such
conclusions. I simply ?uestioned your fondness for dancing. I did not
subVect you to insults on your character.L
William moved in stunned silence as the dance came to a halt. He
gave the re?uired formal bow, and ?uickly strode away to re?uest the
next dance with Miss Hutton.
Yater that evening William paced the "oor of his bedchamber. He
had never been more exhausted and infuriated in all his life. The young
woman with the red hair and gown, haunted his thoughts in a way
that sorely vexed him. She was a singular beauty, with long, "owing,
hair that had been on full display to compliment her red gown. Her
almond shaped eyes had beguiled, ensnared, and challenged him all at
once. Worst of all, she had left him speechless. He had never been lost
for words in all his life, and it angered him so much that he slammed
his hand down on his night table.
Woman be hanged* She had gotten under his skin and he couldn’t
?uite Egure out why. He shook his head. He needed to set aside these
ridiculous thoughts and focus on the task at hand. He thought of
Miss Hutton and a smile tucked up the corners of his lips. If all
went according to plan, he would be an engaged man by tomorrow’s
end. He thought of Alexandria’s delicate manner and inviting ways
and pushed the unwelcome encounter with Miss Parker out of his
thoughts. However, he was troubled when her face appeared in his
dreams.
 P!ZS!I2q THj OAPTICj HjAZT 04

The next morning dawned bright and cloudless, rendering it a

perfect day for a proposal. William awoke early and dressed and break-
fasted before he was Enally ready to depart for Yockland Manor. He
arrived at exactly 0“ o’clock and was ushered in by a servant into the
drawing room. Miss Hutton looked resplendent in a white, day frock
embellished with ivory buttons and lace. Sat there sipping her tea and
looked every inch as calm and composed as a lady should. Yes! She
would indeed make the perfect mistress for Highland Estates. Gqood
morning, Mr. Kingsley. I trust you passed a pleasant remainder of your
evening and have had an agreeable morning so far.L
GThank you, Miss Hutton. I trust you had similar fortune.L She
took another sip of her tea and motioned for one of the servants to
bring a fresh pot of tea for William. As he sipped his tea, they talked
of the weather, the health of her family, and her impeccable taste in
fashion. After a pleasant lull in conversation, William began, GMiss
Hutton, I know that you and I have only been ac?uainted for a short
time. Furing this time, I have come to admire your talents, graces,
accomplishments, and beauty.J At that moment, the vivid image of
Sarah Parker dancing with reckless abandon "ooded his thoughts. He
cleared his throat and continued. JI am ac?uainted with several young
ladies, but none of them has captured my attention as you have.J He
lowered himself to one knee. GI would be honored if you, Alexandria
Hutton, would consent to be my wife.L
She smiled her dazzling smile again as she lifted her hands to his
lips and kissed it. GI would be delighted William.L A smiled bubbled
up within him at the use of his given name. Uust like that, he was an
engaged man.

555
06 CIOTRZIA MA1j

Sarah tried to curb the butter"ies in her stomach which seemed as

impossible as taming a wild beast. She looked over her selection of
gowns and decided to dress in the golden silk, with intricate needle
work. She swept her hair into an elegant updo and secured them with
the ivory combs that had been a gift from mother for her eighteenth
birthday. She needed to look every inch the lady in charge of her
future. She completed the look with glittering Vewels that had been
a gift from her aunt and smiled. She could do this. She would play
the part of the well-bred lady about to announce her engagement,
and then simply disappear. She ignored the feeling guilt that nagged
at her like an untied shoe lace. She really did not wish to tri"e with
Arthur, but what choice did she have” She was practically being forced
to commit to a life with him. With one last glance in the mirror, she
glided out of her room. She must not keep the gentleman waiting. She
came across ather heading to his study. Gqood morning, daughter.
ïou look lovely,L he smiled approvingly at her choice of wardrobe. GI
understand that you are to receive Arthur in the drawing room.L
Gïes, father. Arthur is to call on us this morning. He is expecting
my reply to his proposal. I have decided to accept, as you have so wisely
pointed out.L She tried look demure and contrite, and to keep her tone
free of any sarcasm.
GI knew would come around to seeing the wisdom of my way of
thinking. I know that Arthur adores you, and you will learn to love
him in return. My wish is that you will have a lifetime of happiness.L
GThose are my sentiments exactly ather.L She walked a short way
until she entered the drawing room and ordered two pots of tea in
anticipation of the gentleman.
Zight on cue, Mr. Triton was announced at ten o’clock. He strode
in with a bou?uet of vibrant, pink petunias. His gaze swept over her
with a sense of appreciation, and for a moment she felt sorry that all of
 P!ZS!I2q THj OAPTICj HjAZT 0

his endeavors to win her aNections were for naught. Gqood morning,
Miss Parker. ïou are the perfect picture of beauty and health.L
GThank you, Mr. Triton. I trust you are in good health and fortune
this morning.L
GIndeed, I am Miss Parker' indeed I am.L
GWon’t you please have a seat”L Sarah remarked, gesturing to the
settee she sat on and oNering her best winning smile.
Arthur took the seat beside her and Sarah poured the tea and of-
fered him the cup. She willed herself to remain calm. This was all a
means to an end. She had to see this through for her own sanity. Arthur
sat the cup down on the nearby table and turned to face her. She gave
him her full attention, as a polite lady should. JMiss Parker, my very
happiness depends upon your favorable answer to my proposal. I am
smitten with you and will remain so all my days.L
Sarah lowered her lashes in a show of modesty and glanced up at
him. 2ow was the moment that her life depended on. She had to
pretend to be in love with this man. She took a deep breath and smiled.
She searched his features, then spoke softly, GMr. Triton, I’m afraid
you have taken my breath away with your confession of aNection for
me. I would be delighted to become your wife.L
He took her hand and slid the glittering engagement ring on her
Enger. GI know your father wants us to announce our engagement in
fortnight-G
GMr. Triton-G
GArthur,J he gently corrected. JWe must dispense with the for-
malities since we are to wed. My mother insists on providing access
to the dressmaker to create the gown for our engagement party. I
will not speak of anything as indelicate as cost, but I simply shall say,
spare no expense.J He looked at her a moment and smiled. GI simply
cannot contain my happiness any longer. Shall we go and share this
0 CIOTRZIA MA1j

Voyous news with our families”J Sarah nodded and she took the arm he
oNered. In the blink of an eye, she had gone from being a single young
woman, to being engaged. Her throat constricted. jscape couldn’t
come fast enough.
 Chapter 3

S arah sat at the dressmaker’s and sighed. She was being peppered
with questions. Did she want ta,etal sickl cazel or organ?aW yhat
zocor was to her cikingW yhat about the zut and stfce oH the bodizel and
did she want a new zorset Hashioned to go acong with the dressW ver
mind was not presentl but her bodf was. She was a bundce oH Hrafed
nerTesl whizh was unHortunatel bezause she needed to keep a zcear
head. She Onaccf settced on a peazhl sick gown that woucd be worthf
to be seen on anf sozietf page in the newspaper. Ahat was ineTitabcf
where it woucd end up. She Hect as though she was being zonstrizted
and zramped into a ciHe she did not want the more she pcanned this
wedding. She had antizipated this being one oH the happiest seasons
oH her ciHe. jn the zontrarfl it Occed her with dread. yhat iH she ended
up tfing the knot with PrthurW yhat a hacH ciHe that woucd be.
She zraTed passionate coTel not Iust pocite gestures oH a,eztion.
Verhaps he was zapabce oH that with some other woman. Ct Iust wasn’t
her. Ahe engagement partf was Iust a week awaf and it was oH Titac
nezessitf that her pcan went o, without anf zompcizations. She woucd
x— RCMAjZCP EP18

Tisit her Hriendl vecenal and encist her hecp with the pcan. Ahat was the
ne't cogizac step in the aztion. She woucd pazk seTerac trunksl make up
some e'zuse about how vecena wanted her to zome Hor an e'tended
Tisitl beHore she bezame a married woman.
vecena zoucd oncf be deszribed as the best Hriend-eTerf gircNs
zonOdante in acc zhaccengesl in matters oH the heartl and in acc things.
Sarah Hrequentcf Hound hersecH oTerwhecmed with gratitude Hor their
Hriendship. P bond that weathered eTerf storm and her good*hu*
moredl zheerHucness nature added immeasurabce rizhness to her ciHe.
Pndl vecena hersecH was engagedl so it woucd be the perHezt zoTer
Hor her path to Hreedom.
ver parents were not cikecf to question it. Ct was a perHeztcf reason*
abce e'pcanation. ver sister was too zaught up in pcanning her season
and being out in sozietf to zare what she was doingl so she shoucd be
abce to azzompcish her mission with Terf cittce resistanze. Uowl acc she
had to do was get though her engagement HestiTities Hor her pcan to be
set in motion.

GGG

yicciam pizked up the morning paper and szanned its zontents. Ahere
was nothing that struzk him as out oH the ordinarf. Ahe usuac reports
oH business and pocitizs he woucd read cater.
ve szanned Hurther and the shozk on his Haze was undeniabce. She
was engaged... and to Arthur Triton no less. vow she managed to cand
a gentceman oH his standing was befond him. Surecfl she did not haTe
muzh to rezommend herl besides her irideszent beautf. ve shook his
head. yhat was this worcd zoming toW Ahe foung woman was too
Heistf Hor her own good.
 V9ZS9CU“ Av8 MPVACR8 v8PZA x2

yeccl it did not matter. Ct was not his zonzern or responsibicitf.

ve pitied the man who married herl trucf. She was trucf a handHuc.
ve thought oH his own upzoming marriage to Eiss vutton and Iof
Occed him. ve woucd not haTe to worrf about that with her. P proper
woman was acwafs a perHezt addition to a man oH standing. ve cooked
up at the brightl sunnf skf. Ct was a coTecf daf and he had not a zare
in the worcd. ve woucd be on his waf to Tisit Eiss vutton soonl and
that woucd make the daf gcorious indeed.

GGG

Sarah returned Hrom the dressmaker and sighed. She sticc Hect unsettced
and zoucdn’t shake the uneasf Heecing that enTecoped her. She knew the
perHezt remedf Hor an an'ious mind was a cong wack and a good zup oH
tea. She dezided she woucd paf her Hriend a Tisit. Ahat woucd bring a
sense oH zomHort and recieH to her desperate situation. She scipped out
oH her home and began making her waf through the woods.
PHter some timel she cooked up and notized the skf. P bcanket oH
graf was zoTering the sun and carge drops oH rain began to pect herl
muzh to her zhagrin. She wiped the hair Hrom her efes and Horged
ahead. Too late to turn back now. Ahe rain showered down on her so
that she was soaked through and through. 0A fine set of circumstances
indeed.” She cooked around Hor some pcaze to take shecter. PHter taking
a Hew more stepsl she spotted a zo?f zottage that cooked promising. She
dezided to take shecter there. She zoucd not zontinue another mice in
her wet skirts. She made it to the entranze oH the door oH the zottage
and heaTed a sigh. She hoped the storm woucd pass so that she zoucd
return home. She woucd haTe to Tisit her Hriend at a more Hortuitous
B” RCMAjZCP EP18

time. She simpcf zoucd not show up on her Hriend’s doorstep cooking
unkempt.
She entered the house and stumbced aroundl cooking Hor a sourze
oH cightl when she heard a groan. ver heart curzhed and thudded as
she Hect around Hor a zandce. She tripped on something rather tacc and
Orm and a szream eszaped her cips. YeHore she zoucd regain her Hootingl
or her sensesl she heard a Toize speaking rather Ormcf and insistentcfl
08'trizate foursecH Hrom on top oH me this instant.K
0Vardon mel whomeTer fou are. C simpcf zannot hecp it iH C cost mf
Hooting in a darkened room.K
0C zare not whf or how. C simpcf zare that fou put distanze between
us this instant.K Ahe Toize sounded Taguecf Hamiciarl but Sarah was
too shaken to zontempcate it. YeHore she zoucd prepare Hor itl she was
shoTed aside and a zandce was cit. 0"ou.K
0"ou.K Sarah stared inzreducouscf at the man with whom she had
danzed at the bacc. She gritted her teeth. Well, wasn’t this an unfortu-
nate turn of events.
0C shoucd haTe known it woucd be foul Onding foursecH in this
zonundrum.K
0Pre fou Haucting me Hor simpcf trfing to take shecter Hrom the rainl
Er. Fingscefl or are fou subIezting me to zensure Hor something whizh
fou haTe taken o,ense toWK
0"ou Hecc upon me cike a bra?en woman.K
0C cost mf Hooting in a darkened zottage.K Ahef haTe moTed zcoser
without reaci?ing itl ticc thef were a hair’s breath awaf Hrom eazh other.
Ahe air zhanged between them and the eceztrizitf in the room was
undeniabce. Something 3izkered in yicciam’s efesl and Hor a momentl
Sarah thought he might kiss her. ve suddencf bazked awafl ending the
strange moment between them.
 V9ZS9CU“ Av8 MPVACR8 v8PZA Bx

0yeccl no matterl fou most zertaincf zannot staf here. Ct woucd not
be appropriate.K
0"ou woucd turn me out oH doorsl Hor the sake oH proprietfl in the
pouring rain. Some gentceman fou are.K
yicciam grunted. 0yeccl then C shoucd go. Ct woucd not be proper to
be aconel unzhaperonedl with a foung womanl espeziaccf an engaged
woman.K ve said the cast words pointedcf as iH to pour sact on an
acreadf stinging wound.
0vaTe fou cost four mindW Ct’s madness out there. "ou zoucd zatzh
four death out there and then where woucd four prezious szrupces
beWK She pinned him with a cook that dared him to retort. She had
done it again... rendered him speezhcess. Ahis unnerTed him. yhat
was it about this womanl who had the unique power to shut him upl
at wicc. 0Pre fou Iust going to stand their gaping at meW "ou’cc zatzh
pcentf oH 3ies with an open mouth.K She enIofed teasing this man waf
too muzh that was pocite or properl but she didnNt zare.
0C wicc see iH there are anf cogs to start a Ore.K
0Sol the gentceman knows how to be useHuc. Ahank goodness. C was
beginning to worrf...K She cet her Toize traic o, as his efes traTeced the
cength oH her. She suddencf Hect secH*zonszious under his perusac. She
must cook cike a bedraggced messl with her gown muddf and her hair
askew.
0"oul Eissl need to get out oH those wet zcothes beHore fou zatzh
zocd.K
She simpcf stared Hor a momentl transO'ed bf him. Zeaci?ing her
momentarf capse in Iudgementl she rezoTered her wits. 0C wicc see iH
there is a Hresh zhange oH garments.K She stepped into the adIoining
room and searzhed around untic she Hound a pinkl daf dressl embroi*
dered with 3owers. Ct cooked as iH it were about her si?e. She cit a Hresh
zandcel shut the doorl and zhanged bf its gcow. She managed to sweep
BB RCMAjZCP EP18

her hair into a simpce twist. She Hound a traTecing zase and diszarded
the wet zcothes to be zceaned cater. She was satisOed that she managed
to cook pocished and reOned. Ahe dress was ecegant in its simpcizitf.
She reemerged Hrom the room. yicciam cooked up Hrom stoking the
Ore and his breath zaught. She was enzhantingl espeziaccf bf the gcow
oH the Orecight. ve shook his head and zonIured up a pizture oH Eiss
vutton. Ahat woucd zure him. She hummed a beautiHuc tune. ver
soHtl coTecfl soprano Occed the air. 0youcd fou zare Hor some teal Er.
FingscefWK She moTed around with suzh graze as she set about putting
the kettce on.
0"esl thank fou.K ve sat in the zhairl with strained e'pression on
his Haze.
She took the zhair opposite him and sighed. 0P pennf Hor four
thoughtsl Er. FingscefWK
0Ef thoughts woucd zost muzh more then a pennfl Eiss Varker.K
She caughed out coud soHtcf. Ahis man was growing more and more
intriguing bf the moment. 0Vceasel share what is troubcing foul Er.
Fingscef.K
0yeccl4 he beganl zcearing his throatl 4we are in quite a decizate
predizament. "ou and C are both unmarried and unzhaperoned. CH
anfone eTer Onds this outl there wicc be pcentf oH szandac.K
0"ou are in no danger Hrom mel sirl despitel fou questioning mf
zharazterl at our Orst meeting. urthermorel C am engaged.K
0C am engaged acsol whizh zreates a situation that is eTen more
szandacous.K
0yeccl we zan’t Terf wecc ceaTe now. Ct is sticc pouring rain outside
and itNs pitzh bcazk. Ct’s not saHe.K
0Pre fou suggesting that we spend the night togetherl in the same
spazeWK
 V9ZS9CU“ Av8 MPVACR8 v8PZA B

0Er. Fingscefl C am not suggesting anfthing indezent. C simpcf am

trfing to make the best out oH an unHortunate situation. C intend to
ceaTe at Orst cight.K
0Ps C see there are no other optionsl what zhoize do C haTeWK
0CH we both go our separate wafsl hopeHuccf this wretzhed business
wicc be oTer with.K
0Pgreed.K
Ahef both went in searzh oH bcanketsl as it was growing catel
and sceep was threatening to oTerzome them both. Sarah searzhed
the whoce zottagel but zoucd oncf zome up with one bcanket. She
Hrowned. vow was she going to e'pcain this to yicciamW No, she should
think of him as Mr. Kingsley. Aheir predizament was growing worse
bf the minute. She stopped Hor a moment and seriouscf zonsidered
how she was going to eszape this situation with her reputation un*
szathed. She put her hands to her throbbing head and zcosed her efes.
She woucd Iust haTe to break the news to Er. Fingscef as gentcf and
decizatecf as possibce. She reentered the smacc parcor and spoke soHtcfl
barecf meeting yicciam’s Hamicf at the same time.
0C don’t quite know the most decizate waf to zommunizate the
nature oH the situation...K Sarah’s Toize traiced o, and she ga?ed down
at the 3oorl wiccing hersecH to cook anfwhere but at him.
She was as captivating in her shyness as she was in her fury. Ycast
it acc... where were these thoughts zoming HromW ve inzhed towards
her and ciHted her zhinl so that she zoucd meet his efes. She reaccf was
innozent Hor acc her unzonTentionac wafs. 0vaTe no Hear Hrom Eiss
Varker. C haTe no desire to zompromise four reputation. C shacc giTe
fou ceaTe to take the bcanket. C wicc sceep bf the Ore.K
0“iTe me ceaTeWK she teased with a zhaccenge in her efes. 4Uo one
giTes me ceaTe Hor anfthing. C am quite zapabce oH making zhoizes Hor
mfsecH.K
B RCMAjZCP EP18

vis stanze was Orm and he spoke in a tone that permitted no

argument. 0"ou wicc take the bcanket.K
0"esl C wicc take the bcanketl but oncf bezause C zhoose to.K She ciHted
her zhinl and took the bcanket. 4“oodnightl Er. Fingscef.K
0“oodnightl Eiss Varker.K
PHter a Hucc hacH hourl Sarah Hecc asceep. yhat a strange night it
had been indeed. UeTer in her wicdest imaginings did she eTer e'pezt
to spend so muzh time in the zompanf oH Er. Fingscef. ve was a
wacking zontradiztion. ve zoucd be stuzk up and arrogantl but there
was something underneath she zoucdn’t quite deOne. Ct was best to
put it out oH her mind. She needed a zcear head to bring a resocution to
worrf about her own troubces. She zoucd not a,ord to giTe too muzh
thought to the gentceman. She most cikecf woucd not zross paths with
Er. Fingscef again anf time soon.
 Chapter 4

I n the hours before dawn, the cottage grew incredibly drafty.

