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    The Marriage Contract
    The Marriage Contract
    The Marriage Contract
    Ebook269 pages4 hours

    The Marriage Contract

    By Ruth Ann Nordin

    3.5/5

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    About this ebook

    On her wedding day, Patricia Cotter, the widowed Lady of Pruett, signed a contract agreeing to the following:

    1. She would never look at her husband’s face.
    2. She would never remove the sheets covering the mirrors.
    3. She would never ask her husband about his past.

    In return for doing these things, she will have a secure place for her unborn child and her worries will be over. She has nothing to lose by agreeing to her husband’s terms. Yes, she’s heard the rumors about Mr. Stephen Bachman. He was said to have killed his first wife, though there is no proof condemning him of the crime. He is aloof and never leaves his manor. He is practically a prisoner in his own home.

    But as she gets to know him, she begins to believe her husband isn’t the beast everyone’s made him out to be. There just might be a gentleman worth loving beneath his hard exterior. The question is, can she get him to let go of the past so he can open himself up to the possibility of a fairytale romance?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRuth Ann Nordin
    Release dateApr 21, 2018
    ISBN9781370821020
    Author

    Ruth Ann Nordin

    Ruth Ann Nordin has written almost 100 romances, ranging from Regencies to historical westerns to contemporaries. She plays with other genres from time to time, but her first love is romance. She has been happily married for twenty-two years to a sweet and funny guy, and they have four sons, who are all taller than Ruth now that they're 16, 17, 19, and 20. The good thing is she doesn't need a ladder. She considers herself very lucky to have led such a charmed life. Being able to play with characters and create stories is just icing on the cake. Hopefully, she'll get to keep doing this many years to come.

    Read more from Ruth Ann Nordin

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    3.5/5

    43 ratings5 reviews

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    • 3/5
      Az izgalomtól mentes romantika nem tud lekötni. A történetből és a nyelvezeteből hiányzik az elán.
    • 3/5
      Not too interesting for my read, author could have done better. But Ann I appreciate your efforts on this book
    • 5/5
      loved it , couldn't put it down, would read from this author again, Thank you
    • 5/5
      It was very pleasant and enjoyable. I kinda loved it, guys.
    • 1/5
      This story had GREAT potential…not just because of the disfigured hero but because of the curse of the gypsy as well. But it was totally ruined with all the soft core porn. Whether the players are married or not, when a book becomes as graphic as this one QUICKLY did, then it just becomes porn. Had to skip nearly 50% just to be able to find out about the curse. Definitely won’t be reading any more by this author.

    Book preview

    The Marriage Contract - Ruth Ann Nordin

    Marriage by Fairytale Series: Book 1

    The Marriage

    Contract

    Ruth Ann Nordin

    The Marriage Contract

    Published by Ruth Ann Nordin

    Copyright © 2018 by Ruth Ann Nordin

    All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

    This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

    Cover Photo made by Love Books Daily

    https://www.promoforauthors.com

    Table of Contents

    Chapter One

    Chapter Two

    Chapter Three

    Chapter Four

    Chapter Five

    Chapter Six

    Chapter Seven

    Chapter Eight

    Chapter Nine

    Chapter Ten

    Chapter Eleven

    Chapter Twelve

    Chapter Thirteen

    Chapter Fourteen

    Chapter Fifteen

    Chapter Sixteen

    Chapter Seventeen

    Chapter Eighteen

    Chapter Nineteen

    Chapter Twenty

    Chapter Twenty-One

    Chapter Twenty-Two

    Chapter Twenty-Three

    Chapter Twenty-Four

    Coming Next: One Enchanted Evening

    All Books by Ruth Ann Nordin

    About Ruth

    Where to Find Ruth

    Chapter One

    Author’s Note: This story takes place five years after Lord Youngtown arranged the marriage between his younger brother, Mr. Stephen Bachman, and Lady Eloise. That took place in Married In Haste, which is Book 2 in the Marriage by Fate Series.

    ~~~

    November 1824

    Patricia Cotter, the widowed Lady of Pruett, held onto the seat of the carriage as it bounced on the rough dirt road that was on the outskirts of London. The unborn child in her stomach kicked at her. Usually, her baby was quiet early in the evening, but the road had disturbed his slumber. Or her slumber. The baby could very well be a girl. Patricia wouldn’t know until she gave birth. Which was going to be within a month.

    She swept her dark brown hair from her eyes and turned her attention to the scenery around her. In the moonlight, she could only make out trees that lined the landscape. There wasn’t a home in sight. Despite its close proximity to London, the residence she was going to was in the middle of nowhere.

    Across from her, Lewis Cotter, her brother-in-law, turned his attention to her. We aren’t far now. Once we cross over the bridge, you’ll see his manor down the hill.

