Elizabeths shoulders sagged. Justin Randolph was already annoyed with her, and if she delayed their departure againwellshe didnt even want to contemplate that! She shook her head and quickly rolled the rugs, then turned to the chair and snatched up her cloak to search beneath it. Nothing. Where could her shoes be?
Elizabeth curled her hands into fists and rested them on her hips while she scanned the little room. There was simply no place else to look unless Aha! With the cry of triumph, she dropped to her hands and knees and bent her elbows to peer into the area under the bed. It was too dark to see. She wrinkled her nose in disgust, ducked her head under the side rail and slid forward to grope around in the inky blackness for her shoes.
The latch clicked.
Elizabeth froze as the door opened, then shoved quickly backward as someone stepped inside. She couldnt be caught under Her head knocked sharply against the side rail. Ouch!
Elizabeth! Justin rushed forward.
She gave a nervous little gasp as he grasped her elbow and hauled her to her feet. You startled me.
You surprised me, also. I hardly expected to find you crawling around under the bed.
Elizabeth pulled her elbow out of his hold. I was not crawling around. Her cheeks turned warm as she realized the picture she must have presented to him. I was only She stopped, stared up at him for a moment, then quickly looked down and brushed at the dust on her long skirt.
Yes? You were only?
Nothing. Its unimportant. Elizabeth turned on her heel and walked over to the chair. Determination stiffened her spine as she picked up her cloak and swirled it about her shoulders. She would not delay their departure. She absolutely refused to give Justin Randolph any more fuel with which to feed his flaming dislike of her! She would leave without her shoes.
What are you doing?
Elizabeth pulled her hood into place and gave him a cool smile. Here was her opportunity to salvage something of her prideto repair her tattered dignity and make amends at the same time. I should think my actions clear enough, sir. Im preparing to leave. She fastened the braided loops over the buttons on her cloak, adjusted the hood, then swept grandly toward the door.
Elizabeth?
Yes? Oh, how satisfyingly cool and aristocratic her voice sounded. That should favorably impress the arrogant Mr. Randolph!
Have you forgotten something?
I dont believe so. She reached for the latch. I assume your groom will fetch my bag.
Indeed. But what of these?
Elizabeths heart sank into the pit of her stomach with a sickening thud at his tone of voice. He knew. Somehow, he knew.
Her assumed dignity crumpled into a useless pile at her stocking-clad feet. Slowlyreluctantlyshe turned to face Justin. Her shoes dangled from the first two fingers of his right hand.
You had them! Hot blood surged into Elizabeths cheeks. You had them all the time, while II She clamped her lips together and glared at him. She would say no more.
While you were leaving in your stocking feet?
The scorn in Justins voice and eyes brought forth a surge of indignation. Elizabeth bit down on her bottom lip and remained silent.
Have you no sense?
She bit down harder.
In three quick steps Justin crossed the room to stand in front of her. The look in his eyes made her shiver. She squeezed back against the door to put as much space as possible between them.
Why, Elizabeth? He stepped closer. Why would you do such a foolish thing?
Fear knotted her stomachher heart thundered in her ears.
Answer me!
I didnt want to displease you. The words came out in a whisper.
Displease me?
Elizabeth flinched. Yes. By delaying our departure. She lifted her chin and looked him square in the eyes. She would not give in to the fear, not this time. You told your groom you wanted to leave at first light. That you wanted no delays. I heard you.
Well, I certainly didnt mean stocking footed! His hand lifted.
Elizabeth gasped.
Justin froze with his long fingers buried in his hair. What is it? His eyes narrowed as he stared down at her. Youve gone white as a ghost. Are you ill? By heaven! Are you going to swoon again?
Elizabeth rolled her head from side to side against the door.
Justins mouth tightened. He gave an angry snort and turned away.
Elizabeth closed her eyes and sagged against the door. She drew great drafts of air into her lungs until the trembling that had manifested itself throughout her body began to abate. She opened her eyes. Justin was standing by the washstand watching her. His face was as cold and still as a stone.
Would you like some water?
She shook her head.
He stared hard at her for a moment, then released his grip on the water pitcher and walked over to lean against the mantel. Come away from the door, Elizabeth. We are not leaving this room until you tell me why you were going out in the snow without shoes.
His voice made her shiverand that made her angry. In spite of the weakness in her limbs, Elizabeth pushed away from the door and straightened to her full height. I have told you. I did not want to displease you. I was unjust in my accusations last evening and I wanted to make amends.