William was in desperate need of a blanket. He simply could not
abide the cold any longer, or he would certainly become ill.
He crept in the bed beside Sarah and pulled the covers up to his
chin.
He glanced over at her.
Her hair was unbound from the twist it was in earlier and spilled
across the pillow.
How enchanting she was as she slept.
What would it be like to wake up beside her each morning and be
graced with such beauty in his bed? He swallowed hard and turned his
head.
He simply could not allow himself to think on Miss Parker further,
especially when he had given his pledge to another woman. He forced
himself to think of Miss Hutton once again before drifting oV to sleep.
6’ CITORAIZ MZE2

Sarah stretched and turned over, only to be shocked when she

collided with a muscled chest. She sucked in a breath and a look of
horror spread across her face. William"s arms were around her.
She gritted her teeth and tried to sit up. Ohis caused William to bolt
upright and remove his arms from around her waist.
Why did the feel of her Ktted against his chest, and close to his heart
feel so natural to him? He was so lost in thought that her scolding voice
brought him back to earth.
xMr. -ingsley, did you hear me? I demand an eYplanation for why
I found myself in such a compromising position with youUx
xOruly, Miss Parker, I meant no harmUx
She pelted him with the pillow.
xFou were the one who was so concerned about our reputations,
but yet, I awake to Knd your arm around me. Ohis will surely create a
scandal if anyone ever gets wind of the fact that we were here together,
alone, all night, and in the same bed no less.x Cisibly angry she conU
tinued x, you may be able to sustain the whispers surrounding your
reputation, but I cannot.x
xI was coldx he informed her.
Ohe words hung in the air between them, bringing Sarah"s outU
burst to a halt. Sarah face softened and looked at him. 'nderstanding
dawned in her eyes.
xzorgive me Miss Parker, I meant no oVense, or to bring any stains
on your reputation. I take full responsibilityx he protested.
Sarah reached toward him and put her hand gently on his shoulder.
Her touch injamed him with a hunger he didnqt even know possible.
His gaNe lingered on her lips for a moment. He Gust might kiss her right
then and there. He did his best to tame his wayward thoughts. He was
an engaged man who had Gust spent the night with an e7ually engaged
woman, albeit innocently. He barely missed her soft words.
 P'AS'IDB OH2 TZPOIC2 H2ZAO 68

x!on"t trouble yourself, Mr. -ingsley. I was simply surprised to

Knd myself locked in the embrace of a man I barely knew. However,
the intrusion is almost forgivable, due to the unusual circumstances.x
xZlmost...x his mouth went dry, and he ran his Kngers through his
disheveled hair.
xI"m teasing Mr. -ingsley,x she said with a smile that hummed
through his insides.
xOhe 7uestion still remains. How are we going to wiggle our way
out of this precarious situation?x
xFou mean wiggle like a worm, Mr. -ingsley?x
9y goodness. !id this woman have no end to her wit? It was enU
dearing and irritating at the same time. xMiss Parker, I am trying to
think of every possible avenue out of a situation that could do damage
to us both, and all you can think about is your wit.x
xMr. -ingsley, I am Gust as concerned for my reputation as you
are. I simply Knd that wit makes life"s diéculties easier to bear. Z life
without wit is a life without laughter, and that is certainly a dull and
boring one,x she mightily declared.
He shook his head.
Ohis woman would be his undoing.
She managed to be graceful as she lowered herself from the bed to
the ground.
Zs a knock echoed through the door, she drew in shallow breaths,
attempting to will herself into a calm state.
In a hushed tone directed at her unsuspecting roommate, she 7uesU
tioned, xWhat course of action do you suggest?x Sarahqs gaNe held
a combination of trust and vulnerability, evoking in him an overU
whelming urge to shield and protect her.
63 CITORAIZ MZE2

xI will try to send whoever is at the door, away. Shut the door and
don"t come out of the room. We will wait until it is safe to proceed,
and then go our separate ways.x
She nodded at him as he closed the door behind him Sarah supU
posed that she should do her best to look as polished and composed as
possible.
Zs if she had not Gust spent the night with a gentleman.
Suddenly, the air was pierced by the eruption of angry shouts,
echoing to her ears. Zmidst the commotion, the only discernible
words for Sarah were, xWhere is she?x.
Ohe commanding voice belonged unmistakably to her father.
Panic seiNed her, and she frantically scanned the room for a hiding
place, but there seemed to be no suitable option. 9efore she could
fully comprehend the unfolding events, the door swung open with a
forceful motion, and her father burst into the room.
xWhat is the meaning of this? I never eYpected my daughter to be in
such a shameful, indecentUx He turned to William, who had entered
the room Gust behind him.
Without delay, Mr. Parker delivered to William a hard slap to his
cheek.
xzather0x Sarah"s Krm voiced caused her father to be silent, though it
did not stop the torrent of anger jowing from his veins. xzather, I am
neither braNen nor a hussy. !o you think so little of me as to utter such
unspeakable accusations against my character? I took shelter from the
storm that took place last night. Mr. -ingsley did the same. We simply
could not return home and were hardUpressed to stay here for the
night. I assure you that is all that happened,x she looked s7uarely at
her father directly into his weathered face.
 P'AS'IDB OH2 TZPOIC2 H2ZAO 61

She was stunning in her impassioned defense of them both. William

had to admit, in that moment, he was a little in awe of her and certainly
beholden.
x!o you concur with this story sir, on pain of death?x asked William
thoughtfully.
William folded his arm and s7uared his shoulders. xFes, sir, this
is simply an unfortunate incident, due to a storm. I would never
compromise your daughter"s virtue. I have no designs on her. zurU
thermore, I am to be wed myself.x
xIt matters not what I think,x her father stated bluntly.
xOhere is a small search party in the area looking for you both. Fou
both did not return home last evening. Ohis will cause rumors to swirl
like the dust underneath one"s feet. Fou must be prepared to do your
duty. Fou must marry my daughter.x
xzather, you simply cannot command WilliU Mr. -ingsley, to marry
me. May I remind you that we are both engaged to be married to other
people? He is a victim of unfortunate circumstances.x
xFes daughterx he paused for what Sarah could presume was draU
matic emphasis, xbut such circumstances that may not be convincing
enough, to your KancJe or his.x
xOhere must be a way out of this,x she replied to him.
xIf there is not, you must be prepared to announce your engageU
ment, posthastex, the stark elder KYed William with another stony
look. xTome daughter, we shall return home and hope this unforU
tunate incident passes 7uickly. I will eYpect Mr. -ingsley to visit to
discuss the details of your engagementx, he bellowed as he collected
the valise with her things and walked out without another word.
Sarah looked in Mr. -ingsley"s direction, but his face was as cold as
steel.
; CITORAIZ MZE2

She sighed in agony. What was supposed to be an innocent visit to

her friend"s house had altered the course of her entire life.
Her father leaned toward her and spoke in low tones and made their
way back in the carriage to their home, xFour mother is going to have
a fainting spell when she hears of this.x
Sarah shook her head. She had bigger Ksh to fry than one of her
mother"s fainting spells. She was attempting to get out of one forced
engagement, only to be potentially hoisted, captive into another.
Ohey passed the remainder of the ride in silence.
She braced herself against her mother"s fury and her sister"s 7uesU
tioning as they entered the house.
zather called an emergency family meeting in the drawing room,
but her sister was oV visiting a friend in 9ath and would not return
for another week. Her mother eyed her with a look of confusion as she
had taken note of Sarahqs unfamiliar gown.
Zn eerie silence settled over the room between the three of them, as
it seemed no one knew how to brooch the delicate topic.
zinally, father spoke, xMargaret, there is a bit of a delicate matter
that you must be made aware of concerning our daughter.x He turned
to Sarah, as if indicating that she should eYplain to her mother eYactly
what had occurred.
xI was on my way to Helena"s when it began to pour down rain
andUx
xWere you accosted? Please tell me that you were not harmed,x her
mother begged.
xI was not accosted mother. I am wellx Sarah waited for a moment
until her mother recovered before she continued without taking a
breath.
xHowever, I was caught in the storm and was forced to take shelter
in a cabin. When I entered the cottage, I discovered that I was not
 P'AS'IDB OH2 TZPOIC2 H2ZAO ;

alone. Fou see, Mr. -ingsley was also taking shelter in the cottage. Znd
the storm did not let up until morning. 9ut zather has assumed the
worst, because he found me in the cottage alone with Mr. -ingsley.
I assure you that nothing happened between us. Mr. -ingsley has no
designs on me. He is an engaged man and a complete gentleman. He
was simply taking shelter from the rain. zather is concerned about
scandal and threatened to force Mr. -ingsley to marry me,x Sarah
caught her breath and sat down.
Sarahqs mother gritted her teeth, a tense eYpression on her face
looking at her husband and then to her daughter. xOhis is a grave
situation indeed, daughter. Fou most certainly will not escape some
scandal from this situation. Zside from your reputation remaining
unscathed, the bigger complication is your potential engagement to
two men. How will you break the news to Zrthur?x
xI do not have the slightest idea how I am going to do that, with the
situation being what it is,x Sarah obGected with moans in between her
words her breath holding back her softened anger.
xPerhaps Zrthur will be understanding and still wish to marry you,
regardless of the rumors that will jy. Rnce you are engaged, you will
have some measure of protection. Zll will be set to right. Fou are brave,
my daughter and will get through this,x her motherqs smile brought
her comfort. xIt is unfortunate that simply being stranded in the rain
has led to this mess of a situationx Sarah was glad her mother saw the
truth of this.
x ust know thisx father"s Krm voice reverberated through the room
as he looked at Sarah and her mother. He stopped his pacing, and his
tone became dark, looking down at Sarah, xI intend to make someone
marry, my daughter.x He Knished that declaration and returned to his
study.
;6 CITORAIZ MZE2

Her mother embraced Sarah with a warm hug and tenderly stroked
her hair as she had when she was a little girl. Sarah enGoyed the moment.
Zfter some time and passed, her mother whispered, xIt"s almost time
for super, love. Fou"d best go and make yourself ready.x
Aeluctantly, Sarah rose and withdrew to her bedchamber. Ohe task
at hand was to calm her frayed nerves at least enough to partake in
a meal and to not upset her mother and father anymore tonight.
Thoosing a modest, blue gown that was marketed under catchy name
of Tlarence 9lue, she took meticulous care in arranging her hair into
a braid, securing it with a delicate artic blue ribbon.
With a resigned eYhale Sarahqs resolve was clear she was determined
to savor a 7uiet and tran7uil supper with her family, because she knew
it would be the calm before the storm.
 Chapter 5

S arah sat with her friend, Helena, in her lovely parlor, and sipped
her cup of tea.
Having barely slept after the ordeal of the previous day, Sarah was
determined to devise a means of avoiding marriage to any gentleman,
for the time being. Helena, with her customary mocking tone, re-
marked, "So, you mean to tell me you're practically engaged to two
gentlemen. How thrilling and scandalous!" Sarah was accustomed to
Helena's manner, not averse to it; it was simply her way. Amidst the
mockery, there lingered a caring nature in Helena's words, a genuine
concern for her longtime friend.
Snapping back "Helena, please do not romanticize my troubles in
love. I am being forced into engagements, when I wish to be free and
Pnd love in my own singular way," ending in a restrained laugh.
Helena leaned forward and studied her friend intently. "?ay no
attention to my mindless teasing. I am simply trying to lighten the
weight of your burdens, Sarah. I am in earnest to know, how you are
going to handle this dilemmaV"
4x CITORMIA ZAE3

Sarah took another sip of her tea, as she responded behind her cup
eqpressing caution and her concern "I have no earthly clue, honestly. I
am still trying to devise a way to break the news to Zr. Oriton."
"I entertain a notion. ?rolong your visit, as you were considering,
and I would delight in the company of my esteemed friend as I make
ready for my own imminent union," Helena began to giggle modestly
as she said, "but Sarah, I am not Kuite as blessed, as I only have the one
suitor!" Sarah's nose wrinkled and scolded her eyes as the two broke
into laughter.
Helena continued, "perhaps, the path to your heart may embark
on an unconventional course." Ohe mischievous glint rekindled in
Helena's gaze. "Zr. Wingsley possesses a considerable handsomeness,
I dare say."
"Gho is Kuite handsomeV" Zr. érant entered the room and folded
his arms with smock sternness. "Gho has captured the attention of my
PancNe that she is remarking on his appearanceV"
Helena chuckled, "jo need to be ’ealous, Galter. I said Kuite hand-
some, not thoroughly handsome and charming. Ohat title belongs to
you and you alone, my love."
"éood answer," Galter said, bending down to kiss HelenaBs cheek.
Ohe endearing look that passed between them heated SarahBs cheeks.
"éood day Ziss ?arker. I hope you and your family are in good
health."
"Ohank you for inKuiring, Zr. érant. However, I am in a bit of a
pickle."
"Uy pickle, she means an entanglement of the romantic sort. She
is practically engaged to two men," Helena stopped herself saying
anymore as she sipped her tea.
Galter nearly choked on the tea he was sipping, "?lease do eqplain,
Ziss ?arker. I am intrigued by this unusual turn of events."
 ?5MS5Ijé OH3 TA?OIC3 H3AMO 4Y

"It is not at all glamorous, Zr. érant, I assure you. I was on my

way to visit, Helena, when I got caught in a storm. I took shelter in an
abandoned cottage, only to discover that Zr. Wingsley, was also taking
shelter there," Sarah eyes saddened retelling her troubles to Helena's
PancN.
"6ou see darling, it does not bode well for Sarah, does it" Helena
inter’ected.
"I see," Galter remarked, reclining upon the settee. "Ohese are
indeed peculiar circumstances," he uttered, a bemused eqpression
adorning his face.
"Ghich is why I have invited Ziss ?arker to come for eqtended visit.
I think our presence will bring her some comfort in her distress."
"Indeed, I hope all turns out well." Galter turned to Helena and
smiled. "I have some business to attend to this afternoon, but I will
call on you for supper this evening. éood day, Helena, Ziss ?arker."
He bowed and left the room.
"Gell then, it's all settled. 6ou will most certainly come for a visit as
soon as it can be arranged." Helena smiled.
"Tan it be as early as tomorrow afternoonVB" Sarah shy and now
a little embarrassed but it was ignored by Helena as she rose to hug
Sarah, "Ohat is agreeable to me. 6ou know you are always welcome at
Meed Hall."
Ohe morning passed pleasantly and bled into early afternoon.
Sarah collected her things and returned to the ?almer residence,
with the promise that she would return for a lengthy visit, tomorrow
afternoon. She found Zr. Oriton in the drawing room, deep in con-
versation with her mother and father.
"Ah Ziss ?arker, ’ust the person I was hoping to see. Ge have much
to discuss due to the recent circumstances that have occurred with
regard to you and Zr. Wingsley."
47 CITORMIA ZAE3

"I can assure you sir, nothing untoward occurred. He was simply
taking shelter from the rain, as was I." she pleaded in earnest as to not
bring any shame upon her mother and father.
"Tan you imagine the torture you have in8icted upon me, by being
alone with a gentleman who is not your intendedV" he said. She now
saw the sparks of anger that 8ickered across his eqpression.
?erhaps more feeling lurked beyond his bland facade then she had
Prst assumed.
Ohe fastest way to arouse a manBs ire, was to cross the lines of
suitability with his lady. Ohough she was his lady in name only, she
now felt some compassion towards him.
She began again "Zr. Oriton, I apologize for any discomfort that
you might have endured due to this news. I was simply taking cover
from the rain. I understand if this changes the nature of our relation-
ship due to rumors that will most likely swirl around my reputation."
Arthur put his hands in his pockets and breathed, "Ziss ?arker, my
devotion to you has not changed, nor has my desire for us to be wed. I
simply suggest that we announce our engagement as soon possible, to
keep the rumors under control. Zother tells me your gown will arrive
from the dressmakers within the week. If preparations can be made, I
think it would be advantageous to hasten the o9cial announcement
of our nuptials."
Sarah nor anyone present could not argue with the wisdom of his
words.
At least she would not have to deal with Zr. Wingsley again. Ohe
original plan was back in motion, and for that she was grateful.
Ohey sat and talked about plans for the engagement and the tension
in the room eased considerably.
jow, all she had to do was orchestrate a successful escape from
tying the knot with Zr. Oriton, and all would be well.
 ?5MS5Ijé OH3 TA?OIC3 H3AMO 4*

Ohe engagement party went oF without a hitch.

