71719867 Stephanie Laurens Cynster Sisters 02 in Pursuit of Eliza Cynster

8/14/2019 71719867 Stephanie Laurens Cynster Sisters 02 in Pursuit of Eliza Cynster

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/71719867-stephanie-laurens-cynster-sisters-02-in-pursuit-of-eliza-cynster 1/477

Contents

Cover

In Pursuit of Eliza CynsterThe Cynster Family TreePrologueChapter OneChapter TwoChapter ThreeChapter FourChapter FiveChapter Six

Chapter SevenChapter EightChapter NineChapter TenChapter ElevenChapter TwelvChapter ThirteenChapter FourteenChapter Fifteen

Chapter SixteenChapter SeventeenChapter EighteenChapter NineteenEpilogueAout the AuthorOther oo!s y Stephanie "aurensCopyright

In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster

#I $an%t&' (rawing a$!) still gripping the sill) Eliza raise* hereyes to his& #+elieve me) I%* li!e nothing more than to gowith you) ut I ,' She rea$he*out an* graspe* his forearm&"oo!ing at her han*) he saw it sha!e as she tightene* hergrip) -ust a fra$tion) ut no more&



She release* him on a sigh& .et his gaze as he lifte* hiseyes /uestioningly to hers& #That%s the est I $an *o 0 thehar*est I $an gripanything at the moment& They gave me lau*anum for the

past three *ays an* it still hasn%t worn off& .y legs are stillsha!y) an* I $an%t hol* ontoanything& If I slip ,' A $hill $ourse* *own 1eremy%s spine& If she slippe* , hemight not e ale to $at$h an* hol* her an* stop her frompit$hing over the roof%se*ge& She was tallish) a*mitte*ly slen*er) yet there wasenough of her to ma!e him /uestion whether he woul* estrong enough to hol* an* save

her& #All right&' 2e no**e*) !eeping oth gesture an* tone$alm an* even& #It won%t help our $ause if either of us fallsan* rea!s a lim) so we%ll thin!of another way&' She lin!e* as if ta!en aa$!) ut then no**e*& #3es&4oo*&' She pause*) then as!e*) #(o you have anysuggestions5'

The Cynster Family Tree

Prologue April, 1829The Green Man Tavern Auld Town, Edinburghs previously *is$usse*) .r& S$rope) my re/uest isstraightforwar*& I re/uire you to !i*nap .iss Eliza Cynsterfrom "on*on an* *eliver her tome here) in E*inurgh&' .$6insey 0 he was still $alling

himself that7 it was a perfe$tly goo* alias) after all 0lounge* in a ooth at the rear of the *imly littavern) his gaze levele* on the man seate* opposite& #3ouhave ha* your two wee!s to re$onnoiter an* $onsi*er& Theonly /uestion remaining is whetheryou $an *eliver Eliza Cynster to me) unharme* an* in goo*health) or not&'



S$rope) *ar!8haire* an* *ar!8eye*) his fa$e long) hisfeatures haughty) hel* his gaze& #After *ue $onsi*eration) Ielieve we $an *o usiness) sir&' #In*ee*5' .$6insey lowere* his gaze to where his fingers

$aresse* the si*es of an ale glass& 9hat was he *oing5 2e*i*n%t trust S$rope as faras he $oul* throw him) an* yet here he was) *ealing withthe man&2is e/uivo$ation was genuine) although S$rope woul**outless see it as a ploy 0 that .$6insey assume* *iseliefto !eep his pri$e *own& Inreality) .$6insey thought S$rope woul* su$$ee*7 that waswhy he was there) hiring a gentleman 0 S$rope a$tually was

one 0 !nown among the wealthy)espe$ially the aristo$ra$y) as the man who $oul*) for a fee)ma!e in$onvenient relatives *isappear&In lunt terms) S$rope was a !i*nap an* *isposal spe$ialist&The wor* aout the $lus was that he never faile*) whi$h inpart explaine* hisex$ee*ingly high pri$e& A pri$e .$6insey) for all hishesitan$y) was prepare* to pay 0 *ouly over 0 to haveEliza Cynster *elivere* into his han*s&

:aising his glass) he sippe*) then loo!e* at S$rope& #2ow *oyou propose to a$$omplish .iss Cynster%s a*u$tion5' S$rope leane* forwar*) forearms on the tale7 fol*ing hishan*s) he lowere* his voi$e even though there was no oneelse near enough to hear& #As you pre*i$te*) in the wa!e of the re$ent faile* attemptto !i*nap .iss 2eather Cynster) Eliza Cynster is eing !eptun*er stri$t an* $onstant guar*&;nhelpfully) that guar* in$lu*es her rothers an* $ousins 0

over an entire wee! she *i* not on$e appear in puli$) evenwhen traveling to an* fromprivate fun$tions) without one or more of sai* gentlemenhovering $lose& The Cynster family is not relying on merefootmen to !eep their young la*y safe&'



S$rope pause*) his *ar! eyes trying to rea* .$6insey%slighter ones& #To e $an*i*) the only way to lay han*s onEliza Cynster will e to stage some formof amush& 9hi$h) of $ourse) will run the ris! of in-uring not

only her guar*s& If for$e is our only option) I $annotguarantee .iss Cynster%s safety) not untilshe%s in my !eeping&' #No&' .$6insey%s flat tone ma*e the prohiition asolute& #No violen$e of any !in*& Not towar* the young la*y) noreven her guar*s&' S$rope pulle* a fa$e an* sprea* his han*s& #If you fori* theuse of for$e) then I $an%t see how the tas! $an ea$$omplishe*&'

.$6insey ar$he* a row& One nail slowly tapping the woo*entale) he stu*ie* S$rope%s passaly elegant fa$e& No emotionof any !in* showe*7S$rope%s po!er fa$e was as goo* as .$6insey%s own&+ut his eyes ,The man was $ol*7 there was no other wor* for it&Emotionless) *eta$he*) the sort of man who woul* *omur*er as easily as *ropping his hat&;nfortunately) fate ha* left .$6insey few options7 he

nee*e* someone who $oul* get the -o *one& :etreat wasn%tan option) not now) not for him&+ut if he was going to unleash the man an* sen* him afterEliza Cynster , slowly he straightene*) then leane* hiselows on the tale so his gaze waslevel with S$rope%s& #I $omprehen* that this tas! 0 stealingEliza Cynster away from un*er her powerful family%s verynoses) even more when sai* nosesare alrea*y on guar* 0 will) if $omplete* su$$essfully)

elevate your reputation in your $hosen fiel* to somethinga!in to a go*& If the Cynsters $an%t prote$tagainst you) then who $an5' 2e%* *one his own re$onnoitering while S$rope ha* een in"on*on assessing his $han$es of !i*napping Eliza Cynster&S$rope was $onsi*ere*



to e at the top of his league) ut more than one of theprevious employers S$rope ha* $ite* as referen$es ha*)when .$6insey) as his true self) ha*in/uire*) mentione* S$rope%s overweening *rive to ex$el& To

su$$ee* eyon* /uestion with assignments more $autioushirelings *e$line*& S$rope) itseeme*) ha* e$ome a**i$te* to the glory of pulling off theimproale& 2is former employers ha* viewe* that as apositive7 while agreeing in regar* togetting a *iffi$ult -o *one) .$6insey $oul* also see howS$rope%s a**i$tion $oul* e use* to further his own en*s&S$rope ha*n%t rea$te* to .$6insey%s statement) ut that hewas trying so har* to !eep his fa$e impassive tol* its own

story&.$6insey let his lips $urve un*erstan*ingly& #In*ee*& 9iththis mission su$$essfully $omplete*) you%ll e ale to$omman* even higher 0 /uiteastronomi$al 0 fees&' #.y fees 0' .$6insey hel* up a han*& #I am not aout to haggle overyour alrea*y agree* fee& 2owever'0 still hol*ing S$rope%sgaze) he let his fa$e har*en)

let his voi$e har*en) too 0#in return for telling you of theone way in whi$h Eliza Cynster $an e !i*nappe*) even inthe teeth of her male relatives% prote$tiveness) without the use of for$e) I will re/uire onething&' S$rope hesitate*& A full minute ti$!e* y efore /uietly heas!e*) #9hat5' .$6insey was wise enough not to smile in triumph& #That wewill plan the a$tion together) from the moment you move to

!i*nap .iss Cynster to themoment you han* her over to me&' Again S$rope spent a long moment in thought) ut .$6insey wasn%t at all surprise* when eventually S$rope sai*) #1ust to e perfe$tly $lear) youwant to *i$tate how I *o this -o&'



#No& I want to e assure* that you will *o this -o in a waythat satisfies my re/uirements fully& I suggest that on$e Itell you how the a*u$tion $ane a$$omplishe*) you suggest how you wish to pro$ee*

through ea$h stage& If I agree) you go ahea*& If I *on%t) we*is$uss alternatives an* settle on onethat will satisfy us oth&' 2e was wagering that S$ropewoul*n%t e ale to wal! away from the prospe$t of eingthe man who su$$essfully !i*nappe* aCynster $hit&S$rope loo!e* away) shifte*) then met .$6insey%s eyesagain& #<ery well& I agree&' After an instant%s pause 0 ifS$rope ha* een a *ifferent man

.$6insey woul* have sha!en his han* to seal the *eal) ut)instea*) he sat woo*enly waiting 0 S$rope smoothly wenton) #So where an* how *o I seizeEliza Cynster5' .$6insey tol* him& (rawing a fol*e* $opy of the "on*onGazette from his $oat po$!et) he showe* S$rope therelevant entry& S$rope ha*n%t!nown of the event an* was unli!ely to have appre$iate* thepotential on his own& It wasn%t har*) after that) to wor! out

the *etails) first of the seizing) thenof the -ourney a$! to E*inurgh&+oth agree* that the -ourney shoul* e a$$omplishe* withall spee*& #As I will not e *isposing of her ut rather han*ing her on)I woul* prefer to pla$e her into your han*s as soon aspossile&' #Agree*&' .$6insey met S$rope%s *ar! eyes& #No sense in$ourting *anger for longer than you nee* to&'

S$rope%s lips pin$he*) ut he sai* nothing& #I will)' .$6insey went on) #remain in town so as to e onhan* to relieve you of .iss Cynster when you return&' S$rope no**e*& #I%ll sen* wor* to the same pla$e throughwhi$h we arrange* this meeting&'



.$6insey trappe* an* hel* S$rope%s gaze& #One point earsrepeating 0 un*er no $ir$umstan$e whatever is any harm)of any *es$ription) toefall Eliza Cynster while she%s in your $are& I will a$$ept

that it might e ne$essary to se*ate her to effe$t her silentremoval from the house) ut thereafterI%m sure it will not prove eyon* your ailities) an* that ofyour $olleagues) to !eep her $alm an* /uiet throughout the -ourney without re$ourse to further*rugs or unne$essary restraints& The story of fet$hing herhome un*er her guar*ian%s or*ers prove* effe$tive in$ontroling 2eather Cynster& It will wor!e/ually well with her sister&'

#<ery well 0 we%ll use that&' S$rope ma*e a show ofthin!ing a$! over their plan) then met .$6insey%s eyes& #Ielieve) sir) that we have anagreement& +y my $al$ulation) we%ll e a$! in E*inurghwith .iss Cynster an* rea*y to han* her over y the fifthmorning after seizing her&' #In*ee*& +y ta!ing the route we *is$usse*) you%ll very li!elyavoi* all opposition&' For the first time) S$rope smile*& #As you say&'

.$6insey got to his feet&S$rope *i*) too& 2e wasn%t a small man) ut .$6inseytowere* over him& :egar*less) S$rope%s features lit as he$onfi*ently state*) #:estassure*) you may rely on me an* my $olleagues 0 I am)in*ee*) as eager as you to see this -o rought to asu$$essful $on$lusion&' S$rope%s lips lifte*as he -oine* .$6insey in turning towar* the tavern *oor& #Itwill) as you so rightly note*) ma!e my name&'

“It will, as ou so rightl noted, !a"e ! na!e#$ 2an*s in his trouser po$!ets) his great$oat open an*hanging from his shoul*ers) the win* lowing in his fa$e) thenoleman mas/uera*ing as.$6insey stoo* on a ro$!y out$rop not far from the walls of2olyroo* Pala$e& 4azing northwar* towar* his home) hereplaye* yet again S$rope%s parting



wor*s& It wasn%t the wor*s themselves that $on$erne* him0 they%* een his own) after all 0 ut S$rope%s tone ha*resonate* with an almost fanati$alenthusiasm) a *isturingly *eep relish&

The man was a *amne* sight too investe* in vaingloriouslyfurthering his reputation than .$6insey li!e*&2e woul* have preferre* not to *eal with a man of S$rope%sil!) ut *esperate situations ma*e for *esperate measures&If he *i*n%t !i*nap aCynster sister an* ta!e her north to para*e efore hismother as #ruine*)' his mother woul*n%t han* over the$eremonial golet she%* fil$he* an*su$$essfully hi**en& If he $oul*n%t pro*u$e sai* golet on the

first of 1uly) he woul* lose his $astle an* his lan*s) an* efor$e* to stan* helplessly y whilehis people 0 his $lan 0 were *ispossesse* an* *riven fromtheir $enturies8ol* hol*ings&2e woul* lose his heritage) an* so woul* they&2e woul* lose everything 0 ex$ept for the two oys he%*promise* to raise as his own& +ut they) an* he) woul* losetheir rightful pla$e) the onepla$e on earth they truly elonge*&

Fate ha* left him no $hoi$e ut to satisfy his mother%s*eman*s) insane though they might e&;nfortunately) his first attempt ha* gone awry& 9anting toremain *istan$e* from the !i*napping an* simultaneouslysee!ing to use no more for$ethan ne$essary) he%* employe* a pair of lesser ut routinelysu$$essful villains !nown as Flet$her an* Coins& The pairha* !i*nappe* 2eather Cynsteran* rought her north) ut she%* es$ape* through the

intervention of an English noleman) one Timothy (anvers)<is$ount +re$!enri*ge& +re$!enri*gewas now 2eather Cynster%s fian$=&That failure ha* left .$6insey no $hoi$e ut to engageS$rope to !i*nap Eliza Cynster&



No matter how logi$ally he -ustifie* that a$tion) he still *i*n%tli!e it7 he remaine* restless) unsettle* 0 highlyun$omfortale with the *eal he%* -uststru$!& 2is pri$!ling instin$ts were a $onstant) ara*ing

irritation) as if he were wearing a hair shirt&2e%* felt no su$h /ualms over hiring Flet$her an* Coins7while $apale of violen$e) the pair ha*n%t een the sort to$ontemplate mur*er) notrea*ily& In $ontrast) S$rope%s usiness normally involve*mur*er& 9hile in this instan$e mur*er wasn%t on the agen*a)that the man ha* a provenpropensity for the a$t was anything ut reassuring&+ut .$6insey nee*e* Eliza Cynster *elivere* into his han*s

in short or*er& 9ith Flet$her an* Coins) he%* stipulate*any of the Cynster sisters0 2eather) Eliza) or Angeli$a 0 yet y the time they%*seize* 2eather) he%* learne* enough to realize his mista!e&2e%* een hugely relieve* that it ha*een 2eather they%* a*u$te*7 at twenty8five years ol*) onthe shelf marriage8wise) she%* een all ut tailor8ma*e forthe proposition he%* inten*e* to layefore her&

3et that ha*n%t $ome to e& Fate ha* intervene* an* 2eatherha* es$ape* with +re$!enri*ge& .$6insey ha*n%t een overlyperture*) !nowinghe ha* an alternative in Eliza7 at twenty8four) she wasalmost as well8suite* to his purpose as 2eather& +ut if he*i*n%t su$$ee* in se$uring Eliza ,Angeli$a was the thir* an* youngest of the sisters on the$riti$al ran$h of the Cynster family tree& Theoreti$ally) she$oul* serve to fulfill his

purpose) ut she was only twenty8one& 2e ha* no wish to*eal with a young la*y of her age&2e $oul* e patient when a situation re/uire* it) ut hewasn%t an inherently patient man& Inveigling a gi**y)twenty8one8year8ol* haut ton prin$essto fall in with his wishes woul* re/uire greater ta$t than hepossesse*&



An* the alternative of for$ing her to his will woul* re/uirethe exer$ise of a greater *egree of $ol*hearte* pressurethan he suspe$te* he $oul*ring to ear& Not an* live with himself thereafter&

So , Eliza Cynster it ha* to e) an* for that he nee*e*S$rope%s talents an* the man%s *rive to su$$ee*&2e%* *one all he $oul* to ensure Eliza%s safety an* $omfort)*one all he $oul* to ensure nothing went wrong& 3et ,Staring at the purple haze on the horizon) the mountainsmany miles eyon* whi$h his home 0 glen) lo$h) an* $astle0 lay) he trie* to tell himself he%* *one all he $oul*) that he $oul* now) as he%* planne*)return home 0 to his people) to the $astle) to the oys 0

an* return later) in time to e waitingwhen S$rope returne* with Eliza Cynster&%onor above all#2is family%s motto) the wor*s ins$rie* in stone over the$astle%s main *oors an* on all the ma-or firepla$es&2onor woul*n%t let him ri*e away&2onor !ept pri$!ing) a urr eneath his s!in&Now he%* unleashe* S$rope on the Cynsters) now he%*shown S$rope exa$tly how to spirit Eliza out from un*er her

family%s wat$hful noses) nowhe%* set his plan in motion) honor insiste* he ri*e guar*&That he follow S$rope an*) surreptitiously) $lan*estinely)!eep wat$h an* ensure nothing went wrong&Ensure S$rope *i*n%t ex$ee* his remit&2e stoo* loo!ing out over the flatter lowlan*s to thehighlan*s far away& :emaine* there) unmoving) his min*yearning for the pea$e) the intensesilen$e) his senses /uesting for the s$ent of pine an* fir)

while the sun slowly westere* an* *ar!ness $lose* in&The sha*ows *eepene*& Eventually) he stirre*&Straightening) han*s still sun! in his po$!ets) he turne* an*$lime* a$! to the street) thenhea*e* for his town house& 2ea* *own) his gaze on the$oles) he $ompose* a letter to his stewar* explaining he%*een *elaye* an* woul* return in a



few wee!s& After that , he hope* an* praye* he%* e ale tori*e home to the highlan*s with Eliza Cynster y his si*e&

Chapter One

&t# Ives %ouseGrosvenor &'uare, (ondont%s -ust not fair&' Elizaeth .arguerite Cynster) Eliza to all)grumle* the $omplaint eneath her reath as she stoo*alone) $loa!e* in thesha*ows of a massive potte* palm y the wall of her el*est$ousin%s allroom& Tonight) the magnifi$ent *u$al allroomwas glittering an* glowing) playinghost to the $r>me *e la $r>me of the ton) e*e$!e* in their

finest satins an* sil!s) e-ewele* an* eringe*) all swept upin a near8rapturous outpouring of happiness an* unri*le* *elight&As there were few among the ton li!ely to *e$line aninvitation to waltz at an event hoste* y 2onoria) (u$hess ofSt& Ives) an* her powerfulhusan*) (evil Cynster) the huge room was pa$!e*&The light from the spar!ling $han*eliers sheene* overelaorately $oiffe* $urls an* win!e* an* lin!e* from the

hearts of $ountless *iamon*s&4owns in a range of rilliant hues swirle* as the la*ies*an$e*) $reating a shifting sea of virant plumage$ontrasting with the regulation la$!8an*8whiteof their partners& "aughter an* $onversation lan!ete* thes$ene& A riot of perfumes fille* the air& In the a$!groun* asmall or$hestra strove to *eliver oneof the most popular waltzes&Eliza wat$he* as her el*er sister) 2eather) $ir$le* the *an$e

floor in the arms of her han*some husan*8to8e) ex8foremost ra!e of the ton)Timothy (anvers) <is$ount +re$!enri*ge& Even if the allha* not een thrown expressly to $elerate their etrothal)to formally announ$e it to the ton an*



the polite worl*) the esotte* loo! in +re$!enri*ge%s eyesevery time his gaze reste* on 2eather was more thanenough to tell the tale& The ex8*arling of the ton%s la*ies was now 2eather%s sworn prote$tor an*

slave&An* 2eather was his& The -oy in her fa$e) that lit her eyes)*e$lare* that to the worl*&(espite Eliza%s own less8than8happy state) mu$h of it a*ire$t out$ome of the events lea*ing to 2eather%sengagement) Eliza was sin$erely) to hersoul) happy for her sister&They%* oth spent years 0 literally ears 0 sear$hing fortheir respe$tive heroes among the ton) through the *rawing

rooms an* allrooms inwhi$h young la*ies su$h as they were expe$te* to $onfinethemselves in hunting for suitale) eligile partis& 3et neither2eather) Eliza) nor Angeli$a) theiryounger sister) ha* ha* any lu$! in lo$ating the gentlemenfate* to e their heroes& They ha*) logi$ally) $on$lu*e* thatsai* heroes) the gentlemen forthem) were not to e foun* within their pres$rie* orit) sothey ha*) also logi$ally) *e$i*e* to exten* their sear$h into

those areas where the moreelusive) yet still suitale an* eligile) male memers of theton $ongregate*&That strategy ha* wor!e* for their el*est female $ousin)Aman*a) an*) employe* with a *ifferent twist) for her twinsister) Amelia) as well&An*) aleit in a most unexpe$te* way) the same approa$hha* wor!e* for 2eather) too&Clearly for Cynster females) su$$ess in fin*ing their own true

hero lay in ol*ly stepping eyon* their a$$ustome* $ir$les&9hi$h was pre$isely what Eliza was set on *oing) e)*eptthat) through the a*venture that ha* efallen 2eather withinminutes of her ta!ing her firststep into that ra$ier worl* 0 namely eing !i*nappe*)res$ue* y +re$!enri*ge) an* then es$aping in his $ompany0 a plot to target #the Cynster



sisters' ha* een expose*&9hether the targets were limite* to 2eather) Eliza) an*Angeli$a) or in$lu*e* their younger $ousins) 2enrietta an*.ary) no one !new&

No one un*erstoo* the motive ehin* the threat) not evenwhat was eventually inten*e* eyon* !i*napping the vi$timan* possily ta!ing her toS$otlan*& As for who was ehin* it) no one ha* any real$lue) ut the upshot was that Eliza an* the other three #Cynster sisters' as yet unetrothe* ha*een pla$e* un*er $onstant guar*& She ha*n%t een ale toset toe outsi*e her parents% house without one of herrothers) or if not them) one of her

$ousins 0 every it as a* 0 appearing at her elow&An* looming&For her) ta!ing even half a step outsi*e the restri$tive $ir$lesof the upper e$helons of the ton was now impossile& If shetrie*) a large) male)rotherly or $ousinly han* woul* $lose aout her elow an*yan! her un$eremoniously a$!&Su$h ehavior on their part was) she ha* to a*mit)un*erstan*ale) ut , #For how long5' Their prote$tive

$or*on ha* een in pla$e for threewee!s an* showe* no signs of relaxing& #I%m alrea*y twenty8four& If I *on%t fin* my hero this year) next year I%ll e onthe shelf&' .uttering to herself wasn%t a hait) ut the evening was*rawing to a $lose an*) as usual at su$h ton events) nothingha* $ome of it for her& 9hi$hwas why she was hugging the wall in the s$reening sha*owsof the huge palm7 she was worn out with smiling an*

preten*ing she ha* any interestwhatever in the very proper young gentlemen who) throughthe night) ha* vie* for her attention&As a well8*owere*) well8re*) well rought8up Cynsteryoung la*y she%* never een short of woul*8e :omeos&Sa*ly) she%* never felt the slightest



in$lination to play 1uliet to any of them& "i!e Angeli$a) Elizawas $onvin$e* she woul* re$ognize her hero) if not in theinstant she lai* eyes on him 0Angeli$a%s theory 0 then at least on$e she%* spent a few

hours in his $ompany&2eather) in $ontrast) ha* always een un$ertain overre$ognizing her hero 0 ut then she%* !nown +re$!enri*ge)not well ut more than y sight)for many years) an* until their a*venture she ha*n%t realize*he was the one for her& 2eather ha* mentione* that their$ousin y marriage) Catriona) who)eing an earthly representative of the *eity !nown in partsof S$otlan* as #The "a*y)' ten*e* to #!now' things) ha*

suggeste* that 2eather nee*e* to #see' her hero $learly) whi$h ha* prove* very mu$h to ethe $ase&Catriona ha* given 2eather a ne$!la$e an* pen*ant*esigne* to assist a young la*y in fin*ing her true love 0her hero7 Catriona ha* sai* thene$!la$e was suppose* to e passe* from 2eather) to Eliza)to Angeli$a) then to 2enrietta an* .ary) efore ultimatelyreturning to S$otlan*) to

Catriona%s *aughter) "u$illa&:aising one han*) Eliza tou$he* the fine $hain intersperse*with small amethyst ea*s that $ir$le* her ne$!7 the rose/uartz pen*ant *epen*ingfrom it was hi**en in the valley etween her reasts& The$hain lay $on$eale* eneath the *eli$ate la$e of thefashionale fi$hu an* $ollar that fille* thes$oope* ne$!line of her gol* sil! gown&The $hain was now hers) so where was the hero it was

suppose* to help her re$ognize5Oviously not here& No gentleman with hero8potential ha*mira$ulously appeare*& Not that she ha* expe$te* one to)not here in the very heart of the upper e$helons of tonnish so$iety& Nevertheless)*isappointment an* *ragging *e-e$tion loome*&



Through fin*ing her hero) 2eather ha* 0 entirelyunintentionally) ut nevertheless effe$tively 0 stymie* Eliza&2er hero *i* not exist within tonnish$ir$les) ut she $oul* no longer step outsi*e to hunt him

*own& #9hat the *evil am I to *o5' A footman *rifting aroun* the outs!irts of the allroom witha silver salver alan$e* on one han* hear* her an* turne*to peer into the sha*ows&Eliza arely glan$e* at him) ut seeing her) his featuresrelaxe* an* he steppe* forwar*& #.iss Eliza&' :elief in his voi$e) the footman owe* an*offere* the salver& #A gentleman as!e* that this e *elivere*

to you) miss& A goo* half hour ago) it must e now& 9e $oul*n%t fin* you in the$row*&' 9on*ering whi$h te*ious gentleman was now sen*ing hernotes) Eliza rea$he* for the fol*e* par$hment resting on thesalver& #Than! you)Cameron&' The footman was from her parents% househol*) se$on*e* tothe St& Ives% househol* to assist with the massive all& #9ho

was it) *o you !now5' #No) miss& It wasn%t han*e* to me ut to one of the others&They passe* it on&' #Than! you&' Eliza no**e* a *ismissal&9ith a rief ow) Cameron with*rew&9ith no great expe$tations) Eliza unfol*e* the note& Thewriting was ol*) a series of rash) la$! stro!es on thewhite paper&<ery mas$uline in style&

Tipping the sheet to $at$h the light) Eliza rea*?Meet !e in the ba*" parlor, i+ ou dare# o, we-re nota*'uainted# I haven-t signed this note be*ause ! na!e will!ean nothing to ou# .ehaven-t been introdu*ed, and there is no grande da!e present who would be li"el to oblige !e# %owever, the +a*tI a! here, attending this ball,



spea"s well enough to ! ante*edents and ! so*ialstanding# And I "now where the ba*" parlor is#I believe it is ti!e we !et +a*e/to/+a*e, i+ nothing else todis*over i+ there is an +urther degree o+ asso*iation we

!ight +eel in*lined tobroa*h# As I started this note, so I will end it0 Meet !e in the ba*" parlor, i+ ou dare#I-ll be waiting#Eliza $oul*n%t help ut smile& 2ow , impertinent& 2ow*aring& To sen* her su$h a note in her $ousin%s house) un*erthe very noses of the gran*es*ames an* all her family&

3et whoever he was) he was patently there) in the house)an* if he !new where the a$! parlor was ,She rea* the note again) *eating) ut there was no reasonshe $oul* see why she shoul*n%t slip away to the a$! parloran* *is$over who it waswho ha* *are* sen* su$h a note&Stepping out from her hi*ing pla$e) she slippe* swiftly) asunotrusively as she $oul*) aroun* the still $row*e* room&She felt $ertain the notewriter

was $orre$t 0 she *i*n%t !now him7 they%* never met& She*i*n%t !now any gentleman who woul* have thought to sen*su$h an outrageoussummons to a private tryst insi*e St& Ives 2ouse&Ex$itement) anti$ipation) surge*& Perhaps this was it 0 themoment when her hero woul* appear efore her&Stepping through a minor *oor) she wal!e* /ui$!ly *own a$orri*or) then turne* *own another) then another)in$reasingly *imly lit) stea*ily ma!ing

her way to the rear $orner of the huge mansion& (eep in theprivate areas) *istant from the re$eption rooms an* theirnoise) the a$! parlor gave onto thegar*ens at the rear of the house7 2onoria often sat there ofan afternoon) wat$hing her $hil*ren play on the lawn elowthe terra$e&



Eliza finally rea$he* the en* of the last $orri*or& The parlor*oor stoo* efore her& She *i*n%t hesitate7 turning the !no)she opene* the *oor an*wal!e* in&

The lamps weren%t lit) ut moonlight poure* through thewin*ows an* glass *oors that gave onto the terra$e&4lan$ing aroun* an* seeing no one)she $lose* the *oor an* wal!e* *eeper into the room&Perhaps he was waiting in one of the arm$hairs fa$ing thewin*ows&Nearing the $hairs) she saw they were empty& She halte*&Frowne*& 2a* he given up an* left5 #2ello5' She starte* toturn& #Is there anyone 0'

A faint rush of soun* $ame from ehin* her&She whirle* 0 too late&A har* arm sna!e* aout her waist an* -er!e* her a$!against a soli* male o*y&She opene* her mouth 0A huge palm swoope* an* slappe* a white $loth over hermouth an* nose& An* hel* it there&She struggle*) reathe* in 0 the smell was si$!ly sweet)$loying ,

2er mus$les went to water&Even as she sagge*) she fought to turn her hea*) ut theheavy palm followe*) !eeping the horri* $loth over hermouth an* nose ,;ntil reality sli* away an* *ar!ness engulfe* her&Eliza swam a$! to $ons$iousness on a si$!ening sway&She was ro$!ing) swinging7 she $oul*n%t seem to stop& Thenher senses stea*ie* an* she re$ognize* the rattle of $oa$hwheels on $oles&

A $oa$h& She was in a $oa$h) eing ta!en ,M God I-ve been "idnappedSho$!e* surprise) followe* y pure pani$) shot through her&An* helpe* fo$us her wits& She ha*n%t yet trie* opening hereyes7 her li*s felt



weighte*) as *i* her lims& Even shifting a fingertip too!effort& She *i*n%t thin! her han*s or feet were oun*) ut asshe $oul* arely summon enoughstrength to thin!) that was of little imme*iate relevan$e&

+esi*es) there was someone , no) two someones) in the$oa$h with her&:emaining as she ha* een when she%* awo!en) slumpe* ina $orner) her hea* hanging forwar*) she rea$he* with herother senses& 9hen thattol* her no more than that there was a person on the seatesi*e her) with another on the seat opposite) she let herhea* loll with the next ig sway of the$oa$h) then for$e* her li*s up enough to loo! out from

eneath her lashes&A man sat opposite) a gentleman y his *ress& The planes ofhis fa$e were austere) rather long) his $hin s/uare& 2is hairwas *ar! rown) wavy)well $ut& 2e was tall) well uilt) lean rather than heavy& Shesuspe$te* it was his o*y she%* een haule* a$! against inthe a$! parlor& 2is large han*that ha* hel* that horrile8smelling $loth over her nose ,2er hea* throe*7 her stoma$h pit$he* at the memory of

the vapor from that $loth& +reathing *eeply through hernose) she pushe* therememere* sensations asi*e an* shifte* her attention tothe person alongsi*e her&A woman& 9ithout turning her hea*) she $oul*n%t see thewoman%s fa$e) ut the gown $overing the woman%s legssuggeste* she was a la*y%smai*& An upper8$lass la*y%s mai*) a *resser) perhaps7 thela$! fari$ of the gown was of etter /uality than a mere

housemai* woul* have& 3ust as with %eather# 2er sister ha* een provi*e* with ala*y%s mai* for her !i*napping as well& Their family ha*ta!en that as proof that it ha*een an aristo$rat ehin* the !i*napping7 who else woul*have thought of a mai*5 That seeme* the $ase this time)too& 9as the man sitting opposite her



their aristo$rati$ villain5Stu*ying him again) Eliza suspe$te* not& 2eather ha* eena*u$te* y hirelings) an* although 0 from what she $oul*see $ompare* with

Stu*ying him again) Eliza suspe$te* not& 2eather ha* eena*u$te* y hirelings) an* although 0 from what she $oul*see $ompare* with2eather%s *es$riptions 0 this man) an* the mai*) too)loo!e* to e a $ut aove those who%* !i*nappe* 2eather)they nevertheless stru$! Eliza as peopleemploye* to *o a -o&2er min* was $learing7 it was e$oming easier to thin!&If this was a repeat of 2eather%s !i*napping) they woul* ta!e

Eliza north to S$otlan*& Shifting her gaze) she surveye* thestreet eyon* the $oa$h%swin*ow& Still feigning un$ons$iousness) she surreptitiouslywat$he*7 it too! some time) ut finally she was $ertain the$oa$h wasn%t on the 4reat North:oa*& It was following the roa* her family too! when visiting"a*y 1ersey at Osterley Par!&They were ta!ing her west& Or were they not ta!ing her farfrom "on*on at all5

If they *i*n%t ta!e her north) woul* her family !now in whi$h*ire$tion to sear$h for her5 They woul* assume she%* eenta!en north , when theyeventually realize* she%* een !i*nappe* at all&9hoever these people were) they were ol* an* $lever&Eliza%s rothers an* $ousins ha* een wat$hing her) of allthe Cynster girls) mostassi*uously) ut the one pla$e in whi$h they%* assume* shewoul* e safe ha* een St& Ives 2ouse) an* they%* relaxe*

their vigilan$e&No one woul* have imagine* that !i*nappers woul* *arestri!e insi*e that house) of all houses) an* espe$ially nottonight& The mansion ha* eenteeming with guests) with family) with the $omine* staff ofvarious Cynster househol*s) all of whom !new her&



(espite her earlier griping) she woul* have given a great*eal to see :upert or Alas*air) or even one of her arrogant$ousins) $ome ra$ing up ona horse&

After eing su$h pests) where were her prote$tors now thatshe nee*e* them5She frowne*& #She%s awa!e&' It was the man who%* spo!en& Clinging to her preten$e) Elizalet her features slowly ease) as if she%* frowne* in her sleep&"etting her li*s $losefully) she ma*e no other movement) gave no sign she%*hear*&

The woman shifte* nearer7 Eliza sense* she was peering ather fa$e& #Are you sure5' The woman was *efinitely a *resser7 her *i$tion was goo*)her tone that of an upper servant to an e/ual&9hi$h $onfirme* Eliza%s suspi$ion that the man was ahireling) too) not the mysterious lair* they%* thought ha*een ehin* 2eather%s !i*napping&After an instant) the man replie*) #She%s fa!ing it& ;se the

lau*anum&' (audanu!4 #3ou sai* he tol* you no *rugs) no harm to her&' #2e *i*) ut we nee* to move fast an* we nee* her asleep0 an* he%ll never !now&' %e who4 #All right&' The woman was rummaging in some ag& #3ou%llhave to help me&' #No@' Eliza $ame to life) inten*ing to $onvin$e them not to

*rug her again) ut she%* overestimate* her re$overy& 2ervoi$e was a hoarse whisper&She trie* to push away the woman) la$!8haire*) *ar!8eye*)leaning towar* her with a small me*i$ine glass $ontaining apale li/ui*) ut her arms ha* no



strength& Then the man was on her7 mana$ling her wrists inone han*) with the other he $aught her $hin) tippe* her fa$eup& #Now@ Pour it *own her throat&'

Eliza fought to shut her mouth) ut the man presse* histhum to the $orner of her -aw an* the woman *eftly tippe*the *ose etween her lips&Eliza trie* not to swallow ut the li/ui* tri$!le* *own ,The man hel* her until her mus$les went lax an* thelau*anum *ragge* her *own&The next time Eliza manage* to gather her wits enough tothin!) *ays ha* passe*& 2ow many) she ha* no real i*ea7they%* !ept her *rugge*) proppe* in

the $orner of the $oa$h) an* ha* *riven on) as far as she!new without any real halt&2er whole o*y felt ri*i$ulously wea!& 6eeping her eyes$lose*) she let her min* slowly sort through an* align the -umle* snippets of informationan* sparse oservations she%* manage* to glean in thefleeting moments etween the long stret$hes of *rugge*insensiility&They%* ta!en her out of "on*on on the westwar* roa*7 she

rememere* that& Then , Oxfor* at *ayrea!7 she%* $aughta rief glimpse of thefamiliar spires against a lightening s!y&After that first *ose of lau*anum) they%* een -u*i$ious in itsuse) for$ing her to *own only enough to !eep her woozy an*sleepy) unale to *oanything) mu$h less es$ape& So she ha* faint memories ofpassing through other towns) of $hur$h spires an* mar!ets/uares) ut the only pla$e she

re$alle* with any $ertainty was 3or!& They%* passe* $lose ythe .inster , she thought it ha* een earlier that morning&The pealing ells ha* een solou* the soun* ha* haule* her to wa!efulness) ut then the$oa$h ha* turne* an* passe* out of the town gate) an*she%* sli* a$! into slumer&



That ha* een the last time she%* wo!en& Now , letting herhea* loll) with her li*s still too weighty to lift) she rea$he*with her other senses&An* smelle* the sea& The *istin$tive riny s$ent was strong)

the reeze slipping past the e*ge of the $arriage *oor sharpan* fresh& She hear*gulls) their rau$ous $aw unmista!ale& So , past 3or! an*out along the $oast&9here *i* that leave her5So far from "on*on) on$e off the 4reat North :oa* her!nowle*ge of the region was spotty& +ut if they%* travele* toOxfor*) then to 3or! , itseeme* li!ely her $aptors were in*ee* ta!ing her into

S$otlan*) ut avoi*ing the 4reat North :oa*) no *oute$ause her family woul* sear$h its lengthfor her&If her $aptors ha* avoi*e* traveling along the ma-orhighway entirely) it was possile that no tra$e of her woul*e foun*) not along the highwayitself& 9hi$h) she suspe$te*) meant that there woul* e noone ri*ing to her res$ue , or at least that she $oul*n%t $ounton her family arriving to save her&

She was going to have to save herself&The thought shoo! her& A*ventures weren%t her forte& Sheleft su$h things to 2eather) an* even more Angeli$a7 she) in$ontrast) was the /uietsister& The mi**le sister& The one who playe* the pianofortean* harp li!e an angel) an* a$tually love* to emroi*er&+ut if she wante* to es$ape 0 an* she was /uite sure she*i* 0 she woul* have to a$t) y herself) for herself&(rawing in a *eeper reath) she for$e* her li*s open an*

$arefully loo!e* at her $ompanions&It was the first time she%* ha* a $han$e to stu*y them in*aylight7 they usually noti$e* she was awa!ening an*/ui$!ly *rugge* her again& Thefemale guar* 0 the one she%* originally ta!en for a *resser0 she now suspe$te* was a nurse8$ompanion) the sortwealthy ton families hire* to loo!



after ageing relatives& The woman was neat) effi$ient) wellspo!en) an* in appearan$e well presente*& 2er ountiful*ar! hair was *rawn a$! in a severeun at her nape7 her pale fa$e an* features suggeste* she

was perhaps gentry8orn ut ha* fallen on har* times&There was *efinitely a har*ness in the lines of her fa$e) an*even more in her eyes&The nurse was) Eliza -u*ge*) of similar height an* uil* toherself 0 on the tall si*e of average height) mi**ling toslen*er uil* 0 an* perhaps afew years ol*er& 2owever) eing a nurse) the other womanwas signifi$antly stronger&Eliza shifte* her gaze to the man who throughout the

-ourney ha* remaine* seate* opposite her& She%* seen himat $loser /uarters several times)when he%* hel* her so the nurse $oul* *rug her& 2e wasn%tthe mysterious lair*7 she%* re$alle* the *es$ription+re$!enri*ge ha* gathere* of that elusivenoleman? “a +a*e li"e hewn granite and ees li"e i*e#$ 9hile the man sitting opposite ha* $lean8$ut features) theyweren%t espe$ially rugge* or $hisele*) an* his eyes settle*the matter7 they were *ar!

rown& #She%s awa!e again&' It was the nurse who%* noti$e*&The man ha* een loo!ing out of the win*ow& 2e swung hisgaze to Eliza& #(o you want to *rug her again5' the nurse as!e*&The man $aught an* hel* Eliza%s gaze&She loo!e* a$! at him an* sai* nothing&The man tilte* his hea*) $onsi*ering& After a long moment)he replie*) #No&'

Eliza surreptitiously exhale*& She%* ha* more than enough ofeing *rugge*&The man shifte*) rearranging his lims) then loo!e* at thenurse& #9e nee* her in her $ustomary ex$ellent health ythe time we rea$h E*inurgh)so we%* etter $ease *rugging her from now&' Edinburgh4



"ifting her hea*) straightening her slumpe* shoul*ers) thensettling a$! against the $oa$h%s pa**e* seat) Eliza openlyan* rather haughtilystu*ie* the man& #An* you are5'

2er voi$e was hoarse) still wea!&The man met her gaze) then his lips /uir!e*) an* he in$line*his hea*& #S$rope& <i$tor S$rope&' 2is gaze shifte* to thenurse& #An* this is4enevieve&' "oo!ing a$! at Eliza) S$rope $ontinue*) #4enevieve an* I) an* our $oa$hman8guar*) have een senty your guar*ian to fet$h you a$!from wi$!e* "on*on) to whi$h you ha* fle* from his isolate*estate&'

Eliza listene* as he outline* essentially the same tale2eather%s !i*nappers ha* use* to ensure 2eather%s$omplian$e& #I%ve een tol*)' S$rope $ontinue*) #that you are) as yoursister was efore you) intelligent enough to $omprehen*that) given our tale) any attemptto attra$t attention an* plea* your $ause to anyone en routewill only result in you irretrievaly *amaging your ownreputation&'

9hen he ar$he* a row at her an* waite*) Eliza $urtlyno**e*& #3es& I un*erstan*&' 2er voi$e was still wea!) soft) ut its strength was returning& #Ex$ellent)' S$rope sai*& #I shoul* a** that we will shortlye $rossing into S$otlan*) where any attempt to gain helpwill e even more futile& An* in$ase you were too in$apa$itate* to noti$e) we%ve avoi*e*traveling on the 4reat North :oa*& Even if your famousfamily sear$h up an* *own its length)

they%ll fin* no tra$e of your passing&' S$rope $aught hergaze) hel* it& #So there%s no li!elihoo* of res$ue from that/uarter& The next few *ays will e mu$heasier for us all if you a$$ept that you are my $aptive an*that I will not e releasing you until I give you into myemployer%s han*s&' 2is $alm) $ol* $onfi*en$e rought to min* an iron $age&



Eliza no**e* again) ut her min* was) somewhat to hersurprise) alrea*y reviewing) assessing) sear$hing for someway out& S$rope%s referen$eto 2eather $onfirme* that his employer was in*ee* the

same mysterious lair* elieve* to e ehin* 2eather%s!i*napping) an* Eliza was perfe$tly sureshe *i*n%t want to e han*e* over to him& 9aiting to es$apeuntil after she was in the lair*%s han*s might well e a!in towaiting to *rop from the fryingpan into the fire efore rea$ting to the heat& So , if she$oul*n%t $ount on any help from her family) how was she toes$ape5Turning her hea*) she loo!e* out at the passing s$enery7 in

the *istan$e) eyon* ro$!y $liffs) she $oul* see the seaglimmering un*er the wea!sun& If they%* passe* through 3or! this morning , shewasn%t sure) ut she suspe$te* that whatever $oa$h roa*they were on) they woul* have to passthrough at least one ma-or town efore the or*er&She *i*n%t want to wait until after $rossing the or*er to *owhatever she was going to *o7 as S$rope ha* intimate*)eing in S$otlan* woul* only

further re*u$e her prospe$ts for res$ue&An* it was res$ue she nee*e*& 9ith her $aptors% tale at therea*y) attempting to *ire$tly free herself woul* only lea* toso$ial *isaster&"i!e 2eather) she nee*e* her hero to appear an* whis! herout of *anger&2eather ha* got +re$!enri*ge& 9ho woul* $ome for her5No one) e$ause no one ha* any i*ea where she was&+re$!enri*ge ha* seen 2eather !i*nappe*7 he%* followe* her

from the start& No one) Eliza felt $ertain) ha* any i*ea whereshe%* gone&If she wante* someone to res$ue her) she was going to haveto *o something to ma!e that happen&She wishe* she ha* Angeli$a with her7 her younger sisterwoul* e ursting with i*eas) -igging with enthusiasm to trythem out& Eliza) in $ontrast)



$oul*n%t thin! of any $lever plan eyon* the ovious one ofexploiting the single loophole in her $aptors% tale of fet$hingher for her guar*ian&If she $oul* attra$t the attention of someone who !new her)

someone of the ton) then her $aptors% tale woul* neverstan*& An* given her family%swealth an* influen$e) there was every $han$e that thesho$!ing fa$t of her eing in her $aptors% han*s for *ays an*nights $oul* suse/uently e urie*&+ut any su$h res$ue woul* have to o$$ur this si*e of theor*er7 on$e in S$otlan*) her $han$es of sighting anyonewho !new her) an* their ailityto tal! her out of her $aptors% $usto*y) woul* e greatly

re*u$e*&Shifting a$! into her $orner of the $oa$h) she traine* hergaze forwar*) s$anning the o$$asional vehi$les travelingtowar* her& If she saw anyoneli!ely ,In this far *istant $orner of Englan*) she !new only twofamilies well 0 the <ariseys at 9olverstone) an* the Per$ysat Alnwi$!& +ut if her $aptors$ontinue* to avoi* the 4reat North :oa*) her $han$es of

sighting any memer of those househol*s woul*n%t e high&"oo!ing at S$rope) she as!e*) #2ow long efore we $rossthe or*er5' She manage* to ma!e the /uestion soun* i*leenough&S$rope glan$e* outsi*e) then pulle* out a fo8wat$h an*$onsulte* it& #It%s -ust after mi**ay) so we shoul* e inS$otlan* y late afternoon&' Tu$!ing the wat$h a$! into his po$!et) he glan$e* at4enevieve& #9e%ll halt at 1e*urgh for the night) as planne*)

then go on to E*inurgh tomorrowmorning&' Eliza loo!e* outsi*e again) staring out at the roa*& She%*een to E*inurgh twi$e& If they left 1e*urgh in themorning) they%* e in the S$ottish$apital y mi**ay) an* from what S$rope ha* let fall) thatwas where they planne* to han* her to the lair*&



+ut if they weren%t going to $ross the or*er until lateafternoon) an* it was -ust after mi**ay now) she was fairly$ertain that the $oastal roa* theywere on woul* ta!e them through New$astle8;pon8Tyne) the

nearest ma-or town to oth 9olverstone an* Alnwi$!) an*) ifshe rememere* $orre$tly) the$oa$h woul* have to traverse the entire rea*th of the townto pi$! up the roa* to 1e*urgh&If it was mar!et *ay) or even if it wasn%t) rolling slowlythrough New$astle8;pon8Tyne woul* e her est $han$e toattra$t the attention of someoneshe !new) in a town where that someone $oul* rea*ily$omman* the support of the authorities&

A*venture might not e her forte) ut she $oul* *o this& She$oul* manage this&:elaxing against the s/uas) she gaze* out at the roa* an*waite* for the roofs of New$astle to appear&The sun ro!e through the $lou*s an* eame* *own7 thewarmth ma*e her sleepy) ut she fought off the temptation&She wriggle*) straightene*)stret$he*) then settle* a$!& The glare off the next se$tionof roa*) wet after a passing spring shower) hurt her eyes&

She $lose* them) ha* to) -ust for a moment& 1ust until thestinging ease*&Eliza wo!e with a -olt& For a se$on* she *i*n%t rememer ,then she *i*& She re$alle* what she%* een waiting for)glan$e* at the win*ow) an* realize*that more than an hour ha* to have passe*&They were $rossing a reasonale8size* ri*ge7 the *ifferentsoun* of the wheels on the woo*en plan!s ha* wo!en her&2eart poun*ing) she sat up an* loo!e* out to see houses

lining the roa*& :elief poure* through her& They must ehea*ing into New$astle8;pon8Tyne& She ha*n%t misse* her moment&9riggling on the seat) she ease* her shoul*ers an* a$!)then) spine now straight) settle* to on$e again stare out ofthe win*ow&



9illing someone she !new to e there) wal!ing thepavements of the town& Perhaps .inerva) (u$hess of9olverstone) might e there shopping&Preferaly with her husan*&

Eliza $oul*n%t thin! of anyone more ale to effe$t her res$uethan :oy$e) (u!e of 9olverstone&She felt S$rope%s wat$hful gaze on her fa$e ut pai* him nohee*& She ha* to !eep her eyes peele*& On$e she sawsomeone) she woul* a$t) an*it woul* e too late for S$rope to stop her&Only , the further they went) the houses thinne*) thenfinally $ease* altogether&She%* wo!en only as they%* left the town) not) as she%*

thought) as they%* rolle* into it&She%* misse* her $han$e&2er est) an* very li!ely last) $han$e to attra$t the attentionof someone who !new her&For the first time in her life) she a$tually felt her heart sin!&All the way to the pit of her stoma$h&She swallowe*7 slowly) she ease* a$! against the seat&2er min* in turmoil) she *i*n%t loo! at S$rope) ut sense*when he loo!e* away) when he relaxe* his vigilan$e&

2e !new there was little li!elihoo* she $oul* *o anything toupset his plans now& #That)' S$rope sai*) ostensily spea!ing to 4enevieve) #wasthe last large town efore the or*er& It%s mostly open$ountry etween here an*1e*urgh 0 Taylor shoul* have us there well efore *us!&' 4enevieve ma*e a humming soun* in a$!nowle*gment&Eliza won*ere* if S$rope $oul* rea* her min*& If his purposewas to *eflate an* *e-e$t her) he%* su$$ee*e*&

She $ontinue* loo!ing out of the win*ow) staring out eventhough she%* lost all hope& This was *efinitely not the 4reatNorth :oa*7 she%* travele*the stret$h from New$astle to Aln wi$! several times& She%*never travele* this way efore) ut fiel*s alrea*y or*ere*the *it$hes& 9hat roofs she spie*elonge* to $ottages an* farmhouses&



The $oa$h owle* stea*ily on) $arrying her further north) itswheels rumling in a $onstant) unrelenting rhythm& Now an*again) another $onveyan$erolle* y) mostly farm $arts&

4ra*ually) the roa* narrowe*& Every time the $oa$hen$ountere* another vehi$le going the opposite way) othha* to slow an* ease past&Eliza lin!e*& She *i*n%t straighten) instea* $ounselingherself to remain relaxe* 0 *e-e$te*& To give no sign thatmight trigger S$rope%swat$hfulness&If y any $han$e at all someone useful might happen along)in a $arriage) gig) or $art *riving south to New $astle , she

was sitting on the rightsi*e of the $oa$h to attra$t that person%s attention&2er situation was *esperate& Even if she saw a $ountrys/uire 0 any gentry at all 0 she ha* to e prepare* to seizethe moment an* s$ream forhelp& As matters stoo*) her family woul*n%t !now where shewas eing ta!en& Even if the person she alerte* *i* nothingmore than write to someone in"on*on) that woul* e enough& Someone woul* tell her

parents&She ha* to elieve that&She ha* to alert someone) an* this stret$h efore the or*erwas her very last $han$e&If an opportunity presente*) any opportunity at all) she ha*to seize it&4aze fixe*) apparently unseeing) on the roa* ahea*) shevowe* she woul*& She might not possess 2eather%s stuorn*etermination) she might

not have Angeli$a%s re$!less la$! of fear) ut she%* e*amne* if she%* allow herself to e han*e* over to someS$ottish lair* without ma!ing even onei* for free*om&She might e the /uiet one7 that *i*n%t mean she was mee!&



1eremy Carling toole* his $urri$le aroun* a sharp en*) thensettle* to a stea*y pa$e hea*ing south on the first leg of hislong -ourney a$! to "on*on&2e%* left 9olverstone Castle at mi**ay) ut instea* of

hea*ing east via :othury an* Pauperhaugh to -oin the roa*to .orpeth an* New$astle8;pon8Tyne) the route he ha*) as usual) use* to rea$h the$astle) he%* ele$te* to ta!e the westerly route along thenorthern e*ges of the 2arwoo* Forest) -oining the lesser roa* to New$astle -ust south of Otterurn&2e en-oye* seeing fresh fiel*s) as it were) an* although theless8travele* way over the hills ha* slowe* him) the viewsha* more than

$ompensate*&9ith a etter surfa$e* roa* eneath his $urri$le%s wheels) helet his latest a$/uisition) a high8re* la$! he%* name*1asper) stret$h his legs&Aout him the afternoon was waning) ut he woul* stillrea$h New$astle an* the inn he usually patronize* wellefore *ar!& Free* from the nee* to thin!aout anything pra$ti$al) his min* *rifte*) as it usually *i*)to the $ontemplation of an$ient hieroglyphi$s) the stu*y of

hieroglyphi$s eing the $ornerstoneof his life&2e%* first e$ome fas$inate* with the esoteri$ wor*8pi$tureswhen) on the *eath of their parents) he an* his sister"eonora ha* gone to live withtheir wi*ower un$le) Sir 2umphrey Carling& 1eremy ha* eentwelve at the time an* insatialy $urious) a trait that ha*n%twane*& 2umphrey ha*) even then)een wi*ely re$ognize* as the foremost authority on an$ient

languages) espe$ially .esopotamian an* Sumerian s$ripts7his house ha* een littere* withs$rolls an* musty tomes) with papyrus un*les an* ins$rie*$ylin*ers&Easing 1asper aroun* a en*) 1eremy thought a$! to thoselong8ago *ays an* smile*&



The an$ient texts) the languages) the hieroglyphi$s) ha*$apture* him from the instant he%* first set eyes on them&Translating them) unlo$!ing theirse$rets) ha* rapi*ly e$ome a passion& 9hile other

gentlemen%s sons went to Eton an* 2arrow) he) estalishe*from an early age as an ale an*impatient s$holar) ha* ha* private tutors an* 2umphrey) aremar!ale s$holar himself) as his mentors& 9here othergentlemen his age ha* ol* s$hoolfrien*s) he ha* ol* $olleagues&An* that life ha* suite* him to the groun*7 he%* ta!en to itli!e the proverial fish to water&As oth 2umphrey an* he were in*epen*ently wealthy) in

his $ase via a sizeale inheritan$e from his parents) he an*his un$le ha* happilyimmerse* themselves) elow to elow) in their an$ienttomes) largely to the ex$lusion of polite so$iety an*) in*ee*)most $ompany other than that of li!emin*e*s$holars&2a* matters allowe*) they woul* proaly have $ontinue* in$omfortale se$lusion for the rest of oth their lives) ut1eremy%s assumption several

years ago of the mantle 2umphrey ha* for *e$a*es $arrie*ha* $oin$i*e* with an explosion of puli$ interest in allthings an$ient& That in turn ha* le* tofre/uent re/uests for $onsultations from private institutionsan* wealthy families attempting to verify the authenti$ityan* stan*ing of tomes *is$overe* intheir $olle$tions& Although 2umphrey still $onsulte*o$$asionally) he%* grown frail with the years) so running thein$reasingly usinessli!e enterprise of

$onsulting on matters an$ient for so$iety at large fell mostlyon 1eremy%s shoul*ers&2is reputation was now su$h that owners of an$ientmanus$ripts fre/uently offere* outrageous sums to se$urehis opinion& In $ertain $ir$les it ha*



e$ome all the rage to e ale to state that one%s an$ient.esopotamian s$roll ha* een verifie* y none other thanthe highly respe$te* 1eremy Carling&1eremy%s lips twit$he* at the thought& An* the one that

followe*7 the wives of the men who sought his opinion wereevery it as !een to have himvisit) to e ale to $laim the $a$het of having entertaine* thefamous) yet so8re$lusive) s$holar&In so$ial terms) his es$hewing of so$iety ha* reoun*e* onhim& 4iven he was well orn) well $onne$te*) well respe$te*)reassuringly wealthy) an*tantalizingly elusive) to many hostesses his veryre$lusiveness ma*e him a ma-or prize7 the ma$hinations to

whi$h some ha* gone to attempt to so$iallyensnare him an* !eep him a permanent $aptive ha* amaze*even him&None ha* su$$ee*e*) an* none woul*7 he li!e* his /uiet life&Although $onsulting for wi*er so$iety was lu$rative an* oftensatisfying) y $hoi$e he spent most of his time urie* in hislirary translating)stu*ying) an* pulishing on wor!s that either foun* theirway into his han*s or were rought to him) as a renowne*

s$holar an* $olle$tor) y the variousaugust puli$ institutions presently engage* in the seriousresear$h of an$ient $ivilizations&Su$h a$a*emi$ stu*ies an* $ontriutions woul* form theul!) the meat) of his s$holar%s lega$y7 that sphere woul*always remain his prin$ipalinterest&In that) he an* 2umphrey were two peas in a po*) othperfe$tly $ontent to sit in the massive twin liraries 0 one

ea$h 0 in the home they share*in .ontrose Pla$e in "on*on an* pore over one or anotheran$ient tome& The only lure guarantee* to tease either ofthem out of their s$holarly se$lusionwas the prospe$t of *is$overing some un!nown treasure&



S$holars su$h as they live* for su$h moments& The thrill ofi*entifying some an$ient) long8lost text was a *rug li!e noother) one to whi$h they were)as a spe$ies) a**i$te* eyon* re$all&

It was -ust su$h a lure that ha* *rawn him all the way intothe far rea$hes of Northumerlan* to 9olverstone Castle)the home of :oy$e <arisey)(u!e of 9olverstone) an* his *u$hess) .inerva& :oy$e an*.inerva were $lose frien*s of "eonora an* her husan*)Tristan 9emyss) <is$ountTrentham7 over the years) 1eremy ha* $ome to !now the*u$al $ouple /uite well& Conse/uently) when :oy$e ha* een$ataloguing his late father%s

massive lirary an* ha* *is$overe* an an$ient oo! ofhieroglyphi$s) it ha* een to 1eremy he%* turne* for anopinion&4rinning to himself) 1eremy fli$!e* the reins an* sent 1asperthe +la$! pa$ing on& 2is lu$! ha* een in7 :oy$e%s oo! ha*een a fantasti$ fin*) along8thought8to8e8lost Sumerian text& 1eremy $oul*n%t waitto tell 2umphrey aout it) an* he was e/ually !een to getstarte* on $ompiling a le$ture for The

:oyal So$iety from the $opious notes he%* ma*e& 2is$on$lusions woul* $ause /uite a stir&Expe$tant pleasure a warmth in his veins) his thoughtsfo$use* ahea*) throwing up a mental pi$ture of his lirary)of his home&The pea$e of it) the $omfort an* /uiet of it&The emptiness&Soering) he was tempte* to push the thought asi*e) toury it as he usually *i*) ut , he was in the mi**le of

nowhere with nothing else vying forhis min*& Perhaps it was time he *ealt with the prolem&2e wasn%t sure when or why the restless un*er$urrent of*issatisfa$tion ha* starte*& It ha* nothing to *o with hiswor! 0 the outloo! there was



positively glowing& 2e still felt rivete* y his $hosenprofession) still as asore* as ever y his longtime interest)his $hosen fiel*&The restlessness ha* nothing to *o with hieroglyphi$s&

The unwante* uneasiness $ame from insi*e him) aurgeoning) welling) unsettling feeling that he%* misse*something vital) that he%* somehowfaile*&Not in wor!) ut in life&Over the two wee!s he%* spent at 9olverstone) the feelingha* only intensifie*7 in*ee*) in one way) it ha* $ome to ahea*&;nexpe$te*ly) it ha* een .inerva) 9olverstone%s ever8

gra$ious wife) who ha* for$e* him to see the truth of it&9ho) with her parting wor*s) ha*for$e* him to fa$e what he ha*) for /uite some time) eenavoi*ing fo$using on&Family& Chil*ren& 2is future&9hile at 9olverstone) he%* seen an* oserve* what $oul* ealong those lines) ha* een surroun*e* y the reality&4rowing up without his parents) with only 2umphrey 0alrea*y a re$lusive wi*ower 0 an* "eonora aroun* him

through his formative years) he%*never een expose* to a large) oisterous roo*) to thewarmth) the $harm) an* that other level of $omfort& To thefun*amental *ifferen$e that ma*e ahouse a home&The house he share* with 2umphrey was -ust that) a house&It la$!e* the essential elements to transform it into a home&2e ha*n%t thought it mattere*) not to him or to 2umphrey&In that he%* een wrong) at least with respe$t to himself&

That error) an* his $onse/uent la$! an* refusal to payattention an* *o something aout it)was what lay eneath his restlessness) what *rove it an*)in$reasingly) gave it teeth&.inerva%s parting wor*s ha* een) #3ou%re going to have to*o something soon) *ear 1eremy) or you%ll wa!e up onemorning a lonely ol* man&'



2er eyes ha* een !in*ly an* un*erstan*ing&2er wor*s ha* $hille* him to the one&She%* put her *eli$ate finger on the $rux of what) he nowre$ognize*) was his *eepest fear&

"eonora ha* foun* Tristan) an* Tristan ha* foun* her) an*they) li!e :oy$e an* .inerva) ha* ma*e their own family)their warm an* oisterousroo*&2e ha* his oo!s) ut as .inerva ha* intimate*) theywoul*n%t !eep him warm through the years ahea*& .ostespe$ially through those years after2umphrey) alrea*y ol* an* frail) passe* on& 9oul* he thenregret that he ha*n%t othere* to ma!e the time to fin* a

la*y of his own to share his life) tohave $hil*ren li!e his nephews an* nie$es5 To *o what wasne$essary to hear $hil*ren%s voi$es) their laughter) rolling*own the $orri*ors) to have $hil*renof his own to wat$h an* see grow&To have a son to whom he $oul* pass on his own!nowle*ge) his a$$umulate* wis*om) as he%* seen :oy$e*oing with his el*est oys& Perhapsto have a son) or even a *aughter) with whom he $oul*

share the fas$ination of an$ient writings) as 2umphrey ha*with him&2e%* long ago assume* he%* never want su$h things) yetnow ,2e was alrea*y thirty8seven) a fa$t .inerva !new) no *outprompting her remar!) although with his lean frame) whi$hha* only truly fille* out in histhirties) he was thought y most to e younger& 3et therewas no *enying the truth of her oservation7 if he wante* a

family li!e hers an* :oy$e%s) li!e"eonora%s an* Tristan%s) then he nee*e* to *o somethingaout it&Soon&2e%* whis!e* through the hamlet of :ayless7 a signpro$laime* that :ae$hester lay ahea*& 2e ha* an hour of*riving efore him with nothing to



$laim his attention7 he might as well use the time&An* *e$i*e what he wante*&That too! two se$on*s 0 he wante* a family li!e hisrother8in8law ha*& "i!e :oy$e ha*& The *etails were there)

glowing in his min*&Next? 2ow to get it5Oviously he nee*e* a wife&2ow to get her52is min*) wi*ely pro$laime* to e rilliant an* in$isive)stalle* at that point&So he *i* what any a$a*emi$ woul* *o an* rephrase* the/uestion& 9hat sort of wife *i* he want) *i* he nee*) inor*er to lea* to his optimal

out$ome5That was easier to *efine& The wife he wante* an* nee*e*woul* ne$essarily e /uiet) reserve*) if not pre$isely self8effa$ing then at least of thesort who woul*n%t ta!e umrage when he spent *ays withhis nose urie* in some oo!& She woul* e $ontent tomanage his househol* an* ear an*$are for any $hil*ren they might e lesse* with& 2e $oul*imagine that she might e shy) relatively reti$ent 0 a mee!)

mil*) a$$ommo*ating la*y whowoul* not see! to interfere with his s$holarly pursuits) letalone *istra$t him from them&Slowing to trot through the tiny village of :ae$hester) hegrima$e*& 2is previous en$ounters with the fairer sex ha*left him very aware that su$h aparagon woul*n%t e easy to fin*& "a*ies) $ertainly all thosehe%* ever *allie* with) li!e* attention& That issue) of allothers) was the one that invarialy le*

to him an* them parting $ompany&That sai*) he ha* nothing against women per se7 some) li!ethe Cynster twins) Aman*a an* Amelia) he foun* /uiteentertaining& In earlier years)he%* in*ulge* in various en$ounters with $ertain ore*matrons of the ton) followe* y three longer affairs) utultimately he%* foun* himself oth ore* an*



resentful of the in$reasing *eman*s of the la*ies involve*)so he ha*) as gently as possile) en*e* the liaisons&Over re$ent years) he%* $lung to his re$luse%s shiel* an* !epthis *istan$e from all females) *eeming any further *allian$e

li!ely to e more troulethan it was worth& "eonora ha* pro**e* him) insisting thathis past experien$es simply meant that he ha*n%t yet metthe la*y who) to him) woul* e worththe troule) woul* e worth putting himself out to engagewith&"ogi$ally he ha* to $on$e*e the point) ut he $ontinue* tohave severe *outs that su$h a la*y might exist) mu$h lessthat she woul* $ross his

path&Intelle$tually) he was oth wary an* *istantly *ismissive ofla*ies& 9ary e$ause he o$$asionally won*ere* if they)operating on some *ifferentplane of rationality) a$tually !new more than he) at leastaout so$ial su-e$ts& (istantly *ismissive e$ause) when it$ame to reason an* logi$) he%* nevermet any whose ailities $omman*e* his respe$t&A*mitte*ly) only a small $ohort of gentlemen ma*e that

gra*e either&Nevertheless) now that he%* *e$i*e* 0 ha* he5 3es) herather thought he ha* 0 to fin* himself a wife) he was goingto have to , how woul*Tristan an* his +astion Clu $olleagues phrase it5, *evise a$ampaign to a$hieve his goal&2is goal eing to fin*) woo) an* se$ure the han* of a la*y ofimpe$$ale $hara$ter with all the $hara$teristi$s he%**es$rie*&

It woul*n%t hurt if she was passaly pretty) an* of similarso$ial station) too7 he woul* e no help if the poor womannee*e* gui*an$e in su$h$ompli$ate* matters as who ha* pre$e*en$e entering aroom&So) $ampaign goal in pla$e) how to move towar* it5 2is firststep ha* to e to lo$ate a suitale $an*i*ate&