    Do you really think your friend will marry me? she asked.

    I wouldn’t be taking you out here if I didn’t. A long moment passed between them before he added, I was right about my brother, wasn’t I? He married you.

    Yes, he had. He was a strange gentleman. She never once saw his face, much less talked to him. He was so scared of leaving his bedchamber. It was ironic that he ended up choking to death while eating. Since he hadn’t allowed anyone to be in the room with him, no one was there to save him. The butler didn’t find him dead until an hour later.

    What if I’m cursed? she asked Lewis. What if bad things follow me wherever I go?

    You can’t give into superstition, he gently reprimanded her. You didn’t ask for any of the terrible things that happened to you.

    But the gypsy cursed me and my mother.

    The curse isn’t real. Yes, what you’ve been through is terrible. I’ll never deny that. But those things aren’t the result of some argument your mother had with a gypsy when you were a child. If they were, you wouldn’t have been safe for the past two years.

    She released her breath. Maybe he was right. Ever since he’d found her, she hadn’t seen the gypsy or Symon. Maybe being out of London had done the trick.

    I hope you don’t think marrying Stephen is part of the curse, Lewis continued. The rumors aren’t true. He didn’t murder his first wife. Eloise fell down the stairs. It was an accident. The detective who investigated the matter found him to be innocent. You have nothing to worry about. You’ll be safe out here.

    She nodded. He’d expressed that several times already. She didn’t know why he kept saying it.

    We’re coming to the bridge now, Lewis said.

    She peered out of the small window. The full moon showed her a covered bridge. They came upon it within a minute, and she braced herself, expecting it to be rougher than the road. To her surprise, it was unexpectedly smooth.

    The wood frame covering the bridge, however, made everything eerily dark. She held her breath and reminded herself that she wasn’t alone. Lewis was still with her. Of all the people in the world, he was the only friend she had, and she knew he’d never let any harm come to her if he could help it. Once they emerged from the covered bridge, she exhaled.

    Lewis smiled as he motioned for her to look out the window again. There’s your new home. It’s a nice place, don’t you think?

    Her gaze went down the hill until it settled on the manor. It was in surprisingly good condition. She didn’t know why, but she had expected it to be falling apart. It was probably because she was coming here at night. Night had a way of making things seem creepy.

    She turned her attention to the entire property. She saw a maze made of large hedges and a gazebo. There were a couple of pathways to walk on as well.

    What do you think? Lewis asked. Despite its proximity to London, it’s isolated.

    She nodded. Isolated was good. Isolated was what she’d wanted. Lewis’ brother had been all the way in the country, and that had been enough to keep her and her unborn child safe. As long as she stayed outside of London, they should be all right.

    She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. If only she were a gentleman. Then she wouldn’t have to rely on someone else to take care of her and her baby. She would be able to do it herself. Once more, she rubbed her belly and was rewarded with a kick from her little one.

    Before long, the carriage came to a stop. She opened her eyes and saw that they had reached the entrance of the manor.

    The footman opened the carriage door, and Lewis got out first before turning to her. He held his hand out. I promise that you and your child will be as safe here as you were at my brother’s estate.

    She took a moment to strengthen her resolve. She had no other choice. She had to do this. If not for her sake, then for her child’s. With a nod, she scooted toward the door, took his hand, and let him help her down from the carriage.

    ***

    There was a knock at the door of the den.

    Mr. Bachman, you have a visitor, the butler called out from the other side.

    Mr. Stephen Bachman was reluctant to get up from his chair. His chair faced the large fireplace, though there was no fire in it tonight. It was cool in the room. He rather liked the cool air because it gave him something to focus on other than the past. Besides, the blanket draped over his lap and the heavy robe he wore were sufficient to keep him warm.

    The butler knocked on the door. Mr. Bachman?

    With a sigh, Stephen replied, Who is it?

    Your friend. Mr. Cotter.

    He picked up the mask from the small table next to the chair. Bring him in.

    Yes, Mr. Bachman.

    The butler headed down the hall, and Stephen slipped the mask on. Even if Lewis had been his friend for years, he didn’t wish for him to see him without his mask. Only the doctor had seen his face after Eloise disfigured the top half of his face. He grimaced. He didn’t want to think of her. She had been dead for almost a whole year, and she still had the power to haunt him if he let his thoughts stray.

    He closed his eyes for a moment and brought his mind back to the present. All was quiet. All was calm. The chill in the room pressed in around him, but the darkness was soothing. The darkness was always soothing. When it was dark, he could hide and pretend he still looked like other gentlemen instead of a monster.

    The door opened, and Stephen hurried to put on the mask. It went from his forehead on down to the tip of his nose, which allowed him freedom to speak and breathe. He had a couple of scars lining his jaw and one on his chin, but those were easy enough to ignore.

