Page 39 of His Sinful Touch

“I don’t want to go home with you.” Much as she appreciated Alex and the other Morelands coming to her defense, Sabrina decided it was time for her to speak up herself. “Whatever you say, I don’t know you, and I don’t want to leave with you.”

“Sabrina...dear girl.” Dearborn’s voice turned avuncular. “You’re not yourself. You must be reasonable. I only want to help you.”

“No.” She turned toward Alex, feeling a little panicked. Dearborn sounded so rational and she suspected that she sounded more like a recalcitrant child. What if the Morelands agreed with him? “Alex, I don’t want to live with them.”

“Don’t worry. You shan’t. I’m sure Mr. Dearborn doesn’t want to cause you any further distress.” He turned to the other man, his eyes hard. “Do you, sir?”

“Of course not.” His smile was more a baring of teeth. “But she will feel much better when she is at home, where she is among familiar things, people she knows.”

“She is familiar with us,” Alex told him flatly. “I am sure you would not wish to force her to do something she doesn’t want to. Something that would cause her further distress. We all want what’s best for Sabrina, don’t we?”

“Of course. Of course. But what is best for Sabrina is a matter that should be decided by her husband,” Dearborn insisted.

Alex’s fists clenched at his sides, and Sabrina laid a hand on his arm. Kyria swept forward, moving between Alex and Mr. Dearborn. She gave him a brilliant smile and, raising her voice, gushed, “My dear Mr. Dearborn, you simply must let Sabrina continue her visit at Broughton House. The duke and duchess have grown so fond of her. Why, just the other day, my father was telling Lord St. Leger that she brightens up the day for him. And, of course, she has become just like a sister to the marchioness.”

Kyria paused, then turned toward Megan, who gazed back at her blankly and said, “Who... Oh! Yes. Yes, indeed, just like a sister. Isn’t that right, Theo?”

“Indeed. I say, sir, I believe we haven’t been properly introduced. I am the Marquess of Raine.” Theo stepped forward to shake Dearborn’s hand. “Please allow me to introduce my wife, the marchioness, and my sister the Lady Kyria. And this is Lady Kyria’s husband, Mr. McIntyre.”

“No title.” Rafe flashed his charming grin and stepped forward to pump the man’s hand, as well.

“Ah, but in America, you’re the silver king, aren’t you?” Theo said jovially. He and Rafe were now flanking Alex, and Kyria dropped back to loop an arm around Sabrina’s waist.

“Rafe, dearest, I believe it’s time we took Sabrina home. She’s looking a trifle peaked, I’m afraid.” She flashed another smile at the Dearborns. “It was a pleasure to meet you, gentlemen.”

“Of course, darlin’.” Her husband moved to Sabrina’s other side, and they started away, the other Morelands falling in behind them.

“Wait!” Peter snapped, moving to intercept them. “You can’t do this. Sabrina is my wife—she belongs to me. You cannot keep her from me.”

“She belongs to you?” Kyria said with an ice that was worthy of the duchess. She drew herself up to her full height, which was a good inch taller than Peter Dearborn, and stalked toward the man.

“You mean, like your hat or your horse?” Megan asked.

“Oh, dear,” Rafe murmured in an amused voice.

“Yes, I fear the man is in for it now,” Theo agreed.

Alex turned to his brother and brother-in-law. “I’m going to take Sabrina home now, while the Dearborns are under direct fire from Kyria and Megan. You’ll stay to support the ladies?”

“I don’t imagine they’ll need any support,” Rafe replied, grinning. “But we’ll enjoy the show.”

“I’ll send the carriage back.”

“No need to hurry, son, I suspect we’ll be here awhile.”

Alex offered Sabrina his arm, but she held up her hand. “Just a moment.” She looked around and found Lilah Holcutt standing at the edge of the rapidly growing audience of partygoers. Sabrina slipped over to her.

“Sabrina, I don’t understand,” Lilah said. “What is happening?”

“I’m not sure. But, please, will you call on me tomorrow? I’m at Broughton House. Do you know it?”

“Yes, yes, of course.”

Sabrina smiled and turned back to take Alex’s arm. They wound their way through the knot of people as the voices rose behind them until Megan’s American voice rang out above the hubbub. “A woman is not property, Mr. Dearborn! Just because you hold antiquated, inhuman notions—”

Alex grinned at Sabrina, and they ran up the steps and out the door.

Chapter Fourteen