"eonora woul* help in a hearteat if he as!e* her&If he *i* , the ol* i**ies) Tristan%s pa$! of el*erly femalerelatives) woul* instantly leap into the fray) too& Nothing he)"eonora) or Tristan might

say or *o woul* e ale to avoi* that 0 an* the li!elysuse/uent $atastrophe7 while infinitely well8meaning) theol* la*ies ha* very *efinite i*eas an*were as ossy as they $ame&So , if he $oul*n%t as! "eonora for help) then he $oul*n%tas! any female for help& 2e !new that mu$h& 9hi$h left himwith the males 0 Tristan an*his erstwhile $olleagues) all now goo* frien*s) in$lu*ing:oy$e&

2e trie* to imagine any help they might give) ut other thantheir giving him ta$ti$al a*vi$e 0 whi$h he%* alrea*y ha*over the years from them 0he $oul*n%t see them helping him i*entify an* meet hisspe$ifi$ young la*y7 they were all marrie*) an*) as he *i*)avoi*e* so$iety as mu$h as they $oul*&So no help there&:ea$hing *eeper into his a$/uaintan$e) there were severalunmarrie* gentlemen he !new through his $onne$tion with

the Cynsters) yet from theiro$$asional meetings he%* got the impression that they) too)!ept so$iety 0 at least those $ir$les in whi$h unmarrie*young la*ies swarme* 0 at a*istan$e& 2mm& Consi*ering the issue more roa*ly) itappeare* that all the gentlemen he !new) or ha* any affinitywith) avoi*e* the wi*er $ompany of young la*ies , until they nee*e* to fin* one to marry&2e frowne*& Slowing 1asper) he trotte* into 6nowesgate7

imme*iately they were past the small !not of $ottages) heease* the reins an* let1asper run&There ha* to e someone he $oul* appeal to for assistan$ein lo$ating his ne$essary wife& The i*ea of fin*ing her on hisown , he woul*n%t !nowwhere to start&



The thought of Alma$!%s was enough to put him off thepro-e$t altogether , so there ha* to e some other way&A mile further on) he still ha*n%t thought of any usefuloption& 2e passe* the lane that le* to the hamlet of

6ir!whelpington an* rattle* on aroun* along) wi*e $urve) !eeping 1asper to a span!ing pa$e&A $oa$h) the first he%* sighte* that *ay) appeare* ahea*)rumling stea*ily towar* him aroun* the $urve& #(amn&' The roa* wasn%t a ma-or highway) an* that stret$hwas too narrow to permit two $arriages to pass at a $lip&:eining 1asper in) he slowe* the $urri$le until it was rollingslowly) the horse at a wal!& The $oa$h slowe*) too& Carefullyangling his $urri$le%s offsi*e

wheel onto the verge) 1eremy raise* a han* in riefa$!nowle*gment to the $oa$hman as the man e*ge* histeam as far as he *are* the other way&1eremy was $on$entrating) managing the reins an* wat$hingli!e a haw! to ensure the $oa$h%s wheels an* his $urri$le%swheels sli* past withouttou$hing) when a thump on the $oa$h%s win*ow ma*e himloo! up 0Into a pale fa$e& A woman%s fa$e&

(istresse*) her eyes wi*e) she%* stru$! the win*ow with heropen palms&2e saw her lips move 0 *istantly hear* her s$ream&.ale han*s grae* her shoul*ers an* she was haule*aruptly a$!&Then the $oa$h was past) an* the roa* ahea* lay empty&1asper) wanting to run) tugge* at the reins&Still stunne*) his min* replaying what he%* seen) 1eremyasentmin*e*ly lowere* his han*s) letting the la$! start

trotting&Then he lin!e*) turne* his hea*) an* glan$e* a$! at the$oa$h&It was rolling at spee* again) ut not rushing or ra$ing) -uststea*ily rumling along at the same pa$e as when he%* firstseen it&



2alf a minute later) the $oa$h roun*e* the $urve an* passe*out of sight&Fa$ing forwar*) 1eremy let 1asper $ontinue trotting&9hile his min* swiftly sorte* an* $ompare*&

2e was an expert in an$ient hieroglyphi$s) with a steel trapof a memory for su$h things& Fa$es were very li!ehieroglyphi$s) an* he !new he%*seen that fa$e efore&+ut where5 2e *i*n%t !now anyone in the area) other thanthe househol* at 9olverstone ,"on*on& In some allroom& Several years ago&The s$ene $ame a$! to him in a rush& #Eliza Cynster&'

Even as he sai* her name) another memory was pouringthrough him 0 of :oy$e rea*ing a letter he%* re$eive* from(evil Cynster on the *ay1eremy ha* arrive* at 9olverstone) aout the foile*!i*napping of 2eather Cynster an* the elief that her sisterswere still un*er threat ,& #2ell@' 1eremy haule* on the reins) halting 1asper&Sho$!e*) he stare* *own the roa*&2eather Cynster ha* een ta!en y her $aptors into

S$otlan*& The $oa$h ehin* him was hea*ing for the S$ottishor*er&An* he%* ma*e out the single wor* Eliza ha* s$reame*&%elpShe%* een !i*nappe*) too&Eliza slumpe* a$! into the $orner of the $oa$h into whi$hS$rope ha* flung her& 2e%* snarle* at her ut then ha*/ui$!ly regaine* his $omposure) hisprevious stoi$ an* stony expression $loa!ing the turmoil

she%* provo!e*&4enevieve ha* hisse* at her) too& Talonli!e fingers lo$!e*aout Eliza%s wrist) the nurse hel* on to her as if she mightolt&Small hope of that&



Stan*ing over her) !eeping his alan$e with one han* on the$oa$h%s $eiling) S$rope stare* $ol*ly *own at her) thenrea$he* up) opene* thehat$h in the roof) an* spo!e upwar*& #That $urri$le that -ust

passe* us 0 *i* the *river stop5' After a moment) the $oa$hman replie*) #No& 4lan$e* a$!on$e) puzzle*li!e) ut then went on& 9hy5' S$rope glan$e* at Eliza& #Our pre$ious aggage trie* toattra$t his attention& 3ou%re sure he isn%t following5' A moment passe*& #There%s no one ehin* us&' #4oo*&' S$rope $lose* the hat$h& 9eaving slightly with the$oa$h%s motion) he stare* *own at Eliza&She stare* a$!) surprise* to *is$over she felt no real fear&

She%* *one what she%* ha* to 0 an* no longer ha* suffi$ientstrength to *o very mu$hat all) even to e properly afrai*&Eventually) S$rope shifte* an* sat again opposite her& #Asyou%ve -ust *emonstrate*) there%s no point in trying to$reate a s$ene 0 nothing $omesof it) even if you *o& So&' 2e eye* her $ol*ly) measuringly& #(o we have to tie you up an* tell our tale at our next stop)or will you ehave5'

:e$alling the ta$! 2eather ha* ta!en with her $aptors)letting them elieve she was helpless an* unale toa$$omplish anything on her own) Elizalet her mus$les sla$!en in not entirely assume* *efeat& #Clearly there%s no hope) so I may as well ehave&' As long as it suite* her&She%* allowe* the wea!ness stealing over her) through her)to $olor her voi$e& She wasn%t surprise* when S$rope) after$onsi*ering her for a long

moment) no**e*& 2e loo!e* at 4enevieve& #:elease her& +utif she shows any further sign of ma!ing our life *iffi$ult) we%llin* an* gag her&' 9ith a la$! loo! for Eliza) 4enevieve unlo$!e* her hol* onEliza%s wrist an*) with a mute* humph) settle* a$! in herseat&



The three of them went a$! to what they%* een *oingefore the *rama 0 efore she%* seen 1eremy Carling*riving past&Eliza !new she shoul* have felt wret$he*ly *isappointe*) ut

summoning the strength even for that was a struggle& She%*assume* her aility tothin! ha* meant the lau*anum ha* worn off& She%* thoughtshe%* marshale* her strength) that she%* re$overe* an*gathere* enough of that $ommo*ity to)when an* if her moment $ame) ma!e a *etermine* show)enough to $onvin$e whoever went y to assist her&A*mitte*ly) she%* ha* little hope of seeing anyone whomight help) ut then) won*er of won*ers) she%* seen a

familiar fa$e&She ha*n%t stoppe* to $onsi*er further ut ha* flung herselfat the win*ow& She%* ashe* the glass an* s$reame* forhelp ,The instant she%* move*) her hea* ha* spun& +ut)*esperate) she%* poure* every oun$e of strength an**etermination into that moment) into *oingall she possily $oul*&Now she felt *raine*& "iterally wrung out&

An*) it seeme*) it ha* all een for nought&1eremy Carling& Of all the gentlemen fate might have senther way) why ha* it ha* to have een him52e was a s$holar) a *reamer) a $ertifie* genius) utstan*offish) with a mar!e* *isinterest in so$ial life7 he wasso asentmin*e* she seriously*oute* he woul* rememer her name&2e might not even have re$ognize* her enough to registerthat he !new her&

That was a *istin$t possiility& Although she%* eenintro*u$e* to him formally at a all several years ago) an*ha* seen him several times infamily *rawing rooms sin$e) she%* arely ex$hange* twowor*s with him 0 an* those ha* een at that first meetingyears ago) when he%* appeare* to



e so elsewhere she%* /ui$!ly foun* some polite reason to/uit the group he%* een with&Still) there was nothing else she $oul* have *one7 for goo*or ill) she%* ha* to grasp the opportunity when it ha*

offere*&She heave* a *eep) *espon*ent sigh) un$aring if the othertwo hear*& It woul* only a** to the image of a eaten)helpless female , she wasn%t/uite that) ut at that moment she felt $lose to it&Closing her eyes) she trie* to relax) to marshal her strengthan* *etermination again&In her min*) a faint hope fli$!ere*&She ha*) after all) re$ognize* 1eremy Carling) so he) in turn)

might 0 -ust might 0 have re$ognize* her&It was a slim hope) ut it was the only sliver of hope sheha*& In her present *e-e$te* an* worn8out state) she ha* to$ling to whatever she $oul*&If he ha* re$ognize* her) what woul* he *o5 2e was as$holar) no hero 0 not a !night or a warrior to $ome ri*ingto her res$ue himself& +ut hewoul* e $on$erne*) surely) an* woul* either sen* wor* toher family) or visit them himself when he returne* to town ,

I+ he was returning to town& She ha* no i*ea why he%* eenthis far north& Perhaps he was visiting frien*s5Fol*ing her arms) she settle* *eeper into the $orner& She$oul*n%t pre*i$t what 1eremy might *o) ut he was anhonorale man 0 he%* *oso!ething to help her&It too! a full minute for 1eremy to $onvin$e his rain thatthis was really happening) that he wasn%t *reaming) that thesituation was real &

Then he starte* thin!ing& Furiously&1asper) fin*ing him unintereste* in going on) *ragge* thereins until he $oul* lower his hea* an* $rop the grass of theverge&1eremy sat in the stationary $urri$le) reins in his lax han*s)an* stare* unseeing *own the roa*&



Assessing the situation) an* what nee*e* to e *one) whatwas possile) what his options were&2e nee*e* to get wor* to the Cynsters) or if not that) to9olverstone& The thought of notifying anyone else o$$urre*)

only to e *ismisse*& 2emight e a so$ial hermit) ut he !new well enough that insu$h $ir$umstan$es preserving a la*y%s reputation was highon the list of #things that must e*one at all $osts&' +ut if he *rove south to New$astle) the nearest town fromwhi$h he%* e ale to sen* a fast $ourier8ri*er south) oralternatively turne* a$! to9olverstone an* :oy$e) all he%* e ale to tell anyone was

that Eliza ha* een ta!en in a $oa$h a$ross the or*er&9hile he was sure her parents woul* li!e to !now even thatmu$h) he was e/ually sure they woul* prefer that hefollowe* an* trie* to help their*aughter es$ape&If he trie* to sen* a message south) he woul* lose tra$! ofher an* lose any hope of helping her *ire$tly&An* $learly she nee*e* help& She woul*n%t have trie* toattra$t attention in su$h a way if she ha*n%t een *own to

her last reserves&2elp was what she%* s$reame* for& It wasn%t for him to/uestion the $all) ut to respon* appropriately&Espe$ially as he *oute* she woul* have re$ognize* him)whi$h meant she%* een re*u$e* to soli$iting help from anygentleman who might haveri**en past&Su$h a$tions in a young la*y of her il! sma$!e* of a-e$t*esperation&

2e thought a$! to the *etails of the !i*nap plot that :oy$eha* rea* out& It was elieve* that some lair*) most li!ely ahighlan* noleman) was) forreasons un!nown) intent on !i*napping one of the Cynstergirls& A novel) an* to 1eremy reassuring) aspe$t was that thelair*) whoever he was) ha*



insiste* that 2eather) on$e !i*nappe*) was ta!en ex$ellent$are of) even to the extent of provi*ing a mai* *uring thelong -ourney north&+re$!enri*ge 0 whom 1eremy !new slightly 0 ha* y

$han$e seen 2eather seize* in a "on*on street an* ha*given $hase) ultimately res$uingher an* leaving the lair* empty8han*e*&Now) it seeme*) the lair* ha* manage* to seize ElizaCynster& The /uestion of how was intriguing7 !nowing theCynsters) the males of the family)Eliza%s rothers an* $ousins) 1eremy $oul*n%t imagine howthey%* $ome to let *own their guar* , ut he pushe* thefas$inating /uestion asi*e an*

$on$entrate* instea* on the more pertinent /uestion staringhim in the fa$e 0 namely) what he shoul* *o& Now& Thisminute or the next&The fa$ts were $lear? Eliza Cynster ha* een !i*nappe* an*was in a $oa$h that woul* shortly $arry her over the or*er&On$e in S$otlan*) hertrail woul* e har* to *ivine) espe$ially if her $aptors too!her into the wil*erness of the highlan*s& Fin*ing her thenwoul* e $lose to impossile&

If he let her e ta!en a$ross the or*er an* *i*n%t follow)she might well e lost) or at least fin* herself at the mer$yof the mysterious lair*&If he *i* follow , he woul* have to res$ue her) or at least *ohis est to help her es$ape&2e wasn%t any sort of hero) ut he%* spent the last *e$a*e inthe $ompany of su$h men) with Tristan an* the othermemers of the +astion Clu&2e%* een involve* in a few of their $ivilian a*ventures an*

ha* seen how they thought) how they approa$he* prolemsan* *ealt with the exigen$ies of su$h situations&That experien$e $oul*n%t $ompare with proper training) utin this $ase it woul* have to serve&As far as he $oul* see) he was Eliza%s only hope&



2e%* een loo!ing forwar* to going home an* settling intohis $omfortale $hair efore the fire in his lirary to as! inthe glow of his *is$overy of :oy$e%s manus$ript) then later applying his min* to solving

the prolem of how to fin* his i*eal wife) ut $learly all thatwoul* have to e postpone*& 2e!new where his *uty lay) what honor *eman*e*&"ifting his reins) he $lu$!e* at 1asper& #Come on) ol* son&+a$! the way we%ve $ome&' Turning the $urri$le in the empty roa*) he set 1asper pa$ing)then urge* him to lengthen his stri*e& #It%s the or*er for us)then S$otlan* eyon*&' Asentmin*e* s$holar though he was) he ha* a *amsel in

*istress to save&

Chapter Twoliza *etermine*ly pa$e* the woo*en floor of an upper8storyroom in the $oa$hing inn at 1e*urgh& The stout oa! *oorwas lo$!e*) sealing herin& 2er $aptors ha* supplie* her with a tray of foo*) thengone *ownstairs to en-oy their *inner in the more $onvivialatmosphere of the inn%s *ining room&

:ea$hing the wall) Eliza swung aroun*) her gaze falling onthe tray set on a tale on the other si*e of the room& Eventhough she%* ha* no appetite)she%* for$e* herself to eat all of the roth) an* as mu$h ofthe game pie as she%* een ale to swallow& If she was toes$ape her three -ailers 0 S$rope)4enevieve) an* Taylor) the urly $oa$hman 0 she woul*nee* her strength& The possiility of es$ape) howeverremote) was the reason she was pa$ing)

hoping the exer$ise woul* help urn off the lingering effe$tsof the lau*anum&Stepping out again) *own the long room) she ha* to wor! tohol* her alan$e& The *rug was still in her system) stillsapping her strength) leaving



her mus$les wea! an* woly) an* her relatively helpless&They%* !ept her *rugge* for three *ays 0 this was) they%*sai*) the thir* night after 2eatheran* +re$!enri*ge%s engagement all 0 so she proaly

shoul*n%t e surprise* or too $on$erne* that it was ta!ingsome time for the potent sleeping*raft to $ompletely wear off&:ea$hing the tray) she pause* to lift a glass an* swallow amouthful of water7 she was fairly $ertain *rin!ing waterwoul* help) too&She was trying) /uite *esperately) to !eep her hopes up) ut,4iven all she%* re$alle* aout him) having to rely on 1eremy

Carling was har*ly reassuring&2e was wi*ely a$!nowle*ge* as having a rilliant min*) utas that min* preferre* an$ient times to the present) an*usually appeare* to e*istra$te*) *welling on $ivilizations long gone to *ust ratherthan paying attention to what was happening un*er his nose,Setting *own the glass) she haule* in a huge reath) hel* ituntil her nerves settle* again& There was no sense in

wor!ing herself into a state&1eremy woul* either *o something to help) or he woul*n%t&There was nothing she $oul* *o to influen$e that&Pa$ing again) she trie* to ignore the insi*ious) $arpingwhisper that sli* from the *eepest re$esses of her min*&%eather got 5re*"enridge, her hero, as her res*uer# .ho did I get4 3ere! 6arling# %owutterl un+air+rushing the irrational $omplaint asi*e 0 at the moment

she%* e happy to e res$ue* y anyone) never min* herhero 0 she *ogge*ly mar$he*a$ross the room&2er min* returne* to that moment in the $oa$h when) fastapproa$hing the very rin! of *espair) she%* seen 1eremyan* her heart ha* leapt& She



$oul* see him /uite $learly in her min*%s eye 0 sittingupright) roa* shoul*ers s/uare) his great$oat) open)*raping from sai* shoul*ers) framing a $hestthat) $ompare* to her previous memory of him) appeare* to

have improve* in oth wi*th an* strength) or at least theimpression of it&Frowning) she pa$e* on) rememering) re$alling& She ha* toa*mit there was nothing in his present appearan$e that*is/ualifie* him as apotential res$uer& In*ee*) *ispassionately $onsi*ering there$ent image urne* into her rain) she $on$lu*e* that evenasentmin*e* s$holars $oul*eventually grow into the sort of gentlemen la*ies noti$e*&

:egar*less) as that little voi$e of *ar!ness within her was/ui$! to point out) what he loo!e* li!e *i*n%t matter& 1uste$ause 2eather%s res$uerha* turne* out to e her hero was no reason to supposeanything of the sort woul* happen to Eliza&+esi*es) all she !new of 1eremy Carling suggeste* he wasinfinitely more intereste* in any musty) *usty) an$ient tomethan he was or ever woul*e in any woman&

:ea$hing the wall) she sighe*) tippe* up her hea*) an*spo!e to the $eiling) #Please let him have noti$e* me& 7leaselet him have re$ognize* me&7lease let him have done so!ething to sen* help my way&' That was another issue7 in her experien$e) asentmin*e*oo!worms were the se$on* least *e$isive people on earth)only fra$tionally etter thantimi* little ol* la*ies&"owering her $hin) swinging aroun*) she pa$e* stea*ily a$!

a$ross the room& The mus$les in her legs seeme* lesswoly than when she%* firststarte* pa$ing&2ea* *own) she trie* to put herself in an asentmin*e*s$holar%s shoes) trie* to imagine what 1eremy might *o& #Ifhe sen*s wor* to "on*on) howlong efore 0'



Tap&2alting) she stare* at the $urtaine* win*ow& She%* thoughtthe soun* ha* $ome from there) ut the room was twofloors up7 she%* alrea*y

evaluate* her prospe$ts of es$aping via that route an* foun*them to e nil& A*mitte*ly) +re$!enri*ge ha* first $onta$te*2eather through a se$on*8floorinn win*ow) ut really) how li!ely was that to happen withher5 It was *outless -ust her min* playing tri$!s on her&9ishful thin! 0Tap#She flew to the win*ow) flung open the $urtains) an* loo!e*through the glass&

(ire$tly into 1eremy Carling%s fa$e&She was so thrille* to see him that she -ust stoo* there an*eame*& (rin!ing in the fa$t that he ha* very ni$e eyes7 she$oul*n%t ma!e out their$olor in the moonlight) ut they were large) well set) givinghim a won*erfully *ire$t an* open gaze&2is features were regular) a tou$h patri$ian) his nose*istin$tly so) his forehea* wi*e) his $hee!s lean an* long7his $hin was *e$i*e*ly s/uare*)

ut his lips loo!e* li!e they elonge* to a man who laughe*easily&2er gaze s!imme* /ui$!ly *own an*) yes) his shoul*ersreally were mu$h roa*er) his overall uil* mu$h strongerthan when she%* last seen him&The moon was full) pouring silver light over him7 sitting onthe ri*ge of the roof -ust elow her win*ow) 1eremy feltri*i$ulously expose*& +ut hislogi$al min* remin*e* him that normally people rarely

loo!e* up& 2e -ust hope* none of the patrons leaving the innfell too far outsi*e the norm&As it was -ust as right outsi*e the room as in) he $oul* seeEliza%s fa$e $learly& See her features well enough to registerher surprise) please*though it was&



2e $oul* har*ly ta!e umrage7 he was surprise* to fin*himself per$he* on the roof outsi*e her win*ow&As she seeme* momentarily frozen) he seize* the $han$e to$onfirm that the impression he%* assimilate* wasn%t wrong7

she was , not prettier)ut more stri!ing than he%* re$alle*& Espe$ially now shewasn%t so *istresse*&2e felt o**ly please* aout that&:aising a han* from the roof%s ri*ge) he pointe* at the $at$hon the $asement win*ow) twirle* his finger&She loo!e*) then /ui$!ly olige*&As she ease* the $asement open) he leane* a$! to let theframe pass y him) then leane* in) $loser) to whisper) #Are

you alone5' 4ripping the win*owsill) she leane* nearer still& #For themoment& They 0 there%s three of them 0 are *ownstairs&' #4oo*&' 2e e$!one*& #Come on&' 2er eyes flare*) then she leane* over the sill an* loo!e**own&2e stare* at the profusion of honey8gol* lo$!s glimmering inthe moonlight -ust elow his $hin) then lin!e*) an*$ontinue*) #It%s not as steep as it

loo!s& 9e $an ra$e against the wall to the e*ge of this roof)then it%s only a small *rop to the next) an* from there we$an $ross part of the !it$hen roof 0it%s a it of a s$ramle) ut 0' #I $an%t&' (rawing a$!) still gripping the sill) she raise* hereyes to his& #+elieve me) I%* li!e nothing more than to gowith you) ut I ,' She rea$he*out an* graspe* his forearm&"oo!ing at her han*) he saw it sha!e as she tightene* her

grip -ust a fra$tion) ut no more&She release* him on a sigh& .et his gaze as he lifte* hiseyes /uestioningly to hers& #That%s the est I $an *o 0 thehar*est I $an grip anything atthe moment& They gave me lau*anum for the past three*ays an* it still hasn%t worn off& .y legs are still sha!y) an* I$an%t hol* onto anything& If I slip ,'



A $hill $ourse* *own his spine& If she slippe* , he might note ale to $at$h an* hol* her) an* stop her from pit$hingover the roof%s e*ge& Shewas tallish) a*mitte*ly slen*er) yet there was enough of her

to ma!e him /uestion whether he woul* e strong enoughto hol* an* save her& 2e grima$e*7the truth was he *i*n%t !now his own strength 0 he%* neverha* o$$asion to test it efore& #All right&' 2e no**e*)!eeping oth gesture an* tone $alm an*even& #It won%t help our $ause if either of us falls an* rea!sa lim) so we%ll thin! of another way&' She lin!e* as if ta!en aa$!) ut then no**e*& #3es&4oo*&' She pause*) then as!e*) #(o you have any

suggestions5' :elieve* that she seeme* to e in a more rational state thanhe%* expe$te*) not pani$8ri**en an*) heaven forfen*) weepy)he turne* his min* to$onsi*ering their options&There *i*n%t seem to e many&2e frowne*& #Freeing you tonight woul* proaly e unwise)anyway& It%s pit$h la$! out on the roa*) an* going a$!a$ross the Cheviots) even in

a $arriage) in the *ea* of night) possily fleeing pursuerswho might or might not have weapons) $oul* en* verya*ly& 4iven we *on%t !now this area ,' 2e stoppe* an* loo!e* in/uiringly at her) ut she shoo! herhea*& 2e $on$lu*e*) #It woul* e wisest not to attempt toflee at night&' #9e might get lost& 9e might run off the roa*&' #Exa$tly&' 2e thought further& #3ou sai* there are three ofthem5'

"eaning her elows on the sill) Eliza no**e*& #S$rope is thelea*er 0 I thin! he was the one who was waiting in the a$!parlor of St& Ives 2ouse&' She met 1eremy%s eyes& #The room was *ar!& I *i*n%t seehim) ut he *rugge* me 0 with ether) I thin!& They musthave ta!en me out through the win*ow0 it gives onto an alley&'



2e loo!e* at her intently) patiently waiting for her to$ontinue& #There%s a woman 0 I%m sure she must normally e a nurse8$ompanion& She%s somewhere in her early thirties) an*

stronger than she loo!s& An*the $oa$hman) Taylor) is also part of the s$heme& 2e%s urlyan* strong) too) rather rougher than S$rope) who loo!s an*spea!s li!e a gentleman&' 2is eyes still lo$!e* on her fa$e) 1eremy sai*) #So there%sthree of them an* only two of us) so even in *aylight we$an%t try anything *ire$t) notunless we $an get ri* of at least one of them) if not two&' +oth pause* to thin!& After a minute ti$!e* past) she shoo!

her hea*& #I $an%t thin! of any $lever way of even distra*tingtwo of them 0 they%re very*efinitely not stupi*&' 1eremy no**e*& #9here are they ta!ing you5' 2is eyesagain met hers& #2ave they sai*5' #E*inurgh&' 2er lips firme*& #They%ve !i*nappe* me forsome highlan* lair* an* they%re planning to han* me over tohim there 0 they sai* the*ay after tomorrow&' She hel* his gaze& #3ou see) there%s

this S$ottish noleman 0' #I !now all aout it 0 aout 2eather%s !i*napping an* whoyour family thin!s is ehin* it&' 9hen she loo!e* hersurprise) he went on) #I was at9olverstone Castle) evaluating a manus$ript for :oy$e)when he got a letter from (evil telling him aout thein$i*ent with 2eather) explaining what theythought) an* as!ing his a*vi$e& :oy$e rea* it to .inerva an*me& That%s how I !now&'

#4oo*&' She let her relief $olor her voi$e& #I wasn%t loo!ingforwar* to explaining it all 0 it soun*s so far8fet$he*&' #There%s nothing far8fet$he* aout you eing here) lo$!e* inan inn room in 1e*urgh&' #True&' She grima$e*& #This lair* is $learly no figment ofanyone%s imagination&' "eaning more heavily on the sill) shesai*) #So if I $an%t es$ape



tonight 0' #I%ll have to arrange to get you out of their $lut$hestomorrow&' 2e ma*e the statement soun* li!e a fa$t& #As ithappens) getting you free is li!ely to

e signifi$antly easier in E*inurgh than here&' She frowne*& #+e$ause 1e*urgh%s su$h a small town5' #Partly&' 2e met her gaze& #In his letter (evil mentione* atale the !i*nappers ha* $on$o$te* to ensure 2eather$oul*n%t easily get help) even fromthe authorities ,' She was alrea*y no**ing& #Aout them fet$hing me for myguar*ian5 3es) they%ve mentione* it& Threatene* it) as itwere&'

#9ell) that%s the other reason trying to res$ue you whilewe%re in or near 1e*urgh isn%t a soun* i*ea& All they%* nee*to *o woul* e to alert thegarrison) an* they%* have /uite a for$e to throw against us0 an* it%s possile they $oul* $lose the or*er efore werea$he* it) too&' #(efinitely not a goo* option&' 2e hesitate*7 from his expression 0 *efinitely intelligent 0she suspe$te* he was thin!ing) assessing& #On top of that)'

he eventually sai*) #E*inurgh has pertinent a*vantages& It%s a large $ity) sohi*ing ourselves in it on$e we have you free of them won%te su$h a prolem& An* even morehelpfully) I have frien*s) goo* frien*s) in E*inurgh itself&'2e $aught her gaze& #I%m sure they%ll help&' 2e pause*) sear$hing her eyes) her fa$e 0 she wasn%t surewhat he was loo!ing for) mu$h less what he woul* see 0then he somewhat

*iffi*ently sai*) #If they hea* on tomorrow morning) as Ithin! we%re safe in assuming they will) they%ll rea$hE*inurgh aout mi**ay& 3ou sai* they expe$tto han* you over to the lair* on the *ay after that) so they%llhave to hol* you somewhere in or very $lose to the town&(o you thin! you $an ear to go on



with them) at least until they halt wherever they inten* tospen* tomorrow night5' She $onsi*ere*) then sai*) #9ell) yes) I $an manage 0 Ireally *on%t see that we have mu$h $hoi$e&'

2e grima$e*& #No goo* or wise alternatives) anyway&' She no**e*& #So I%ll play along an* let them ta!e me toE*inurgh&' She $aught his gaze& #Then what5' #I%ll follow) note where they ta!e you) then I%ll $ome an*res$ue you tomorrow night&' 2is gaze was *ire$t) open) an*reassuringly stea*y& #9e%re notgoing to let them han* you over to this la$!guar*lyS$otsman) so tomorrow night I%ll $ome for you&' She loo!e* into his eyes) sense* the *etermination ehin*

his stea*y gaze) an* no**e*& #All right& +ut it will *efinitelynee* to e tomorrow night0 it won%t e li!e it was with 2eather) where they waite* for*ays for the lair* to arrive& I overhear* S$rope tell Taylorthat he%* sent a message northefore they even left "on*on& S$rope is !een to get me offhis han*s an* into the lair*%s as soon as he $an&' #9ise man& It%s *efinitely safer for him that way 0 he*oesn%t ris! losing you as the others lost 2eather&'

#2mm& So) your frien*s , are you sure 0' She ro!e off)glan$e* at the *oor an* hear* footsteps approa$hing& Eyeswi*e) she turne* a$! tohim& #3es) I%m sure)' he whispere* a$!) alrea*y pushing at the$asement&She *i*n%t have time to reply& She grae* the win*ow)haule* it shut) snie* the $at$h) yan!e* the $urtains$lose*) then manage* to start

wal!ing towar* the e* efore the !ey s$rape* in the lo$!&The *oor opene*) revealing 4enevieve& The mai* saw her)too! in her slow gait) then turne* to murmur a goo*night toS$rope) whom Elizaglimpse* in the sha*ows of the $orri*or& The stealthy s$rapeof a oot on slate tile rea$he* her ears) mas!e* y the *ualmale rumles that $ame in reply



to 4enevieve%s wor*s7 Taylor was in the $orri*or) too&:ea$hing one of the two narrow e*s the room possesse*)Eliza slowly let herself *own7 listening$arefully) she $onfirme* that one of the men went into the

room to her left) while the other too! the room to her right&S$rope was ta!ing no $han$es&After $asting her a sharp glan$e) 4enevieve ti*ie* away thetray) setting it outsi*e the *oor& Then she $lose* the *oor)lo$!e* it on$e more) an*)slipping the !ey onto a $hain she wore aroun* her ne$!)turne* to survey Eliza& #Time for e* 0 please remove yourgown&' Eliza inwar*ly sighe* an* $omplie*) un*oing the tiny topaz

uttons *own the front of her sil! all gown) now horri*ly$rushe*& Twisting to un*o thela$es *own the gown%s si*e) she saw 4enevieve gather her$loa!) as well as the one they%* !ept Eliza wrappe* in) fol*oth garments) an* lay themeneath the hea* of the mattress on the other e*&:e$alling 2eather%s story of how her #mai*' ha* ta!en an*slept on 2eather%s as well as her own outer $lothing everynight) ma!ing es$ape

through the *ar! hours virtually impossile) Eliza won*ere*if there was an instru$tion oo! for !i*nappers) *etailing themost effi$ient ways to ensuretheir $aptives *i*n%t $ause them troule&As she%* expe$te*) on$e she wriggle* out of her gown)shoo! it out) an* lai* it on her e*) 4enevieve rea$he* outan* $laime* it& 9ithout a wor*)the nurse lai* the gown out on the weing un*er hermattress) alongsi*e her own la$! *ay gown an* the two

$loa!s) then *roppe* the lumpy mattress*own& "oo!ing up) she met Eliza%s eyes an* smile* smugly& #Now we $an all get a goo* night%s rest&' Eliza *i*n%t other replying& Cla* in her sil! $hemise) she/ui$!ly got into e*) stret$he* out) then sat up) pummele*the lumpy pillow) an* lay *ownagain&



She stare* at the $eiling as 4enevieve got into theneighoring e*) then lew out the $an*le& The otherwoman settle* on her si*e& Soon herreathing *eepene*) stea*y an* even) an* Eliza !new she

was asleep&.u$h goo* *i* that *o her7 as 1eremy ha* sai*) trying toflee at night woul* e inviting *isaster) even if she $oul*manage to get out of the roomwithout alerting any of her three $aptors) even if she $oul*lay her han*s on $lothes enough to e *e$ent&.ee!) mil*) an* helpless7 that was how she shoul* ehaveuntil 1eremy $ontrive* to whis! her away& +ehaving sowoul* ensure her $aptors saw

no reason to pla$e more *iffi$ult8to8$ir$umvent safeguar*saroun* her&Mee", !ild, and helpless# Eliza uttere* a near8silent hollowlaugh& She ha* no *out she%* e thoroughly su$$essful inpro-e$ting that image)e$ause she was mee!) mil*) an* helpless& Certainly a lotmee!er) mil*er) an* a great *eal more helpless than eitherof her sisters) than) very li!ely) anyother Cynster female ever orn&

2eather was the el*est) $onfi*ent) assertive) an* utterlysure of her pla$e in the worl*& Angeli$a) the spoile* ay)was fearless) re$!less) ossy)an* inera*i$aly $onvin$e* that $ome what may) everythingwoul* always turn out the est for her& An* it invarialy *i*&She) Eliza) was the /uiet one& She%* hear* herself referre*to as that often enough) ut even more) she thought ofherself as that& She was thepianist) the harpist) the nee*lewoman) not exa$tly a

*reamer ut $loser to that than any other Cynster in re$entmemory& She *i*n%t favor physi$al pursuits7su$h a$tivities were all very well) ut they simply weren%t forher , an* she%* never ex$elle* at) in some $ases ha* nevereven attaine* a *e$ent$ompeten$y in) su$h en*eavors&



2er sisters were oth $onfi*ent) out*oorsy types) as assure*in the $ountrysi*e as they were in a allroom& In the$ountry) while 2eather%s an*Angeli$a%s version of a ris! stroll was an energeti$ hi!e over

hill an* *ale) hers was a gentle amle aroun* the terra$esan* the pave* paths of theformal gar*ens&All of whi$h left her hugely relieve* that her es$ape was too$$ur in E*inurgh) an* not out here in the mi**le of the$ountrysi*e 0 worse) theS$ottish lowlan*s) a region of whi$h she ha* no personalexperien$e&She stare* upwar* at the moonlit $eiling an* felt something

insi*e 0 *etermination an* something more 0 /uietly utstea*ily well) rise) an*$oales$e&.ee!) mil*) an* helpless she might e) ut she was still aCynster& No matter what happene*) with 1eremy%s help) oreven without it) she woul*es$ape& She woul* get free&She wasn%t aout to e *elivere* li!e some pa$!age to someheathenish highlan* lair*&

(rawing in a *eep reath) she $lose* her eyes an*)somewhat to her surprise) foun* sleep waiting&2alf an hour later) 1eremy returne* to the room he%* hire* ina small tavern a hun*re* yar*s further along the roa* fromthe $oa$hing inn where Eliza%s!i*nappers ha* halte* for the night&+y the time he%* *roppe* to the groun* after $arefully$liming *own the inn%s roof) he%* realize* that) given hewoul*n%t simply e helping Eliza out

of the room an* *riving her south imme*iately) as he%* firstassume*) he woul* nee* a plan in or*er to effe$tively an*safely res$ue her& A *etaile*) well$rafte*)well thought8out plan& 2e%* spent the next hourre$onnoitering the town) ma!ing sure he ha* its layout) thesalient features) properly set in his min*&



2e might not have ha* mu$h experien$e of su$h en*eavors)ut he%* rue* shoul*ers with Trentham an* the othermemers of the +astion Clulong enough to !now the asi$s of how to go aout

formulating su$h a plan& Information gathering was alwaysthe first step&Setting *own the single $an*le the tavern !eeper ha*han*e* him on the an$ient talloy) he $lose* the *oor)lo$!e* it) then) shrugging off hisgreat$oat) he set the garment on the straight8a$!e* $hairesi*e the narrow e*&Sitting *own on the e*) he teste* the mattress) foun* ita*e/uate) then swung aroun* an* lay *own) setting his

han*s ehin* his hea*) stret$hinghis legs straight so his oots *angle* off the e*%s en*&Staring unseeing up at the $eiling) he reviewe* all he%*learne* of the town& Everything 0 the proximity of thegarrison in the $astle) the relativela$! of effe$tive $over in a town that was little more than asingle street 0 $onfirme* that having Eliza go on with her!i*nappers to E*inurgh was theirwisest $hoi$e&

The only possile alternative that he $oul* see was if)tomorrow morning) her !i*nappers) eing so $lose to theirgoal) relaxe* suffi$iently to ma!esome mista!e that gave him an opening to step in an* whis!Eliza out from un*er their noses in some way that woul*ensure her an* him a reasonalehea* start in *riving for the or*er&From all she%* tol* him of her $aptors) from what $oul* einferre* given they%* su$$essfully snat$he* her from insi*e

St& Ives 2ouse) that s$enariowas eyon* unli!ely&Nevertheless) he $oul* almost hear Trentham) an* theothers) too) le$turing him that one shoul* always eprepare* an* wat$hing) rea*y to step inan* ta!e a*vantage of -ust su$h #eyon* unli!ely'situations&



So he woul* e there in the morning) in the inn yar*)waiting an* wat$hing) -ust to e sure& An* Eliza woul*) no*out) fin* it $omforting to have atleast visual $onfirmation that he was) an* inten*e* to

remain) $lose&2e lay still for some $onsi*erale time) his gaze fixe*unseeing on the $eiling while his well8traine*) logi$als$holar%s min* wor!e* through all theaspe$ts) the possiilities an* proailities of what woul*ensue on$e the $oa$h $arrying Eliza rea$he* E*inurgh&Thin!ing further) he metho*i$ally liste* all the pertinentalternatives) as well as all his a*vantages) his potentialsour$es of help) his ailities) his

!nowle*ge of the $ity&2e%* live* there for nearly five months eight years ago)when the university ha* $onsulte* him over the translationof a *ozen ol* s$rolls& 2e%*ma*e two $lose frien*s at that time an* ha* visite* everyyear sin$e) usually when $onsulting wor! again $alle* him toE*inurgh&As he%* tol* Eliza) in E*inurgh he woul* have frien*s he$oul* rely on&

Of $ourse) oth Co*en 2arris an* 2ugo 9eaver weres$holars) too) ut they were hale an* energeti$) a year or soyounger than 1eremy) an*weren%t without resour$es& +oth were also lo$al an* !newthe town) every wyn* an* twisting $lose) every tavern)etter than the a$!s of their han*s&1eremy entertaine* not the slightest *out that they) an*Coy%s wife) .eggin) too) woul* help in any way they $oul*&+ut exa$tly how to effe$t Eliza%s res$ue ,

2e was -uggling potential s$enarios when the light playinga$ross the $eiling starte* fli$!ering& 4lan$ing at the $an*le)he saw it was $lose toguttering& :ising) he *iveste* himself of his $lothes) realizingas he *i* that he $oul*n%t ris! eing seen y Eliza%s $aptorswhile he was hanging aroun*the inn yar* tomorrow morning&



Following that thought further) he $onsi*ere* what Tristan)in the same position) woul* *o) an* amen*e* his plansa$$or*ingly&Snuffing the $an*le) he $lime* etween the sheets an*

stret$he* out) on$e again staring upwar*& This was the firsttime in his thirty8seven yearsthat he%* engage* in a real8life *rama where he was the onewho ha* to ma!e the plans& 9here the mission) as it were)was his to run&2e ha*n%t previously realize* what a $hallenge it woul* e)let alone that he might en-oy su$h an un*erta!ing) ut thetruth was his min* saw theenterprise as an a$tivity rather li!e $hess 0 real8life $hess

without a *efine* set of pie$es) oar*) or rules&2e%* forgotten what it ha* felt li!e all those years ago whenhe%* een $aught up in the strange events at .ontrose Pla$e0 the thrill) theenthralling tension) of engaging with a villain) of trying towin) to triumph over an a*versary&To fight on the si*e of right&"ips $urving) he turne* onto his si*e an* $lose* his eyes&An* a*mitte* to himself that he%* forgotten there were other

entertaining $hallenges in life eyon* the ones $ontaine* inmillennia8ol*hieroglyphi$s&

Chapter Threeliza was sha!en awa!e y 4enevieve in the morning&9hen she lin!e* her eyes open) the nurse pointe* to thewashstan*& #+est get yourself washe* an* *resse*&+rea!fast will e serve* soon)

*ownstairs) an* S$rope wants to get on to E*inurghwithout *elay&' 4roggily) Eliza pushe* a$! the $overs an* sat up& Themorning air was $hill& Tugging the $overlet off the e*) shewrappe* it aout her



shoul*ers) then shuffle* a$ross to the washstan*& Shewasn%t a morning person7 that) too) was 2eather orAngeli$a) not her&The water in the pewter ewer was lu!ewarm& Tu$!ing the

$overlet un*er her arms) she use* oth han*s to lift theewer an* pour , $onsi*ere* theewer%s weight an* soli*ity as she *i*& 9hat if she $alle*4enevieve over) use* the ewer to stri!e her un$ons$ious)then got *resse* an* rushe* out of theroom , straight into S$rope%s arms& 2e) or Taylor) woul*very li!ely e waiting for her an* 4enevieve to appear&Setting *own the ewer) Eliza splashe* water on her fa$e)lin!ing) gra*ually $oming fully awa!e&

Attempting an es$ape now) on her own) was unli!ely tosu$$ee* an* woul* alert S$rope an* his minions to herun*erlying) *isguise**etermination& An* no goo* woul* $ome of that&She *rie* her fa$e with the thin towel provi*e*& 2er previousnight%s $on$lusion rea$he* with 1eremy still hel* soun*& Shewoul* travel on toE*inurgh an* pla$e her faith in him&In an asentmin*e* s$holar&

:eturning to the e*) an* her thoroughly $rushe* eveninggown) she remin*e* herself that he ha* $lime* the inn%sroof) an a$tion of whi$h shewoul*n%t previously have thought him $apale7 $learly heha* hi**en *epths&She $oul* only pray that those *epths were *eep enough tomanage her res$ue&As soon as Eliza was rea*y) 4enevieve ma*e sure she wasenvelope* in her $loa!) then ushere* her out of the room&

Taylor was in*ee* waitingin the $orri*or to es$ort oth women *own the stairs to atiny private parlor& +rea!fast was $onsume* in rushe*silen$e) then Taylor left to ring the $oa$hto the *oor&



S$rope wat$he* from the win*ow7 when the $oa$h was inposition) he loo!e* at Eliza& #3ou !now the tale we%ll tell ifyou ma!e a s$ene& There%s noreason to ma!e this more *iffi$ult on yourself than it nee*s

to e& +ehave) an* we $an pro$ee* $ivilly&' Eliza for$e* herself to in$line her hea*& They $oul* ta!e it asa$/uies$en$e if they $hose& This was the first time she%* ha*to truly ma!e a *e$isionto go along with their plans7 until now she%* een *rugge*)or still too wea! to resist&On the way to the parlor) she%* teste* her lims7 to herrelief) she%* regaine* full $ontrol) her normal strength& If shewante* to resist) she $oul*) ut

,S$rope hel* the parlor *oor) an* Eliza followe* 4enevievethrough) very aware of S$rope following at her heels&"ogi$ally she !new she shoul* *oas she an* 1eremy ha* arrange* an* go forwar* withoutprotest) yet when she steppe* out of the inn%s *oor an* sawthe *ar! maw of the $oa$h waiting)innate resistan$e reare*&She halte* on the inn%s por$h) then a movement to her left

$aught her eye& 4lan$ing past 4enevieve) who was waitingto usher her 0 push her if ne$essary 0 into the $oa$h) she glimpse* ,1eremy) in a s$ruffy8loo!ing -a$!et with a $loth $ap pulle*low over his *ar! hair) its ill sha*ing his fa$e&2e lowere* his hea* in an infinitesimal no*&2e was there) wat$hing over her& 2e woul* follow the $oa$hto E*inurgh) as he%* sai*&2e woul* res$ue her&

(ragging in a *eep reath) she loo!e* forwar* an* wal!e*to the $oa$h& She $lime* in) 4enevieve followe*7 S$ropepause* to spea! to Taylor)then steppe* up into the $oa$h an* $lose* the *oor&The $oa$h lur$he*) then rumle* out of the inn yar*&They were away&On the roa* to E*inurgh&



As soon as the $oa$h turne* up the highway) 1eremy /uit hisposition in the yar* an* stro*e /ui$!ly a$! to the tavern&Swiftly $hanging into his i*entifialy gentlemanly $oat)ra!ing his fingers through his hair then sha!ing his hea* to

resettle the thi$! lo$!s) hepa$!e* his ags) pai* his shot) an* went out to where ahelpful young ostler) $urrently in his shirtsleeves) washol*ing 1asper the +la$!) harnesse* an*pran$ing) rea*y to e off&9ith a smile) a wor* of than!s) an* a $oin) 1eremy returne*the $oat an* $ap he%* orrowe* from the ostler& A *isguisewoul* *o him no goo*while he was *riving his elegant $urri$le with 1asper etween

the shafts7 someone might even thin! he%* stolen the$arriage& An* on$e he rea$he*E*inurgh) he might well nee* to $omman* the usualattention gentlemen of his $lass garnere*7 a *isguise mighte $ounterpro*u$tive&All he ha* to *o was ensure he *i*n%t get $lose enough forthe $oa$hman 0 Taylor) Eliza ha* name* the man 0 to geta suffi$iently goo* loo! athim to re$ognize him as the gentleman Eliza ha* trie* to

enlist&9hose help Eliza had enliste*&Please* enough with how matters ha* thus far unfol*e*) he$lime* into the $urri$le) lifte* the reins) then with a flourishsent 1asper pa$ing smartlyout of the tavern%s small yar*&On$e he an* 1asper ha* agree* on a ni$e) stea*y pa$e)1eremy !ept his eyes glue* to the roa* ahea*) -ust in $asethe $oa$h ha* for some

unforeseen reason slowe*&The one tas! on his list that he%* as yet een unale toa$$omplish was to sen* wor* to Eliza%s family& If they%* eenon the 4reat North :oa*) he%*have een ale to sen* a message y the night mail) utthere was no :oyal .ail servi$e along this lesser roa*&"o$ating a trustworthy $ourier to employ



ha* li!ewise prove* futile7 su$h messengers plie* the mainhighways an* the ma-or towns they lin!e*&2e%* $onsi*ere* approa$hing the $omman*er of thegarrison) ut) as he un*erstoo* su$h matters) it was

imperative that Eliza%s *ays8long so-ournwith her !i*nappers e !ept a $omplete se$ret) one share*with as few people as possile) as ha* een manage* with2eather%s *isappearan$e7 hehimself only !new of 2eather%s !i*napping e$ause he fellwithin a truste* $ir$le&In res$uing 2eather) in prote$ting her reputation)+re$!enri*ge ha* een ex$ee*ingly wary over entrusting thetruth to anyone& In a similar vein)

1eremy ha* no $onfi*en$e that even han*ing a seale*missive a**resse* to the Cynsters into the garrison$omman*er%s han*s woul* e in Eliza%s estinterests& On$e he rea$he* E*inurgh) he%* sen* wor* south0 perhaps via :oy$e 0 as soon as he !new where theyinten*e* to hol* Eliza& 1eremy was$onfi*ent the Cynsters woul* un*erstan* his tar*iness in*oing so7 no matter how worry might e eating at them)they woul* expe$t him to put Eliza%s

safety first&2ol*ing 1asper to their stea*y pa$e) he owle* along in the$oa$h%s wa!e&As she $oul*n%t avoi* !eeping S$rope an* 4enevieve$ompany in the $oa$h) Eliza *e$i*e* to ma!e the minutes$ount&She ransa$!e* her memory for every last fa$t gleane* from2eather%s !i*napping an* res$ue) an* pi$!e* the one shehope* woul* have the est

$han$e of unsettling S$rope& As usual) he was sittingopposite her 0 $lose enough to seize her& She fixe* hergaze on his fa$e) waite* until he $ast her aglan$e to as!) #Is the S$otsman who hire* you still using thename .$6insey5' S$rope lin!e*& 2is hesitation suggeste* her supposition was$orre$t& Eventually) he replie*) #9hy *o you as!5'



#I was -ust won*ering what name I shoul* use to a**resshim&' S$rope%s lips $urve* slightly an* he relaxe* against the seat&Eliza ar$he* her rows) faintly patronizing& #I *o !now that%s

not his real name&' Satisfie* y the frown that flitte* overS$rope%s fa$e) she as!e*) #9hat *i* he tell you aout me an* my family5' S$rope $onsi*ere*) then replie*) #2e *i*n%t have to tell memu$h aout your family& The Cynsters are rather well!nown& As to you ,' 2eshrugge*& #All he tol* me was that he wante* you seize*an* rought to him in E*inurgh) an* that you%* e ripe forthe pi$!ing at your sister%s

engagement all&' Eliza suppresse* a frown7 she *i*n%t want S$rope to !nowhow important her next /uestion was& She !ept her toneairy) as if vaguely flattere*& #2eas!e* spe$ifi$ally for me5' S$rope%s *ar! gaze grew more intent& A moment passe*efore he no**e*& #3es 0 you& 9hy5' She saw no reason not to reply& #9hen my sister) 2eather)was seize*) he%* as!e* for one of us 0 a Cynster sister%0

whi$h $oul* have meant2eather) me) Angeli$a) 2enrietta) or .ary& It was -ust lu$!that 2eather was the one ta!en&' S$rope%s rows rose7 his gaze shifte*) grew *istant as heleane* a$! into the sha*ows of the opposite $orner& Softly)he sai*) #9ell) this time) hewante* you 0 -ust you&' After a moment) his gaze fli$!e*a$! to Eliza7 she $oul* rea* nothing in his eyes as he sai*) #2e spe$ifi$ally stipulate* you&'

2is tone *i* nothing for her pea$e of min*& She ra$!e* herrain for pertinent /uestions) ut efore she $oul* evenformulate the first) S$rope) hisgaze on her fa$e) spo!e again& #(on%t other& I run a far tighter ship than your el*er sister%s$aptors& If you want answers to your /uestions) you%ll haveto wait an* a**ress them



to'0 his lips $urve*) faintly mali$ious 0#.$6insey&' She narrowe* her eyes at him) then turne* her gaze to thewin*ow an* !ept her lips shut&9hile her min* turne* over the one new) an* fran!ly

unexpe$te*) fa$t she%* learne*& This time) .$6insey ha*wante* only her&9hatever his reasons) she *oute* that o*e* well&An* with every mile) with every rattling turn of the $oa$h%swheels) E*inurgh an* .$6insey *rew inexoraly $loser&She *efinitely nee*e* to e out of S$rope%s han*s efore.$6insey $ame for her&They approa$he* E*inurgh in the late morning) with a lue8gray s!y overhea* an* a ris! reeze lowing& Carefully

tooling his $urri$le along) 1eremywas a hun*re* yar*s a$! *own the highway when the!i*nappers% $oa$h slowe*) then turne* in un*er the ar$h of alarge $oa$hing inn $lose y whereSouth +ri*ge Street starte* its as$ent into E*inurgh Aul*Town&2e%* staye* far enough a$! over the -ourney to ensure thatTaylor) the $oa$hman) was unli!ely to spot him if he glan$e*a$!7 he%* !ept other

vehi$les etween his $urri$le an* the $oa$h for as mu$h ofthe -ourney as he $oul*&+ut , what now5 9hat was S$rope%s plan5There were two $arts an* another $arriage) all rolling slowlyalong) etween his $urri$le an* the entran$e to the $oa$hinginn%s yar*& :aising hishea*) 1eremy sear$he* oth si*es of the roa* ahea*7 ashe%* thought) while there were many inns along this stret$hof roa*) there were no ma-or inns

eyon* the one the !i*nappers% $oa$h ha* stoppe* at&The oservation answere* his /uestions& S$rope ha* halte*at the $oa$hing inn $losest to the town proper) eithere$ause he inten*e* to put upat the inn) hol*ing Eliza there until the lair* $ame to fet$hher) or) an* more li!ely in 1eremy%s estimation) S$ropeinten*e* to ta!e Eliza into the town) to



some house or lo*ging in the narrow) twisting $ole* $loseswhere $arriages *i*n%t go&If the latter was the $ase) he nee*e* to a$t now& 2e $oul*n%taffor* to let them ta!e Eliza into Aul* Town without eing

$lose on their heels&Casting aroun*) he saw another) smaller inn a are twentyyar*s from the larger house) an* on the same si*e of theroa*& Praying Taylor orS$rope *i*n%t thin! to $ome out of the $oa$hing inn%s yar* to$he$! for pursuing gentlemen) he *rove up to the smallerinn an* turne* into its yar*&Five minutes later) he slou$he* against the iron railings ofSouth +ri*ge) one among the hor*e of people who use* the

ri*ge to go into an* out of the town) an* surreptitiously wat$he* the $oa$hing inn& 2e%*only -ust settle* into position when S$rope) Taylor) an* thenurse) $losely es$orting a slighterfigure envelope* in a *ra $loa!) emerge* an* hea*e* hisway& The nurse ha* her fingers lo$!e* aroun* Eliza%s elow)an* S$rope wal!e* $lose y hersi*e) a fra$tion ahea* of her& Taylor rought up the rear)with a porter toiling in his wa!e) lugging three large

traveling ags&1eremy *i* nothing to attra$t their attention) ut none of thethree !i*nappers loo!e* to right or left& They wal!e* withpurpose onto an* up theri*ge) wor*lessly *e$laring that they !new where they weregoing an* were intent on rea$hing their *estination as soonas possile&Eliza !ept her hea* *own7 with the $loa!%s hoo* up) 1eremy$oul*n%t so mu$h as glimpse her fa$e& After wat$hing her

from the $orner of his eye forseveral moments) he realize* she was having to wat$h herfeet) hol*ing the overlong s!irts of the $loa! so she woul*n%ttrip) an* pla$ing her allroomslipper8sho* feet $arefully on the worn paving&She *i*n%t see him as they passe*&



Pushing away from the railings) giving every in*i$ation ofi*ly strolling) he followe* some twenty yar*s to their rear&4iven his height) he ha* no*iffi$ulty allowing others to fill the gap etween& Amling

along) he !ept the group in sight as they stea*ily $lime*towar* the :oyal .ile&Eliza ha* visite* E*inurgh twi$e efore) on oth o$$asionswith her parents to atten* ton events& As she%* neverimagine* she woul* ever nee* to !now)she%* pai* little attention to the layout of the streets& 9hileshe re$ognize* the wi*e sweep of the elevate* thoroughfarethey%* tru*ge* up an* the ig$hur$h at the $orner where that street finally met level

groun* 0 she thought the interse$ting street was the 2ighStreet ut wasn%t truly sure 0 she waslost from there on&The ustle in the 2igh Street) if it was that) was$onsi*erale& Caught up in the melee) y the time her$aptors turne* her *own a narrow)*es$en*ing street she%* lost sight of the mouth of theelevate* street 0 the one that le* south an* eventually a$!to the 4reat North :oa* an* Englan*&

4lan$ing a$! at the last moment) she $aught a glimpse ofthe spire of the ig $hur$h an* $alme* herself with thethought that she $oul* use thatas a lan*mar! if she nee*e* to fin* her way later7 theelevate* street) South +ri*ge she thought it was $alle*) ran*own one si*e of that $hur$h&Fa$ing forwar*) she *is$overe*) to her surprise) that the$ole* street they were lea*ing her *own was line* withnew houses& The stone fa$ing

was $risp) the win*ow glass gleaming) the paintwor! glossy&The entire right si*e of the street was o$$upie* y a newlyuilt terra$e) rising three storiesaove the $oles&She was so surprise* she forgot S$rope%s in-un$tion onleaving the $oa$h) fori**ing her to spea!& #I thought all ofE*inurgh was an$ient&'



S$rope $ast her a sharp glan$e& #Ex$ept for the parts thaturne* to the groun* not so long ago&' #Ah& I rememer now&' The town ha* een *evastate* y amassive fire in , #Five years or so ago) wasn%t it5'

S$rope) ever the $onversationalist) no**e*&Two pa$es on) he halte* efore one of the new houses)efore the steps lea*ing up to its narrow por$h an* glossygreen front *oor& Pulling a!ey$hain from his $oat po$!et) he mounte* the steps& Aninstant later) he ha* the *oor open& As he wal!e* insi*e)4enevieve urge* Eliza to follow&Climing to the por$h) instin$tive relu$tan$e mounting) sheswallowe*& "e$turing herself that she ha* nothing to fear)

that 1eremy woul* havefollowe*) an* that any of the rooms in su$h a new housethat they might lo$! her in woul* surely have a win*owthrough whi$h she $oul* es$ape) she $lungto her veneer of oe*ien$e an* steppe* over the threshol*&Not that she ha* any real $hoi$e with 4enevieve an* Taylorat her a$!&S$rope ha* halte* in a small front hall) in the *oorway ofwhat Eliza guesse* woul* e the *rawing room& 9ith a

gesture) he wave* Eliza an*4enevieve to the left& 4enevieve gui*e* Eliza forwar*) pastS$rope an* *own a short $orri*or& A glan$e a$! showe*Taylor lo$!ing the front *oorwayan* her view of the street as he pai* off the porter&4enevieve steere* her into the room at the en* of the$orri*or7 it prove* to e the !it$hen& +ut instea* of haltingefore the tale that fille* the$enter of the room) the nurse) using her grip on Eliza%s arm)

turne* Eliza to fa$e a *oor in the wall&S$rope ha* followe* them7 he rea$he* past an* opene* the*oor) revealing a set of narrow woo*en stairs lea*ing *own&"ifting a lantern from a hoo! alongsi*e the *oor) S$rope litit) a*-uste* the flame) then went /ui$!ly *own the steps& #Come along&' Eliza%s feet turne* to lea*& If they put her in the asement 0



#4et moving&' 4enevieve emphasize* her or*er with a sharp -a to Eliza%s a$!& #Console your pampere* self with therefle$tion that it is a newasement) an* our or*ers are to !eep you in $omfort) if not

style&' Eliza hear* Taylor%s heavy trea* as the $oa$hman8$um8guar* -oine* them& She ha* no $hoi$e ut to *o as theysai*&Slowly) step y step) she *es$en*e*) eventually steppingonto a soli* stone floor& S$rope ha* halte* a few yar*saway) the lantern hel* highenough to she* a wi*e $ir$le of light&That light illuminate* a short $orri*or an* another *oor& This

*oor loo!e* even thi$!er than the one through whi$h they%* -ust passe*) an*possesse* a heavy iron lo$! fitte* with a massive !ey&Turning the !ey) S$rope pulle* the *oor open& 2e half owe*an* wave* her in& #3our /uarters) .iss Cynster& Not whatyou%re a$$ustome* to) Ifear) ut at least you%ll have to spen* only one night in su$hspartan surroun*s&' S$rope raise* the lantern) letting the eam wash through

the *oorway into the small room eyon*& :oughly thirty feets/uare) the sparselyfurnishe* room $ontaine* a narrow e* an* a ri$!etywashstan*) with a tiny mirror on the wall aove& Athrea*are runner ran eneath the e* an*a$ross the stone floor& In one $orner) a small s$reen stoo*angle*) presumaly hi*ing a $hamer pot&The est that $oul* e sai* of the room was that it was$lean&

For$e* to the threshol* y 4enevieve) Eliza glan$e* atS$rope& She refuse* to /uiver or show her rea$tion7 thetruth was that rea$tion was moreanger than fear& Cat$hing his eye) she as!e* with /uiet*ignity) #.ay I at least have a $an*le5'



S$rope%s *ar! eyes hel* hers for an instant 0 no *out whilehe trie* to imagine how a single $an*le might help heres$ape 0 then he loo!e*towar* the steps7 Taylor ha* remaine* at their top) in the

!it$hen& #"ight a $an*lesti$! an* ring it *own&' Turning a$! to her) S$rope no**e* towar* the room&In$lining her hea* haughtily) she move* into the smallspa$e& 9al!ing the few pa$es to the si*e of the e*) sheunla$e* the rough $loa! they%*given her an* swung it off her shoul*ers&Taylor appeare* in the *oorway an* offere* a $an*lesti$!earing a single lighte* $an*le&She too! it& #Than! you&'

As Taylor steppe* a$!) she loo!e* S$rope in the eye& #3oumay go&' S$rope%s lips pin$he*7 the thinly veile* insult ha* hit itsmar!&2e $lose* the *oor with a arely restraine* thu*&The !ey grate* lou*ly in the lo$!&Eliza listene* to the footsteps re$e*e) then set the$an*lesti$! on a $orner of the washstan*) sat on the e*)$laspe* her han*s in her lap) an*

stare* at the *oor&At the soli* timer panel that stoo* etween her an*free*om& That was the only way out of her asement room)the mo*ern *ungeon they%*lo$!e* her in&She $oul*n%t thin! of any easy way for 1eremy to get her outof there) ut he%* alrea*y surprise* her with his ingenuity)his willingness to attemptthings she ha*n%t thought it li!ely he woul* try7 she

woul*n%t) she le$ture* herself) give up hope yet&+ut she $oul*n%t /uash the sliver of *out that whispere*through her min*& (i* he even !now where she was5She *i*n%t !now) she $oul*n%t tell) an* that was the worst ofit& The situation re/uire* her to have lin* faith) notsomething she woul* rea*ilya$$or* anyone&



The weight of the pen*ant etween her reasts impinge* onher awareness& She rea$he* for it) $laspe* the $rystalthrough the fine sil! of hero*i$e) an* trie* to tell herself she wasn%t totally alone&

Trie* to elieve it&She was grateful for the illusory warmth of the stea*y$an*lelight&2er fingers aroun* the pen*ant) her gaze fixe* on the *oor)she waite*&1eremy leane* against the area railings of a house a$rossNi**ery Street an* three *oors *own from the one Eliza an*her $aptors ha* entere*& 2elounge* as if waiting for a frien*) an* pon*ere* the newness

of the terra$e opposite an* what that almost $ertainlymeant&2e%* hear* aout the great fire from Coy an* 2ugo) an*also mu$h aout the suse/uent reuil*ing& .at$hing thatinformation with what hesaw efore him raise* an intriguing prospe$t) one) he*e$i*e*) he shoul* *efinitely pursue&Eliza an* her three $aptors ha* entere* the house morethan twenty minutes ago& 2e was aout to push away from

the railings an* hea* forCoy%s house when the *oor of the !i*nappers% houseopene*&The man in $harge 0 S$rope) Eliza ha* name* him 0steppe* out onto the por$h) $lose* the *oor) then *es$en*e*the steps an* stro*e a$!towar* 2igh Street&2is gaze on the house) 1eremy hesitate*) evaluating theris!s , relu$tantly $on$lu*e* that the $oa$hman8guar* an*

the nurse were still insi*e)one too many for him to have any reasonale $han$e ofover$oming&Shoul* he follow S$rope52e glan$e* after the man an* *is$overe* he%* alrea*y losthis $han$e there& S$rope ha* /ui$!ene* his purposeful stri*ean* ha* alrea*y merge*



with the thronging masses in the main thoroughfare&Although rea*ily re$ognizale when on his own) there wasnothing aout S$rope that woul* ma!e himstan* out in a $row*&

2a* S$rope gone to summon the lair*5 Eliza ha* sai* theyplanne* to han* her over the next *ay 0 not to*ay 0 sopresumaly S$rope ha*gone to sen* wor* that they ha* her there) in E*inurgh) intheir !eeping&Eliza nee*e* to e out of the house an* away eforetomorrow morning&"oo!ing a$! at the house) 1eremy raise* his gaze an*stu*ie* every win*ow on the upper floors) ut saw no fa$e

peering out& 2e won*ere* if Eliza ha* seen him) if she !new he was there an* so woul*!now help was $oming&2e *i*n%t li!e to thin! of her imagining she was alone&Pushing away from the railings) he wal!e* a$! up thestreet& 2e !new Eliza%s lo$ation7 it was time to startarranging her res$ue&:ea$hing 2igh Street) he turne* right along the :oyal .ile)towar* Cannongate an* Coy%s house in :ei*s Close&

Chapter Four

everal hours later) 1eremy 0 gare* in a *un surveyor%s$oat that rea$he* to his !nees) his *ar! rown hair parte* inthe $enter) rushe* a$!an* sli$!e* *own) a pair of spe$ta$les an* two pen$ilsshowing in the $oat%s top po$!et 0 followe* his frien* Coy*own the steps of the house next

