Mr. Randolph, I realize that you know nothing of me. You know nothing of my character, or of thethe circumstances that placed me here. I know, also, that you spoke out of that ignorance. She lifted her head and met Justin Randolphs shocked, angry gaze head-on. Im sorry Ive made such a poor impression you felt it necessary to speak as you did. But I assure you, sir, you have no need to bribe
Justins straight brown eyebrows shot skyward, then lowered in a deep scowl.
Elizabeth faltered, gathered her courage and finished. Or to threaten me. I am aware of the seriousness of the vows I made to you before God, and I intend to fulfill them allwithin the conditions set forth in our agreement, of course. She gave him a small, polite smile as cool and distant as the one he had given her. It will be easier now that I know exactly what you require of me. I am determined, sir, that you shall not be sorry for ourouralliance.
A heavy silence descended when she finished speaking. Had she gone too far? She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. Something flashed in the depths of Justins eyes, but before she could identify it, he dipped his dark, handsome head in a small, mocking bow.
A very pretty speech, madam. Sarcasm tainted his every word. His gaze locked on hers. However, I put little faith in a womans words.
Nor I in a mans, sir! Tears sprang into Elizabeths eyes. She turned her head aside and blinked them away.
With childwith childwith child The words rang through Justins head in time with the steady, rhythmic clop of the horses hoofs against the hard, cold earth. He raked his hand through his hair, then leaned back in his seat and studied the young woman he had married. So she had no faith in a mans words. Obviously, the doctor was wrong. It sounded as if some man had sweet-talked her into an immoral liaison and then reneged on his word. It happened. His facial
muscles tightened as he lowered his gaze to Elizabeths swollen, discolored jaw. Probably her father had lost his temper when he learned of her dishonor. Yes, that would explain the bruises. It would also explain why someone of her obvious breeding would be forced to marry under the conditions he had offered. He slid his gaze down the expensive cloak draping Elizabeths shoulders and rested it on the fur robe that covered her lap. There would be the need for haste if she was not to be branded a loose womanif the child she carried was to have a name. He knit his brows in a deep frown. And then there was the money. There would be no chance for a good marriage in her future.
Justin closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the seat. He had been prepared to accept a woman that openly married him for his money and the comforts he could providebut he had wanted honesty in return. What he had received was this deception! She was the same as the others. And he had made it so easy for her. He curved his lips in a small, cynical smile. Only a few little lies in the letter she had written in reply to his article and
Justin jerked upright and stared hard at Elizabeth. Thats what had been nagging at himher letter! There was something about her letter. But what?
Silence prevailed. The weather continued to deteriorate until the fur robe that covered Elizabeths lap could not keep out the biting, frigid air. Every lurch or jolt of the carriage caused shivers to run down her spine. Small gray clouds of warmth burst from her nostrils into the confined space of the carriage as she breathed. Her teeth began to chatter. Her feet burned with the cold. She wiggled her toes, biting back a moan at the prickles that shot through them. Thank heaven she was not still walking!
Justin pulled up the collar of his great coat, rubbed his hands together, and glanced over at Elizabeth. Im sorry for the discomfort. These hired carriages leave much to be desired. I hope you are not too uncomfortable.
Elizabeth shook her head, then quickly readjusted her hood as the cold nipped at her ears. In truth, I was thinking how fortunate I am to be in this carriage protected from the freezing rain and howling wind. She gave him a small, grateful smile. If not for him she might well be out in the cold, wet storm. You have provided everything possible for comfort, Mr. RanJustin. She looked down at the smooth, dark fur that covered her lap to avoid his suddenly intent gaze. And, of course, you are not responsible for the weather.
Thats true. Yet, I know some who would hold me accountable nonetheless. And they would feel no reluctance in telling me soespecially now. He reached over and pulled aside the curtain covering the window at her side. Its beginning to snow.
Elizabeth glanced out the window, then over at the dark, closed face of the man she had married. Would he ever relax that air of wary suspicion with which he regarded her? I like snow.
As do I. Justin let the curtain fall back in place, sacrificing the dim, gray light of the late afternoon to its scant protection from the cold air. But not when I am traveling in the company of a young woman. Red noses are very unattractive.