Sarah looked every inch the polished lady in her peach gown. A
true masterpiece of craftsmanship, her silhouette was characterized by
a high waistline that gracefully descended into a 8owing, ankle-length
skirt, the fabric, a lustrous silk, adorned with intricate embroidery,
topaz trimmings and delicate lace, she was a picture of meticulous
artistry, a visual feast of color and teqture. Tompleting the ensemble,
she embraced the fashion of her time with delicate gloves accessories,
a purse with matching topaz accents, and a bonnet adorned with silk
8owers.
"Ueautiful, yes, Kuite so, isn't she my love" her mother commented
with admiration, and upon her father looking at her, he gave a pleased
nod.
Sarah met her father's eye and his met the tears in hers.
She left her home in the family carriage for her eqtended visit to her
friend the neqt day.
Ohe neqt day Helena spoke with such optimism, "Gell, it appears
the dilemma with Zr. Wingsley has been solved, and you are o9cially
an engaged woman."
"I still have to Pgure out a way to convince Zr. Oriton to break oF
our engagement or run away. Zy troubles are far from over," Sarah sat
Kuestioning herself.
"So," Helena inKuired in a conspiratorial whisper, "how was your
time with Zr. WingsleyV Ghat is he likeV"
"He is a man who courts confusion, Helena, a walking contra-
diction," Sarah remarked, her Pngers delicately smoothing the folds
of her skirts. "At moments, he can be utterly insuFerable, pushing
the boundaries of tolerance, and yet, there are times when he eqhibits
kindness and consideration."
40 CITORMIA ZAE3

"He seems to have nestled into a crevice of your heart. I can sense
it," observed her companion.
"He undeniably possesses a penchant for trouble," Sarah admitted
with a wry smile.
"Admit it, Sarah; he is a puzzle that you Pnd fascinating."
"He is intriguing for the sole reason that he is unpredictable."
"5npredictable and handsome," Helena Kuipped. "6ou might Kuite
possibly be in love with him."
Silence Plled the space for an uncomfortable moment. Sarah re-
fused to think about Zr. Wingsley. She needed to focus on forging a
new path for herself with no distractions. "I do not deny that he is
handsome, but his arrogance is simply something I cannot abide. Ge
shall speak no more of the sub’ect." Her friend simply chuckled.
"Admit it, Sarah; he is a puzzle that you Pnd fascinating," Helena
asserted.
"He is intriguing yes, for the sole reason that he is an unpre-
dictable man," Sarah conceded, her gaze momentarily distant, her face
scrunched in thought.
"5npredictable and handsome," Helena Kuipped with a teasing
glint in her eyes. "6ou might Kuite possibly be in love with him."
A brief silence enveloped the space, casting an uncomfortable mo-
ment.
Sarah, resolute in redirecting her thoughts, refused to dwell on Zr.
Wingsley. "I do not deny that he is handsome, but his arrogance is sim-
ply something I cannot abide. Ge shall speak no more of the sub’ect,"
she declared Prmly, determined to steer the conversation away from
matters of the heart.
Her friend simply chuckled, recognizing the inner con8ict within
Sarah's sentiments as she too tried not to laugh at Helena pulling one
of her foolish faces.
 ?5MS5Ijé OH3 TA?OIC3 H3AMO 4—

"Gell then, let us entertain with talks of glittering gowns and en-
gagements of a diFerent nature. I am currently endeavoring to sift
through my trousseau, you know, the bridal goods and Pnd myself in
need of your invaluable assistance."
"I will be more than happy to oblige," responded Sarah with a
gracious nod.
Helena's laughter, melodious and carefree, resonated through the
room as the two friends linked arms, embarking on a ’ourney to review
the splendid gowns destined for Helena's 3uropean wedding day.
In the midst of fabrics and hues, Sarah found delight and distrac-
tion in the lighter topics, temporarily setting aside the compleqities of
the breaking heart.

111

Gilliam sighed as he approached the door of Ziss Hutton's residence,

the need to stop the brewing rumors before they got out of hand.
éreeted by a servant, he was promptly announced in the drawing
room.
"Zr. Wingsley, to what do I owe the pleasureV" inKuired Ziss Hut-
ton.
"I hope to discuss a matter of a delicate nature," he replied. 2ol-
lowing her invitation to sit, he Pqed his gaze upon her, preparing to
broach the impending conversation. She looked upon him with her
usual gleam of her smile, a tether of guilt began to leak into his mind.
"A few days ago, I found myself stranded in a storm that over-
whelmed the village, do you remember itV Seeking refuge in a nearby
cottage, I discovered I was not the sole seeker of shelter."
xD CITORMIA ZAE3

Aleqandria's eyes narrowed, and she sat upright, she sat unmoved,
gripped in anticipation.
"Ziss ?arker was also taking shelter in the cottage, as it was unsafe
for her to return home until morning."
"It is no surprise that Ziss ?arker was there. Orouble seems to follow
her, and her disregard for convention puzzles me. She was--she was
wearing a red gown to the last ball I attended”everyone knows such
a choice is simply not done by respectable young ladies."
"Megardless of her unconventional ways, her conduct in the cottage
was that of a lady. I assure you. 6et, I am aware that this unfortunate
incident has the potential to spark scandal."
Gilliam Kuickly cleared his throat, "?eople are Kuick to gossip, and
I wished to be forthright about the situation, along with my intention
to marry you, if that aligns with your wishes.
Ziss Hutton's demeanor softened, "I have not changed my wish to
marry you, sir. I would be delighted to host our engagement party in
the neqt few days. I have received the new gown from the dressmaker,
and it will be perfect for the festivities."
"I am grateful for your understanding and that you have agreed to
proceed with our engagement." Gilliam found his resolve in the grace
he was freely given.
"I recognize a gentleman of good standing when I see one. I would
be such a silly girl to forfeit such a good match," Aleqandria smiled and
her head lowered gesturing her words were true.
"Spoken like a true gentlewoman," he remarked. Her laughter res-
onated through the room, and in that moment, it felt as though a
weight had been lifted from his shoulders, and all was as it should be.

111
 ?5MS5Ijé OH3 TA?OIC3 H3AMO xL

Muby ?arker was so frightened that she felt her blood run cold.
Ohe young woman wondered how much longer she would have to
hide the truth.
She should have never allowed Zr. Urookestone to seduce her with
words of aFection and tantalizing touches.
Ohe evidence of her indiscretions would be known to everyone
soon.
She had made Zr. Urookestone's acKuaintance at a recent ball.
He had called on her neqt day and the two of them began a whirl-
wind courtship.
Rne thing led to another when she had visited his friendBs estate,
and he had whispered promises of marriage.
He was not even aware that she was carrying his child. He had been
called out of town on business, two days later, and she had received no
word from him since.
Ohis was the third day that she had been lying in. She did not
have the heart to eqplain her condition to mother. She knew father
would be furious and now with all her sister's aFairs and associations,
his anger would not be Kuelled easily if at all. Her sister would be a
welcome person to conPde in, but was presently visiting her friend,
for an eqtended period of time.
Muby felt the need to vomit.
She slid the chamber pot near her bed. Her mother entered her
chamber and rushed to her side. "Is everything alright, Muby dearV Ohe
mother studied the daughter, "Are you unwellV"
"Shall I fetch a physicianV" asking with love in her eyes, eyes that
would soon be Plled with upset if she knew the truth of her daughter's
ills.
"jo mother, I am Kuite well, I assure you. ItBs ’ust a bought of
nausea. I am certain it will pass."
x CITORMIA ZAE3

"6ou have been lying in for three days. I insist you see a physician. I
will send for octor Moland, immediately."
Muby gritted her teeth and bit back a cry of protest.
If she protested much more, her mother might be suspicious.
She could only hope and pray that the doctor wouldnBt detect her
condition before she was ready to break the news to her mother. Muby
managed to dress in a simple, green, day dress and braid her hair before
the doctor arrived, doing her best to re8ect strength and health for a
woman her age. She willed herself to keep her composure as she greeted
him.
Her mother waited outside her bedchamber, pacing anqiously, a
?arker family trait Muby thought but the thought was 8eeting as
without long the doctor was Pnished with his eqaminations.
Ghen the good doctor Pnally emerged, Muby's mother hastened
towards him, a visage of concern etched across her features.
Ohe doctor's voice, mu ed by the now closed door, made it chal-
lenging to discern his words. "6our daughter is not ill. However, she
is in a delicate condition, if you read my meaning," he conveyed.
Muby, overhearing snippets, had heard enough, leaving the implica-
tion hanging in the air before the concern that had previously marked
her mother's countenance gave way to anger.
"Are you suggesting my Muby is pregnantV Ohere must be some
mistake. Are you absolutely certainV" Her tone, once laced with worry,
now brimmed with disbelief.
Ohe doctors voice no longer hushed and clear, "I am absolutely
certain, Zrs. ?arker. I regret that this news has come as Kuite a shock to
you," the doctor responded, his words carrying the weight of assurance
for Muby.
She was with child.
 ?5MS5Ijé OH3 TA?OIC3 H3AMO x4

111

Songbirds accompanied hushed murmurs between Helena and Sarah

on the veranda. 2ading sunlight cast a warm glow, creating a tranKuil
atmosphere. Helena unfolded her sister's letter, the paper crisp with
signiPcant words. As Sarah digested her sisterBs letter.
Dear Sarah,
Please forgive the dreadful news I am about to pen.
It is my burden alone to bear. During my trip to Bath, I met a gentle-
man by the name of Mr. Carter Brookestone. We made acquaintance,
during a ball that was hosted by my friend, Emily, you do remember
her, don't you? Naturally, Mr. Brookestone and I became smitten with
one another, and one thing led to another- I will not embellish the truth.
For I am with child. He does not know as he was called away on
business. I am truly sorry for the shame that I have brought on the family,
and the danger I have brought to your own match.
I am being sent to away to our aunt until the baby can be born and
given to a good family.
I hope you can find it in heart to forgive me.
Your Beloved Sister, Ruby
Ohe tranKuility had broken, "Zy poor, poor Muby," Helena mut-
tered. "She must have withheld the news for as long as she could."
"éentleman indeed," Sarah sputtered. "I would like to give him a
piece of my mind."
"I am not meaning to be insensitive, but have you considered how
this will aFect you, SarahV She as good as said it might. Have you
considered how this will aFect your own matchV Gill Zr. Oriton still
be willing to wed you with the rumors that might surround your sister
if this word gets outV" there was no time for ’okes and Helena words
made none.
xx CITORMIA ZAE3

Sarah put her hands to her head, "I'm in a right muddle, aren't' I. I
cannot make heads or tails of a thing at the present moment Helena."
Helena, ever perceptive, posed a Kuestion "If Zr. Oriton rescinds
his oFer of marriage, where will that leave you and Zr. WingsleyV Gill
your father force him to marry you insteadV
A shadow passed over Sarah's brow, " et us hope not, for that
would be a fate worse than death."
 Chapter 6

A few days later, the darkness sounding Sarah's mood only in-
creased, receiving the dreadful news she was anticipating. Her
heart sank to her toes as she read Mr. Triton’s letter.
Dear Miss Parker,
I hope this letter finds you well.
I regret the necessity of addressing a sensitive matter. I have heard
talk about your sister, Miss Ruby Parker, though I must emphasize that
these rumors remain unsubstantiated.
Given the numerous scandals associated with your family, it pains me
to express that proceeding with our intended union would invite undue
scrutiny to me and my family. Please understand that this decision is
in no way a reflection of your own character but rather an unfortunate
consequence of family connections.
I genuinely wish you continued health and happiness.
Yours Respectfully,
Mr. Triton
46 VICTORIA MAZE

Sarah turned gracefully, transitioning from a gentle run to a skip-

ping motion, eventually settling into a brisk walk. She sought out
Helena and found her in the drawing room, eager to share the news.
"Look Helena, Arthur has oFcially broken our engagement. There
is no doubt he has already spoken with Kather. This will not only
reignite the rumors surrounding my reputation. This will cause father
to attempt to force Mr. Wingsley to marry me for sure."
"?ould that be such a bad thingq" Helena inxuired, her eyes
sxuinting at Sarah after perusing the letter herself.
"Mr. Wingsley and I are clearly not suited for one another. He would
resent me and feel trapped by our union. I could not bear it, Helena,
no," Sarah ePplained, her voice holding a note of con*dence the words
she spoke were true.
"’erhaps if your sister were to marry, the rumors would die down,
and Mr. Triton would resume his suit. Everything would be set to
rights then," Helena suggested cheerfully.
"’erhaps, yes, perhaps," Sarah echoed.
"?ell, let us not trouble ourselves. I think planning my wedding
will be a good distraction," Helena proposed, steering the conversation
toward a more lighthearted direction.
"Very well, indeed," Sarah agreed, oUering a genuine smile.

NNN

?illiam gritted his teeth.

He wanted to tear the letter in his hands to shreds.
Apparently, rumors had begun to swirl about the suspicions of any
indiscretion regarding Miss ’arkerGs sister. ?illiam could have sworn
this family was cursed.
 ’7RS7Ijz THE CA’TIVE HEART 4—

jow, there were rumors regarding both sisters of the ’arker. Even
though he could vouch for the older sisterGs virtue, he resented the fact
that he was associated with them in anyway.
He knew she was trouble from the moment that he saw Miss ’arker
in the intense red gown.
jow, her father was demanding that he propose marriage to his
daughter.
?illiam had tried to ePplain the fact that he could not 8ust become
engaged to her so easily, because he had already announced his im-
pending nuptials to Miss Hutton.
Miss ’arkerGs father had refused to listen to reason. He had given
?illiam the span of one week to make the proposal or be challenged
to a duel.
?illiam should have simply gone home that night instead of taking
shelter in that cottage. He regretted the fact that his future had gone
wholly awry, and all thanks to the young and impetuous Miss ’arker.
He was told that she had gone on an ePtended visit to visit her
friend, Miss ?inston. ?ell, he would 8ust have to pay her and her
friend a little visit and insist that she persuade her father to call oU his
ridiculous demands.
He rapidly saddled his fastest horse and rode with as much speed as
the beast below him, could muster until he was in the front of Miss
?instonGs home. As the wind lashed him for like he guided the horse
without long he stood at the residence grounds where he thought Miss
’arker to be.
VePed, agitated, and consumed by anPiety, he found himself lost
within the tall labyrinth walls of his thoughts.
The realiYation struck him9 he should have *rst gone to see Miss
Hutton. Confusion clouded his mind as to why he had ridden to Miss
Helena ?inston's home *rst.
4D VICTORIA MAZE

The moment of realiYation passed, and the sense of regret settled

in.
It was too late now, he considered, resigning himself to the conse-
xuences.
One of the servants answered the door, greeted by the troubled
countenance of the gentleman seeking answers, the servant was cau-
tious to avoid the usual pleasantries due to Mr. Wingsley's apparent
mood and temper.
Helena and Sarah were in the drawing room, talking afternoon tea
when Mr. WingsleyGs arrival was announced.
He bowed to them both with a rigid formality that concealed his
anger.
The two ladies curtsied to him and returned to their positions on
the settee. He took a chair opposite them and tried to maintain his
composure.
"Mr. Wingsley, to what do we owe the unePpected pleasureq" Hele-
na rexuested, her eyes not leaving his form making him feel even more
uncomfortable if only slightly.
"Korgive my forthrightness, but I have an urgent matter to discuss
with Miss ’arker in private." Sarah opened her mouth to protest, but
Helena stopped her with a look, as instructing her on the nePt move
she must take. Helena *nished her cup and arose, ePiting the room and
sat in an ad8oining parlor.
"Miss ’arker, your father is demanding that I make you an oUer of
marriage," it was as if each word spoken ?illiam voice grew larger.
"I must insist that you persuade your father to call oU his ridicu-
lous demands. Rumors surrounding your sisterGs predicament have
emerged and are threating to bring scandal. 5our father wrote to me,
informing me of your broken engagement to Mr. Triton, and his
concern about the recent unfortunate circumstances with your sister
 ’7RS7Ijz THE CA’TIVE HEART 40

having an impact on your reputation. I simply cannot ful*ll your

fatherGs demands as I have my own responsibilities and commitments
to tend to," trying to regain composure and with it his breath ?illiam
stopped himself from continuing.
"?hy are paying me a visit, Mr. Wingsleyq I am not the one who
is begging you for an oUer of marriage. I would never stoop to such
a level. It is best you communicate to my father directly. I assure you
that my words will not have any impact on my father as you so think.
Once his mind is made up, it is very diFcult for me to convince him
of little else."
"5ou are partially to blame for this tangled web we *nd ourselves in,
Sarah."
Helena could be heard sighing from the neighboring room.
"I am only partially to blame, allow me to enlighten you, Mr.
Wingsley. One or both of us could have died in that storm. ?e would
then have no worry of scandal then. I do not control the wind or the
rain, Sir. How dare you blame me for your troubles."
"My troublesq This does not 8ust aUect me. Let me be clear, Miss
’arker, this situation aUects your reputation."
"5es, Mr. Wingsley, because I was alone with you" her tone and
words acting like a reminder.
The words hit him like a thud in the chest. Mr. Wingsley sighed and
put his hands together, and then in pockets. "1o you mean to tell me,
there is no hope of changing your fatherGs mindq"
"I fear not, Mr. Wingsley. I fear not." A silence settled over the room,
save the ticking of the clock.
"So, I am to be forced to make a proposal to you," he asked under a
state of bewilderment.
"Am I to be forced to accept an oUer of marriageq", the two stared
in a silent showdown.
é2 VICTORIA MAZE

"It seems as if we have no other choice."