*oor to the one Eliza was eing hel* in&It ha* ta!en more than three hours to get everythingorganize* an* un*erway& 2is first a$tion ha* een to stop ata $ourier offi$e an* sen* a letterto 9olverstone posthaste& Not !nowing Eliza%s parents%*ire$tion) he%* left it to :oy$e an* .inerva to sprea* thewor*) $onfi*ent they woul* $onvey his



information to Eliza%s family with all spee*&They ha* to e *esperate for news of her&2e%* written explaining how he%* stumle* upon her) relate*what he%* learne* of the !i*nappers) an* $on$lu*e* with an

assuran$e that he waspresently arranging her res$ue without allowing her i*entityor her time spent with her $aptors to e$ome puli$!nowle*ge& 2e%* $lose* with theinformation that he an* Eliza woul* see! refuge at9olverstone Castle) that eing the nearest pla$e of assure*safety) as soon as they possily $oul*&9ith the missive *ispat$he*) he%* gone on to :ei*s Closean* ha* een lu$!y enough to fin* not -ust Co*en 2arris 0

s$holarly s$ion of the2arris $lan) !nown to all as Coy 0 with his feet up eforehis hearth ut also the 2onorale 2ugo 9eaver !eeping him$ompany& 1eremy) Coy) an*2ugo ha* e$ome firm frien*s *uring the five months1eremy ha* spent in E*inurgh wor!ing for the S$ottishAssemly) $ataloguing various ol* wor!s intheir $olle$tions) some of whi$h ha* een a$/uire* yAlexan*er I an* not loo!e* at sin$e& 9hile Coy was a

s$holar of an$ient S$ottish writings) 2ugowas a s$holar of an$ient legal wor!s) of laws) parliaments)an* governan$e& The Assemly ha* invite* the three ofthem to form a team7 the result ha*een an asso$iation that ha* overflowe* from theprofessional to the personal) an* $ontinue* long after1eremy ha* returne* to "on*on&Naturally) the instant he%* tol* them 0 Coy) 2ugo) an*Coy%s wife) .argaret) more $ommonly !nown as .eggin 0

his news) they%* eeneager to throw themselves into the pro-e$t? #The :es$ue)'as 2ugo ha* *ramati$ally *ue* it& #That shoul* *o it&' Consulting the le*ger he hel* in hishan*s) Coy 0 a few in$hes shorter than 1eremy an*slightly more rotun*) an* presently



*resse* similarly 0 pause* on the pavement an* ma*e ashow of $omparing the le*ger entries with the notes on thepapers atta$he* to the oar*1eremy was $arrying&

9hen 1eremy ha* *es$rie* the house on Ni**ery Street)the three lo$als ha* imme*iately $onfirme* his suspi$ion&9hi$h was why 1eremy an*Coy) *isguise* as $oun$il inspe$tors) were $urrentlyinspe$ting the houses along the street) their aim to*etermine exa$tly where in the house Eliza waseing hel*) while 2ugo) who ha* a long asso$iation with allthings thespian in the $ity) after suitaly *ressing the pair ofthem for the outing) was out

sear$hing through the war*roes of the various theaters an*otherwise arranging for all else they woul* nee* to pull #The:es$ue' off&"eaning $loser) Coy more /uietly as!e*) #:ea*y5' +y way of answer) 1eremy no**e* to the *oor of the nexthouse& 2is *isguise was goo* enough7 he *oute* Taylorwoul* re$ognize him&Swinging aroun*) Coy mar$he* up the steps) raise* hisfist) an* eat a smart tattoo on the *oor&

A moment later) it opene*) revealing Taylor& 2e glan$e* atCoy) then at 1eremy) then loo!e* a$! at Coy& #3es5' #4oo* morning&' Coy was all reezy offi$ial*om& #9e%refrom the town $oun$il) here to ma!e an inspe$tion of thewor!s&' Taylor frowne*& #The wor!s5' #9hy) yes&' Coy gesture* roa*ly& #The uil*ing& As perthe new regulations institute* in the wa!e of the fire) everynew stru$ture must e

inspe$te* to ensure that the wor!s are in !eeping with thenew town or*inan$es&' Taylor%s frown ha*n%t aate*& #9e%re not the owners 0we%ve -ust lease* the house for a few wee!s& 9e%ll eleaving any *ay&' 2e ma*e to shutthe *oor& #3ou $an $ome a$! 0'



#Oh) no) no) sir&' Coy halte* him with a raise* han*& #Theinspe$tions are man*atory an* $annot e put off& The ownerwoul* have een notifie*y the town $ler!& If the owner faile* to inform you of the

pen*ing inspe$tion) you must ta!e that up with him) ut youmust not impe*e us) offi$ers of the$oun$il) in any way& As I%m sure you un*erstan*) in theaftermath of the tragi$ fire) puli$ anger against pooruil*ing stan*ar*s rea$he* fever pit$h) an*the $oun$il $annot e seen to e wavering in this regar*&'Coy gesture* a$! along the terra$e& #9e%ve alrea*y$omplete* the survey for most of thisse$tion an* must finish here to*ay) so if you will allow us

entry) we will en*eavor to a$$omplish our tas! an* e out ofyour way as soon as possile&' Still hol*ing the *oor) Taylor hesitate*7 shifting his weight)he sai*) #.y master%s out) ut shoul* return shortly& If you$oul* $ome a$! in an hour 0' #Sa*ly) no 0 we are on a tight s$he*ule&' Coy rieflypause*) then offere*) #If it will help) the poli$e station isn%tfar& 9e $oul* $omman* thepresen$e of two $onstales to len* gravitas to our *eman*)

if that woul* help your stan*ing with your master5' "oo!ing *own) 1eremy s/uel$he* the in$lination to smile&2e%* rehearse* Coy in what to say7 his frien* was verygoo* at ma!ing people thin!him the soul of reasonaleness&As he%* expe$te*) the option of having $onstales in thehouse ma*e Taylor%s *e$ision mu$h easier& The man%s fa$elan!e*) then he shrugge*& #If you won%t e long) I *on%t suppose it matters&'

2e opene* the *oor) an* 1eremy followe* Coy insi*e&They starte* their #inspe$tion' in the atti$s) $onsulting thevarious forms they%* $on$o$te*) ma!ing notes) an* stea*ilywor!ing their way throughthe house) room y room) $upoar* y $upoar*& 9henthey rea$he* the groun* floor without *ete$ting the slightestsign of Eliza%s presen$e) they



insiste* on $he$!ing un*er the stairs) then Coy *allie* attheir foot) suppose*ly ma!ing more notes) in realityensuring that no one smuggle* anyone 0Eliza for instan$e 0 a$! upstairs while 1eremy emar!e*

on a *etermine* progress through the various groun*8floorre$eption rooms&All to no avail&+ut Eliza ha* to e in the house& Them moving her in thefew hours he%* een away) yet remaining there themselves)*i*n%t ma!e sense&2e also !new there was more to the house than wasapparent from outsi*e&Eventually $olle$ting Coy) they again ma*e a show of

$omparing notes) then Coy le* the way *own the short$orri*or to the !it$hen&The *ar!8haire* woman 1eremy ha* seen with Eliza 04enevieve) the nurse 0 was sitting at the *eal tale sippingfrom a $up when theyentere*& She loo!e* sho$!e*) then shot a surprise* an*$on$erne* loo! at Taylor&Almost imper$eptily) the ig man shoo! his hea* an*reporte* what they%* tol* him of their usiness&

4iven the woman%s rea$tion) 1eremy felt $ertain that Elizawas there) most li!ely in the asement room& Theirinspe$tion of the house next *oorha* $onfirme* that the houses in the terra$e ha* su$h aroom) an* all of the houses appeare* i*enti$al in$onstru$tion&;n*er Taylor%s an* the woman%s guar*e* gazes) they*utifully inspe$te* the !it$hen) paying spe$ial note to the$himney flue) an* the $onstru$tion

of the a$! *oor an* its frame& Then) after they%* $onferre*in hushe* tones) Coy pointe* to the *oor in the wall to theleft of the *oor through whi$hthey%* entere*& #:ight then& 1ust the asement an* we%re*one& If you woul* unlo$! the *oor5' they%* entere*& #:ight then& 1ust the asement an* we%re*one& If you woul* unlo$! the *oor5'



1eremy mumle* to Coy) *rawing his attention away fromthe *oor to some point in 1eremy%s notes) ma!ing theirexpe$tation that the asement*oor woul* e unlo$!e* without fuss transparent&

A$ross the *eal tale) Taylor an* 4enevieve ex$hange* along loo!&1eremy gave them a minute to thin! 0 too! the same timeto thin! through the possiilities of the next momentshimself 0 then he steppe* a$!)releasing Coy) who turne* to Taylor an* the asement*oor&Seeing that Taylor ha* ma*e no move towar* the *oor)Coy raise* his rows& #Is there a prolem5'

#Ah ,' Taylor) his eyes again meeting 4enevieve%s) raise* ahan* to lift a !ey from a hoo! on the wall& #3ou might thin!so& 9e $an let you *owninto the asement) ut the owner%s left the asement roomlo$!e*) an* we *on%t have the !ey& 9e assume he%s put allhis valuales *own there 0 itwoul*n%t loo! goo* if we trie* to for$e the lo$!&' #Oh) well&' Coy glan$e* at 1eremy& #That is unfortunate,'

#Perhaps'0 seeing the *anger) 1eremy steppe* in) imitating.eggin%s lowlan* S$ots a$$ent 0#as it%s har*ly your fault theowner has *one as hehas) we shoul* examine what we $an) an* then ma!e a notefor the $ler! to *eal with it&' 2e glan$e* at the $lo$! on the!it$hen wall) then) lowering hisvoi$e) leane* $loser to Coy an* sai*) #If we *on%t get on)we%re not going to e ale to meet the others at the pu&' Coy glan$e* past him at the $lo$!) then no**e*

*e$isively& #:ight&' 2e turne* a$! to Taylor& #Perhaps if we -ust loo! *own the steps so we $anshow we%ve *one what we $oul*&' .oving slowly) Taylor fitte* the !ey to the lo$!) turne* it)then opene* the *oor&



Thin!ing furiously aout what might happen next) 1eremyrealize* that if Eliza sense* that someone other than her$aptors was near) she might $ryout) trying to attra$t their attention , if she *i*) Taylor an*

4enevieve woul* *o all they $oul* to ensure he an* Coy*i*n%t leave the house&Taylor%s smile was for$e* as he hel* the thi$! panel open& #3ou $an%t see mu$h 0 -ust the steps an* that it of$orri*or&' 1eremy sense* the rising tension7 the woman ehin* himha* stiffene* an* shifte* her weight) rea*y to spring up an*help Taylor push oth himan* Coy *own the steps&

Coy steppe* to the threshol* an* peere* *own&6eeping his voi$e low so that while Coy an* Taylor woul*hear him) Eliza) if she was ehin* the asement *oor)woul*n%t) 1eremy /ui$!ly sai*) #9e *on%t nee* to see more& Those steps loo! safe enough0 same as in the other houses&' Pi$!ing up the urgen$y in his tone) Coy glan$e* a$! athim) then loo!e* again *own the steps at the short $orri*oran* the heavy *oor they

$oul* -ust ma!e out in the gloom& #3es) you%re right&' Ta!inghis $ue from 1eremy) he spo!e softly& After an instant moreof peering into the *eep sha*ows)Coy steppe* a$! an* wave* Taylor to shut the *oor 0whi$h he *i* far more /ui$!ly than he%* opene* it&.oving to 1eremy%s si*e to loo! *own at his notes) Coyrea*) then no**e*& #That shoul* e suffi$ient&' #4oo*&' Setting the !ey a$! on its hoo!) Taylor turne* tousher them out&

9ith a polite no* to the woman) they left&A minute later) they were out on the pavement again& #Next house)' 1eremy sai*& #They%re wat$hing through thewin*ow&' #9e nee* to $he$! the asement) anyway&' Coy le* theway on) mar$hing up to the next house%s *oor an* !no$!ingris!ly&



The ol* woman who live* there argue* /uerulously uteventually let them in& Their inspe$tion of her house wasmore $ursory) ut they still wentfrom atti$ to asement) -ust in $ase Taylor or 4enevieve

thought to as! the ol* i**y what they%* *one&They%* hope* to get a goo* loo! at the asement room)espe$ially its floor) ut when the ol* la*y pulle* open the*oor) *isappointment awaite*them& The ol* woman ha* $learly move* from a mu$h largerhouse an* ha* !ept all her furniture& It was sta$!e*) pa$!e*)into the asement room7 arelyfive s/uare in$hes of floor were visile& #Ah 0 yes&' Coy stare* at the hot$hpot$h) glan$e* riefly

aroun* at the walls) then no**e*& #:ight& That%ll *o&' 2e turne* to than! the woman) pouring on the S$ottish$harm& They left her almost smiling&The instant they were a$! on the pavement an* the *oorha* $lose* ehin* them) 1eremy state*) #9e nee* to !now ifwe%re right aout theasement&' Coy wave* him on& #Next house) then& This $lose to 2ighStreet) they%ll all e the same&'

The next *oor was opene* y an el*erly gentleman) aretire* sol*ier& 2e was gruffly genial an*) leaning on his$ane) happily $on*u$te* themaout his house) $hatting aout this or that the whole time&They humore* him an* were amply rewar*e* when heshowe* them into his asement room& #Same as all theothers) of $ourse&' Setting the *ooropen) he wave* them in& Coy lifte* the lantern he hel*)playing the light over several pie$es of ol* furniture sta$!e*

in one $orner& Otherwise) the roomwas empty) the floor are&+oth Coy%s an* 1eremy%s gazes lowere*) following thelantern%s eam as Coy visually sear$he* the stone floor&+esi*e them) the ol* sol*ier $hu$!le*& #Aye 0 it%s the sameas in all the other houses along this terra$e& I won*ere* ifyou !new to $he$! for it&'



2is gaze on the woo*en trap*oor set into the floor) 1eremyno**e*& #9e%ve seen it in some) ut in other pla$es 0 forinstan$e in the ol* la*y%shouse next *oor 0 we%ve een unale to $onfirm it or

examine it ourselves&' #4o ahea*&' The man no**e* at the heavy olt set into thetrap*oor%s surfa$e& #1ust pull that a$! an* you $an ta!e aloo!&' Eager to *o so) 1eremy pushe* past Coy) who shifte* thelantern to fo$us on the trap*oor& 1eremy wriggle* the oltloose) pulle* it a$!) thenlifte* the panel& 9hile it was in$hes thi$! an* heavy) it wasni$ely weighte* on goo* hinges7 it opene* easily enough&

Coy steppe* $loser an* shone the lantern *own thegaping hole& The e*ges of the trap*oor were soli* an*soun*7 a neat) newish woo*enla**er le* *own to the floor of the $orri*orli!e spa$eeneath& #3es)' Coy sai*) #this is -ust li!e the last housewhere we $oul* $he$!) a few *oors up theterra$e&' #Oh) aye&' The ol* sol*ier no**e* saga$iously& #This wholeterra$e was uilt y the same uil*er 0 all the houses are

as $lose to i*enti$al asma!es no o**s& Clever fellow left every house with anes$ape route in $ase of another ig fire& 9oul*na have eenso many people *ie* if they ha*n%tlo$!e* off the a$$ess to the ol* tunnels there& Easy enoughto go *own) along) an* out&' 1eremy smile* an* loo!e* a$ross the open trap*oor atCoy& #9hat a wise an* helpful uil*er) in*ee*&' 4enevieve) with Taylor at her a$!) shoo! Eliza from a

soun* sleep&Shiel*ing her eyes from the glare of the lamp Taylor hel*)Eliza lin!e* awa!e& A glan$e at the $ol* pu**le of wax) allthat was left of the fresh$an*le they%* given her when they%* $ome to ta!e herlun$heon tray away) suggeste* she%* een asleep for sometime&



She struggle* onto her elows) wat$hing as 4enevieve set afaintly steaming pit$her on the washstan*& #9hat time is it5' #Seven o%$lo$!&' 4enevieve turne* to her& #S$rope%s *e$i*e*you shoul* -oin us for *inner& Easier than ma!ing up a

separate tray&' Setting a lighte*) two8arme* $an*elara on the washstan*)Taylor snorte*& #It%s the last night we%ll e aysitting you&.ore li!e S$rope wants to$elerate&' #:egar*less'0 4enevieve nu*ge* Taylor a$! towar* the*oor 0#we%ll leave you to wash an* ti*y yourself& 9e%ll $omea$! in fifteen minutes tota!e you upstairs&'

They went out an* shut the heavy *oor again& Pushingupright) Eliza swung her legs over the si*e of the e*)listene*) an* hear* the !ey turn in thelo$!& Sitting on the e*%s e*ge) she trie* to imagine whatulterior motives might lie ehin* the unexpe$te* *innerinvitation) then *e$i*e* that whateverthey were) she *i*n%t truly $are& 4etting out of the tinyasement room even for a few hours wasn%t a oon she wasin any moo* to refuse&

After her *ays in the $oa$h) she%* wel$ome* their ris! wal!through the town) ut eing in$ar$erate* again in su$h asmall room ha* ma*e herlong for wi*e an* open spa$es& 9hi$h felt strange given shewasn%t overly fon* of su$h pla$es&:ising) she pause* for an instant) $onfirme*) to her very realrelief) that the last vestigial tra$es of the lau*anum ha*worn off& 2er min* was herown) an* so was her o*y&

4oing to the washstan*) she lifte* the pit$her an* poure*the warm water into the asin&Stripping off her mu$h8ause* all gown) pushing the rose/uartz pen*ant aroun* so it hung *own her a$!) out of herway) she /ui$!ly washe*&



+ris!ly sha!ing out the gol*en gown) she *onne* it again)then turne* to the mirror to *o what she $oul* to ti*y herhair& The elegant style of honeygol*$urls artfully arrange* to tumle from a !not on the top of

her hea* to form a shining $rown was now a *isarrange**isaster& Swiftly plu$!ing pins) sherelease* the long tresses) use* her fingers to $om themass out) then plaite* it into two rai*s) finally win*ing otharoun* her hea* to form a $oronet)an* an$horing the en*s with the pins&Finally) she pulle* the pen*ant a$! to hang etween herreasts7 she *eate* aout leaving it on show) ut the rose/uartz $lashe* with the gol*

of her gown& #+etter not to flaunt it) anyway&' She tu$!e*the pen*ant eneath her o*i$e) straightene* the ne$!la$efrom whi$h it hung) rearrange* herfi$hu an* $ollar as est she $oul*) then *ippe* an* weave*efore the mirror) $he$!ing the result&It was etter than she%* hope*) whi$h ma*e her feel more$onfi*ent& .ore li!e the Cynster female she was) less li!e ae*raggle* !i*nap vi$tim&She was) she realize*) loo!ing forwar* to the *inner) to

seeing what more she might tease from S$rope an* hisminions& As long as she *i*n%t*well on the vexing /uestions of whether 1eremy !newwhere she was) an* how he might res$ue her) assuming thathe *i*) she woul* manage&2earing footsteps eyon* the *oor) she swung to fa$e it&Taylor pulle* the *oor wi*e7 he grinne* when he saw her&Stan*ing in the $orri*or)4enevieve loo!e* irritate*& She e$!one*& #Come on&

S$rope%s waiting&' They $on*u$te* her up the steps into the !it$hen) then alongthe short $orri*or to the *ining room&A re$tangular tale ha* een set for four& S$rope wasstan*ing efore a tantalus y the wall) a glass of re* wine inhis han*& 2e turne* as she



wal!e* in& 2is gaze too! in her appearan$e) then he halfowe*) playing the gentleman& #.iss Cynster& .ay I offeryou a glass of wine5' Although his expression remaine* uninformative) Eliza

sense* he was in a *istin$tly goo*) if not mellow) moo*& #No) than! you) ut I woul* li!esome water&' #In that $ase&' S$rope wave* to the tale an* $ame forwar*&Setting *own his glass esi*e the pla$e at its hea*) he $amearoun* an* hel* the$hair to his right for her&Playing along 0 she saw no reason not to 0 Eliza sat)gra$iously in$lining her hea* in response to his gallantry&

Taylor) mimi$!ing S$rope) hel* the $hair opposite Eliza for4enevieve& 9ith oth la*ies seate*) the men too! theirseats) an* the meal egan&There were no footmen to offer the *ishes) ut everythingha* alrea*y een set on the tale) large enough toa$$ommo*ate six& The first $oursewas a pea an* ham soup) rather heavy for a *inner) utEliza was starving& She ma*e short wor! of emptying herowl&

A fish $ourse followe*) supplante* y guinea fowl an*partri*ges a$$ompanie* y various si*e *ishes) efore thesilver *ome was lifte* from aplatter of roast venison& 9ith her appetite more thanappease*) she *ae* her lips with her nap!in an* setherself to learning what she $oul*& #I $an seethat this is) in*ee*) a $eleratory feast 0 an* a last supperof sorts for me&' "ifting her water glass) she met S$rope%s*ar! gaze& #I ta!e it that) as you

foresha*owe*) .$6insey will $ome for me tomorrow5' S$rope an* his minions ha* een *istin$tly $losemouthe*)ut presumaly anything they tol* her now woul* no longermatter&2is *ar! gaze stea*y) S$rope $onsi*ere* her&She sippe* an* *i* nothing more than faintly ar$h herrows&



Eventually) he no**e*& #3our supposition is $orre$t& I sentwor* to .$6insey) or whoever he is) efore mi**ay& I *on%t!now how long it%ll ta!e torea$h him 0 the *elivery is not) you%ll un*erstan*) *ire$t 0

ut he le* me to elieve he woul* e in E*inurgh) waitingfor you to arrive&' From the other en* of the tale) Taylor) usy with a largehelping of venison) fli$!e* a glan$e at S$rope& #So we *on%thave to wait for him to ri*e*own from Inverness5' #Inverness5' Eliza loo!e* a$! at S$rope&S$rope%s lips tightene*) his *ar! eyes narrowing on thehapless Taylor&

4lan$ing a$! at the now wary $oa$hman8$um8guar*) Elizaairily sai*) #9e alrea*y !new .$6insey is a highlan*er&' Sheshrugge*& #6nowing he$omes from Inverness is nothing new&' Inverness was the southernmost large town in thehighlan*s&S$rope loo!e* *own at his plate an* all ut growle*) #2e*oesn%t $ome from Inverness&' 2e flung another irate glan$eat Taylor& #Inverness is -ust

the pla$e through whi$h the message I sent to him eforewas route*&' Eliza $onsi*ere* that reply) then venture*) #3ou followe* amessage sent to him5' S$rope turne* his narrow8eye* gaze on her& #I li!e to !nowwho I%m *ealing with&' She no**e*& #;n*erstan*aly& (i* you learn anything moreof his i*entity5' #No&' S$rope%s frustration assure* her that he spo!e the

truth& #The man%s as slippery as any *amne* highlan*noleman ever irthe*& Themessage vanishe* from the offi$e in Inverness) an* no oneseeme* to have the faintest $lue as to where it went&' #2mm&' Eliza foun* S$rope%s tale revealing& She) 2eather)an* Angeli$a ha* *is$usse* an* spe$ulate* on the $hara$teran* person of the



mysterious lair* for many hours& 4iven su$h telltale a$ts ofpower) the sort of power Cynsters intuitively re$ognize* an*un*erstoo*) $omine* with thepi$ture the various snippets of physi$al *es$ription ha*

*rawn of him) there was no *enying that the figure the lair*$ut was one of $onsi*erale elementalan* vis$eral attra$tion&At least to Cynster females&Nevertheless) *espite her $uriosity) Eliza ha* no wish tomeet the man) at least not on his terms& +eing haule* intothe wil*s of the highlan*s *i*not feature on her list of *esirale *iversions&As for what he inten*e* for her) that she was *etermine*ly

refusing to *well on7 1eremy woul* res$ue her first) so therewas no nee* to imagineherself into a pani$&Eventually) 4enevieve rose an*) assiste* y Taylor) $leare*the tale&S$rope) reverting to his role of $onsi*erate host) offere*Eliza a small glass of orgeat) whi$h) on $onsi*eration) she*eigne* to a$$ept& #Tell me)' she sai*) seizing the moment when the other two

were elsewhere) #why *o you) who I assume was orn agentleman) ta!e , -os) forwant of a etter wor*) su$h as this&' She met his *ar! eyes& #I%m $urious as to what *rives you&' 9hoever ha* arrange* the *inner menu ha* !nown theasi$s of gentle living7 she was /uite sure it wasn%t4enevieve) a lowly $ompanion8nurse)who ha* $hosen the *ishes an* arrange* for them to e*elivere* in their warming pans an* $hafing *ishes) as she

assume* they must have een&S$rope) she *e*u$e*) harore* gentlemanly aspirations& Inher experien$e) gentlemen) if approa$he* $orre$tly) alwaysli!e* to tal! aoutthemselves&



Sipping from the wineglass he%* !ept fille* throughout themeal) S$rope $onsi*ere* her) then) after fli$!ing a glan$etowar* the $orri*or *oor)/uietly sai*) #I might have een orn an* s$hoole* as a

gentleman) ut y a twist of fate I was left with no way ofsupporting myself as su$h&' 2e met hergaze& #Some men in that situation ta!e to the tales) hopingto fin* their salvation in the $ar*s& .e ,' 2is lips lightlylifte*& #Fate sent me an opportunity toperform a singular servi$e for a *istant a$/uaintan$e , an* I*is$overe* a profession at whi$h I ex$elle*&' #Profession5' She ar$he* her rows) faintly super$ilious& #3es) in*ee*&' S$rope too! another healthy swallow of the

wine7 she felt $ertain it was assisting with the su**enloosening of his tongue& #9oul* itsurprise you to !now that there%s a well8estalishe* tra*e inthe professional servi$es I offer5' 9hen she ma*e no reply)S$rope a$tually smile*& #I assureyou there is& An* there%s a la**er of a$hievement within thatprofession) too&' Ta!ing another swill of his wine) he eye* her over the rim ofhis glass) then lowere* it an* sai*) #An* you) .iss Eliza

Cynster) will ta!e me) <i$torS$rope) to the very top of that la**er&' 9ith his glass) hesalute* her& #2an*ing you to .$6insey will raise me to the*izzying pinna$le of my professionaltree&' She sai* nothing7 S$rope ha* $learly set asi*e his usual)impenetrale *emeanor& As witnesse* y this $eleratory*inner) he was eyon*$onfi*ent of su$$ess 0 of su$$ee*ing in han*ing her over to

.$6insey tomorrow morning&In that instant) she was loo!ing at the man ehin* the $oollyprofessional) impassive mas!&S$rope leane* forwar*) *ar! eyes fixing intently on her fa$e& #So you see) my *ear) it%s not solely the money thatmotivates me) although to give



.$6insey $re*it) he has in no way s!impe* on my fee& Ourhighlan* lair* pla$e* a very high pri$e on your hea*& +utthat%s not the most valuale oon I%llse$ure when I han* you to him tomorrow& Put simply) .iss

Cynster) you will e my salvation& 3ou%ll give me my futureas I wish it to e& 9ith .$6insey%smoney) an* even more with the fame your su$$essful !i*napwill ring me) I%ll e assure* of a wealthy an* $omfortalegentlemanly life for the rest of my*ays&' "eaning a$!) a gloating) almost mani$ smile on his lips)S$rope raise* his glass to her on$e again& #To you) .issCynster 0 an* to what

tomorrow will ring&' S$rope *owne* the wine in one gulp&Eliza stare* an* fought to suppress a shiver&A soun* at the *oor ha* them oth glan$ing that way& #Trifle or apple pie&' 4enevieve $arrie* two *ishes to thetale& #An* there%s $lotte* $ream) too)' Taylor sai*) setting asmaller owl *own an* reta!ing his seat& #So&' Silver serving spoon poise*) 4enevieve loo!e* from

S$rope to Eliza& #9hi$h will you have5' #+oth)' Eliza sai*& She nee*e* to ta!e her min* off whatshe%* glimpse* in S$rope%s eyes) an* *essert was the only*istra$tion availale7 it woul*have to *o&All three of them es$orte* her a$! to her prison not longafterwar*& S$rope allowe* her re/uest for fresh $an*les7 heglan$e* aroun* the room as if assuring himself she ha* a*e/uate $omforts) then he wave*

4enevieve outsi*e an* $lose* the *oor&The last sight Eliza ha* of her $aptors was S$rope%s fa$e)*emoni$ally lit y a $an*le from elow) his *ar! eyesglinting) an* fixe* on her&On$e the *oor shut) she allowe* herself the instin$tive shivershe%* until then suppresse*& Almost as if someone ha*wal!e* over her grave&



Sha!ing the sensation an* all thought of graves asi*e) shefinally turne* her min* to what might happen next&She ha* no assuran$e that 1eremy even !new where shewas& 2e might have lost the trail of the $oa$h) or he might

have misse* their routethrough E*inurgh& She ha* to e realisti$ an* at least tr tothin! of some way to es$ape if he *i*n%t res$ue her thatnight&After pon*ering the li!ely opportunities) she realize* her first*e$ision ha* to e whether to try to es$ape S$rope%s$lut$hes) or wait until she washan*e* over an* then try to es$ape from the lair*&It wasn%t) she reasone*) a /uestion of whi$h one woul* e

easier to outwit) so mu$h as whi$h one was more li!ely toma!e a mis$al$ulation an*give her the opportunity to flee&S$rope ha* yet to give her any opening at all& An* no matterhow over$onfi*ent he was) how $ertain he woul*su$$essfully han* her into the lair*%s!eeping) no matter how overweening his gloating) she$oul*n%t imagine him stumling at the last hur*le&Conveying her into the lair*%s han*s tomorrow woul* e a

$arefully or$hestrate* an* tightly monitore* event& S$ropewoul* not ma!e any mista!e)not with so mu$h money an* pri*e ri*ing on the out$ome&As for what she !new of the lair* , it was possile that if hewas a noleman) as seeme* in$reasingly li!ely) then hemight well suffer from thesame male assumptions) the same male lin*ness when it$ame to females as she was use* to *ealing with in herrothers an* $ousins&

That woul* give her a $han$e& A $han$e she might e ale to$onvert into an opportunity to slip away&Against that) however) was the strong li!elihoo* that hewoul* $art her off into the highlan*s) an* that was onelan*s$ape in whi$h she woul* etotally an* impossily out of her *epth&



In the English $ountrysi*e) she woul* have manage*somehow7 she might not en-oy hi!ing over hill an* *ale) utshe !new she $oul* *o it& 2i!ingthrough glens) aroun* lo$hs) an* over possily snow$appe*

pea!s was another matter altogether&People got lost in the highlan*s an* weren%t foun* for years&She sat on the e* an* stare* unseeing at the *oor) an*thought an* thought as the $an*lelight *imme*) thenfli$!ere*& +efore she lost the light)she use* the $ol* water in the pit$her to splash her fa$e& Asthe $an*les starte* to gutter) first one) then the other) shetoe* off her slippers an* got into thee*&

Pulling the thin lan!et over her shoul*ers) she $urle* onher si*e&There was no way out& None at all& There was nothingwhatever she $oul* *o&9hi$hever way she loo!e* at it) her future *epen*e* on aman&S$rope& The lair*& Or 1eremy Carling&2er fingers lo$!e* aout the rose /uartz pen*ant her sisterha* passe* to her with su$h hope an* assuran$es of

happiness to $ome) Eliza !newwho she hope* fate woul* $hoose for her&Even if he was an asentmin*e* s$holar) she woul* $ope&1eremy) Coy) 2ugo) an* .eggin sat gathere* aroun* thetale in the *ining room of Coy an* .eggin%s town housein :ei*s Close& The s$ene)1eremy thought) loo!e* li!e an artist%s impression of exa$tlywhat it was 0 a $onvivial *inner hoste* y a young) well8to8*o) an* well8$onne$te* S$ottish

$ouple for two of the husan*%s a$helor frien*s& Illuminate*y the $omfortaly $ozy glow of the $han*elier suspen*e*aove the mahogany tale) theroom was well appointe*) with *ar! woo* paneling on thewalls) an* ri$hly hue* paintings of misty lan*s$apes aovethe heavy si*eoar*s& Silver



$an*elara an* a mat$hing multitiere* fruit *ish a**e* theirgleam) while the stag%s hea* mounte* aove the firepla$e)flan!e* y two massive) mounte*trout) s$reame* S$otlan* to anyone with eyes&

In the great $arver at the hea* of the tale) Coy%s eyes*an$e* an* his smile was wi*e as he spo!e with 2ugo)seate* on his left& 9ith hair asimilar $olor to 1eremy%s mi**ling *ar! rown) with hazeleyes an* regular features) an* now gare* in his haitualtownsman%s $lothes) Coy loo!e*every in$h the s$ion of a venerale S$ottish $lan&Seate* in the smaller $arver opposite her husan*) withtumling la$! $urls) twin!ling lue eyes) an* a *ar! lue

sil! gown) the very epitome of asophisti$ate* young matron) .eggin wat$he* her husan*with open affe$tion&The $overs ha* een *rawn) the *ishes $leare* away& It wastime to get *own to usiness&1eremy tappe* the tale& 9hen the other three $ast/uestioning glan$es his way) he state*) #9e nee* to go overour plan&' They%* assemle* it in its an* pie$es 0 one ma!ing a

suggestion) another seeing how it $oul* e altere* to etterfit 0 li!e a giant $ereral -igsaw) title* #The :es$ue&' 2e was rather please* with the out$ome&2ugo) a $hameleon of sorts with his +yroni$ly han*somefeatures an* artisti$ally ruffle* *ar! hair) his slen*er onesan* slighter uil* oftenren*ering his movements gra$efully effeminate) was a goo*frien* to have at one%s a$!7 he was e/ually at home tra*ing

super$ilious ars in somela*y%s *rawing room as tra*ing pun$hes in a arroom rawl&"eaning a$! in his $hair) 2ugo wave* at the $lothes an* wighe%* left on a straight8a$!e*$hair y the wall& #Now we have the last of our *isguises) yall means let%s review our $ampaign&'



That was exa$tly what it felt li!e? a military $ampaign& Onewith a $lear goal to attain& #1ust out of interest)' Coy sai*) #where *i* you fin*those5' 9ith his hea* he in*i$ate* the $lothes on the $hair&

#The little theaterette at the pala$e&' 2ugo win!e*& #(on%ttell&' 2ugo%s family) root an* all its various ran$hes) werelongtime legal $ounselors to the pala$e7 2ugo therefore ha*the entree to areas few others*i*& #"et%s start at the eginning&' Clasping her han*s on thetale) .eggin loo!e* at 1eremy& #2ow *o you plan to get.iss Cynster out of that

asement5' The pra$ti$al one) .eggin for$e* them to go through theirplan step y step) insisting they fill in the gaps) all the minor*etails that) in their s$holarlyfashion) they were apt to ta!e for grante*& #Are you sure they won%t have *rugge* her again5' 1eremy hesitate*) thought& Eventually) he sai*) #I *on%t thin!so& In oth $ases 0 Eliza%s an* her sister 2eather%s 0 the!i*nappers were un*er

stri$t or*ers to !eep their prizes in goo* health& I suspe$tS$rope wasn%t suppose* to !eep Eliza *rugge* at all&' #So if they%re to han* her over to the lair* tomorrow) theywon%t have *rugge* her tonight) so she shoul* e ale towal! out on her own&' .egginno**e* *e$isively& #All right& 4o on&' They *i*) rehearsing in their min*s ea$h a$t of their gran*plan& After releasing Eliza from the asement room) the nextstage was to whis! her out

of the $ity& #9e%ll leave here -ust efore first light)' 1eremy sai*) #an*go *own an* hire horses& There%s no point trying to ri*e outefore there%s light enoughto see&' From Ni**ery Street) they planne* to ring Elizathere) to :ei*s Close& #On$e we%re away) we shoul* e aleto rea$h 9olverstone in a *ay 0



well) at least y evening&' .eggin loo!e* *outful& #That%s har* ri*ing y anyone%sstan*ar*s&' 1eremy grima$e*& #Perhaps) ut as long as we%re over the

or*er efore nightfall) I !now the roa*s from there to the$astle well enough to navigatein the *ar!&' .eggin hesitate*) ut then no**e* an* let the matter sli*e&1eremy appre$iate* her ta$t& 2e%* realize*) as she ha*) thatin or*er to preserve Eliza%s reputation from the so$ially*amning slur of spen*ing anight entirely alone with a gentleman not relate* in anyway) they woul* nee* to $over the *istan$e from E*inurgh

to 9olverstone Castle in a single)nonstop -ourney& Normally that woul* e easy enough) utin this instan$e they ha* to ta!e a $ir$ling) roun*aout routethe etter to avoi* any effe$tivepursuit&Nevertheless) he thought through the various points againut still $on$lu*e*) #There really isn%t any other way toa$$omplish our aim&' 9ith that stage settle*) Coy an* 2ugo too! over the

*is$ussion) going over their suse/uent roles in #The:es$ue)' namely as *e$oys*esigne* to lea* S$rope an* his team) an* the lair*) too) ifhe e$ame a$tively involve*) in the opposite *ire$tion from1eremy an* Eliza%s route&1eremy an* .eggin share* a glan$e at the exueran$eCoy an* 2ugo seeme* *etermine* to invest in their roles& #1ust e $areful)' .eggin finally sai*& #There%s no nee* to$all attention to yourselves as yourselves 0 I woul* remin*

you that you%re othrespe$te* memers of E*inurgh so$iety now) not high8spirite* s$hooloys&' +oth Coy an* 2ugo $ontrive* to loo! aashe*) ut theireyes were twin!ling&



.eggin eye* them) then softly snorte*) $yni$allyunimpresse*7 she turne* on$e more to 1eremy& #This is allvery well) ut I *o have reservationsaout .iss Cynster%s -ourney south& I%* a$$ompany you

myself if I $oul*) ut with the airns to wat$h over) I $an%tleave&' She glan$e* *own the tale at herspouse& #Espe$ially not if Coy%s gone) too&' She loo!e*a$! at 1eremy& #Are you sure you shoul*n%t ta!e a mai*) tolen* .iss Cynster $ountenan$e) asthey say5' All three men frowne*& All gave the suggestion *ue$onsi*eration&All value* .eggin%s insights7 they !new they were) all three

of them) wont to ignore aspe$ts they *eeme* irrelevant)su$h as so$iety%s stri$tures&Eventually 1eremy pulle* a fa$e& 2e loo!e* at Coy& #I stillthin! ta!ing a mai* is too prolemati$& For a start) if they*on%t ta!e your ait an*instea* mount a wi*er sear$h for us aroun* town) ourhaving a mai* will $all attention to us) whi$h is pre$iselywhat we%re striving to avoi*& Se$on*ly) amai* will mean we%ll have to *rive) an* /uite asi*e from

then having three people) one a mai*) in a $arriage 0pre$isely the $omination of o*ies they%llmost li!ely e sear$hing for 0 we%ll nee* something iggerthan a $urri$le or phaeton to a$$ommo*ate the mai*) an*that will slow us *own&' 2e loo!e*a$! at .eggin& #9e woul* *efinitely nee* more than a *ayto $over the *istan$e) an* that will give them more time to$ome at us&' .eggin s$run$he* up her nose&

1eremy shoo! his hea*& #No 0 I thin! our plan as we have itis our est option&' +oth Coy an* 2ugo no**e* agreement&.eggin sighe*& #<ery well&' She glan$e* at the $lo$! on thewall&The others all loo!e*) too&



#It%s getting late&' 1eremy met Coy%s) then 2ugo%s) eyes& #9e shoul* go&' No one *emurre*&They rose from the tale7 in the front hall) the three men

shrugge* into their great$oats an* $olle$te* lanterns&.eggin stoo* rea*y to unolt the front *oor&1eremy loo!e* at Coy) then 2ugo) then no**e* to .egginto pull open the *oor& #"et%s get moving 0 it%s time to get The :es$ue% un*erway&' Time to get Eliza Cynster out of her $aptors% han*s&

Chapter Five

he night seeme* interminale& Eliza *i*n%t even try to sleep&On$e the $an*les guttere*) *ar!ness so intense she $oul*n%tsee her han* eforeher fa$e $lose* in&It weighe* on her li!e a suffo$ating lan!et&She wasn%t normally afrai* of the *ar!) ut this *ar! ha* amena$ing /uality& (espite the $overs) she foun* herselfshivering7 the asement was

$ool) ut the $hill gripping her owe* little to thetemperature&Time /ui$!ly lost all meaning&She trie* to !eep her min* from the /uestion of what woul*happen if the lair* $ame for her efore 1eremy *i*& 9hatshoul* she *o5 9hat $oul*0at/tat#She lin!e*) glan$e* towar* the *oor) ut there was no sign

of it opening& Not that her $aptors were li!ely to !no$!&Not that they were li!ely to $ome for her at this hour)whatever hour it was&at/tat#Slowly sitting up) she frowne*& The *ar!ness was*isorienting) ut she thought the tapping was $oming from, un*er the e*&



at/tat#The rhythm was regular) a man8ma*e soun*& Throwing offthe lan!et) she grope* on the floor) foun* her slippers) an*sli* them on&

at/tat# at/tat# #I%m $oming)' she whispere*) although she $oul*n%t imagine,Crou$hing esi*e the e* 0 a typi$al iron8an*8wire8frame*e*) the ase a foot an* more off the groun* 0 she peere*un*erneath& It too! her aninstant to realize that the reason she $oul* see anything atall was that faint light was glowing through the worn fari$of the runner&

4raing the rug) she pulle* it a$!) -ust as another rat/tatsoun*e*&Thin slivers of light outline* the si*es of a s/uare set intothe floor&For an instant) she stare* at what her stunne* raininforme* her was a woo*en trap*oor) then) hauling in a/ui$! reath) she rea$he* out an*rappe* her !nu$!les on the panel? rat/tat &For an instant) nothing happene*) then the trap*oor -iggle*

an* pushe* up from un*erneath) ut $learly it was fastene*in some way&2er heart leapt) ut she remin*e* herself that she ha* noi*ea who was on the other si*e& They might e urglars&"eaning $lose) putting her fa$enear the e*ge) as lou*ly as she *are* she as!e*) #9ho isit5' A pause followe*) then $ame) #1eremy Carling& 9e%ve $ometo res$ue you&'

Sweeter wor*s) she%* never hear*& :elief) gratitu*e) an* a$urious) eager ex$itement surge* through her& #1ust aminute& I have to move the e*&' S$ramling to her feet) she pushe* an* lifte* the en* of thee* away from the wall until the spa$e aove the trap*oorwas $lear) then she fell on



her !nees an* felt along the e*ge opposite where the panelappeare* to e hinge*&2er fingers fumle* along what seeme* to e a simple olt& #I have it&' Fin*ing the olt%s !no) she lifte* it from its

an$horing slot an* *rew the olta$!& #Than! 4o*@' :elief surge* anew as the olt sli* smoothlyfree&;sing the !no as a han*le) she trie* to lift the trap*oor&The instant she *i*) han*s eneath pushe* it up& Sin!inga$! on her heels) she wat$he*as arms followe*) swinging the trap*oor a$! until it $ameto rest against the wall&

"antern light welle* out from the open spa$e&Still on her !nees) she leane* forwar* an* loo!e* *own&(ire$tly into 1eremy Carling%s upturne* fa$e&+eyon* *elighte* to see him) she eame*&2e stare* rather lan!ly up at her for a moment) thenlin!e*) frowne* slightly) an* /uietly as!e*) #Is thereanyone near who might hear5' #No&' She thought a$!) then *e$isively sai*) #After *inner)they rought me *own here) lo$!e* me in an* went a$!

upstairs) an* none of themhave $ome *own sin$e&' #4oo*&' 2e loo!e* at her fa$e again) then move* his gaze toher shoul*ers) arely $overe* y her hi*eously $rushe*fi$hu& #(o you still have that$loa! you ha* earlier5 It%s $hilly *own here&' #3es&' :ea$hing out) she *ragge* the $loa! from the e*7she%* een using it as an extra lan!et&1eremy spie* the e*ge of a thin lan!et *angling from the

e*& #+ring the lan!et) too 0 it won%t hurt&' 2aving swung the $loa! aroun* her) she tie* its ties at herthroat) then rea$he* for the lan!et& #Is there anything else you nee* to ring5' Fol*ing the lan!et) she shoo! her hea*& #They *i*n%t evengive me a $om&' #All right& 2an* me the lan!et&'



She passe* it to him7 he too! it an* han*e* it *own toCoy) waiting at the ase of the la**er&"oo!ing up at Eliza) 1eremy ma*e a $ir$ling gesture& #There%sa la**er here) ut you%ll nee* to $ome *own a$!war*&' 2e

retreate* a few steps& #Ta!e it slowly& I%ll $at$h you if you slip&' She move* /ui$!ly to *o as he%* sai*) easing *own throughthe trap*oor) $arefully feeling with her feet for ea$h rung&2e $ontinue* to retreat as she *es$en*e*& Eventually hesteppe* onto the rough stone floor of the tunnel7 *ispla$ingCoy at the la**er%s foot) herea$he* up to ta!e Eliza%s elow an* stea*y her& #Almostthere&'

She steppe* *own to the tunnel%s floor) then turne* toestow another of her lin*ingly rilliant smiles on him7 asefore) when their eyes met) awave of heat) oth pleasurale an* *is$omfiting at the sametime) rolle* through him&:emin*ing himself where they were) he turne* to Coy)who was hovering at his elow& #Allow me to presentCo*en 2arris&' #Coy) .iss Cynster&' Coy rea$he* out an* shoo! Eliza%s

han*& #Everyone $alls me Coy&' #An* this'0 1eremy gesture* to her other si*e 0#is 2ugo9eaver&' 2ugo -uggle* the ag of tools he%* $arrie* into his otherhan*) then too! Eliza%s an* owe* gallantly over it& #En$hante*) .iss Cynster&' :eleasing her) 2ugo loo!e* at 1eremy& #I suggest we getgoing efore the natives grow restless&' Coy steppe* a$! an* wave* Eliza forwar*&

#9ait&' 1eremy glan$e* up at the open trap*oor) then heloo!e* at Eliza& #(i* you say the e* was over thetrap*oor5' She no**e*& #There was a rug over it) an* the e* stoo*over that& I ha* no i*ea the trap*oor was there 0 an*$learly neither *i* S$rope or theother two& They%* never have left me there if they ha*&'



1eremy fli$!e* a glan$e at Coy) then 2ugo) then turne*a$! to the la**er& #It%s worth spen*ing a few extra minutesto $onfoun* any pursuit&' 2e $lime* /ui$!ly up) stu$! his hea* into the asement

room) an* loo!e* aroun*& #Coy 0 I%ll nee* some light&'Climing up into the room)1eremy waite* until Coy appeare* on the la**er) hol*ingup one of the lanterns so 1eremy $oul* see) then he got towor! setting their stage&Five minutes later) after fluffing up the pillows an* stuffingthem un*er the sheet) then positioning the rug a$! a$rossthe trap*oor so it woul* lieflat) hi*ing the panel again on$e it was fully lowere*) then)

stan*ing on the la**er an* rea$hing out aroun* the e*ges ofthe partially lowere* panel) tuggingthe e* a$! into pla$e) he finally lowere* the trap*oor fully)then retreate* *own into the tunnel&:esettling his $oat sleeves) he grinne* at Coy an* 2ugo& #That%ll leave them wrestling with the $lassi$ ri**le of howsomeone vanishes from alo$!e* room&' Coy $hu$!le*& #I%ve always wante* to leave someone with

that mystery to solve&' 2ugo riefly smile*) then no**e* along the tunnel& #9enee* to go&' They shuttere* their lanterns so that the light shone innarrow eams ahea* of them) enough to light their path uthopefully not enough to *isturany of the *enizens through whose ao*es) as it were) theywoul* pass&1eremy signale* Eliza to put up the hoo* of her $loa!& Even

in its presently *isarrange* state) the honey8gol* of her hairgleame* in the light7 farsafer to !eep it) an* any suggestion of her /uality)$on$eale*&Through the $loa! an* the lan!et she%* slung aout hershoul*ers) he lo$ate* her elow) lightly graspe* it& 2eno**e* to Coy an* they starte*



off7 1eremy wal!e* y Eliza%s si*e) fra$tionally ehin* her)rea*y to stea*y her over the rough groun*) or to prote$ther&Coy wal!e* ahea* of them& 2ugo stro*e -ust ehin*&

The s$aar* of the short swor* 1eremy ha* strappe* un*erhis $oat tappe* his thigh with every step& Coy) too) ha* asimilar weapon7 as theywal!e*) his han* hovere* over its hilt&2ugo) ehin* them) ha* a trun$heon an* a *ir!&They weren%t loo!ing for troule) ut none of them werefoolish enough to $ome into this area without eing prepare*for it&Eliza re$ognize* their prote$tiveness) guesse* its $ause&

Even though she $oul*n%t see the *anger) she $oul* senseits nearness) the unseen)unvoi$e* mena$e& The *amp $hill of the sometimes narrow)sometimes $avernous) tunnels through whi$h they passe*was insi*iously la$e* with thepotential for violen$e&Clut$hing the lan!et $loser) she e*ge* nearer 1eremy& #9hat is this pla$e5' 2er voi$e was the merest whisper&Ahea* of their little group range* three youths in rough

$lothing who%* een waiting a little way a$! along thetunnel from the la**er *own whi$hshe%* $ome7 the youths o$$asionally hel* up a han* to slowthem *own) as if $he$!ing the way ahea*) then they woul*e$!on an* $ontinue on&"eaning $lose so his wor*s wafte* a$ross her ear) 1eremyseize* a moment when their gui*es ha* wave* them to ahalt to reply) #These are thevaults 0 the vaults etween the ri*ges% supports& 9hen the

elevate* ri*ges lea*ing north an* south from 2igh Streetwere uilt) those who later uilthouses against the ri*ges in$orporate* the spa$es etweenthe supports as multiple elow8groun* levels in the houses0 se$on*) thir*) an* so onasements) one elow the other&'



2e fell silent as they move* forwar* again) swiftly an*silently $rossing a large) mu$h wi*er area&Eliza sense* movement in the impenetrale *ar!ness of theunseen spa$e& As their way on$e more narrowe*) she

whispere*) #9hy are therepeople hi*ing in the *ar!5' #Not hi*ing& They live here 0 we%re wal!ing through theirhomes&' She $oul*n%t imagine it& #9hy are they here5' #9hen the fire five years ago urne* *own the originalhouses) removing all the levels aove groun*) the uil*erswho uilt on the foun*ations of the urne*8out shells simply seale* off the lower levels&

Those lower levels 0 these tunnels 0 e$ame a warren forthe homeless) the *ispossesse*) thepoor of every !in*& Some) li!e the $anny uil*er who uiltthe terra$e of houses your $aptors $hose) left exits in thehouse asements in $ase of anotherfire& .ost lo$als !now of the vaults&' #I thin! S$rope is English) an* the nurse an* the $oa$hman*efinitely are&' #1ust so& They either rente* a house or $omman*eere* a

house whose owner is away&' They rea$he* a set of $ru*e steps $ut into the stone& Coyan* 2ugo hovere*) alert an* on guar*) while 1eremy helpe*her *own& #It%s not far now)' he whispere* as they starte* off again& #9e%re *es$en*ing the slope un*er the ri*ge 0 we%re notfar from the en*&' :e$alling -ust how long the ri*ge they%* wal!e* up from the$oa$hing inn to the 2igh Street ha* een) Eliza thought of

how many rooms must ehi**en away) tu$!e* un*erneath& 2ow many people)families) groups& #At least they%re out of the weather&' 1eremy *i*n%t reply& Ahea* of them Coy ha* $ome to ahalt at a wi*e opening eyon* whi$h stars appeare* li!epinpri$!s in the la$! fari$ of the s!y&



2alting) 1eremy murmure* to Eliza) #4o on with 2ugo& I%ll -oin you in a moment&' She hesitate*) $learly relu$tant) ut then 2ugo steppe*forwar* an* tou$he* her arm) an* she allowe* him to steer

her on through the opening an*out into the relative safety of the night&Coy waite* -ust eyon* the exit) glan$ing a$! as 1eremypulle* a small purse from his po$!et& The three youthswho%* hovere* in the *ar!ersha*ows instantly *rew nearer& #2ere&' ;pen*ing the purse in his palm) 1eremy showe*them the $oins he%* promise* in return for their helpnavigating the vaults safely& #3our

*ue) plus a tip&' The ol*est youth glan$e* at the other two) then loo!e* a$!at 1eremy& #Can you *ivi*e it for us5' 1eremy olige*&.ore than happy) the youths too! the $oins) salute*) an*melte* away&1eremy -oine* Coy7 a few steps more rought them towhere 2ugo waite* with Eliza in the shelter of a *oorway&As soon as 1eremy neare*) she retrieve* her han* from

2ugo%s sleeve an* graspe* 1eremy%s arm& She loo!e* atCoy) 2ugo) then up at1eremy& #I $an%t than! you enough& S$rope sai* he expe$tsthe lair* tomorrow morning& I wasn%t loo!ing forwar* tomeeting him&' 2ugo smile* an* swept her a ow& #(elighte* to e ofservi$e&' Coy grinne*& #Truth to tell) we haven%t ha* an a*venturefor far too long 0 it%s we who are in your *et& Now@' Fa$e

alight) he swung aroun*& #"et%s leave this pla$e for fairer $limes&' On$e more) Coy le* the way) an* 2ugo rought up therear& #9here are we going5' Eliza as!e*&



1eremy glan$e* *own at her through the *ense sha*ows7she felt more than saw his gaze as it move* riefly over herfeatures& #To Coy%s townhouse& It%s not far&'

Coy patently !new his way7 he le* them unerringlythrough passages an* tiny $ourtyar*s) through narrowalleys) an* a$ross larger lanes& Eliza!ept up as est she $oul*) ut in allroom slippers she ha*to e $areful where she pla$e* her feet&1eremy was unwavering in his soli$itousness) in eing rea*ywith a han*) or his arm) to stea*y her& She woul* normallyhave foun* su$h $onstantattention irritating) yet tonight she was nothing ut grateful&

An* surprise*&Surprise* y -ust how aware she was of the man y hersi*e&2e might e a s$holar) as asentmin*e* as they $ame) uthe was also very tall) an* /uite , !anl was the wor* thatsprang to min*&2e possesse* a great *eal more physi$al presen$e thanshe%* re$alle*) an aura she foun* *istra$ting& That ma*e hersenses s!itter an* her

nerves tighten) that ma*e her awareness fo$us on him)rather than on her surroun*ings&3et even *istra$te* as she was) she *i*n%t nee* to e tol*that they%* entere*) an* were pushing further into) theetter part of Aul* Town& Thehouses $hange*7 many were ol*er) pre*ating the fire7ornamentation on their stonewor! e$ame in$reasingly morevisile as the moon rose&It $ast more than enough light for her to appre$iate the soli*

gentility that permeate* the houses in the street theyeventually turne* into& The $ity%sells $hime* an* $lange* twi$e ea$h as they stro*e up theslumering street& Fishing in his po$!et) Coy halte* eforea three8story town house) then)



lat$h!ey in han*) he as$en*e* the three steps) unlo$!e* the*oor) set it wi*e) an* with a smile to mat$h) wave* them in& #9el$ome to my humle ao*e).iss Cynster&'

4ui*e* y 1eremy up the steps) she passe* Coy to stepover the threshol*) an* he a**e*) #Although your stay wille short) .eggin an* I hopeit will e $omfortale&' Crossing into the front hall) into wel$oming warmth an* soft$an*lelight) Eliza foun* a la*y mu$h her own age) withlustrous la$! $urls an*laughing lue eyes) waiting to greet her&The la*y smile* an* offere* her han*s& #I%m .argaret 0

.eggin to all& 9el$ome to our home&' Eliza foun* herself smiling roa*ly a$!& She put her han*sin .eggin%s) without hesitation leane* $lose to tou$h $hee!s)an* for the first time in*ays) relaxe*&The *oor shut an* olte*) they repaire* to the *rawing roomwhere a tray with tea) small honey $a!es) an* a plate ofmore roust san*wi$hes waswaiting& 9hile .eggin an* Eliza sippe* tea from $hina $ups

an* nile* the *eli$ious honey $a!es) the men sippe* fromglasses of whis!y an* ma*eshort wor! of the san*wi$hes& #It all went exa$tly as we%* planne*&' Coy wave* asan*wi$h as he rought .eggin up to *ate& #9e wentstraight to the 2igh Street en*) then$ounte* a$! to fin* the right asement&' #9e were lu$!y that the same uil*er uilt that terra$e allthe way from the $orner)' 2ugo sai*&

#An* that you foun* those youths to a$t as gui*es&' 1eremyset *own his empty glass& #9e $oul* have foun* our waywithout them) ut we%* haveattra$te* far too mu$h interest along the way& 2aving themwith us allowe* us to go in an* $ome out withouthin*ran$e&'



Comfortaly seate* on the *amas!8$overe* $haise alongsi*e.eggin) in a room whose amenity ma*e her feel at home)for the first time sin$eshe%* wal!e* into the a$! parlor of St& Ives 2ouse) Eliza felt

her sartorial short$omings& An* the nee* of a hot ath& Sheglan$e* at .eggin) smile* ratherwanly& #I won*er if I might troule you for a $hange ofattire5' .eggin was nearly a hea* shorter than she& #Perhaps you have a mai* more my size ,5' .eggin laughe* an* patte* her han*& #A$tually) we%re goingto *o rather etter than that& 9ater%s alrea*y eing heate*for a ath 0 we weren%tsure exa$tly when you woul* rea$h here) or it woul* have

een rea*y sooner& 2owever'0 she glan$e* at 1eremy 0#Isuspe$t that you%* etter hear therest of the plan these gentlemen have $on$o$te* efore youin*ulge&' .eggin riefly met Eliza%s eyes& #It%s they whohave arrange* your war*roe forto*ay&' Puzzle*) Eliza loo!e* at 1eremy&2e met her gaze& #9e nee* to get you away from E*inurghto some safe house as soon as possile) an* unless you $an

tell us of a nearerpla$e) 9olverstone Castle is the $losest I !now&' She lin!e*) thought& #I%ve visite* E*inurgh twi$e efore)ut we have no family or $lose $onne$tions here&' Afteranother moment $onsi*ering)she no**e*& #3es) it woul* e 9olverstone& There%s the <ale)of $ourse) :i$har* an* Catriona%s home where 2eather an*+re$!enri*ge sought refuge)ut it%s all the way a$ross the $ountry) an* some way south

0 not as $lose as the or*er south of here&' #An* 9olverstone%s not far eyon* the or*er) so that%swhere we nee* to go& :oy$e an* .inerva are in resi*en$e)an a**e* onus&' She no**e* again& #So how are we going to get there5' 1eremy glan$e* at Coy& #(o you have that map5' #"eft it in the *ining room 0 I%ll fet$h it&'



9hile Coy went to get the map) 1eremy went on) #+efore Iforget) I sent wor* to :oy$e y $ourier yester*ay) tellinghim I%* foun* you an* that wewoul* ma!e for 9olverstone with all spee*) an* as!ing him

to sen* wor* to your parents& Of $ourse) y the time theyre$eive any missive) we shoul*alrea*y e safe with :oy$e& 2owever) in or*er to rea$h him)we have to ta!e into a$$ount that it%s highly li!ely thatS$rope will give $hase&' #On$e he realizes I%m gone&' #Pre$isely& ;nfortunately) it isn%t sensile to leave efore*awn) an* he may realize you%ve gone shortly after) so wethought it est to have some

strategy to slow him *own&' 1eremy pause* as Coy $amea$! in) $arrying a large map) alrea*y unfol*e*&Coy lai* it on a small tale) then pulle* the tale etweenthe $haise an* 1eremy%s $hair& 2ugo pulle* his $hair $loser&Coy followe* suit)saying) #It won%t hurt to go over it one more time&' #:ight&' 1eremy glan$e* at Eliza& #The plan we%ve $ome upwith has two arms& The a$tual es$ape 0 you an* me ra$inga$! a$ross the or*er to

9olverstone 0 an* the *e$oy&' #That%s me an* 2ugo)' Coy informe* her& #The four of us will leave here a little efore *awn)' 1eremywent on& #9e%ll split up imme*iately& Coy an* 2ugo will go*own to the smaller inn onSouth +ri*ge Street near the $oa$hing inn where S$rope leftthe $oa$h& .y $urri$le an* horse are at that smaller inn&Coy an* 2ugo) preten*ing to eme an* you) will ta!e my ag) $olle$t my horse an* $urri$le)

then *rive out along the 4reat North :oa*) hea*ing at spee*for the or*er 0 exa$tly asanyone woul* expe$t us to&' "eaning over the map) 1eremy tra$e* Coy%s an* 2ugo%sprospe$tive route& #They%ll *rive via +erwi$! all the way to9olverstone) $arrying wor*



that you an* I will e $oming via a *ifferent) less oviousroute&' 2e glan$e* up an* $aught Eliza%s eye& #.eanwhile)you an* I will go *own Cannongatean* along 2igh Street to the 4rassmar!et an* the stales

there) to the southwest of the town) then hea* out alongthis roa*'0 he pointe* 0#hea*ingsouthwest to "anar! via Carnwath& +ut at Carnwath) we%llturn east&' 2e tra$e* the roa* eastwar*& #4oing viaCastle$raig) Peeles) Innerleithen) .elrose)4alashiels) an* St& +oswells through to 1e*urgh an* theor*er eyon*&' #The same or*er $rossing they use* on the way here)' Elizasai*&

1eremy no**e*& #9e%re wagering they%ll assume we%ll ta!ethe faster roa* with more traffi$ for $over& From their pointof view) there%s no reasonfor us to use the 1e*urgh) or more a$$urately) the Carter+ar $rossing) e$ause they $an have no i*ea that we%rema!ing for 9olverstone) whi$h isa$tually more rea*ily rea$he* from that *ire$tion&' 2eloo!e* at her& #If we leave at *awn) ma!ing all spee*) withlu$! we shoul* rea$h 9olverstone y

tomorrow evening&' Eliza frowne*& #9hat I *on%t un*erstan* is why they 0S$rope an* his people) possily even the lair* 0 woul*follow a $urri$le with Coy an*2ugo in it&' She loo!e* at 1eremy& #Buite oviously neitherof them is me&' 1eremy grinne*&Coy loo!e* smug) an* 2ugo loo!e* triumphant& #9hat our magnifi$ent trio have faile* to mention)' .eggin

sai*) #is that 2ugo is a thespian of long stan*ing&' 2ugo%s grin wi*ene*& #I have a wig that will mat$h your hairwell enough) an* a gol* sil! evening gown mu$h li!e yours&A** a little pa**ing) throwyour $loa! over all) an* I%ll pass as you easily enough 0 I%mnot that mu$h taller or roa*er) an* I $an assure you I%veplenty of experien$e wal!ing)



gesturing) an* tal!ing li!e a woman) enough to pull the woolover most $asual oservers% eyes&' #An* we only nee* to fool $asual oservers)' Coy put in& #The ostlers at the smaller inn%s stales) an* anyone else

who might see us en route)who might e as!e* to point out where we%ve gone& I $anpass for 1er well enough&' 2e glan$e* at 1eremy) grinne*& #Ihave efore&' #In a**ition to that)' 1eremy sai*) his gaze refixing on Eliza)his expression growing serious an* a tou$h un$ertain) #wewere hoping you woul*$onsent to *onning male attire 0 ree$hes) oots) shirt) an*$oat&' Faint $olor rose in his $hee!s& #In the interests of

$onfusing S$rope an* his people&' 2er gaze lo$!e* with his) Eliza%s lips $urve*) then shegrinne* as wi*ely as Coy& #That soun*s li!e an ex$ellenti*ea&' 1eremy felt a surge of relief& #4oo*&' 2e glan$e* at Coyan* 2ugo) then $on$lu*e*) #So that%s our plan for$onfoun*ing S$rope) his people) an*even the lair*) an* getting you safely to 9olverstone&' Eliza spent a glorious half hour relaxing in a hip8ath fille*

with hot water in a $heery upstairs e*$hamer& Feeling$lean an* mu$h more li!e herself) sherelu$tantly $lime* out an* *rie* herself& In a fresh $hemise.eggin ha* loane* her) wrappe* in a warm roe) she was!neeling efore the fire *rying herhair an* /uietly marveling at the turn of events 0 mostespe$ially at her new insights into an asentmin*e* s$holarwho) viewe* through his frien*s% eyes)seeme* far less *istant an* *eta$he* from wi*er life than

she%* thought 0 when a tap on the *oor heral*e* hera$$ommo*ating hostess&Smiling as she shut the *oor ehin* her) .eggin hel* up thepile of $lothes she $arrie*& #These are 2ugo%s $ontriutionsto your *isguise&'



+ustling over to the e*) she starte* laying them out& #Isuspe$t the sil! shirt an* ne$!er$hief are his) ut the -a$!et)ree$hes) an* oots most li!ely $amefrom one of the theaters&'

:ising) Eliza -oine* .eggin y the e*& #2ow useful to eale to rai* their war*roes&' #Espe$ially as he was ale to get alternatives 0 we $an pi$!whi$h est suits&' .eggin hel* up a twee* -a$!et& Shewrin!le* her nose& #That%ssimply too $ountrifie* 0 it will ma!e you stan* out&' Sheloo!e* *own at the offerings sprea* on the e*& #3ou nee*to loo! unremar!ale in every way&' They pi$!e* through the $lothes) hol*ing ea$h garment up)

*is$ar*ing some imme*iately) leaving others to e trie* on& #The three of them have put a lot of effort into this , thisa*venture) as Coy $alle* it&' Eliza met .eggin%s eyes& #I%mtruly in their *et) an* yours)too&' .eggin wave*& #9e were happy to help) an* truth e tol*) Ihaven%t seen the three of them so animate* in months) ifnot years& All three normallylea* very , well) *loistered lives) even Coy& An event li!e

this that gets them $hallenge*) enthuse*) an* out an*aout) *ealing with the worl* even if only for a short time) is no a* thing&' Eliza gesture* to the $lothes& #They seem to have thought ofeverything&' #I%m sure they have&' .eggin sighe*& #+ut they *o have aten*en$y to assume that everything will go exa$tly as theyplan& For instan$e) you an*1eremy rea$hing 9olverstone in one *ay y su$h a

roun*aout route& I have reservations) an* raise* them) too&I agree it%s possile) an* with othS$rope an* this lair* potentially on your heels) there%ll e notime to *ally) ut that timing allows for no hur*les along theway) an* in my experien$e nothing



runs that smoothly&' .eggin $aught Eliza%s gaze& #I *i*suggest that you an* 1eremy ta!e a mai* with you) -ust in$ase) ut they vetoe* that on several$ounts) an* I have to a*mit their reasoning is soun*&'

Eliza tippe* her hea*) $onsi*ering& #Along the lines of) whatwoul* a gentleman an* a youth nee* with a mai*5' .eggin no**e*& #Among other things& .ost telling was thatyou an* he woul*n%t e ale to travel as /ui$!ly as re/uire*while *ragging an extrao*y along& Ta!ing a mai* woul* more or less ensure youha* to pass the night somewhere along the roa*) an*1eremy is set on not allowing S$rope) orthis lair*) even that mu$h $han$e to $ome up with you&'

