Ravished by a Rake : Historical Fiction

Chapter 9

Sybrina wondered if her imminent betrothal was perhaps a figment of her imagination because she had heard not a single word from the Earl himself, nor had she caught sight of him since the soirée five days ago. Oh it would be wonderful if the marriage was not going to take place. Perhaps he got cold feet. Perhaps he’s enjoying his trysts with the duchess so much, he does not wish to take a wife, especially one who has no experience and would not know how to please him like the duchess does. Sybrina could just imagine the duchess’s slender naked body slithering around __.

‘Lady Carisbrooke, a groom of Lord Cavendish has come with a message and the Earl awaits your response,’ Harriet broke into her thoughts.

‘Does he now?’ Sybrina’s brows shot up angrily as she wiped her hands down her pinafore. ‘So what is the message?’ Sybrina could not resist asking as she swiped a strand of hair from her face, leaving a smudge of cake flour on her cheek.

‘The groom insists he has instructions to deliver it to you personally,’ Harriet relayed with a probing look.

Mail was often received by whoever answered the door and left for Sybrina or Mother Agnes’ attention on the receiving table outside the sunny parlour. Curiosity overtaking her completely Sybrina rushed to meet the groom. Perhaps he’s come to his senses and is withdrawing his offer. So why was she feeling that tiny bit of an angst, if he was calling it off? No she was not, she was happy to have her life all to herself again.

As Sybrina entered the waiting room, she observed it was the same groom that had delivered the Countess’s letter on the previous occasion. He looked over Sybrina with a disdainful look, noting her plain work clothes, wisps of hair out of place on either side of her cheek and the smudge of cake flour still on her face. Clearly he did not approve of the Earl’s choice of a bride.

The Countess had groomed him well!

‘Good morning Sandler,’ Sybrina greeted politely, her shoulders ramrod straight as she looked him in the eye.

His eyes widened as if expecting Sybrina to scowl and growl like somebody who had no manners.

‘Er__good morning Lady Carisbrooke. My lord, has instructed I give this personally in your hand and report back to him,’ the groom handed her a sealed letter, waxed with the Cavendish emblem.

Sybrina took the letter and carefully opened it, watchful to school the expression on her face. As she opened it, she got a very feint whiff of the scent of the Earl. She admired his sturdy strong neat hand strokes. The way he addressed her almost made her blush, until Sybrina quickly remembered he was not there, and his groom was going to report back to him. She put on her most studious expression that came naturally when she raked over the books of the orphanage that never balanced, because they always owed more than the funds that came in. The note read,

“My Sweet, Sybrina.

How I miss looking into your beautiful eyes, as it is many days since we were together.

Do you miss me My Sweet?”

NO I don’t!

But the rapid beat of her heart was contradictory to the vehement denial her mind spoke.

“Tomorrow, you and I are going to London for three days My Sweet. We shall lodge at my estate there. You are most welcome to bring your chaperone and any other maids that you will require. Pack some evening wear, as we will be attending some socials and musicales in the ton.

Forever yours Alexander”

Sybrina read the letter for a second time, indifferent to the presence of the waiting groom, anger rising within her. The gall of the man!  He was not asking, but instructing. Again!
What if I have plans?