Oh! Elizabeth clapped a cold hand over her nose.
Justin laughed. Not your nose, Elizabethmine! You have a most attractive nosered, or otherwise.
Elizabeth looked at him over the top of the covering hand. He had a nice laugh. It made him seem almost human! Im certain there is more gallantry than truth in that statement, sir. However, under the circumstances, I shall accept it at face value.
Face value? Justin stared at her a moment, then, again, burst into laughter. An excellent pun, Elizabethexcellent! He leaned back in his seat and studied her. So, you have a sense of humor. The laughter lent warmth to his voice. A quick mind, and a sense of humor. I find that a pleasing combination.
Thank you. The sudden praise was disconcertingshe did not want any personal observations from this man. Stillit pleased her that she had made him laugh when he seemed so cold and somber. Elizabeth pushed the window curtain open a tiny crack and watched the large, fluffy, white snowflakes dance their way to the ground. Perhaps she had something to offer this strange relationship after all. The thought was comforting to dwell on.
Chapter Seven
splendor against fences and walls, clustered in glittering brilliance on trees, buildings, and bushes. Elizabeth gave a soft exclamation of pleasure at the beauty of it all as Justin opened the door and stepped down from the carriage. Steeling herself against his touch, she took his politely offered hand, stretched her foot forward and ducked through the door.
What is that?
Elizabeth jerked to a stop on the carriage step and dropped her gaze from the beauty of the snow-covered landscape to Justins dark, scowling face. He was staring at the cream-colored satin slipper no longer hidden by her long skirts. My shoe?
That may be a shoe in a ballroomin this snow it is a piece of nonsense!
Elizabeth winced at the disgust in his voice and pulled her foot back to hide the offending shoe under her skirt.
Put your arms around my neck.
Wh-what?
Put your arms around my neck! You cannot walk through this snow in those shoes. I shall have to carry you.
No!
Justins brows shot skyward.
II meanplease dont bother. Elizabeth shrank back against the carriage as he stepped closer. His grip tightened on her hand. Please. You mustnt She tried, frantically, to pull her hand free from his grasp. I can walk. I dont mind. I Oh! She gasped as Justin scooped her into his arms. Put me down! She pushed against his chest, twisting her body away and kicking her legs trying to get free. His arms tightened. Are you mad? Stop struggling! Youll make me drop you.
The snarled words penetrated Elizabeths fear and she became suddenly aware of her actions. A new, terrible fright assailed her. Was she mad? Was that why she was acting this way? She forced herself to relax in his arms.
Thats better. He adjusted his grip and headed for the inn. Ill thank you to remember you are supposed to be my loving brideand to conduct yourself accordingly. I do not appreciate being made to look a fool.
Elizabeth bit her lip and nodded.
The snow crunched under Justins feet. Fleecy piles of it formed on his broad shoulders and filled the pocket made by her folded body. Its beauty was lost to Elizabeth. She concentrated all her attention on fighting the terror that was building in intensity at the feel of Justins arms holding her. Just when she thought she could bear it no longer his foot thudded against the door. She glanced up, and drew breath to ask him to put her down just as the door opened. His arms tightened, pulling her more closely against his hard chest. She bit back a scream.
Hey, Mr. Randolph! A young towheaded boy pushed the door wide and stepped aside for them to enter. We was beginnin to wonder would you make it, what with the storm an all. He slammed the door shut, then turned a frankly curious gaze on Elizabeth as the candlelight, flickering from the draft, steadied and poured its warm light over her. That your bride?
Justin glanced at her and his face went taut. Yes, Lem. This is my bride. Is the room ready?
Yes, sir! Shes all cleaned up an fit to shinejust like you asked. The boy turned and headed toward a door on the other side of the smoky, patron-filled room. Danl brung your carriage, Mr. Randolph. The towhead looked over his shoulder with pleading eyes. Can I ride on the box when youre fixin to leave?
Justin nodded. As far as the lightning-blasted oak. Now, go tell your father I want some hot mulled cider and tea brought to the room immediately. He shouldered open the door in front of them, stepped into a tiny room and gave a swift, backward kick that closed the door with a loud bang. Elizabeth jerked. He gave her a disgusted glance and headed for the bed. This is getting to be a habit. Tell me, Elizabeth, do you ever walk into an inn, or is this a pleasure I may look forward to from now on?
Oh! Elizabeth pushed uselessly against his chest to free herself. I asked you not to carry me! I told you I She bit off the words as a sharp rap sounded on the door. Put me down!