Eliza grima$e*& #That%s not something I woul* argue with&' Eventually) she *onne* new sil! *rawers .eggin ha* oughtfor her) an* etween them they use* a sil! $ravat to in*her reasts& Eliza !ept herne$!la$e on) tu$!ing the rose /uartz pen*ant safely out ofsight etween her s/uashe* reasts7 the fine $hain with itsamethyst ea*s was $on$eale* wellenough eneath 2ugo%s sil! shirt& The shirt fitte* wellenough in the o*y) ut the sleeves hung past her

fingertips& .eggin ha* rought nee*les an*threa*& They ea$h too! one $uff an*) with a few /ui$!stit$hes) shortene* the sleeves& #There& Try that&' Stepping a$!) han*s on her hips) .egginwat$he* $riti$ally as Eliza re*onne* the shirt& Then .egginno**e*& #4oo*& That willpass& Now for the rest&' Twenty minutes later) with rags stuffe* in the toes of theoots to ma!e them fit) Eliza stoo* efore the $heval glass)

settle* the soft8rimme* hatover her tightly pinne* hair) an* surveye* their han*iwor!& #I really *o ma!e a passale young man&' +esi*e her) also loo!ing into the mirror) .eggin no**e*& #Ayouth on the $usp of manhoo*& As long as you rememer tostri*e an* not gli*e) you%ll*o&'



Eliza glan$e* *own at her feet) then) grinning) $aught.eggin%s gaze& #The oots will help with that&' .eggin laughe*& #True& So) are you rea*y5' #3es&' Straightening to her full height) $hin rising) Eliza

no**e* as imperiously as her rother 4ariel might& 9ith agra$eful ow) she wave*.eggin to the *oor& #"ea* on) ma%am) an* I%ll follow&' Chu$!ling) .eggin $omplie*&+ut when they rea$he* the hea* of the stairs) .egginsteppe* a$! an* wave* her on& #4o *own first 0 they%reeagerly waiting to see the resultsof their en*eavors&' "ips $urving) Eliza starte* *own the stairs& The front hall

$ame into view as she *es$en*e*& She saw a pair of oots)then) as the legs in the ootswere reveale*) realize* they were 1eremy%s& 2e wasstan*ing $losest to the stairs&.eggin%s reservations aout the men%s planning ailitiesreplaye* in her min*& For her part) she%* een surprise*)*elighte*ly so) y theirresour$efulness thus far) ut as .eggin ha* warne*)perhaps she shoul*n%t expe$t too mu$h of them 0 they

weren%t magi$ians& They were s$holars) an*su$h easts *i*n%t $hange their spots purely through anexer$ise of enthusiasm&9ith every step *ownwar*) she saw more of 1eremy& 9ithevery in$h reveale*) it was $on$lusively $onfirme* that hermemory of him physi$allyha* een well an* truly superse*e*& The present reality wassignifi$antly *ifferent) in ways that still ma*e her heart eatfaster) ma*e her reathing

/ui$!en) an* sent awareness pri$!ling over her s!in&Ignoring the effe$t) hea* hel* at a lofty angle) she*es$en*e* the last stairs7 stepping onto the hall tiles) she$oolly met the men%s wi*ening gazes)then slowly turne*) $areful not to pirouette li!e a girl uthalf swagger aroun* li!e a male&



1eremy $oul*n%t ta!e his eyes off her7 they%* fixe* on herlong) shapely legs) *isplaye* to a*vantage y the ree$hesan* oots as she) with slow*elieration) ha* $ome *own the stairs step y step) an*

now woul*n%t shift& As she $ontinue* her turn) he ha* tofor$e himself to lin!) for$e himself tohaul in a reath 0 an* only then realize* he%* stoppe*reathing&(espite his intentions) his gaze fli$!e* unerringly to the$urves of her *erriere) sutly outline* eneath the s!irts ofthe -a$!et she%* $hosen&2is mouth *rie*& Another wave of heat washe* through him)as it ha* in the asement when she%* smile* so *azzlingly at

him&2is $ons$ious min*) his logi$al) rational s$holar%s min*)arrogantly *ismisse* the rea$tion 0 yes) it was lust) purean* simple) ut that -ust meanthe wasn%t *ea* 0 ut some other) less rational part of hispsy$he !new there was a great *eal more to it than that&An* he%* -ust volunteere* to es$ort her) an unmarrie*Cynster prin$ess) in her male guise) the two of them alone)over all the miles to 9olverstone&

2is new insight $ast the -ourney in a $ompletely *ifferentlight) more an or*eal than an a*venture&At least it woul* only last for a *ay&2e for$e* himself to meet her gaze as) $ompleting her turn)she raise* her eyes to his fa$e& #3ou loo! , very plausile&' Coy $ast him a sharp glan$e) then smile* at Eliza& #Convin$ing)' he *e$lare*& #Totally $onvin$ing&' #3ou%ll *o very well)' 2ugo sai*& #Espe$ially if you rememerto move li!e that&'

If she $ontinue* to move li!e that , raising a han*) 1eremyrue* his left temple& #Come along) all of you&' .eggin ha* followe* Eliza *ownthe stairs& She shooe* them into the *ining room& #There%san early rea!fast waiting&3ou nee* to eat so you%ll e ale to ra$e off) to hare out ofE*inurgh the instant the sun%s up&'



Ignoring the intrigue* loo! .eggin $ast him) 1eremy stoo*a$! an* let the others go ahea*& 2e seize* a moment tosteel himself efore followingthem in&

Over a hearty rea!fast of pan$a!es) gri**le $a!es)sausages) $o**le* eggs) a$on) ham) !ippers) an* !e*geree)they went over their*esignate* routes one last time& 1eremy was please* to notethat Eliza *i*n%t restri$t herself to tea an* toast) as so manyfashionale la*ies *i*& She ateenough to see her well into the *ay) mu$h to his relief7 whilepotentially fleeing S$rope an* the lair*) a fainting femalewas the last thing he woul* nee*&

#9ith any lu$!) S$rope an* this lair* will hie after us an*leave you two to ma!e your way to 9olverstoneunmoleste*&' Coy pushe* a$! fromthe tale& #:eally) the o**s have to e very mu$h on oursi*e& There%s no reason whatever for either S$rope or thelair* to loo! west) let alone $ast theirnet wi*e enough to in$lu*e a man an* a youth&' 2ugo ha* eaten /ui$!ly) then ex$use* himself to *on thegol* sil! gown he%* orrowe* an* the $loa! Eliza%s $aptors

ha* given her7 hereappeare* in time to hear Coy%s last remar!& 2ugo stru$!a la*yli!e pose in the *oorway& #Certainly not when theyhave a la*y an* a gentleman of pre$isely the *es$ription they see! to follow instea*&' The others all stare*&1eremy re$overe* first& #The gown suits you& It rings outthe hazel in your eyes&' 2ugo atte* his lashes& #9hy) than! you) !in* sir&'

#%Pon my wor*) you ma!e a very *ashing young la*y) 2ugo)m%la*&' 2ugo pointe* at Coy& #1ust rememer to *rop the m%la*&%' #9ell)' .eggin sai*) ta!ing sto$! of them all& #3ou%re allnearly rea*y) whi$h is -ust as well&' 9ith her hea* she*ire$te* their attention to the



un$urtaine* win*ow& It fa$e* east) an* the faintestlightening of the s!y was sprea*ing upwar* an* outwar*over the roofs& .eggin rose& #1ust wait onemore moment while I fet$h my $ontriution&'

The other four ex$hange* puzzle* glan$es& They *raine*their $ups) put *own their nap!ins) an* rose&They were waiting in the front hall) Eliza swirling a man%s$loa! aout her shoul*ers) when .eggin $ame out throughthe *oor from the !it$hens$arrying three pa$!e* sa**leags& #These are for you&' Shehan*e* one to Coy) an* the other two to 1eremy& #1ust in$ase&' Coy an* 1eremy pee!e* un*er the ags% flaps&

#Foo*)' .eggin informe* them& #An* there%s a small !nife inthe ottom of ea$h ag&' 3ust in *ase# Eliza met .eggin%s eyes& #Than! you)' Elizasai*) then glan$e* at the others& #For everything&' Coy salute* her& #9e%ll see you at 9olverstone thisevening&' #9e%ll eat you there&' 2ugo too! her han* in a manly graspan* shoo! it& #9e%ll e waiting on the terra$e with a glass ofwine in han* to greet

you&' Eliza shoo! Coy%s han*) too) then envelope* the smaller.eggin in a warm hug& They tou$he* $hee!s) s/ueeze*fingers&:eleasing her an* stepping a$!) Eliza waite* while 1eremyusse* .eggin on the $hee!& #I%ll $ome an* visit againsoon)' he sai*& #9ithout theex$itement&' #3ou must&' .eggin%s gaze fli$!e* to Eliza) in$lu*ing her&

#3ou%ll nee* to tell me how all this wor!s out&' Ami* a flurry of farewells) the front *oor was opene*) an*Eliza foun* herself stan*ing esi*e 1eremy in the street& #4oo* lu$!@' .eggin wave* from the open *oorway&They all wave* a$!) then Eliza an* 1eremy loo!e* at Coyan* 2ugo& The three men salute*7 Eliza /ui$!ly mimi$!e*them&



#;ntil 9olverstone&' 1eremy turne* up the street) gesturingfor Eliza to follow& #To 9olverstone@' Coy an* 2ugo e$hoe* as they swungaway an*) with Coy $arrying 1eremy%s ag) wal!e* off in

the opposite *ire$tion)*own the sloping street&Following 1eremy) Eliza /ui$!ly $lime* to Cannongate&Turning left) si*e y si*e they stro*e east along the :oyal.ile) into 2igh Street an* pastthe Tron 6ir! 0 the $hur$h esi*e South +ri*ge that she%*rememere* 0 an* on past the Cathe*ral of St& 4iles an*the Parliament&She use* the moments of pa$ing along the largely *eserte*

main street to pra$ti$e her manly stri*e& At first she foun*!eeping her hips relativelystill *iffi$ult) ut y the time they were nearing the westernen* of the main street) she%* mastere* the art of ta!inglonger stri*es an* letting her armsswing in a more natural manner&One sa**leag slung over his shoul*er) the other over onearm) 1eremy pa$e* alongsi*e her) a$utely aware of what shewas *oing) that every

now an* then her gaze woul* *rop to his hips) his thighs) asshe use* his stri*e as a mo*el for hers&Ignoring the *istra$tion as est he $oul*) he !ept his gazetraine* on the street) s$anning ahea*) proing every al$ove)*isse$ting every sha*ow&2is instin$ts were awa!e an* alert) his senses alive in a wayhe $oul*n%t rememer ever experien$ing& 2e tol* himself itwas e$ause he was prote$tingher 0 an* it was 0 ut he%* never imagine* the simple a$t

of prote$ting a female woul* generate this level ofex$itement) let alone the len* of suppresse* tension an* rea*iness for a$tion that waspresently $oursing through him&It was exhilarating7 he was starting to $omprehen* how menli!e his rother8in8law an* the other memers of the +astionClu might have grown



a**i$te* to this me*ley of sensations& It was un*enialy a$hallenge to e in $harge) to ma!e the plans) give theor*ers) an* play the !night8prote$tor) uthe%* never expe$te* the a$$ompanying thrill that $ame with

su$$ess) with a$hievement) mu$h less that it woul* havemu$h effe$t on him&2e was a s$holar through an* through7 what *i* he !now ofor nee* with su$h warrior8prote$tor rea$tions5Clearly there was another si*e to him) a *ormant si*e withwhi$h he ha*n%t previously engage*&The $astle loome* ahea*& +umping Eliza%s arm 0 as hewoul* have if she%* een male 0 he veere* left) stri*ing*own the $urve of 4rassmar!et

to where a $olle$tion of stales serve* the traffi$ that $ameinto the $ity from the southwest&As they approa$he* the stale he%* sele$te* as the mostsuitale for their purpose) he murmure*) #:ememer 0 I%myour tutor) you%re my $harge&"oo! ore* an* *isintereste* in what%s happening aout you&(on%t spea! unless you have no other $hoi$e&' She no**e*& #4ive me one sa**leag&' 2alting outsi*e the stale) he han*e* her the ag he%* een

$arrying7 the other still over his shoul*er) he left her y theroa*si*e without aa$!war* glan$e an* went into the stales) hailing thestale master an* engaging in a swift ex$hange ofpleasantries efore getting *own to theusiness of $hoosing suitale mounts for them oth&Instin$t $onstantly pro**e*) then more insistently pri$!e*)urging him to glan$e a$! at Eliza7 he ha* to !eep le$turinghimself that if she%* een the

la* she was suppose* to e) he woul*n%t thin! to wat$h overher) not unless some $ommotion arose&4ritting his teeth) he $on$entrate* on the matter at han*&They nee*e* two swift stee*s to $arry them along the roa*s)even) if ne$essary) a$ross



the fiel*s) ut their est time woul* e ma*e on the roa*s&That sai*) they also nee*e* strength an* stamina7 whilethey $oul* an* woul* $hange horsesat least on$e along the way) he wante* to get as far as

possile) Carnwath at least) efore having to stop at anotherhostelry&The staleman was experien$e* an*) when informe* of theirnee*s) turne* out two li!ely $hestnuts) one heavier) theother a tou$h younger an*slee!er& 1eremy inspe$te* them an* approve*& Sele$tingsa**les an* ta$! was /ui$!ly a$$omplishe*& After paying theman) 1eremy le* the horses outinto the narrow yar* esi*e the roa*&

At the soun* of hooves) Eliza turne*&2er eyes wi*ene*&2e frowne*& A /ui$! glan$e a$! showe* that the stalemanha* retire* *eeper into his *omain&Slowing the horses) 1eremy use* them as a s$reen as hehalte* in front of her& #9hat%s wrong5' (ragging her eyes from the restive) eager horses) Elizafo$use* on her prin$ipal res$uer%s fa$e& #I) ah ,' 9ith aneffort she suppresse* the urge

to wring her han*s& #9oul*n%t it e faster to *rive5 In a$urri$le with a pair of fast horses) for instan$e5' 2is frown grew a tou$h more et$he*& #Possily 0 possilynot& +ut the *e$i*ing fa$tor is that a $arriage of any sort willrestri$t us to the roa*s 0passale roa*s 0 while on horsea$!) if ne$essary we $ango $ross8$ountry&' 2er gaze fli$!e* to the horses again&She felt 1eremy%s gaze sear$h her fa$e& After a moment) he

a**e*) voi$e low) #If S$rope or the lair* manage to fin* ourtrail an* $hase us) wenee* to e flexile) moile) ale to ta$! an* turn li!e foxes&9e nee* to e ale to run) so we nee* to e on horsea$!)not in a $arriage&' She *ragge* in a reath) shifte* her gaze to his fa$e) an*for$e* herself to no*& #3es) of $ourse&'



2e hesitate*) then as!e*) #3ou $an ri*e astri*e) $an%t you5I%ve always hear* that ri*ing si*esa**le is har*er&' #I%ve hear* the same&' She $lung to the $ommonly hel*elief& #I%ve -ust never ri**en astri*e efore&' "o$!ing her

gaze on the smaller horse) shehaule* in another huge reath) fought to /uell her su**enlypit$hing stoma$h enough to lift her $hin an* *e$lare) #I%msure I%ll manage&' She woul* have to& 2e an* his frien*s ha* gone to so mu$htroule to help her) an* ri*ing was $learly re/uire* to ma!etheir res$ue wor!& #4oo*&' 2e angle* the smaller $hestnut efore her& #I%ll hol*him& Can you get up on your own5'

#I thin! so&' She%* wat$he* her rothers an* $ousins mountmore times than she $oul* $ount7 grimly *etermine*) shepla$e* the pa**e* toe of heroot in the stirrup) grae* the pommel) an* hoiste* herselfup&An* was pleasantly surprise* y the unexpe$te* free*omher ree$hes affor*e* her7 swinging her leg over) with$ommen*ale gra$e she $ame*own in the sa**le an* /ui$!ly pi$!e* up the reins&

She $oul* *efinitely get use* to wearing ree$hes&1eremy a*-uste* the stirrups for her& The sensation of sittingastri*e the horse%s a$! felt o**) yet far more se$ure thanher usual position in asi*esa**le&I *an do this# Surely ri*ing astri*e in her new male personashe woul*n%t have any prolem& She -ust ha* to elieve7horses sense* the moo* of their ri*ers 0 she !new that well enough&

1eremy atta$he* oth sa**leags) one efore her sa**le)the other efore his) then swung easily up to his mount%sa$!& 2e settle*) then pi$!e*up the reins an* no**e* ris!ly at her& #:ight& "et%s go&' 2e le* the way out of the stale yar*& Eliza%s mount followe*its $ompanion more or less of its own a$$or*&That was all right& She $oul* manage that&



The next ten minutes ha* her slowly relaxing& +oth horsesseeme* to e reasonaly well mannere*& Although eager torun) neither possesse* themettlesome tempers she was a$$ustome* to having to

wrestle with in Cynster8re* mounts&2er neat $hestnut oeye* her han* on the reins wellenough& Even more reassuring) although it was arely *awn)there was suffi$ient traffi$ on theroa* 0 other ri*ers) a few $arriages) an* lots of $arts 0 toensure their est spee* was) at most) a slow -og8trot&It wasn%t that *ifferent from ri*ing in 2y*e Par!&I *an do this# The refrain repeate* in her hea* as they leftE*inurgh) per$he* high on its ro$!) ehin* them) an*

trotte* southeast on the roa* toCarnwath&+ehin* them the sun slowly rose in the s!y) warming theira$!s) an* throwing long sha*ows ahea* of them) whileturning the s!y from gray topin!) to a pale wash of yellow) an* finally to a soft summerlue&Eliza ro*e stea*ily on&S$rope) 4enevieve) an* Taylor seeme* li!e *istant

memories7 so mu$h ha* happene* sin$e last she%* seenthem&1eremy ro*e esi*e an* half a length ahea* of her) !eepingto a stea*y pa$e& The roa* stret$he* out in front of them)with nary a hur*le in sight&9ith ir*song swelling aroun* them) with the $la$! ofhooves) the rattle of wheels) an* the o$$asional voi$es ofpassing *rivers $ompeting for herears) with the fresh reeze lowing in their fa$es) even with

the sure !nowle*ge that a long an* physi$ally tiring *ay layahea*) she foun* herself amazingly$ontent&2er heart felt light) uoye*) free&Even though she was ri*ing a horse&I *an do this#Smiling) she ro*e alongsi*e 1eremy) away from E*inurgh&



Chapter Six

%m off to wait for .$6insey in the s/uare&' S$rope wal!e*into the !it$hen of the town house where 4enevieve an*Taylor ha* -ust sat *own totheir rea!fasts&4enevieve gesture* to the platters on the tale& #3ou *on%twant any5' #I ate earlier& I want to get .iss Cynster into .$6insey%shan*s as soon as I $an 0 an* get my han*s on our onus&

2e sai* he%* e waiting firstthing 0 let%s see how !een an* eager he is&' S$rope loo!e*at their plates& #As soon as you%ve finishe*) ta!e a tray *ownto .iss Cynster 0 -ust tea an*toast will *o& 4et her up) washe*) *resse*) an* fe*) rea*y tohan* over to .$6insey when I ring him here&' 4enevieve no**e*&S$rope turne* for the front *oor& #+e sure she%s rea*y whenI get a$!&'

4enevieve pulle* a fa$e at his a$!) then applie* herself toher meal&On$e the front *oor $li$!e* shut ehin* S$rope) Taylorgrumle*) ut he) too) ate as /ui$!ly as he $oul*& +oth hean* 4enevieve ha* long agolearne* that it was etter to humor S$rope in all things7 his -os were invarialy the simplest) the most straightforwar*)an* the est pai*&Stuffing her last $rust into her mouth) 4enevieve rose an*

starte* assemling a tray& 9hen the !ettle oile* again) shefille* the teapot) thentippe* the rest of the steaming water into an ewer she%* halffille* with $ol* water& #That shoul* *o her&' Setting the !ettle a$! on the ho) she wipe* her han*s onher apron an* glan$e* at Taylor& #3ou rea*y5'



Swallowing a last ite of sausage) Taylor no**e*& Pushinghis plate away) he rose&9hile 4enevieve hefte* the tray) he too! the !eys from thehoo!) unlo$!e* the *oor to the asement steps) an* haule*

it wi*e& :ea$hing for thelantern) he /ui$!ly !in*le* it) a*-uste* the wi$!) then le* theway *own&4enevieve followe* more slowly& +alan$ing the tray) shehalte* outsi*e the asement room *oor an* waite* whileTaylor) having set the lantern onthe floor) inserte* the large !ey) unlo$!e* the heavy *oor)an* pulle* it open& The light from the lantern showe* themthe outline of their prisoner) still lying

in the e*&9al!ing forwar* with the tray) 4enevieve loo!e* a$! atTaylor an* tippe* her hea* towar* the !it$hen& #Fet$h theewer an* asin) will you) while Iget her highness up5' Taylor grunte* an* went) leaving the lantern on the floor&The eam of light wasn%t strong& 4enevieve set the tray*own) glan$e* at the figure in the e*) then went a$! tofet$h the lantern& #:ise an* shine)

.iss Cynster& The *ay of re$!oning has $ome&' SeeingTaylor slowly *es$en*ing the steps with the asin an* ewer)4enevieve lifte* the lantern)strengthene* the flame) then turne* a$! into the room& #Come along) now&' She a*van$e* on the e*) playing thelight over it& #It won%t *o you any goo* 0' She ro!e off ona gasp& A se$on* later) sherushe* the last feet to the e*& #No@' (ragging a$! the sheet) exposing the two pillows un$he*

an* stuffe* eneath it 0 exposing the $omplete asen$e ofthe young woman whoshoul* have een there 0 4enevieve let out a shrie!& #o@2ow $oul* this e5' There was a $latter an* a $lang on the floor outsi*e) thenTaylor $ame rushing in& #9hat5 9hat is it5'



2aving $omprehensively s$anne* the room) 4enevieveturne* a white fa$e to him& #She%s gone&' #(on%t e silly 0 she $an%t e&' Taylor loo!e* aroun*) thenent *own an* pee!e* un*er the e*&

#She%s gone)' 4enevieve repeate*& 9hen Taylorstraightene* an* lumere* a$! to his feet) she was$lut$hing her elows& #S$rope will have ourhea*s@' #(on%t see why 0 it%s not us who lost her&' Taylor turne* ina stunne* $ir$le& #She%s -ust not here& She%s vanishe*& Froma lo$!e* room&' #3ou try telling S$rope that& 2e%s going to thin! we%ve *onesome *eal with the $hit 0 ta!en money from her family to

let her go&' That was a real possiility& Taylor wasn%t use* to thin!ingfast 0 that%s why he wor!e* for others li!e S$rope 0 ut hewas thin!ing now& #She washere last night& S$rope was the last to leave 0 he was theone who $lose* the *oor an* lo$!e* it& 2e was up an* in the!it$hen earlier than we were ,' Taylor met 4enevieve%s gaze& #Coul* he have alrea*yhan*e* her over to this lair* 0 an* now he%s -ust left us5'

4enevieve gave the matter *ue thought ut eventuallyshoo! her hea*& #That%s not his way& 2e never wor!s alone)so he nee*s to hire us) or thoseli!e us& It won%t *o him any goo* if wor* gets out that he%s$rosse* us&' Taylor no**e*& #:ight 0 you%re right&' Still $lut$hing her arms) 4enevieve turne* slowly) examiningevery in$h of the room& #2ow the *evil *i* she get out 0 ofhere) of the asement)

even of the house5' #(oesn%t matter&' Taylor saw the light& #2owsoever she gotout) she%s gone) ut if she was here late last night) as we!now she was) then no matterwhen she left the house) $han$es are she woul*n%t haveeen ale to leave the $ity until early this morning) on$e thesun $ame up an* the stales



opene*&' Taylor $aught 4enevieve%s gaze& #9e%ve a $han$e of $at$hingher if I go now& :ight away&' 2e swung on his heel an*hurrie* out of the room&

4enevieve $ame to life an* ra$e* after him& #2ow $an you!now whi$h way she%s gone5 9here to loo!5' #Simple&' Taylor *i*n%t loo! a$! as he $lime* the steps& #She%ll have gone home 0 where else woul* a young la*yli!e her go5' :ea$hing the !it$hen) he grae* his $oat off a peg y therear *oor& #Even if she%s foun* some fellow to help her) she%lle hea*ing *own the4reat North :oa*) fast as ever she $an&'

#To the or*er&' 4enevieve no**e*& #I%m off to $he$! the stales an* $oa$hing inns at theottom of South +ri*ge Street 0 that%s where she%ll haveloo!e* for a $arriage or a mail$oa$h&' Taylor turne* to the *oor& #3ou stay here an* tellS$rope& I%ll e a$! with his pa$!age 0 or sen* wor* if Ihave to follow her along a ways&' 4enevieve pulle* a fa$e) ut there was no help for it&9ithout waiting for any response from her) Taylor stro*e to

the front *oor an* $lattere* out into the street&Following as far as the *oor) 4enevieve hear* Taylor%sfootsteps running *own the $oles& Closing the *oor) shestoo* in the hall) still asoringthe sho$!& #+ut how the *evil *i* she get out5' #Oh) fair an* -oyous *ay@' 2ugo leane* a$! against the$urri$le%s seat) gol*en wig twirling on one finger as with asweeping gesture he expansively*e$laime*) #The sun is shining) our enterprise is prospering&

9hat more $an we as! of life5' The $urri$le%s reins in his han*s) Coy shot him a grin& #Isuspe$t we shoul* hope that 1er an* Eliza have manage* aswell as we have&' #(outless they have)' 2ugo replie*& #9hy woul*n%t they5Our plan is ex$ellent& 9hat $oul* go wrong5'



Coy shrugge*& #2ave to say this horse is a goer& Ni$ea$tion an* plenty of power&' #1er%s always ha* an eye for su$h things&' 2ugo glimpse* a$oa$h approa$hing an* set the wig a$! on his hea*&

#If we !eep up this pa$e) we%ll e in (al!eith shortly&' 2ugo twiste* aroun* to loo! a$! at E*inurgh) high on itsro$!) fa*ing into the haze rising from the firth eyon*)shrin!ing an* re$e*ing as theyspe* along&Turning a$!) the rattle of the $urri$le%s wheels now -oine*y the *eeper rumle of the approa$hing $oa$h) 2ugo *rewEliza%s $loa! $loser aoutthe gol* sil! gown he wore) let his shoul*ers fall) flippe* the

$loa!%s hoo* up an* turne* his hea* away) transforming in ahearteat to a shy la*y as the$oa$h *rew near&Then the $oa$h was past) an* 2ugo turne* a$!) metCoy%s eyes an* grinne*& 2e remaine* in his femalepersona until they%* gone anothermile) then) with no other travelers aout to see) he threwa$! the $loa!& #Onwar*@' (ramati$ally) he pointe* *ownthe roa*& #To (al!eith) then +erwi$!&

An* then on to 9olverstone@' #To 9olverstone@' Coy $li$!e* the reins) an* 1asperoligingly steppe* out& #I%m loo!ing for a young la*y 0 English) fair8haire*) in agol* evening gown&' Taylor halte* efore two ostlers in theyar* of the small inn -ust past the largerinn at whi$h his own party ha* left their $oa$h&2e was still $at$hing his reath) having run all the way *ownfrom the house) ut eyeing the two fa$es efore him)

wat$hing the la*s ex$hange aglan$e) it was $lear the exertion ha*n%t een waste*& 2opesurge*& #Oviously you%ve seen her& 9hi$h way *i* she go5' The ol*er of the two loo!e* up at him& #9hat%s in it fer us5' Taylor $urse* an* hunte* in his po$!ets& Fin*ing a shilling)he hel* it out& #(on%t push your lu$!& So where *i* she go5'



The ostler too! the $oin) inspe$te* it) then slippe* it into hispo$!et& #She $ame in with an English gen%leman& 2e%*stale* his $urri$le an* la$!here 0 $ame in yester*ay) late morning& They too! the

$urri$le an* set off at first light&' #9hi$h way *i* they go5' The younger ostler shifte*& #2ear* the gen%leman mentionthe 4reat North :oa*& (al!eith an* on from there&' #Than! you&' Thin!ing furiously) Taylor fishe* in his po$!etan* foun* a few more $oins& 2an*ing them over) he as!e*) #(o you have a fast horse I$an hire5 An* someone to run a message into Aul* Town)too5'

#At last@' 1eremy loosene* his reins an* glan$e* at Eliza& #Ithought the traffi$ woul* never thin& I ha* no i*ea we%*stri!e so many $arts& At least now we$an start moving&' 2e tappe* his heels to his mount%s si*es an* the igger$hestnut surge*&Eliza for$e* herself to ease her reins enough to allow herhorse to respon*& As it lengthene* its stri*e) sheinstin$tively tightene* her grip 0

$lampe* her thighs to the sa**le s!irts) felt her stoma$h$len$h 0 tightene* everything&Every mus$le tense*) an* tense*&She trie* to stave off the urgeoning pani$& Trie* to remin*herself she was now a youth) not a female& Espe$ially not afemale who $oul*n%t ri*ewell& I *an do this#Ahea* of them) the roa* was finally $lear& The flat surfa$estret$he* as far as she $oul* see) e$!oning an* tempting

any *e$ent ri*er& #9e%ll nee* to go at a $ra$!ing pa$e if we%re to rea$h9olverstone y evening)' 1eremy $alle*&Clinging to the sa**le) to her seat) to her $omposure) shetol* herself it woul*n%t matter if they were a few hours late&I *an do this# I *an do this#



She repeate* the mantra to the /ui$!ening rhythm of thehorses% hooves as she rose an* fell aw!war*ly with herhorse%s gait&I *an do this#

She was managing) -ust) ut she was still in the sa**le&There) see5I *an do this#A minute later) 1eremy $alle* to her) #9e%ve over a hun*re*miles more to $over& 9e nee* to start ma!ing up time 0let%s go&' #N 0' 2er throat seize*) along with everything else&1eremy%s $hestnut flui*ly shifte* into a gallop&2er horse stret$he* out) following its $ompanion&

She felt li!e a lo$! of woo*) stiff) frozen) unale to relax) to*o what she !new she shoul*&Pani$ welle* an* swampe* her&2er lungs seize*& She $oul*n%t reathe&I $an%t do thisShe starte* -oun$ing) as she%* !nown she woul*) herpani$!e* attempts to mat$h her horse%s stri*e /ui$!lygetting out of rhythm until she wasoun$ing) until her horse%s stri*e ro!e) fra$ture*& It starte*

pulling) then tossing its hea*) trying to pi$! up the gallopan* -oin its stalemate&4asping) pani$ a full8lown monster in her $hest) she foughtthe horse) yan!e* an* tugge* an* haule* 0 the eastslowe*) swerve* onto thegrassy verge) a$! ar$hing as she wrestle* with the reins&The horse aruptly halte* an* she tippe*) then) helplesslyflailing) trying to regain her alan$e) she slowly sli*ignominiously si*eways) toppling

over the horse%s fore/uarter) to lan*) staggering) on thegrass) the reins still in her lo$!e* fingers&2er legs woul*n%t hol* her& She $ollapse*) $hest heaving) tothe groun*&The an*s in*ing her reasts *i*n%t help in the least&Feeling faint) she *rew up her !nees an* hung her hea*etween&



Su**enly 1eremy was there& 2e $rou$he* esi*e her& Shefelt his han* riefly tou$h her a$!) then sense* himglan$ing aroun*& #There%s no one aroun* to see&' 1eremy loo!e* a$! at her)

astonishe* y what ha* happene*) e/ually surprise* y hisown) highly vis$eralrea$tion& #9hy *i* you $ome off5' 2e%* loo!e* aroun* only in time to see her serve to theverge) then fall out of the sa**le& (u$!ing his hea*) he trie*to loo! into her fa$e& #Are youhurt5' #No&' 2er reply was muffle*& She !ept her hea* *own&2e loo!e* at the horse) running his eyes over its hea* an*

legs& 2e $oul*n%t see anything amiss with either east orsa**le&Then he hear* her *rag in a huge reath an* heave it out ina long sigh& #I%m sorry&' She raise* her hea* an* met his eyes& #I shoul*have tol* you 0 I%m not a very goo* ri*er&' 2e lin!e*& +efore he $oul* halt the wor*s) he lurte* out) #+ut you%re a Cynster&' 2er eyes narrowe*& #+elieve me) no one !nows that etter

than I& :egar*less) *espite the rest of the family%s osessionwith the easts) I%m notterrily fon* of horses& I woul* never $hoose to ri*e 0 Inever *o in the $ountry& Naturally) given my family) I $an sita horse an* manage well enough towal! through streets an* slowly $anter in the par!& +ut ,'She gesture* helplessly& #That%s the limit of my e/uestrianailities& I $an%t ri*e well enough togallop&'

Seeing their won*erful plan $rumling efore him) 1eremyshifte* an* sat esi*e her on the grass& Arms resting on his!nees) he stare* a$rossthe roa*& #3ou shoul* have tol* me&' #I trie* 0 at the stales&' #I meant efore) when we were *is$ussing the plan atCoy%s&'



#I thought we were going to *rive 0 that you%* hire another$urri$le) not two horses& 3ou never mentione* ri*ing&' 2e thought a$!) grima$e*& #Sorry 0 you%re right& I *i*n%tsay& I -ust assume* ,'

Eliza plu$!e* at the grass etween them& #No& It%s my fault&I shoul* have spo!en up at the stales) ut I thought eing*resse* as a youth an*ri*ing astri*e instea* of si*esa**le might *o the tri$!& Ithought perhaps I $oul* manage) an* I *i*n%t want to ruinyour plan ,' An* she ha*n%t wante* him to !now of what she saw as herwea!ness) a wea!ness she usually manage* to hi*e or avoi*altogether& She

*ragge* in a tight reath an* let it out with) #I *i*n%t wantyou to !now I%m su$h a wea! an* helpless female that I$an%t even manage a horse&' #There%s lots of women 0 lots of men if it $omes to that 0who $an%t manage strong horses& It%s -ust a* lu$! you wereorn into su$h a horse8ma*family&' 2is tone was even) that of a professor relating!nown fa$ts& #Not eing ale to ri*e well is no real refle$tionon you) or on your no *out extensive

other ailities&' She shifte*& #+ut my not eing ale to ri*e) at least not fastenough) has ruine* your plan) hasn%t it5' #Not ruine* 0 -ust for$e* an alteration&' The iggest of whi$h) 1eremy realize*) was that they$oul*n%t possily rea$h 9olverstone in one *ay) not even ifthey travele* through the night ,not unless they foun* other fast transportation&The emphasis eing on fast&

#Come on&' :ising) he rea$he* *own) graspe* oth herhan*s) an* haule* her to her feet& 2e loo!e* into her fa$efor a moment) then smile*en$ouragingly& #All is not lost 0 far from it& 9e%ll go on at aslow trot as efore) then) when we get to the next town)we%ll *o as you suggeste* earlier an*



hire a $urri$le& It%ll e a ra$e li!e no other) ut we shoul* stille ale to rea$h 9olverstone tonight&' She sear$he* his eyes) stu*ie* his fa$e) then tentativelysmile*& #All right&' As he release* her han*s an* she *rew

them from his) she a**e*) #An* than! you&' 2e was puzzle*& #9hat for5' #For un*erstan*ing&' 2e ma*e no reply) simply hel* her horse until she wassettle* in the sa**le) then mounte* his an* rought theigger $hestnut alongsi*e hersmaller mount& #Slatefor* is the next town along& Itshoul*n%t ta!e us too long to get there&'

She no**e* an* they set off) slowly trotting along& #Tra8lee) tra8la@ 9e%re in the wil*s of S$otlan*@' 2ugofinishe* the song with a wil* flourish of his wig&4rinning) Coy no**e* ahea* to where roofs were visileetween low hills& #That must e (al!eith&' #It is) it is&' 2ugo pointe* to a sign that flashe* past& #Onemile on) apparently&' #9e%re ma!ing ex$ellent ti 0 oh@' Coy fumle* the reinsas 1asper the +la$! su**enly misteppe*) then slowe*) his

gait aw!war*& #(amn@' +oth Coy an* 2ugo peere* aroun* the si*es of the horse& #2e must have pi$!e* up a stone in his off8si*e hoof)' 2ugo*e$lare*&They *rew horse an* $urri$le to a halt) $lime* *own) an*examine* the hoof in /uestion& There was in*ee* a stone7they win!le* it out with apen!nife) ut it was instantly apparent that 1asper wasfavoring the hoof&

#(oule *amn@' 2ugo sai*& #The hoof%s ten*er&' Coy swore) then patte* 1asper& #This is 1er%s favoritehorse& 2e%ll never forgive us if we let him $ome to harm&' 2ugo sighe*& :aising his hea*) he loo!e* *own the roa*towar* the *istant roofs& #So we%ll have to wal!& 9e $anstale 1asper in (al!eith an*get another horse put to&'



#One mile&' Coy shrugge*& #It shoul*n%t ta!e us long&' 2ugo owe* efore 1asper) waving him on& #Come alongthen) 1asper m%la* 0 let%s amle on an* get you$omfortale) efore we set off again&'

The two men an* the horse starte* wal!ing) the empty)well8sprung $urri$le rolling easily in their wa!e&After a moment) Coy sai*) #9e haven%t even $ome fivemiles&' 2ugo shrugge*& #(oesn%t really matter& It%s still so early I$an%t imagine S$rope woul* have even *is$overe* Eliza%s*isappearan$e) mu$h less ehot on our trail& 9e%ll e off again long efore anyone $omespoun*ing along&'

#3ou en$ountere* no *iffi$ulties5' #None at all&' S$rope le* .$6insey *own Ni**ery Street& #9e *i*n%t halt for longer than it too! to $hange horses untilwe%* rea$he* 1e*urgh onthe night efore last& 9e rought her here yester*ay&' #She%s given you no troule5' #None& On$e I warne* her of the tale you%* tol* us to use)she a$$epte* there was little she $oul* *o&' #An* her health5'

#On$e the *rug wore off) she hasn%t $omplaine*) norappeare* to e si$!ening in any way&' .$6insey shot a shrew* glan$e at S$rope%s too8lan*expression& 2e%* een in 4rosvenor S/uare himself)wat$hing from the sha*ows asS$rope) his $oa$hman8$um8guar*) an* the nurse he%* hire*ha* remove* Eliza Cynster%s limp form from the a$! parlorof the Cynster mansion&2e%* followe* the $oa$h out of "on*on) seen it hea* up the

Oxfor* :oa*) then) *eeming the most *angerous part of the!i*napping su$$essfullya$$omplishe*) an* his or*er that Eliza Cynster was not to eharme* in any way suffi$ient to !eep her safe) he%* ri**ennorth y a *ifferent route& 2e%*



een in 3or!) sitting on the steps of the minster) when the$oa$h ha* passe*& 2e%* glimpse* Eliza Cynster insi*e7 she%*seeme* to e *ozing&The time at whi$h the $oa$h ha* passe* y ha* tol* him

that S$rope ha* a*here* to his instru$tions not to halt ut to$ontinue stea*ily along theroute they%* agree* on& A$$epting that S$rope ha* *oneexa$tly as re/ueste*) .$6insey ha* mounte* his horse)2er$ules) followe* the $oa$h longenough to ensure it was ta!ing the roa* to .i**lesrough)then ri**en $ross8$ountry) eventually traveling via the 4reatNorth :oa* to E*inurgh an* hishouse near the pala$e&

2e !new E*inurgh well7 he ha* eyes an* ears in manypla$es& 2e%* een informe* within ten minutes of S$rope an*his party arriving&2e $oul* have $ome for the girl yester*ay) ut he ha*n%twante* S$rope to guess how $arefully he%* wat$he* him7he%* seen enough of the man tosense he%* e tou$hy aout not eing truste* to *o his -o&2e wante* no argument with S$rope at this -un$ture) so)*eeming twelve or so hours neither

here nor there) he%* waite* for S$rope%s summons&On$e it ha* arrive*) however) he%* seen no reason forfurther *elay7 he%* met S$rope -ust as Aul* Town ha* eenwa!ing to the new *ay&2e woul* ta!e Eliza a$! to his house) then ta!e her north7all lay in rea*iness for the trip& Soon she woul* e in hishan*s) an* through her) thegolet he ha* to regain woul* e within his grasp on$emore&

#This is it&' S$rope halte* outsi*e a neatly painte* front*oor& The entire terra$e was new) repla$ing houses urne*in the fire five years efore&;nlo$!ing the *oor) S$rope pushe* it wi*e& 2e steppe* a$!as if to wave .$6insey in) then aruptly halte*&



"oo!ing past S$rope) .$6insey saw a woman *resse* inla$!) the nurse) stan*ing in the sha*ows of the hall an* allut wringing her han*s& #9hat is it5' S$rope *eman*e*&

The nurse%s gaze ha* gone past him to .$6insey& Shemoistene* her lips) then loo!e* at S$rope& #She%s gone&(isappeare*& She wasn%t in theasement when we opene* the *oor&' S$rope ro$!e* a$! on his heels& 2is fa$e wasexpressionless& #+ut , the asement *oor was lo$!e* whenI $ame *own this morning&' #Insi*e&' 2is own fa$e showing nothing of his erupting fury).$6insey all ut pushe* S$rope ahea* of him& Stepping into

the hall) he shifte* to !eepoth S$rope an* the woman in his sights&The woman shut the *oor) then whirle* to fa$e S$rope& #5oth asement *oors were lo$!e*) as they shoul* haveeen& 3ou were the one to lo$!them last night) an* you were the first one *own thismorning& Taylor an* I $ame *own at the same time) an*oth *oors were lo$!e* then& +esi*es)there%s no sense either of us ta!ing the girl&' She glan$e*

riefly at .$6insey) wave* at him as she loo!e* a$! atS$rope& #9e $learly haven%t han*e*her over&' #She must e there@' S$rope sai*& #She must e hi*ing 0you%ve misse* her&' #4o an* loo!@' The woman wave* *own the $orri*or& #9henwe $oul*n%t fin* her we lo$!e* oth *oors again& The !eysare on the tale&' S$rope stro*e *own the $orri*or& The woman turne* an*

followe*&.$6insey wal!e* slowly in their wa!e& 2e alrea*y ha* a verygoo* i*ea of how Eliza Cynster ha* got out of the asement&9hat he *i*n%t yet !now was where she%* gone) or who) ifanyone) ha* helpe* her get free&Entering the !it$hen at the en* of the $orri*or) he sawS$rope swipe up two heavy !eys&



#9here%s Taylor5' S$rope *eman*e*&The nurse was stan*ing a$!) hol*ing her elows) herexpression angry an* *efensive& #As soon as we foun* hergone) he ra$e* off to $he$! the

stales an* $oa$hing inns that servi$e the 4reat North :oa*&2e thought that regar*less of how she got out of here) that%swhere she woul* go) trying toflee a$! to "on*on&' S$rope snorte* an* turne* to fit the !ey to the asement*oor&.$6insey $aught the nurse%s eye& #A sensile move onTaylor%s part&' The woman thawe* a fra$tion& .$6insey !new etter than to

terrify people from whom he might later nee* information&S$rope haule* the *oor open) grae* the lantern) an* went/ui$!ly *own the steps& .$6insey followe* more slowly)*u$!ing to pass through the*oorway& In the short $orri*or elow) he foun* S$rope) thelighte* lantern at his feet) unlo$!ing the se$on*) eventhi$!er) *oor& #It%s impossile@' S$rope muttere*& #She $oul*n%t have gotthrough two lo$!e* *oors&'

#She *i*n%t&' #9hat5' S$rope glan$e* at him& #Never min*&' .$6insey wave* at the asement room *oor& #Open up an* let%s see&' 2auling in a reath) S$rope pulle* open the *oor& Stooping)he pi$!e* up the lantern7 hol*ing it high) he steppe* a$rossthe threshol*) playing thelight aroun* the room&It was instantly apparent that there was nowhere any young

woman $oul* e hi*ing& The room was spartan) ut).$6insey refle$te*) halting -ustinsi*e) suffi$iently $omfortale for one night& #I $an%t elieve ,' ;tterly ewil*ere*) S$rope swung thelantern aroun*) *esperately peering in every $orner&



.$6insey loo!e* *own at the floor& After a moment) hesteppe* forwar*) $rou$he*) $aught the thin rug an* *rew itasi*e) exposing the stone flags&Then he glan$e* un*er the e*& #Ah&'

:ising) he wal!e* to the e*) lifte* the en*) an* *ragge* itaway) half a$ross the room&+oth S$rope an* the nurse wat$he*) affle*&.$6insey wal!e* to stan* loo!ing *own at the pat$h of floorthat ha* een hi**en y the e*& 2e pointe*& #That%s howshe got out&' S$rope an* the nurse move* to peer over the e*& #A trap*oor5' S$rope%s tone sai* he $oul*n%t elieve hiseyes&

#All the houses in this terra$e 0 an* in other similar terra$esuilt after the great fire 0 have them&' .$6insey $rou$he*an* graspe* the olt& 2elifte* the panel) revealing a stout) permanent woo*en la**erlea*ing *own to a *usty floor& #Note that this was unlo$!e*&'"owering the panel) he shot theolt home) then smoothly rose& #9here *oes it lea*5' The nurse loo!e* up at him& #Into the vaults 0 the spa$es etween the ri*ge supports

an* the tunnels that lin! them&' #+ut ,' S$rope loo!e* at .$6insey& #2ow $oul* she have!nown5' #I *out that she *i*& 9hi$h means she must have ha*help&' In the lantern light) he $aught S$rope%s gaze& #(i* shehave any $han$e to $onta$tanyone5' S$rope shoo! his hea*& #I $an%t see how&' 2e loo!e* at thenurse&

She) too) shoo! her hea*& #She hasn%t spo!en to anyone& Noone at all& Only the three of us&' .$6insey stoo* for a long moment) letting nothing of histhoughts) mu$h less his emotions) show& #3our $oa$hman 0Taylor 0 may yet gain some



wor* of her& ;ntil then 0' 2e ro!e off) hea* rising7 a*istant tapping was followe* y a ell -angling in the!it$hen& #That might e Taylor now&' S$rope loo!e* at the nurse& #4o

an* see&' The woman hurrie* from the room& 2er shoes pattere* upthe steps&S$rope shifte*) then $leare* his throat& #Sir 0 my lor* 0 I!now 0' #No) S$rope& Not yet&' .$6insey ma*e the statementasolute& #"et%s see what we $an learn) how far we $an tra$e.iss Cynster) efore I ma!eany *e$ision&'

The last wor*s $arrie* enough power to silen$e S$rope&A moment later) the nurse was a$!& #That was a messengerfrom an inn near the one where we left our $oa$h& Taylorsays our pa$!age left therewith an English gentleman) who *rove away in a $urri$le*own the 4reat North :oa* at first light& Taylor%s hire* a fasthorse an* is giving $hase&' .$6insey no**e*& 2e glan$e* aroun*) then wal!e* to the*oor& #I ta!e it that Taylor%s arme* ut !nows I wish no

violen$e of any !in* to e visite*on anyone in relation to this usiness5' #3es) my lor*&' S$rope followe* him out of the *oor&The mai* ha* alrea*y retreate* up the steps& .$6inseyfollowe*) won*ering how mu$h trust he $oul* pla$e inS$rope%s last answer& 2e also ha*no i*ea how strong S$rope%s $ontrol over Taylor was&:egar*less ,On rea$hing the !it$hen) he pause*) his fingers lightly

*rumming the !it$hen tale& #Clearly we%ll nee* to wait tohear what Taylor *is$overs) tolearn whether he returns with .iss Cynster or not&.eanwhile) however) there are other in/uiries I $an ma!ewhi$h will perhaps help *etermine who thisunexpe$te* Englishman is) an* whether it was he whohelpe* her es$ape&'



2e loo!e* at S$rope) then the mai*& #3ou two wait here& I%lle a$! within the hour&' The nurse no**e* in rea*y a$/uies$en$e& S$rope) however)still loo!e* stunne*&

It ha* een) 1eremy now realize*) a serious flaw in hisplanning& 2e ha*n%t thought of) let alone assesse*) herailities) nor what his plan as originallyformulate* woul* re/uire of her& 2e ha*n%t really thought ofher at all) not as an a$tive parti$ipant&2e%* thought of her more as a manus$ript to e fet$he*&Seate* esi*e him in the a$! of a *ray) a pile of $aagesseparating them from the farmer per$he* on the front axlegui*ing his horse) Eliza

sighe* softly& #I%m sorry& I !now you expe$te* to go mu$hfaster than this&' 2is gaze on the roa* reeling out ehin* them) he shoo! hishea*& #No 0 *on%t apologize& If you *o) I%ll have to apologizea$!&' 2e shot her asmile he hope* was en$ouraging& #I shoul* have explaine*our plan etter an* as!e* for your opinion& If I ha*) we$oul* have hire* a $urri$le an* pairinstea* of the horses) an* all woul* have een well&'

They%* left the horses at Slatefor*& Even at a slow trot) Elizaha* een growing more an* more tense an*) he suspe$te*)more fearful she woul*again lose $ontrol an* e thrown 0 whi$h woul* have mostli!ely ensure* that she woul* have een&+y the time they%* rea$he* the village) that fear ha* infe$te*him) too& +ro!en ones or worse woul*n%t ai* their flight&+ut the tiny tavern ha* ha*no $arriages for hire) not even a gig) ut the farmer ha*

een aout to set out an* ha* offere* to ta!e them on tothe next town& The farmer was going asfar as 6ings!nowe an* felt sure they%* e ale to get a gigthere&At least the farmer ha* alrea*y *elivere* most of his$aages an* his horse was strong7 they were rolling alongat a stea*y $lip) a tou$h faster



than a slow trot&So they%* improve* their $ir$umstan$es 0 the spee* atwhi$h they were traveling 0 ut not y mu$h& Against that)however) Eliza was no longer

in *anger of ta!ing a spill) an* oth of them were a lot lesstense&At least on that a$$ount&2e was still fin*ing it *iffi$ult to ignore her 0 or rather theeffe$t she ha* on him 0 in her new in$arnation) still havingto for$e himself not to ogleher long) ree$hes8$la* legs&The tension that $ause* ,(ragging his min* from that *istra$tion) he refo$use* on the

imme*iate prolem& The morning was full aout them7 itwas pleasant enough rollingalong in the $art) espe$ially with Eliza esi*e him) ut goingat su$h a slow pa$e) expose* an* unale to ta!e evasivea$tion) if pursuit $ame $hargingtowar* them) they woul* e the e/uivalent of sitting *u$!s&Pulling out his fo8wat$h) he glan$e* at the fa$e&Eliza leane* $loser to loo!) too&The fresh s$ent of her hair 0 rose an* laven*er 0 wreathe*

through his senses7 the su**enly $loser) *istin$tly femininewarmth) grae* hisawareness an* woul*n%t let go& #Nine o%$lo$!) near enough&' She straightene*) shiftingaway&2e wante* her a$!) $lose& S/uel$he* the thought& #3es&'The wor* was wea!& 2e $leare* his throat& "oo!e* *own atthe wat$h in his han* ,9hat ha* he een thin!ing5

2e frowne*) tu$!e* the wat$h a$! into his po$!et& #It%sta!en us three hours to get , not very far& 9e%ll nee* to fin*a gig an* *rive li!e the *evil&9e%ll proaly nee* to rea*-ust our plan) too) ut we $an%tma!e any *e$isions until we !now what our options are&' 2e felt her gaze on his fa$e an* turne* to meet it&



Eliza smile*& #3ou%re eing very un*erstan*ing& I appre$iateit&' 2e ha*n%t raile* or rante*7 he ha*n%t ma*e her feelresponsile) or ma*e her feeleven worse than she alrea*y *i*) aout *isrupting his plans&

2e ha*n%t even ma*e her feel stupi* 0 more stupi* 0 aoutnot eing ale to ri*e well& 2e%* a$$epte* oth her an* hershort$omings) an* wasrewor!ing his plan without even a hint of $ontempt orsar$asm& #9hatever we *o) I%ll *o the very est I $an not to slow us*own&' 2e in$line* his hea*) then loo!e* a$! along the roa*& #I -ust hope our *e$oy is faring etter than us an* has *rawn

all pursuit far away&' After tra*ing inventive expletives for the first ten minutes oftheir enfor$e* tre!) Coy an* 2ugo were tru*ging along insilen$e) one on either si*e of poor1asper) when the thun*er of approa$hing hooves ha* themhalting an* loo!ing a$! along the highway&Several $arriages an* the early mail ha* lumere* pastthem) ut this was the first ri*er to $ome their way&They glimpse* the ri*er) $oming on fast on a largish horse)

efore a *ip in the roa* hi* him from view&Coy viewe* 2ugo $riti$ally& #3our wig%s as!ew&' On the verge8si*e of their e/uipage) 2ugo righte* the wig)then flippe* up the $loa!%s hoo* an* steppe* $loser to1asper) so that the horse largelyhi* him from anyone on the roa*&The horseman $reste* a rise a little way a$!&Stu*ying the ri*er) Coy stiffene*& #2e%s got a pistol&' #In a holster or out5' 2ugo !ept his hea* *own&

#In his han*&' The horseman $ame *own on them in a flurry of heavyhooves& 2auling a$! on his reins) he wave* the pistol atthem oth& #2ol* har*@ (on%tmove@'



Coy sprea* his arms) palms empty& #9e%ve alrea*ystoppe*& 9ho the *evil are you5' 2e *i* his est imitation of1eremy%s voi$e&The horseman frowne*& Pistol still in his han*) ut not

pointe* anywhere in parti$ular) he /uiete* his pran$inghorse) then loo!e* sear$hingly atCoy) then at 2ugo) then ra!e* the $urri$le with a !nowingeye&Frown *eepening) he fixe* his gaze on Coy& #3ou ta!e this$urri$le from the :ising Sun Inn on South +ri*ge Street5' #3es&' Coy no**e* pugna$iously& #9hat of it5 It%s mine&' The horseman eye* him for a moment) then loo!e* har* at2ugo& "astly) he loo!e* at 1asper) then shoo! his hea*&

#Never min*& Thought youwere someone else&' #In*ee*5' Coy set his han*s on his hips& #Is that anyreason to $ome ailing us up waving a pistol5 As you $ansee) our horse has gone lame0' The ri*er swore) !i$!e* his horse aroun*) an* too! off a$!towar* E*inurgh&Coy stoo* in the roa* an* wat$he* him go&

On$e the ri*er *isappeare* a$! over the $rest) 2ugo $amearoun* 1asper an* -oine* Coy&The ri*er reappeare* further along the roa*) ri*ing hell8for8leather a$! to E*inurgh&Coy grima$e* an* reverte* to his own voi$e to say) #9ell)that *i*n%t ta!e long&' Putting a$! his hoo*) 2ugo remove* the gol*en wig an*s$rat$he* his hea*& #I really thought our *e$oy missionwoul* last longer 0 *istra$t

them longer 0 than -ust a few hours& I assume that wasTaylor) the $oa$hman8$um8guar*&' #(o you thin! he re$ognize* 1er%s $urri$le5' Coy turne* topat 1asper%s long ne$!& #Or 1asper here5' #2e might have) ut as they *on%t !now who 1er is) they$an%t ma!e anything of that&' 2ugo $onsi*ere*& #.ost li!elythey%ll -ust *is$ar* us as an



un$onne$te* $oin$i*en$e 0 nothing to *o with Eliza&' #9hen Taylor gets a$! with the news) they%ll sear$h againto see if they $an pi$! up 1er%s trail&' #No)' 2ugo sai*& #They *on%t !now 1er exists& Or if they *o)

they thin! he%s you& +ut they%ll /uarter the town for Eliza) orany sight of her) whi$h) withlu$!) won%t get them far&' Coy shifte*& #So what now for us5' 2e glan$e* a$ross at2ugo& #9hat shoul* we *o5' +oth $ogitate*) then 2ugo sai*) #I%* feel mu$h more$omfortale if I !new 1er an* Eliza ha* got well away&Perhaps'0 he swung aroun* an*loo!e* *own the roa* towar* (al!eith 0#we shoul* go on

an* get a fresh horse as planne*) then *rive a$! toE*inurgh an* $he$! with .eggin) an*) if she%s hear* nothing to the $ontrary) $he$! with the4rassmar!et stales) too& If all seems to have fallen out asper 1er%s plan) then we $an *rive out againalong the 4reat North :oa* an* still e at 9olverstoneefore him&' +rows raise*) 2ugo turne* a$! to Coy&.eeting his gaze) Coy no**e*& #4oo* thin!ing& That%s

what we%ll *o&' It too! .$6insey some time to lo$ate the parti$ular ur$hinhe wante*) then another half hour for the ur$hin to see! an*report a$!& #Three flash gents h%es$orte* a la*y through the tunnels lastnight& 9ell) h%early this morning) to e h%exa$t&' :ait) so$alle* e$ause of his earsan* his aility to s$amper /ui$!ly through the vaults) a**e*) #Three of the (ougan la*s a$te* as gui*es8li!e& Sai* one of

the gents pai* them well&' Per$he* on the remnants of an ol* stone wall not far fromthe mouth of the South +ri*ge vaults 0 the tunnels weren%tuilt for men of his size 0.$6insey re$eive* the news with outwar* patien$e& #(i* the(ougan la*s say anything aout the three men5 Or the la*yherself5'



#1ust that the la*y ha* right gol* hair& She ha* a $loa! on)an* put up the hoo*) ut they saw her hair afore she *i*&' #An* the men5' #Seems they were well spo!en) sort of /uiet8li!e 0 not the

usual roisterers $ome loo!ing for a lar!& Serious men& Fromhow they spo!e) two werefrom here 0 h%E*inurgh 0 ut the other) the man whopai*) he was h%English& Fer $ertain&' #(i* anyone see where they went after they $ame out5' #Nah&' :ait no**e* towar* the town& #1ust went out intothe night) they *i*&' #In whi$h *ire$tion5 Pala$e or Castle5' #Pala$e& Confi*ent li!e 0 they seeme* to !now where they

was going&' #Ex$ellent&' .$6insey rea$he* into his po$!et) sorte* $oinsin his palm& #3ou%ve *one well&' :ait 0 who !new exa$tly who .$6insey really was 0straightene* to attention an* tugge* his lan! forelo$!& #Than! you) m%lor*&' .$6insey hel* out several $oins&:ait re$eive* the small hoar* in his *irty palms& #Always apleasure *oin% usiness with you) m%lor*&'

.$6insey laughe*& 2e smile* at :ait) then rose to his feet& #4oo*ye) :ait&' 2e resiste* the urge to ruffle the oy%s*ar! hair& #Ta!e $are of yourself an* your mother&' #I will) m%lor*&' Slipping the money into the insi*e po$!et ofhis ragge* -er!in) :ait snappe* off a -aunty salute& #;ntilnext time) m%lor*&' .$6insey wat$he* :ait s$amper a$! into his urrow)then turne* an* $lime* a short slope an* steppe* a$! into

the worl* of the $ity%sstreets& 2e hea*e* for Ni**ery Street&It was now mi*morning an* while) $ourtesy of :ait) he%*$onfirme* how his pa$!age ha* es$ape* the house) when)an* with what es$ort) hestill *i*n%t !now where she%* gone suse/uently) or who)exa$tly) ha* $ome to her ai*&



4iven the so$ial imperatives) however) he wasn%t the leastsurprise* that she%* set off a$! to Englan* as /ui$!ly asshe%* een ale& Assuming)of $ourse) that she was the la*y who ha* left in some

Englishman%s $urri$le at first light& 2e won*ere* whetherthat Englishman was the same man who%*es$orte* her through the vaults in the wee hours&9hat $ontinue* to puzzle him was how anyone ha* !nownwhere she was& 9as it signifi$ant that one of the res$uerswas English) an* that shemight well have fle* south with him5 The answer to that ha*to lie with S$rope an* his people) even if they *i*n%t realizeit&

2e refo$use* on what waite* for him in the house in Ni**eryStreet&Sin$e he%* left an hour ago) instin$t ha* een nagging7finally $onsi*ering why , it was S$rope%s stunne*ewil*erment that ha* surprise* him&The woman) the nurse) her rea$tions he%* un*erstoo*) utS$rope%s , the man was suppose* to e a $onsummateprofessional) yet he%* een !no$!e*totally off8alan$e an* ha* shown no signs of /ui$!ly

righting himself&.$6insey ha* expe$te* S$rope to e /ui$! to reengage) toreassess an* re-ig his plans& To a$$ept what ha* gone wrongan* swiftly revise)replan) an* e rea*y to move forwar* in whatever new*ire$tion was re/uire* to rea$h their ultimate goal&Instea*) S$rope ha* given an ex$ellent imitation of astunne* mullet&Comparing S$rope%s ehavior at the house with his

reputation , a$$or*ing to the latter) S$rope ha* never faile*in any of his /uestionaleen*eavors& Perhaps it was simply the looming reality of hisfirst8ever failure that ha* so ro$!e* the man5.$6insey snorte*& Coping with plans gone awry wassomething he was e$oming) as far as he was $on$erne*)too expert at& 2e $oul* $ertainly



give S$rope lessons in the futility of raging against fate& Onesimply ha* to ta!e the $uffs she han*e* out an* roll withthem& Then get a$! up) reassess)an* $ome at the *esire* goal from some other *ire$tion&

The truth was) stuornness $omine* with *ogge*nessrarely faile*& Not in the en*&So he ha* foun*&9hi$h rought him to where he was now) the situation he$urrently fa$e*&All things $onsi*ere*) all possiilities weighe*) he ha* alur!ing suspi$ion fate) that fi$!le female) was on$e againplaying games with him& Thatshe was) in a roun*aout way) setting him up to fail again&

;nfortunately) he $oul*n%t yet tell whi$h out$ome awaite*him at the en* of this a$t 0 triumph or *efeat& ;ntil helearne* who ha* spirite* ElizaCynster away) until he !new what her view of her res$uerwas 0 whether) as with her el*er sister) 2eather) there was)or woul* soon e) more etween*amsel an* res$uer than mere mutual regar* 0 he woul*n%t!now what his role in fate%s $urrent pro*u$tion woul* e&2e%* set the stage) then opene* the $urtain) ut fate ha*

ta!en over an* was now running the show&:ea$hing 2igh Street) he stro*e along&One way or another) Eliza Cynster ha* to $ome out of thiswith a husan*7 the so$ial imperatives he%* rought intoplay woul* permit no otherout$ome& The only /uestion he ha* on that point waswhether sai* husan* woul* e him 0 allowing him to goforwar* with his plan to re$laim the vitalgolet from his mother 0 or the Englishman&

If the Englishman 0 until he learne* otherwise) .$6inseywoul* assume it was he who ha* res$ue* Eliza 0 prove* toe a man of worth) onewhom she wante* as her husan*) an* who wante* her)then honor) that /uality .$6insey was *etermine* to $ling tono matter his mother%s *eman*s)woul* for$e him to *raw a$! an* let the pair es$ape&



+a$! over the or*er) an* presumaly to their we**ing&9here that woul* leave him) he *i*n%t want to thin!&"iterally *i* not wish to $onsi*er) not until he was for$e* to& #Suffi$ient unto the *ay ,' 1aw $len$hing) he turne* *own

Ni**ery Street an* stro*e for the house&2e nee*e* to learn -ust how the Englishman ha* een *rawninto this& An* after that) he nee*e* to lo$ate Eliza an* herres$uer) an* *eterminewhether the silly $hit nee*e* him to step in an* save herfrom sai* res$uer) or instea*) whether the Englishman wasEliza Cynster%s or*aine* fate& #I want to !now how some Englishman learne* you ha* ElizaCynster in your !eeping&' .$6insey sat in an arm$hair in the

*rawing room of the terra$ehouse) his gaze resting with $ool) insistent) impla$ale$omman* on S$rope) who sat on a straight8a$!e* $hairfa$ing him&The nurse sat on a $hair alongsi*e S$rope) her a$! straight)her fingers nervously twining&Sin$e .$6insey ha* left the house) S$rope ha* gone fromafflement to elligeren$e& 2e stare* a$! at .$6insey& #Ihaven%t the slightest i*ea&

9e *i*n%t a*vertise her presen$e&' #Nevertheless) an Englishman assiste* her es$ape from thishouse) an* as we%ve hear* from Taylor) an Englishman*rove away from E*inurghthis morning with a la*y of her *es$ription sitting esi*ehim&' S$rope hesitate*) then sai*) #There%s no reason to elievethat the man who too! her out via those laste* tunnels isthe same man who%s *riving

her south& She might simply have tal!e* some li!ely travelerinto ta!ing her& She has no money on her) ut her namewoul* mean something to anotherEnglishman) enough to ensure he woul* help her&' .$6insey in$line* his hea*& #All of that might e true) yetsomeone foun* out she was here an* showe* her how toes$ape& At some point



someone saw her an*) as you haven%t ta!en her outsi*esin$e you rought her here) they must have followe* youhere yester*ay&' S$rope frowne*) an* .$6insey !new he ha*n%t een on

guar* against eing followe* when they%* wal!e* ElizaCynster to the house&.$6insey fixe* his gaze on S$rope%s fa$e& #Tell me all 0every last *etail 0 of your -ourney from 4rosvenor S/uareto E*inurgh&' #I tol* you&' S$rope gesture* impatiently& #There%s nothingto tell&' #+ear with me&' .$6insey%s response was no re/uest& #3ou*rugge* .iss Cynster) $arrie* her out of her $ousin%s house)

un*le* her into a$oa$h) an* *rove out of 4rosvenor S/uare& Start from there0 what happene* next5' S$rope s$owle* ut gru*gingly olige*& #9e *rove out alongthe Oxfor* :oa*) through Oxfor* 0' #2a* .iss Cynster revive* y then5' S$rope hesitate*) then replie*) #3es an* no 0 she was stillgroggy& She slept mu$h of the way&' S$rope preten*e* not to noti$e the si*elong glan$e the nurse

sent him&.$6insey saw an* suspe$te* Eliza%s grogginess ha* eenarrange*& 9hy else hire a nurse8$ompanion to *o a mai*%s -o5 S$rope ha**isoeye* his expli$it or*ers in that) ut that was now waterun*er the ri*ge& #<ery well 0 I ta!e it .iss Cynster was too groggy% to have attra$te*anyone%s attention while you *rove through Oxfor*& At whatpoint *i* she e$ome more , shall we say) $ompos mentis5'

S$rope ignore* the impli$ation& #She starte* to stir as weleft 3or!) ut then she slept again&' .$6insey ha* seen her *ozing in 3or!& #<ery well 0$on$entrate on the -ourney etween Oxfor* an* 3or!& 4oover ea$h stage) ea$h village an*



town you passe* through& 9as there any instan$e of anygentleman ta!ing any interest at all in the $oa$h an* itso$$upants5' At last S$rope stoppe* an* thought&