"?hat will you tell Miss Huttonq"
"I will ePplain to her that something has come up that has caused
me to withdraw my oUer of marriage," his hand now resting on his
chin looking up to the ceiling.
"I am not heartless, Mr. Wingsley. I do not wish to mar your hap-
piness."
"It seems as though there is nothing that can be done. ’erhaps, if
we appear to conform to your fatherGs demands, we can *nd out a
way to call oU our engagement once the rumors around your sister are
xuelled."
"That seems like a logical course of action," her words commending
him.
"So, we have an agreement thenq" He ePtended his hand, and she
shook at it delicately.
"I suppose so, Mr. Wingsley."
He dropped to one knee and her breath caught. "?ill you marry
meq"
"5es," she didn't know why her sensibilities were keen at this mo-
ment.
"I donGt have the ring yet, but I will get one for you as a symbol of
our agreement."
"Thank you, Sir, that would be proper," she replied, but she did
not say it aloud the unspoken truth lingering beneath her composed
ePterior.
The small part of her that found comfort in the carrying on of their
conversation, despite its nature.
"I should go. I have a few matters of business that need my atten-
tion. I will call on you tomorrow afternoon to bring the ring." He
bowed to her, and she curtsied. Then, he left her to ruminate on the
 ’7RS7Ijz THE CA’TIVE HEART é

fact that she was pledged to another man. In fact, she had been engaged
to two men in the space of less than a month.
Her friend entered the room, a concerned ePpression on her face
and a smile, "?hat did Mr. Wingsley wantq"
Sarah entertained her, so she could speak openly "My father has
insisted on forcing Mr. Wingsley to marry me since Mr. Triton has
ended our engagement."
"I see," Helena said coming to sit closely beside her on the settee.
"?hat am to doq I never imagined this would create such a tangled
mess."
"?hat can you doq" she immediately responded.
"Mr. Wingsley agreed to our engagement to satisfy father."
Sarah stood up and looked rebellious and she reconstructed the last
few moments, "?e thought that perhaps if the rumors concerning my
sister died down, we could xuietly call oU our engagement and set
everything to rights."
Helena looked again suspicious of Sarah's words, "?eq"
"?ell, that seems the most sensible course of action. I suppose the
greater xuestion is how you are absorbing the news, my friendq"
Sarah sat back down resting her head on Helena's shoulder, "Hon-
estly, I have no idea where to begin. My whole life is about to change.
It feels as if my world is spinning out of control and there is no earthly
way to stop it."
The rest of the day passed in a blur as Sarah penned detailed letters
to her sister and parents.
She had concocted a plan to ePtricate herself from one *anc e.
jow, all she needed to do was *nd a way to ePtricate herself from
the other one, from ?illiam Wingsley. The trouble was this was not
going to be as simple. Sarah sighed as she readied herself for bed and
é VICTORIA MAZE

tried to put the unfortunate incidents behind her and remind herself
that tomorrow was indeed another day.
Though, a subtle wonder danced in her mind until ePhaustion
defeated her, to what troubles a new day would bring her.
 Chapter 7

W illiam called on Miss Parker early the next afternoon, a sense

of duty guiding him after having regrettably informed Miss
Hutton that their engagement must come to an end.
She huped and -outed initially, a natural reaction to the disa-w
-ointing turn of events. HoKever, Kith time and half a cu- of tea,
she came to the be acce-ting Khen the understanding had kissed her
that there Kas nothing to be done but to acce-t the current situation
Tingsley had delivered.
zhen he had broken the neKs of the recent ha--ening to his -arw
ents.
zhey Kere none too thrilled Kith the match, but recogniAing the
-otential threat of scandal, they resolved to -ublicly su--ort it. HoKw
ever, another set of -eo-le, William made sure to inform that they had
little to no choice in such a situation, underscoring the com-lexities
surrounding the match.
Vnd soKing the seeds of Ire into his everwincreasing desires.
éq CORzZEOV MV54

He ho-ed that Miss Parker kneK Khat it Kas costing him, and all
he Kas sacriIcing to save her -oor re-utation.
zhe more he thought about it, the more it angered him.
He found himself having lost an advantageous match Kith a lovely
and titled Koman, all due to the absurdity of being stranded in the
rain. Such an unforeseen circumstance Kas beyond his contem-law
tion, and the incredulity of the situation Keighed heavily on him. He
Kondered hoK he Kould navigate the role of the doting Iancj, tasked
Kith convincing onlookers that he Kas genuinely in love Kith a young
Koman Kho, Guite frankly, tried his -atience.
zo be more s-eciIc, she managed to get under his skin.
She found humor in exactly the Krong things, at -recisely the most
ino--ortune times.
Smiling beautifully instead of being coy.
She Kas the exact o--osite of Khat he Kanted in a Kife.
She enUoyed challenging him Kay more than Kas -ro-er. Nive the
Koman an inch and she Kould certainly take a mile. Well, he Kould
Uust have to ho-e and -ray that the rumors concerning her sister Kould
be -ut to rest, and that Mr. zriton Kould reneK his suit.
His thoughts detailed hoK the man seemed besotted Kith her,
and -erha-s time Kould Kork out the tangled mess they had gotten
themselves into.
V servant announced his arrival in the draKing room, and he rew
Guested a Kalk in the gardens Kith Miss Parker. He assumed that
Kould apord them some -rivacy as their nerves Kere more than likely
on edge. She agreed and took his arm and before long, they Kere out
in the balmy day, strolling in the garden.
"nder any other circumstances, she might have found the scene
romantic. HoKever, in the -resent moment, all she felt Kas sheer and
utter dread. William halted at one of the benches in the garden and
 P"ES"O?N zH4 RVPzOC4 H4VEz éé

gestured for her to sit. She com-lied Kith his reGuest and released a
dee-, heavy sigh.
;O ho-e,; he began, ;that you realiAe all that O am sacriIcing to
-rotect your re-utationw;
;Vll that you are sacriIcing, Mr. TingsleyF Os that hoK you seek
to rectify the situationF Romments such as these Kill surely not Kin
my favor, in the least. Have you considered the damage that these
circumstances have Krecked u-on my re-utationF O have sustained a
broken engagement, and have -erha-s, lost the chance for the most
im-ortant thing that O could ever have.;
;4nlighten me, Miss Parker,; William Guestioned, arms folded in an
aura of curiosity.
;zhe chance for true ha--iness and love,; she ansKered, her dew
meanor noK fragile, resembling a Kilted 6oKer in need of -rotection.
Without much consideration, his feet moved toKard her, and acting
on im-ulse, he -laced his hand on her shoulder.
;We Kill Ind a solution, Miss -arker’ rest assured of it.;
V glimmer of a smile -assed over her features.
He reached into the folds of his Uacket and -roduced the glittering
engagement ring that had been the one that his father had given his
mother Khen they Kere courting.
Yunny, he had never thought to -ro-ose Kith this ring Khen he
-ro-osed to Miss Hutton.
zhe thought bothered him, but he ignored it and told himself to
focus on the task at hand.
He sli--ed the ring on her Inger, and it It like a glove. Ot -leased
him but, he had the niggling feeling that this situation Kould be harder
to get out of than it Kas to come by. Sarah Parker Kas trouble. He
kneK that in the de-th of his being, as he kneK his name Kas William
Tingsley.
é' CORzZEOV MV54

She Kore a sober and resigned ex-ression on her countenance, and

he kneK, in that moment, that she fully understood the gravity of
the situation. She managed a small smile Khen she looked u- at him
through her long lashes.
;zhank you, Mr. Tingsley,; her smile noK Kidening Kith her soft
Kords.
;O Kill u-hold my Kord, on my honor as a gentleman.;
;Some gentlemen you are,; she teased.
;O could say the same for the lady.; She became aKare that her s-irit
had lifted considerably and alloKed herself one full smile.
;HoK soon can you have a goKn created for the engagement -artyF
O ex-ect the -a-ers Kill get Kind of the neKs rather soon, and your
family Kill be ex-ecting it soon.;
She sighed and smoothed the folds of her skirts. ;O Kould say, O
should have a goKn ready Kithin a fortnight.;
;VlloK me to cover the cost of the goKn,; he gestured Kith an o-en
hand.
Vn incredulous look came over her face. ;O couldn7t ask you to... O
couldn7t -ossibly acce-tw;
;8ou didn9t ask. O opered, and O Kon9t take no for an ansKer,; his
voice resonated Kith strength and masculinity, leaving no room for
doubt that he Kas determined not to acce-t a refusal.
;8ou leave me no choice then Sir.;
ed, 6ashing him a beKildered look. Her gaAe then shifted to the ring
on her Inger, and she -ondered over it fondly. Ot glistened, eportlessly
com-eting Kith the daylight around her, and her eyes mirrored the
same light that had ca-tivated him in his dreams of her. He couldn9t
hel- but chuckle at the realiAation. ;Yor the Irst time in our acGuainw
tance, O do believe, O have rendered you s-eechless and confess, O rather
enUoy it.;
 P"ES"O?N zH4 RVPzOC4 H4VEz é0

;O only do it for the sake of -ro-riety Sir. My mother taught me that

a lady never refuses a gentleman7s oper of hel-.;
He raised his eyebroKs, casting her a look of mock consternation.
;Suddenly, you are so concerned about -ro-riety, Miss ParkerF; he
remarked Kith a touch of groKing amusement.
;O do not ignore all the rules of -ro-riety, Mr. Tingsley. O sim-ly
amend the rules if the circumstances reGuire it.;
;8ou knoK, Ke must -lay the -art of a cou-le in love. Ot9s the -art O
am dreading most about this Khole apair.;
;Vre you saying that you loathe me, Mr. TingsleyF; she inGuired,
her tone tinged Kith curiosity.
;O am saying that O utterly des-ise you, Miss Parker,; he declared
Kith a dead-an ex-ression. V s-ontaneous burst of laughter esca-ed
both of their li-s.
;Well, this is surely going to be an interesting adventure,; she rew
marked, her laughter tenderly lingering through her Kords.
;Ondeed, Miss Parker’ it surely Kill be,; he concurred, Sarah smiled
and giggled at the tKinkle of delight in his eyes.
;Will you return home to -lan our engagement -arty, or Kill you
remain hereF;
;O Kill remain here and send notes to Yather and Mother.;
;zhen, O Kill give my regards to Miss Winston, and take my leave
until tomorroK.; She took the arm he opered and the tKo of them
made their Kay back to the house.
Helena eyed them Khen they returned to the draKing room and
Ixed Sarah Kith a cons-irative Kink Khen she saK the engagement
ring on Sarah7s hand.
Sarah shook her head and motioned for Helena to be Guiet. HoKw
ever, she kneK Helena had a mind of her oKn Khich Kas -roven by
Helena7s next Kords.
é CORzZEOV MV54

;O see congratulations are in order,; Helena remarked, giving Mr.

Tingsley a Karm smile.
;Ondeed, they are, Miss Winston. Miss Parker and O are to be Ked
in the near future,; turning to her Kith a Karm smile, -otentially the
Karmest he had shoKn her to date.
;Well, you shall certainly not be bored Kith Miss Parker. She is the
very soul of Kit and vivacity.;
;Well noted, Miss Winston. Well noted.;
Helena Kas resisting the urge to laugh out loud, Sarah could see the
the mirth s-arkle in her eyes ;Would you care to Uoin us for su--er, Mr.
TingsleyF; she inGuired, a note of formality underlying her invitation.
;O Kould be delighted, Miss Winston.; William thought com-elled
him to stay, as the stay in his mind Kas to get to knoK a bit more
about Miss Parker, her friends, and her acGuaintances if he Kas to be
a convincing Iancj. Ot Kas all for the act, most deInitely for the act.
;Perfect, then it7s all settled.;
;O Kill return for su--er, then. zhank you, Miss Winston for the
invitation. Nood day Miss Parker, Miss Winston,; he boKed to them
both and then left the room.
Znce the -arlor door closed, Helena sGuealed and took her friend7s
hand, they both Uum-ed around as much as their garments Kould
alloK.
;zhis is a sim-ly stunning ring, Sarah, and Mr. Tingsley is Guite
stunning.;
zhe realiAation hit Sarah and she bit back, ;Of you are so taken by
him, Khy don7t you become his IancjeF;
;O Kouldn7t dream of it,; Helena said, giving full vent to her laughw
ter. ;zhere is only one man that O adore, and that is Walter.;
;8ou knoK O am merely teasing,; Sarah said, forcing herself to smile.
;zhe ring Its you like a glove, Uust like the man.;
 P"ES"O?N zH4 RVPzOC4 H4VEz é

;Helena Winston, you are such a mischievous soul. Ot7s a Konder

you manage to kee- yourself out of trouble.;
;O knoK my limits. zhe bigger Guestion is, Khat shall you Kear to
su--erF;
;Helena, you knoK that this engagement is in name only. O am not
trying to im-ress Mr. Tingsley, any more than O Kould try to im-ress
an acGuaintance.;
;O think the gentleman is more infatuated Kith you, than you realw
iAe,; Helena9s eyes curtailing the -lace William had stood before them.
;zhis is sim-ly your girlish fancies taking 6ight. Mr. Tingsley Kas
engaged to Miss Hutton, and she is Kealthy, titled, and the -icture of
a Kellwbred lady, noF;
;Perha-s... but she does not have s-irit, and O daresay, she isn7t half
as beautiful as you.;
;8ou 6atter me,; Sarah res-onded, her cheeks reddening under the
-raise.
;O sim-ly s-eak the truth, Sarah,; Helena insisted.
Sarah acknoKledged the sincerity in her friend9s Kords, realiAing
there Kas little she could say to refute them. Onstead, she sim-ly smiled.
;Walter shall be Uoining us for su--er, and thus Ke intend to revel
in a delightful, small gathering.;
;O su--ose so, if you insist on matchmaking me op.;
;V little harmless matchmaking never hurt anyone, my dear friend,;
Helena teased Kith a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Sarah sighed, ;Well, O su--ose O should dress for su--er then.; Sarah
climbed the stairs to the bedchamber and tried to -rocess the torrent
of emotions that threatened to overKhelm her.
She needed to calm doKn and -ull herself together for the arrival of
the guests that evening.
' CORzZEOV MV54

Sarah looked through her Kardrobe until her eyes alighted u-on
a cream goKn Kith a lacewembroidered bodice. zhe -ale details of
the silk goKn Kere enchanting contrasting Kith her Iery hues of her
red hair, making it a Itting choice for the occasion that lay ahead.
Vrranging her hair in an elaborate u-do and secured the glittering
UeKels around her neck. When she could Iddle Kith her It no more,
she emerged from the room to meet her friend in the draKing room
for the arrival their guests.
;8ou look radiant my friend,; Helena said, admiring Sarah7s stunw
ning goKn.
;Ot is you, Kho look stunning. Mr. Nrant Kill surely be more in love
Kith than he already is Khen he sees you tonight.;
;Vnd you Kill steal hearts tonight, Sarah. O am sure of it.;
 Chapter 8

