As you wish. Justin released his grip.
Elizabeth let out a startled squeal as she dropped to the center of the bed.
Come in!
She struggled to a sitting position as the door opened. The sweet odor of clean, fresh hay from the newly filled mattress rose in a cloud around her. It did little to reduce her vexation over Justins cavalier treatmentnor did his amused glance. She lifted her chin and glared at him.
Justin grinned and stepped to the end of the bed to take the hot cider the innkeeper was carrying. Ah! Just the thing to chase away the chill.
Yeah. The man slid his gaze to Elizabeths flushed face and his thick lips split his beard in a sly smirk. Along with other things.
Justin stiffened.
You forget yourself, Johnsonand to whom you are speaking.
The innkeeper flushed a dull red and lifted an angry gaze to Justins face. An you He stopped abruptly as he met Justins steady, icy gaze. He uncurled the fingers he had tightened into fists and looked away. I meant no disrespect to you, or your wife. The sullen words had barely left his mouth when there was a soft tap on the door and an Indian woman entered the room. He spun about. You standin outside that door listenin to your betters? He pointed toward a small table. Set that down n git outta here! He turned back to Justin as the woman moved to obey.
Little Fawns brung your tea. Is there anythin else youll be wantin? He slid his gaze toward the bed.
A meal. Justin moved forward to block Elizabeth from the mans view. Venison stew will do.
The innkeepers face tightened. Ill fetch it.
Little Fawn will bring the food. Justins low voice was frigid. You stay out of this room.
The man opened his mouth to speak, looked into Justins cold, still eyes, and closed it again. With a muttered oath, he spun on his heel, gave the Indian woman a sharp shove toward the door, and stomped out of the room after her. Justin watched until the door latch clicked into place, then lifted the cider to his lips and took a swallow. Im sorry for that unpleasantness, Elizabeth. The mans a lout. He turned to face her, and frowned. She was shivering.
You have taken a chill. His voice held both disgust and sympathy. Ill get you some tea.
No! I meancertainly not. Elizabeth scrambled for the side of the bed, ready to fight, or flee, should he come near. Im perfectly capable of pouring for myself. It was only aa temporary aberration. She brushed a curl back behind her ear. I repeat, sir, I am neither weak nor sickly. And I do not take a chill easily.
Justin quirked his left eyebrow.
It was clear he did not believe her. Anger surged through Elizabeth, steadying her, driving away the fear engendered by Justins arms and the leering glances of the innkeeper. With what she hoped was a haughty glance, she turned her back on Justin, removed her cloak and walked to the table to pour herself a cup of tea.
Justin leaned against the mantel and watched Elizabeth. She seemed fascinated by the Indian woman, who was shuffling about placing steaming plates of stew upon the table. For the first time she seemed unaware of him and he took advantage of the opportunity to study her closely. There was something about hersomething that gnawed at the edge of his mind whenever he looked at her. What was it?
The thought eluded him. Justin turned away in disgust, then, abruptly, turned back again. He searched her face, taking note of the delicate bone structure, the exquisitely arched brows, the long, curling lashes that threw sooty shadows across her pink tinged cheeks. An ache began deep inside him and spread throughout his whole being. How lovely she was. How
The door closed behind Little Fawn interrupting his thoughts. Just as well. The thought was a sour one. Justin looked down at the glass in his handthe cider tasted sour, too. Everything was sour lately! He scowled and set the glass on the mantel. Silence filled the room.
Elizabeth took a sip of her tea and risked a quick glance at Justin from under her lowered lashes. He looked as grouchy as a bear with a sore tooth! Why didnt he say something? With a hand that was not quite steady she placed her empty cup back on its saucer. Maybe he was waiting for her to say something. But what? She groped around for a suitable topic of conversation but her mind seemed to have turned to mush. Thank you, Miss Pettigrew. She muttered the disgusted words under her breath and reached for the pewter pot to pour herself another cup of tea.
I beg your pardon.
Elizabeth jerked her gaze to Justins face.
Did I hear correctly? Did you say, Thank you, Miss Pettigrew?
No. There went that eyebrow again. The man must have the hearing of a cat! Elizabeth felt her face flush. That isyes. But not really.
Well, which is it? Justin gave her a cool look. It cant be both.
Elizabeth put the teapot down. I did make the remark. I suddenly thought of Miss Pettigrew, and her nameslipped out. She gave him look for look, though her cheeks were burning. I said, no, because the remark was not meant for your ears. There! That should put Mr. Justin Randolph in his place.