The nurse thought) too&Eventually) however) oth shoo! their hea*s& #No)' S$rope *e$lare*& #There was nothing 0 nothing for usto report& No in$i*ent of any !in*&' #No one who $hatte* to Taylor5' .$6insey as!e*& #9holounge* aout an* starte* up a $onversation at any of yourhalts5' #No&' The nurse spo!e up& #9hen he%s ma!ing /ui$!$hanges) Taylor rarely leaves the ox&'

#An* he *rove straight through5' The nurse shrugge*& #It%s his -o&' S$rope shifte*& #I spelle* him through a few of the lonelierstret$hes so he $oul* $at$h a few hours sleep) ut we *i*n%thalt for any reason otherthan $hanging horses&' That marrie* with .$6insey%s estimation ase* on the timethey%* passe* through 3or!& 2e !ept his gaze stea*y) lo$!e*on the pair efore him&

#All right& So you passe* through 3or! without in$i*ent&9hat aout the stret$h from 3or! to .i**lesrough5' Again) oth S$rope an* the nurse $onsi*ere*7 again) theyshoo! their hea*s& #3ou mentione* .iss Cynster stirring at 3or!& 9hen *i* sheproperly wa!e up5' The nurse answere*& #North of .i**lesrough& 9e spo!ewith her) then she *oze* off again& She wo!e when we$rosse* the ri*ge leaving

New$astle&' #On either o$$asion) either on the roa* north of.i**lesrough) or as you left New$astle) *i* she get $lose tothe win*ow) or ma!e any attempt toattra$t someone%s attention5' #Not there)' S$rope replie*&



.$6insey fixe* his gaze on S$rope%s fa$e& 2is tone was*e$eptively mil* when he as!e*) #Are you telling me she *i*ma!e a i* to attra$tsomeone%s attention at some point5'

S$rope%s s$owl intensifie*& #3es&' 2e wave* *ismissively& #+ut nothing $ame of it&' .$6insey ha* grown very still& #3et she%s es$ape*&' #It ha* nothing to *o with that& 9e were well out ofNew$astle) only thirty miles from the or*er) an* in wi*e8open $ountrysi*e&' #On the roa* to 1e*urgh5' S$rope no**e*& #Pre$isely& Forests an* moors) an* not mu$helse& She appeare* to e *ozing again) slumpe* in the

$orner) then we slowe* tolet a $urri$le past) an* she su**enly sprang to life&' #9hat happene*5' .$6insey rappe* out& #She flung herself at the win*ow) attere* on it) s$reame*for help&' #An*5' .$6insey $oul*n%t elieve he%* ha* to *rag it out ofthem& #Nothing $ame of it@' S$rope all ut glare* a$!& #9e haule*her a$! from the win*ow& The $urri$le was alrea*y past& I

ha* Taylor !eep an eye onit) ut all that happene* was that the *river turne* aroun*an* loo!e* a$! at the $oa$h) then shrugge* an* simply*rove on& Taylor !ept wat$h for a while)ut the $urri$le *i*n%t turn an* follow&' .$6insey pi$ture* the s$ene in his min*& #(i* either of youget a loo! at the $urri$le%s *river5' +oth S$rope an* the nurse shoo! their hea*s& #+oth $arriages were moving)' the nurse explaine*& #They%*

slowe*) ut the *river still whis!e* past the win*ow very/ui$!ly& .iss Cynster%s effortlaste* no more than a moment 0 an instant 0 efore wepulle* her a$!) ut even then the $urri$le was long past&' #+ut she ,' .$6insey $onsi*ere* the pi$ture in his min*& #She was sitting in the $orner) *eep in the $orner) so shewoul* have seen the $urri$le



*river as he approa$he*) going the other way& She ha* timeto see him) re$ognize him) an* a$t&' S$rope snorte*& #.ore li!e that was the only $urri$le) oreven $arriage or $art that we passe*& She saw the $urri$le

an* graspe* what she saw asher last $han$e 0 that was all there was to it& No reason toimagine she !new the *river&' et she-s gone# .$6insey eye* S$rope ut *i*n%t other topoint out the ovious& 9hat S$rope thought no longermattere*&Still) it pai* to e thorough& #Other than that in$i*ent) wasthere any point at all where .iss Cynster $oul* have $ometo the attention of a

gentleman) English or S$ottish or of any other stripe&9hether you saw it happen) or *on%t thin! it *i* 0 thin" &Coul* she have een re$ognize* at anypoint after the in$i*ent with the $urri$le5 9hile wal!ing upSouth +ri*ge) for instan$e5' S$rope replie* $ol*ly) *efensively) #No& There was no otherin$i*ent of any possile relevan$e) an* when we wal!e* herhere) we !ept herhemme* etween us with her hoo* over her hea* an* pulle*

low& It was $row*e*& No one too! the slightest noti$e&' .$6insey stare* levelly at S$rope& 2a* it een the $urri$le*river or some $han$e sighting in E*inurgh that ha* le* toEliza%s es$ape5+efore he $oul* *e$i*e if there was any sense in furtherinterrogating the in$reasingly hostile S$rope) a heavy !no$!lan*e* on the front *oor& #Taylor&' The nurse rose an* hurrie* out into the hall&A se$on* later) .$6insey hear* his alias eing whispere* as

Taylor was warne* that he was there& A silent momentpasse*) then a large man in$oa$hman%s gar fille* the *oorway) his hat in his han*s&Seeing .$6insey) he oe*) then glan$e* at S$rope&S$rope wave* him in an* somewhat peevishly *eman*e*) #9ell5 (i* you fin* her5'



Taylor halte*) s/uare* his shoul*ers& #I foun* the gentlemanin the $urri$le that passe* us yester*ay) *own the other si*eof the Cheviots&' S$rope $ame to his feet) his fa$e paling& #2e was here5'

#Apparently& After I left here) I $he$!e* *own South +ri*geStreet 0 *i*n%t have to go further than the smaller inn -ust*own from the $oa$hing innwe use*& The ostlers sai* the gentleman ha* $ome inyester*ay late morning) an* he left at first light) along withan English la*y with fair hair an* a gol*gown& Soun*e* li!e our pa$!age) so I sent that messagea$! to you an* gave $hase&' #An*5' S$rope *eman*e*&

#I ran them to earth this si*e of (al!eith 0 that ni$e8loo!ingla$! ha* gone lame an* the pair of them were wal!ing himon&' #Never min* the *amne* horse@' S$rope yelle*& #9hat aoutthe woman 0 an* the man) this Englishman5' Taylor stu*ie* S$rope) then went on) #"oo!e* li!e the samefellow we passe* yester*ay) far as I $oul* ma!e out 0 ut Ire$ognize* that horsean* the $urri$le right enough) so it ha* to e him&' Taylor

transferre* his gaze to .$6insey& #+ut the la*y *efinitelywasn%t .iss Cynster& Soon as I saw her0 the la*y with the Englishman 0 I $ame ra$ing a$!& I$he$!e* up an* *own the $oa$hing inns along South +ri*geStreet 0 all those that servi$e the4reat North :oa*& No one%s seen any other fair8haire*English la*y& She *efinitely *i*n%t go out in any of the puli$$oa$hes) nor yet the private ones thatset out this morning&' 2e pause*) then venture*) #She might

still e in E*inurgh&' .$6insey *i*n%t reply& Although he was tempte* to as! whyanyone woul* go to the troule of arranging a *emonstralyex$ellent *e$oy if not to*efle$t attention from a flight in a *ifferent *ire$tion) he ha*etter things to *o& That the English gentleman an* the la*yin the gol* gown that Taylor ha*



run *own $onstitute* a *e$oy was eyon* /uestion7 howmany fair8haire* la*ies in gol* gowns were li!ely to leaveE*inurgh on the 4reat North :oa* inan Englishman%s $urri$le on one morning5

The Englishman Eliza Cynster ha* re$ognize* *riving his$urri$le *own the 1e*urgh :oa* ha* res$ue* her& .$6insey*i*n%t !now how he%*a$$omplishe* the whole) only that he ha*& An* it wastherefore now .$6insey%s role to hunt the pair *own&2is present position was very mu$h an unwel$ome $ase of*=- vu& 1ust as ha* happene* with 2eather Cynster) he nowfoun* himself in theri*i$ulous position of eing $ast as a Cynster $hit%s prote$tor&

2e woul* have to fin* her) *etermine whether she was in*anger or not) whether he nee*e*to step in an* res$ue her or not) or whether he $oul* withhonor inta$t with*raw an* turn his min* to what next hewoul* have to *o&S$rope an* his two assistants ha* een wat$hing him)waiting for his ver*i$t) to see what or*ers he woul* give&2e fo$use* on S$rope& #A wor*&' 9ith a -er! of his hea*) S$rope sent the other two out of the

room& +oth oe* $ourtesies to .$6insey efore oeying7Taylor shut the *oorehin* them& #She has to still e here&' S$rope wheele* an* starte*pa$ing& #9e%ll s$our the $ity 0' #She%s alrea*y left&' 2alting) S$rope stare* at him& #3ou $an%t !now that&' .$6insey loo!e* up at him& #Ah) ut I *o&' :ea$hing into his$oat) he *rew out a purse an* tosse* it at S$rope&

S$rope $aught it) !new from the weight that it wasn%t therewar* he%* hope* for& #9hat%s this5 .y wor! for you isn%tfinishe*&' #Sa*ly) it is& I%m paying you off an* *ismissing you& 3ou nolonger have any role to play in this game&' S$rope%s *ar! eyes flare*& #No@' 2e steppe* $loser) stan*ingover .$6insey& #I won%t 0'



.$6insey rose) flui*ly) gra$efully& Fully upright) he loo!e**own at S$rope& As!e*) /uite /uietly) #9hat was that5' S$rope was tall) ut .$6insey towere* over him& 9hereS$rope was well uilt) .$6insey was huge) all heavy one

an* soli* mus$le&S$rope *i*n%t swallow an* a$! away) as most men woul*have7 he was) apparently) ma*e of sterner stuff& 2e *i*)however) mo*erate his tone& #This was ! assignment) my un*erta!ing& ;ntil it%sfinishe*) until I *eliver .iss Cynster into your han*s) it%s stillmine to $arry out&' #So you elieve) ut I say otherwise) an*) you might re$all)I%m your $lient in this&'

S$rope nearly groun* his teeth& #3ou *on%t un*erstan* 0this is my wor!) my profession& I don-t +ail &' #3ou have this time) ut rest assure* I%m unli!ely to sprea*the wor*&' #That%s not the point@' S$rope%s han*s fiste*) as if physi$allyhol*ing a$! his welling rage& 2e was all ut erupting7 whennext he spo!e) the wor*s$ame through $len$he* teeth& #I will not e este* y a silly$hit) even with some gentleman to help her& If I wal! away

from this) my reputation will eshre**e*& I will not let it 0 let her 0 go&' .$6insey *i*n%t at an eyelash& 2e stu*ie* S$rope%s eyes)his fa$e7 he $oul* un*erstan* professional pri*e) ut therewas more than that at wor!here& #This is not aout you) S$rope& It never was& "et mema!e myself $lear& Oey me in this) an* no one will everhear of your failure& Pursue .issCynster further) an* I%ll ensure you will never wor! in this

town) or any other) for the rest of your *ays&' 2e $oul*n%t tell from S$rope%s eyes) now so *ar! theyseeme* to urn la$!ly) whether the man was even ta!inghis wor*s in& #(o youun*erstan*5' The answer too! a moment to $ome& #Perfe$tly&'



#Ex$ellent&' .$6insey hel* S$rope%s gaze for a momentmore) then steppe* aroun* him an* wal!e* to the *oor&S$rope%s gaze urnt a hole etween .$6insey%s shoul*erla*es& :ea$hing the *oor) an* foreseeing an eventuality he

ha*n%t yet $ountere*).$6insey graspe* the !no) then glan$e* a$! an* metS$rope%s gaze& #I%* wager .iss Cynster is long gone fromE*inurgh) ut if fate proves mewrong an* you shoul* fin* her in the town) I woul* $ounselyou to rememer that my in-un$tion against any harmefalling her still applies& One s$rat$h) oneruise) an* I will $ome for you) an* I will not e mer$iful& Ifshe falls into your han*s) treat her li!e por$elain) an* sen*

wor* to me in the usual fashion& If yousu$$ee* in that) I%ll *oule the rewar* we previously agree*on&' .$6insey $onsi*ere* S$rope for a long moment more) thenevenly sai*) #3ou elieve .iss Cynster is still within thetown& I elieve otherwise) solet%s put it to the test& 3ou loo! for her here) I%ll loo!elsewhere& If you prove $orre$t) as I sai*) I%ll *oule therewar*&'

"ips pin$he*) his gaze urning *ar!ly) S$rope offere*nothing in reply&.$6insey opene* the *oor) steppe* into the hall) an* shutthe parlor *oor softly ehin* him&Se$on*s later) he was stri*ing up Ni**ery Street&Crossing 2igh Street) he plunge* into the warren of $losesan* wyn*s) *u$!e* through passages an* alleys so narrowhe ha* to turn si*eways topass through& The errati$ path ensure* that no one 0

S$rope) for instan$e 0 followe* him&On$e he was stri*ing along more genteel streets) his min*mean*ere* a$! to S$rope& Coul* he trust the man to *esistin his pursuit of ElizaCynster59hile he was reasonaly $ertain S$rope ha*$ir$umvente* his instru$tions regar*ing Eliza%s treatment onthe long -ourney north) y an* large the



man ha* stu$! to the letter of the or*ers he%* een given&Now .$6insey ha* not -ust $hallenge* him ut he%* alsoma*e it very mu$h worth his while to remain in E*inurghan* sear$h for Eliza Cynster

there&9hile .$6insey was sure she%* alrea*y /uit the town 0there was no point in sen*ing out a *e$oy if one wasn%tgoing to a$t at the same time 0the $han$e that she ha*n%t) S$rope%s own $onvi$tion that sheha*n%t) plus the sizeale potential rewar* shoul* serve to!eep the man safely tethere*&.$6insey ha* to a*mit he ha*n%t li!e* the o**) almostfanati$al loo! in S$rope%s eyes) ut on alan$e) he felt that

S$rope now ha* suffi$ientin$entive to remain in E*inurgh 0 not least the prospe$t ofproving him) .$ 6insey) wrong&.$6insey turne* up the street in whi$h his own house stoo*&2e%* *one enough) *angle* ait enough) to ensure thatS$rope toe* his line&

Chapter Seven

eremy%s respe$t for his rother8in8law an* his +astion Clu$olleagues was in$reasing y the minute& 2ow *i* oneremain outwar*ly $almwhen *isaster was looming nearer an* nearer5It was nearly noon an* they%* only -ust rea$he* 6ings!nowe&

A wheel on the $art they%* een ri*ing in ha* split) tippingthe $art si*eways) almost into the *it$h& Buite asi*e from*isentangling themselves an*re$overing from the sho$! 0 an*) on his part) su*uing theunruly impulses evo!e* y eing tosse* on top of Eliza 0they%* felt olige* to *ally to help



the poor farmer get the $art horizontal again& Then thefarmer ha* ta!en his horse an* ri**en off to fin* ala$!smith) leaving the pair of them to wal! on&9orse) on rea$hing 6ings!nowe they%* in/uire* at oth the

small town%s inns) only to *is$over that while ea$h ha* ha* agig for hire) oth$onveyan$es ha* alrea*y een in use& Neither inn ha* ha*any other suitale e/uipage availale& Nothing that woul*have travele* faster than an unla*enfarm $art&That) on$e again) ha* een their only option& That) or hiringhorses again) ut one loo! at Eliza%s apprehensiveexpression ha* put pai* to that

i*ea&They%* een *ire$te* y the staleman at the se$on* inn toa farmer who woul* soon e traveling on& The farmer ha* -ust or*ere* an early lun$h inthe inn%s tap7 he was going as far as Currie an* ha* rea*ilyagree* to let them ri*e in the a$! of his *ray&Although they%* ha* foo* in their sa**leags) 1eremy)starting to thin! ahea*) ha* suggeste* that) as they ha* towait for the farmer to finish his

meal) they might as well let the inn fee* them) too&9hi$h was how they $ame to e sitting at a $orner tale inthe small tap) plates earing the remains of a *e$ent gamepie pushe* to one si*e)with the map Coy ha* given them sprea* out etweenthem , an* $arefully not tal!ing aout the single issue thatun/uestionaly loome* largest inoth their min*s&Tra$ing their path thus far 0 more than five hours gone an*

so few miles $overe* 0 1eremy trie* to fin* the right wor*sto a**ress the near$ertainty that) given their slow progress) they woul* efor$e* to spen* at least one night on the roa*) together)alone , ut his min* simply al!e*&



After trying for several minutes an* a*van$ing not at all) heaan*one* that su-e$t an* $on$entrate* instea* on gettingon& #9e%ll have to replan0 that%s all there is to it&'

Eliza graspe* the straw of *istra$tion& #This was the way wewere going to go) wasn%t it5' She tra$e* the route toCarnwath) then east a$ross to.elrose an* 1e*urgh efore turning south a$ross theCheviots& #Perhaps we $an shorten the -ourney y hea*ingeast earlier5 Perhaps ta!ing this roa*here&' 1eremy followe* the tip of her finger) grima$e* when itrea$he* the 4reat North :oa*& #No 0 we $an%t *o that& All

that will a$$omplish is to ta!e usin a wi*e sweep aroun* E*inurgh an* put us on the 4reatNorth :oa* only a few miles out of the town 0 more or lessin exa$tly the spot where S$ropean* $ompany will sear$h&' Eliza wrin!le* her nose& She peere* more $losely at themap& #There are so few other roa*s east&' #It%s the Pentlan* 2ills& On$e they rise on the left of theroa*) whi$h follows the western flan! of the hills) there%s no

roa* that $rosses them) not untilwe rea$h Carnwath&' #So we have to stay on this roa* until then&' #;nfortunately) yes&' Another aspe$t of their original planthat) in hin*sight) $oul* have een improve*& 4iven thepossiility of pursuit) it woul* haveeen helpful to have ha* useful alternative routes sooner)$loser to E*inurgh) than later& As it was) the first vialealternative way forwar* *i*n%t eventuate

until Carnwath& 1eremy trie* to soun* positive& #SoCarnwath it is& 9e%ll -ust have to e espe$ially $areful untilthen) ut on the right si*e) we%ll *efinitelye ale to hire a $arriage there& 9e $an $he$! in the villageswe pass on the way) too&'



Eliza loo!e* into his rown eyes) plain rown ut warm) a$olor she asso$iate* with ri$h $aramel) or perhapsexpensive) well8age* ran*y& At thepa$e they were going) even if they manage* to fin* a faster

$art) they still ha* no hope of rea$hing even Carnwath thatnight& 9hi$h meant they woul*have to fin* shelter) an* that might prove prolemati$al inmore ways than one&Another apology hovere* on her tongue) ut rather thanutter the useless wor*s she resolve* instea* not to ma!e hislife har*er& They *i*n%t nee*to *is$uss how they woul* spen* the night until they !newwhat their $hoi$es might e& Suffi$ient unto the hour the

prolems 0 an* they ha* prolemsenough to *eal with as it was&Noti$ing the farmer rising from his tale an* loo!ing theirway) she raise* her han* in a manly salute an* rea$he* forthe map to fol* it away& #Alsoon the right si*e)' she sai*) *etermine* to *o her part to!eep their mutual spirits up) #we haven%t yet ha* S$rope onour heels&' #Or the mysterious lair*&' 2aving seen her salute an*

repa$!e* his sa**leag) 1eremy stoo*&She rose) too& 2e starte* to exten* a han* to help her) thenrememere* an* let his arm fall&Cat$hing his eye) she smile*&2is lips $urve* lightly in response) then he tippe* his hea*towar* the *oor& #Our $arriage awaits&' She le* the way an* he followe*& .inutes later) they wereseate* si*e y si*e in the a$! of the *ray) oots swingingover the rear e*ge) the roa*

unraveling li!e a rion eneath their feet as the farmer%s$art rumle* along) *own the roa* to Carnwath&The $ity%s ells ha* -ust rung the noontime peal when thelair* presently $alling himself .$6insey wal!e* into the thir*of the string of stales lo$ate*elow the 4rassmar!et&



The *e$oy Taylor ha* *is$overe* along the 4reat North :oa*strongly suggeste* that Eliza Cynster an* her gentleman8res$uer ha* left town yanother route that morning& 4iven that their ultimate

*estination was unli!ely to lie *eeper in S$otlan*) the lair*ha* *ismisse* the roa*s to the north ornorthwest& "i!ewise) he felt $ertain they woul*n%t havehea*e* east or southeast7 those roa*s lay too $lose to the4reat North :oa*7 in*ee*) some evenran$he* off it&That left the roa* *ire$tly south) or those to the southwest&From either initial *ire$tion) the fleeing pair $oul* $ir$learoun* an* pi$! up the

1e*urgh :oa*& If it ha* een him) he woul* have trie* forthat or*er $rossing7 given they%* ele$te* to avoi* the 4reatNorth :oa* an* its $rossing northof +erwi$!) the Carter +ar $rossing south of 1e*urghoffere* the nearest) most open) an* un$row*e* route intoEn glan*&The prospe$t of remaining unoserve* y hor*es of othertravelers woul*) he imagine*) appeal to his fugitives&2e%* toye* with the i*ea of trusting to his instin$ts) ri*ing

south to 1e*urgh) waiting there for his /uarry to $omepast) then falling in on their heels&2owever) there was an outsi*e $han$e the pair ha* *e$i*e*to ma!e for the <ale of Casphairn) to the far southwest in4alloway) to 0 as 2eather Cynsteran* her res$uer) +re$!enri*ge) ha* *one 0 see! refuge with:i$har* Cynster an* his wife there&4iven he nee*e* to oserve Eliza Cynster an* her res$uer)to *etermine what manner of man sai* res$uer was an*

what the relationshipetween the pair might e in or*er to *e$i*e his own nextmove) he $oul*n%t affor* to ris! losing them& 2en$e) he ha*to follow them) whi$hever way they%*gone&The staleman saw him *ar!ening his *oorway an* $ameforwar*& #4oo* *ay) my lor*& Can I help you with a horse5'



The lair* smile*& #No) not a horse& Two travelers& I%m loo!ingfor an English gentleman an* a young la*y) also English&They left town this morning)most li!ely early& They were going to hire transport 0 a fast

$arriage or horses 0 ut I%m not sure whi$h roa* theyinten*e* to ta!e& (i* you see them) oretter yet hire to them5' 9iping his han*s on a rag) the staleman shoo! his hea*& #No la*y an* gentleman) not English) least ways& Two of myregular $ouples $ame inmi*morning) lo$als wanting gigs for the *ay) ut no otherla*ies&' The lair* in$line* his hea*& #Than! you& I%ll $ontinue

sear$hing&' 2e was turning away when the staleman sai*) #Funny)though 0 I *i* have two English here at the $ra$! o%*awn)ut it wasn%t any young la*y&' #Oh5' The lair* turne* a$!) one la$! row rising& #A young gentleman an* his tutor& They hire* two fasthorses an* hea*e* for Carnwath&' #(i* you spea! to the younger man5' The staleman shoo! his hea*& #(i*n%t even get a goo*

sighting of him) now I thin! of it& It was the tutor $ame inan* sele$te* the mounts an* ta$!)an* sa**le* up oth horses& The younger one hung aoutout there'0 with his $hin) the staleman in*i$ate* thenarrow yar* at the front of the stales0#hol*ing one of the sa**leags) until the tutor too! themounts out to him) then they mounte* up an* trotte* off*own the roa*& .in* you) I *on%t !nowhow fast they%ll go 0 the young one was that stiff in the

sa**le& No horseman) that one& I rememer thin!ing thatperhaps that was the reason the tutor ha*them up so early 0 -ust to rea$h Carnwath will li!ely ta!ethem the whole *ay&' 2ea* rising) the lair* stare* unseeing a$ross the stale for amoment) then refo$use* on the staleman an* smile*& #Than! you&' Fishing a $oin



out of his waist$oat po$!et) he flippe* it to the man) whoeagerly snat$he* it out of the air& #Than! you) m%lor*&' The staleman salute*& #Sure you *on%twant that horse5'

The lair* laughe*& #I than! you) ut no& .y own mountwoul* e -ealous&' So saying) he stro*e out of the stalesan* up to the 4rassmar!et&Climing swiftly a$! to 2igh Street) he stro*e for his home)his stales) an* 2er$ules& 2is /uarry might have nearly sixhours% hea* start) ut heha* no *out that) mounte* on 2er$ules) he woul* easilyrun the pair *own& #There&' S$rope *roppe* two pou$hes on the !it$hen tale&

#9e%re s/uare&' Seate* at the tale) 4enevieve an* Taylor too! one pou$hea$h& S$rope waite* while oth opene* the pou$hes)upen*e* them) an* $ounte* the$oins& #3our full payment as agree*&' Aout them) the terra$e house was silent an* still) the$urtains *rawn) all tra$e of their re$ent so-ourn remove*& Allthree ha* pa$!e*7 ea$h ha*their traveling ag on the floor esi*e them& This woul* e

their last meeting efore they went their separate ways&Although S$rope ha* wor!e* with theother two as a team efore) they were in*ivi*ualpra$titioners) hiring out their servi$es -o y -o&2e waite* impatiently) eager to leave&Sli*ing the $oins a$! into his pou$h) Taylor loo!e* up& #+utwe lost the girl&' S$rope for$e* himself to shrug& #.$6insey terminate* ourservi$es& 2e ma*e it very $lear he *i*n%t want us to pursue

the matter 0 or the youngla*y 0 further&' Taylor loo!e* his surprise& #2e pai* the full rewar*5' S$rope expen*e* $onsi*erale effort not to grin* his teeth& #No& 2e *i*n%t& +ut he pai* us enough for our servi$es to thispoint& 9e $an%t$omplain&'



Taylor%s expression ha* shifte* from surprise to in$re*ulity& #So you%re -ust letting her 0 an* the money 0 go5' ot a *han*e#S$rope *rew a stea*ying reath& #As .$6insey pointe* out)

he was our $lient) an* provi*ing servi$es to our $lient is thenature of our usiness&(oing everything the $lient wants is the overri*ing stan*ar*we have to meet) an*) in $ase it es$ape* your noti$e).$6insey) or whoever he is) is not thesort of gentleman any sane man woul* $ross& Not this si*eof the or*er) anyway&' #Nor even on the other si*e&' 4enevieve tugge* the stringsof her pou$h tight& #3ou%re right& .$6insey%s in $harge& If he

says leave her) we leaveher&' 9ith a shrug) 4enevieve stoo*& #I%m off&' She loo!e*at Taylor& #3ou $oming5' After staring at S$rope for an instant more) Taylor no**e*an* lumere* to his feet& #.ay as well&' S$rope inwar*ly raile* at the note of *erision he *ete$te* inTaylor%s tone& 2is reputation was alrea*y eing /uestione*)an* not -ust y Taylor&4enevieve%s agreement ha* $ome far too /ui$!ly) too pat&

+oth woul* won*er7 eventually) oth woul* tal!& 9or* woul*get out 0+ut he woul* put a stop to that&+ags in han*) the three of them left the house& S$ropelo$!e* the *oor) turne* to the others& #I%ll ta!e the !ey a$!to the agent&' 4enevieve no**e*& #;ntil next time&' She turne* away an*starte* *own the street&Taylor salute* S$rope) then followe* her&

S$rope turne* an* $lime* up the street) turne* right onto2igh Street) then lengthene* his stri*e&The agent%s offi$e was along his way7 leaving the !ey theretoo! less than a minute&Five minutes later) he was sitting in a small $offeehousestaring out of its *ingy win*ow at one of the ma-or staleson the north si*e of Aul* Town&



2e%* never manage* to follow .$6insey a$! to his house)ut y sheer lu$!) he ha*) a wee! ago) *is$overe* where theman stale* his horse&.$6insey woul* hunt for the girl7 of that S$rope entertaine*

not the slightest *out) an*) realisti$ally) su$h a man ha*a*vantages over a nonnativeli!e S$rope when it $ame to extra$ting information from thetownsfol! of E*inurgh&.$6insey woul* turn every stone to fin* the Cynster $hit%strail& 9hy other sear$hing himself when .$6insey insiste*on *oing the legwor! forhim59hen .$6insey *is$overe* the girl%s *ire$tion) he woul*

return to the stales a$ross the roa* for his horse&An* when he ro*e away) S$rope woul* follow&An* then) when the time was right) S$rope woul* step in) *owhat he *i* est) an* re$laim the troulesome $hit from thehan*s of her res$uer&2e $oul* all ut taste the triumph he woul* feel when hepresente* the woman to .$6insey an* $laime* his rewar*)an*) in so *oing) reaffirme*an* un*ers$ore* his reputation&

2is reputation was all 0 it was who he was&9ithout it) he%* e nothing& A no one&.$6insey ha*n%t un*erstoo* that7 he ha*n%t appre$iate* thefa$t that S$rope) having een hire* to $apture Eliza Cynster)ha* the right toa$$omplish the *ee* an*) in /uiet triumph) han* her over tohis $lient&That was simply the way the worl*) S$rope%s worl*)operate*&

Those fleeting moments of ultimate triumph were themoments in life he most savore*& In those moments) he was!ing&In the en*) .$6insey woul*n%t $are7 to him) all thatmattere* was getting his han*s on the girl&S$rope woul* ma!e sure he *i*) an* that it was S$rope whopresente* her to him&



It was mi*afternoon when the lair*) mounte* on his massive$hestnut) 2er$ules) ro*e into the yar* of the se$on* of thetwo inns in 6ings!nowe&A young ostler $ame running) eyes wi*ening as the oy too!

in 2er$ules%s might&Aout to *ismount) the lair* pause*) then leane* forwar*)stro!ing 2er$ules%s ne$! as the ig $hestnut allowe* the oyto hol* his ri*le&9hen the la* manage* to *rag his gaze from 2er$ules to hisri*er) the lair* smile*&The young ostler smile* a$!& #3es) m%lor*5' #I%m loo!ing for an Englishman an* his $harge) a youngerman& They%re traveling *own from E*inurgh to Carnwath

an* eyon*& They%ve eenloo!ing for a gig to *rive on in 0 I won*ere* if they%*stoppe* to as! here&' 2e%* tra$!e* his /uarry to Slatefor* ut ha* een met withpuzzling news there& For some reason) the pair ha* left thehorses they%* hire* forreturn to the 4rassmar!et stales an*) after fin*ing no$arriage availale for hire) ha* gone on in a farm $art&The young ostler%s fa$e lit& #Aye) m%lor*& They were here&

Came in -ust afore lun$htime wanting to hire a gig) ut ourswas alrea*y out&' #9here *i* they go5' #They stoppe* for a ite in the tap) then went on with ol*farmer .it$hell& "ast I saw they were sitting in the a$! ofhis *ray rolling off *own theroa*&' The oy tippe* his hea* towar* Carnwath&Straightening in his sa**le) the lair* fishe* for a $oin in hiswaist$oat po$!et) then tosse* it to the la*&

:eleasing 2er$ules%s ri*le to snat$h the silver shilling fromthe air) the oy salute*& #Than! you) m%lor*&' Aout to wheel 2er$ules) the lair* pause*& #2ow long ago*i* they leave5' #An hour) maye two&' 9ith a no*) the lair* swung 2er$ules aroun*) trotte* out ofthe inn yar*) then set out *own the roa*&



On the heels of his /uarry) who) for some in$omprehensilereason) weren%t ri*ing&They were fleeing7 on horsea$! woul* have een theovious est $hoi$e& Even a $arriage woul* e a poor se$on*

est) restri$te* to the roa*san* easier to tra$e& +ut a farm $art5 9hoever hear* of apair fleeing y farm $art5“The oung one was that sti++ in the saddle# o horse!an,that one#$ The wor*s of the staleman from the4rassmar!et& The lair* won*ere* if therein lay the truth&2e%* assume* Eliza Cynster 0 a Cynster orn an* re* 0woul* e ale to ri*e an* ri*e well&

If she $oul*n%t , $at$hing up with them woul* e so mu$hthe easier) ut it was another $onsi*eration that floo*e* hismin*& If she ha*n%t eenres$ue*) an* instea* his plan ha* $ome to fruition) he woul*have en*e* up with a wife who $oul*n%t ri*e&The thought , was enough to ma!e him shu**er&Perhaps fate ha*n%t) as he%* thought) een playing gameswith him so mu$h as giving him a soli* nu*ge to get him offa path that woul* have le*

to *isaster&(espite his fo$us on $at$hing up with the fleeing pair an*)eyon* that) regaining the golet he nee*e* to save hisestate an* his people) eneathhis preo$$upation with those tas!s) the *eep8seate* fatalismhe%* inherite* from his highlan* an$estors was soli*ly atwor!&It ha*n%t es$ape* him that) on$e again) he%* een for$e* toassume the mantle of prote$tor to a Cynster girl& As ha*

happene* with 2eather) henow felt honor oun* to ensure that whatever arose out ofhis !i*napping of her) Eliza suffere* no true harm& That she$ame out of the experien$e hale)whole) an* respe$taly marrie*) if not to him as per hisoriginal plan) then to her res$uer& The $hoi$e was hers) an*he was willing to ai*e y her



*e$ision&If) as he now suspe$te*) she $oul*n%t ri*e) he woul* eperfe$tly happy to let her go) even in the fa$e of what thatmeant&

The more he *welle* on all that ha*) on$e again) gone awry)the more $ertain he was that fate was telling him) very$learly) that Eliza Cynsterwasn%t for him) an* he wasn%t for her&+eyon* that) however) fate%s $lear message seeme* to ethat he woul*n%t e allowe* to re$laim the golet withoutsa$rifi$ing the one thing he%*trie* so har* to $ling to) to avoi* having to lay on the altarin meeting his mother%s *eman*s& 2is honor was an intrinsi$

part of him& (ire$tly !i*napping aCynster $hit himself was the one line he%* *rawn an* ha*trie* to hol* to&Fate) apparently) wasn%t prepare* to let him get away withthat) with stan*ing aloof) aove the *irty wor!& 2e wasgoing to have to *o the *ee*himself) a$$ept the ignominy) the stain on his soul) instea*of stepping in at the last) almost as a res$uer&The role of res$uer $ame easily to him 0 he%* een playing

it for most of his life7 in hin*sight) he shoul* have realize*fate woul* never let him off so easily) merely *oing what $ame naturally&No& If he wante* the golet a$!) he was going to have toalan$e the s$ales y *oing something he *i*n%t want to *o)y sa$rifi$ing somethingthat was pre$ious to him&9hi$h meant ,2e shifte* in the sa**le an* thrust the $onse/uent thoughts

away& "ater& 2e *i*n%t nee* to *eal with the #what next%s'now&:efo$using on the roa* ahea*) he won*ere* where his/uarry woul* next halt to in/uire after a gig) an* whetherthey woul* fin* one& Even if they*i*) with 2er$ules eneath him) he%* $ome up with themefore nightfall&



An* then he woul* see&2e woul* oserve the pair an* *e$i*e if Eliza%s res$uer was aworthy prote$tor) an*) if they ha* a *eeper un*erstan*ing)whether their feet were

alrea*y trea*ing the path to the altar) or shortly woul* e& Ifthat was so) he woul* step a$! an* let them go) perhapswat$h over them from a *istan$elong enough to see them to some safe pla$e&On$e he $aught up with them) he%* soon !now how mattersstoo*&An* what fate) fi$!le fate) inten*e* for him&1eremy an* Eliza farewelle* the farmer an* his *ray in thetiny village of Currie& Eliza !ept her hea* *own an*

mumle* her few wor*s as *eeply as she$oul*7 the farmer patently suspe$te* nothing) tipping his hatan* a**ressing her as #young sir&' #Come on&' As the farmer rumle* off *own a smaller lane)1eremy no**e* at the single tiny inn the village oaste*& #I*on%t hol* mu$h hope) utwe $an at least as! if they have a gig for hire&' They $rosse* the roa*) the main highway to Carnwath)"anar!) Cumno$!) an* Ayr eyon*) an* entere* the inn

yar*&Eliza hovere* in 1eremy%s sha*ow) literally an*metaphori$ally) while he spo!e with the staleman& Asthey%* feare*) there was no $onveyan$e of any !in* to e ha*& #9e%ve horses aplenty)' the staleman sai*&1eremy glan$e* at her) ut he seeme* to sense thetrepi*ation that surge* through her& Turning a$! to thestaleman) 1eremy shoo! his hea*&

#9e%ll have to rethin! our plans&' Nu*ging Eliza with his shoul*er) he starte* them a$! to theroa*&Eliza glan$e* up at him) too! in the firm set of his lips) his$hin& #9hat now5'



2e glan$e* at her) $onsi*ere* her for a moment& #9e nee*to stop an* thin!&' 2e loo!e* aroun*& #"et%s fin* somewhereout of the way) off theroa*&'

She swung slowly aroun*) loo!ing) too) then halte*) hera$! to the roa*& #2ow aout that $hur$h5' 1eremy followe* her gaze an* saw the s/uare tower risingehin* the houses or*ering the roa*& #Perfe$t&' Aout to ta!e her elow) he stoppe* -ust in time) lowere*his arm& #"et%s go&' Ea$h $arrying a sa**leag over one shoul*er) they wal!e*a$! along the roa*) then *own a narrow lane& The $hur$hstoo* surroun*e* y its

graveyar*) a wi*e swath of green *otte* with monumentsan* stone8$la* graves) many a testament to the$ongregation%s age& A soli* stone e*ifi$e with aheavy oa! *oor) the $hur$h appeare* /uietly prosperous an*well ten*e*&:ea$hing the ar$he* *oorway) he graspe* the lat$h) gratefulwhen it lifte* freely& Pushing open the *oor) he le* the wayinsi*e&At that time of *ay there was no one aout) ut when Eliza

move* to pass him an* go into the nave) he tou$he* herarm& #One moment&' She oligingly halte*) wat$hing as he $rosse* to the ase ofthe tower) to a small *oor set into the wall&It) too) was unlo$!e*7 opening it) he foun*) as he%* hope*)stairs lea*ing upwar*& "oo!ing a$! at Eliza) he tippe* hishea*& #"et%s ta!e a loo! atour surroun*ings first) efore we try to $ome up with a newplan&'

2ea* rising) she stro*e a$ross /uite eagerly& A shaft ofsunshine eame* *own through a $lerestory win*ow)turning the hair that showe* eneathher hat to a ri$h) right) eaten gol*& 2e $oul* only givethan!s that she%* !ept to the sha*ows an* !ept her hea**own when they%* een near others& No



man getting a $lear view of her fa$e woul* ever imagine hera male&Instin$t grippe*7 he steppe* a$! an* let her go efore him&Climing the narrow spiral stair in her wa!e) he le$ture*

himself over the telltale error& If she%* een the male shewas suppose* to e) he woul*have le* the way&If he ha*) he woul*n%t have een torture* y the sight of herhips swaying efore his eyes in a *istin$tly unmale way withevery steep stone step&Even though her figure was s$reene* y 2ugo%s $loa!) hestill !new what he was seeing&+ut as they steppe* out onto the tower%s roof) instin$t of a

*ifferent sort surge* to the fore) swamping all in$lination tolas$ivious thought& 2e ha*n%ttruly appre$iate* that he ha* su$h instin$ts) su$h warriorimpulses) efore this a*venture7 he was still learning how to*eal with them) with how to *efinewhether to yiel* to their prompting or suppress them&9ith ea$h su$$essive seta$! that morning) his newfoun*instin$ts ha* risen an* grown& Now) with him an* Eliza atmi*afternoon no further than

Currie) those new instin$ts were s$reaming&The sensation wasn%t simply a ruffling of the hairs at hisnape ut an a$tual pri$!ling) as if someone or somethingwas literally ehin* him) swor**rawn) aout to stri!e&2e ha* to) simply ha* to) loo! ehin* him&An* the tower roof was perfe$t for that nee*& 9al!ing to the$hest8high attlemente* wall) he loo!e* out over the$ountrysi*e) sprea* mo*el8li!e

elow them) saw the roa* lea*ing a$! to E*inurgh lai* li!ea rion a$ross the fiel*s& The nearer stret$hes were in $learview7 from their vantage point)$oa$hes) $arts) an* horsemen loo!e* li!e $hil*ren%s toys&Eliza raise* a han* to her eyes an* loo!e* south an* west)towar* Carnwath&



Pulling the sa**leag from his shoul*er) 1eremy hunte*through it) eventually lo$ating the spyglass Coy ha* lenthim& (rawing it out an* settingthe sa**leag at his feet) 1eremy opene* the glass to its full

extent) put it to his eye) an* fo$use* on the roa* they%*re$ently rattle* along&The spyglass was an ol* one) not espe$ially goo*) yet ,1eremy loo!e*) loo!e* again) then it his tongue to hol*a$! a $urse& Spyglass still traine*) he as!e*) #Thatmysterious lair* of yours 0 *i*2eather or +re$!enri*ge say what he loo!e* li!e5' To his relief) his tone ma*e the /uestion soun* li!e as$holarly /uery7 none of his welling agitation showe*&

#Tall) large , very large& +la$! hair 0 real la$!) not *ar!rown& Pale eyes& Fa$e li!e hewn granite an* eyes li!e i$e%0that was the *es$riptionfrom one of the men who%* spo!en with him&' Eliza glan$e*at him& #9hy5' A*-usting the spyglass) he ignore* the /uestion) as!e*instea*) #2is horse 0 I vaguely re$all some mention aout ahorse&' Eliza *rew nearer& #A huge $hestnut& .assive $hest&' An

instant passe*) then she as!e*) #Is he near5' Not) he note*) is he following us57 she%* alrea*y realize*that& #A man fitting his *es$ription) on a horse of the righttype) is ri*ing this way at agoo* $lip& 2e%s less than a mile away&' #If he stops in the village an* as!s) he%ll realize we%re $lose&2e%ll sear$h&' #(i* the staleman noti$e whi$h way we went5 I *i*n%t see&' She pause*& #I *on%t thin! so& +ut he might have&'

#9e nee* to get out of here&' #9e $an%t go a$! to the roa* 0 he%ll see us&' "owering the spyglass) 1eremy swung aroun*) then stro*e tothe opposite si*e of the tower& "oo!ing out at the$ountrysi*e in that *ire$tion) a



signifi$antly *ifferent lan*s$ape) he grima$e*& Shutting thespyglass) he stuffe* it a$! in his sa**leag7 pulling out themap) he unfol*e* it&+esi*e him) Eliza grae* one e*ge an* helpe* hol* the

map open& One glan$e at her fa$e tol* him that she wasfrightene*) fearful) ut stillthin!ing) still rational) not pani$!ing&9hi$h was a relief& Insi*e he was pani$!ing enough for themoth&Next time he felt that pri$!ling sensation on the a$! of hisne$!) he woul* rea$t a lot sooner&2e -ae* at the map& #Those'0 lifting the same finger) hepointe* to the purplish hills that rose) a a$!*rop to the

fiel*s *ire$tly ehin* the village0#must e the Pentlan* 2ills& If we $ontinue along the lanewe too! to the $hur$h) we%ll hea* towar* them) uta$$or*ing to the map the lane will en* soon)an* after that) there%s nothing ut hills) not until we $rossthem&' Eliza was following) sear$hing the map for what lay furtheron& #+ut on$e we $ross the hills) there%s a highway 0 no)two highways on the other

si*e&' After a moment of loo!ing further afiel*) she sai*) #Peni$ui! is a fairly large town on a highway& Surely we%ll eale to get a gig there) an* then we$an *rive to Peeles) an* we%ll e a$! on the route weoriginally planne* to ta!e to 9olverstone&' 5ut the would be a da late# This) however) was not thetime to *is$uss that) not with the lair* all ut reathing*own their ne$!s& #:ight&' 1eremy $aught her eyes& #Are you game to try

wal!ing a$ross the Pentlan* 2ills5' 2er $hin firme*& The loo! on her fa$e remin*e* him that shewas a Cynster through an* through& #I am not going to waithere until the lair* $at$hesup with us&' Eyes spar!ing) she raise* her hea* an* swungtowar* the stairwell& #"et%s go&'



2urrie*ly stuffing the map a$! into his sa**leag) heswung the ag up to his shoul*er as he stal!e*) grim8fa$e*)after her7 $at$hing her upefore the open *oor) he graspe* her arm) *rew her a$!)

an* went *own the stairs ahea* of her&There was no *anger lying in wait in the $hur$h foyer& #2e%ll e nearing the first $ottages&' 2auling open the $hur$h*oor) he loo!e* a$! towar* the highway) saw with reliefthat ushes along the e*geof the graveyar* s$reene* them from view&Stepping out onto the path) he wave* Eliza ahea* of him&After one glan$e towar* the highway) she stro*e) all ut ran)*own the path) aroun* the

a$! of the $hur$h) *own to a si*e gate) then steppe*through into the lane on$e more&2e -oine* her& After one last glan$e a$! towar* thehighway) they wal!e* /ui$!ly) si*e y si*e) away from$ivilization towar* the loomingPentlan* 2ills&A little way along the lane $urve*) hi*ing them $ompletelyfrom anyone on the highway& They ex$hange* a glan$e)then lengthene* their stri*es&

It wasn%t easy going&The lane ha* petere* out not all that far from the $hur$h&They%* pushe* through a low he*ge an* into the fiel*eyon* an* $ontinue* on) pausingevery now an* then to mar! the higher line of the hill an*loo! a$! at the $hur$h tower) the lan*mar!s they wereusing to !eep their $ourse&Eliza gave fervent than!s she was wearing ree$hes an*oots7 ha* she een in a gown) she woul* have een

staggering& The free*om of maleattire ha* a great *eal to re$ommen* it7 ea$h stri*e in heroots woul* have ta!en two or even three ha* she eenrestri$te* y s!irts&As the groun* rose) they en$ountere* an!s of heather&Although not yet in loom) the ushes were aun*ant an*plentiful& Sheep tra$!s wen*e*



through the thi$! masses) ut her an* 1eremy%s *ire$tion *i*not always mat$h those of the sheep&2alfway up the first ri*ge) they $ame to a stream& At1eremy%s suggestion) they wal!e* along the an! a little way

an* foun* a pla$e where ro$!sset in the e* allowe* them oth to $ross easily enough&9ithout wasting reath on wor*s) she slogge* on& 1eremy!ept pa$e alongsi*e) o$$asionally pausing to glan$e a$! an*$he$! their *ire$tion&The way grew steeper& 2ar*er& (etermine* not to whine orgive any hint of $ensure) she set her -aw an* wal!e* on)ignoring the una$$ustome*heat) the urning sensation in her thighs) her $alves&

She was $ompletely as one with 1eremy on the nee* to fleethe lair*) an* as) than!s to her) they ha* no other optionut to *o so on foot) she wasnot going to let a single wor* of $omplaint pass her lips&:ea$hing the top of the ri*ge) she ent from the waist)ra$e* her han*s on her thighs) hung her hea*) an* trie* to$at$h her reath&After a moment of unla*yli!e wheezing) she felt the weightof the sa**leag) still over her shoul*er) ease&

#"et me ta!e that&' Feeling her legs wole) she staggere* to a flat ro$! an*$ollapse* upon it&1eremy stoo* -ust elow the ri*ge) far enough elow so hewoul*n%t e outline* against the s!y shoul* anyone thin! toloo!& 2e set the sa**leagsy his feet) then *rew out their map again&After a moment of $onsulting it) he glan$e* at Eliza an* sawher staring onwar*) a$ross the shallow valley efore them&

The loo! on her fa$e was horrifie*& #4oo* 4o* 0 that wasonly the +irst ri*ge&' Turning to him) she *eman*e*) #2owmany are there5' #Only one other&' 2e no**e* at the ri*ge efore them& #Thatone& On$e we%re over that) it%s all *ownhill&' #Than! 4o* for small mer$ies&'



2i*ing a wry smile at her faint voi$e) he loo!e* again at themap& #9e%re hea*ing in the right *ire$tion&' 4lan$ing a$rossthe shallow valley) hegauge* the *istan$e) then loo!e* over his shoul*er at the

western s!y& #The light%s alrea*y fa*ing) an* as we gofurther into the valley) we%ll e *es$en*inginto sha*ow&' #Can we get over the next ri*ge efore nightfall5' #I *on%t thin! so) an* this isn%t the sort of $ountry to gowal!ing through at night&' 2e s$anne* their surroun*ings& #9e nee* to start loo!ing forshelter&' The one aspe$t of their flight they still ha*n%t *is$usse*&

3et instea* of emar!ing on re$riminations) something1eremy ha* steele* himself to hear) Eliza sighe* an* pushe*up from her ro$!& #"et%s startwal!ing an* loo! aout us while we *o& I $an%t see any roofat present) ut there must e huts) or $ottages) orsomething aroun* here&' 2e ha* a suspi$ion #something' woul* e the est theywoul* fin*) ut as she%* alrea*y starte* off) he hefte* thesa**leags) settle* one on ea$h

shoul*er) an* followe* her *own the slope&9hen the lair* rea$he* the village of Ainville withoutsighting his /uarry) he *rew rein on a $urse& #(amn& I%ve lost them&' 2er$ules pai* no hee*&Sitting the horse in the gathering gloom) the lair* mentallyreviewe* the miles etween Ainville an* the last news he%*ha* of the pair& Thestaleman at Currie ha*n%t seen whi$h way they%* gone) ut

given they%* een hea*ing south) the lair* ha* $ontinue* inthat *ire$tion) ut ha* learne* of no other sightings along the roa*&2e%* stoppe* an* as!e* at every inn) ut no one ha* ha*any ti*ings of any !in*&It was possile some $oa$h ha* halte* an* they%* persua*e*the o$$upants to ta!e them up&



+ut he%* ri**en stea*ily) espe$ially over the last long)straight) very empty stret$h of roa*& A $oa$h woul* have tohave een rattling along for himnot to have $aught even a glimpse of it ahea* of him&

;nless the $oa$h ha* turne* off the main roa*) utinterse$ting lanes were few an* far etween along thisparti$ular roa*&An inn lay -ust ahea*& (e$i*ing that night was too $loseupon him to $ontinue further pursuit that *ay) he nu*ge*2er$ules into a wal! an* hea*e*for the stale yar*&Tomorrow) he%* have to a$!tra$! an* in/uire aout $oa$hesan* $arriages that might have ta!en the pair up&

The inn prove* to e surprisingly $omfortale& "eaving hisag y the stairs) he wal!e* into the tiny tap an* ha* thear!eep pull him an ale&"eaning on the $ounter) he glan$e* i*ly aroun* an* saw anol* man) wrappe* in !nitte* shawls an* with a plai* $ap$overing his al* hea*)tu$!e* in a $orner of the ay win*ow) loo!ing out at theroa*&The ol* man%s hea* was oing) ut his eyes were open)

his gaze) when it fli$!e* riefly the lair*%s way) alert&Pi$!ing up the mug of ale the ar!eep pla$e* y his elow)the lair* no**e* at the ol* man& #9hat%s his *rin!5' #Porter&' #4ive me a mug for him&' The ar!eep grinne* an* $omplie*&Carrying the mug of porter as well as the mug of ale) thelair* wal!e* to the tale efore the win*ow&The ol* man loo!e* up) *ar! eyes right in a wrin!le* fa$e&

#For you&' The lair* set *own the porter&The ol* man $onsi*ere* him for a moment) then rea$he* forthe mug an* no**e* to the en$h on the other si*e of thetale& #Than! you) m%lor*&' The lair* sat) stret$he* out his long legs) then too! another*raft of the ale&



After ta!ing two sips of porter) all the while regar*ing thelair* over the rim of the mug) the ol* man $hu$!le*& #So)what $an I *o for you5' The lair* smile*& #3ou $an tell me what you saw this

afternoon& I%m trying to $at$h up with two a$/uaintan$eswho were suppose* to have travele**own this way to*ay) ut I fear I%ve misse* them& Thenagain) they might have haile* some $arriage an* een ta!enup) an* so still e ahea* of me&' The ol* man no**e* his un*erstan*ing) sippe* again& #9ell)you must have misse* them along the way) e$ause sin$enoontime) no one 0 onhorse or in any sort of $arriage) not even on foot 0 has

passe* this win*ow&' #Than! you&' The lair* in$line* his hea*& 2e staye* $hattingto the man) ex$hanging the usual $ountryman%s news) untilhe%* *raine* his mug) then)with a polite no*) he rose an* hea*e* for his room&A goo* *inner) a *e$ent night%s sleep) then tomorrow he%*a$!tra$! an* fin* his /uarry%s trail&Tra$!ing was an a$$omplishment at whi$h he ex$elle*) an*unless he misse* his guess) his fleeing pair ha* resorte* to

shan!%s pony& On foot)they%* e easy enough to tra$!) easy enough to $ome upwith&An* then he woul* oserve) an* see what he $oul* see&

Chapter Eight

he light was failing) an* Eliza was starting to elieve theywoul* e sleeping on the open groun* when 1eremy) wal!inghalf a pa$e ahea* of



her) halte* an* put out a han* to stop her&4lan$ing up through the *imness) she saw he was peeringtowar* a stan* of trees ahea* of an* to the right of theirpath&

#Is that a roof5' She peere*) too& After a moment) she ma*e out a pat$h ofwhat might have een gray tiles) a sha*ow of a *ifferent/uality in the gloom eneaththe trees& #I , thin! it is&' 1eremy surveye* the shallow valley into whi$h they were*es$en*ing& #I $an%t see any other haitation of any !in*&This whole valley loo!s*eserte*&'

Eliza no**e* towar* the $opse& #Ex$ept for that roof an*whatever%s eneath it&' 2e loo!e* again at the trees& #It might e a woo*$utter%s$ottage& Those trees loo! li!e they%re manage* for firewoo*&"et%s ta!e a $loser loo!&' 2esteppe* off the path an* hea*e* for the trees&She followe*& #9hat if the woo*$utter%s there5' #9e%ll as! if we $an share his $ottage& +ut'0 he peere*etween the oles 0#I $an%t see any sign of life& No light)

an* it%s *ar! enough anyoneinsi*e woul* have lighte* a $an*le y now&' They pi$!e* their way through the thi$! lan!et of leaves)twigs) an* ran$hes littering the groun* eneath the trees&Signs of re$ent logging $oul*e seen here an* there) ut the $loser they got to the$ottage the more $ertain he was that it lay empty& #.ostli!ely the woo*$utters only stay here whilethey%re harvesting the logs& This lan* an* the $opse

proaly elong to some neary estate&' Eliza *i*n%t reply ut staye* $lose ehin* him) her han*o$$asionally rushing the a$! of his $oat&2e was a$utely aware of her nearness) an* of them eingtogether) alone in the wil*s with no $haperon of any*es$ription in sight) ut in that



moment his newfoun* prote$tive instin$ts were simplyreassure* !nowing that she was near&They ha* to $ir$le to *es$en* into the *ip in whi$h the$ottage stoo*& A small) *outless single8roome* ao*e

fashione* of rough stone an* splitlogs) it nestle* against the rising hillsi*e ehin* it) prote$te*y oth the hill an* the thi$! trees all aroun*&At the e*ge of the small $learing efore the $ottage) hepause* an* s$anne* the shuttere* win*ows again& (ete$tingno sign of life) he $autiously$rosse* to the *oor&2e !no$!e* on$e) then again&No answer $ame&

Ex$hanging a glan$e with Eliza) he shrugge*) graspe* thelat$h) lifte* it) an* opene* the *oor& Pushing it wi*e) in whatlittle light remaine* topenetrate the *imness) he too! sto$!&Eliza peere* past him) then steppe* a$ross the threshol*an* wal!e* into the tiny $ottage& #It loo!s neat an* /uite$lean&' #Almost $ertainly an estate $ottage&' Spying a $an*le in asimple hol*er on a shelf y the *oor) he lifte* it *own) then)

seeing no tin*erox) hunte*in his po$!ets for his own&Outsi*e) the last of the *aylight *ie*) an* night fell li!e alan!et aroun* the $ottage&The $an*le fli$!ere*) then flare* to full life7 on$e the flamesettle*) he raise* the $an*lesti$! an* too! inventory of theirsurroun*ings&A roughly ma*e *resser stoo* against the wall opposite the*oor& Two woo*en $rates of logs an* !in*ling sat on either

si*e of the narrow hearth&A small s/uare tale too! up the mi**le of the floor) withthree simple woo*en $hairs set aout it& On the far si*e ofthe $ottage) filling the /ua*rant furthestfrom the *oor) lay a straw8fille* pallet $overe* y $oarselan!ets&



Eliza ha* halte* loo!ing *own at the pallet7 ta!ing off herhat) she turne* an* sat) sin!ing *own& She leane* *own an*sniffe*& #The straw smellsfresh&'

2e manage* to !eep his voi$e even) his tone lan*& #Thewoo*$utters proaly $ome up here on$e a month or so) atleast *uring the summer&9e must have -ust misse* them&' 2er rows ar$he* fleetingly& #That%s -ust as well&' 9al!ing forwar*) he set the $an*lesti$! on the tale) thenshrugge* off the sa**leags an* set them over the a$!s ofthe $hairs& 2is gaze fell ona metal pit$her sitting on the *resser& #I saw a well outsi*e&'

Pi$!ing up the pit$her) he wal!e* a$! out&Eliza followe* him to the *oor& She wat$he* as he $rosse* tothe tiny stone8si*e* well) then went to -oin him& #I%ll hol* thepit$her& 3ou haul theu$!et&' #All right&' She too! the pit$her from him) waiting while he let theu$!et *own on its rope an* more slowly haule* it a$! up)then she hel* the pit$her for him

to fill&"eaving him to empty an* reset the u$!et) she $arrie* thepit$her a$! to the $ottage) foun* metal mugs) an* fille*one for ea$h of them&1eremy reentere* the $ottage to see Eliza seate* at thetale) sipping $ol* water) eyes $lose*) an* a lissfulexpression on her fa$e&2earing him) she opene* her eyes an* smile*& #This mightas well e the finest wine&'

2is mouth *ry) he manage* a grin) then turne* to shut the*oor& Seeing an iron olt set aove the lat$h) he sli* it homewith some relief& At least noone $oul* snea! up on them *uring the night& #Than! goo*ness .eggin insiste* on pa$!ing some foo*&'Setting *own her mug) Eliza opene* one sa**leag an*rummage* insi*e&



#9hat have we got5' 1eremy opene* the other ag&+etween them) they unearthe* a passale repast of rolls)$ol* $hi$!en) $heese) an* figs& There was also an appleea$h) ut they *e$i*e* to save

those for the morning&9ith the $an*le etween them) they sat on the $hairs an*ate) listening to the light win* playing through the ran$hesoutsi*e& An owl hoote*&The foo* gone) still they sat) sipping the last of their water&Pea$e) an aura of stillness an* /uiet) of $omfort an* safety)envelope* them7 Eliza sense* it) felt it) !new she woul*n%thave if he ha*n%t eensitting opposite her&

She glan$e* at him) an* their gazes met&2el*&All too aware of the su-e$t she 0 an* presumaly he) too0 was avoi*ing) she $ut her gaze to the empty firepla$e& #Shoul* we light a fire) *o youthin!5' 2er o*y was exhauste*) her min* in no fit state to *is$ussthe so$ial ramifi$ations of them spen*ing the night alone&After a fra$tional hesitation) he replie*) #9e $oul*) ut if the

lair* is anywhere near) the smo!e might lea* him this way&' #True) an* it%s not really $ol*&' #It woul* e est not to&' That settle*) she sighe* wearily an* rose) feeling twinges inher thighs an* $alves& #If I *on%t lie *own soon) I%ll fallasleep where I stan*&' She turne*to the straw pallet) their ma!eshift e*&2e rose) too& #3ou ta!e the e*& I%ll 0' #(on%t e nonsensi$al&' Swinging to fa$e him) she hear* the

sharp e*ge to her wor*s ut ma*e no attempt to soften it& #Ihate it when people insiston eing unne$essarily self8sa$rifi$ing) espe$ially on myehalf&' (ropping onto the e*) she fixe* him with a$hallenging loo! an* wave* at the pallet&



#This $oul* sleep three with spa$e to spare) an* we%re othfully $lothe*& An* $loa!e*) too& There%s more than enoughspa$e for us oth to lie *own) an*there%s nowhere else you $an sleep& 9e%ll have to wal! again

tomorrow) an* there%s no telling what we might nee* to *o)so you%ll nee* to e at your est)whi$h means you%ll nee* your sleep&' She hel* his stea*ygaze un$ompromisingly) fra$tionally tilte* her $hin& #I restmy $ase&' 2is lips) until then set in a non$ommittal line) !i$!e* up atthe en*s efore he straightene* them& Still stan*ing y thetale) he hesitate*) frowningly$onsi*ering her) then lightly grima$e*& #All right&' Pi$!ing up

the $an*lesti$!) he $ame aroun* the tale& 9ave* at her& #3ou ta!e the si*e $loser to thewall&' :urther +ro! the door in *ase anthing *o!es through it#1eremy !ept the wor*s to himself) grateful when) withoutfurther argument 0 in*ee*) proaly e$ause she$onsi*ere* she%* won that roun* 0she shifte* a$ross) then stret$he* out full length on the farsi*e of the e*&

Setting the $an*le a safe *istan$e from the e*) he sat)went to pull off his oots) then *e$i*e* against it& If he was$alle* on to *efen* them) hewoul* nee* to e rea*y instantly& 9ithout glan$ing at her)he murmure*) #4oo* night)' an* lew out the $an*le& #4oo* night&' 2er voi$e $ame through the ensuing *ar!ness&She alrea*y soun*e* sleepy&2e shifte*) then stret$he* out full length on his a$!&She wriggle*) then he sense* her turn onto her si*e) fa$ing

the wall& She twit$he* the fol*s of her $loa! $loser) then) ona soft sigh) relaxe*&2e $oul*n%t imagine getting mu$h sleep with her withinarm%s rea$h) ut that ha*n%t een an issue he%* wante* to*is$uss) espe$ially not with her&



Falling in with her wishes ha* seeme* the easiest way7 asshe%* pointe* out) the e* was wi*e enough& Nothinginappropriate was li!ely to o$$ur&Not) of $ourse) that it nee*e* to7 them eing alone)

together) in su$h isolation) was inappropriate enough&Arms at his si*es) he *ragge* in a *eep reath) $lose* hiseyes as he exhale*& Cast aout in his min* ut $oul*n%tsummon reason enough) letalone will enough) to pursue the /uestion of where) giventhis night) they now stoo* vis88vis ea$h other&She was worn out7 so was he& 2e $oul* hear her reathing)alrea*y even an* slow& She was alrea*y asleep , an* sowas he) so $lose to the

e*ge that -ust the thought was enough to sen* him tumlingover) into olivion&S$rope waite* until it was nearly mi*night an* the lan*lor*of the inn at Ainville ha* starte* his roun*s) $he$!ing thewin*ows efore he lo$!e* up for thenight& Only then *i* S$rope emerge from the *ar!ness of the$opse twenty yar*s up the roa* an* wal! his horse to theinn%s tiny yar*&The inn!eeper was rea*y enough to hire him a room an*

sen* a sleepy oy out to see to his horse&S$rope !ept his voi$e low7 all the other guests) in$lu*ing.$6insey) ha* retire* more than an hour efore) ut therewas no sense ta!ing $han$es& #If at all possile) I%* li!e a room at the front of the inn&'From where) in the morning) he $oul* wat$h .$6insey leave&The inn!eeper grunte*& #One left) as it happens&' Turning)he lifte* a heavy !ey from a oar*) then han*e* it toS$rope& #:oom on the left at the top

of the stairs&' S$rope a$$epte* the !ey& #Seeing I%m so late getting in) Iwon%t e leaving early& I%ll $ome *own for rea!fasteventually&' #As you wish) sir& 9e $an *o rea!fast for you anytime&'



S$rope too! the $an*le the man offere* an* starte* up thestairs) growing in$reasingly $autious as he as$en*e*& 2e%*wager .$6insey was inthe inn%s est room) most li!ely another room overloo!ing

the inn%s fore$ourt& <ery possily the room next to his&2e%* followe* his erstwhile employer from E*inurgh)hanging a$! as far as he%* *are*& 2e wasn%t aout toun*erestimate .$6insey) ut y thesame to!en) -ust y eing the sort of man he was) the lair*himself ha* wea!nesses& S$rope was $ounting on .$6inseyeing so a$$ustome* to givingor*ers an* having them oeye* without /uestion that itwoul*n%t o$$ur to him that S$rope might ignore his or*er to

let the girl e&:ea$hing his *oor) S$rope inserte* the !ey an*) as /uietlyas he $oul*) unlo$!e* the *oor) opene* it) went insi*e) then)setting *own hissa**leag) lo$!e* the *oor again&2e $rept aout the room) then un*resse* an* got into thee*&For a moment he lay on his a$! staring upwar*) reviewinghis a$tions of the *ay) an* planning) as well as he $oul*)

those of the next&To his min* there was no /uestion aout his right to followan* $apture Eliza Cynster& 2e was <i$tor S$rope7 on$e puton the s$ent of a parti$ularprey) he never faile*& .$6insey ha* hire* him pre$iselye$ause of that reputation) so now .$6insey woul* simplyhave to ear with the natural out$ome&Closing his eyes) S$rope grimly smile*& 2e woul* su$$ee* inthis) as he always ha* efore7 that was written in his $ar*s&

This was merely a new$hallenge 0 a novel an* unexpe$te* hur*le 0 an* inultimately triumphing in spite of it) he woul* raise hisprofessional stan*ing to new heights&2e woul* seize Eliza Cynster) then han* her over as agree*to .$6insey&



In *oing so he woul* $laim his onus an* salvage his pri*e)ut most importantly he woul* shore up) an* possily evenin$rease) the professionalstan*ing of <i$tor S$rope) a stan*ing this episo*e ha*

threatene* to un*ermine&Of all the issues involve*) that was the most important&2is reputation was all& It was him& It *efine* him&9ithout it) he was nothing&9ithout it) he%* e lost&No one ha* any right to atta$! or *amage it& An* no onewoul*&At the en* of this tale) the name of <i$tor S$rope woul*shine among those in his singular profession& No other woul*

have over$ome su$hhur*les7 no other woul* e seen as so powerful& As soomnipotent in his fiel*&As sleep *rifte* nearer) S$rope%s grim *eterminationsoli*ifie*&2e woul* *o whatever was ne$essary to prote$t hisreputation7 that was his inalienale right 0 one he woul*exer$ise without $ompun$tion&