S arah and Helena passed a pleasant half hour, while waiting for the
arrival of their guests, until the servant announced the arrival of
Mr. Kingsley and Mr. Grant in the drawing room.
William tried hard to conceal the admiration on his face when he
saw Miss Parker dressed in twinkling with crystal jewels and heavenly
colored silks, in the drawing room. His vision of her, was sweet.
She looked every inch the lady, with a regal and noble bearing that
took his breath away.
He felt the need to steel himself against the inevitable physical
reaction to her allure. However, much like the enchanting night song
he had spent amidst the Dres of her hair, he found himself fading into a
state of vulnerability. 'espite his attempts to maintain composure, he
couldnTt rid himself of the visceral personal response that her presence
evoked within him.
Vhe magnetic pull of her essence seemed to transcend his eIorts to
resist, leaving him ensnared in the captivating spell she so eIortlessly
cast.
B; CORVAZOE ME62

qut as she went brie"y went out of his sight? being blocked by
Mr. Grant and Miss WinstonTs addressing one another he knew, he
remembered, he was engaged to Sarah in name only.
He had promised Miss Hutton that he wanted to build a life with
her once his engagement to Miss Parker had ended. He was so lost in
his thoughts, that he did not hear Mr. Grant asking him a éuestion,
xMiss Parker looks especially lovely this evening, does she not-x
William managed to keep an even reply, xOndeed, she does, as does
Miss Winston,x but it had become obvious to him, he had no idea what
Miss Winston was even wearing this evening.
His focus was almost entirely on his new Danc’e.
Mr. Grant chuckled, xMy Miss Winston is enchanting.x
Helena looked lovely indeed in a jade green gown that set oI her
blonde curls and fair compleYion.
Vhe four engaged in pleasant conversation until supper was anU
nounced.
Vhey talked of the upcoming season, but SarahNs heart was not in it.
She was yet again simply distracted by her unusual predicament. She
was brought back to the present when she heard Mr. Grant speaking
on a topic of interest. xWhat do you think makes a perfect match- O
want to hear Mr. KingsleyNs thoughts on the subject followed by that
of the young ladies.x
WilliamTs response, given with a certain lavishness, outlined his
vision for an ideal lady, xWell, O think the lady should be wealthy,
educated, and accomplished with a good reputation, and understandU
ing of her duties in society. 3oung ladies should pay attention to the
feminine graces with which they are endowed with a particular regard
to her decorum. Ronventions have been established for a reason and
should not be disregarded for any reason. She should be heralded as the
perfect picture of health and beauty, and in essence, the ideal woman.x
 PFZSFO4G VH2 REPVOC2 H2EZV Bz

However, Sarah couldnTt help but Dnd his details wrong in more
ways than one according to her own perspective. xO have just one
éuestion, Mr. Kingsley. What are a womanNs duties in society-x, Sarah
asked gracefully.
His response was éuick, xVo make the most of her feminine graces
and to support her husband.x
xO do not disagree those things are true, Mr. Kingsley. However, O
do believe that there is space for a woman to advance the keenness of
her mind, as well as her feminine graces.x
xVhe trouble Miss Parker is that most women do not know how to
successfully manage the two. Vhey are the ones who ignore convenU
tions.x
xO beg to diIer, Mr. Kingsley. O am not against the wisdom of some
conventions. However, there are times when conventions should be
sacriDced for the sake of something greater.x Vhe two locked eyes in a
silent showdown. Walter and Helena looked from William to Sarah as
they continued to eat their meal in silence.
Walter attempted to break the awkward silence that descended at
the supper table, xMiss Parker, what is your opinion on the perfect
match-x
Of it were possible, Miss Parker would have sat up straighter than
she already was, xO believe a gentleman should not be arrogant, moody,
illUhumored, or have nothing to recommend him in the way of wit.
Ot is also my opinion, that he ought to encourage his lady to develop
her mind, in addition to the traditionally classiDed feminine arts. 5or
intelligence has no gender. O think he should want a woman beside him
that can feel and think.x
Sarah broke into a smile, xHe should value her opinion. E gentleU
man is in need of a wife, not simply a trophy he can display to the
BQ CORVAZOE ME62

world when he deems necessary.x Onstead of decreasing the tension in

the room, the éuestion only served to heighten it.
Helena decided it was the perfect time to play peacemaker. xWell,
darling, what about you- What is your perfect match-x
xMy perfect match is beautiful, clever, and a bit mischievous. She
has roses in her cheeks, a light in her eyes, and a penchant for laughter.
She goes by the name of Helena Emelia Winston... soon to be, Mrs.
Grant. When O found you, my love, O found my perfect match. 2veryU
thing else simply ceased to eYist.x
xqravo, darling. 3ou make me feel like the only girl in the world.x On
that moment, the air between the couples couldnNt be more diIerent.
William DYed Sarah with such a critici7ing look that it chilled her to
the very bone.
Supper concluded, and Helena played the pianoforte, while Walter
looked on, obviously enraptured. Sarah wished as she looked at him
that she could éuantify that feeling.
William approached Sarah, xE word please, Miss Parker.x
Vhey retreated to a corner of the room.
x3our behavior at supper was absolutely intolerable. 3ou can hold
whatever opinion you wish, but you will not humiliate me in public.
Vhis kind of display will be frowned upon, especially by my family.x
xHumiliate you, Mr. Kingsley, you forget that you practically inU
sulted me. 5rom the very inception of our acéuaintance, you have
undermined me, my character, and dare O say, my very person, because
O hold an opinion that is diIerent than yours.x
Sarah paused, xO shall not conform my person, to the demands you,
your family, or anyone else wishes to place on me. 5or then, Sir, O will
not be being true to myself, and falseness is not a éuality O can abide.
4ow, that O have tolerated your injurious treatment, lack of delicacy,
and totally disregard for my sensibilities, O bid you goodnight. O have
 PFZSFO4G VH2 REPVOC2 H2EZV BJ

nothing further to say.x With that, Sarah took her leave, as gracefully
as she could, from the room.
Vhe two were so engrossed in the intense conversation, that they
failed to notice the music had stopped.
Walter hastily kissed Helena on the check, bowed and took his leave,
with William following closely behind.
Hot tears stung SarahNs cheeks as she discarded the gown she had
worn. 'epressed the weight of her jewelry felt so intense. She changed
into her nightgown, and stood in the mirror for a moment, undressed
with nothing to "aunt but her loneliness and with the last of her tears
crept into bed.
Shortly thereafter, a knock sounded at her door. Helena came into
her bedchamber and sat on the edge of the bed.
xVhat was disastrous, Helena. O cannot abide it, abide him... perfect
match-x she éuestioned her dear friendTs thoughts.
xO am sorry, the way he treated you tonight was dreadful.x
xO simply cannot marry him. O canNt and O wonNt.x Helena wisely said
nothing but remained there éuietly until Sarah had fallen asleep from
eYhaustion.
William was furious but no tears clouded his enraged eyes.
Vhe woman had spoken her opinion and challenged him, in public
no less.
Vhis conDrmed the very thing that he had been of the opinion of all
along. Miss Parker simply could not, by any stretch of the imagination,
be molded into the type of woman that would be considered Dt to
stand beside him in any forum or association.
Perhaps he considered women of the middle classes were used to
speaking their minds, whenever their sensibilities demanded it, but
not women of the upper echelon of society.
BB CORVAZOE ME62

His father was a man, Drmly grounded in the traditions that had
governed Highland 2states, for centuries, and his mother, was the
essence of what it meant to be a high society lady. William felt like he
had no choice but follow the path laid before him, as it was the only
correct path.
His mother, she was the perfect hostess and best dressed at every
event. She was accomplished at all the feminine arts, and most of all,
she never éuestioned fatherNs opinion, especially in public.
William huIed, the eYhaustion of the day settling into his solid
body. Zest became his primary pursuit, as the events of the day unU
folded in a way that proved to be more of a disaster than he had initially
deemed probable. Vhe weight of unmet eYpectations and the clash of
ideals had taken a toll on him, leaving him yearning for the solace that
only a nightTs reprieve could oIer.
With a heavy heart, he sought refuge in the embrace of muchUneedU
ed rest, in angered thoughts he joked to himself as he undressed that his
evening was ending much diIerently to what he was looking forward
to when he Drst saw Sarah in her cream silk but now, he just hoped
that a new day might bring clarity to the compleYities that currently
clouded his path.
Mr. Grant came to call on Helena the neYt afternoon.
He found the ladies taking tea, in the sitting room, as was usual.
xGood afternoon, Helena, Miss Parker. Miss Parker, O see you have
escaped éuite unscathed from yesterdayNs events.x
He DYed her with a gentle smile.
xLuite the contrary, Mr. Grant. Vhe iron has entered my soul. O was
crushed by Mr. KingsleyNs thoughtless words, last evening.x
x3ou know what they say,x Helena éuipped, xgood naturedly, opU
posites attract.x
 PFZSFO4G VH2 REPVOC2 H2EZV B8

xMore like opposites annoy,x Walter said, running his hands

through his sandy brown hair.
x2nough talk about attraction. Mr. Kingsley and O are certainly not
attracted to each other.x
x3ou do not think him handsome, in your estimation, Miss ParkU
er-x
xHandsome, yes, but utterly heartless and rather, rather thoughtU
less.x
xWell, for what it is worth, Miss Parker, he certainly Dnds you
bewitching. Vhe man could hardly take his eyes oI you during supper
last evening.
xOs that so- O hardly noticed.x
x3ou two simply have a battle of wills that will end in love,x Helena
said, taking a turning about the room.
Sarah shook her head and set about her sewing, willing the matter
to drop.
!ust then, a servant came to the door and announced the arrival
of Mr. Kingsley. Sarah sat up straighter. She determined to greet Mr.
Kingsley with a cold civility. She was still not fully recovered from their
terse words yesterday evening. He greeted the room, then came to her
with a determined look on his face.
x'o you come in peace, Mr. Kingsley-x she asked, attempting to
keep her tone neutral.
x9et me be forthright, Miss Parker. We must devise a way to break
our engagement as you seem to barely be able to tolerate my company.x
xO will not disagree with you there, Mr. Kingsley. May O remind you
that you that have made it eYplicitly clear that you Dnd my company
barely tolerable. What do you propose that we do-x
x5orgive me for mentioning the unpleasant matter of your sisterTsUx
he paused.
B CORVAZOE ME62

xSo now you manage a shred of compassion, in your address, Mr.

Kingsley. O am rather shocked by it,x SarahTs eyes grew in their fury at
the mention of her younger sister but remained mostly calm.
xAn the subject of your sister, it would be ideal for her to marry as
soon as possible, in order to éuell the rumors that surround her.x
xSo, you would have my sister trapped in a loveless marriage-x
xVhat is simply not the point of this conversation.x
xVhen what is the point, Mr. Kingsley- Vhe way O see it, you want
me sacriDce my beloved sisterNs happiness for the sake of your frivolous
notions of the ideal woman.x
xO am simply stating the facts, Miss Parker. Vhe facts x
xVhen we must Dnd another to end our engagement, but let me be
clear Mr. Kingsley, we will leave my sister out of this.x She spoke with
such authority and conviction that he knew it was useless to argue. He
strode from the room after murmuring his goodbyes and his intention
to call on them at their earliest convenience.
xSo, he didnNt call to bring a truce-x Helena said lightheartedly.
xHe practically asked me to induce my sister to marry, so that we
had a means to break our engagement. My sister is already in delicate
condition, both in her body and her sensibilities. Vhat was a cruel,
unfeeling reéuest.x
xPerhaps he sees your sister as the source of your troubles, because
her involvement with Mr. qrookestone has created a di cult situation
for everyone involved.x
xHelena Emelia Winston, O cannot believe my ears. Ere you deU
fending the dandy-x
x'andy-x Helena said, laughing, xVhose are Dghting words inU
deed.x
xO am not the least bit joking,x the fury returned to her eyes.
 PFZSFO4G VH2 REPVOC2 H2EZV B

xO know, and O am not defending him, really. ONm just hoping you
both can see reason, as the two of you seem stuck together.x
9ater that evening, Sarah fell upon the bed and wept.
Ot was just as she feared. Vhe rumors surrounding her sister were
getting a bit out of hand.
5ather had written that even though the rumors had not been
conDrmed true, it would most likely occur soon. He stated that she
must wed, within the neYt several weeks. Her sister may not be trapped
in a loveless marriage, but Sarah was beginning to feel that she was one
shackled to a fate she did not choose.
 Chapter 9

T he day of Sarah's engagement party dawned brightly, a stark

contrast to the storm that followed her from last night. The
sun's radiant presence seemed almost mocking. Rain would have suit-
ed the day better.
Sarah passed through the day in a mindless haze. She was not ready
to take this step towards the altar with a man whom she had no desire
to marry. In contrast to the emotional turmoil that was transpiring she
knew she would at least look the part.
Sarah took solace in the exquisite beauty of her silvery blue gown.
It was, perhaps, the most magniWcent dress she had ever owned.
Hith meticulous touches, she arranged her hair in an updo that per-
fectly complemented the style of the gown. Per dress that could po-
tentially be a combination of regal and devious elements, Sarah felt it
oozed supremacy. ReUecting both a position of beauty, power, and her
ambition to further release the restraints of society and those around
her.
 NGRSGIEC TPA V7NTI1A PA7RT OL

7fter adorning herself with the new diamond earrings and necklace
that Hilliam had insisted, she wear, she had transformed into a vision
of sophistication. "f course, he insisted this under diYerent reasons
than to empower her. Pe did not want her to be an embarrassment to
his precious family. ’ike he had warned her, many times up to now.
The blue fabric that cascaded around her, accentuating her form
in a way she hoped echoed her unique reWnement and individuality.
7fter ridding thoughts of being broken, depraved and shame locked
after her previous encounter with Hilliam, she slowly walked down
the stairs.
MKou are a vision,M Pelena breathed.
MThank you,M Sarah replied politely, hoping Pelena knew that she
was in no mood for a lengthy conversation. The carriage ride to
HilliamZs family home passed in silence, aside from PelenaZs occa-
sional chatter on this or that. They Wnally arrived at the picturesque
estate and Sarah took one last look at the folds of her dress and pasted
on a smile.
They were ushered into the grand ballroom and were greeted by
Hilliam, his parents, and his younger sister, 7dele.
Pis parents greeted her with the no more cordiality than was ex-
pected.
2rs. ?ingsley remarked on how breathtaking her clothes were.
She was met with 2r. ?ingsleyZs icy appraisal, in contrast to 7deleZs
warm greeting. She was a lovely girl, with auburn hair and deep brown
eyes. Per gown was a brilliant white, trimmed in the richest lavender
purple. Gpon making her acquaintance, Sarah thought her the most
charming girl, who was like a breath of fresh air, in contrast to the rest
of the family's coldness.
The thought struck her like lightning that she would soon be mar-
ried into this family.
OJ 1IVT"RI7 27FA

The prospect Wlled her with dread.

