Gentleman's Guide 02 - His Contrary Bride) by Jane Charles Read Free Book Online

of dark purple were
pulled back to allow sunlight to reflect off the dark, wooden
floor. Marius placed her on the tall bed draped in a purple
coverlet.
    Marius turned his back and Sabrina removed
her stockings. Lady Sandlin lifted her feet and began her
examination. “No, she doesn’t need a doctor, but she certainly
doesn’t need to be walking either.” She stood and looked at
Sabrina. “You will just have to stay put until they heal.”
    “Lady Sandlin, it is not necessary. As long
as I walk carefully, I am sure I will be fine.” Sabrina
protested.
    Before Lady Sandlin could reply, Marius did.
“We have already had this discussion, Sabrina. You will stay
put.”
    Sabrina glared at him. “You are assuming
much, Mr. Parker. I just met Lord and Lady Sandlin. You cannot have
me intrude on them this way.”
    Phoebe silently watched the exchange.
    “I assure you, they will not mind in the
least.” Marius insisted. He turned toward Lady Sandlin, fists
planted on his hips and awaited her response.
    “Of course, we don’t mind,” she insisted and
looked over at Sabrina. “Marius has known my husband and brother
for years and knows he can visit anytime and bring guests whenever
he wishes. I just wish this could be a more enjoyable visit for
you.”
    “See.” Marius said with a smug look.
    Sabrina ignored him. “Thank you for your
hospitality. I don’t expect to remain an invalid for long.”
    “It is not a problem.” Lady Sandlin assured
her with a smile. “I wouldn’t count on walking for a least a couple
of days.”
    Marius’ smile was triumphant. “I knew you
would know what to do, Phoebe.”
    Sabrina wondered why Lady Sandlin would know
this. “Have you studied medicine, Lady Sandlin?”
    Both Lady Sandlin and Marius burst out
laughing. It was Lady Sandlin who answered. “No, but I have been
injured enough that I may know as much about injuries as any
physician.”
    Sabrina watched them curiously. Why would
they laugh over all her injuries?
    “I’ll send a maid to help you get
comfortable.” Lady Sandlin finally offered. “I’ll also send up some
tea and something to eat.”
    “Thank you, but I am fine.” Sabrina wasn’t
about to have anyone waiting on her, at least no more than
necessary.
    “I’ll decide what is best.” Lady Sandlin
turned to Marius. “This is a novel position for me. I get to order
someone about who can’t get out of bed.” She ended with a smile.
“Would you like something to occupy your time? Do you sew?
Embroidery perhaps?”
    “Yes, that would be nice. Is there mending
that you would like done?”
    Lady Sandlin made a face. “I won’t have a
guest in my house mending. I hate it enough that I wouldn’t subject
someone else to it.”
    Marius stepped forward. “Sabrina, you are a
guest here. Not a servant.”
    She sighed deeply. “I only wished to offer
some help since you have put me in their household.”
    Before the two could start arguing again,
Lady Sandlin stepped forward. “Would you care to read a book
perhaps?”
    Sabrina’s eyes lit up at the idea. How long
had it been since she had read a book for pleasure? She hadn’t even
read one for educational purposes in years. “Yes, a book sounds
wonderful.”
    “What would you like to read?”
    “Oh, I don’t know.”
    With a grin, Marius offered his own
suggestion. “Perhaps something by Charles Perrault.”
    While Lady Sandlin chuckled, Sabrina merely
made a face. “I am not exactly interested in fairy tales, Mr.
Parker.”
    “Besides, I left that book in London when
Taylor brought me back after the fire.” Lady Sandlin explained.
    “Would you like something of a romantic
nature, historical, classical, Shakespeare?” Lady Sandlin
offered.
    Sabrina was thrilled at the selection. “It
doesn’t matter. I haven’t had time to read a book in years and
anything would be wonderful.”
    “I’ll bring up a selection of our newer
novels for you to choose from.”
    The two left and Sabrina watched