1eremy $ame gra*ually) slowly) awa!e) lure* to awarenessy the sensation of his nose eing lightly ti$!le*&As the fogs of sleep lifte*) his senses reporte* the warmweight of a woman in his arms& Soft) alluring $urves fitte*snugly against his si*e) $ra*le*his hip) $aresse* his thigh&9hi$h was eyon* pleasant) ut how $oul* that e5 2enever fell asleep in any woman%s e*) an* he $oul*n%t re$allinviting any woman into his ,

2e $ame fully awa!e with a start& Eyes flying open) withoutmoving his hea* or any other lim) he loo!e* *own&Felt triumphant) if utterly mispla$e*) satisfa$tion $oursethrough him at the sight of Eliza snuggle* $omfortaly in hisarms&Even as) *elighte*ly stunne*) he gaze* won*eringly at her)she stirre*&



+efore he $oul* *e$i*e whether to release her with all spee*)plea* his inno$en$e an* apologize profusely) or a*opt aman8of8the8worl*sophisti$ation) she froze) then on a small gasp pulle* a$!

an* away&9i*e hazel eyes foun* his& For a split se$on* she stare*)then gushe*) #I%m so sorry@' Pushing up to sit in the shifting straw) Eliza glan$e* at thee* ehin* her) $onfirming that she was the one at fault& #I, ah ,' 2orrifie*) ut not atall in the way she%* expe$te*) she felt $olor mount in her$hee!s& "oo!ing a$! at 1eremy) she foun* his ri$h $arameleyes reassuringly warm an* not at

all sho$!e* or emarrasse*&2is lips $urve*) again reassuringly) not as if he was laughingat her) an* he raise* his shoul*ers in a light shrug& #It%s allright& 9e proaly othslept etter eing $loser) sharing our o*y heat& It wasproaly that that lure* you nearer in your sleep&' She wasn%t at all sure that was true) ut he was gallantlygiving her an easy way out of the emarrassing situation)an* she wasn%t too prou* to ta!e

it& #3es) well&' Sitting fully upright) she pushe* a$! herhair) whi$h ha* slippe* loose from her pins an* was nowtumling everywhere& #I *i*n%t thin! of that&+ut then I *on%t normally sleep with anyone else in my e*&' 2e presse* his lips tight an* no**e*& #Naturally not&' She narrowe* her eyes on his *an$ing ones) ut she) too)was fighting a grin& After an instant of staring into thoselovely rown eyes) she sai*) #I$an%t elieve I sai* that& State* su$h an inanely ovious

thing&' 2e grinne*& #(on%t ta!e it a$! on my a$$ount&' She simply loo!e* at him) amaze* an* fas$inate* 0 y him)an* herself) y his rea$tion to her) an* hers to him&Another se$on* passe*) then he glan$e* towar* the front ofthe $ottage& #"oo!s li!e we might have overslept& It%s full*aylight outsi*e&'



Swinging his long legs from the e* 0 an* leaving her legsfeeling su**enly aan*one* an* the strange) o**ly intimatemoment ro!en 0 he satup an* ran his han*s through his hair&

She fiste* her han*s against the urge to rea$h out an* rufflethe thi$! lo$!s herself) then $om them *own&2e) of $ourse) left his hair sti$!ing up in every *ire$tion&:ising) he hea*e* for the *oor& #"et me $he$! outsi*e first&(on%t $ome out until I geta$!&' Now he soun*e* li!e a lot of the males she !new&;nolting the *oor) he lifte* the lat$h) opene* the *oorhalfway an* $he$!e*) then pulle* it wi*e an* wal!e* out&

+y expen*ing $onsi*erale willpower) 1eremy $leare* hismin* of the *istra$tion of all that ha* -ust happene*& 2estoo* -ust outsi*e the *oor an*sear$he* the surroun*s) oth with his eyes an* his senses&Tristan an* Charles St& Austell ha* taught him how to esilent an* -ust listen) to every rustle) every twig) every$hirp&A minute passe*) an* he hear* not a single note out ofpla$e& :easonaly $onfi*ent there was no one neary) he

nevertheless $ir$le* the $ottage)$liming up through the trees to pass over the an! ehin*it) then *own a$ross the path they%* wal!e* the previousevening&2e returne* to the $ottage to fin* Eliza in the *oorway7she%* pinne* up her hair again an* ha* $ramme* her hatover the gol*en lo$!s& #I *i*n%tsee anyone& 9e appear to e safe&' She no**e*& #I%ve ma*e the e* an* ti*ie*) an* repa$!e*

the sa**leags& I left out the two apples for our rea!fast)an* we still ha* water in thepit$her) so I%ve poure* two mugs&' She peere* into thetrees& #An* now I%m going out&' 2e pointe* to the si*e& #There%s reasonale $over aroun*that way&' #Than! you&' She stro*e out an* hea*e* aroun* the $ottage&



Sha!ing his hea*) he went insi*e& She $ontinue* to puzzlehim& 9hat he%* gathere* of her efore) what he !new of herreputation) ha* suggeste*a pampere* prin$ess) if anything one more *eli$ate than her

sisters&2er la$! of e/uestrian aility ha* seeme* to $onfirm that)yet eyon* that she%* given him no $ause to thin! her wea!)wilting) or in any wayunale& As in any way less than his sister) "eonora) who ha*een an* $ontinue* to e a strong female for$e in his life&2e !new a lot of strong) willful) in*epen*ent la*ies7 heha*n%t expe$te* Eliza Cynster to figure among that $hoir) yethe was starting to suspe$t she

*i*& She%* alrea*y a*-uste* to a situation that woul* havere*u$e* the average ton miss to tears an* unreasoningfright) whi$h woul* have ma*e his tas!as her res$uer that mu$h har*er&Other than ri*ing 0 an* even there she%* trie* 0 she%* risento every $hallenge that eing !i*nappe* ha* flung her way&As for that morning ,2e hear* her footsteps ris!ly returning) realize* he%* eenstan*ing y the tale staring at the newly ma*e e* for

un$ounte* minutes&:api*ly thrusting his thoughts asi*e efore he lushe* an*gave himself away) he seize* one apple an* too! a sizealeite) then *ragge* themap to him an* sprea* it open&9hen she steppe* through the *oorway) he was frowning*own at the map) finally *oing what he%* meant to)$onsi*ering their onwar* route& #I $an%t see any way aroun* it 0 we%ll nee* to $ross two

streams at least efore we start to $lim the next ri*ge& Thelarger stream $onne$ts twosmall la!es 0 lo$hs) I suppose I shoul* say& 9e $oul* go allthe way aroun* the northern lo$h) ut /uite asi*e fromta!ing us too far out of our way) there%s



an ol* hill fort near the northern tip) an* -ust at the momentI%* prefer to avoi* eing seen y anyone in authority 0meaning anyone who might have theauthority to hol* us&'

She%* *rawn near) ringing a light s$ent he now re$ognize*as her& She pore* over the map) then no**e*& #I agree& Thestreams it nee*s to e&' 2e waite* until she straightene*) then met her gaze& #I *on%twant to lose you if you stumle& Can you swim5' She smile* intently& #3es) I $an& Buite well) as it happens&It%s only horses I%m hopeless with&' 2e in$line* his hea* an* refol*e* the map& #:ight) then&'Slipping the map into one sa**leag) he rea$he* for the

other) ut she was efore him& #No 0 let me $arry this one) at least to egin with& Nowwe%ve eaten the foo*) it%s mu$h lighter&' 2e $aught the loo! she sent him) as if expe$ting him to fussover her eing a female an* too wea! to $arry the ag&Instea*) he no**e* an* sai*) #4ive it to me if it gets too heavy&' She eame* at him& Swinging the sa**leag to hershoul*er) she swipe* up her apple an* turne* to the *oor&

#:ight& "et%s get going&' Sha!ing his hea* to *ispel the paralyzing effe$t of thatrilliant smile) he followe* her out into the wea! sunshine&They $ontinue* *es$en*ing through the trees) !eeping to the$over as long as they $oul*) ut eventually they ha* to wal!out into more open) ro$!strewn$ountry& 2e glan$e* aroun* fre/uently ut saw no one) mostespe$ially no one following them&The first stream was a minor one7 they foun* a shallower

part an* splashe* their way a$ross&The se$on* stream woul* have $ause* them serious troule)ut some !in* souls ha* swung a long log a$ross from an!to an!& 2e went first&2e nearly lan*e* in the swiftly moving water7 with wil*flailings an* mu$h $ursing) he manage* to !eep his footinglong enough to leap for the an!) where



he lan*e* in a sprawl&To the soun* of tin!ling) $himeli!e laughter&2e%* never hear* her laugh efore) not li!e that)unrestraine* an* uninhiite*& Turning over) he was aout to

sen* her a mo$! s$owl& Instea*) helay on his a$! an* wat$he* in a-e$t appre$iation as)alan$ing the sa**leag so one po$!et hung over ea$hshoul*er) she all ut *an$e* a$ross thelog) lan*ing lightly on her feet esi*e him&She loo!e* *own at him in prin$essly triumph) then grinne*an* tippe* her hea* towar* the ri*ge& #Come on) lazy ones0 we%ve another ri*ge to$lim&'

2e groane* an* got to his feet&She laughe* again) as he%* hope* she woul*) then she setoff) stri*ing along in her man%s oots) an* he fell inalongsi*e&They went up the se$on* ri*ge with $onfi*en$e an* spee*&On$e over the $rest) they halte* to pull out the map) mat$hthe mar!ings with what they $oul* see) an* $onfirm theirroute&A mi**ling8size* roa* ran along the ottom of the valley

elow them& 2e pointe* to a $luster of roofs a little wayalong& #That will e Silverurn&' 2e$onsulte* the map& #A$$or*ing to this) it%s aout two mileson&' 2e loo!e* up an* pointe* *ire$tly east& #An* that%sPeni$ui!) aout five miles away&' 2eglan$e* at her& #9e $an ma!e straight for Peni$ui!) or go toSilverurn first& <ia Silverurn will e a little it longer) utwe $oul* most li!ely get a ite toeat in the village&'

Eliza $onsi*ere*) not -ust for herself ut for him as well&(espite her earlier view of him) he wasn%t a small man)eing neither s!inny nor short& Shewas fairly $ertain she $oul* mar$h to Peni$ui! withoutfurther sustenan$e) ut she ha* two large rothers an*!new how they ate&



An* she was un*er no illusions aout who woul* nee* tosave them if *anger threatene*& She might help) ut shewoul* e following his lea*& #Silverurn)' she *e$lare*& #9e nee* foo*) an* we have no

i*ea what the rest of the *ay will ring& This might e ourest $han$e to eat all *ay&' #True&' Slipping the map away) he tippe* his hea* *own theslope towar* the village& #"et%s go&' "ess than an hour later) they were seate* in a rear $orner ofthe .erry 9i*ow%s taproom) a**ressing plates of ham) eggs)!e*geree) an*sausages& Eliza *i* her est) then) when the arman wasloo!ing the other way) swappe* 1eremy%s empty plate for

hers&9hen he loo!e* his /uestion) she murmure*) #No youthwoul* leave a rea!fast half eaten&' 2is lips twit$he*) then he applie* himself to $leaning herplate) too&They were on their way shortly after& 9hile in the inn) Elizaha* ha* to remin* herself that she was suppose*ly male7she%* remaine* largely mute)respon*ing with grunts or snorts whenever she%* een

for$e* to give some response& On$e they were out of sight ofthe village an* stri*ing through open$ountry again) she felt as if a weight sli* from her shoul*ersan* she $oul* e herself again&A hill rose ahea* of them) some way off&1eremy pointe*& #Peni$ui!%s on the other si*e) utapproa$hing from this *ire$tion) we $an go aroun* thesouthern tip of the hill&' #4oo*&' She glan$e* up an* met his eyes& #I *on%t min*

wal!ing) ut avoi*ing hills is appre$iate*&' 2e grinne* an* loo!e* forwar*& #Not -ust y you&' They $ame to another stream& Not that wi*e or *eep) uttoo wi*e to leap an* too *eep to splash through& Theyfollowe* the an! along an* finally



foun* a set of stones that woul* serve their purpose) utwhen 1eremy trie* them) some wole*) an* others wereslippery with slime&2e starte* to slip an* laun$he* himself a$ross) lan*ing

safely on the opposite an!& Turning to her) he e$!one*& #Come halfway) then ta!e myhan*&' She rea*ily $omplie*) $lut$hing his offere* fingers eforestepping onto the *iffi$ult ro$!s& "i!e him) she starte* to slipfrom the slimy one) ut witha yan!) he pulle* her on) up) an* to him7 she swallowe* avery unmaleli!e yelp&2er senses flare* in anti$ipation) ut -ust efore she

slamme* into his $hest) he $aught her aout her waist an*halte* her&To her surprise) her unruly senses gnashe* their teeth& Shelin!e*& #There&' 9ith a satisfie* smile) he release* her) $learlyolivious to the *istin$tly ris/u= impulses surging throughher& #Come on&' 2e turne* an* le* the way up the an!&+ut he *i*n%t let go of her han*&

She tol* herself that he was only !eeping hol* of her fingersso he $oul* help her up the slippery an!&+ut on$e they were a$! on level groun*) he set off over thefiel*) her fingers still firmly $laspe* in his&Stri*ing esi*e him) en-oying the free*om of ree$hes an*oots that allowe* her to *o so) she won*ere* if he%*forgotten that he hel* her han*)ut she *e$i*e* he wasn%t nearly as asentmin*e* as she%*earlier 0 long ago 0 assume*&

9hi$h meant he was hol*ing her han* on purpose& +e$ausehe wante* to&She thought aout that an* *e$i*e* she wasn%t going tomention the lierty& .u$h less protest& She li!e* feeling hisstrong) har* fingers $laspe*aout hers& The *istin$tly male tou$h $onveye* a sense ofreassuran$e) of $omfort an* prote$tion&



A sense of eing together in this) in their *angerous flightfrom *angerous men&Feeling her lips spontaneously $urving) she tippe* her fa$eup to the wea! sun an* remin*e* herself to ma!e sure he

let her go efore they $amewithin sight of the roa*) or any haitation) or anyone whomight won*er why a gentleman was hol*ing the han* of ayouth&The lair* rea$he* the woo*$utter%s $ottage in mi*morning&2e%* left Ainville -ust after *awn an* ha* en-oye* himselfgalloping a$! up the roa* to where he%* ha* his lastreporte* sighting of his fleeing pairin Currie& 2e%* stoo* on the roa* efore the small inn at

whi$h they%* stoppe*) an*) putting himself in his /uarry%soots) ha* loo!e* aroun*&The $hur$h tower ha* $aught his eye&In the lane efore the ly$h8gate he%* foun* oot prints) onepair large) one mu$h smaller) oth hea*ing into the$hur$hyar*&The pave* paths an* stone flags of the $hur$h woul*n%t havehel* any telltale $lues) so he%* wal!e* the perimeter of the$hur$hyar* an* ha* foun*

more oot prints from the same two pairs of oots laying a*istin$tive ut hurrie* trail eastwar* along the lane&Away from the highway) towar* the Pentlan* 2ills&:emounting 2er$ules) he%* glan$e* a$! at the $hur$htower& 2e ha* a strong suspi$ion the pair ha* seen him 0an* ha* !nown enough tore$ognize him as the man ehin* the !i*nappings& 2eshoul*) he suppose*) have ta!en greater $are to remainhi**en while following 2eather Cynster

an* +re$!enri*ge wee!s efore) ut that was water un*erthe ri*ge& The relevant point was that Eliza an* hergentleman woul* run if they saw him7 if hewishe* to lo$ate an* then oserve them) he woul* nee* tostay $on$eale*&



From the $hur$hyar* on) he ha*n%t lost their trail) not eventhrough the an!s of heather& :o$!y groun* was littleimpe*iment to him7 out in the wil*sof S$otlan*) any wil*s of S$otlan*) he was in his element&

2e *rew rein -ust outsi*e the $opse&The ru*e $ottage sat nestle* among the trees& All was silent)/uiet7 no smo!e $urle* from the s/uat $himney&(ismounting) he tethere* 2er$ules toa low8hanging ran$h) then) ma!ing no effort at stealth)wal!e* eneath the trees an* into the $learing& 2e !no$!e*at the *oor& 9hen no answer $ame)he opene* it an* went in&It too! him mere minutes to rea* the signs an* extra$t all

he $oul* from them& Someone) $ertainly) ha* spent thenight at the $ottage 0 twosomeones) to e pre$ise& The pit$her still ha* water in it)an* two glasses were free of all *ust& The surfa$e of thewoo*en tale ha* also ha* thingspla$e* on it) sprea* upon it) *isturing the fine layer of *ustthat ha* previously $overe* it&2e eye* the neatly ma*e pallet) then $rosse* to it an* *rewa$! the $oarse lan!ets& Some attempt ha* een ma*e to

even the straw) ut it wasstill possile to see that the man 0 the heavier) larger o*y0 ha* lain on the si*e $loser to the *oor) an* the slighterfigure ha* for the most part lain$urle* y his si*e&The lair* frowne*& The evi*en$e $oul* e interprete* assuggesting some *egree of intima$y) ut on the other han*)the relationship etween thepair $oul* -ust as easily have een that of $lose frien*s&

Compatriots for$e* y $ir$umstan$e to share a e* an*warmth&2e $oul*n%t 0 shoul*n%t 0 ma!e too mu$h of it&:epla$ing the lan!ets) he $ast one last $omprehensiveglan$e aroun* the sparsely furnishe* ao*e) then wal!e*a$! out into the wea!



sunshine& Closing the *oor) he note* the route y whi$h thepair ha* left the $learing) then returne* to 2er$ules)mounte*) an* $ir$le* the $opse to pi$! uptheir trail& 2e followe* it *own to a stream&

As he sent 2er$ules splashing a$ross) he wrestle* with the/uestion that ha* plague* him sin$e the *ay efore& 9hywere they traveling y su$hslow means5 Coul* Eliza Cynster truly not ri*e59ith every passing hour they were in greater *anger ofeing $aught7 for all they !new) S$rope was hot on theirheels& 3et he%* gaine* suffi$ientrespe$t for whoever ha* res$ue* Eliza Cynster from herasement $ell an* whis!e* her out of E*inurgh)

$onfoun*ing the expert an* until8thenun$hallenge*S$rope) to a$$ept that this $ross8$ountry tre! might well ethe est they $oul* *o&Although the lowlan*s was not his territory) he !new thearea well enough not to nee* a map to guess where his/uarry was hea*ing&2e leane* forwar* to pat 2er$ules%s slee! ne$! as the ig$hestnut pi$!e* his way *own to the valley floor an* thelarger stream that ise$te* it&

#Peni$ui! 0 that%s where they%ll ma!e for&' 2e narrowe* hiseyes& #They shoul* e ale to hire a gig there) an* then*rive for Peeles) then a$ross ,yes&' 2e smile*) an* with his heels nu*ge* 2er$ules to afaster pa$e& #That%s what they%ll *o) an* that%s where we%llfin* them& Come on) my la* 0 let%s hieourselves to Peni$ui!&' 2i**en among the trees) S$rope sat his horse an* wat$he*.$6insey ri*e up the next ri*ge&

2e staye* where he was) i*ing his time& There was no$over to e ha* on$e he left the trees) an* the last thing hewishe* was for .$6insey tosee him&A*mitte*ly) the man ha* thus far live* up toS$rope%s expe$tations& It ha*n%t o$$urre* to the lair* thatS$rope might *isoey his or*ers an* follow7



not on$e ha* he glan$e* a$!& 3et S$rope wasn%t prepare*to ta!e the ris! that this time) on rea$hing the top of thenext ri*ge) .$6insey might rein in fora moment) i*ly glan$e a$!) an* spot him7 he woul* wait

until his erstwhile employer *isappeare* over the ri*geefore venturing forth an* following&S$rope was !een to let .$6insey $ontinue in ignoran$e of hispursuit& The present arrangement) aleit unwitting on.$6insey%s part) was simplytoo goo* to ris! losing& As matters stoo*) .$6insey wasperforming as an expert tra$!er for S$rope& The ease withwhi$h .$6insey ha* foun* the pair%strail) then followe* it so unerringly) spo!e volumes as to the

man%s s!ill& S$rope was professional enough to a$$or* su$htalents *ue respe$t& #A *amne* shame he%s not someone I $an hire&' S$rope glan$e* ehin* him) through the trees to thewoo*$utter%s $ottage& 2e *eate* using the enfor$e* so-ournto sear$h it) ut .$6inseywoul* have ta!en note of any useful signs&Fa$ing forwar* again) he saw that .$6insey ha* surge* upthe ri*ge an* was *isappearing over it&

S$rope lifte* his reins) waite* until .$6insey%s *ar! hea*finally *roppe* out of sight altogether) then spurre* hishorse out of the trees an* on&2e nee*e* to $ross the valley an* rea$h the top of the ri*gewhile .$6insey was still in $lear sight&2e wante* Eliza Cynster) an* .$6insey was his sure an*$ertain route to lo$ating her&

Chapter Nine



ater that morning) on$e more firmly in their assume* rolesof tutor an* $harge) 1eremy an* Eliza wal!e* into Peni$ui!

an* *is$overe* it wasmar!et *ay&There was no mar!et s/uare as su$h) ut the roa* they%*followe* into the small town wi*ene* $onsi*eraly) allowinghorses) $arriages) an* $artsto pass in two opposing streams to the right) while ahot$hpot$h of mar!et stalls fille* the extra spa$e to the left&Pausing alongsi*e 1eremy) Eliza surveye* the $olorful)ustling) pleasantly noisy sight&

#There%s an inn further on&' 1eremy no**e* to a swingingsign hanging from a gale eyon* the stalls& #"et%s see ifthey have a gig an* horse forhire&' Eliza no**e* an* fell in y his si*e& The easiest way topreserve her *isguise was to spea! as little as possile&(ropping her voi$e to a *eepenough) gruff enough register was a last resort7 she%**is$overe* it too! $onstant effort to !eep su$h an assume*

tone even an* elievale&:ea$hing the inn) The :oyal) situate* on a $urve in the roa*)they $ontinue* on aroun* the uil*ing%s si*e in sear$h of thestale yar* an* foun*even more mar!et stalls sprawle* esi*e the roa* on thatsi*e of the inn&A se$on*) large posting inn lay eyon* the stalls) further upthe gently rising roa*&1eremy tippe* his hea* towar* the other inn& #If they $an%t

help us here) we%ll try there&' +ut when appeale* to) The :oyal%s staleman sai* the wor*sthey%* hope* to hear& #Aye 0 I%ve got a ni$e gig shoul* suityou&' Eliza met 1eremy%s eyes) then turne* to i*ly view the mar!etstalls) $loa!ing her relief ehin* a show of a*oles$ent male*isinterest) leaving



1eremy to negotiate over gig an* horse&.any of the stalls efore her sol* fresh fruit& Some sol*pastries an* pies) while others sol* nuts) or $heeses an*hams& One stall sol* freshly

a!e* rea* rolls&2er mouth was watering -ust from loo!ing&The sight of a puli$ water pump remin*e* her that thepottery water ottles in their sa**leags were almost emptyagain& Of $ourse) they woul*e leaving in the gig) an* presumaly woul* rea$h9olverstone tonight) yet ,1eremy -oine* her) a satisfie* loo! on his fa$e&She wave* at the stalls& #Perhaps we shoul* replenish our

sa**leags) -ust in $ase&' 2e no**e*& #It%ll ta!e the ostlers fifteen minutes or so tohave the gig rea*y& I sai* we%* wan*er aroun* the stalls an*$ome a$!&' (rawing out hisfo8wat$h) he $onsulte* it) then sai*) #It%s early yet& If weought some supplies) we $oul* get un*erway) then stop forlun$h along the roa*&' #An ex$ellent i*ea&' Eliza felt his fingers rush her elow)ut then he rememere* an* his han* fell away&

2e gesture* at the stalls& #"ea* the way&' (ipping his hea*)he spo!e more softly) #3ou%ll have to *ire$t me in what touy&' She no**e* an* pro$ee*e* to pause efore various stalls)artfully ma!ing the sort of suggestions a hungry youthmight&For his part) 1eremy playe* the resigne* tutor) an* with -ustthe right show of relu$tan$e) ought all she wishe* for&There was so mu$h to $hoose from that inevitaly they

ought more than they woul* nee*) ut) 1eremy *e$i*e*) itwas etter they have too mu$hthan too little) an* as they now ha* a gig) they woul*n%t elugging the in$reasingly ul!y sa**leags themselves&The thought sent his min* ranging ahea*) to the roa* theywoul* follow) to how long it might ta!e to rea$h the or*er&To the possiility that they



might have to spen* another night together) alone&Not that spen*ing a se$on* night together) alone) woul*materially alter their situation) a situation that) he assume*)ha* alrea*y een *e$i*e* y

their first night together) alone& In the ton%s eyes) one nightwas enough7 suse/uent nights were neither here nor there&The tangle of so$ial expe$tations was something over whi$hhe always felt at a loss7 he !new the stri$tures existe*) an*that some were asolute)asolute enough to in* oth him an* Eliza irrevo$aly) utthere were always ex$eptions) an* he ha* no firm i*ea -usthow their $ir$umstan$es translate*, pushing su$h useless mean*erings from his min*) he

$on$entrate* instea* on what his rother8in8law an*Tristan%s ex8rothers8in8arms woul* $ounselhim to *o&9eapons& If they ran into the opposition) a weapon or twowoul*n%t hurt& 2e was an ex$ellent shot) ut he seriously*oute* the small town oaste*even a general gunsmith) let alone a pistolma!er7 therewere $ertainly no guns of any sort on the stalls&There was) however) a gypsy stall selling some ni$ely

alan$e* !nives& The small !nives .eggin ha* put in thesa**leags woul* *o to atta$!fruit) an* possily $heese) ut not mu$h else&2e pause* efore the stall) rea$hing out to tug Eliza%s sleeveas she amle* on) olivious&She turne*) saw what he was loo!ing at) then relu$tantlyreturne* to stan* alongsi*e him&One glan$e at her fa$e showe* she was frowning in a*isapproving way& Surreptitiously) he tappe* her oot with

his an* hel* up a !nife& #Ni$e!nives&' From the $orner of his eye) he saw her lin!) then sherealize* an* ma*e a show of youthful male interest) pi$!ingup various !nives an* weighingthem in her small han*s&



1eremy /ui$!ly engage* the stallhol*er) praying the manwoul*n%t noti$e those too8*eli$ate han*s&The gypsy was more intereste* in *riving a har* argain&They%* rea$he* agreement when Eliza $leare* her throat an*

rather gruffly sai*) #I woul*n%t min* this one&' 1eremy loo!e* at the !nife she hel* 0 one with a short)tapere* la*e) one she $oul* $arry reasonaly safely in thesmall leather sheath that$ame with it& +riefly meeting her eyes) he too! the !nifefrom her an* set it alongsi*e the two he%* $hosen& #<erywell&' 2e $apture* the stallhol*er%s gaze& #Throw that in as well&' They haggle* again) then) pri$e *e$i*e*) 1eremy pai*)

han*e* Eliza her !nife in its sheath) an* tu$!e* his two intohis elt&.oving away from the stall) a$! into the thi$!ening streamof pe*estrians passing etween the stalls) he *u$!e* hishea* an* murmure*) #6eepthe !nife hi**en& 3ou never want to a*vertise that you havea weapon on you 0 it%s est !ept as a surprise&' She shot him a grin) no**e*&2e *i*n%t !now where) exa$tly) she%* put the !nife7 it ha*

*isappeare* somewhere eneath the $loa! she wore overher male attire& #9ater&' She pointe* to the pump) an* they too! their turnfilling their water ottles& They pause* in the sha*ows y awall while he stowe* theottles a$! in the sa**leags an* settle* their otherpur$hases&She glan$e* aroun*& #I thin! that%s all we nee*&' Straightening) he swung the heavier sa**leag a$ross his

shoul*er& #9e%ve een longer than I%* expe$te* 0 theyshoul* have our gig rea*y an*waiting&' 2is gaze rose to her fa$e 0 he froze& #9hat is it5' 2er gaze was lo$!e* over his left shoul*er7 she was staringup the street) towar* the other inn&



She loo!e* li!e she%* seen a ghost& Eyes wi*e) shewhispere*) #(on%t move 0 *on%t turn aroun*& It%s the lair*&2e%s -ust ri**en in an* halte*) an*now he%s sitting his huge horse an* loo!ing over the stalls&'

#Can he see us $learly5' #Not $learly& There%s half the mar!et etween us 0 he%s atthe other en*&' :esisting the urgent $ompulsion to glan$e over his shoul*er)he graspe* her arm) inten*ing to turn her an* wal! evenlya$! to the inn%s stale& #9ait&' She resiste* his tug& A se$on* later) relief floo*e*her& #2e%s turning away&' She glan$e* at 1eremy%s fa$e)then) easing her arm from his

hol*) she turne* towar* the stale) /uietly a**ing as shewal!e* y his si*e) #2e was -ust loo!ing generally over thepla$e 0 he *i*n%t tense ut -ustturne* an* wal!e* his horse into the other inn%s staleyar*&' 1eremy lengthene* his stri*e& #9e nee* to get our gig an*get out of here now&' They rea$he* the inn%s stale yar*& It was *iffi$ult to anishthe grimness from his expression) to !eep his fa$e set in

easygoing lines) an* not ra$eto sling their sa**leags into the gig) $lamer up to the ox)an* snat$h the reins&On$e the reins were in his han*s an* Eliza was settle*esi*e him) he gui*e* the ay gel*ing he%* $hosen out ofthe stale yar* an* into thestreet as fast as he *are*&4iven the traffi$) that wasn%t all that fast& As they finallyroun*e* the $urve in the roa*) he glan$e* a$! up the street

0An* saw the lair*) large as life) stan*ing) han*s on leanhips) staring *own the roa* at them& #(amn@' 2e urge* the horse on as fast as he *are*& #9hat5' Eliza shot him a s$are* loo!& #(i* he see5' 1eremy hesitate*) ut then no**e*& #1ust our lu$! the traffi$thinne* along the roa* ehin* us -ust at that moment&'



Eliza ma*e a snorty) *isapproving soun* 0 then the soun*all ut strangle* in her throat&She grippe* his arm) starte* to point an* stoppe* herself)ut her gaze was fixe* ahea*& #S$rope& 2e%s ri*ing ehin*

that $oa$h8an*8four $omingtowar* us&' They were hea*ing a$! out along the roa* they%* $ome inon) ut the roa* they nee*e* to ta!e them south) away fromthe town) lay -ust ahea*&1eremy weave*) *u$!e*) peere*) an* glimpse* the legs of ahorse following $lose ehin* the heavy $arriage lumeringslowly towar* them& 2e glan$e*ahea*) measuring *istan$es) estimating angles& #Pray)' he

a*vise*& #If we time this -ust right ,' 2e a*-uste* the gel*ing%s stri*e) hel* the horse a$! whilethe $arriage *rew nearer) then turne* sharp left into theroa* south) using the $arriageas $over so S$rope woul*n%t see them until he was loo!ing*ire$tly at their a$!s& #For 4o*%s sa!e) *on%t loo! a$!&' #I won%t&' +esi*e him) Eliza sat olt upright) trying to appeartaller than she was& 2er heart was thu**ing high in herthroat& #The lair* an* S$rope

oth 0 they must e sear$hing together&' She glan$e* at 1eremy7 his expression was set an*unrelieve*ly grim& 9ith a fli$! of the whip) he sent the horsetrotting on) in$reasingly swiftly&A stone ri*ge spanne* the river south of the town& They$lattere* over it& The way south opene* efore them&There%* een no shouts) no soun* of thun*ering hoovesehin* them& #S$rope *i*n%t see us) *i* he5' she as!e*&

#2e might have) ut I *on%t thin! he realize* it was us&' +efore she $oul* even start to relax) 1eremy aruptly swungthe horse left) *own a narrower roa* lea*ing away from themain roa*& She gaspe*as they plunge* *own a short *ip7 the low8lying roa*wen*e* this way an* that etween stan*s of ir$h& 1eremywhippe* up the horse an* they ro$!ete*



along& The gig ro$!e*7 the wheels rattle*) fli$!ing loosestones in their wa!e& #I thought we were going south to Peeles&' Clut$hing thegig%s si*e) she flung him a glan$e&

#9e were&' 2is fa$e an* tone remaine* eyon* grim& #+utnow he%s seen us) that%s exa$tly where the lair* will assumewe%re going& An* assumingS$rope saw us 0 two people in a gig 0 *riving out of town)S$rope will $onfirm our route& They%ll e after us as soon asthe lair* mounts up&' #Ah&' .aintaining her white8!nu$!le* grip on the gig%s si*e)she loo!e* ahea*& #So we%ll leave them to ri*e to Peelesan* sear$h for us there&'

After a moment) she *rew reath) as!e*) #So) where are wegoing5' #This roa* straightens out soon an* runs more or less east&'1eremy pause*) then a**e*) #If we !eep going east) we%lleventually hit the roa* wewant) the one through 1e*urgh&' 2e ha*n%t stu*ie* the map far enough ahea*) ha*n%texplore* the alternative routes in this *ire$tion& Anotherlesson learne* the har* way& #9e%ll

stop further along an* wor! out the est way to go) ut first,' The roa* they were following ha* risen again& Cresting arise) he *rew on the reins) slowe* the horse to a trot) thenhalte* it alongsi*e a high stile&Applying the ra!e) he tie* off the reins) then rea$he* totheir feet an* pulle* up the sa**leags) letting her ta!e one& #The spyglass&' She sear$he* as /ui$!ly as he7 it was she who pulle* the

$ylin*er out an* han*e* it to him&2e steppe* out of the gig) leapt up the stile& +alan$ing onthe top oar*) he fo$use* the glass&The vantage point was etter than he%* hope*& 2e $oul* seethe roa* lea*ing south from a point aove the ri*ge) a$rossthe ri*ge) an* a goo*



way past the spot where they%* turne* off it& 2e $oul* see allut a short stret$h of the roa* they%* $ome ra$ing *owninstea*&2e sense* Eliza *raw near) a feminine warmth that rea$he*

for him an* $laime* his senses) realize* she%* $lime* thelower rungs of the stile&2e $oul* feel her gaze on his fa$e& #9ell5' A spe$ies of imperious $on$ern fille* the wor*& #Canyou see them5' 2e refo$use* his attention) sear$he* for a moment more)until he was sure no ri*er was ra$ing along the short stret$hhe $oul*n%t see) then helowere* the glass an* grinne* at her& #No& I $an%t see

anyone at all&' She lin!e* up at him) then rea$he* for the glass& #"et mesee&' 2e let her ta!e the glass) steppe* *own two rungs on theother si*e of the stile&She $lime* up) alan$ing pre$ariously&Throwing $aution to the win*s) he graspe* her ree$hes8$la*hips an* stea*ie* her& #Than! you&' The wor*s were a trifle reathless& She *i*n%t

loo! *own ut instea* !ept the spyglass to her eye&After several moments) she murmure*) #I $an%t see either ofthem& Not on this roa*) or the other& 2ave we lost them) or*i* they not realize it wasus5' 1eremy thought) then a*mitte*) #The lair* , I *on%t !nowhow he !nows us) ut I%m sure he re$ognize* us in thetown&' #If they followe* us as /ui$!ly as they $oul*) they woul*

have passe* further *own the roa* to Peeles efore westoppe*&' #Either way 0 if they%re still in the town) or have alrea*ypasse* further south 0 they%ve misse* us&' She lowere* the glass) fa$e* him) an* eame*& #9e%ve lostthem@' 2e fell into her smile) into the warmth of her eyes&



She laughe*) *i* a happy little -ig) then flung her armsaout his ne$! an* !isse* him&Presse* her lips to his in sheer) overflowing) exuerant relief0 then froze&

For a hearteat&So *i* he) too sho$!e*) too lost) to *o anything else&2er lips firme*7 slowly) *elierately) they firme* against hisas she !isse* him&Intentionally&2e !isse* her a$!&Time stoppe*& Simply halte*&2e $oul*n%t hear7 he $oul*n%t thin!&2is entire awareness was trappe* in the simple $ommunion

of her lips moving on his) on the intense thrill when hereturne* the pleasure an* shea$$epte* the $aress) then returne* it again&She leane* $loser) ut wole* an* pulle* a$!&2e let her) stea*ie* her7 !new his own relu$tan$e) utsense* hers) too&For a se$on*) they loo!e* into ea$h other%s eyes& 9ith heron the top step an* him two lower) their fa$es were nearlevel) their eyes in$hes apart&

2e waite* for the fluster) for the garle* apologies7 on$e shestarte*) he%* have to re$ipro$ate) an* it woul* all*egenerate into aw!war*ness ,+ut she sai* nothing at all) only gave a /ui$!) small)intensely feminine smile) then *rew out of his hol* an*a$!e* *own the stile&Surreptitiously) he lew out the reath he%* een hol*ing&.ell, then ;She turne* for the gig& 2e /ui$!ly $lime* over the stile an*

followe*&She threw him a glan$e as she $lime* up to the seat& #Shallwe *rive on) then fin* somewhere to stop an* eat) an* loo!at the map5' Stepping up an* sitting esi*e her) he riefly met her gaze)then no**e*& #That soun*s li!e a wor!ale plan&'



A please* little smile $urle* her lips& Fa$ing forwar*) shewave*& #Onwar*) then& +ut you might want to spare thehorse&' 2e grinne*& Still faintly gi**y from the lingering effe$ts of an

entirely unexpe$te* pleasure an* won*ering if this was whata $on/ueror felt li!e) hefli$!e* the reins an* sent the gel*ing pa$ing on&

Nearly an hour after sighting his /uarry *riving out of themar!etpla$e) the lair* ro*e out of Peni$ui!) satisfie* enoughwith his morning%s en*eavors&4iven his intention was to oserve rather than $apture) he

ha*n%t ra$e* to $at$h the fleeing pair& Instea*) he%* left2er$ules en-oying the amenitiesof The Crown%s stale an* ha* wal!e* *own to have a wor*with the staleman at The :oyal&(eployment of a little easygoing $harm ha* yiel*e* similarinformation to what he%* gaine* at the 4rassmar!et stales&The man with the youthful$harge was *efinitely English) *efinitely a gentleman) an* yall a$$ounts was a straightforwar*) polite) personale sort&

The impression the lair* re$eive*was that of a /uiet) intelligent man) possesse* of a *egreeof inner strength) of un*erstate* reserves&After that) he%* wan*ere* through the mar!et) $hatting withthe stallhol*ers) using his rogue an* the tale of two Englishfrien*s who might havepasse* through a short time efore to goo* effe$t& 2e%**is$overe* that they%* ought vi$tuals) an*) interestingly)three !nives 0 two for the man) an* a

smaller one for the la*&9hile he too! *ue note of that) he was more intereste* inwhat he%* gleane* of the pair%s $hara$ters&+ris!ly trotting over the ri*ge south of the town) onrea$hing the open highway eyon*) he let 2er$ules stret$hinto an easy) loping $anter& On$e



the ig gel*ing settle* into his stri*e) the lair* allowe* histhoughts to return to the mental pi$tures he was assemlingof the pair fleeing for the or*erahea* of him&

The *es$riptions he%* gaine*) an* even more the asi*es) theunsoli$ite* $omments people offere* of the pair) left himin$reasingly $onvin$e* that)shoul* he fin* himself $onfronting Eliza Cynster an* hergentleman8res$uer) his most appropriate response woul* eto sha!e the gentleman%s han* an*wish him well&The man ha*) after all) steppe* in an* ta!en the la*y off hishan*s& She was no longer his responsiility ut that of the

as8yet8uni*entifie* ravegentleman&As for .iss Cynster herself) she soun*e* a han*ful) althoughin a *ifferent way from her ol*er sister& Eliza appeare* to ethe sort of female hementally *ue* #soft an* spoile*)' perhaps not rattishlyso) more in the nature of tonnish young la*ies orn ofwealthy) aristo$rati$) Sassena$h families)an* she seeme* a ta* *eli$ate to oot) neither of whi$h

woul* have suite* him&A la*y who was gentle as well as gently re*) a$$ustome* toevery luxury an* la$!ing in fortitu*e) woul* ma!e a*isastrous wife for him&9hi$h left him in two min*s aout the failure of this latest!i*napping attempt& On the one han*) his inaility to ta!eEliza Cynster north an* para*eher efore his mother as #ruine*' meant he%* yet to satisfyhis mother%s re/uirements to se$ure the golet he nee*e* to

save his estate an* his people&An* on that s$ore) time was running short&Against that) however) he%* avoi*e* having to marry a la*ywho woul*n%t have li!e* him) an* who woul* have ha* a*ismal time as his wife& A



lifetime of misery for himself was a pri$e he%* a$$epte* hemight well have to pay) ut having to stan* y an* all utfor$e a lifetime of misery on someinno$ent la*y , that woul* have sat very ill with him an*

*eepene* his own misery to a truly *rea*ful *egree&So him not having to marry Eliza Cynster was a matter for$eleration) on oth his an* the la*y%s parts&In*ee*) the only reason he was still following the pair wasto) if possile) otain a etter loo! at the two of themtogether) the etter to $onvin$ehimself eyon* all reasonale *out that her gentleman8res$uer was a suitale $onsort) an* that he was treating an*woul* always treat her well&

2e%* *one the same with 2eather Cynster an* hergentleman8res$uer) an* his eyes ha*n%t *e$eive* him there&She an* +re$!enri*ge ha*announ$e* their engagement shortly after their tre! throughS$otlan*) an* all he%* sin$e gleane* from his $onta$ts in"on*on ha* assure* him theaffian$e* $ouple were truly happy) somewhat to manyoservers% surprise& +y an* large) the ton ha*n%t seen thatmat$h $oming&

As he ro*e on through the late morning) the faint win* of hispassing ruffling his hair) he grinne* at the thought that ifEliza Cynster) too 0 at theeginning of this a*venture twenty8four an* still unwe* 0ha* through his !i*napping foun* her fate* husan*8to8e)then instea* of #ruining' the twoCynster sisters he%* een for$e* y his mother%s s$heme to!i*nap) he%* instea* playe* $upi* for them in a $onvolute*lyizarre way&

That was an irony that truly was sweet&2e savore* it for a full minute) efore reality intru*e* an*remin*e* him of what) given the failure of this se$on*!i*napping) now lay efore him&In his philosophy of life he%* always a$$epte* that fateexiste* as a true) formative for$e& If he%* ever nee*e*evi*en$e that fate was female) he



ha* it now7 only a woman woul* put a man through this&2e was roo*ing over what his imme*iate future woul* eon$e he saw Eliza an* her gentleman8res$uer safely over theor*er when 2er$ules%s

long stri*es too! them over a *amp pat$h where a urn ha*floo*e* a$ross the roa*&Four stri*es on) he registere* what he%* seen 0 or ratherwhat he ha*n%t& #(amn@' Slowing 2er$ules) then wheeling him) he ro*e a$! to the*amp pat$h& "eaning from the sa**le) he examine* theimprints left in the *irt that ha*spille* a$ross the roa*& Finally sitting up) he $ast his min*a$! to that moment in Peni$ui! when he%* seen the pair

*riving away) fo$use* his memory onthe gig%s wheels , the usual style of woo*en wheel with aeaten metal rim&2e glan$e* *own at the tra$!s in the roa*& #Not again& They*i*n%t $ome this way&' 9ith a sigh) he shoo! 2er$ules%s reins& #Come on) ol* son&+a$! we go& At least we *i*n%t ri*e halfway to the or*erefore realizing they%*slippe* si*eways&'

2e let 2er$ules en-oy a goo* gallop& It wasn%t that longefore the roofs of Peni$ui! appeare* ahea* of them)per$he* on the higher) north an! of the North Es!&Slowing 2er$ules as they approa$he* the ri*ge over theriver) the lair* was $onsulting his memories of the roa*s inthe area when a fleetingmovement 0 a /ui$!) startle*) furtive movement on theother si*e of the ri*ge 0 $aught his eye&

S$rope&2is erstwhile employee ha* seen him $oming an* ha* *ive*for $over& #As well he might&' Inwar*ly grim 0 he *i* not appre$iatehaving *ire$t or*ers flagrantly floute*) yet he wasn%t totallysurprise* 0 the lair* *rew



rein on the south si*e of the ri*ge& "eaning on his sa**leow) he sat as if pon*ering) apparently stu*ying the roofs ofthe town& From the $orner of hiseye) he $oul* see the thi$! ushes where S$rope) mounte*

on a *e$ent gray nag) was $on$eale*&2e%* alrea*y noti$e* the wheel tra$!s he%* een sear$hingfor turning *own the roa* to his right& That roa* le*southeast& 2e $oul* imagine that)!nowing he was on their trail 0 an* for all he !new thefleeing pair might have !nown S$rope was $hasing them) too0 an* presse* for alternatives) thepair ha* ta!en the southeast roa*& It seeme* to hea* in the*ire$tion they nee*e*& ;nfortunately) if they $ontinue*

following it) they woul* fin* themselvesrunning out of roa* on$e they rea$he* the shallow foothillsalong the western flan! of the .oorfoot 2ills& An* there wereno roa*s through the .oorfoots&They woul* have to turn either north or south7 either routewoul* ta!e them out of their way) ut on the other han*)ta!ing the southeast roa* ha*su$$ee*e* in !eeping them $lear of oth him an* S$rope)an* ultimately they woul* e ale to fin* their way aroun*

to the roa* he was in$reasingly surethey were ma!ing for) the roa* through 1e*urgh&If anything) he shoul* e please*7 there was now no $han$ethe pair $oul* rea$h the or*er that *ay& They woul* have tospen* another night) an*at least another *ay) ma!ing their way south7 he woul* haveall the time he nee*e* to oserve an* satisfy his pi$!y senseof honor that Eliza Cynster%sgentleman8res$uer was an appropriate prote$tor for a

Cynster miss& A satisfa$tory husan*8to8e in lieu of him&That was now his only $on$ern 0 getting asolute$onfirmation of the gentleman%s $alier an* the $ouple%spotential relationship 0 ut what washe to *o aout S$rope52e $oul*n%t sit there all *ay staring into spa$e& 2ow ha*S$rope foun* the pair) in Peni$ui! of all pla$es5



The irritating thought that S$rope might well have eenfollowing him firme* to a $ertainty the more he *welle* onit) $ompoun*ing the man%s sins&+ut he really *i*n%t $are all that mu$h aout S$rope&

;nfortunately) however) he was a $ompli$ation& #+last the man&' If he le* S$rope astray at this point) he%* almost $ertainlylose his fleeing pair& On$e they foun* themselves having toturn north or south) he mightnot e ale to tra$! them easily) *epen*ing on whereexa$tly on the roa* they realize* they ha* to turn& An* they$oul* go either way&Time was stea*ily slipping past& 2e ha* to *e$i*e&

Straightening in his sa**le) he nu*ge* 2er$ules into motionan* turne* the ig gel*ing *own the *ip into the southeastroa*&2e $oul* *elierate while he ro*e&At present) he was etween S$rope an* their /uarry7 as longas S$rope remaine* at his a$!) Eliza an* her gentlemanweren%t in any *anger&Nu*ging 2er$ules into a $anter) min* ranging ahea*) hethought) an* planne*&

I*eally) he *e$i*e*) he woul* fin* the pair) hang a$! longenough to see all he wishe*) then he woul* let the pair goon while he turne* a$! an*$apture* S$rope) an*) in his /uietest) $ol*est) mostintimi*ating voi$e) in/uire* what the *evil the man thoughthe was aout&"ips $urving in anti$ipation of that last) the lair* ro*estea*ily on&6een to get as far as they $oul* from the lair* an* S$rope

efore they stoppe* to eat an* $onsult the map) 1eremy ha**riven for nearly an hour) followingthe roa*) little more than a lane ut *e$ently surfa$e*) thatha* een lea*ing so helpfully southeast&They%* $rosse* over two other) somewhat larger) roa*s) utoth ha* een signposte* as lea*ing *ire$tly a$! to thesoutherly roa* to Peeles&



9ith no wish to run into the lair* an* S$rope) they%* happily$ontinue* southeast&The !iss they%* share* playe* over an* again in 1eremy%smin*& 2e tol* himself not to ma!e too mu$h of it7 it ha* -ust

een one of those momentsthat ha* simply happene*& They%* oth een swept up ytriumph over losing the lair* an* S$rope , well) she ha*) atleast& 2e ,(etermine*ly hauling his min* from its osession) hefo$use* his attention on the lane ahea* an* saw that a littleway on) it turne* sharplynortheast&2e slowe* the horse) then angle* it onto the grassy verge&

#9e might as well stop here&' 2e glan$e* a$!& #9e%veneither seen nor hear* any signof pursuit& I thin! we%re safe for the moment&' #4oo*&' Eliza pulle* the sa**leags up onto her lap& #I%mfamishe*) an* you must e) too&' Truth to tell) it wasn%t foo* he was all that hungry for , &topit Stepping *own from the gig) he hel* out his han*s for theags) too! them oth) an*wal!e* a little way from the alrea*y $ropping horse&

A neary ush affor*e* them a mo*i$um of sha*e& 2e setthe sa**leags *own) then) when Eliza $ame up an**roppe* to her !nees on the othersi*e of the ags) imme*iately falling on them an*rummaging insi*e) he san! *own to the grass) stret$hing hislegs out efore him&They ate) *ran!) then) mun$hing on an apple) he pulle* outthe map& Flipping it open) he *rew his legs up7 sitting $ross8legge*) he sprea* the map

on the groun* efore him&Eliza move* the sa**leags asi*e) shuffle* up) an* satesi*e him& #9here are we5' Fighting the $ompulsive awareness of her) so $lose esi*ehim) he stare* at the map) then) relu$tantly resigne*) pla$e*his finger on the pertinentspot& #9e%re here&'



She leane* $loser to loo!7 from eneath her hat) thefragran$e of her honey8gol* hair rose an* wreathe* hissenses& #This roa* ,' 2er voi$e hel* the same *isappointment he

felt& 4lan$ing up) she met his eyes& #It *oesn%t gosoutheast&' 2e grima$e*& #No& For some in$omprehensile reason) itturns an* hea*s a$! towar* E*inurgh&' She *rew a$! ashe pointe*& #9ell) nearenough& It meets the E*inurgh8Carlisle roa* near4oreri*ge&' Eliza wrin!le* her nose& #Carlisle%s no use to us&' #No& Asi*e from eing on the wrong si*e of the $ountry) with

the or*er mu$h further away) there%s no one there withwhom we $an eg shelter& Nosafe pla$e we $an go) an* neither the lair* nor S$rope willhalt at the or*er 0 they%ll follow us on&' She no**e*& #9olverstone is still the safest pla$e to ma!efor 0 the $losest safe pla$e&' Peering again at the map) sheglan$e* over her shoul*erto where) twenty yar*s on) the roa* ma*e its northeastturn& #It loo!s li!e there might e a minor roa* going the

other way&' 9ithout loo!ing a$! at themap) she vaguely pointe*& #See5' 1eremy loo!e*) then pushe* to his feet& #It%s mar!e* as atra$!) ut let%s loo!&' "eaving the horse where he was) they wal!e* the few yar*s*own the roa* to the opening of what prove* to e littlemore than a sheep tra$!&2er shoul*ers slumpe*& #9e $an%t *rive on that&' #No&' 1eremy turne* an* loo!e* along the $ontinuation of

their roa*) a well8surfa$e* stret$h lea*ing) unhelpfully) inthe wrong *ire$tion& #9here%s agoo* :oman roa* when you nee* one5' She smile* faintly) ut any humor /ui$!ly fa*e*& #So&' She*rew in a reath& #9hat now5'



2e stu*ie* a farmhouse to the left of the roa* a little waypast the en*) glan$e* at the hills to their right 0 the hillsthat) if they wante* to rea$h the1e*urgh :oa*) they ha* to either *rive aroun* or wal!

through 0 then wave* a$! to where they%* left the map& #"et%s see what options we have&' +a$! near the gig) they sat si*e y si*e in the long grassan* pore* over the map&After a moment) 1eremy glan$e* up at the s!y& #It%s onlyearly afternoon&' 2e loo!e* at her& #9e have to assume thatthe lair* an* S$ropeeventually pi$! up our trail an* follow us here&' 2e glan$e*aroun*& #They%ll see we stoppe* here an* sat on the grass)

an*) assuming we *rive on) they%ll$ome on fast& +ut they%re on horsea$!) an* we%re in a gig0 they%ll e ale to travel faster for longer) an* ta!eshort$uts we $an%t&' "oo!ing at the map) he tra$e* a route& #If we *rive on alongthis roa*) we%ll get to 4oreri*ge) then we%ll nee* to turnsouth an* *rive li!e ma*through Stow to 4alashiels) then a$ross via .elrose to St&+oswells on the 1e*urgh :oa*& From there) it%s not far to

the or*er&' 4aze on the map) she state* the ovious& #They%ll $ome upwith us long efore 1e*urgh&' "ips setting grimly) he no**e*& #I agree&' She $oul* see only one alternative an* !new why he wasn%tsuggesting it7 he was leaving the *e$ision to her& So e it&1aw firming) she loo!e* upan* met his eyes& #Can we ma!e them thin! we%ve *rivenon) even if we *on%t5'

2is /ui$! grin of approation felt li!e sunshine eamingthrough $lou*s&2e tippe* his hea* towar* the farmhouse aroun* the en*& #9e%ll *rive on) ut only as far as that farm& 9e $an leavethe gig there) an* I%ll pay



them to !eep it out of sight an* return it to Peni$ui!tomorrow& If we ma!e sure there%s no tra$!s lea*ing into thefarm yar*) there%s every possiility ourpursuers won%t !now they%ve lost us until 4oreri*ge or even

later) an* on$e they *o realize) there won%t e anything totell them whi$h way we%ve gone&For all they !now) we might have *e$i*e* to $ir$le a$! toE*inurgh&' She no**e*& #4oo*& So with them $onfoun*e* an* out of theway) we wal! on&' She tra$e* a route on the map) thenraise* her arm an* pointe*east& #Over the *amn hills an* all the way to Stow&' Their gazes met) lo$!e*) hel*& After a moment of sear$hing

her eyes) her fa$e) he as!e*) #Are you sure5' She !new pre$isely what he was as!ing& 2e was allu*ing tothe su-e$t that hung over their hea*s li!e (amo$les% swor*7patently he saw it as$learly as she& They%* alrea*y spent one night togetheralone7 perhaps that might have een a$$ounte* forsomehow) ut y a$$epting the $ertainty of another night spent in some woo*$utter%s $ottage or theli!e) alone with him) rather than fleeing in a $urri$le *own

$ountry roa*s at night , perverselyso$iety might a$$ept the latter i*io$y) while $on*emningthem for ta!ing the former) infinitely safer option& 9ith alittle no*) she pushe* to her feet& #I%msure&' (usting *own her ree$hes) she foun* a smile& #I%m getting/uite fon* of these&' She hel* out a oote* foot& #An* myoots& They%re so mu$h lessrestri$ting than s!irts&'

1eremy was fol*ing the map preparatory to stowing it in oneof the sa**leags& Pi$!ing up the other) she hea*e* for thegig& #I%m sure we%ll eale to fin* some $ottage or the li!e& Somewhere suffi$ientto sleep for the night&'



A frisson of expe$tation ran through her at the thought& Sheha*n%t allowe* herself to *well on that !iss& That eye8opening) fas$inating) asoring!iss& If she *i*) she%* start to thin! of other things)

suse/uent things) an* then she%* lush ,Setting her sa**leag in the gig) she went to the horse%shea*& <eep our !ind on the !atter at hand# #Perhaps weshoul* wal! him aroun* tothe farm yar* 0 without our weight in the gig) the tra$!swill e even less&' 1eremy set his sa**leag in the gig alongsi*e hers& #9ewant to leave tra$!s here) to show we left& 4et in an* we%ll*rive aroun* the en* to the

farm gate) then we%ll get out an* I%ll lea* him in& 3ou $an$he$! an* oliterate any tra$!s&' Fifteen minutes later) with the horse an* gig safely hi**enaway in the arn an* the helpful farmer suffi$iently satisfie*with the largesse 1eremyha* offere* to assure anyone who in/uire* that he%* seenthem *rive on) they left the farm gate an* $rosse* the roa*)$areful to leave no telltale ootprints&

#The lair* ha* to have tra$!e* us from Currie&' Shoul*eringone sa**leag) 1eremy followe* Eliza as she stru$! outa$ross a fiel* to the rise of the first hill& #There%s no other li!ely explanation for himfin*ing us& If he%s a highlan*er) as your family thin! he is)then most li!ely he hunts game) an* somight e espe$ially experien$e* at tra$!ing&' She humphe*& #I *efy him to fin* any tra$!s a$! there& Ima*e sure the groun* insi*e an* outsi*e the farm gate was

pristine&' 2e tappe* her shoul*er) then pointe* to a sheep tra$! thatle* more *ire$tly up an* over the first hill& #"et%s get overthe first rise as fast as we $an&I%ll $he$! from the $rest to see if there%s any sign of ourpursuers) then we $an forge on with greater $onfi*en$e&On$e we%re over the first hill) we%ll e



largely out of sight&' They *i* pre$isely that& From the first $rest 1eremy s$anne*the roa* ut $oul* fin* no tra$e of pursuit& "owering thespyglass) he shut it& #Nothing

yet&' Neither of them *oute* the lair* at least woul* $ome& +ut*ipping *own into) then $rossing) the next shallow valley)they stro*e stea*ily on) se$urean* largely relaxe*) !nowing no one $oul* spot them fromthe roa*&They exer$ise* greater $aution slogging up the next hill) uton loo!ing a$! they *is$overe* the first hill lo$!e* theirview of the roa*7 they

$oul*n%t see the farm where they%* left the gig& 9hi$h meantno one along that part of the roa* $oul* see them&9ith in$reasing $onfi*en$e) they pushe* on) tramping alongsheep paths etween an!s of heather) splashing a$ross astream& The afternoonremaine* fine) the air fresh an* $lear as they $lime*&"an*mar!s were s$ar$e& 1eremy !ept them on asoutheasterly $ourse using the ar$ trans$rie* y the sun)an* the position of far *istant pea!s&

They foun* their way over a larger stream an* hea*e* on)!eeping the glinting waters of a ig la!e to their right& Theline of the .oorfoot 2illsthemselves still lay ahea* of them7 they were presentlytraversing the slowly rising lan*) the foothills of the hills) asit were&Eliza stro*e along) feeling intensely) an* utterlyunexpe$te*ly) light of heart& That was the only way she$oul* *es$rie the inner sense of uoyan$y)

the near efferves$en$e that showe* in the ris! spring in herstep& She loo!e* aout as she wal!e*) *rin!ing in the wi*evistas that every now an* againopene* up etween the en$losing low hills& Even the airseeme* to taste fresher an* etter up there&



She never woul* have imagine* she woul* en-oy stri*ingaout the heather& "et alone with a villain li!e S$rope inpursuit) mu$h less the even morefrightening un!nown of the lair*& 3et she was $onfi*ent

they%* lost their pursuers) at least as far as to*ay was$on$erne*) so she felt entitle* to en-oy themoment7 the won*er of it was that she $oul*&9al!ing ha* never een high on her list of ex$iting things to*o) ut stri*ing along freely in ree$hes an* oots) with theworl* wi*e aout her an*1eremy Carling pa$ing alongsi*e seeme* somehow) in thatmoment) a tiny sli$e of heaven&She woul* en-oy it while she $oul*&

The thought rought to min* something else she%* en-oye*&That !iss& She $oul*n%t stop thin!ing aout it) whi$h fa$talone set it apart from anyother !iss she%* ever experien$e*& Of $ourse) it was truethat they were oth) in a fashion) out of their a$$ustome*worl*) set a*rift for the moment in aworl* of high a*venture) an* !isses 0 !isses that or*inarily$oul* never have een 0 $oul* e) $oul* happen) $oul*exist in this temporary worl* they

were stri*ing through&+ut she wante* more& She !new she *i*7 she was alrea*ythin!ing of how to ring a repeat engagement aout& 2owelse $oul* she learn what itwas that was so *ifferent) what it was in his !iss 0 1eremyCarling the oo!worm%s !iss 0 that ha* so easily $apture*an* fixe* her senses5If she was truthful) it was more than her $uriosity that ha*spar!e*& +ut whoever woul* have thought a oo!worm

$oul* !iss li!e that5 +eguilingan* tempting 0 tempting in a way she suspe$te* she mightfin* very *iffi$ult to resist&:esist enough to turn her a$! an* wal! away&9hi$h was why she%* *e$i*e* there was no point whateverworrying aout what woul* happen when they rea$he*$ivilization) an* tonnish so$iety)



again& 3es) there might well e pressure rought to ear) invarious guises an* forms) for them to marry 0 ut what ifshe an* he a$tually wante* to of their own a$$or*5

Su$h a feli$itous out$ome was possile& 2eather an*+re$!enri*ge ha* foun* their way to the altar) an* nomatter the $ir$umstan$es) there ha*een no $oer$ion involve*&She glan$e* si*elong at 1eremy) pa$ing esi*e her& Everynow an* then) he woul* glan$e a$! an* aroun*) !eepingwat$h& It was $omforting to!now he was so alert while she en-oye* the view&An* that view , she let her gaze riefly fall) s!imming over

his long frame) then *etermine*ly loo!e* ahea*& Thes$holarly oo!worm image ha*fa*e*) repla$e* with a reality that was signifi$antly morepotent& (istin$tly more alluring&Even more intriguing was the man ehin* the mas!& Therewas so mu$h aout him) so many /uir!s of $hara$ter an*nuan$e that she%* neverimagine* might e there&2is prote$tiveness) for one7 she%* re$ognize* it instantly 0

with rothers an* $ousins li!e hers) she was an expert onthat trait& 3et hisprote$tiveness was , softene* wasn%t really the wor* for it0 informe* might e nearer the mar! 0 y an unexpe$te*un*erstan*ing an* a$$eptan$ethat she was an a*ult) too) that she ha* a min* of her ownan* might have views of her own regar*ing what she) an*they) shoul* *o&2e%* $onsulte* her rather than simply *e$ree*7 that was

what was *ifferent&%is prote$tiveness she $oul* a$$ommo*ate) unli!e that ofher rothers an* $ousins&There was also a $ertain hint of $hivalry) ol*8fashione*perhaps) ut attra$tive nonetheless&



An*) of $ourse) there was his ex$ee*ingly sharp min*)something she ha*n%t efore $onsi*ere* a re/uirement in aman) ut there was *efinitelysomething to e sai* for not having to explain her own

thin!ing 0 an* for his $onverse assumption that she $oul*thin! her way through things) too&She glan$e* his way again) then loo!e* ahea*) smiling softlyto herself& She wasn%t all that othere* over spen*inganother night alone with him)e$ause she%* set her min* on learning more aout him) an*in*ulging in at least one more !iss&Another twenty yar*s rought them to the ase of the mainline of hills& They s$oute* aroun* an* foun* a ro$!y path

lea*ing up an* over thesummit& 9ithout a wor*) Eliza starte* up it&1eremy glan$e* a$! an* aroun* one last time) thenfollowe* in her wa!e&The going was $onsi*eraly har*er) the slope mu$h greaterthan the groun* they%* alrea*y traverse*& The westering sunwarme* their a$!s asthey $lime*7 in pla$es the ro$!s were more li!e huge steps)slowing them $onsi*eraly&

2e !ept expe$ting Eliza to $omplain) ut instea* she toile*stea*ily upwar*& 2e was) heaven !new) no expert on thesu-e$t of tonnish la*ies& 2emight have ha* several mistresses in years past) ut for the$urrent $rop of younger la*ies he ha* no real gui*elines forehavior) at least not un*erstress&The next time he $oul*) he glan$e* at her fa$e& (espite theeffort of the $lim) her lips were lightly $urve*) her features

relaxe*& She *i*n%t seem toe worrying , aout anything&Not aout them 0 him an* her 0 spen*ing yet anothernight alone& Not aout that !iss&A !iss that ha* left him , not wary so mu$h as un$ertain&2e was a s$ientist of sorts7 he *i*n%t li!e un$ertainty&



+ut when it $ame to that !iss) he simply *i* not !now whatto ma!e of it& As he%* rea* it) she%* initially !isse* himunintentionally) *riven y anex$ess of exueran$e) ut then she%* realize* , an* instea*

of pulling away) she%* !isse* him again&2ow was he suppose* to interpret that59oul* she li!e it) allow it) if he !isse* her5 Again& She%*seeme* to approve when he%* returne* her !iss) ut wasthat the same52e was going to give himself a hea*a$he if he !ept thin!ingaout it&"ips thinning) $liming *ogge*ly in her wa!e) e/ually*ogge*ly !eeping his gaze from the enti$ing view -ust ahea*

an* slightly aove him) he tol*himself he shoul* simply a*mit 0 to himself 0 that he was$onfuse* ut intereste*) an* that that interest) the fa$t hefelt it so strongly) was a puzzlementall its own&The last la*y he woul* ever have imagine* $apturing hisinterest to this *egree woul* have een Eliza Cynster& Fromthe one o$$asion on whi$hthey%* met) he%* $ome away elieving she ha*n%t li!e*) or

perhaps ha*n%t approve* of) him& 9hat it was aout himshe%* ta!en against he%* ha* no i*ea)ut that ha* een his $lear impression&Of $ourse) he ha* $ome to her res$ue) so she was honor8oun*) so to spea!) to smile at him now& +ut he honestly*i*n%t thin! lu!ewarm gratitu*ewoul* e enough to ma!e her !iss him&Perhaps she -ust ha*n%t !nown him well enough) an*$ourtesy of their a*venture) that la$! was eing re$tifie*5

The $rest loome* ahea*& 2e anishe* all thoughts of her an*him) an* followe* her onto a small plateau at the top of thegently roun*e* pea!&2alting) then sin!ing onto a ro$!) she swung her sa**leagto the groun* an* pulle* out her water ottle&Still stan*ing) he pulle* his own ottle out) too! a long gulp)then) stowing the ottle) *rew out the spyglass&



2e sear$he* an* finally foun* the farm at whi$h they%* leftthe gig& From this elevation) they $oul* see most of thegroun* they%* $overe* sin$eleaving the roa*&