Hilliam came to greet her with the easy smile that befuddled her.
MKou look enchanting, 2iss Narker,M as he kissed her hand, and for
a moment, she thought she caught the appreciation in his gaze.
It seemed that he decided to call a truce for the evening. Pe led her
on the ballroom Uoor, and she navigated the steps of a complicated
dance, with her practiced grace. Hilliam strangely felt as though he
was seeing his own mother in how she held herself.
2aybe 2iss Narker was a bit more complicated than he thought.
MIt seems we dance again, 2iss Narker,M his eyes sparkled in the light.
MIndeed, it does, 2r. ?ingsley. 7lthough, tonight, you can Wnd no
fault with my dress,M she said teasingly. She knew all eyes were on them,
and they had to at least look like they were a happy couple.
MTruly, your gown is magniWcent. I can Wnd no fault with it.M
MHere you trying to scrutinize my gown, 2r. ?ingsley3M
MNerhaps, at Wrst, but I must pay you a sincere compliment. The
gown simply could not be more perfect.M
MThank you.M
They were face to face now, and for a moment, it seemed that they
were soul to soul.
7 spark passed between them like a lightning bolt, as the heat from
HilliamZs hand again, penetrated her glove. Pis hand caught a lock of
her hair, and he looked deeply into her eyes.
The intensity of his gaze swept over her like a storm. It was in
moments like this she wished for the luxury of her fan to conceal the
blush on her cheeks.
jor his part, watching her skirt glow by candlelight was his undoing.
Pe was surprised by the undying need to draw her close. Pe did
not want the dance to end. 4ust touching her ignited his insides with
longing he now fully accepted, one he never knew existed. 7fter all he
 NGRSGIEC TPA V7NTI1A PA7RT OD

was a man and she was a woman, and physically she was supremely
captivating. This he understood well.
The dance came to its natural end but to the couple, it came much
too soon, breaking the magic of the moment.
Hords seemed to escape them both, as it seemed that they were only
ones in the crowd.
They both bowed to one another and went their way, accepting the
well-wishes of the guests in attendance.
The evening passed swiftly in a whirlwind of activity, and Sarah
yearned for the solitude of her own company. Per measure of social
energy had been entirely drained.
She was tired of suppressing the mixture of emotions she was ex-
periencing. She was invited to stay overnight at Pighland Astates, and
she was dreading the next day already.
Sarah also needed, wanted, to process what she could not deWne, the
essence that lingered between her and Hilliam during their last dance.
She crawled into bed, exhausted, and puzzled. jor she could not get
the image of the way he looked at her, out of her thoughts.
The image of him was nestled deep into her mind, a mark she set
never to be erased.
Hilliam did not do any better.
Pis desire to be near her, both exhilarated and unnerved him. Pe
felt, enchanted, bewitched, and intrigued, but it was all wrong.
Pow diYerent things were than he had imagined it. Pe liked his life
simple, uncomplicated, and predictable, and that was the opposite of
2iss Narker.
She was full of complications as he often told himself.
The next morning, Sarah awoke early. Varefully, slowly choosing
a white 5ewel-embroidered raiment, a gift from her aunt. Nearls dec-
orated her. "n the outside, she looked composed, as expected, but
O! 1IVT"RI7 27FA

her poor nerves threatened to overwhelm her if she didn't control her
breathing.
Antering the dining room for breakfast, she faced the sharp, evalu-
ating eye of 2rs. ?ingsley. MI trust you slept well,M 2rs. ?ingsley said
coolly.
MI slept as well as can be expected, considering the excitement of last
eveningZs festivities.M 7dele looked at her with sisterly aYection similar
of her own sister Ruby, who Sarah had awoken missing dearly.
MI dare say, 2iss Narker, you look well. 6oesnZt she mother3M 7dele
smile was cute, as wide as she was innocent.
MHhy of course, dear, yes, one must take note, the gown does not
make the lady, but rather, the lady makes the gown.M The insult was
not lost on Sarah.
7s she took a sip of her tea and determined to reply. She refused to
glance at Hilliam. She knew he would disapprove of her questioning
his mother, or a disagreement of the sort.
M7nd what, in your opinion, are the qualities that make a lady3M
7 sly grin came upon 2rs. ?ingsleyZs features as Sarah Wnished her
response responding with haste, M7 lady of actual quality would not
be making such an inquiry. Powever, I will indulge the question. 7
lady requires title, privilege, and all the feminine accomplishments, of
course. MHhat say you 2iss ?ingsley is your opinion on the sub5ect3M
Sarah could feel HilliamZs eyes upon her, but she ignored him and met
2rs. ?ingsley's eye.
MI think a lady of quality is distinguished by her wisdom, com-
passion, and kindness. That outshines any title or feminine accom-
plishment that could be showcased.M Sarah took another sip of tea and
met 2rs. ?ingsleyZs gaze again, unafraid, removing the cup slowly and
dramatically, placing it down to speak once more, Myes, that outshinesM.
 NGRSGIEC TPA V7NTI1A PA7RT Oé

MPow did you make my sonZs acquaintance3M 2rs. ?ingsley asked

pointedly.
MI made his acquaintance at a ball, maZam.M
MNlease regale me with the tale of how you furthered your acquain-
tance to the point of engagement.M
MI am sure you have been made aware of the details, surrounding
our acquaintance, maZam.M
The questioning and answering was quick and fast, MIndulge me,
2iss NarkerM 2rs. ?ingsley snapped back prepared and urgently, Sarah
felt as though she was held within the talons of 2rs. ?ingsleyZs clutch-
es.
She resisted the urge to sigh and sat up, straightening herself in her
chair.
MI will not embellish the tale, maZam. I was on my way to visit my
friend, Pelena, when I was caught in a storm. I determined that it
was fruitless to turn back, or I would risk catching a cold. I spotted an
abandoned cottage and took shelter there. Powever, I discovered that
2r. ?ingsley was also taking shelter from the storm. He were both
aware of the delicate nature of the situation, and functioned within
the bounds of propriety, considering the given circumstances.M
MPow can one be certain about what happens, when a man and a
woman are left alone together all night3M
M2other,M 7dele protested, Mwe have no reason to doubt 2iss Nark-
erZs word.M
M"h, but, on the contrary dear, we do. Vonsider the rumors, sur-
rounding her sister.M
M2otherBM 7dele sounded hurt by the accusation.
M2rs. ?ingsley, if you are suggesting impropriety, you would have
to implicate your son in the indiscretion as well. jor women do not
compromise their virtue alone. If you will excuse me, I will take my
O8 1IVT"RI7 27FA

leave.M Hith head held high, Sarah exited the room, leaving an eerie
silence in her absence.
M2otherBM 7dele whispered.
Shortly after, Hilliam excused himself from the table and went in
search of her.
She retreated to the bedchamber, tossing her gowns in her valise.
Hilliam stood at the door, knocking. Sarah bid him enter, leaving it
a5ar. MKou must indulge mother. It is her way-M Hilliam seemed to
speak as calmy as he could.
MI am not required to indulge anyone, 2r. ?ingsley, especially
when my character and reputation are being insulted, yet again.M Sarah
turned away from her Wanc .
Hilliam tenderly took her by the shoulders indicating she face him,
MKou simply cannot stand up to 2other. That is simply not how things
are-M
MI am quite fatigued about hearing how things are doneM I do have
regard for the bounds of propriety, provided it does not undermine
the beliefs that I hold dear.M
MKour dear mother attempted to shame me, in the front of your
family. It is she who has a blatant disregard for the feelings of others.M
Sarah took her eyes from the Uoor and into his, MHorst of all, you stood
by and said nothing in my defense. 7 man of character would have
spoken on my behalf.M
Hith that, she exited the room, instructions having been left with
a servant, regarding her departure.
Hilliam felt as though he had been thoroughly chastised.
It was peculiar to him how she had dared she question his standing,
as a man of character. Pe watched from the large window as the car-
riage with her in it faded from view and put his hands in his pockets.
 NGRSGIEC TPA V7NTI1A PA7RT OO

Turning away from the window Hilliam looked more angered than
dazed, as he went in search of his mother.
MI see 2iss Narker has taken her leave,M 2other said to him. She had
ad5ourned to the sitting room and was taking a cup of tea, with vast
amounts of sugar and honey as was her usual way. Pis father barely
asleep beside her.
MThat is not surprising considering your harsh treatment of her,M he
responded respectfully, his anger seemingly subsided.
MParsh3M 2rs. ?ingsley cackled and relaxed back on the settee. MIt
is important people know their place,M she continued.
M2iss Narker, is my Wanc e. Kou must remember that no matter
what your opinion of her may be. I will not have her insulted in this
house. I alone was with her and can vouch for her character.M
M ut son-M
MI will tolerate no argument on the sub5ect, and you will do well to
remember it, mother.M
Hith that, Hilliam left a room, eliciting a look of shock on both his
mother and father.
Sarah returned to PelenaZs home immediately retreating to her
room after informing Pelena of her situation.
She brushed the tears from her cheeks, all she seemed to do she
acknowledged was cry in this room. She needed her sensibilities to
calm and her mind to clear but before she could a knock was at the
door of the bedchamber.
Pelena entered with a serious expression on her face.
M2r. ?ingsley is here to see you,M mirroring Sarah's shock.
MI donZt want to see 2r. ?ingsley.M
MSarah, you cannot decline his call,M PelenaZs voice trailed oY.
7fter sni ing and wiping her face, Mtell the gentleman, I will be
down presently.M
O 1IVT"RI7 27FA

Pelena patted her friend on the shoulder, then went down the stairs
to entertain 2r. ?ingsley until SarahZs arrival.
Sarah arrived twenty minutes later, after pulling herself together
from the deepest corners of her mind. 2r. ?ingsley bowed to her with
a grave expression on his face.
M7llow me to apologize on behalf of mother. She often speaks
without thinking. It is her way.M
MI assure you, 2r. ?ingsley, she meant every word.M
M6o you accept my apology3M
M"nly if it is on your own behalf.M
MThen, is it a truce3M Hilliam extended his hand in a goodwilled
gesture.
MTruce.M
She shook the hand he extended, and the heat from his hand seeped
into the gloves she wore and spread to her middle. The sunlight poured
into the room, casting a mild rainbowed radiance from the silvery
reWnement, and the light created a halo around them both. Pis touch
lingered on her hand, a little more than was polite, and she sucked in
a sharp breath as he removed her glove, to then placed a lingering kiss
on the back of her bare hand.
In that moment, the truth became clear that even though they
called a truce.
The real war had 5ust begun.
 Chapter 10

W illiam had the sudden urge to steal a kiss. He wouldn’t,

shouldn’t, couldn’t. A stray curl escaped her carefully
arranged coiber. He -rushed the hair tenderly from her face, and his
"ngers -urned with the need to caress her face. He allowed himself to
do so for only an instant. Her wide eyes held such an appeal that he
inched one step closer -eforeS
Ivome truce you -oth made,I Helena smirked. varah could hear
the, IM told you so,I -u--ling up in her friend’s thoughts. William took
a step -ack and put a polite distance -etween them. varah immediately
missed his presence that carried such a warmth that the moment he
moKed, the cold came -etween them, eKen though the room was far
from drafty.
IWell, she does deserKe some defense of her reputation considering
my mother’s harsh criticisms earlier today.I
IM would say that is a minor improKement on your -ehaKior, Pr.
?ingsley.I
IMs that a compliment Piss VarkerCI
Yx TMORZEMA PA80

Izou tell me, Pr. ?ingsley.I

IMs the air suddenly warm in here or is it my imaginationCI varah
"Ded her friend with a discreet look.
IM came to apologiqe and make sure that you surKiKed my mother’s
merciless scrutiny.I
IWell, here M am, safe and sound, all in one piece.I
Izes, M can see that. Well, in that case, M will take my leaKe and further
the preparations for our wedding day.I With that, he -owed to her
and took his leaKe. Helena came to her friend and "Ded her with a
mischieKous look.
Ivarah Varker, you haKe a confession to make.I
IM doCI varah said, looking a -it -ewildered.
IUon’t play coy with me, my friend. zour Pr. ?ingsley is a-solutely
smitten.I
IHe is not my Pr. ?ingsley and he is certainly not smitten.I
IHe could haKe fooled me. Rhe man was practically fawning oKer
you. He looked as if he wanted to steal a kiss and M am Nuite positiKe
that he would haKe if M only had giKen you a moment alone.I
IZh Helena, you are -eing Nuite dramatic. zou are simply giKing
way to those foolish imaginings of yours.I
IMf you say so, -ut M know what M witnessed today.I varah shook her
head and the two of them parted ways to dress for dinner.

Rhe days ran together with such speed that varah could -arely
-elieKe that her wedding day was fast approaching. vhe had another
appointment with the dressmaker and this time it was for her wedding
gown. vhe selected a white lace and pearl em-roidered gown. vhe
"ngered the silk fa-ric and fought the urge to cry. Her wedding day, the
day she had dreamed of pledging her life to loKe and honor, was simply
 VGEvGM1j RH0 OAVRMT0 H0AER Y2

going to end up as a way to salKage her soiled reputation. Rhe thought

suddenly occurred to her... would William eDpect her to perform her
wifely dutiesC vhe Bushed at the thought. vhe could only hope he
would not eDpect that of her. vhe smiled a sad smile and resigned
herself to the fact that her dream of "nding a Ki-rant, passionate, loKe
was dead and -uried.
IAre you Nuite well my friendC zou look rather pale.I
IRhe thought of this wedding is making me ill.I
IMt won’t -e so -ad, you’ll see.I
Ivays the person who is a-out to marry her -eloKed gentleman in a
month’s time.I
Izou know, M truly want you to -e happy varah.I
IM don’t dou-t it.I
IM am terri"ed of the fact that Pr. ?ingsley and M will -e foreKer
misera-le.I
IM haKe the feeling that you will not end up misera-le, especially due
to the look that passed -etween you -oth almost a fortnight ago.I
IM fear you haKe more faith in me than M do, myself.I
IRhat’s what friends are for.I varah smiled and tried to ease the
tension in her own mind and heart.

Rhe neDt week passed in a Burry of actiKity, approKing the guest

list, the meals, and the arrangement of Bowers. varah was eDhausted.
vhe was less than a few hours from -ecoming the wife of a man she
could -arely tolerate, and now she was on the -rink of pledging him
her whole life. Well, she did en;oy teasing him, ;ust a little. vhe could
admit that now in that tiny corner of her heart. vhe tossed and turned
until she "nally fell asleep.
Y3 TMORZEMA PA80

Her wedding day dawned -right and clear in contrast to varah’s

sullen mood. vhe dressed with the help of her friend’s maid and alS
lowed her to arrange her hair in an ela-orate hairdo "t for any wealthy
or titled lady. vhe looked like a Kision. vhe determined she would not
cry otherwise her sensi-ilities would get the -est of her.
Izou look loKely daughter,I her father spoke gru4y.
IUarling, you haKe neKer looked loKelier.I Rhe compliments were all
a -lur as varah dreaded the moment that would make her a -ride. vhe
tried to -reathe on her short carriage ride to the church. vhe pondered
how she would conKincingly play the part of the -lushing -ride. vhe
was terri"ed. All too soon, the carriage was in front of the church. vhe
made her way out of the carriage and tried to look and composed. Rhe
music started and she made her way down the aisle to the front of the
church where William was waiting. zes, he would -e William to her
from now on, and she didn’t Nuite know how to place her feelings on
the su-;ect. vhe was supposed to -e with her aunt, -uilding a life of
independence, and here she was getting ready to -e tied down. vhe
had to admit, he looked handsome in his tan, linen -reeches, -lue
waistcoat, and gold craKat. When he saw her, he "Ded her with a look
she could not interpret. His eyes were trained on her in a way that
was Nuite unnerKing, -ut surprisingly, not unpleasant. His gaqe neKer
waKered and varah felt the -utterBies creep into her stomach. vhe took
a discreet -reath and collected herself. vhe handed her -ouNuet of
roses, peonies, sweet pea, sca-ious, lilies, and delphinium to Helena,
and turned to face William. Rhe Ticar opened Rhe :ook Zf Oommon
Vrayer, and the ceremony -egan.
IUearly -eloKed, we are gathered together here in the sight of jod,
and in the face of this congregation, to ;oin together this Pan and
this Woman, in holy PatrimonyF which is an honora-le estate, inS
stituted of jod in the time of man’s innocence, signifying unto us
 VGEvGM1j RH0 OAVRMT0 H0AER Y5

the mystical union that is -etwiDt Ohrist and his OhurchF which holy
estate Ohrist adorned and -eauti"ed with his presence, and the "rst
miracle that he wrought, in Oana of jalileeF and is commended of vt.
Vaul to -e honora-le among all menF and therefore is not -y any to
-e enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadKisedly, lightly, or wantonly,
to satisfy men’s carnal lusts and appetites, like -rute -easts that haKe
no understandingF -ut reKerently, discreetly, adKisedly, so-erly, and in
the fear of jodF duly considering the causes for which matrimony
was ordained... Rherefore, if any man can show any ;ust cause, why
they may not lawfully -e ;oined together, let him now speak or else
hereafter foreKer hold his peace.I varah felt the guilt press against her
so, she wanted to run away. vhe glanced at William -ut he did not
-udge or "dget. IWilliam Arthur ?ingsley, wilt thou haKe this Woman
to thy wedded Wife, to liKe together after jod’s ordinance in the holy
estate of PatrimonyC Wilt thou loKe her, comfort her, honor her, and
keep her in sickness and in healthF and forsaking all others keep thee
only unto her, so long as ye -oth shall liKeCI
IM will.I William’s strong and solemn, yet... did she imagine it....
tender Koice, sent a tingling sensation up her spine. vhe tried to focus
and willed herself to remain calm as the Ticar turned his attention to
her.
Ivarah Amelia Varker, wilt thou haKe this Pan to thy wedded
hus-and, to liKe together after jod’s ordinance in the holy estate of
PatrimonyC Wilt thou o-ey him, and serKe him, loKe, honor and keep
him in sickness and in healthF and forsaking all others, keep thee only
unto him, so long as ye -oth shall liKeCI
IM will,I varah’s soft Koice was "lled with an assurance that surprised
him. Mt lit a "re underneath him and the strong urge to kiss her came
with such a Kengeance that it nearly knocked the wind from underS
Y TMORZEMA PA80

neath him. He willed himself to retain his composure and focus on the
Ticar.
IWho giKeth this Woman to -e married to this manCI varah’s father
placed her hand in the Ticar’s. He instructed William to take her hand.
Rhe touch was tantaliqing and her sensi-ilities were ignited with the
strange and new sensations she dared not Nuestion.
IM now inKite the -ride and groom to perform the dance of the
hands. Pr. ?ingsley, please repeat these words after me M William
Arthur ?ingsley, take thee varah Amelia Varker to -e my wedded Wife,
to haKe and to hold from this day forward, for -etter or worse, for
richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to loKe and to cherish, till
death do us part, according to jod’s holy ordinanceF and thereto M
pledge thee my troth.I He released her hand, and immediately felt
something out of place. What was wrong with himC Verhaps it was
simply the nostalgia of it all. Rhat must -e the case. Mt couldn’t -e
anything other than that. Rhey loosed hands. varah took William -y
his right hand. He was reminded of the two times they had danced and
was taken -ack to her laughter, KiKacity, and sheer -eauty.
IPiss Varker, please repeat after me M varah Amelia Varker take thee
William Arthur ?ingsley to my wedded Hus-and, to haKe and to hold
from this day forward, for -etter or worse, for richer or poorer, in
sickness and in health, to loKe cherish, and to o-ey, till death do us
part, according to jod’s holy ordinanceF and thereto M pledge thee my
troth.I Rhey loosed hands and the Ticar produced the ring that had
-een giKen to him -y William.
I1ow, M inKite Pr. ?ingsley to present the ring to his -ride. Vlease
repeat after me WMRH this Eing M thee wed, with my :ody M thee
worship, and with all my worldly joods M thee endow Mn the 1ame
of the ather, and of the von, and of the Holy jhost, Amen.I William
 VGEvGM1j RH0 OAVRMT0 H0AER Y

took varah’s hand once again and placed the stunning ring upon her
"nger.
I1ow, M inKite Piss Varker to present the ring to her groom. Vlease
repeat after me WMRH this Eing M thee wed, with my :ody M thee
worship, and with all my wordily joods M thee endow Mn the 1ame
of the ather, and the von, and of the Holy jhost, Amen.I vhe placed
the ring upon his "nger.
Rhe Ticar made them kneel and spoke a prayer of them. Rhen, he
;oined their right hands together and spoke IRhose whom jod hath
;oined together let no man put asunder. ZE Av PGOH as William
Arthur ?ingsley and varah Amelia Varker haKe consented together in
holy Wedlock, and witnessed the same -efore jod and this company,
and thereto haKe giKen and pledged their troth either to the other, and
haKe declared the same -y the giKing and receiKing of a Eing, and -y
the ;oining of handsF M now pronounce that they -e Pan and Wife
together, in the 1ame of the ather, and of the von, and the Holy
jhost, Amen.I William and varah looked at each other for a long
moment.
IM now present to you Pr. and Prs. ?ingsley.I
 Chapter 11

