Elizabeth rose to her feet and made a small business of brushing at some imaginary lint on her skirt while she composed herself. She had no intention of telling him why she had suddenly thought of A deep-throated chuckle froze her in midmotion.
Miss Pettigrew.
Yes, of courseMiss Pettigrew! I understand now. Justins chuckle turned to full-blown laughter.
Elizabeth gaped at him. You know of her?
Oh, yes indeed. He grinned down at her. Miss Pettigrew was the bane of my sister Lainas school years. Let me see nowhow did that go? Oh, yes. He squared his shoulders and held his hands rigidly at his sides. Miss Pettigrews Academy for Young Ladies. Proper deportment and appropriate conversation for all occasions. He relaxed his stance and chuckled. Did I get it right?
Yes! Elizabeth fairly snapped the answer. It wasnt that amusing!
And you feel that Miss Pettigrew was somewhaterlax in covering this particular situation in her teaching. Is that it?
Elizabeth stuck her chin into the air at his teasing tone and turned to the table. I think remiss would be a better word! I certainly could not recall one gambit from her Appropriate Conversation classthough I tried.
Justin laughed and walked over to hold her chair. Do not judge Miss Pettigrew too harshly, Elizabeth. After all, this is an unusual occasion. And she did come to your conversational rescue in the end.
The starch went out of Elizabeth. Her lips twitched, then curved into a smile. She truly didthough certainly not in the way that she intended. She tilted her head back and looked up at Justin. He turned away and seated himself.
No, not in the way that she intended. Justin picked up his fork, stabbed a piece of venison and lifted it in mock salute. Nonethelessto Miss Pettigrew. He looked across the table at Elizabeth. May she forgive us for the black eye.
Elizabeth laughed, picked up her fork and joined him in the foolish toast. To Miss Pettigrewmay she never know!
The meal was a simple one, the room rough, but their conversation, once the ice had been broken, was interesting and lively. Justin suddenly realized, halfway through the meal, that he was enjoying himself. He found Elizabeth intelligent and sensitive, with a quick humor that caught him off guard and made him burst into laughter. It felt good. It had been a long time since he had laughed. And he liked her demeanorliked! The word exploded through his mind. Liked! How could he so forget himself? He knew better than to allow Elizabeths personal charm to blind him to her true nature. He knew
The knock at the door interrupted his dark thoughts. He laid down his fork, grateful for the intrusion. Yes?
Your bags, sir.
A moment. Justin walked to the door and slid back the bolt. His groom stood just outside, outlined by the smoky candlelight of the common room.
Good evening, sir.
Good evening, Daniel. Justins gaze dropped to the bags the man was holding. Put the bags thereagainst the wall. He waved his hand to indicate a spot on the floor. And fetch the carriage robes, well have need of them. The groom nodded and turned away. And, Daniel The groom looked back. See that the carriage is ready to go at first light. We have a great distance to travel tomorrow and I want no delays.
Yes, sir.
Elizabeth laid down her fork and rose to her feet with words of protest frozen in her throat as the groom walked away. She stared at the bags the man had brought and her heart started an erratic beating that left her breathless. Two bags. But she had only one. She lifted her gaze to Justin and her mothers words surged into her mind They are all alikethey are all alikethey are all alike. Reginald Burton-Smythes leering face swam toward her out of an approaching darkness. She tugged at the lace around her throat, trying to get more air, then clutched blindly for the table as her knees began to buckle.
Well, Elizabeth, youll by pleased to know Justin latched the door and turned back toward the table tomorrows ride will be Elizabeth! He leaped forward and caught her in his arms as her limp body slid toward the floor.
Let me go! The darkness receded as quickly as it had come and Elizabeth fought furiously against the grip of Justins powerful arms. Terror lent her strength. I said, let me go!
He lowered her onto the bed.
No! The anguished cry burst from Elizabeths mouth. She wrenched herself free of Justins relaxed grip, threw herself across the bed from him, and scrambled to her feet. No! She leaned against the wall behind her, quivering with fear.
No? Justin stared at her as if shed lost her mind. No, what?
Th-this. Elizabeth waved her trembling hand in a sweeping motion through the air over the bed.
What are you? Justins eyes narrowed. You think I have designs on you?
Yes.
Well you are mistaken, madam! Nothing could be farther from
my mind!
The roared words were full of contempt. Elizabeth flinched, but held her ground. I am not mistaken, sir! Anger replaced her fear. She lifted her hand and pointed toward the door. That is your bag with mine!