#Anything5' 2e shoo! his hea*& #I $an see as far a$! as the stret$h ofroa* -ust efore the en*) an* I $an%t see any sign of them&' #So they%ve either gone past an* $ontinue* northeast on theroa*) or not yet rea$he* the en*& Either way) we%re wellaway from them&' "owering the spyglass) he loo!e* west& The sun was hi**enehin* $lou*s) ut it was alrea*y sli*ing eneath thehorizon& #The light will e gone

soon& 9e shoul* get on&' 2e turne* as she rose) lifting her sa**leag from thegroun*& 2e hel* out a han*& #2ere 0 let me ta!e that&'+efore she $oul* argue) he a**e*) #It%s *ownhill from here&' She in$line* her hea* in than!s an* han*e* the ag over& #On$e the light goes) they won%t e ale to tra$! us&' #No) they won%t&' 4reatly *aring) 1eremy rea$he* out an*too! her han*& 9ithout meeting her eyes) he wal!e* to the

eastern e*ge of the smallplateau& 2e loo!e* *own) into the *eepening sha*ows thatnow $loa!e* the east8fa$ing flan! of the hill& #For tonight)we%re safe) ut'0 glan$ing at her) hefinally met her eyes 0#we nee* to fin* shelter efore nightfalls&' She no**e* an* wave* him on& 2e le* the way *own)hol*ing her han* to stea*y her over the steeper se$tions)wal!ing y her si*e when the

going was easier&They *es$en*e* into a high) shallow valley& #The S$ottish hills seem to e very *eserte*)' she sai*& #All I$an see is heather) ro$!s) an* sheep&' 2e no**e*& #There%s a roa* of sorts *own there) in theottom of the valley) ut I $an%t see any settlements alongit&'



They $ontinue* wal!ing for some time) then Eliza shivere*&A $ompulsion grippe* him) an urge unli!e any he%* feltefore) as if it was imperative he fin* shelter for her , hegave up trying to un*erstan* it) or

fight it& 4lan$ing aroun*) he saw a ro$!y out$rop huggingthe si*e of the hill twenty yar*s away& :eleasing her han*)he shrugge* off the sa**leags an*hunte* in them for the spyglass& #9ait here&' 9ith his hea*he in*i$ate* the pile of ro$!& #I%m going to $lim up therean* see what I $an fin*&' She no**e*& Pulling her $loa! $loser) she waite*) wat$he*&It too! him a few minutes to s$ramle up to the top of the$onglomerate of ro$!& :ea$hing the pinna$le) he alan$e*

atop it an* put the spyglass tohis eye& The light was fa*ing in$reasingly rapi*ly7 urgen$ygrippe* him as he s$anne* , there@"owering the spyglass) he loo!e*) s/uinte*) then $he$!e*through the spyglass again) loo!e* again&The tiny hut was arely visile in the gloom) ut it wasthere&2e s$ramle* *own&Eliza was waiting with the sa**leags at the out$rop%s ase

when he *roppe* to the groun*& #Something5' #A hut 0 proaly a shepher*%s hut&' 2e lifte* the ags an*slung them over his shoul*er& #I saw no smo!e from the$himney) an* 4o* !nows whatstate it%s in) ut at least we%ll have a roof over our hea*s&' She smile* an* rea$he* for his han*& #In our present straits)that soun*s perfe$t&' :eturning her smile) he $lose* his fingers aroun* hers& #It%sover there&' 2e pointe* as they starte* off& #1ust aroun*

past those trees&'

(aylight was waning when the lair* rea$he* the spot -ustefore the sharp en* in the lane where the fleeing pair ha*$learly sat for sometime7 the grasswas flattene*) an* oot prints aoun*e* in the soft *irtor*ering the verge&



2e%* een for$e* to waste time $he$!ing oth north an*south along two $rossroa*s) -ust to ma!e sure he *i*n%t missthe $lever pair again& Thelast *ays ha* een fine an* the roa* itself was mostly *ry)

so fin*ing tra$!s along it wasn%t a simple matter&In oth instan$es) S$rope ha* hung well a$!) wat$hingfrom $over) then ha* followe* him on when) satisfie* he wason the right tra$!) he%* urge*2er$ules on along the southeast lane& #So) they rea$he* here&' 2e glan$e* aroun*& #It%s possilethey *i*n%t realize their pre*i$ament until they got here&On$e they *i*) what *i* they*o5'

2er$ules oe* his hea*) as if in*i$ating the hills to theeast& #3es)' the lair* murmure*) #I thin! so) too& +ut where%s thegig5' 2e eye* the neary farmhouse& #<ery li!ely there) utefore we investigate an*$onfirm) what am I going to *o aout S$rope5' 9hile he%* een ri*ing he%* ha* time to $onsi*er thepertinent fa$ts& That S$rope was following in his wa!e an*ma!ing no attempt to get in front

of him) $loser to their mutual /uarry) $omine* withS$rope%s giving every in*i$ation of eing $ity8re*)suggeste* that S$rope ha* no real aility to tra$!an* nee*e* him to point the way&Taught to tra$! game of various sorts from the time he$oul* wal!) .$6insey rarely faile* to fin* a trail through any$ountry& If Eliza Cynster an* hergentleman8res$uer ha* hea*e* into the .oorfoot 2ills) hewoul* fin* them easily) ut if he *i*) S$rope woul* follow)

an* the hills were *istressinglyisolate*) largely *evoi* of haitation or humans& "ea*ingS$rope to the pair in su$h a lan*s$ape *i*n%t seem at allwise&2e truste* S$rope rather less far than he $oul* throw him&



An* he *i*n%t) in fa$t) nee* to follow the pair%s trail *ire$tly&If they ha* /uit the roa* an* gone into the hills) he waswilling to wager as to where theywoul* $ome out& Su$h a *ire$tion woul* $onfirm his

in$reasingly strong $onvi$tion that they were ma!ing for the1e*urgh :oa*) an* the or*er $rossingat Carter +ar& From their perspe$tive) there were severala*vantages in using that $rossing) an* he%* wager therewere others he *i*n%t !now&4iven he was $onvin$e* they were hea*ing that way) therewas no nee* for him to $lim over the hills in their wa!e& 2e$oul*) instea*) follow theroa* northeast to 4oreri*ge) an* use the time to lose

S$rope there& There was no nee* whatever for S$rope to$ome up with the pair7 if) as hesuspe$te*) they%* ravely mar$he* into the wil*s of the.oorfoots) he woul* seize the opportunity to ri* them all ofS$rope&That a$$omplishe*) he woul* ri*e south to St& +oswells& Afew miles north of 1e*urgh on the main 1e*urgh roa*) thetown was well !nown tohim an* woul* suit his purposes very well& 2e woul* simply

wait there until the pair $ame *own the roa*) then fall in ontheir heels) $lose enough tooserve an* satisfy himself that *espite his failure) ElizaCynster%s future was assure*& Simultaneously) he $oul* a$tas an extra guar* for the pair) -ust in$ase S$rope $ontinue* to follow&It *i*n%t ta!e long to ma!e up his min*&Sha!ing his reins) he nu*ge* 2er$ules into a slow wal!& 2ema*e a show of $he$!ing the verges as they roun*e* the

en*& Frowning in$reasinglyla$!ly) he eventually *rew rein level with the farm gate an*stare* up the roa* towar* 4oreri*ge& #Surely they *i*n%t*rive on5' 2e%* $ome to see the pair as intelligent7 he%* expe$te* themto e $ourageous enough to leave the gig there an* ta!e thephysi$ally more



*eman*ing route through the hills) un*erstan*ing that ifthey *rove on) he at least 0 an* S$rope if they !new aouthim 0 woul* $at$h them up all toosoon&

+ut there were no tra$!s& None& No oot prints hea*ingtowar* the hills) no wheel tra$!s turning in at the farm gate,2e stare* at the groun* lea*ing to an* past the farm gate&It was unmarre* y tra$!s of any sort& 9hi$h was simplyri*i$ulous& In*ee*) when hepeere* more $losely) the surfa$e loo!e* as if someone ha*use* a pine ran$h to sweep it even&2e was willing to wager someone ha*&

#<ery $lever& In this $ase) -ust a ta* too $lever for your owngoo*) ut it%ll serve&' E*ging 2er$ules on on$e more) hes$anne* the verge on theopposite si*e of the roa* 0 an* foun* very faint signs of thegrass eing $rushe*) -ust enough to allow for two pairs ofoots to have $arefully passe* thatway& #Ex$ellent&' Straightening) he lifte* his reins an* sent2er$ules into a trot) then a $anter&

The pair ha* gone into the hills) ut there was no $han$ethat S$rope woul* see) let alone $orre$tly interpret) su$h$arefully $on$eale* signs&S$rope woul* follow him to 4oreri*ge an*) with any lu$!)that was the last the three of them 0 him) Eliza Cynster)an* her gentleman 0 woul*see of the ini/uitous S$rope&

Chapter Ten



he $ottage prove* to e a shepher*%s hut) presentlyuntenante*) ut whoever normally live* there ha*n%t eengone long an*) /uite possily)given the pots of hers growing on the win*owsill) expe$te*to e a$! soon&Eliza followe* 1eremy through the woo*en *oor an* into thesingle room& +uilt of split logs an* stone) with a soun*that$he* roof) the $ottage waslarger than it ha* at first appeare*7 as well as a *eal tale

an* $hairs) !it$hen en$hes an* a tin sin! arrange* aroun*the single win*ow) an* the stonehearth) there were two pallets on rough8hewn woo*enframes) one large) one smaller) an* three narrow $upoar*sof *ifferent sizes set against two walls&There was even a washstan* with a $hippe* pottery asinan* ewer& 4lan$ing aroun*) she note* a general neatnessan* $leanliness& #Perhaps they%vegone *own to the nearest town for supplies&'

Setting the sa**leags on the tale) 1eremy no**e*& #<eryli!ely& I won*er if there%s anything we might use for *inner0 we $an leave payment foranything we ta!e&' Eliza $aught his eye& After a moment) she as!e*) #Can you$oo!5' 2e lin!e* slowly) starte* to sha!e his hea*) then stoppe*& #I%ve never trie*) ut how har* $an it e5' Coming to the tale) she opene* the ags an* pulle* out

everything e*ile they still $arrie*) laying ea$h item on thetale& #9e%ve rea*) fruit) notmu$h $heese& A han*ful of nuts&' She loo!e* up to see1eremy po!ing in the sha*ows ehin* the still open *oor& #9hat is it5'



Still rummaging) he replie*) #I%m not woo*sman enough torig a snare for a rait) an* I *on%t thin! trying to ut$her asheep or a lam woul* ewise 0 assuming we $oul* even $at$h one& 2owever'0 he

emerge*) ran*ishing a long pole woun* aout with thintwine 0#I might -ust e ale to $at$hus a trout or two&' .eeting her eyes) he grinne*& #I hear* astream neary 0 I%m going to see what I $an manage eforethe light goes altogether&' Almost as eager as he) she followe* him out of the $ottage&2e stro*e a$ross the small $learing efore the *oor) thenpause* an*) with his hea*)in*i$ate* a ring of stones in the $enter of the spa$e& #9hy

*on%t you see if you $an get a fire going 0 it%ll e easier to$oo! any fish I might $at$h out here)rather than on the hearth&' She no**e*& #All right&' #Tin*er%s in the other ag&' 2e went off through the trees&She followe* as far as the e*ge of the $learing an* saw thestream leaping *own the hillsi*e) gushing an* splashing overseveral large ro$!sefore sprea*ing in a wi*e pool elow& The pool was no

more than twenty yar*s from the $ottage& #Presumalythat%s why the $ottage is -ust here&' Seeing 1eremy pause y the e*ge of the pool an* fi**le withthe en* of the twine) presumaly atta$hing a hoo!) she lefthim to it 0 she !newnothing aout fishing 0 an* s$oute* un*er the neary treesfor firewoo*&It was only -ust .ay an* they were high in the hills7although the evening air was *e$i*e*ly $hilly) it remaine*

*ry) an* the long twilight was ana**e* onus& She%* never lit a fire outsi*e y herself) utshe finally su$$ee*e* in starting a small laze& +y *iligentlyfee*ing it) she $reate* a passale$ampfire) then s$urrie* aout gathering a pile of ran$hes to!eep it going&



1eremy ha* still not returne*7 when she pee!e* *own at thepool) she saw him stan*ing y its e*ge) silent an* still) thepole etween his han*sgently swaying& There was still light enough to see) an* the

moon was sailing free in the la$! s!y) et$hing a silverye*ge on every line&:eturning to the fire) she $onsi*ere* the next step& 2ow)exa$tly) were they to $oo! a fish5 4oing into the $ottage)she foun* a $an*lesti$!) wenta$! to the fire to light it) then sear$he* through the various$oo!ing implements arrange* aroun* the hearth&She%* -ust set up the iron spit she%* foun* 0 it ha* ta!enher a goo* few minutes to wor! out whi$h its went where

0 when 1eremy appeare*)pole in one han* an* two ni$e8size* trout *angling from theother&4rinning) he pause* y the fire) hol*ing up his $at$h for herto a*mire&She *utifully *i*& #Perfe$t@' She loo!e* up at him& #9hatnow5' Setting *own his ro*) he lai* the fish *own on the thi$!grass& #I gutte* them *own y the stream) so all we nee* *o

,' Pi$!ing up the long spit) he*emonstrate*) sli*ing the thin ar through one fish%s openmouth) then pushing it through an* out near the tail& #9e%*est *o them one at a time&' :ea$hing out) he set the ro* in the apex of the two tripo*sshe%* set up) one on either si*e of the fire pit& #There&'(rawing a$!) he settle* on thegrass esi*e her&Shoul*er to shoul*er) they wat$he* the fish heat) steam)

then start to $oo!&Pi$!ing up a sti$! from her pile) 1eremy use* it to sprea* theurning ran$hes more evenly in the pit& #The tri$! is)' hemurmure*) #not to try to$oo! it too fast& 9e *on%t want it $harre*&' She no**e*& 2e glan$e* at her fa$e) saw the smile $urvingher lips) an* felt remar!aly $ontent&



After a moment) she stirre* an* got to her feet& #I%ll getsome plates an* the rea*&' 2e staye* where he was) his arms loosely *rape* over hisraise* !nees) his han*s lightly $laspe*) an* wat$he* the

heat from the flames slowlysizzle the fish%s s!in&9hen she returne* with two tin plates) two plain for!s) twotin mugs of water) an* her !nife) he helpe* her set their alfres$o tale an* $oul*n%trememer ever feeling so simply happy) so pleasantly$ontent) in all his life&O**ly for him) some primitive impulse insiste* he *i*n%tanalyze or /uestion7 as a s$holar he ten*e* to *o oth

instin$tively) without fail& +ut forsome reason the man within this time felt no hesitation inyiel*ing to the moment) an* simply eing&Simply wallowing&Some wiser) more fun*amental part of him !new that su$hmoments in life were too rare to waste with worrying an*po!ing7 they were to eemra$e* an* en-oye* without hesitation) e/uivo$ation) or$are&

They time* it perfe$tly) slipping the tin plates un*er the fish -ust at the moment it parte* from the one& 9ith softlaughter an* $heers at their vi$tory)they pause* to set the se$on* fish to $oo!) then fell on theirplates with gusto) with appetites given an e*ge y themoment) y their surroun*ings) y their*ay&9hen she li$!e* her fingertips) then) eyes $lose* as shesavore*) murmure*) #I%ve never taste* fish as won*erful as

this)' all he $oul* *o wasagree&The fresh spring water taste* as fine as the most $ovete*wine&The se$on* fish went the way of the first& Finally replete)they left their plates on the grass an* simply sat) shoul*erto shoul*er) si*e y si*e) an*



stare* into the rosy flames&Eventually) Eliza glan$e* at 1eremy& #Tell me aout yourfamily&' Tell !e about ou#2e glan$e* along his shoul*er) met her eyes& #3ou%ve met

"eonora&' She no**e*& #+ut if I re$all aright) you live with your un$le)*on%t you5' #2umphrey&' Fa$ing the flames) he went on) #9e 0 "eonoraan* I 0 went to live with him when our parents *ie*& I wastwelve& 2umphrey live* in6ent then) ut within a few years) he move* the wholehousehol* to "on*on) the etter to pursue his resear$h&' #9hat *oes he stu*y5'

#An$ient manus$ripts) li!e me&' (istra$te* y the play of the firelight over the austere planesof his fa$e) she sear$he* for her next /uestion& #(o you) an*he) spe$ialize in someparti$ular form5' #Not so mu$h form as language& It use* to e Sumerian) an*I suppose that%s still our favorite) ut we%re oth $omfortale$onsulting on any of thehieroglyphi$8ase* s$ripts&'

#Is there mu$h $all for that5' An* so it went on& She gra*ually uilt up a pi$ture of whathis life was li!e) how he spent his *ays7 the information thathe usually spent a fewmonths every year traveling at the invitation of Europe%sgreat institutions left her envious& #It was Prague last year& An* there%s tal! of a re/uest$oming through from <ienna 0 we%ll see&' She sighe* an* as!e* how he li!e* the traveling& +it y it)

/uestion y /uestion) she learne* more of a lifestylesignifi$antly *ifferent from anyshe%* !nown) yet at the same time overlapping her familiarworl*&Thin!ing of that overlap) she fixe* him with a *ire$t loo!& #I$an%t re$all meeting you at any all ex$ept for that on$e)long ago& "a*y +ethlehem%s) I



thin! it was&' 2e pulle* a fa$e& #I *on%t rememer where it was& In those*ays "eonora insiste* on *ragging me out) intro*u$ing mearoun*& I let her for a year or

so) ut alls aren%t really my forte&' She ar$he* a row& #Not even if the venues have ex$ellentliraries5' 2e $hu$!le*) no**e*& #I trie* that for a while) ut "eonora)an* others) too) /ui$!ly realize* where to fin* me) an* sothe liraries 0 an* thereforethe alls 0 lost their allure) so to spea!&' She grinne*& 2is revelations ha* *istra$te* her ni$ely fromthe in$reasing $loseness 0 an intima$y not physi$al 0 that

the firelight an* the*ar!ness an* his nearness ha* engen*ere*& She was$ongratulating herself on having gaine* a surprisingly*etaile* a$$ount of his life with very littleeffort when she $aught him loo!ing at her) a far too !nowingloo! in his eyes& #3our turn)' he sai*& #I !now aout your family in generalterms) ut how *o you see them5' 9rapping her arms aout her $alves) she lai* her $hin on

her !nees an* fixe* her gaze on the flames& #3ou !now thefamily well enough to have asense of our $hara$ters) at least in general& .y sisters ,they%re more , I suppose the wor* is a*tive, than I am& I%mthe /uiet one& As you !now) I *on%tli!e ri*ing 0 until to*ay) I *i*n%t even !now I li!e* wal!ing&I *on%t) usually) ut I thin! it might e the weight of thes!irts& I%ll have to experiment when I gethome 0 to the Buanto$!s an* Casleigh) I mean& 2eather

often wal!s there) an* Angeli$a ri*es a lot) even more than2eather&' 2e tippe* his hea* so he $oul* wat$h her fa$e& #So what *oyou *o *uring a $ountry so-ourn there5' She smile* faintly& #I emroi*er 0 I a$tually en-oy it& Aunt2elena is a won*erful nee*lewoman) an* she taught me& Ialso pra$ti$e a lot 0 the harp)



mostly& The pianoforte is easy) relatively spea!ing&' Sheslante* him a glan$e) met his eyes& #I%m the one alwaysas!e* to sing first at those sort of familygatherings&'

2e smile* a$!& #There has to e someone to ta!e on therole&' She loo!e* a$! at the flames& #3es) well 0 that%s me&' #+ut you spen* most of your year in "on*on) *on%t you5'9hen she no**e*) he $ontinue*) #9hat%s an average *aythere li!e 0 what *o you *o5' She hesitate* for an instant) ut the warmth of the fire) theease of his $ompany) the simpli$ity of the moment) sweptasi*e her reservations&

Settling more $omfortaly) she gave herself up to answeringhis /uestions 0 respon*ing to his interrogation 0 with thesame $an*or he%* offere* her&It was a strangely hea*y experien$e7 she 0 an* shesuspe$te* he) even more 0 woul*n%t normally haveanswere* su$h /uestions& Normally shewoul*n%t have een as!e* su$h /uestions) let alone felt freeto reply with so little reserve&It was the $ir$umstan$e) the situation) the isolation softene*

y the glow of the fire& She tol* herself that) an* in part itwas true) ut ha* he eenanyone else) anyone who ha* een less honest with her ,she $oul*n%t imagine revealing su$h things) an* feeling so atease as she *i*&4ra*ually the night eyon* the fire *eepene*& 2is /uestions$ease*) an* they simply sat) ineffaly at ease with ea$hother&Nothing nee*e* to e sai*7 she felt no $ompulsion to ma!e

$onversation) an* he seeme* as relaxe* as she&A silent $ommunion enfol*e* them) imparting $omfort an*reassuran$e& Calm) pea$e) serenity7 all were there in the*ar!ness of the night) in theflames slowly *ying to glowing emers&



1eremy wasn%t sure if that soothing lan!et was real orimaginary) ut he was $ontent to a$$ept it an* $ontinue tosit in the /uiet with her& En-oyingthe night with her&

The silen$e) the wil* emptiness) an* y $ontrast thetogetherness&2e appre$iate* silen$e 0 on some level his soul *ran! it in0 ut he%* never met a woman) let alone a la*y) who wasas $omfortale with silen$eas he&Then again) he%* never ha* $ause to e as $lose to a la*youtsi*e of the $ustomary haunts of so$iety&2e *i*n%t want to rea! the stillness) the pea$e) yet , they

woul* soon nee* to go insi*e) an* there was one thing hewishe* to say&"ifting a sti$! from the pile) he slowly sprea* the $oals& #Often) in situations su$h as ours) people 0 people li!e us 0thin! too har*&' 2e glan$e*riefly her way) saw he ha* her attention& Transferre* hisgaze a$! to the emers& #9e invest the moment withmeanings it may not ne$essarily have& 9e$onstrain an* limit the potential out$omes y imposing

external expe$tations) y imagining an* anti$ipating howothers will see things) what they mightsay , when in reality none of that might matter&' They were sitting $lose) her shoul*er tou$hing his& Turninghis hea*) he met her gaze&2er hazel eyes) only in$hes away) were serious) her gaze*ire$t& #9hat happens) happens5' #9hat might happen shoul* e allowe* to happen&' 2ehesitate*) then went on) #The wisest people are those who

*on%t pre-u*ge) who *on%tassume they !now how matters will play out) espe$iallywhen there%s more than -ust themselves involve*& The wiselet situations play out without wastingenergy organizing to attle out$omes that may nevereventuate& They let the *i$e roll) an* let them settle efore*e$i*ing how they shoul* $ope with the



result&' For a long moment) she hel* his gaze) then her lips veryfaintly $urve*& #I ta!e it you%* prefer to e wise5' 2e no**e*& #Perhaps it%s simply the s$holar in me) ut I

$an%t see any point in going the other way& The usual way&' She hel* his gaze7 a long moment ti$!e* y&2e for$e* himself to remain as he was) his arms) li!e hers)loosely $laspe* aout his !nees& The fa*ing warmth given offy the *ying emersseeme* to his waywar* senses to e repla$e*) superse*e*)y the warmth of her) y the alluring temptation of hernearness&Then she in$line* her hea*& #I agree&' 2er eyes remaine* on

his as she free* one han*) raise* it& #So let%s roll the *i$e)an* see what $omes&' 2er han* tou$he* his $hee!) frame*) $aresse*) then) li*slowering) she leane* $loser) nearer) an* her lips met his&An* she !isse* him again) openly) *ire$tly) with nopossiility of *out as to her intent&"i*s falling) he savore* the $onta$t) so amazingly sweet&2e%* !isse* women enough over the years) ut never ha* asimple !iss een this

a**i$tive& Sha$!ling the fingers of one han* aout his otherwrist) for$ing himself to remain as he was) he !isse* hera$!) then tempte* her further&An* she $ame&Swiveling up to her !nees) Eliza *eepene* the !iss)instin$tively surren*ering her mouth) luring him to ta!e& Shepresse* nearer) her reasts firmagainst his upper arm) the har* e*ges of the rose /uartzpen*ant still safely tu$!e* etween her reasts impinging on

her senses&;rging her on& She leane* in) with her lips pressing for more, then he move*&Shifting) he ro!e the !iss an* *rew her into his emra$e)swinging her *own a$ross his har* thighs) his lips followinghers to engage again&To $apture) sup) an* savor again&



(rawing her a$!) *rawing her on) into the stea*ily*eepening $aress&The moments spun out in gi**y *elight) in gentle if illi$itpleasure& They tra*e* $aresses) the reins shifting etween

them so that first one$omman*e*) *eman*e*) ma*e their wishes $lear) leavingthe other to respon* efore stating their own agen*a&The firmness of his lips) the heate* stro!ing of his tongue)the roughness of his stule against her palm) the sil! of hishair as her fingersexplore*) wreathe* through her senses an* fille* her min*&She !isse* him a$!) in$reasingly ol*ly) in$reasingly$onfi*ent that) as he%* state*) they shoul* simply flow with

this ti*e 0.hoot# Too/whoot#They ro!e from the !iss) oth loo!e* aout) then theirsenses $aught up& #Owl&' 1eremy loo!e* a$! at her) at rosy re* lips) at hazeleyes in whi$h pleasure was alive , the thought of whatshoul* $ome next welle* an*fille* his min*& +ut , it was too *angerous out here) in themi**le of nowhere&

+efore them) the fire ha* all ut *ie*&She lin!e*& 2e saw no regret in her eyes) not even anyaw!war*ness) yet ,2e steele* himself& #9e shoul* go insi*e& 9e%ve a long wayto wal! tomorrow&' She loo!e* at him) then no**e*& #3es) you%re right&' 2ervoi$e was hus!y an* low&She move* to rise& 2e helpe* her to her feet) then got tohis&

2e glan$e* at the spit) still hot) at their plates set to onesi*e& #9e $an $lear this up in the morning) when we $an seewell enough not to fall in thestream&' She laughe* softly an* turne* to the $ottage *oor& #Apertinent $onsi*eration&'



:eturning with the $an*lesti$!) she let him ta!e it an* !in*lethe wi$! on the last of the emers& 2e han*e* the$an*lesti$! a$! to her& 9hile sheslippe* into the ushes) he $onsi*ere* one of Charles St&

Austell%s stories aout spen*ing the night in some isolate*spot in enemy territory&"ast night) *espite the olte* *oor) they%* een vulneralewhile they%* slept&9hen Eliza returne*) he wave* her insi*e) waite* until shelighte* a se$on* $an*le) then too! the first an* $ir$le* the$ottage several yar*s out)laying *ry rittle sti$!s in any spot where a man $oul* trea*&Finally satisfie* that he%* *one all he $oul* to ensure her

safety) he entere* the $ottage an* olte* the *oor&Two minutes later) with him stret$he* out on the larger e*an* her on the smaller) within arm%s rea$h) he lew out his$an*le) $lose* his eyes) an*le$ture* his unruly o*y not to get ahea* of him&There was no nee* to overwhelm themselves all at on$e&2e nee*e* not to thin! ut to assimilate& To asor&+efore they move* on&Following the *i$e she ha*) with full intent) starte* rolling&

One step at a time&

The next morning they starte* out right an* early to wal!through an* out of the hills& A$$or*ing to the map) they ha*most of the .oorfoots still to$on/uer) at the very least a goo* morning%s wal! efore theyrea$he* Stow&Although the sun shone) the air was ra$ing& The lightersa**leag over her shoul*er) Eliza trampe* in 1eremy%s

wa!e& The .oorfoots seeme* toe a series of !noly fol*s7 they $lime* up an* *own$onstantly) ta$!ing first to follow the flan! of one largelyarren) moorli!e hill) efore turning to s!irtthe next& The wal!ing wasn%t so mu$h har* as *eman*ing&They ha* to negotiate fern fiel*s an* leap $ountless littleurns& They passe* a small shooting



lo*ge tu$!e* into a narrow valley etween two hills7 at onepoint they wal!e* through a stret$h of forest where thesha*ows were so *ense she shivere*&There was more than enough to see an* *o) to !eep her

min* o$$upie* simply with getting on) to avoi* thin!ingaout the events of the evening)yet time an* again her min* sli* away to *o -ust that& To$onsi*er) $ir$le) po!e) an* pro* at whatever this was thatwas happening etween them&This 0 eing with a gentleman li!e this) entirely $ut off fromtheir normal worl*) only to *is$over a $onne$tion neither shenor he ha* thought li!ely0 was eyon* any situation she%* expe$te*) anti$ipate*) or

even *reame* of&In this) she ha* very little in the way of experien$e) her ownor any of her mentors%) to gui*e her&Eyes on the groun*) she followe* in 1eremy%s tra$!s& Thatmorning) when they%* wo!en) availe* themselves of theneary stream to wash) then)wor!ing si*e y si*e) ha* /ui$!ly $leane*) straightene*) an*neatene* the $ottage) she%* !ept expe$ting some moment ofaw!war*ness) some su**en

atta$! of self8$ons$iousness on her or his part&It ha*n%t happene*& Instea*) she%* een aware that he%*een wat$hing her with the same expe$tation& Again an*again their eyes ha* met) an*they%* waite* , the entire morning ha* passe* off withoutone hint of real aw!war*ness etween them&+efore they%* left) 1eremy ha* lai* a gol* sovereign on the*eal tale& 2e%* loo!e* at her in /uery& She%* no**e* herapproation) then ha* le*

him from the $ottage an* they%* set off&She $oul*n%t /uite un*erstan* why) with him) she $oul*ehave as she was) an* he $oul* ehave as he was) an*somehow it seeme* right& Theywere wor!ing together in a manner she woul* never haveimagine* might e etween a tonnish gentleman 0 an* nomatter his s$holarly reti$en$e)



1eremy Carling was *efinitely that 0 an* a *istin$tly tonnishla*y&They%* rea$he* a *iffi$ult8to8negotiate ro$!y rise& Shegrima$e*& 9ithout any *is$ussion) she halte*) waite* while

1eremy s$ramle* up) then hel*up her han*s& 2e graspe* them an* pulle* her up&In perfe$t harmony without nee*ing any wor*s) they fella$! into line an* $ontinue* on&She was starting to thin! that she an* her family ought tothan! the mysterious lair*& If he ha*n%t sent S$rope to seizeher an* whis! her all the wayinto S$otlan*) she woul*n%t now e wal!ing the .oorfoot2ills alone with 1eremy Carling) en-oying herself hugely an*

learning far more aout herself an*him than she%* ha* any i*ea existe* to e learne*&Their ex$hange efore the fire pit ha* een enough to$onfirm that) amazing though it seeme*) he an* she werethin!ing along similar lines& Thatneither was yet sure what the out$ome of their *elierationswoul* e) what the *estination of the roa* they were$urrently metaphori$ally wal!ing *own)together) han* in han*) woul* e&

To her min*) that slow) *elierate progress was perfe$tlya$$eptale7 she wasn%t the rave) a*venturous sort li!e hersisters 0 she nee*e* to feelher way through things&To *is$over that he felt the same) that he saw su$h anun*erstate*) un*ramati$) stage8y8stage assessment astheir most sensile way forwar*)was not -ust a relief 0 it was a revelation&2er gaze reste* on the win*lown lo$!s of his *ar! hair)

then s!ate* over the rea*th of his shoul*ers& She wasn%tthe least it othere* that)given their present tre! through the morning) it was highlyunli!ely they woul* rea$h the or*er that evening) an*woul* therefore have to spen* anothernight) together alone) somewhere along the way&



9al!ing stea*ily on) she turne* her min* to what theevening) an* the night) might hol*&They emerge* from a $left etween two hills an* halte*&They were still high on the flan! of the range) ut the

groun* efore them fell gently away a$ross a wi*e valley)silver urns wen*ing their wayaroun* progressively lower gentle hills to -oin the thi$!lytree* line of a river& The river lay on the other si*e of thevalley floor) $loser to the rise of the nextrange of hills&2aving unfol*e* an* $onsulte* the map) 1eremy s/uinte*a$ross the valley& #The river%s the 4ala 9ater) an* that'0 hepointe* 0#is our

*estination& Stow&' 2e refol*e* the map& #9e shoul* e aleto hire another gig there an* hea* south at a etter pa$e&' At various high points along their route) he%* pause* an*loo!e* a$!) s$anning the hills ehin* them for any sign ofpursuit&Eliza glan$e* at him& #The lair* isn%t following us anymore) ishe5' 2e met her eyes& #(iffi$ult to e sure 0 we $an%t loo! a$!far in this terrain& +ut if he was still on our trail) I woul*

have expe$te* him to $at$h upwith us efore now&' :esettling her sa**leag) she loo!e* *own a$ross the valley& #"et%s assume we%ve lost oth him an* S$rope&' She glan$e*at him& #9hi$h waynow5' 2e no**e* to a shimmer of silver not far ahea*& #The easiestroute will e alongsi*e the urns& Every little streamlet will -oin a igger one) an*

eventually they all run into the 4ala 9ater& A$$or*ing to themap) the largest triutary) the one this little stream willeventually -oin) flows into the main rivernear the ri*ge we want 0 the one near Stow&' #:ight) then&' Stepping out) she hea*e* for the stream& #"et%s get to it&'



2i*ing a grin) he followe*& 2e%* only !nown her li!e this) outof so$iety) for a han*ful of *ays) yet in that time she%*transforme*) $hange* , or) ashe was more in$line* to elieve) the *eman*s of her es$ape

an* their flight ha* *rawn another si*e of her) a *ifferent setof s!ills) a *eeper) more innatestrength) to the fore&From what she%* let fall the previous evening) he gathere*she viewe* herself as somehow less than her sisters& "essan outgoing) willful)impatient) an* unwilling8to8e8*enie* sort of young la*y& Inso$iety%s an* even in her family%s terms) that might e true)ut there was a great *eal more to

her than that) she ha* a great *eal more to offer than that)an*) to his min*) what she la$!e* was more a lessing thana $urse&They halte* near the stream an* finishe* off the nuts) then$ontinue* wal!ing while mun$hing their last two apples& Thesun eame* *own as they$rosse* the valley) following one stream to the next) stea*ily*es$en*ing towar* their goal&The way was easier than their morning%s hi!e& 1eremy

remaine* ehin* Eliza) following her through thein$reasingly lush) if narrow) watermea*owsor*ering the river%s triutaries&2e *rew level when they finally steppe* onto the lanelea*ing to the ri*ge over the river& 2e ha* to /uell theimpulse to ta!e her han*& Instea*)si*e y si*e) they stro*e a$ross the ri*ge&2e tippe* his hea* towar* the uil*ings gathere* aout a$hur$h tower a little way to their right on the opposite shore&

#That%s Stow&' She no**e*&2e%* noti$e* she limite* spea!ing whenever possile whilethey were in puli$ 0 while she was mas/uera*ing as ayouth& 9hi$h was



un/uestionaly wise& 2er normal voi$e was light) musi$al)en$hantingly feminine) an* *i*n%t rea*ily $onvert to anythingmale& She $overe* y spea!inggruffly) generally in$omprehensily&

Stow hel* no unpleasant surprises& The ti*y little townoaste* several inns& 1eremy an* Eliza $hose one) arrange*for a gig an* horse) then wentinsi*e&The taproom was reasonaly $row*e*& 1ogging Eliza%s elow)1eremy pointe* to a tale y the wall near one win*ow& Sheno**e* an* le* theway to it& Sli*ing the sa**leags from their shoul*ers) theysat&

A uxom serving girl materialize* all ut imme*iately& #:ightthen) sirs 0 what%ll you have5 There%s a goo* mutton pie) orif you%ve a min* to it)there%s game pie) too&' #4ame pie)' Eliza mumle*) hea* *own&Fighting a grin) 1eremy no**e*& #The same& An* an ale forme&' 2e glan$e* at Eliza& #9ater)' she grumle*& #9atere* ale for the young sir) is it5' The serving girl ma*e

a note on her slate&1eremy ar$he* a row at Eliza&2er eyes ha* wi*ene*) ut after a fra$tional hesitation) sheno**e*&2e loo!e* up at the serving girl& #That will *o ni$ely&' The girl eame*& #I%ll e no more%n a few minutes) sirs& .a!eyerselves $omfy&' She ustle* off&1eremy grinne* at Eliza& #9atere* ale5' She shrugge* an* !ept her voi$e gruffly low& #9hy not5 I%ve

never ha* watere* ale efore 0 2eather sai* she ha* somewhen she was off with+re$!enri*ge& I suspe$t I shoul* try it&' The serving girl returne* as /ui$!ly as she%* sai*) sli*ingplates of pie an* gravy efore them& 1eremy as!e* for there$!oning an* pai*&



#1ust in $ase we nee* to ma!e a rapi* exit)' he murmure* inreply to Eliza%s /uestioning loo!&The pie prove* to e ex$ellent) an* the ale refreshing) if atrifle itter&

Their exertions of the morning ha* sharpene* Eliza%sappetite& Somewhat to her surprise) she $leane* her platean* *raine* her mug&1eremy ha* alrea*y finishe* eating an* ha* pulle* out theirmap& 2e%* een frowning *own at it in a $onsi*ering way&9hen she pushe* her plateasi*e) he glan$e* at her) then shifte* the map so they $oul*oth stu*y it& #2ere%s Stow&' 2e pointe*& #There%s 1e*urgh) an* the

or*er eyon*& 9olverstone%s here 0 we $an rea$h it ythese lanes& That%s the way I left&' She no**e*& #The way that put you on the 1e*urgh :oa*when the $arriage $ame past with me&' #3es 0 so that%s our route to safety& It%s alrea*y afternoon)so we $an%t expe$t to rea$h even 1e*urgh y tonight) an* ifit%s all the same to you I%*rather not hit the 1e*urgh :oa* itself until we%re rea*y tora$e straight over the or*er&'

#In $ase S$rope or the lair*) having lost our trail) *e$i*e towait along the roa* to see if we go past5' #Exa$tly&' Starting at Stow) he tra$e* the roa* on) thentappe* the map& #9e $an get a goo* way on to*ay 0 past4alashiels an* through to.elrose& +ut I thin! we shoul* stop there) or somewherenear there) while we%re still off the 1e*urgh :oa*) ut $loseto it) with nothing ut goo*) wellsurfa$e*roa* etween us an* the or*er&'

She no**e* again& #So we fin* ourselves somewhere to staynear .elrose) then tomorrow morning we ma!e our run forthe or*er&' A$ross the map) he met her eyes& #3ou%re agreeale tothat5'



2e was as!ing whether she was happy aout spen*inganother night on the roa* 0 together alone& She smile*& #3es& Perfe$tly $ontent&' An* shewas&

Tonight , she was in$reasingly $ertain it woul* ehoove herto push for rather more exploration& Espe$ially if it was to etheir last night) togetheralone) efore they returne* to so$iety%s arms&Envisaging the evening) she frowne*& 2e was refol*ing an*stowing the map& She glan$e* to either si*e) $onfirming thatno one was near enoughto hear) then leane* forwar* an* $aught his eye as heloo!e* up& #2ow are we managing for fun*s5'

She ha*n%t given the matter the slightest thought) ut sheshoul* have& They%* alrea*y hire* horses) two gigs) an* ha*pai* for meals at variouspla$es&2is lips !i$!e* up& #:ememer I tol* you I wor!e* for awhile in E*inurgh5' She no**e*& #That%s how you $ame to !now Coy an*2ugo&' #3es) well&' 2e swung his sa**leag over his shoul*er&

#Conse/uently the an! in E*inurgh !nows me /uite well& I$alle* there efore weres$ue* you& As I *i*n%t !now what might happen) what$harges we might have to meet) I *rew out a sizealeamount&' 2e grinne* as he ease* his $haira$!& #I ten* to overestimate in pra$ti$al matters& 9e%vemore than enough $oin to get us to "on*on in a private$haise if nee* e&' She relaxe*& #4oo*&' (u$!ing her hea*) her sa**leag in

han*) she slippe* out from ehin* the tale an* followe*him as he hea*e* for the*oor& As they $rosse* the inn%s front hall) she murmure*) #Iha* a su**en vision of having to mop floors an* wash *ishesto pay for our next stay&'



2e $hu$!le* as he opene* the *oor an* steppe* out& 9henshe -oine* him on the pavement) he glan$e* *own at her& #It won%t $ome to that) uteven if it *i*) we%* manage) you an* I&'

She loo!e* into his eyes) saw the easy a$$eptan$e an* thewarmth therein) an* returne* his smile in full measure&Then) nose rising) she steppe**own from the stoop an* le* the way into the inn yar*& #Onwar* on$e again& "et%s see how far we $an get to*ay)an* where we $an fin* to spen* our lastnight&' The horse harnesse* to the gig was a raw $hestnut) *an$ingon his feet an* rea*y to run& After stowing the ags) 1eremy

-oine* Eliza on the seat)too! up the reins) an* toole* the east out onto the mainroa*&As they rattle* out of the town) he fli$!e* the reins an*$oaxe* the young horse into a groun*8eating trot& Theywhis!e* along) Eliza hol*ing ontoher hat an* swaying with every turn) her shoul*er rushing1eremy%s&The well8surfa$e* roa* twiste* an* turne*) following the

$urves of the river) still the 4ala 9ater) as it wen*e* its waysouth& They were rarely out of sight of the well8tree* an!s) an* the ir*s that swoope*an* *ippe* aove the rippling waters an* flitte* aout thesurroun*ing mea*ows&The *rive was ri*i$ulously pleasant& It was easy to forgetthat they were fleeing pursuit y a villainous !i*napper an*a powerful lair* whosemotives remaine* a mystery& 9ith the sun eaming *own

an* the reeze whipping past) with the s$ents an* soun*s ofthe $ountrysi*e filling their senses)they grinne* with *elight an* rolle* smoothly along&As they swept past the turnoff to +u$!holm) Eliza starte*singing&



A few verses on) 1eremy -oine* in& 9hile her voi$e was alight soprano) his prove* to e a aritone7 their voi$eslen*e* an* harmonize* as theysang their way through several $ountry songs&

+oth river an* roa* swung east an* they followe*) owlinginto the larger town of 4alashiels& They slowe* as theyentere* the $enter of the town& #6eep a sharp loo!out)' 1eremy warne*) #-ust in $ase&' +ut there was no *anger lur!ing& They rattle* on throughthe town without in$i*ent) following signposts that *ire$te*them straight on towar*.elrose& The .elrose roa* ran *ire$tly east7 it initiallyfollowe* the $ourse of the 4ala 9ater) ut the *istan$e

etween roa* an* river gra*ually wi*ene*&Eventually) they lost sight of the river altogether&Eliza sat a$!) then lin!e* an* peere* ahea*& She pointe*& #That%s not the same river) is it5 That%s mu$h larger&' 1eremy loo!e*& #That%s the Twee*& 9e%ll $ross it a little wayalong&' Soon) the Twee* $urve* up to run alongsi*e the roa*& #9e go through a woo*&' 1eremy no**e* at the thi$! stan*sof trees flan!ing the roa* ahea*& #That loo!s li!e it& 1ust past

that the roa* shoul*$urve south) an* there%s suppose* to e a ri*ge&' There was) /uite a pi$tures/ue one uilt of rosy ri$!s an*gray stone) with twin ar$hes spanning the wi*e river& Theyrattle* a$ross) then turne*right along the southern an!& At an interse$tion a little wayalong) a signpost *ire$te* them straight on to .elrose&The sun was sli*ing *own the s!y ehin* them) throwingtheir sha*ows ahea* of the gig&

#.elrose shoul* e no more than a mile further on&' 1eremyglan$e* at Eliza& #(o you have any suggestions for what weshoul* *o 0 where weshoul* see! a$$ommo*ation5' She thought) then sai*) #It%s unli!ely that the lair* or S$ropewill e waiting for us in the town) is it5'



#I woul*n%t expe$t them to have $ome this way& They%reeither waiting for us further on or have lost our trail entirely)given up) an* gone home&' #I hope it%s the latter)' she returne* with feeling& #2owever)

as they won%t e in .elrose) there%s nothing to stop us*riving aroun* the town& On$e wesee what%s availale) we $an ma!e our $hoi$e&' 1eremy no**e*& #Soun* thin!ing&' After a moment) hea**e*) #I%ve hear* that the ruins attra$t /uite a lot ofinterest& There might e smaller pla$eswe $an stay 0 lo*gings rather than putting up at an inn& IfS$rope or the lair* *o happen this way) they%re less li!ely toloo! for us in su$h pla$es&'

#:uins5' Eliza loo!e* at him& #9hat ruins5' In the en*) nothing woul* *o ut for them to put up at asmall lo*ging house *ire$tly opposite the ruins of the ol*aey& After the lan*la*y ha*shown them to their room an* *eparte*) Eliza stoo* at thewin*ow an* stare* out& #Those are /uite the most romanti$ruins I%ve ever seen&' #S$otlan* has /uite a few romanti$ ruins&' She whirle* to fa$e him) her eyes alight& #Can we go an*

explore5 9e $an) $an%t we5 It%s not nearly *ar! yet) an* .rs&Buiggs sai* *inner woul*e another hour an* more&' There was no hope for him) he *e$i*e*) loo!ing into heranimate* fa$e& #All right&' 2e wave* her to the *oor) thenfell in on her heels&They spent more than an hour $lamering aout the ruins&2e !new more than enough of monasti$ life to satisfy her$uriosity over this an* that)

over what the mon!s ha* use* ea$h area for) enough toexplain the *etails of the ar$hite$tural emellishments overwhi$h she oohe* an* aahe*&2e followe* her as she wan*ere* aout) *ran! in her oftenrapturous expression) an* was sin$erely grateful there wereno other visitors aout tosee an* won*er at a youth who ehave* so o**ly&



9hen at the last) with the light fa*ing an* the smellswafting from the !it$hen of the lo*ging house luring thema$!) they $rosse* the lane from theaey%s an$ient graveyar*) he $aught Eliza%s eye&

She ar$he* her rows in inno$ent /uery& #(on%t forget 0 you%re a youth) not a romanti$ally in$line**amsel&' She smile* another of her eaming smiles) then $ompose*her features into a suitaly ore* mien& Fa$ing forwar*) sheslowe* her steps) losingthe exuerant oun$e in her stri*e& Nearing .rs& Buiggs%s*oor) she sighe*) patte* away a ogus yawn) then grufflyopine*) #9ell) that was unutteraly

oring& I hope the *inner%s etter&' Suppressing an appre$iative grin) he followe* her into thehouse&

At mu$h the same hour) in a $omfortale inn in St& +oswellsat whi$h he was well !nown) the lair* sat *own to asu$$ulent *inner of fresh salmon) venison)partri*ge) a!e* ham) an* lee!s& There was an ex$ellenturgun*y to $omplement the foo*&

All in all) he ha* nothing to $omplain aout& On$e he%*rea$he* 4oreri*ge) losing S$rope ha*n%t een har*& Theman ha* very little sense of *ire$tion7 .$6insey ha* le* him straight through 4oreri*gean* $ontinue* eastwar*) along a lane that) if S$rope$ontinue* following it) woul* eventuallysee him a$! on the 4reat North :oa*& 9ith any lu$!)S$rope woul* imagine .$6insey was still ahea* of him an*$ontinue on that ta$!) elieving their

mutual /uarry ha* $ut a$ross to ta!e the usually preferre*route to "on*on&9ell an* goo*& Now all he ha* to *o was !eep wat$htomorrow to see the fleeing pair $ome *riving past) then fallin ehin* them an* oserve&



In truth) given Eliza%s gentleman8res$uer%s ehavior to *ate)he harore* little *out of the $alier of the man& 2e%* a$te**e$isively) intelligently)honoraly) an* effe$tively& From his single sighting of the

fellow) he%* appeare* well set up) han*some enough) an*prote$tive&2e%* a$te* prote$tively) too& 1ust that one loo! a$ross the$oles of Peni$ui!%s high street ha* een enough to$ommuni$ate the man%s view of Eliza& As far as her gentleman8res$uer was $on$erne*) shewas his&9hi$h was something of a relief& As the out$ome of theot$he* attempt to !i*nap 2eather Cynster ha* prove*) the

only effe$tive means of shiel*ing a !i*nappe* Cynster $hit%s reputation was throughmarriage& In Eliza%s $ase) as it ha* een with 2eather) the$hoi$e was etween marriage toher res$uer) or marriage to him&9hile $ourtesy of that rief moment in Peni$ui! he ha* afairly $lear notion of where Eliza%s res$uer stoo* on that/uestion) honor *eman*e* he$onfirm Eliza%s view& 9as she as happy with the prospe$t of

marrying her res$uer as her res$uer was with the prospe$tof marrying her59ith lu$!) his oservations on the morrow woul* answerthat /uestion in the affirmative& Then , while he $oul* pulla$! an* hea* home to thehighlan*s) honor appease*) he rather thought he%* see themsafely over the or*er first&Assuming they%* e *riving) on$e they were past him) theor*er wasn%t that far on& If everything fell out as he hope*)

he%* e on his way northtomorrow afternoon&The meal $on$lu*e*) the lair* $alle* for a whis!y& 9hen it$ame) he sat a$!) raise* the glass in a silent toast to Elizaan* her gentleman)wherever they were) then sippe* an* slowly savore*)$ontent for the night&



Chapter Eleven

t%s so wonder+ull atmospheri$&' 1eremy shut the *oor an* turne* to loo! at Eliza& She wasstan*ing y the win*ow) its $urtains parte*) loo!ing out 0presumaly at the aeyruins& She%* set asi*e her $oat an* let *own her hair7 thehoney8gol* tresses swirle* aout her shoul*ers) $linging to

the ivory sil! of her shirtsleeves&On /uitting their lan*la*y%s *inner tale) he%* ele$te* tostret$h his legs in a short stroll *own the street) giving Elizathe priva$y to wash an* refreshherself in their room& #The moonlight gives it su$h a mysteriously melan$holy air&I won*er if there are ghosts&' She glan$e* at him& #Perhapsthe win* will moan throughthe ruine* $loisters in the night&'

#(on%t start hares 0 you%ll give yourself nightmares&' She grinne*& After one last loo! at the view) she *rew the$urtains shut&2e glan$e* at the e*) then loo!e* away& It was a *e$ent8size* e* with a thi$! mattress) wi*e enough to e *eeme*a*e/uate to sleep oth a



tutor an* his $harge& Of $ourse) given his an* her *isparateweights) he was very sure that if they stret$he* out on themattress) she woul* en* in hisarms&

9al!ing to the $hest of *rawers on whi$h he%* left thesa**leags) he a$$epte* his la$! of resistan$e to the notion&2e%* inten*e* leaving the!nives he%* $arrie* sin$e Peni$ui! with the ags) ut hethought etter of it an* instea* set oth on the small taley the e*&Eliza ha* left two $an*les urning) one on ea$h e*si*etale&2e glan$e* a$ross as) with a sigh) she sat on the mattress)

her a$! to him) an* leane* *own to ease off her oots&2is eyes on the fall of her hair) gleaming a *eeper gol* inthe $an*lelight) he hesitate*) then *iffi*ently sai*) #If you%*rather) I $an sleep on thefloor&' She swung aroun* so aruptly that her hair fanne* outaroun* her& She narrowe* her eyes on his fa$e& #I thoughtwe%* settle* su$h nonsense at thewoo*$utter%s hut&'

2e rea* her $ertainty in her fa$e) in the elligeren$e in hergaze) lightly shrugge*& #I -ust thought I shoul* offer&' "ips firming) she no**e*& #(uly note*) an* than! you) utno&' Turning away) she a**e*) #I%* rather you slept in thee*& 9ith me&' 2e stu*ie* the a$! of her ent hea* for a moment) thenshoo! his an* turne* away& Shrugging out of his great$oat)he set it over a neary $hair)ease* out of his $oat an* waist$oat an* set them asi*e) too)

then unwoun* his $ravat& 2e sat on the e* to pull off hisoots) -ust as her se$on* oot hitthe floor&She lew out her $an*le) then rolle* onto her a$!an* stret$he* out full length ehin* him& 2e hear* an* felther rustle aout7 setting one of his



oots *own) he glan$e* riefly over his shoul*er& She%*settle* on top of the /uilt) her han*s fol*e* over her waist)her hea* sun! in the soft pillow) hereyes fixe* on the $eiling&

She loo!e* li!e she was thin!ing , perhaps planning&+en*ing to pull off his other oot) he trie* to pre*i$t what&9hat she was thin!ing) what she was planning&9hat might $ome next&2e was all ut $ertain as to their eventual *estination 0 thealtar seeme* *iffi$ult to avoi*& 9hat he wasn%t so $ertain ofwas the route y whi$hthey%* get there& They seeme* to have emar!e* on ana*venture running parallel to the physi$al one) that went

with it han* in han*& An a*venture into theun!nown) for him even more) he suspe$te*) than her&"ust was something he%* felt efore) ut it ha* previouslyeen a minor *istra$tion) sometimes in$onvenient)sometimes less so) yet always anit$h he%* een ale to ignore if he wishe*& +ut the *esire hefelt for her) an* the way it was es$alating) hour y hour)in$i*ent y in$i*ent 0 that wassomething new&

Something $ompulsive) a near8osession that ha* a*isturing power to fix his min* on her& On having her&An* while that left him un$omfortale) in more ways thanone) it also spar!e* his $uriosity&6uriosit "illed the *at#Perhaps) ut a s$holar without that asi$ trait woul*n%t getfar&Of $ourse) there was very little aout his present $uriositythat $oul* e laele* a$a*emi$&

2is se$on* oot remove*) seeing no viale alternative helew out the se$on* $an*le) swung aroun* an* lay *own) hishea* on the se$on* pillow)his legs stret$he* out alongsi*e hers ut with a foot of $learspa$e etween& Then he let his o*y relax&As mu$h as he was ale) whi$h wasn%t all that mu$h&



The e* *ippe*) as he%* pre*i$te*) ut she%* een prepare*an* *i*n%t imme*iately roll into him&9ith oth $an*les snuffe*) the room was *im ut not *ar!&Two small s/uare win*ows set high in the wall aove the

e* let moonlight seep in)athing the room in a faint ut strengthening silver8pearlwash& #2ow far is it to 9olverstone5' 2e replie* in the same matter8of8fa$t tone she%* employe*& #Somewhere etween fifty an* sixty miles& If we leave firstthing in the morning) weshoul* rea$h there in the early afternoon&' #2mm& So y tomorrow evening) we%ll e a$! in the osom

of so$iety) so to spea!&' One han* $lampe* to the e*ge ofthe e* to stop herself sli*ing into him) Eliza raise* one leg) stu*ie* the length ofher ree$hes8an*8sto$!ing8$la* lim& #I%ll e a$! in s!irtsan* petti$oats) an* playing the la*yagain&' "owering her leg) she glan$e* si*elong at 1eremy& #An* you%ll e the gentleman8s$holar again&' 2e hesitate*) then raise* his arms an* lo$!e* his han*sehin* his hea*& #Perhaps) ut I rather thin! I won%t e

/uite the same gentleman8s$holarI was when I left 9olverstone& I $an arely elieve that wasonly four *ays ago&' #:ather a lot has happene* in those *ays&' 2er gaze on$emore on the $eiling) she a**e*) #I !now I%m not the sameyoung la*y who atten*e*2eather an* +re$!enri*ge%s engagement all&' She felt his gaze tou$h her fa$e an* linger& #2ow have you $hange*5' 2e%* lowere* his voi$e7 the

/uestion soun*e* almost intimate&She turne* her hea* an* riefly met his eyes) lightly smile*& #For a start) I !now I $an wal! up hill an* *own *ale forhours upon hours 0 I honestlywoul*n%t have imagine* I $oul*& An*) *espite not having anystaff supplying my meals an* meeting all my nee*s) I%ve stillmanage* well enough&'



2is rows rose& #I never imagine* you woul*n%t&' #(i*n%t you5' She thought for a moment) then sai*) #9hether it was simply a matter of assu!ing I $oul*n%t) an*never having put it to the test) it

was still a , pleasant surprise to *is$over I wasn%t ashelpless as I%* thought&' 2e snorte* an* loo!e* at the $eiling& #3ou%re no morehelpless than your sisters 0 you -ust have *ifferent areas ofinterest& A it li!e me an*"eonora& 9e oth have an eye for *etail) for organization)an* a great *eal of stuornness an* *etermination) ut weapply those talents in *ifferentarenas) namely those in whi$h our interests are strongest 0

mine in oo!s an* manus$ripts) hers in family&' 4lan$ing ather) he waite* until she loo!e*his way to a**) #3ou have more in $ommon with your sistersthan you thin!&' She stare* into his $aramel eyes) sear$he*) saw) an*weighe* his $onvi$tion& .urmure*) #3ou may e right&' Shewas $ertainly thin!ing alongvery 2eather8or Angeli$a8li!e lines& <ery mu$h ol*er linesthan she%* imagine* herself ever $onsi*ering& She wasn%t)

after all) the venturesome sort& 3et,"oo!ing upwar* on$e more) she won*ere* , then) ta!ing hisassessment to heart) she $leare* her throat an* *ive* in& #I%ve een thin!ing ,' 2aving egun) she *i*n%t !now how to go on& #So have I&' A /uiet ut stea*y a*mission&She graspe* the opening& #Aout what5' 4lan$ing at him)she met his gaze&

2is lips firme* a tou$h& #"a*ies first&' She $oul*n%t loo! away& For an instant) she hovere*)teetere*) va$illate*) then she gir*e* her loins an* too! aol* step forwar*& #I%ve eenthin!ing , aout what we tal!e* aout last night& The pointyou raise* aout people li!e us) in situations li!e this)limiting themselves y assuming they



!now what will $ome to e , an* therefore) perhaps)ignoring what is) or what else $oul* e&' She pause* for ase$on*) ut his gaze *i*n%t waver& #Ito$$urre* to me that if tonight is the last night we%ll e

spen*ing alone) then'0 if she%* een stan*ing) themovement she ma*e woul* have tippe* up her$hin 0#this will most li!ely e the last $han$e we%ll have forexamining) exploring if you will) what that else% might e&Tomorrow) on$e we%re a$! inso$iety) a$! to eing the people others expe$t us to e)we%ll no longer e free 0 we won%t have the opportunity&9e%ll e $aught up in'0 she gesture*0#the expe$te* out$ome&'

2e waite*) ut when she hel* his gaze an* *i*n%t go on) hetippe* his hea* in a$/uies$en$e& #I woul*n%t argue with thatassessment&' &o tell !e what our ne)t step should be# 9hen he sai*nothing more ut again seeme* to e waiting 0 her turnagain) she suppose* 0 she*rew reath an*) *e$i*ing she might as well e hung for asheep as a lam) suggeste*) #Perhaps) in the interests of notma!ing the mista!e inherent in

thin!ing too mu$h an* in the wrong way aout our situation0 in*ee*) in our own est interests) if your theory is soun*0 we shoul* ma!e some attemptto assess that else%, the alternative out$ome) as it were&' 2is eyes lo$!e* with hers) 1eremy !ept his fingers $len$he*tight ehin* his hea* to !eep himself from rea$ting) froma$ting without some $learlystate* invitation& 2e thought he un*erstoo* her) thoughtthey were thin!ing along the same lines) ut she was a

female) an* he%* long ago learne* $autionin *ealing with the spe$ies& 9hen she again fell silent) an*waite*) he lu*geone* his rain) sa*ly *istra$te* an*overwhelme* with thin!ing of what hehope* woul* e& Slavering over the prospe$t& #That 0' 2ero!e off to $lear his throat7 his voi$e ha* grown gravelly& #That woul* proaly e wise&'



She stu*ie* him for an instant) then frowne* an* spo!e agreat *eal more $risply& #A$tually) I thin! exploration isman*atory& It $ertainly is from myperspe$tive&' She pushe* up on one elow) her frown still in

pla$e& #So I was thin!ing we shoul* try this again&' She leane* over an* !isse* him& At last The arely $ivilize* warrior insi*e him $heere*) thenro!e ran!s&(rawing his han*s free) with one he $uppe* the a$! of herhea*) with the other pushe* asi*e the fall of her hair toframe her -aw& An* hol* herstea*y&To !iss her a$!&

"ips to lips& A se$on* later) she parte* hers an* it wasmouth to mouth) tongue to tongue) an* glory e$!one*&For a rief moment they $lashe*) *uele*) an elementalattle of wills an* wants 0 his an* hers) whose to ta!epre$e*en$e 0 ut in the nexthearteat they foun* their rhythm) an a$$ommo*ation) a*an$e of sorts where she too! a step) then $e*e* the lea* tohim&+a$! an* forth) him) then her again) they whirle* into the

ever8*eepening !iss) step y tiny step) $aress y $aress&The result was an asoring) intriguing *es$ent into passion&2e $oul*n%t re$all that !issing any other woman ha* evereen li!e this& The usual un*erlying tension was there)sutly es$alating with ea$h !iss)ea$h in$reasingly heate* reath& 3et there was no unseemlyhaste ut instea* a *evotion to ea$h moment) to exploring)as she%* sai*) paying ea$hprogressive ex$hange its *ue attention&

Every ex$hange) every shifting pressure of their lips) everyslow) heate* $aress of their tongues was eyon* sweet7hea*y) intoxi$ating) riveting 0the engagement snare* his senses as nothing ever ha*) noteven the rarest of Sumerian s$rolls) not even a long8lost.esopotamian talet&



She presse* $loser7 he let her lean more $ompletely overhim) his inner self gree*y for the feel of her soft flesh an*firm) feminine $urvesimpressing themselves on his har*er mus$le* o*y&

=elight & This) he *e$i*e*) was true *elight& 9hy he%* neverfelt it with any other woman he ha* no i*ea) ut in gratitu*ehe willingly lay eneath heran* allowe* her to explore as she wishe*&She was leaning on his $hest7 her small han*s ha* risen to$up his fa$e& Now her fingers traile* over his $hee!s) alonghis -aw) tra$ing) learning)even as her mouth suppe* from his) as her lips) alrea*yplump an* swollen) tease* an* tempte*&

9hile she explore*) his han*s *rifte* from her hea*) to hershoul*ers) then he sent them s!ating lightly over the longplanes of her a$!& 2e ha* tosha$!le a sharp urge to grip her hips an* lift her fully atophim& Through the warm haze of urgeoning pleasure*eli$iously $lou*ing his min*) he remin*e*himself that while this was familiar territory for him) it washer first ex$ursion into this *omain7 for her) it was all new&All fas$inating&

That was the import of the small) eager) ut $ontente*soun* she ma*e as she ro!e from the !iss an* *rew a$!0 -ust an in$h&1ust enough to open her eyes) all slumerous an* heate*)an* loo! *own into his&She stare* into his eyes as if she $oul* see to his soul) thenthe tip of her tongue moistene* her lips an* she murmure*) #.ore&' She stu*ie* hisfa$e for a moment) then went on) #I was thin!ing ,'

9hen she *i*n%t $ontinue) he manage* to fin* his voi$e& #3es5' She nile* at her lower lip& #That this time we shoul*n%tstop&' 2e%* refo$use* on her lip) on the urge to offer to nile it forher7 it too! a moment to register what she%* sai*& 9hen he*i*) his imme*iate



response was hallelu>ah, ut then he saw the $onfli$t in hereyes 0 nee* an* *esire $lashing with un$ertainty& #9e%ll goas far as you wish& 9e%ll stopwhenever you want) whenever you say&'

The wor*s fell from his lips without $ons$ious thought& Evenas he sai* them) he won*ere* what ha* possesse* him topromise a restraint) a$ontrol) he wasn%t sure he $oul* wiel*& 2e%* never ha* toefore& 2is past lovers ha* een) if anything) even moreeager than he7 he ha* no experien$egentling virgins through their first time) ha* no notion if he$oul* simply stop whenever she shie*& 4iven the strength ofthe *esire alrea*y poun*ing)

stea*y an* sure) through his veins) he ha* to won*er if he$oul* , yet even as the thought forme*) as he gaze* intoher hazel eyes now spar!ing withreassure* anti$ipation) he !new that for her) he woul*&For her) he woul* move mountains&2is gaze fell to her lips7 as they lowere* to his) he $laspe*the a$! of her hea* in one palm an* rought her the lastin$h to him&Too! the lea* an* !isse* her& Free* y her wor*s) y her

$lear wish to go further) he sent his other han* exploring)tra$ing first) then fon*ling)in$reasingly expli$itly&Eliza urge* him on) with her lips) with soft murmurs& A risingeat in her loo* *rove her on7 re$ognizing it as *esire)plain) simple) yet powerful)she glorie* an* let it sweep her on&The sil! of her shirt an* the sil! $ravat in*ing her reastsmute* his tou$h& 9orse) her reasts were tight an* a$hing

eneath the restri$ting an*&+etween them) they *ealt with the uttons *own the front ofthe shirt) then) intrigue* y what she $oul* see in his eyes)y the latant heat in his gaze) shelet him peel the garment from her) in$h y in$h revealingher pale s!in&



2e frowne* when he saw the in*ing) not -ust $on$ealingut s/uashing her reasts nearly flat& 2e ma*e aninarti$ulate soun* of *isapproval) alow growl of *isapproation) even as his han*s /ueste*)

$aressing her through the tight sil!&Cat$hing her reath on a gasp eli$ite* y the sensations hislarge han*s sent searing through her) she raise* one arm)exposing the !notse$uring the an*&2e fell on it) swiftly unpi$!ing the !not& +etween them theyunravele* the an*) unwin*ing it) roun* an* roun*) until itfell from her& Sli* from her$urves& 2an*s proppe* on his shoul*ers) she $lose* her eyes

as she *rew in a *eep reath7 relief $ourse* through her ashe *rew the material away&Slowly& An* tosse* the sil! an* over the si*e of the e*&Slowly&2e seeme* to have stille*&Opening her eyes) she loo!e* *own at his fa$e&At his gaze fixe* on her reasts&At the flames smol*ering in the urnt8honey rown& She feltthe flames% heat as his eyes $aresse* her) as *efinite as his

han*s ha* earlier een&2er nipples ru$he* tight7 her s!in felt hotter) mu$h tighter)too&2is features were set) austere) $lassi$ally $hisele*& As iffeeling her stare) he murmure*) #I feel li!e I%m unwrappinga treasure& A very pre$ioustreasure&'9ithout shifting his gaze) he raise* one han*) sethis palm to her reast&She shu**ere* at the tou$h& Close* her eyes again&

2is other han* grippe* her nape) an* he *rew her *own)a$! into his *istra$ting) enti$ing) alluring !iss& To his lipsthat promise* pleasure)s$intillating *elight) an* *ele$tale elu$i*ation of themysteries she%* never !nown&



She gave herself up to him) to his !iss) let herself sin! a$!into it& As his lips $laime* hers) as his tongue on$e againswept $onfi*ently in an*$laime* her mouth) his large) warm han* $lose* an* $laime*

her reast&Even then) he *i*n%t rush her) *i*n%t ra$e ahea* an* leaveher floun*ering) overwhelme* y passion an* sensation&Instea*) time an* again) he*rew a$! from the !iss& Enough for her to savor the *elightof his tou$h fully) to murmur her responses when) his voi$ea gravel growl) he as!e* if sheli!e* this $aress) or that) if his gentle rolling of her nipplesmet with her approval) if she li!e* the sharp sensation that

lan$e* through her when he twea!e*&(eeper an* *eeper) they san! together into the tantalizingintima$y&Closer an* $loser they *rew) until their reaths mingle* ashe explore*) an* she savore*&2e gave her time enough to raise her li*s an* see) to wat$has his han*s shape* her flesh) as he stro!e*) $aresse*) an*learne*& To wat$hherself as she offere* herself up to the moment) to the

