Judge! Laina jerked her head back to look up at him. I thought you loved Justin. How can you stand here andand Oh, words fail me! She gave the elderly man a look that would have shriveled a lesser man and headed for his carriage.
Laina, wait! With a last, quick glance at the departing cabriolet, the judge hurried after her. Let me explain, Laina. I Here, let me do that. He removed her fingers from the handle and pulled open the carriage door. She refused his hand and climbed inside. The judge sighed and got in beside her.
The carriage lurched forward, then dipped and swayed as it crossed the courtyard and entered the rutted road. Laina jerked to one side, then held herself stiff and aloof, refusing to allow the motion to cause her body to come into contact with the judge.
Laina, my dear, you are going to be terribly weary by the time you reach home if you do not relax. Besides, anger does not become you. Some women may look beautiful when they are angrythough I, personally, have never met onebut you The judges infectious chuckle floated through the darkness to her. You just turn red!
Laina laughed in spite of herself. Trying to get back into my good graces with flattery, Judge? She relaxed back against the cushioned seat and glanced toward his dark form. Very well, I forgive you. But all the same, I am hurt by your laughter.
I know, my dear. But if you will permit me to explain, you will understand. The judge shook out a lap robe, spread it over her legs, then shook out another for himself. Tell me, Laina, why did Justin devise this plan for a marriage of convenience?
Why? You know why. Or perhaps Oh, Judge. Surely you werent bamboozled by all those reasonable excuses Justin offered. Surely you knew She dismissed the excuses with one disparaging flick of her hand. He was looking for a way to protect himself from further hurt and disappointment.
Precisely! Your summation is correct, my dear. Justin needed a mother for those two childrenbut his main motive is to be safe from emotional entanglement. And, my dear Laina, your brother has never been farther removed from safety!
Laina stiffened, and stared toward the judge. He was actually chortling with glee! Have you taken leave of your senses?
No. The judge choked back his laughter. Its only that Ive been holding that back since the ceremony. Oh, Laina! That young ladyand I do mean lady, for there is breeding in every inch of heris lovely. Absolutely lovely.
No!
Yes. The judge wiped at his watering eyes. Didnt you think it strange there was so little light in the room for the ceremony? I snuffed all but one candle! I was afraid if Justin had a good look at her he would refuse to marry her and try again with someone less appealing. The boys only human after all.
Why you wily, old Is that why you had Thomas spirit her from the room so quickly? I thought you simply could not bear the sight of her any longer. I know I couldnt.
No, no. Believe me, I found her lovely of face and character.
Character? Laina all but snorted. I expected better of you, Judge. She threw a cool look his direction. You are far too experienced to have your head turned by a pretty face. A woman of character does not blatantly sell herself.
She refused the money.
Refused it? Laina gaped through the darkness at the judges dark form. She refused the settlement?
Indeed she did. And with such dignity and grace I felt the worst sort of bounder for having offered it!
Laina burst into laughter.
You find that amusing?
Amusing? No, not really. Laina yanked her hand out of her muff and grabbed for the hold strap as the carriage bounced over a deep rut in the road. Its only that, for all your age and experience, you are still a man.
And what does that mean?
He sounded a little huffy. She smiled. The judge did not take kindly to truth he perceived as criticism. It means you are sweetand protectiveand, sometimes, manipulated by cunning women with pretty faces. She put a teasing note in her voice. I should know.
That is different!
Now he sounded defensive. It may be. Laina made her tone placating.
The judge crossed his arms and leaned back against the seat. She refused the money.
He obviously thought that was a strong point in the womans favor. Laina sighed and leaned down to tuck the lap robe more closely about her boots. That was quite clever of her. What better way to get into Justins good graces? Any fool would know the generous settlement he offered is but a small portion of his wealth. And if she can make him trust her Laina straightened up and tucked her hands back into her muff. Wellwe both know what can happen. There was bitterness, fear and undeniable logic in her words.
The judge sighed heavily. We must pray, Laina. We must continue to pray for Justin.
She shot a look his direction, then turned and stared straight ahead. You pray if you wish, Judge, but I will not. Her voice was sharp with hurt and anger. I prayed that God would keep Justin from ruining his life by marrying another low, greedy, scheming female and look what has happened. Hes married to thatthat strumpet! She withdrew her hand from the muff and wiped sudden tears from her eyes. God does not answer prayer. And I wont waste my time again!