Philadelphia. Justin lifted a rug from the pile hed placed on his lap and unfolded it. Have you been to our fair city? He leaned over and spread the fur robe across Elizabeths lap.
N-no. I havent had the p-pleasure.
Justin frowned and looked up from covering his own lap. Your face is pale and youre shivering. Are you taking a chill?
No. Im f-fine. Elizabeth stared down at her hands trying to will them to stillness. It didnt work. She gave up and tucked them out of sight under the rug. Philadelphia. Reginald would never find her there. She was safe! She glanced up to find Justin Randolph looking expectantly at her. I beg your pardon, sir. I fear I was wool-gathering. Did you say something?
I saidI dislike having my bride address me as sir. He gave her a level look. You did agree to call me by my given name.
So I did. She managed a shaky smile. Please forgive me. I forgot.
Forgot what? My name? That you agreed? Or that we are married?
That I agreed. Elizabeth couldnt keep the touch of asperity out of her voice. Justin Randolph had an irritating habit of ignoring small politenesses, such as apologies. I could hardly forget about ourour
Marriage?
Yes. Why couldnt she say the word? Embarrassed color warmed Elizabeths cheeks. She stopped shivering.
Perhaps, under the circumstances, Elizabeth, it would not be outside the realm of propriety for me to tell you that your blush is most becoming.
Thank you. Fear coiled in her stomach. Maybe she wasnt safe! She stared at Justin, taken aback by the personal remark, then leaned forward to tuck the lap robe more closely around her cold feet. Tears stung her eyes at the memory of her father taking her boots and shoes with him when he left her room. She blinked the tears away, straightened, and leaned her head back against the padded seat. That was in the pastit was the present she must concern herself with now. She stared at a small, repaired rent in the fabric of the carriage wall opposite her as she considered the circumstances that had been thrust upon her. Everything was so strange and troublesome. On the one hand, every mile they traveled brought tremendous relief for it was a mile farther away from the danger and painful memories she desired to leave behind. But it was also a mile closer to the new life she was beginning as wife to this manas his partner in this marriage of convenience.
Elizabeth sighed. What would her role be? What
would he expect of her? And what of the children the judge had mentioned? Would she be responsible for their care? Oh, dear Lord, help! I have no experience at rearing children. I
Elizabeth?
She started and glanced over at Justin. Yes?
If I may intrude upon your thoughtswe have many matters to discuss concerning our relationship.
Yes, of course. The implied rebuke stung. Elizabeth lifted her chin. But I assure you, Mr. Randolph, it is no intrusion. It is the very thing I was pondering.
How fortunate. Please be more specific.
Very well. Elizabeth ignored his sarcastic, disbelieving tone. I was wonderingas I am unfamiliar with relationships of this naturewhat my position will be.
I suspect it will be as you expected.
The coldness in his voice could have frozen a pond. There was open dislike in his eyes. Elizabeth relaxed a little.
I am a wealthy man. And, as such, I hold positions of importance in the social and business communities. As my wife you will, of course, share in those positions.
I understand. Elizabeth struggled to maintain her poise in the face of Justin Randolphs seeming animosity. I shall endeavor to be a credit to youin society, and with your business associates. She fingered the ring making a bulge in her kid glove. And as to my position and duties in your home?
In my home, it will be as the paper you signed stated. You will perform as my wife, caring for my home and the children, fulfilling social obligations, seeing to my needs as any wife is expected to do, except the harshly spoken word made Elizabeth flinch for those of a personal nature. There will be no personal involvement between us. However He held up a hand as she started to speak. I expect you to play to perfection the part of a loving bride and doting wife in front of others. The truth of our relationship is to remain confidential. You are to tell no one! He gave her a cool, distant smile and Elizabeth cringed. It was not pleasant to be so completely and coldly rejected. It will, of course, be to your advantage to play your role well. As the loving and loved wife of a wealthy man there is little that will be denied you. But his voice took on an ominous tone as the faithless wife of a wealthy and powerful man, there is little that could save you.
A flame of resentment kindled in Elizabeth. How dare he speak to her as if she were a harlot! Yet, what else would a man think of a woman that married someone under these conditions? What else could he think? Elizabeths honesty smothered the flaring indignation as her thoughts raced on. She could not tell him what had happenedshe could never tell anyone thatbut she had to try to make him understand that she was not what he thought her to be. She drew a deep breath and plunged into speech.