"K iss the bride, kiss the bride, kiss the bride." The chants rose
from the wedding guests sparked by Helena. Sarah would
have a conversation about that later. The Vicar smiled.
"Well, it seems as if the wedding guests insist." William looked at
Sarah for permission. He took her upturned face as an invitation. He
brie’y brushed his lips against hers, as soft as the wind.
"ThatCs not a real kiss Will, itCs a peck," his friend chided. "Aome on,
show her how itCs done." William looked again to Sarah for permission.
In uncharacteristic shyness overcame her but she nodded her head in
consent. zt was best not to give anyone a reason to start any rumors.
zn one swift motion, William took her face in his hands. His lips
came down on hers with such passion it nearly caused her to faint.
Her head felt light and diPPy yet she did not pull away but clung to his
cravat. He needed no more invitation to deepen the kiss and she found
herself bound to him in a way that was irrevocable, heart to heart, soul
to soul.
 URNSRzGE TH8 AIUTzV8 H8INT 7j

Time seemed to stand still as if it was -ust the two of them in the old,
stately church. zt had something of an air of poetry about it that Sarah
would forever frame in her mind, even if it was makeBbelieve. The
onlookers erupted in cheers and laughter, forcing Sarah and William
to break away. They signed the registry to complete the marriage and
headed oM to the wedding breakfast.The wedding breakfast was a
sumptuous aMair of delicious bread, hot rolls, ham, eggs, drinking
chocolate, and many other delicacies, including the traditional fruitB
cake and sugared icing. zn some ways, Sarah wished it were all real,
wished she were marrying the man she adored.
The wedding breakfast ended as William and Sarah left Highland
8states for Yalomore House, which was 'r. KingsleyCs estate. Sarah
had never been there and it intrigued her. 'r. Kingsley, or William,
as she was now permitted to call him, was a puPPle that she longed
to put together the pieces of. She considered him a sort of mystery
to be solved. WilliamCs voice broke through her thoughts, -arring her
back to the present. "?ou really did marry an Irthur, didnxt youO" She
chuckled softly.
"z suppose z did." They passed the carriage ride in an intimate silence
that was comfortable, yet Zlled with air of uncertainty. The carriage
came up the long, manicured driveway and Znally arrived at the front
door of the Yalomore House. William eDited the carriage and helped
Sarah down. I servant was ready to take their valises and the maids
bustled about, hoping to get a glimpse of their new mistress. Without
warning, William picked Sarah up and carried her over the threshold,
causing a nervous giggle from her. zt was all for show, of course. He
had to make the household believe that they were a couple madly in
love.
"What was that 'r. KingsleyO" Sarah said, keeping the mood lightB
hearted.
77 VzAT9NzI 'IF8

"AanCt a man welcome his wife into her new homeO" He winked
at her and a warmth eDpanded in her middle that surprised her. She
couldnCt help the grin that spread across her features. William assemB
bled the house staM in the large drawing room and introduced them
to Sarah as the new 'rs. Kingsley. She smiled politely at them all and
tried to contain the nerves that were welling up inside of her. Ifter the
servants were ad-ourned from their short meeting, William oMered his
arm.
"Would you like a tour of the house, SarahO" His voice was almost
an intimate whisper that touched her to the core.
"That would be agreeable, William." His name rolled oM of her
tongue so naturally, it surprised her. They took in the beauty of the
grand house with its tall columns and archways.
"...Ind this is our bedchamber," he said softly, almost reverently.
The warning went oM in her like the clanging of wedding bells.
"Ire you going to carry me over the threshold, 'r. KingsleyO" she
teased, trying to lighten the tension of being on the threshold of such
an intimate space.
"0o not tempt me, 'rs. Kingsley," he said with a low voice that
melted her insides "... or z might do something z regret." He came to
her and lifted her up like she weighed no more than a soft pillow and
carried her into the bedchamber. His lips hovered over her bringing
back the memory of the kiss they had shared in the church. William
fought the ’edging desire between duty and a new desire that was
arising within him. He released her and put distance between them.
He looked out of the window for a long moment then turned to face
her. He made his tone dry and emotionless as if recounting business
facts or casual conversation.
 URNSRzGE TH8 AIUTzV8 H8INT 71

"z know this is an arrangement of sorts and z want you to know that
z will not force you to..." his voice trailed oM for a moment before he
continued "... perform your wifely duties."
"Thank you," she said, ’ushing.
"z will arrange for an annulment as soon as it can be arranged." Sarah
felt as if cold water had -ust been poured on the strange spark that she
felt had somewhat lit between them. She frowned and turned away.
"0id what z say displease you, 'rs. KingsleyO z thought you would
be over-oyed."
"Ire you daftO" she spouted with an anger that in’amed her sensiB
bilities. "Have you not an ounce of compassion in your heart for meO
0o you think so little of my sensibilitiesO"
"'rs. Kingsley, you have me thoroughly confused. z -ust granted
you the freedom you wished for and now that has awakened your ireO"
He pelted her with a look of consternation.
"'r. Kingsley," she said, coming to him, poking him. "z have always
wanted love in marriage and have dreamed of my wedding day my
entire life. When z have vowed to commit my life to a man who z
neither know nor planned on building a life with and you... you..
you.." she sputtered, "have the audacity to bring annulment up, here
now, on my wedding day no less..." She realiPed that in that moment,
to her mortiZcation, that she had poked into until he nearly topped
onto the edge of the large bed that graced the room. He said nothing
but lifted her chin and turned her to face him.
"z am truly sorry, Sarah, z apologiPe for my lack of civility and
callousness to your sensibilities." He stretched out his hand and she
took it.
"qriends, 'rs. Kingsley."
12 VzAT9NzI 'IF8

"qriends." They stood there together, engulfed by the light pouring

in from the nearby window, hand in hand. qinally, William broke
away.
"z have a few short duties to attend to before supper but z shall
return." He turned his back and started to retreat from the room when
she called after him.
"William, where shall z sleepO"
"Here in our bedchamber of course. zf we do not we will give the
servants fuel for scandal." She could not protest the wisdom of his
words but simply nodded and watched his retreating back as he left
the room.
He left her alone to prepare for supper. She needed to dress and look
every inch the proper wife of a wealthy gentleman. She selected a gown
of deep forest green, embroidered with roses. She wore the sparking
diamonds that were a wedding gift from her aunt. She secured the
matching necklace and a servant helped her Znish her complicated
toilette. She entered the dining room and William emitted a soft gasp.
She was breathtaking and elegant. They dined in a comfortable silence
before retiring for the evening. Sarah could feel the eyes of everyone
on her. She knew it was her wedding night. She observed the furtive
glances and subtle winks of the servants but ignored them.
She headed to the bedchamber that she and William shared and
sighed. How was she going to get through thisO She shed her gown
and corset and was left standing in her chemise. She was trying to
reconcile the fact that she was really about to spend the night with
a gentleman for the Zrst time even if it was only to sleep. She came
out shyly and saw William bareBchested and in his drawers ’ushed. His
eyes traveled the length of her chemise and he drank in all of her, like a
thirsty man, searching for a refreshing glass of water. She stared at his
muscled chest and found herself out of breath and wishing for a fan.
 URNSRzGE TH8 AIUTzV8 H8INT 1

She Znally managed her legs to move as she pulled the rich coverlet up
to her chin. He slid into bed beside her careful to keep a polite distance
between them. "Eoodnight, Sarah," he said softly.
"Eoodnight William." Her soft voice Zlled the space between them.
Somewhere in the middle of the night, they moved closer of their
own accord. WilliamCs arms fastened around her middle, enfolding her
in a tender embrace. There they stayed until morning. William was
surprised when he opened his eyes and awoke to Znd his arms around
her, his head nestled against her lovely locks. She awoke with a start and
turned over to face him. "Ire you going to make it a habit of putting
me in a compromising position, 'r. KingsleyO" Eood Heavens, this
woman was intriguing. He smiled. He was loathed to put distance
between them but he came to the conclusion that if he was going
to honor his word as a gentleman, that was the wisest choice, in his
estimation.
"z vow to become unaccustomed to making this a habit as z have
already promised on my honor as a gentleman."
"9h..." SarahCs voice trailed oM, but she uickly recovered herself.
"9h dear, z daresay, z cannot tease you about that. zt may prove to be
unwise, and then where would we beO" Why did being around this
woman fascinate him soO She slid out of the bed with as much grace
as possible. She retired to her boudoir to dress. She thought about
how William had been the perfect gentleman last night and had not
demanded or re uired anything of her. ?es, he had been the perfect
gentleman, but did she want him to beO She shook oM the thought. zt
was simply not destiny for them to build a life together and she wasnCt
certain that she loved him so it was pointless to complicate matters
between them. She remained in a uiet mood for the remainder of the
day. She Znally spoke of what was on her mind that evening as she lay
beside William in bed.
1 VzAT9NzI 'IF8

"Thank you for not... How shall z say... forcing me to..."

"z uite catch your meaning, 'rs. Kingsley."
"Was it hard for you to, z mean, is it hard to have a woman in your
bed, and not..." her voice trailed oM and she was unsure of how to
conclude her line of uestioning.
"To be frank, it is not without challenge but z am a gentleman and
shall not force myself on any lady."
She raised her eyebrows in mock consternation. "Have z become
elevated to the level of a lady of uality in your eyesO That would
be much improved from your opinion of me when we Zrst made
ac uaintance."
"Uerhaps, that shall remain a mystery, 'rs. Kingsley." He glanced at
her once more before eventually drifting oM to sleep.
 Chapter 12

"M other and Father are coming for a visit." The words hung
in the air between them like a menace. Sarah resisted the
urge to say, "Whatever for," at the risk of sounding opensive. She
siIIed her tea as she and William sat together in the drawing room that
afternoon. xt had been a week since they had been wed. She was not
e’Iecting William?s Iarents to come for a visit so soon. They were the
rigid sort who valued tradition and cared for little else. She surmised
they would have at least refrained from Ilanning to visit for a month,
or even a fortnight, at the very least. She was temIted to get lost in her
thoughts but chastised herself and focused on William?s words. "They
are coming for suIIer, and will likely stay at least three days."
"Three daysq" Sarah tried to keeI her tone light and inYuisitive to
conceal what she was really feeling.
"-es, of course, x know it is rather soon butV"
"-ou simIly couldn?t say, x?m sorry mother, but IerhaIs Ilanning
a visit in a fortnight would be more agreeable." She Iut her hands on
her hiIs and C’ed him with a Iointed look.
Hz OxRTAZxE ME94

"-ou know Mother is Iarticularly di;cult to reason with when she

has her heart set uIon something, and besides, x did not know you
craved my comIany so." je gave her a consIiratorial wink then turned
his back to leave the room.
"Rome back here, William, you cannot simIly make such accusaV
tions and then leave." je came toward her then with such determiV
nation, his eyes C’ed on her liIs in such a bewitching way, she stood
froPen in the middle of the room, her legs unwilling to move. jis
mouth came down uIon hers with such reckless abandon that she was
sweIt away by its tide, like something uIon the wave of the sea. She
was so shocked, she was sIeechless.
"What was that forq" she asked, unable to fully hide the breathlessV
ness she felt.
"To hush you uI," he said in a mischievous tone. Then he left the
room whistling. xt was unfairU he couldn?t Nust kiss her to silence her
or simIly disaIIear after doing such a thing. Two could Ilay at this
game, and this was war.
William?s Iarents were set to arrive for suIIer. Sarah took great care
with her dress and toilette. She selected a yellow gown with a soft Goral
Iattern and selected the Iearls that were a wedding gift from William.
"-ou look lovely darling," William remarked when he sIotted his
wife in the drawing room awaiting their guest.
"xs your deCnition of the word, lovely, good enough to receive your
Iarentsq" je laughed.
"An the contrary. -ou are enchanting, daPPling enough to outshine
the stars."
"Oery charming, x didn?t know you could be so Ioetic."
"What can x say, x am a man of many hidden talents."
"xs that soq" she teased... "enlighten me."
 5KZSKxJ6 Tj4 RE5TxO4 j4EZT HL

"x believe there is a rumor going around that x am Yuite the e’Iert
in e’Iressions of apection... namely, kissing."
"Scandalous, Mr. 7ingsley," she tilted her head to the side and her
liIs formed a Iretty Iout. "The trouble is, Mr. 7ingsley, there is no
way to Irove those rumors true."
"Ah, but there is a way." je knew they were Ilaying with Cre and
that this game between them was becoming a bit more serious, a bit
more dangerous, a bit more scandalous, but he didn?t care. je came
to her then and caressed her cheek with such tenderness that she could
barely stand on her feet. je caught her by the waist, Iulled her close,
and teased her mouth with kisses.
"Ere the rumors conCrmed now, Mrs. 7ingsley."
"x can neither conCrm nor deny that they are true." je kissed her
thoroughly until she nearly melted against his chest. She Iulled away
to face him, and asked goodVnaturedly, "Was that to hush me uI as
wellq"
"-ou could say that." Dust then, a servant announced the arrival
of William?s Iarents. Sarah and William ensured there was a IroIer
distance between them as Mrs. 7ingsley entered the room with a
Gourish.
"jello, William and Sarah, x trust you are well. She insIected
Sarah?s gown as if looking for a wrinkle or sIot. When it seemed she
could Cnd nothing with which to Cnd such a fault, she sighed, "x
simIly could not delay my visit to my son and his new bride to see how
they are getting on."
"We are getting on Nust Cne, Mother." She looked at them both as
if to say "We shall see. x shall be the Nudge of that." SuIIer Iassed in
the e’Iected fashion and Sarah thought that IerhaIs she had escaIed
a dreadful situation when Mrs. 7ingsley sIoke.
HB OxRTAZxE ME94

