Free The Groom Says Yes by Cathy Maxwell Page A

call,” the dame continued, standing as if she were posing for a portrait titled Haughty Lady Beside Pianoforte. “I wish to talk of what happened yesterday.”
    Sabrina stiffened. “Are you speaking of the Ladies’ Quarterly Meeting?”
    “And your leaving in an unexpected, hurried manner.”
    This was not a conversation Sabrina wanted.
    “Unfortunately, Dame Agatha, now is not a good time for a visit, social or not. You will excuse me, please?” Sabrina moved to the door to open it and hurry her guest out as quickly as she had Rolf; however, the dame’s next words stopped her in her tracks.
    “You will accept Lillian Bossley as your stepmother and you will do it gracefully.”
    Slowly, Sabrina faced her. “And if I don’t?”
    “Then life might become lonely for you in this valley, Miss Davidson,” Dame Agatha said. “Very lonely.”

Chapter Six
    A flare of temper, wild and almost uncontrollable, shot through Sabrina.
    Her father and Mrs. Bossley were sending Dame Agatha to threaten her. There could be no other explanation.
    Her father was ensconced in his lady’s boudoir, and Sabrina was expected to accept the situation and pretend to like it? To push all her natural and right sensibilities aside for his pleasure?
    He’d always held her to a high standard. He’d chastised her to not be like her cousins, the earl’s daughters. Aileen had scandalized London when she’d been divorced, and Tara was known for her vanity and for being headstrong.
    Sabrina had been expected to be a paragon, and her father hadn’t given a care for what such loyalty, such devotion had cost her.
    Her smile grew brittle. “I don’t see how this is your affair,” she informed the dame.
    The older woman blinked, as if startled by Sabrina’s bluntness. And why should she not be? Always before, Sabrina had kept her tongue in check.
    However, this was different. This was her life.
    So Sabrina stood her ground, head high, shoulders back.
    Unfortunately, Dame Agatha was doing the same. And she had a great deal more experience at it.
    “You must understand, Miss Davidson, that Lilly and I are old friends. She is a good person.”
    Sabrina remained quiet. She knew the dame would not like her response.
    Dame Agatha crossed to the door as if she considered the battle won. “Your father and my friend will marry. If you keep your wits about you and behave, then all will be well.”
    “And what if I kick up a fuss? What if I speak my mind?” Speech gave her courage. “Mrs. Bossley has informed me that I might find myself in a very difficult place in the household. I am thinking that no matter what I do, there won’t be enough room under this roof for both of us.”
    “You are strong-willed women,” Dame Agatha agreed. “Unfortunately, you are the unmarried one.”
    “And someone to be pitied?”
    “Or foisted off onto other relatives unless you can find a willing but awkward gentleman to marry you.” The dame’s words were a direct reference to Mrs. Kinnion, and Sabrina’s temper was outraged, especially since she didn’t want to be considered in the same class.
    “I was my mother’s caretaker. I believe I have earned my keep and my father’s respect.”
    Dame Agatha waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, yes, that is true, but life moves on. It is a sad fact. You have nothing to win, girl, by being difficult,” she explained, her tone not unkind. “Your father and Lilly are in love. People will be sympathetic to them. They will even forgive all the times that Lilly has been, well, shall we say, a bit too ahead of herself.”
    “Which is a good reason for my father to avoid her. He would expect the same of me if our positions were reversed.”
    “Ah, but love has its ways,” Dame Agatha said. “If you’d ever been in love, you would know.”
    “Who says I have not been in love?” Sabrina countered. “Why does everyone assume I have no experience in life? Years ago, a young man Daniel Burnett was visiting the parish, and