    Mr. Cotter is here, the butler told him.

    After the door shut, Stephen rose from the chair and tightened the strings on his robe. He went to the decanter. Do you want a drink?

    No, Lewis replied. I gave up liquor.

    Surprised, Stephen poured brandy into one glass. You did?

    Lewis nodded. It’s not good for me. I end up doing stupid things when I drink.

    Stephen chuckled. If gambling is the worst of your sins, you’re far better off than I am.

    You haven’t committed any sins in years.

    He shrugged. I’ve done enough to last me a lifetime. He faced his friend. Usually, Lewis would come earlier in the day. They would either enjoy a meal together or play a friendly game of cards or chess. But he was sure Lewis didn’t come here to do any of those things this time. Did something bad happen? Stephen asked.

    Yes, Lewis replied as he sat in one of the chairs.

    Stephen sat across from him and took a sip of his brandy. What is it? Do you need somewhere to stay for a while? You know my home is always open to you.

    I’m fine. I don’t need a place to run to. He shifted in his chair in a way that let Stephen know he was carefully thinking over his words before he spoke. Finally, Lewis said, My brother died. He choked to death while eating.

    I’m sorry to hear it, Stephen replied. I know you’ll miss him.

    Though Lewis hadn’t seen his brother face to face since his brother took over the estate, the two did communicate through missives. Sometimes, Stephen envied him the relationship Lewis had had with his brother, even if they weren’t all that close. At least they’d been on speaking terms. Stephen’s own brother had refused to talk to him after he arranged the marriage between Stephen and Eloise. Not that Stephen could blame him. He deserved it after all the grief he’d put Brad through.

    I’ll miss the fact that my brother ran the estate, Lewis said. One thing I was always glad for was that he was older than me. He had the title and all of the headache that went with it. Now it’s up to me to deal with it. That is, of course, unless his wife has a son. Then I’ll only have to manage everything until he comes of age.

    I’m still surprised your brother married. I thought he was too scared of germs to let anyone in the same room with him.

    Yes, but he was a titled gentleman. He needed an heir.

    Lewis didn’t respond, and Stephen caught a flicker of uncertainty cross his face. If Stephen hadn’t known him for years, he wouldn’t have noticed the telltale sign that Lewis was holding something back from him.

    Is the child yours? Stephen asked.

    No. The child is my brother’s. I haven’t been with my sister-in-law like that.

    Noting the way Lewis shifted in his chair, Stephen took a sip of his brandy. Something was up, and if Lewis was acting this weird, then it was probably something Stephen wasn’t going to like. But he was going to find out what it was sooner or later. It might as well be sooner. He finished the brandy then leaned back in the chair.

    You didn’t come here to tell me your brother died, Stephen said. There’s something else on your mind.

    I did come to tell you about Ichabod’s death. It’s why my sister-in-law is a widow.

    So? Your brother had more than enough money at his disposal, didn’t he?

    Well, yes.

    Then everything’s fine.

    No, it’s not. She needs a husband to take care of her and the child.

    Are you thinking of marrying her?

    I can’t do that. She’s my sister-in-law. I was hoping you’d marry her.

    Stephen’s jaw dropped. Tell me you’re joking.

    No, I’m not. Stephen, he gave him a pleading look, her family is all gone. She has no one to go to. I brought her here so you can marry her.

    Stephen bolted to his feet and scanned the room to make sure they really were alone. When he was assured they were, he turned his attention back to Lewis. You can’t do that.

    Lewis rose to his feet. I had to. There’s no one else I can go to about this.

    Swearing under his breath, Stephen slammed his glass on the desk. No, I’m not doing it. I was married once, and you remember how horrible that experience was. He gestured to his mask. Do you think I wear this because I want to? Do you think I picked a manor outside of London because I wanted to be here? Eloise did this to me. It’s because of her I’m trapped in a place that’s neither heaven nor hell.

    I know Eloise was awful. I remember how things were between you two. I’m not asking you to be a real husband to Patricia. I’m only asking that you give her your name and your protection. She’s convinced she’s under some kind of curse and that someone in London wants to kill her because of it. That’s why I took her to my brother. He was all the way in the country. He lived in solitude. It was a safe place for her.

    So you brought her here because I live in solitude, too?

    Yes. When Stephen shook his head in disbelief, he hurried to add, I wouldn’t have brought her here if it wasn’t necessary.

    Who’s trying to kill her?

    I don’t know his full name. She just calls him Symon. To be honest, I don’t think any of it’s real. We both know there are no such things as curses, and I’ve never seen anyone coming after her. But there’s no doubt she believes all of that nonsense. She’s not being deceptive. She might be overreacting to things she shouldn’t, but she’s sincere.