"xf x can sIeak Yuite candidly, x was Yuite curious. x couldn?t helI
my concern as a mother and x felt it my duty to make sure my son is
haIIy, esIecially since, forgive me for sIeaking so Ilainly, but, x did
not want my son to feel tied down."
"Mrs. 7ingsley..." Sarah?s tone was Iolite still as she met her direct
gaPe. "-our son is neither entraIIed nor forced into anything on my
account."
"RouIles, who are truly devoted to one another have a certain
sIark, and x daresay, whether that is truly between the two of you at
Iresent remains to be seen." William narrowed his eyes at his mother.
"Mother, while x aIIreciate your concern for my haIIiness and my
relationshiI, my feelings for Sarah are none of your concern. xt is solely
between my wife and x." je said, glancing at Sarah.
"8ook who?s touchy... why have uI such a defense when there are
words sIoken trueq xf you love her, Irove it, disIlay some sort of
apection for her, unless of course, you are... uncomfortable." William
Yuickly glanced at Sarah for silent Iermission. They were develoIing
a language of their own. Ane that came with its sIoken and unsIoken
moments. je leaned near her ear and whisIered a word of gratitude.
je wraIIed his arms around Sarah?s neck and kissed her like a man
into’icated. Sarah gave vent to all her sensibilities and clung to his
waistcoat resIonding to him for all he was worth with an ardor that
was hard to deny. Their eyes met in a look that sIoke a million words.
Mother eyed William with susIicion but said nothing. The meal
Iassed in uncomfortable silence and it did not take long for William
and Sarah to retire for the evening. Sarah recalled her moment with
William in the drawing room and decided there was something she
needed to know, a Yuestion she needed answered. They entered their
bedchamber and William turned to draw the large curtains closed as
was his custom. When he turned around, he gasIed. The woman was
 5KZSKxJ6 Tj4 RE5TxO4 j4EZT H

untying her corset until she stood in her chemise. jeaven helI him.
je was becoming too drawn to her to helI himself.
"What on her earth are you doing, womanq" Sarah stood there and
looked at him seemingly unfaPed.
"What does it look like x?m doing, Williamq x?m IreIaring for bed.
on?t look so shocked. -ou have seen me in a chemise this entire week,
so why should tonight be any diperentq"
" ecause it is," he admitted in a low voice. She came closer to him
then and he froPe. je did not understand her thinking. The woman
could not shed her gown and stand near him in a chemise and e’Iect
him to be unapected. She hovered near him, teasing his senses with the
scent of her rose Ierfume.
"Sarah, why are you behaving this wayq"
"jow e’actly am x behavingq x am simIly readying myself for the
night." She gave him an innocent look and shook her head. "What did
you think x was doingq"
"x thought..." his voice trailed op before continuing... "x thought
you were trying to seduce me. We agreed to be married in name only
and Cnd a way to have this marriage annulled. xt would be di;cult to
keeI our agreement if you..."
"xf x whatq" she raised her eyebrows and looked at him YuiPPically.
"xf you shed your gown in front of me." Sarah Iut her hand on his
shoulder.
"There is something x want to ask you, William. Forgive my forthV
rightness, but x must ask, do you want our marriage annulledq" je
studied her in that moment and then shook his head.
"x have been searching my heart and x keeI Cnding you in it, Clling
uI my thoughts and hours. x believe myself..." his voice turned low and
intimate... "falling in love with you." The revelation of his words was
H OxRTAZxE ME94

the sweetest music in the world to her. She smiled softly and rested her
head on his cheek, before looking into his eyes.
"End x you." je wore a full smile now and kissed her so Iassionately
it knocked the wind out of her. je looked at her again and all at once
she knew he was asking for Iermission to love her fully and comIletely
in the way a husband loves a wife. She brushed his cheek softly with
her hand, lighting a Cre underneath him he never knew Iossible. je
kissed her reIeatedly, till she moaned with delight.
"Will. Will. Will," she reIeated his name like honey on her tongue.
je deeIened the kiss and drank deeIer of her, till the world faded
away, and it was only Nust the two of them.
 Chapter 13

"Y ou are late arriving this morning," Mrs. Kingsley told William
and Sarah as they entered the dining room the next morning.
"I was about to have a servant bring me breakfast in my chamber." She
glanced from William and Sarah. "You both seem, diperent." William
looked discreetly at Sarah and he saw that she was Bretending to be
engrossed in her tea. Mrs. Kingsley eyed them both with a look of
susBicion. Sarah hummed to herself softly without a care in the world.
She felt as if she were ’oating on a cloud. qeing loved by William and
loving him in return was even sweeter than all of her girlish fancies and
daydreams. It was better and richer somehow. WilliamAs Barents still
treated her with susBicion during their visit but it mattered not. She
and William were in their own little world and that made her Huite
contented indeed.
Dlexandria -utton stared at the letter she had addressed to
William. -e was a married man now. Vuring their last conversation,
he had assured her that he had decided not to move forward with the
marriage annulment and that he was in love with Sarah. -e had aBoloC
zéé TIORZEID MD10

gi?ed for any distress that he had caused for her current circumstances.
Rhe trouble was that William Kingsley did not know Dlexandria -utC
ton. She was a woman who would stoB at nothing to get what she
wanted, and she wanted William. She sent a letter reHuesting that she
meet him to return his ring. It was the only way she could arrange to
see him again. Rhe letter came the next day and William resBonded
with haste. Rhe sooner he retrieved the ring he had BroBosed to Miss
-utton with, the sooner he would sever any ties between them. Rhe
meeting was to take Blace near Mrs. qarkerAs tea shoB on Walford
Dvenue. -e headed towards the direction of the tea shoB and whistled
a haBBy tune. -is love for Sarah had grown in leaBs and bounds, and
the bond that had develoBed between them was simBly indescribable.
-e turned onto the corner of Walford Dvenue and was surBrised when
he was Bulled into the alleyway and thoroughly kissed on the liBs. -e
Bushed the young lady away from him and anger Huickly reBlaced his
haBBy mood. -e registered the lady as his former PancUe. -e keBt his
tone hard and low.
"What is the meaning of this, Miss -uttonN -ow dare you assault
me in a darkened alleyway, no lessN"
"Zh William, donAt Blay coy. I knew you desired me. I knew you
would comeC"
"-old it right there, Miss -utton. I only came to retrieve my enC
gagement ring, not to engage in a tryst with you." -e said nothing
further but turned his back on her as fast as his body would allow and
walked away. -e instantly felt guilty even though the fault had not
been his own. What was he going to tell SarahN GerhaBs it was best not
to mention it as he didnAt want tensions between them. Rhe day Bassed
in the usual manner and William But the incident with Miss -utton
out of his mind.
 GFESFI2 R-0 ODGRIT0 -0DER zéz

Rhe next morning, he woke and dressed early as he had some

business matter that reHuired his attention. Sarah dressed and moved
about in her usual manner. She was surBrised when a servant anC
nounced a visitor in the drawing room, by the name of Oornelia
White. Sarah received her and bade her sit down. Miss White would
not stoB ringing her hands which was a sign of distress to SarahAs way
of thinking.
" orgive me, Miss White, but there seems to be something of BarC
ticular concern or distress on your mind."
"Rhere is, Mrs. Kingsley, I am unsure of how to begin. I... I witC
nessed your husband... and Miss -utton together." Sarah leaned forC
ward and set down her cuB of tea.
"What do you mean, togetherN" Sarah asked, forcing herself to
remain calm.
"I saw them... kissing..."
"Is that soN Dre you Bositive on thisN"
"I know what I saw Mrs. Kingsley." SarahAs liBs Bursed together in
a frown.
"Rhank you, for telling me Miss White."
"I am sorry for being the bearer of bad news esBecially with you
being newly married and all."
"Rhank you, so much Miss White." Rhe visit ended as soon as it had
begun, leaving Sarah with an eerie chill. 2ot long after Miss WhiteAs
visit, Miss -utton was announced in the drawing room. Sarah tried
to mask her sensibilities by giving the usual Bleasantries.
"Ro what do I owe the Bleasure of this visit, Miss -uttonN"
"I shall be brief and forthcoming as to the BurBose of my visit. I
wanted you to know that it is no secret that your husband wanted your
marriage annulled and to renew our former engagement. -e initiated
an apair between us and thought it my duty to inform you." Sarah felt
zé TIORZEID MD10

nausea swirl in her gut. She, however, would not give Miss -utton the
satisfaction of exhibiting her distress.
"My husband had informed me of no such desire or arrangement.
If you have nothing further to say. You may take your leave."
"Dre you dismissing meN"
"You are welcome to take my words however you wish Miss -utC
ton." Miss -utton scoped but turned and exited the room. Sarah
summoned a servant.
"Glease go into my bedchamber, I am in need of assistance with
Backing some things for an extended visit to a relative." Sarah fought
back the tears that threatened to sting her eyes. She could not believe
that William was caBable of being in her arms last night and having
an apair with Miss -utton. Yet, she had received a visit from Miss
White relaying the information. Miss -utton herself, had conPrmed
it. She needed to get away and think on the matter. She felt terrible for
intruding on her aunt unannounced but she was sure her aunt would
grant her symBathy and understanding given the current circumC
stances. William might worry. Well, let him. Why should she careN Dn
hour later, her valise and trunks were loaded and her carriage headed
for Drnet Gark.
 Chapter 14

"W here is she?" William’s voice thundered in the halls of his

home as he questioned the servants when he returned
from his morning business.
"Mrs. Kingsley informed us that she was going on an extended visit
to a relative. We just assumed you knew."
"Well, I didn't know." William did not understand why Sarah would
disappear. Something twisted in his gut and he had the feeling some-
thing was terribly wrong, although he did not know what. He wracked
his brain for a reason but could not think of a single one for why
she would leave without a word to him. Then it hit him all at once;
the incident with Miss Hutton. If a report surfaced of his encounter
with her that would surely arouse her ire. He did not know much
about her family or relatives so he didn’t even know where to begin
to look. He felt Pustered like the wind had been knocked out of him.
Then suddenly, it hit him. He would pay a visit to her friend, Helena.
Verhaps she would know where Sarah had gone. He rode like the wind
till he arrived at her friend’s home.
04! CIOTRAIZ MZE1

"Mr. Kingsley?" Helena said in surprise. "What brings you here?"

"Sarah is missingD"
"What do you mean she is missing?"
"She packed a valise and two traveling trunks and did not say where
she was going." Helena put her hands on her hips and pinned him with
a serious look.
"Fid you two quarrel?"
"Well, not exactly."
"What do you mean, not exactly?"
"I had an encounter with Miss Hutton yesterday."
"What sort of encounter? There is no delicate way to put this,
Mr. Kingsley. Norgive me for asking, but were you and Miss Hutton,
intimately acquainted?"
"Yot that sort of thing. Miss Hutton ambushed me and tried to kiss
me. I swear on my honor, I pushed her away. I only agreed to meet with
her in a fairly public place to retrieve my engagement ring. That’s when
she forced herself on me." Helena evaluated him for a long moment
and saw the truth in his eyes.
"Fid you disclose this information with Sarah?"
"I did not want to trouble her with such matters, as I, as we..."
"Uou’ve fallen in love with her. I knew it." Helena looked as if she
would break out into an impromptu dance around the room.
"Ues, I have. Which is precisely why I did not want to disclose that
information."
"That’s precisely why you have to disclose that information Mr.
Kingsley, because rumors spread like wildGre. It’s better that she hears
it from the horse's mouth Grst."
"That’s it."
"What’s it?"
 V5AS5IYB TH1 OZVTIC1 H1ZAT 04*

"I believe that someone must have told her something because there
would be no other logical reason for her departure without telling
me."
"Well then, in that case, there is only one thing to do."
"I have to seek her out, chase after her. Fo you know where she is
staying?"
"She is staying with her Zunt Zmelia in zrighton."
"Thank you I shall be forever in your debt." He bowed to her and
then rode o6 in the direction of zrighton.

ééé

Sarah was still in shock over the revelations of the last few days. She
could not believe that William could display such cruel, heartless
behavior after loving her so tenderly. Uet the visit from Miss White
and then Miss Hutton spoke the truth. William cared nothing for
her. He was simply toying with her a6ections. She should have been
more vigilant, more guarded with her sensibilities. She should have not
allowed her heart to become entangled in his web of deceit. She had
passed the last few days in silence. She wanted neither refreshments
nor company, though her aunt tried to cheer her. She felt as though
a perpetual cloud hung over her that she could not shake, try as she
might. She looked out of the large window in the bedchamber she was
in and saw a Ggure riding toward the house.
He was tall and had a familiar handsome proGle.
The Ggure came closer and she recogni7ed him. It was WilliamD He
had come to seek her out. Why had he come? Had he come to mock
her, spurn, her, put her away? Whatever it was, she did not want to
see him. It was too painful. Her aunt came to her room announcing
048 CIOTRAIZ MZE1

William’s arrival with a concerned look on her face. "I do not wish to
see him. He has broken faith between us. I gave him my pledge and he
threw it away for another."
"Zt least hear him out, child, perhaps there is an explanation."
"How is there possibly an explanation for someone witnessing
your husband displaying a6ection for another woman, and that same
woman, confessing the same?" Her eyes Glled with tears and her aunt
came to tenderly stroke her hair.
"I do not know, my dear, but I can only speak from the wisdom of
experience. Uou must at least give him leave to explain. Rtherwise, you
will regret it all your days. Things are not always what they appear."
"I will give him leave to explain, but I will not make his task easy."
Sarah dried her eyes with her handkerchief and went down to the
parlor to meet her husband. William looked up when he saw her enter
the room and looked as if he might rush to her side.
"Fon’t come any closer," she screeched.
"Why did you not tell me where you were going? I was anxious for
your welfare when I discovered you gone."
"Znxious for my welfare?" she nearly spat, "Znd were you anxious
for my welfare when you were spotted with your former Ganc9e?" The
heat of her anger was emanating from her body like a furnace that had
been lit.
"Sarah, nothing happened... Miss Hutton made advances to me and
I refused."
"Uou expect me to believe that you refused the advances of the
former Ganc9e? Norgive me for saying so, but I can hardly believe it."
"I know it may be hard to believe, but it is so. I adore you Sarah
Zmelia Kingsley and I vow I would never do anything to hurt you."
 V5AS5IYB TH1 OZVTIC1 H1ZAT 04

"Znd what of Miss Hutton? She called on me and led me to believe

the opposite of what you say is true. She said you had a rende7vous
with her and had been making plans to have our marriage annulled."
"She is cunning in her deceit. She composed a letter stating that
she wanted to return the engagement ring I presented to her when I
proposed. She requested we meet at Mrs. zarker’s tea shop. I agreed.
zefore I knew what was happening, she thrust me into a nearby alley
and attempted to kiss me. I shoved her clear away." He produced the
letter Zlexandria had penned as proof of the events that occurred. She
took the letter from him and read, a bit of understanding dawning in
her eyes. "The person who witnessed this must have assumed that I
was to blame for the encounter. I am sorry my love, for your distress.
I am at fault for not telling you straightaway what occurred. I did not
want you to become angry."
"Fid you enjoy it?"
"1njoy what my love?"
"1njoy kissing her."
"Oorrection... she kissed me."
"Fo not split hairs with me, Mr. Kingsley, for my sensibilities can-
not bear it."
He regarded her with a hint of glee in his eyes. "The kiss was rather
enjoyable but-"
"Uou traitor," she spouted, taking the cushion o6 of the settee and
pelting him with it.
"I am only striving to be honest; a man would be lying to say that a
kiss from a beautiful woman would not be a tempting invitation."
"I cannot believe my ears. My own husband is admitting to enjoying
kissing another woman."
"She kissed me. I couldn’t help it."
04 CIOTRAIZ MZE1

"zut you enjoyed it." She hu6ed and a pretty pout came to her lips.
"Znd I rather resent you for it."
"That’s because you only heard a portion of what I had to say." She
Gxed him with a qui77ical expression and folded arms.
"1xplain, Mr. Kingsley... this ought to be good."
"When she tried to kiss me, I did not want her kiss. I pushed her
aside because I am madly in love with you. Uour kisses are the ones
that arouse my a6ection, not hers. zelieve me, Mrs. Kingsley, I don’t
want her or crave her a6ection. I only want yours." He came to her
then and unfolded her arms. He wrapped his arms around her middle
till she was Glled with the warmth of his a6ection. He captured his
face with her hands, and kissed her, all the while whispering, "My very
own, Mrs. Kingsley." She leaned into him then and kissed him with a
passion that shook his core. She wove her Gngers through his hair and
teased his mouth with kisses.
"That is quite enough," he exclaimed in mock chastisement. "Uou
cannot tease a man so."
"zut, you, Mr. Kingsley, are not just any man, and I am welcome to
tease you all I like."
"That is quite scandalous of you, my dear, Mrs. Kingsley."
"Verhaps," she teased, "but then again, I could not let Miss Hutton
have all the amusement and steal your heart."
"I am in no danger from my heart being stolen, except by you."
"Well, in that case, Mr. Kingsley, I am committed to being a thief."
"Oheers to Mrs. Kingsley," William said, raising an imaginary glass,
"to being the thief of hearts." Sarah laughed and kissed him again.
"Oorrection, Mr. Kingsley," she said leaning her head against his
shoulder as he caressed her face. "Rnly your heart."
"Scandalous words, Mrs. Kingsley. I knew you were the sort to be
free-spirited."
 V5AS5IYB TH1 OZVTIC1 H1ZAT 04

"There is pleasure in being scandalous," Sarah said batting her lashes

at him. "Nor I am scandalously in love with you."
"Znd I you, my love, and I you."
 Also By Victoria
Maze

If you enjoyed this story then you will LOVE this enemies-to-lovers
historical romance!
 PURSUING THE CAPTIVE HEART 111

***

RELEASING FEBRUARY 12, 2024!

***

A contest is in place to provide a bride for Prince Dalton and

Anna Fairline has been invited to participate as a contestant.
Fed up with the snobby nobles and their high-and-mighty attitude,
Anna is determined to roll her eyes and resist their glittery drama. But
112 VICTORIA MAZE

when Anna accidentally wins the qualifying rounds, she …nds herself
with little choice but to see them through.
Behind the fancy manners and glamorous facade lies a contest full
of secrets and danger, perhaps more than she bargained fork
Hurled into the limelight and forced to compete with the elite
sweethearts, unliDely allies emerge and bonds are formed. But some
will stop at nothing to see her fail.
After all, for a girl from the wrong side of society, fairytale love liDe
this seemed out of reach - or so she had thought, until an anonymous
source reveals 'alton may be helping her advance!
Societyxs eJpectations clash with Annaxs pursuit of true love in this
gripping tale.

***

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Historical Romance stories!