    Stephen groaned.

    Lewis sighed. The marriage between you two doesn’t have to be real in the sense that other marriages are. You don’t have to spend time with her. You don’t even have to talk to her. You can even restrict her to one wing of the manor while you stay in this wing. Please do this. If not for her, then for our friendship.

    How do I know she’s not like Eloise?

    Because I’m telling you she’s not. The two couldn’t be more different.

    This was a bad idea. If Stephen was smart, he’d say no. He’d order Lewis to leave and to take the lady with him.

    You’re always saying that you wish there was something you could do to redeem yourself, Lewis added. Maybe this is your chance. You have the ability to save not only a lady but the child she’s carrying as well.

    Stephen swore under his breath. You always know what to say to get me to do what you want. Before Lewis could get too excited, he hurried to continue, I’m not marrying her until I get a chance to talk to her. I want to make sure she understands that I have some rules she’ll need to obey. And he needed to figure out what those rules were going to be. After Eloise, he didn’t dare leave anything to chance. Both of you will stay here tonight as my guests. While the maids get your bedchambers ready, you two will eat in the dining room. I’ll talk to you both tomorrow after the morning meal. I’ll be in the drawing room at ten.

    Thank you, Stephen.

    I haven’t decided to marry her yet. If I go through with this, you can thank me then.

    Understood.

    Lewis headed for the door, and Stephen called out to him. When Lewis turned back to him, he said, You better be right about this lady. She better not be anything like Eloise.

    She’s not. I promise.

    Stephen watched as Lewis left. Once Stephen was alone, he removed the mask. Just what had he gotten himself into?

    Chapter Two

    Just what had she gotten herself into? Patricia couldn’t force aside the feeling that something was strange about Mr. Bachman. All of the drapes were drawn in the drawing room, and a sheet covered the mirror hanging in the center of the wall opposite her. If she recalled right, there had been a sheet covering the mirror in the entryway, too. What kind of person covered mirrors? Why not just get rid of them instead?

    She shook the questions aside and studied the room. The room itself was beautiful. Minus the mirror, there was nothing on the walls. Most of the decorations were spread around the room on the desk, the table, and the fireplace mantle. The drapes were red with gold tassels. The plush red furniture was outlined with gold trim. The bookends on the desk were gold.

    The books between the bookends were fiction. She didn’t see much fiction. Most people seemed to prefer nonfiction. Her deceased husband only had nonfiction in his manor. Lewis was the one who’d brought her fiction to read. That was, of course, after the maid at Ichabod’s estate had taught her to read so she could write missives to Ichabod.

    The butler will be bringing your trunk in, Lewis said, making her jump. He was standing in the doorway. I didn’t mean to startle you.

    She cleared her throat. Did Mr. Bachman agree to marry me?

    Almost.

    Almost? What did that mean?

    He approached her and smiled in encouragement. He will marry you. I know him, and he’ll do it. He just needs to talk to you first. He’s going to arrange for the maid to get your bedchamber ready while we eat. Since it’s late, I’ll stay here overnight in another bedchamber. Tomorrow morning, you’ll get to meet him.

    Well, she supposed she couldn’t ask for more than that. It was reminiscent of the evening when they had arrived at Ichabod’s estate. Except, Ichabod hadn’t bothered to talk to her the next day. Everything had been arranged between him and Lewis. She had simply been a passive observer in the whole thing.

    It’s been a long and tiring two days, especially for you, Lewis said, glancing at her belly. Why don’t you sit down and rest?

    To be honest, I don’t feel all that tired, she replied. I’m too anxious about what will happen.

    You don’t need to be anxious. Everything will work out.

    She took another look at the mirror that was covered. Why does your friend cover the mirrors in this place?

    I’m not sure I’m at liberty to tell you.

    Why not?

    He hesitated. After a long moment, he finally said, Well, maybe I should warn you so you don’t get scared when you see him.

    She frowned. She didn’t like the sound of this. Why should she be scared when she saw him?

    There was an accident, of sorts, Lewis slowly began. It happened four years ago. At that time, Stephen lived in a townhouse in London. I don’t know exactly what happened because he never told me the full story. All he said was that he was having an argument with Eloise, and something happened in the course of the argument that resulted in his face being… He paused as he searched for the right word. Finally, after not seeming to be able to figure it out, he shrugged. I don’t know how to describe it. He wears a mask whenever I see him. I haven’t seen him without it. All I know is that he was an attractive gentleman before the incident occurred, and now he refuses to show his face to anyone.

    She supposed that made sense. If someone was disfigured, they wouldn’t want to see their reflection in a mirror. If he didn’t have company, he could go around the room without the mask, and if he happened to pass a mirror, he wouldn’t have to see himself. Though, if it was her, she’d

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