*elight of the sutle an* the passion of the *ire$t&To the heat an* the hunger&She $oul* sense it in him) a nearly virating tension& Coul*feel it in herself) an appetite she%* never efore entertaine*)never efore experien$e*)let alone appease*&Tonight ,She for$e* her li*s) weighte* y welling *esire) up) an*loo!e* *own at him&

At the in$reasingly $lear stamp of passion on his features&2is han*s swept *own) over the planes of her now expose*a$!) efore swooping up an* forwar* to $apture herreasts on$e more&2is han*s $lose*) an* she starte* to shut her eyes inanti$ipation of another wave of pleasure* *elight) ut thenshe noti$e* his shirt& She was



na!e* to the waist) ut his shirt still lay etween his s!inan* hers) to her min* an una$$eptale arrier&Summoning her will) fo$using it) she put her fingers to theuttons an* set aout removing the offen*ing garment& 2is

han*s sli* to her waist) an*he lay a$! an* let her&En$ourage*) in$reasingly ol*) she wor!e* *own thepla$!et) tugging the shirt free of his waistan* to get at thelast utton& The instant it sli*un*one) she graspe* the shirt an* sprea* the si*es wi*e ,exposing an expanse of mus$le* $hest that loo!e* li!e thepro*u$t of her *reams& There waspatently more to s$holarly gentlemen than she%* thought&

The errant notion ma*e her lips $urve) ut she $oul*n%t *ragher eyes from their visual feast& From surveying the ountyshe%* un$overe*& A line of $rin!ly *ar! hair traile* a$ross the wi*th) s$reening the flat*is$s of his nipples7 another line arrowe* *own the mi**le ofhis $hest to *isappear eneathhis ree$hes&Of their own volition) her han*s followe* the tra$! her eyesha* laze*) tou$hing lightly at first) then) when he twit$he*

an* his s!in fli$!ere*) morefirmly stro!ing) testing the resilien$e of steely mus$leeneath the taut s!in) then she gave into temptation an*ol*ly possesse*&1eremy wat$he* her7 his features were too tight) *esire toorampant for him to manage a smile) yet the sight of hereagerness) of the inno$entpassion lighting her fa$e as she loo!e* an* tou$he* an*learne* him) mu$h as he ha* her) hel* him in effortless

thrall&2e allowe* her as long as he $oul*) ut the insistent eat inhis loo* was rising) rising& 2e%* never een so aware of itas he was tonight with her&Never efore ha* he een so sensitive to) so su-e$t to) its$ompulsion&



9hen he saw the notion of sen*ing her lips to $ruise thepath her han*s ha* ta!en loom in her eyes 0 they were sowon*erfully open) a mirror toher thoughts) to her moo*s 0 he rea$he* up) $aught her

nape) an* *rew her *own for a !iss7 *rew her to him) *rewher into the !iss) then tippe* her)turne* her) rolle* her onto her si*e esi*e him&Ease* her onto her a$! as he rose to hang over her asshe%* previously leane* over him&2ol*ing her to the !iss) he let the han* at her nape ease)then sli*e) fingers trailing *own the long line of her throat)over the thu**ing pulse at itsase) *own over the upper swell of her reast) then he

$uppe* the firm moun* an* $laime* it again&(istra$te* her with his tou$h) then *rew his lips from hersan* sent them s!ating *own the path his fingers ha* tra$e*&+en*ing his hea*) he lave* the pulse point at the ase of herthroat) hear* her gasp& Felt her fingers tangle in his hair ashe /ueste* lower& An*lower& ;ntil) shaping her reast with his han*) he set his lipsto the pea!) tou$he*) $aresse*) then lave*& Then su$!le*&"ightly at first) then more strongly&

Eliza gaspe*) manage* to strangle the s$ream of pleasurethat rose up her throat& <aguely thought that he shoul*have warne* her as her o*yowe* an* streams of white8hot sensation lan$e* throughher) *eep into her) $oursing *own to tighten something lowin her o*y) to pool an* sprea*there&2is ministrations went on7 he $ontinue* to feast) leaving herstruggling to *raw reath) let alone thin! eyon* a *aze*)

?h, es 2er s$holar ha*stu*ie* in this arena) too&She ha* won*ere* , ut as his lips $ontinue* to $ruise herswollen reasts) applying -ust the right amount of su$tion toher a$utely sensitivenipples) any thought that he wasn%t experien$e* in thissphere evaporate*&



Then he pause*& 2e *rew a$! from her reasts) lew gentlyon one tightly furle* nipple) then glan$e* at her& In themoonlight streaming throughthe win*ows aove the e* hea*) stronger now as the moon

ha* fully risen) she saw him $learly& Saw the roa*shoul*ers) leanly s$ulpte* in mus$le) the*ele$tale wi*th of his $hest) the s/uare -aw) an* the tawnyrown eyes that seeme* to see her 0 the real her that evenshe ha*n%t !nown was there&2e loo!e* *own) lai* one large han*) splaye*) over her aremi*riff) then loo!e* up an* $aught her gaze& #Further5' She lin!e*) too! in the /uestion& #3es&' The wor* was onher lips efore she%* thought& Then she *i*7 she $onsulte*

the pulsing) yearning heatwashing through her) the promise of *eeper fulfillment thatha* ta!en root somewhere in her pleasure8soa!e* min*) an*$oul*n%t see any reason toamen* her reply&2is lips twiste* in a grima$e that was not /uite one of pain& #Are you sure5' That grima$e that wasn%t a grima$e tol* her all7 he *i*n%twant to $all a halt any more than she *i*) ut he felt he ha*

to ma!e the offer 0 honorales$holar that he was& +e$ause if they $ontinue*) there woul*e no going a$!) at least not without a great *eal of angst, ut most li!ely there woul* eno going a$!) no way out) anyway& #3es&' This time the wor* rang with her $ertainty& #I nee* tolearn more 0 I nee* to learn all& 9e oth nee* to !now 0it%ll help) later) if we !nowwhether we suit in this sphere&' Eyes lo$!e* with his) she

tippe* her hea* slightly& #9on%t it5' 1eremy $oul*n%t argue& +ut , #If you%* rather wait until later,' To his a-e$t relief) she shoo! her hea*) her lips $oming as$lose to a mulish $ast as arely suppresse* passion woul*allow& #"ater 0 when



we%re a$! with our families) a$! living in our respe$tivehomes5 No&' (esire still ha* her firmly in its grip7 her voi$ewas thin) yet she manage* to instill itwith *etermination& #I nee* to !now) you nee* to !now) an*

this is our last $han$e to fin* out efore we go a$! to eingour usual selves& This is amoment I *on%t wish to s/uan*er 0 an* neither *o you&' 9ithout warning) she $uppe* his nape with one han*) lifte*her hea* an* presse* her lips to his 0 not gently) nottemptingly) ut with lazingpassion&A passion that until then he ha*n%t !nown she ha*within her&A passion that was all fire an* feminine heat&

A passion that literally $urle* his toes with wanting 0 thenher other han* foun* his ere$tion through his ree$hes)lightly shape*) then ol*lystro!e* ,2e ro!e from the !iss) $aught her han*) $hest heaving ashe struggle* to $at$h his reath an* shore up his su**enlytenuous $ontrol&From a *istan$e of mere in$hes) he met her gaze&2er eyes urne* elligerently& #.ore& Now&'

2e woul* have laughe* if he $oul* have& #All right&' Thewor*s were pure gravel) groun* out an* tense& #+ut'0 hehel* her gaze) let his fingersstro!e the wrist he%* $apture* 0#from this point on) I hol*the reins& I *rive , an* you -ust lie a$! an* go along forthe ri*e& Agree*5' 2er eyes narrowe*) ut the passion etween them ha*arely $oole* from efore) an* her ol* $aress ha* shot heatthrough them oth an* set

the flames raging on$e more7 the last thing either of themwante* at this point was an argument& #Agree*&' She trie* to tug him *own) ut he resiste*& Slowly) hepresse* her wrist *own to the pillow esi*e her hea*) thensmoothly shifte*) lifting over her)then) slowly) his eyes lo$!e* with hers) he lowere* his o*yto hers&



2e wat$he* her eyes flare) wat$he* them wi*en an* *ar!en&Saw passion swirl in their *epths an* rise higher&Fully upon her) his hips trapping hers) his shoul*ers an*arms $aging her) proppe* on his elows he ent his hea*

an* $apture* her lips&An* waltze* them a$! into the fire&Eliza $oul*n%t $at$h her reath) $oul*n%t still her whirlinghea*& 2er wits spun away7 her senses) suorne*) *an$e* tohis tune) to the rapi*lyes$alating $all of *esire& To the symphony of passionunleashe*&That was what it felt li!e) an or$hestrate* me*ley ofsensation an* *elight&

Of their own volition) her han*s respon*e*) spearing into hishair to hol* him to their in$reasingly ravenous !iss) thensli*ing away to gree*ilysprea* an* splay an* pay homage to the roa* mus$les ofhis shoul*ers) to grip an* seize his upper arms when his ownhan*s *rifte* an* raze* hersenses&2er reasts were hot) sensitize* to his tou$h) swollen an*a$hing an* nee*y& The $risp hair on his $hest raspe* her

nipples an* she gaspe*) hero*y ar$hing evo$atively) provo$atively) un*er his&Then one of his han*s sli* *own) over her mi*riff& 2is fingersfoun* the uttons at her waist) oth those of her ree$hes)then those of the sil!*rawers she wore eneath7 she felt the tug an* release ashe un*i* them&2is fingers /ueste*) pushing un*er the garments) sli*inglower) over her taut elly) /uivering with a *esire she $oul*

arely $ontain) to tou$h the$urls at the apex of her thighs&To rush) stro!e) then sli*e past& 2is fingers presse* further)until they were stro!ing the soft flesh hi**en ehin* thetight $urls&



"i!e a *am rea!ing) the heat that ha* poole*) molten an*li/ui*) *eep in her elly) welle* an* swelle*7 it rose throughher) engulfing an* filling)until all she !new was the $ompulsive eat that ro*e its

$urrents&Passion) *esire) nee*) an* want 0 all $ame together in thatswirling sea of pleasure&A sea he *rew forth) $alle* forth) an* immerse* her in& 2el*her in&2e lifte* slightly from her) settling on one hip esi*e her)one long thigh presse* alongsi*e hers& 2is other !nee sli*etween hers) parting herthighs&

4iving his fingers etter a$$ess) a$$ess he imme*iately too!a*vantage of to tou$h her where she was sli$! an* hot an*wanting&2e hel* her to their !iss) hel* her in that sea of unrelentingpleasure) an* stro!e*) $aresse*) possesse*& 2e tra$e* thesoft) swollen fol*s) an* shelearne* his tou$h) learne* his patien$e) too) as he *rove herwil* with anti$ipation) for exa$tly what she wasn%t sure utshe !new he !new&

9ith *esperation $losing in on her) with fire surging in herveins) she $aught the si*e of his lip an* lightly nippe*& 2erespon*e* with heat7 anglinghis hea*) re$laiming her lips) he $hange* the tenor of the!iss to one of outright possession as his han* shifte* an* he$uppe* her fully&Then one long finger sli* *eep into her sheath&She stille*) $aught in a vi$e of in*es$riale pleasure& Ofsho$!ingly novel sensation&

2e presse* *eeper) slowly stro!e*&Stro!e* again) an* something within her tightene*&Tightene*) $oiling) inexoraly $oales$ing with every heavypenetration) every su$$essive $aressing stro!e) until flushe*an* heate*) yearning an**esperate) she stoo* teetering on some invisile pre$ipi$e)waiting&



9aiting ,2is han* sutly shifte*) then he stro!e* again 0 an* shefra$ture*& Simply $ame apart) her senses shattering eneaththe for$e of sheer)

un*ilute* pleasure&She $rie* out) ut the soun* was trappe* etween their lips7he suppe*) an* *ran! it *own&The pleasure spun out) flushing through her) *own everynerve) every vein) sprea*ing) gol*en) right) an*s$intillating) as it san! into her flesh) as it$omforte* ut) to her surprise) *i*n%t appease& (i*n%t sla!ethe growling hunger within&If anything) that empty) heate* hollow ha* *eepene*)

expan*e*& 4rown&1eremy wrestle* with her ree$hes an* *rawers7 he%* neverma*e love to a woman in trousers) an* ree$hes were evenmore *iffi$ult to stripaway&Still trappe* in the !iss) her han*s la$!ing their previousurgen$y yet still intent) she rea$he* *own an* helpe* him7he felt asur*ly grateful as hefinally *rew the garments away an* sent them flying over

the e*ge of the e*&+rea!ing from the !iss) he strippe* off her sto$!ings) thenleft her for an instant) swiftly *ispense* with his ownree$hes an* hose) an* returne*&To her&To the molten gol* an* emeral* of her hazel eyes& Fromeneath heavy li*s) she%* wat$he* him) waiting) rea*y) allut thrumming with passion&To her arms& She hel* them gra$efully wi*e in wel$ome)

wrappe* them aout his shoul*ers as he -oine* her&To the won*er of her o*y) all moon8!isse* $urves an*sha*owe* hollows& Awe*) he let himself worshipfully *ownupon it) pushing her thighs wi*ean* ma!ing a spa$e for himself where he nee*e* to e&+en*ing his hea*) he foun* her lips) too! them an* hermouth in a long) slow) a$hingly *esperate



!iss& Felt the s$al*ing wetness of her entran$e athe the*isten*e* hea* of his ere$tion&;nale to hol* a$! an instant longer) he flexe* his spinean* san! slowly) so slowly) into her&

She $aught her reath) stille* eneath him7 he pause*)waite*) ut sense* no resistan$e) no pani$) from her& Onlyexpe$tation& Anti$ipation&The same feelings ro*e him with sharpene* spurs&2e pushe* on an* $ame to the expe$te* arrier) pause* fora are se$on*) then thrust swiftly) $leanly) through& 2esense* rather than hear* thesmall yelp she uttere*7 trappe* etween their lips) it *i*n%tes$ape&

:i*ing the powerful thrust to its natural en*) he sheathe*himself fully in her ounty&She $lampe* aroun* him) an* he nearly *ie*&+rea!ing from the !iss) he owe* his hea*7 his han*) sun!in the pillow esi*e her hea*) fiste* as he fought for somesemlan$e of $ontrol& Eyes$lose*) he *ragge* in a slow) tight reath) then ease* a$!)prie* himself from the won*rous $lasp of her o*y) thenslowly) slowl, returne*&

If he !ept the pa$e slow) perhaps he woul* manage& .anagenot to lose himself totally in her&In the glorious o*y that) after the slightest of pauses) roseeneath him) -oine* with him an* answere* *esire%s $all&2e with*rew an* thrust in more for$efully& :eassure* y herurgent an* imme*iate response) he set a stea*y pa$e ofthrust an* retreat) of latantut reine* possession&She $lung to him an* plainly glorie*& Eager an* wanton)

aan*one* to the moment) she hel* nothing a$!) ut wentwith him) ro*e with him) intothe fire) through the flames) into the heat an* the glory&2er hair a writhing mass of gol* sprea* aout her hea*) herlips) swollen an* rosy) parte* as she pante*) as the for$e ofhis thrusts ro$!e* her



an* she whispere* *elirious nothings) all flagrantlyen$ouraging) an* her eyes) green fire set in gol*) $apture*him) hel* him) enslave* him&(rove him on through the lan*s$ape of their es$alating

nee*) her nails sin!ing into his upper arms as *esire an*passion mel*e* an* tightene*)$oales$e* an* strengthene*& ;ntil the $omination whippe*them on an* ever on) to the pinna$le of physi$al *esire&An* further yet) ra$ing) hearts poun*ing& :ea$hing) wanting&;ntil they urst through the $onflagration to that heart8stopping moment of soaring ,To the ultimate $ulmination&2e re$laime* her lips -ust in time&

She shattere* eneath him with a soft) !eening s$ream)$linging) then gasping) her lips an* mouth surren*ere*) hero*y all his&2e hel* a$! as long as he $oul*) for as many se$on*s asthe powerful $ontra$tions of her sli$! sheath allowe* him)marveling at the openness)the una*ulterate*) unshiel*e* honesty of her passion&In the instant when the insatiale pull e$ame irresistilean* she *rew him over the e*ge) he felt something insi*e

him give) li!e the lin! on a$hain snapping open) sli*ing free&Then he was flying) too) with her) within her) into theex/uisite olivion that waite* in her arms& They $lose*aroun* him as he ro!e) as heshu**ere* an* his o*y emptie* into hers&2e ha*n%t inten*e* that) ha* inten*e* to with*raw an* atleast spare them that final lin! in the in*ing $hain) ut ,some part of him !new) simply

!new) that there was no reason anymore& No reason to evenimagine that he woul* 0 $oul* 0 ever let her go&The small part of his rational min* that still fun$tione*$oul*n%t follow the logi$ in that) ut the rest of him *i*n%t$are&As of tonight) their *ie was $ast) irrevo$aly an* forever&



They slumpe* together& 2e hung over her) his weight on hiselows) his forearms $aging her hea* an* shoul*ers7 herarms were wrappe* aroun*him as far as they $oul* rea$h) small han*s sprea* on his

a$!) hol*ing him&Their reaths sawe*7 their lungs laore*& For his part) hissenses still spun& Finally managing to raise his li*s) heloo!e* *own into her fa$e&An* saw glory *awning&2er eyes were $lose*) ut as he wat$he*) her lips slowly$urve* upwar* in the smile of a well8pleasure* ma*onna&That smile was a ene*i$tion that tou$he* his soul&2e *ran! it in) wallowe* in it) enshrine* it in his min*&

Eventually) she sighe*) an exhalation of inexpressile$ontentment) an* ease* eneath him&2ol*ing a$! his own) too8revealing groan) he gently*isengage*) tugge* the *isarrange* $overs from eneaththem) wrestle* the sheets overthem) then slumpe* in the e* alongsi*e her&She turne* to him) rea$he* for him) trustingly snuggling&Settling on his a$!) he ease* one arm aroun* her) wat$he*as she lai* her hea* on his $hest) in the hollow elow his

shoul*er& Almostimme*iately felt the tension in her mus$les fall away&"etting his hea* slump a$! on the pillow) he $lose* hiseyes) inten*ing to thin!) to $onsi*er what ha* happene*) allthat ha* een sounexpe$te*ly *ifferent) to analyze an* weigh7 instea*) hefoun* sleep waiting) liss8fille* an* *eep& It amushe* himan* *ragge* him un*er) an* he went&

Eliza wo!e to *ar!ness in the *eepest hours of the night&The moon ha* long gone) yet not even a lar! stirre* eyon*the win*ow&For un$ounte* moments) she simply lay there) wrappe* inthe warmth of a na!e* male 0 her na!e* male 0 an*marvele*& 9ho woul* havethought) in*ee*@



2is lean ut steely strength ha* een a wel$ome$onfirmation) the *esire that ha* shone so $learly in his eyesreassuring) $onfi*en$e uil*ing)an* the $are he%* ta!en to ensure her pleasure ha* set the

seal on her approval of him&As for the unimaginaly eroti$ feeling of him *eep insi*e her)moving so surely) filling her so *eeply) that ha* een utterlyastoun*ing&1ust the memory sent a ripple of awareness $oursingthrough her&The event ha* een more) mu$h more) than she%* expe$te*&.ore earthy) more physi$al) more intimate&.ore asoring& .ore fas$inating) more ex$iting) more

enthralling) an* *efinitely more tempting 0 the sort ofexperien$e that) on$e experien$e*)ma*e one want to *o it again&9hi$h left her won*ering ,Ta!ing sto$!) she tense* this mus$le) then that) an**is$overe* that other than a twinge or two) she%* weathere*her *eflowering in ex$ellentshape& +etter than ex$ellent if one $ounte* the pleasant)o**ly glowing feeling that still lingere* in every mus$le&

Satiation) she suppose*&She $oul* $ertainly get use* to the sensation&9hi$h sent her min* shifting to the $ause of sai* sensation&2e was lying on his a$!7 she%* urrowe* against him)pillowing her hea* on the wi*emus$le of his $hest& One of his arms lay aout hershoul*ers) hol*ing her in pla$e& The fingers of his other han*reste* lightly on her arm ,Those fingers shifte*) then she felt a tug on the $hain

aroun* her ne$!& #9hat%s this5' She $oul*n%t see 0 it was all ut pit$h *ar! 0 ut $oul* tellhe was turning the rose /uartz pen*ant etween his fingers&2e%* seen it when he%* unwrappe* her reasts) ut ha*)gratifyingly) seeme* mu$h more ta!en with her than thepen*ant&



Shifting her hea*) she loo!e* towar* where she !new hisfa$e to e& #2ow *i* you !now I was awa!e5' 2e *i*n%t imme*iately answer) then she felt him lightlyshrug& #I was alrea*y awa!e& I -ust !new&'

1eremy wiggle* the hexagonal pen*ant& 9hen he%* wo!en itha* een lying on his $hest) over his heart& The stone ha*felt o**ly warm& #That'0 she raise* a han* an* followe* the $hain to thepen*ant an* his fingers 0#was passe* on to me y 2eather&She ha* it through her ,or*eal& I suppose you might say it%s a talisman of sorts&' 2e release* it& #9hen I saw it earlier) it loo!e* /uite ol*&'2e%* arely glan$e* at it) asore* with other things) ut he

ha* registere* that mu$h&That he ha*n%t een *iverte* y something ol* sai* /uite alot& #It is&' She shifte* an* sli* the pen*ant *own etween herreasts&2e%* een awa!e for some time7 his eyes were as a*-uste*to the *ar! as they were going to get) ut he still $oul*n%tsee her as mu$h more than apaler shape ami* the sha*ows& 2e !new when she settle*

her elows on his $hest an* turne* her fa$e to his againmore y tou$h an* movement than ysight& #I was won*ering ,' So was he& 2e%* een lying in the *ar! for the last howevermany minutes won*ering whether he%* ma*e a seriousmis$al$ulation over exa$tlywhat the nature of the relationship etween him an* herwas going to e&

2e%* sense* the potential from the instant he%* set eyes onher 0 or more a$$urately met her eyes 0 in 1e*urgh& 2e%*suse/uently assume*)given the $ir$umstan$es of her !i*napping an* res$ue) giventhey%* een for$e* to spen* first one) an* now three) nightstogether alone) that marriage



was the all ut $ertain out$ome& An out$ome that woul* seeher as his wife) that) at least in his min*) woul*suse/uently result in $hil*ren) an* them$reating a family&

That out$ome) those results) ha* een entirely to his li!ing&2e%* li!e* her) an* the past *ays *uring whi$h he%* wat$he*her $ope with theexigen$ies of their flight ha* only *eepene* his regar*& 2isinitial view) forme* that night in 1e*urgh 0 that evenwithout any so$ial imperative for$ingthem to the altar) a marriage etween him an* her woul*wor! 0 ha* een $orre$t&From their a*mitte*ly unspe$ifi$ *is$ussion of the matter)

she%* seen the situation in mu$h the same light&So what ha* happene* last night5 Several hours ago) whenthey%* ta!en a step that) in the greater s$heme of theiralrea*y pre*etermine* future)shoul*n%t have meant all that mu$h5Them eing intimate shoul*n%t have $hange* anything&3et it ha*&2e now felt li!e he was stan*ing on the rin! 0 no) ha*alrea*y steppe* over some unforeseen rin! into , a

situation he *i*n%t un*erstan*&(i*n%t fully $omprehen*&2e *i*n%t feel entirely himself anymore , or rather) he feltli!e himself ut with something a**e*) or perhapsenhan$e*& As if the otherwisestraightforwar* a$t of intima$y with her ha* rought someheretofore un!nown an* unsuspe$te* part of him to thefore& An* entren$he* it in his psy$he&No previous intima$y ha* ha* that effe$t&

She tippe* her hea* 0 he saw the paleness of her fa$emove 0 an* he realize* she%* een waiting for a response&2e replaye* her last wor*s& #Aout what5' #Aout whether) now we%ve , in*ulge* on$e) given that laterto*ay we%ll e at 9olverstone an* then *outless on our way*own to "on*on) all in



situations where further in*ulgen$e might e prolemati$al)whether) given we are oth wi*e awa!e) we shoul*n%t seizethe opportunity to in*ulge again&' 2e $oul*n%t see her expression) not even a hint) whi$h

meant she $oul*n%t see his& 1ust as well& 4o* only !newwhat might e showing in his fa$e&"a$ing her fingers) she leane* her $hin upon them) staringthrough the *ar!ness& #9hat *o you thin!5' That he might as well e hung for a wolf as a sheep&9hen he *i*n%t imme*iately answer) she ease* a$! afra$tion& #(on%t you want to5' #3es&' The wor* $ame out in a rush) as if something withinhim was s$ramling to reassure her) horrifie* y the notion

that she might get the wrongi*ea& :egar*less) there was no point lying on that s$ore& Allshe%* have to *o was shift her slee!) sil!en thigh a few morein$hes over his an* she%**is$over he was more than rea*y for another roun*&2e%* een half arouse* efore she%* wo!en) an* har* as apost sin$e she%* first spo!en& 2is o*y) at least) !newpre$isely what it wante*&Perhaps he shoul* ta!e his own a*vi$e an* stop thin!ing so

mu$h& #Are you sure you%re not too sore5' #I%m not&' Eliza was grateful for the *ar!ness7 it hi* herlush& #An* I really woul* rather !now ,' :ea$hing out withone han*) she foun* his -aw) lether fingers sli*e further) into his hair) grippe* lightly an*)using that to gui*e her) ease* up) leane* $loser) an*tou$he*) rushe*) her lips to his& (rew a$! -ust enough to reathe a$ross them) #I%* really li!e to !now

if the se$on* time will e as goo* as the first&' #It won%t e&' 2e surge* up) flippe* her to her a$!) an*$ame *own on top of her) pinning her eneath him& 2eloo!e* *own into her fa$e7 she$oul*n%t e sure) ut she thought his lips $urve* in a*istin$tly male smile& #The se$on* time 0' 2e ent his hea*an* rushe* her lips) a return of the



tantalizing $aress she%* given him& +ut then he hovere* withno more than a reath separating their lips to state) #9ill eeven etter&' 2e $lose* the gap an* !isse* her& 6isse* her until her hea*

was reeling) until her wits were waltzing an* her sensessinging&An* pro$ee*e* to *emonstrate that he !new what he wastal!ing aout&

Chapter Twelve

hey set out imme*iately after an early rea!fast& Eliza saton the seat of the gig an* trie* to !eep her smile withinoun*s& She was gratefulshe *i*n%t have to sit a horse) ut other than a small *egreeof $hafing in a very sensitive spot) she was feeling on top of

the worl*&On top of her worl*) at any rate&1eremy ha* een rather /uiet) as if he ha* a lot on his min*)ut she assume* he was asore* with thin!ing through the*etails of their route to1e*urgh an* 9olverstone eyon*) an* she forore fromteasing him&



The $hestnut etween the shafts seeme* to have $ome tosome a$$ommo*ation with 1eremy7 the horse pa$e* stea*ilyon) $arrying them swiftly*own a minor lane that $urve* southeast to the small town

of Newtown St& +oswells& #Not exa$tly a new town at all)' Eliza remar!e* as the gigtravele* ris!ly *own the main street& #Some of theseuil*ings have to *ate from$enturies ago) at least&' 1eremy glan$e* riefly at the uil*ings) some $learlyan$ient& #At least&' They were soon through the town an* rolling along the lastse$tion of the $ountry lane he%* $hosen) the etter to !eep

them off the main roa*swhere *anger might still lur!) when Eliza $lose* her han* onhis arm& #Stop) please&' She pointe* ahea* to the right ofthe lane& #1ust a$ross from thoseushes&' 2e grunte* an* olige*) without as!ing why&She threw him a grateful smile& As soon as the gig ro$!e* toa halt) she slippe* *own to the roa*& 9ith an #I won%t elong)' she roun*e* the gig)$rosse* the lane) an* pushe* through the ushes7 the $lump

was high an* thi$! enough to hi*e her from anyone on theroa*&The reins in his han*s) 1eremy loo!e* forwar*) to the -un$tion with the main 1e*urgh roa* -ust ahea*& Fiftyyar*s) an* then they%* have to *ash&2e inten*e* to *rive as fast as he $oul* south) all the way tothe or*er& On$e over it) the turnoff to 9olverstone wasn%tall that far&2e trie* to !eep his min* on the -ourney) ut within se$on*s

his osession with what was *eveloping etween him an*Eliza ha* reare* its hea*an* snare* his thoughts& Somehow) some element he ha*n%tforeseen ha* slippe* into the mix) an* now he *i*n%t !nowwhat sort of $a!e they werea!ing& Certainly not the marriage of $alm reason ase* onmutual affe$tion that he%* thought ha* een in his $ar*s&



2is re$ipe ha* mutate*&Somehow&"ast night&3et this morning) when they%* wo!en late an* rushe* to get

*ownstairs in time for the rea!fast .rs& Buiggs ha*promise* them , everything ha*seeme* so normal& So stale an* settle*& Eliza ha* een sohappy an* $ontent that he%* foun* it easy to go along) tofollow an* smile , as if nothingha* een awry at all&Perhaps nothing was&Confusion wasn%t normally his mi**le name&On the other si*e of the ushes) Eliza rose) mu$h relieve*)

an* wrestle* her ree$hes a$! up her thighs& This was theone a$tivity that was*istin$tly more *iffi$ult in ree$hes than in s!irts& Still ,2er thoughts halte* as she stare* *own at her oots& At thesliver of light that was playing over them&She loo!e* up) aghast& Sear$he* in the *ire$tion from whi$hthe eam ha* $ome& An* saw) not far ahea*) not far away atall) a man sitting ala$! horse&

#&*rope&' The wor* $ame out in a hoarse whisper& Shestare* for a se$on* more) then turne*& #Oh) 4o*@' She fought her way a$! through the ushes to the lane&9restling with the uttons at her waistan*) she pelte*a$ross it& :aising one han*) shepointe*& #S$rope@ 2e%s waiting -ust ahea* 0 along the mainroa* on the right&' 1eremy lifte* the reins as she s$ramle* up esi*e him& #(i*he see you5'

#3es@ The *amne* man ha* a spyglass& That%s why I noti$e*him 0 I saw the refle$tion&' Contrary to her expe$tations) 1eremy ma*e no move to turnthe gig& #9ill he !now it%s you5 3ou%re still in *isguise&' She lin!e*) then met his gaze& #I thin! it%s safe to say he%llhave realize* I%m not a youth y now& 2e wasn%t that faraway&'



#Ah&' (espite his stoi$ism) 1eremy%s min* was ra$ing& It too!no more than a few se$on*s for him to see an* weigh alltheir options&An* *e$i*e that none were goo*&

#S$rope will have seen you ra$ing a$! 0 he%ll alrea*y e onhis way&' 2e $aught Eliza%s gaze& #Can he $ome *ire$tlya$ross $ountry to where weare now5' She thought) then shoo! her hea*& #No& I *on%t thin! so& Notunless he $an -ump a very high he*ge& 2e was on a smallhill eyon* it&' 1eremy fa$e* forwar*& #So he%ll $ome for us via the roa* 0for him) that%s more sensile anyway& 2e%ll e at that

-un$tion an* $oming for us at anyminute&' 2e shove* her with his elow& #Out@ 4et the ags&Bui$!@' The instant she lifte* the ags from the oot) he turne* thehorse an* gig) loope* the reins) leaving enough play for the$hestnut to run with) then -umpe* out of the gig) slappe* the horse%s rump) an* ra$e*to Eliza& The horse an* gig went rattling a$! along the lane)going faster as the horse

realize* an* relishe* the la$! of weight&1eremy too! the sa**leag Eliza hel* out to him) swung itover his shoul*er) an* grae* her han*& #Come on@' 2eleapt a$ross the narrow *it$h)waite* until she -oine* him) then pushe* into the line oftrees or*ering the lane&The ushes eneath the trees were thi$! enough to hi*e in ifthey $rou$he*& 2alf ent) they ra$e* a$ross the narrow stripof lan* to the e*ge of the

main roa*& 1eremy halte* in the $over of the ushes& #9ait)'he murmure*& :eleasing Eliza) he e*ge* forwar*) loo!ing*own the main roa*) the highwayto 1e*urgh&There was a $urve -ust eyon*) hi*ing the entran$e to thelane they%* een *riving *own& 2e *i*n%t see S$rope $omethun*ering up an* veer into



the lane) ut he hear* him&2a* to assume it was in*ee* S$rope&1eremy e$!one* urgently to Eliza& She -oine* him without awor*) offering her han*& 2e graspe* it& Tippe* his hea*

forwar*& 2an* in han*) theysprinte* a$ross the highway&They ra$e* into the trees on the other si*e of the roa*&1eremy pause* riefly to ta!e sto$!) then urge* Eliza on)away from the roa*& #9e $an%taffor* the time to $he$! the map) ut I thin! these woo*sstret$h all the way to the river& On$e we rea$h it) we $anfollow it south to St& +oswells&' She stro*e /ui$!ly on) *eeper into the trees& #S$rope will

$at$h up with the gig) won%t he5' #All too soon& Then he%ll e hot on our trail&' She *i*n%t as! anything more) ut when they rea$he* ol*erwoo*lan* an* the trees grew larger) the trun!s morewi*esprea*) she glan$e* at him)then starte* to -og&2e !ept pa$e with her) glan$ing a$! every now an* then)o$$asionally $orre$ting their path so that they $ontinue*more or less perpen*i$ular to

the roa*) putting as mu$h *istan$e as they $oul* etweenthem an* S$rope&The trees *i*) in*ee*) run all the way to the riveran!7 theyhalte* eneath a large ran$h) loo!ing *own a sharplyun*er$ut an! to the swiftlyrushing water& #9hi$h river is this5' Eliza as!e*& #The Twee*&' 1eremy eye* the *istan$e to the oppositean!& #I ha*n%t realize* it woul* e so wi*e&'

A sharp ut *istant *ra*" $ame from ehin* them& Theyglan$e* a$!) ut the trees an* a *ip in the lan* $on$eale*their pursuer&1eremy twea!e* her sleeve) whispere*) #Come on&' Together they set off at a run) following the river south&Twenty yar*s on) the trees to their right thinne*) leavingonly a meager line along the riveran! to s$reen them&



1eremy pause* un*er some low8hanging ran$hes an*peere* a$!) a$ross the open expanse of some farmer%spa**o$!& #There@' +esi*e him) Eliza pointe* a$! along the e*ge of

the fiel*&1eremy loo!e* an* saw S$rope running *own the line of thetrees) pistol in han*) *u$!ing an* $he$!ing un*er theran$hes as he $ame&7istol4 1eremy grae* Eliza%s han* an* tugge* her on&She%* seen the pistol) too& They oth ran as fast as they$oul*& 9ith only open pasture to their right an* a narrowline of trees to hi*e them) they

followe* the river south&Then the trees ahea* thinne* even more& An* eyon*)etween 1eremy an* Eliza an* the roofs of what ha* to eSt& +oswells) lay a large fiel*)re$ently plowe*&9i*e8open terrain) with not even a ush to $on$eal them&1eremy halte*& 2e felt fairly $ertain S$rope woul*n%t e$arrying a pistol -ust for show& If they ran on , they%* neverrea$h the town efore S$rope

$aught them&1eremy turne* to the river& #There has to e some way ,' Stan*ing on the lip of the an!) sharply $arve* y winterfloo* waters leaving a *rop of ten feet to the presentsummer water level) he loo!e* south&The river loope* in a large $urve -ust ahea*) swinging awayto the east an* passing out of sight& The ul! of St& +oswellslay along the opposite an!)along the east8flowing se$tion&

#If we ha* any sort of $raft) we $oul* get out of sight thatway&' Eliza grima$e*& #Please *on%t say we have to swim&' 2e turne* an* loo!e* north& An* graspe* her han*& #9ewon%t&' 2e !ept his voi$e at a are whisper& #9e%re going to$ross'0 with his $hin he*ire$te* her gaze a$! up the river 0#there&'



Thirty yar*s a$! along the river) a $olle$tion of four siltislan*s 0 the larger two) in the river%s $enter) thi$!ly$overe* with s$ruy ushes 0offere* the e/uivalent of stepping stones&

S$rope was near enough for them to hear him thrashingran$hes& #2e%ll e here soon)' Eliza mouthe*& She pointe*& #2ow *owe get *own5' 1eremy $rou$he*) then -umpe* *own to the lower an!) ayar* or more of ro$!s an* san* e*ging the rivere*& 2elan*e* easily an* imme*iatelystret$he* up) waving Eliza to him&She sat on the e*ge of the upper an!) then) lips presse*

tight) wriggle* forwar* an* let herself fall ,1eremy $aught her) stea*ie* her on her feet) then too! herhan* an* hurrie* her on ahea* of him) a$! along the river&The ro$!8strewn san* wassuffi$iently $ompa$te*7 they ma*e little noise an* theurling river mas!e* what soun* they *i* ma!e& They$oul* hear S$rope $learly as he $ontinue*sear$hing along the upper an!& "u$!ily) even if 1eremystoo* upright the upper an! was high enough 0 or the

level of the rivere* was low enough 0to !eep them hi**en&On$e he was sure S$rope ha* passe* their position an* was$ontinuing to sear$h southwar*) in$reasing the *istan$eetween him an* them asthey hurrie* north along the river%s e*ge) 1eremy ris!e*murmuring) #2e won%t thin! of us $rossing the river) notuntil he realizes we%re not ahea* of him)whi$h he will as soon as he rea$hes the plowe* fiel*& Then

he%ll a$!tra$!) ut lu$!ily it hasn%t raine* re$ently 0 weshoul*n%t have left any evi*en$e thatwe got *own to the rivere*) an* the groun* here is soro$!y we%re not leaving any ovious tra$!s&' 2e glan$e* a$!) then urge* her on even faster& #+ut whenhe *oes realize an* $omes loo!ing) we nee* to e $on$eale*on one of those larger



islan*s) out of his sight&' The *istan$e they ha* to traverse might have een onlythirty yar*s) ut it was pitte* with ro$!s7 they ha* to step$arefully or ris! turning an an!le)

or worse& They went on in a ma*) pani$!e*) ut silents$ramle) stea*ying ea$h other as est they $oul*&Finally they *rew level with the first of the silt islan*s&1eremy hel* Eliza a$!) steppe* out into the open) an*sear$he* a$! along the raise* an! as far as he $oul* see&9ithout loo!ing at her) hewave* her on& #4o&' 2e sense* her leap over the narrow strip of water onto thefirst islan*& Seeing no hint S$rope ha* yet starte* to sear$h

*own at river level) he/ui$!ly turne* an* followe*&They ma*e it onto the se$on* islan*) one of the two thi$!with ushes) easily enough& 1eremy silently *ire$te* Elizaaroun* the north e*ge of theislan*) !eeping them s$reene* from S$rope as est he $oul*&The $entral $hannel etween the two larger islan*s waswi*er than the $hannels $loser to shore) an* the water wasrunning swiftly&

#Careful&' 2e stea*ie* Eliza on the $rumly) ro$!8an*8san*e*ge of the islan*) gauging the *anger& 2e ha* $ause tothan! 2ugo for her ree$hes7in s!irts) she%* never have een ale to manage the leap&4lan$ing up an* a$! at the higher an! further *ownriver)an* seeing it still empty) *evoi* of S$rope) he *rew her to the mi*point of the islan*%s shore)then lifte* the sa**leag from her shoul*er& #Pull a$! alittle) then when I say) run an* leap&' 2e

pointe* to a ush on the islan* opposite& #4ra that ran$hif you nee* to stea*y yourself) then get through the ushesas fast as you $an an* $rou$h*own on the other si*e&' She met his gaze an* no**e*&



(ragging a reath *eep into her lungs) past the $onstri$tionfear ha* pla$e* aroun* them) Eliza fo$use* on her targetush on the other si*e of therushing water&

Sense* 1eremy peering *own along the riveran!& 9aite* , #Now@' She too! three running steps an* laun$he* herself a$rossthe rushing river& In mi*flight she ha* a fleeting moment ofwon*ering what the hell shewas *oing 0 she wasn%t the venturesome sort) rememer5Then she lan*e*) oots firm on the gravelly soil& Sheswaye*) grae* the ran$h asinstru$te*) righte* herself) an* urrowe* straight on through

the ushes) her attention alrea*y split etween what layahea* 0 hopefully nothing 0 an*what lay ehin* her&:ea$hing the other si*e of the ushes) she $rou$he* in theirlee) an*) heart thu**ing) waite*& The moments stret$he* toa minute& She $oul*n%tsee 1eremy from where she was) ut that also meant S$rope$oul*n%t see her&She shifte*) anxiety rising& She tol* herself 1eremy was too

$lever to get $aught&:estless) straining her ears) she waite* ,She hear* a soft thu*& A se$on* later) 1eremy pushe*through the ushes an* $rou$he* esi*e her& #(i* S$rope see you5' She mouthe* the wor*s rather thansai* them&2e ma*e a show of listening) ut no yells or shouts) an*than!fully no shots) rea$he* them& 2e leane* $lose)whispere* in her ear) #2e%s there) not

far a$! along the an!) ut I *on%t thin! he saw me&' Aftera moment) he a**e*) #9e%ll have to stay here until we%resure he%s gone&' 2e tippe* his hea*a$!war*) at the rising an! eyon* them& #There%s no waywe $an get up that without him seeing us&'



She swung her a$! to the ushes) sli* *own until she sat)an* stu*ie* the an! in /uestion& It was less steeply $utthan the one they%* -umpe**own& +eyon* the next silt islan*) a smaller) narrower one

$overe* in $oarse grasses an* otherwise are) the an! rosein a series of narrow terra$es7$liming it woul* e easy enough) ut while *oing so theywoul* e totally expose*& #(o you !now what%s up there) onthis si*e of the river5' 2e shoo! his hea*& After a moment) he grima$e*& #I $he$!e*the $onne$ting roa*s) an* the surroun*ings of all the roa*swe were going to ta!e& I*i*n%t $he$! the lan* over there& 9e%ll have to go up) then

fin* somepla$e to stop an* loo! at our map& Too noisy) tooris!y) to try it *own here&' She glan$e* a$! towar* the an! *own whi$h they%* $omeut $oul* see nothing lower than the trees% $anopies7 theushes hi* them well&"eaning $lose) she whispere*) #On$e he%s gone) we $oul*fin* a way a$! up that si*e an* $ontinue into St& +oswells&' Again he shoo! his hea*7 this time his expression was grim& #S$rope will have left his horse somewhere near& On$e he

leaves the river) he%ll fet$hit 0 an* then he $oul* $ome upon us fast) on horsea$!)while we%re on foot& 9e%re lu$!y we%ve een ale to avoi*him this time& 9e *on%t want to meethim again&' The sight of the pistol in S$rope%s han* ha* $hange*1eremy%s view of her erstwhile !i*napper from *angerous toinsanely *angerous& 9hatmanner of man $ame waving a pistol as he $hase* an

unarme* la*y an* an almost $ertainly unarme* gentleman5.ore to the point) what *i* S$rope envision *oing with sai*pistol5They%* een spea!ing in tones low enough to e inau*ileover the whoosh of the river& Two se$on*s later) 1eremyhear* the heavy tramp of oots on the upper an! a$ross from them&



2e glan$e* at Eliza) met her wi*e eyes& They remaine*utterly still) prote$te* from S$rope%s sight y the thi$!ushes ehin* whi$h they $rou$he*&A minute passe*) then S$rope move* on) move* away& The

soun* of his heavy footsteps fa*e*&They oth let out the reaths they%* een hol*ing&Another minute passe* in silen$e) then Eliza tense* to rise&1eremy $lampe* a han* on her arm an* shoo! his hea* ather& "eaning $loser) he whispere*) #If I were him) I%* *rawa$! an* wat$h) an* wait tosee if we emerge from hi*ing& 9e nee* to wait for a whileefore we $an ris! $liming up an* going on&' Eliza sear$he* his eyes) then no**e*&

Si*e y si*e) they settle* on the ro$!y) san*y groun*) towait out S$rope&

In an ornamental folly per$he* high aove the southernan! of the Twee* -ust at the point where the river $ut awi*e loop an* hea*e* east) the lair*stoo*) a spyglass to his eye) an* roun*ly $urse* S$rope& #9hat the *amne* hell *oes he thin! he%s *oing5 Espe$ially

with that pistol5' After a moment) the lair* muttere*) *istin$tly savagely) #9hy $oul*n%t he have ta!en the hint when I lost him at4oreri*ge5' 2e%* een in position sin$e nine o%$lo$! that morning7 hewas a natural8orn hunter 0 he $oul* always summonpatien$e enough when tra$!inggame& From the vantage point of the folly) lo$ate* in thegar*ens of a manor house owne* y a family he !new to e

in E*inurgh for the Season) he%*een waiting for his fleeing pair to $ome *riving past&Instea*) he%* witnesse* the entire S$rope8provo!e*performan$e&Initially) he ha*n%t een ale to see S$rope) waiting in hi*ingon the other si*e of thi$! trees on the opposite si*e of thehighway from the folly7 if he



ha*) he woul* have een tempte* to *o something aoutthe man 0 removing him to the nearest magistrate%s $ell)for instan$e&Instea*) waiting in the perfe$t position to wat$h the pair

$ome *riving past) so he $oul* then fall in ehin* them) he%*ha* to stan* an* wat$hS$rope for$e them off their $ourse&Again& #S$rope has e$ome ex$ee*ingly te*ious&' The $lippe* wor*s*i* little to alleviate his temper&2e%* ha* the pair in sight from the moment they%* rushe*)on foot) a$ross the highway an* *ive* into the $over of thetrees& Thereafter) he%*

tra$!e* their progress more through S$rope%s lun*ering*own the tree line than y any *ire$t sighting&+ut then the fleeing pair ha* wal!e* out of the trees to thevery e*ge of the an!) separate* only y the length of aplowe* fiel* from his ownposition& A su**en fear ha* grippe* him) that) after all hisma$hinations) he might e for$e* to wat$h) helpless) asS$rope shot Eliza%s gentleman an*re$laime* her&

Instea*) to his very real relief) the gentleman in /uestionha* ta!en ex$ellent evasive a$tion) -umping *own to therivere* an* in*u$ing Eliza to -ump *own into his arms , that she ha* so rea*ily spo!ewell for the trust she pla$e* in him&9hi$h trust appeare* to e well8foun*e*& ;n*er thegentleman%s gui*an$e) the pair ha* su$$essfully eva*e*S$rope&The lair* wat$he* as) having lingere* in the area) para*ing

a$! an* forth along the tree line as if expe$ting his /uarryto fall from the ran$hesinto his han*s) S$rope finally gave up7 hea* hanging) hestarte* tru*ging a$! to where he%* left his horse) nearwhere the pair ha* $rosse* the highwayan* rushe* into the trees&



Swinging the spyglass a$! to Eliza an* her gentleman)patiently an* very wisely remaining $on$eale* on the islan*)the lair* waite* , anotherten minutes passe* efore) finally) they slowly rose&

Carefully) $learly wary) they left their hi*ing pla$e) leapta$ross to the next islan*) then $lime* themore gra*uate* eastern an!&They *i*n%t linger ut went /ui$!ly on) into the groun*s of(ryurgh Aey& From his vantage point) he wat$he* asthey sli* li!e sha*ows from onetree to the next) eventually rea$hing the ruine* remnants ofthe ol* aey& After a moment of wat$hful stu*y) theyslippe* ehin* a ruine* wall an* went to

groun*&"owering the glass) the lair* $onsi*ere* all he%* seen&S$rope might e a lesse* nuisan$e) ut through hisinterferen$e he%* engineere*pre$isely the sort of situation the lair* ha* een waiting tooserve& 2e%* een ale to wat$h Eliza an* her gentleman 0wat$h how they rea$te* un*erthe threat of real *anger) always a revealing situation& An*what he%* seen ,

It was the little things that tol* the story& "i!e the wayEliza%s gentleman $onstantly wat$he* over her) seeing to hersafety efore his own& The wayhis han* hovere* at her a$!) if he wasn%t hol*ing her han*instea*) the way he $onstantly s$anne* their surroun*ingsfor *anger& An* Eliza truste* him)impli$itly an* without reserve7 she *i*n%t /uestion) *i*n%targue& She *i* ma!e suggestions&The pair intera$te* with ea$h other in ways the lair*

re$ognize*7 he%* seen exa$tly the same manner of physi$alan* veral $ommuni$ations) of togetherness an* share* purpose) etween his late $ousin.it$hell an* his wife& Theirs ha* een a mat$h ma*e inheaven7 the lair* saw nothing in theway Eliza an* her gentleman ehave* towar* ea$h other tosuggest their relationship was any *ifferent&



On that s$ore) he $oul* rest easy&The only $ompli$ation that remaine* was S$rope&The lair* loo!e* again in the *ire$tion in whi$h S$rope ha*gone& 2aving unleashe* the man on Eliza) .$6insey $oul*n%t

very well turn his a$!an* wal! away) mu$h as he might wish to& They mightmanage to es$ape S$rope on their own7 thus far) theEnglishman) whoever he was) ha* shown anaptitu*e for thin!ing on his feet an* a$ting effe$tively& +ut ifthey *i*n%t es$ape ,If S$rope re$laime* Eliza) he%* presumaly *rag her toE*inurgh an* offer her up to him) .$6insey) ut at what$ost5 If S$rope harme* the

Englishman) possily even !ille* him , #9hat a *amne*melo*ramati$ trage*y that woul* e&' The very last thing he wante* was a ri*e who hate* him 0who ha* love* another an* lost that other e$ause of as$heme he%* set in motion&Buite asi*e from honor) on its own a sharp enough goa*)that prospe$t $onvin$e* him he $oul* not yet leave the pairto their own *evi$es) not untilhe was sure they%* es$ape* S$rope%s *esperate an* patently

*etermine* atta$!s&If S$rope ha*n%t flagrantly *isregar*e* his or*ers) he%* haveeen ale to hea* home to the highlan*s at this point) tostart planning his a*u$tionof the Cynster sister that allowing Eliza to es$ape with hergentleman ren*ere* asolutely ne$essary& "ips tightening infrustration) the lair* raise* thespyglass to his eye on$e more&The pair ha*n%t emerge* from the aey ruins& Consi*ering

what) if he%* een in their shoes) he woul* *o) he loo!e*further east) sear$hing for apla$e where they might e ale to $ross the river&

#(ryurgh Aey&' 1eremy pointe* to the spot on the map& #The ruins thereof& That%s where we are&'



Sitting esi*e him on the groun* in the lee of one of the fewse$tions of walls still stan*ing) Eliza stu*ie* the map he%*sprea* a$ross his !nees& #So where shoul* we go from here5' She wave* towar* the

river) now lying to their south& #St& +oswells is -ust there) onthe other si*e of the river) ut how*o we $ross over5' #That%s a pertinent /uestion&' 1eremy leane* over the map& #Another is whether we $hange our route an* instea* ofgoing through St& +oswellsan* then south via 1e*urgh) we hea* east from here)through 6elso to Col*stream) an* $ross the or*er there&' She $onsi*ere* the route he tra$e*& #That%s mu$h further)

an* y that route) on$e we get over the or*er) we%* haveeven further to go to rea$h9olverstone&' 1eremy humphe*& 2e too! another gulp from his waterottle) then stoppere* it an* stowe* it a$! in thesa**leag& They%* alrea*y *emolishe*the $heese an* rea* .rs& Buiggs ha* !in*ly presse* onthem) saying she !new how young men nee*e* to eat& 2a*she ut !nown it) young la*ies) too7

at least Eliza%s appetite ha*n%t *win*le* with fear&:esting his a$! an* shoul*ers against the $ool stone) heglan$e* at her& She%* seen the pistol S$rope ha* eenwaving) ha* re$ognize* the*anger) ut other than a heightene* tension visile in theway she every now an* then $he$!e* their surroun*ings)she ha*n%t pani$!e*& For whi$h he wastruly grateful&Pulling out his fo8wat$h) he $onsulte* it& #Nearly one

o%$lo$!&' 2e tu$!e* the wat$h away& "eaning his hea* a$!against the wall) he murmure*) #It%s pea$eful here&' She glan$e* at him) then loo!e* aroun*) surveying theexpanse of grass *otte* with fallen stones an* $olumns) thetrees) many large) that sha*e*



the ruins& #It%s har* to appre$iate the tran/uility while!nowing S$rope is somewhere near&' #2mm&' 2e ris!e* $losing his eyes for a moment) eliminatingthe *istra$tion of the sight of her in an effort to thin! more

$learly& #I wish we !newhow S$rope foun* us& (i* the lair* sen* him this way after$at$hing sight of us in Peni$ui!) !nowing that other than the4reat North :oa*) this was the waywe%* most li!ely $ome5 An* if S$rope is here) where is thelair*5 (i* we lose him at Peni$ui!) as we%* thought5 Even ifwe *i*) has he $ome to this area)too) to -oin S$rope5 9hile avoi*ing S$rope) *o we have to!eep an eye out to ensure that we avoi* the lair*) too5'

9hen she *i*n%t reply) he opene* his eyes an* foun* herregar*ing him& #That%s a lot of /uestions to whi$h we *on%t !now theanswers&' She tilte* her hea*& #The only reasonale wayforwar* is to *e$i*e on the estroute) then forge ahea* 0 an* *eal with whoever) if) an*wherever they rise up in our path&' "ips $urving) he in$line* his hea*& #9ell put&' "ifting the mapagain) he stu*ie* it& #9e $an%t go a$! an* fin* the gig& I

suspe$t the horse woul*have stoppe* efore he rea$he* Newtown St& +oswells) utS$rope is almost $ertainly in that area& 9e $an%t ris! tanglingwith him again&' #No& I $oul* happily live my life without setting eyes on himagain&' #Amen& So for my money our est route is still via the$rossing at Carter +ar& If we $an get ahea* of oth S$ropean* the lair*) we $an arrel along

to 9olverstone) an* there%ll e little $han$e of them $at$hingus up 0 the roa* is more or less straight) an* even after weturn for 9olverstone) relatively*ire$t) with no real $han$e of them ta!ing another route an*$oming at us from the si*e& 2owever) the tri$! will egetting $lear of S$rope) an* the lair* if he%s lur!ing neary&'



#:ight) then&' She rose) *usting *own her ree$hes) thenrea$he* for the other sa**leag& #"et%s go into St& +oswells)hire another gig) an* get onthe roa* efore S$rope) or the lair* if he%s near) sees us&'

No**ing) he fol*e* the map) then got to his feet& 9hile hestowe* the map a$! in his ag) she loo!e* aroun*& #So) how *o we get to St& +oswells5' :ea$hing out) he too! her han*) then rememere* that shewas still mas/uera*ing as a youth an* that someone mightsee& S/ueezing herfingers) he turne* her south) towar* the river) then release*her& #The aey groun*s are $ontaine* within the loop of theriver) an* the town%s *ire$tly on

the other si*e of the lower) southern) en* of the loop& There*oesn%t seem to have ever een a ri*ge) ut there musthave een a $rossing of some sort)even if only a for*) to $onne$t the monasti$ an* se$ular$ommunities& 9e !now it wasn%t on the western arm of theloop 0 the stret$h we $rosse* infleeing S$rope& So the $rossing must e to our south or east&9ith lu$!) S$rope assume* we *i*n%t $ross the river an* isnow off sear$hing the fiel*s an*

roa*s to the west& There are no roa*s along this se$tion ofthe river on either si*e) so we shoul* e safe s!irting thean! an* sear$hing for a waya$ross&' Si*e y si*e they wal!e* through the aey $hur$h) pausingwithout a wor* to ta!e in the single soaring ar$h rising highehin* where the altarwoul* have een) then they $ontinue* on) through a gap inthe si*e wall an* *own a long) slight slope& The going was

easy& The sun shone fitfully) warmwhen it stru$! through the ran$hes of the huge) ol* trees&Eventually they rea$he* a line of *enser trees an* usheseyon* whi$h the river flowe* swiftlyon&



Thi$! shrus e*ge* the top of the an!) giving themex$ellent $over as they trampe* along aove the southernse$tion of the river%s loop) travelingwest to east& All along that stret$h) the an!s were high an*

steep) almost verti$al) an* from what they $oul* see) theriver ran *eep&There was nowhere to $ross along that stret$h&Pulling a$!) they angle* through in$reasingly *ensewoo*lan*) stri!ing out for the eastern arm of the loop& Evenefore they $ame within sight of the an!) the groun* starte* to slope *ownwar* an* thevegetation thinne*& #This shoul* e it&' 1eremy lengthene*his stri*e& #Our $rossing&'

Sure enough) when they rea$he* the river) they foun* ashallow for*& (esigne* for $arts or horses) the surfa$e layeneath six in$hes of swiftlyrunning water) ut a line of flat8toppe* stones 0 loo!ingsuspi$iously li!e stones from the aey ruins 0 ha* eenlai* in the rivere* along one e*ge of the for*& They were some *istan$e apart) ut large enoughfor Eliza to -ump from one to the next&They oth rea$he* the other si*e without getting their feet

wet) an* share* a grin&:esettling the sa**leag over his shoul*er) 1eremy loo!e*up) aroun*) then nu*ge* Eliza%s arm& #That way&' There were a few farmhouses *otting the fiel*s efore them)ut the roofs of St& +oswells now lay some way to theirright&As they wal!e* along the $ountry lane) more a $art tra$!than a roa*) he sai*) #S$rope will e $on$entrating on thehighway en* of town 0 the

highway sweeps past on the western si*e& 9e%re wal!ing infrom the opposite *ire$tion) so all of St& +oswells liesetween us an* the highway an*) wehope) S$rope& 9ith any lu$!) we%ll e ale to fin* an inn an*hire a gig) then slip out an* start our ra$e south efore hehas any i*ea we%re near&'



#2mm&' Eliza wal!e* on) $onstantly s$anning the wayahea*& She was more $on$erne* with avoi*ing S$rope thanshe was with rea$hing9olverstone& 2er priorities ha* $hange* the instant she%*

seen the pistol S$rope ha* een waving& 9hile she woul* ehappy to rea$h safety tonight) itwas more important that she an* 1eremy rea$he* safetytogether& She ha* no fear that S$rope woul* shoot her& Itwas 1eremy) her res$uer) S$ropewoul* have in his sights&The realization ha* sha!en her more than she%* expe$te*)ut) as 1eremy was 0 /uite $learly) to her min* 0 herinten*e* hero) then she

suppose* she%* have to get use* to eing su-e$t to su$hfearful $on$erns regar*ing him&She $ertainly wasn%t aout to let S$rope harm him) ta!e himfrom her) or to in any way interfere with their future&A spe$ies of elligerent *etermination ha* her firmly in itsgrip as they rea$he* a larger roa* an* turne* towar* thetown&They tru*ge* on through the early afternoon& Cottagese$ame more fre/uent) in$reasingly or*ering the roa*) ut

the town wasn%t large&:ea$hing a wi*e $urve an* starting aroun* it) they saw theusual shops an* usinesses of a small $ountry town liningthe roa* ahea*&They slowe*) oth in$reasingly $autious& In$reasingly wary&Ten pa$es ahea* of them) a shop *oor opene*& The tin!le ofits ell halte* them in their tra$!s&A man steppe* out) his a$! to them as he pulle* the shop*oor $lose* ehin* him&

4iving them an ex$ellent view of him from the rear&+la$!8haire*& Tall& <ery tall& .assive shoul*ers& "ong) stronglegs&A top$oat that) in reserve* tones) *e$lare* its owner%sstation in life was teame* with u$!s!in ree$hes an* well8ma*e ri*ing oots&



9ithout glan$ing their way) the lair* wal!e*) with an easy)long8legge* stri*e that s$reame* of unassailale $onfi*en$e)further on) angling a$rossthe roa*& Not *aring to so mu$h as reathe) Eliza *ragge*

her pani$!e* gaze from him an* realize* she an* 1eremystoo* esi*e a narrow alley runningetween two shops& Sin!ing her fingers into 1eremy%s sleeve)she grippe*) tugge*) an* steppe* $arefully si*eways into thealley&After a fra$tional hesitation) 1eremy sli* silently into thealley alongsi*e her& On$e safely $on$eale*) he peere* out&Eliza leane* a$! against the alley wall an* silently gavethan!s& If they%* een half a minute faster) the lair* woul*

have steppe* out of the shop ontop of them&1eremy *rew a$! again& "i!e her) he slumpe* against thewall& #2e%s gone into the hotel -ust along the street&' She swallowe*& #9ell) we $an%t go that way) then 0 on*own the street&' #No&' :ea$hing into the sa**leag) 1eremy *rew out themap& #Not only that'0 he $oul* hear the grimness infusinghis voi$e 0#we won%t e ale

to hire a gig here) either& If he%s een *oing the roun*s ofthe hotels an* inns ,' 4lan$ing up) he met Eliza%s eyes& #2esaw us in Peni$ui!& If he%s givenpeople a goo* enough *es$ription of us) then as soon as wewal! in an* as! for a gig) they%ll !eep us there an* sen*someone to fet$h him&' She sighe*& #I was going to suggest we might see if we$oul* get a etter loo! at him) ut it%s too *angerous) isn%tit5'

#.u$h&' 2e unfol*e* the map& #Asi*e from him eing halfmy weight again) if all the signs rea* true an* he is a*amne* S$ottish noleman) thenfalling into his han*s woul* e the worst thing we $oul* *o&' #2e might $laim I was his runaway war* an* $art me off tohis highlan* $astle while leaving you in some magistrate%s$ell5'



#An* that%s the est out$ome we $oul* hope for&' 1eremyhel* the map so she $oul* see it& #2ere%s where we are&' 2epointe* to the spot& #2ere%swhere we want to go&' 2e pointe* to the roa* south of the

or*er) -ust eyon* Carter +ar& #The highway runs *ire$tlyfrom here to there) ut with oth thelair* an* S$rope patrolling it) I $an%t see how we $an ris!staying on it& If the lair* is here) !eeping wat$h) $han$es areS$rope has alrea*y gone south&' Eliza graspe* the map) rought it $loser so she $oul* ma!eout the finer lines) the lanes an* tra$!s& #9e !now there%sno sense going east 0 ythat route 9olverstone%s simply too far& +ut ,' Angling her

hea*) she tra$e* a route with her eyes& #Coul* we) *o youthin!) hea* west5 (own this lane'0she pointe* 0#to Sel!ir!) an* then hire another gig there&'She glan$e* up an* met 1eremy%s eyes& #Neither S$rope northe lair* will expe$t us to go thatway&' 1eremy frowne*& #+ut 0' 2e ro!e off an* ent $loser)stu*ying the map more a$utely& #Ah 0 I see&' #Pre$isely&' Eliza felt faintly triumphant& #From Sel!ir!) we

$an *rive to 2awi$! 0 if they *o happen to pi$! up our trailan* thin! we%re ma!ing forCarlisle so mu$h the etter& +ut at 2awi$! we $an turn offthe main roa*) an* ta!e the lane to +on$hester +ri*ge) an*on&' #All the way to Carter +ar&' 1eremy raise* the map) anglingit to the light that shafte* into the alley& After a moment) heno**e*& #3ou%re right& That)in*ee*) is the only reasonale way forwar*& I ha*n%t even

noti$e* that tiny lane) ut it%ll !eep us off the 1e*urgh :oa*until a are few yar*s of the or*er&' 2e met Eliza%s eyes& #I $an%t imagine either the lair* orS$rope will e hanging aout the or*er itself& They%ll wantto stop us ahea* of it) out of sight of any



sol*iers who might e /uartere* there& That $lose to theor*er) even if we haven%t a$tually $rosse* into Englan*) we$oul* still summon 9olverstone& 2isname $arries weight enough for us to e safe&'

She smile*& #Ex$ellent& So'0 she tippe* her hea* *own thealley) away from the main street they%* wal!e* in along0#let%s wor! our way aroun*to the lane to Sel!ir!&' It too! them another hour of eing extremely $areful) ofhi*ing ehin* he*ges) sear$hing all aroun* efore they$rosse* any roa*s) exer$isingextreme $aution when they finally ra$e* 0 thi$! ushes tothi$! ushes 0 a$ross the highway itself) ut their lu$! hel*&

Neither the lair* nor S$ropespotte* them7 no one $ame thun*ering after them&The sun hung in the s!y efore them when) having finallygaine* the lane to Sel!ir!) they set out at a ris! pa$e& Theysoon foun* their way line*with hawthorn he*ges7 *ense an* in full leaf) with the lanegently wen*ing this way) then that) the he*ges /ui$!ly hi*them from anyone following&2alf a mile or more on) 1eremy halte*& #The he*ges hi*e us)

ut they also !eep us from spotting anyone following us&' 2eno**e* to a smallgrassy !noll $rowne* with less *ense s$ru& #I%* rather playsafe& "et%s ta!e a short rea! an* wat$h the roa*&' They *i*& They wat$he* for half an hour) ut no horsemanor $arriage $ame y& #9e%re safe&' Eliza stoo* an* *uste* off her ree$hes& Sheloo!e* *own at 1eremy an* smile*& #Come on 0 it%s Sel!ir!for us&' 2e rose with an

answering grin& As together they stro*e *own the !noll) a$!towar* the roa*) she a**e*) a smile flirting aout her lips) #An* on$e there) who !nows whatwe%ll fin*5'



In mi*afternoon) the lair* left the hotel at whi$h he%* staye*in St& +oswells& .ounte* on 2er$ules) he ro*e east) outalong the $ountry roa*) then turne* leftinto the lane the helpful arman who%* re$ently $ome on

*uty ha* *es$rie*&The lane le* *ire$tly north) en*ing within sight of theTwee*%s an!s& (ismounting an* lea*ing 2er$ules forwar*an* to the left) the lair**is$overe* the ol* for* easily enough 0 along with thetra$!s of two people) one oot large an* heavier) the othermu$h smaller an* lighter) hea*ingtowar* the town&The river water ha* long sin$e *rie* out of the oot prints&

#They%ve een /ui$! enough&' 2e%* ma*e an e*u$ate* guessthat *espite S$rope%s a$tions) the pair woul* attempt to geta$! on the highway to1e*urgh& They weren%t that far from the or*er) an* thealternative route via 6elso an* Col*stream was signifi$antlyout of what seeme* to e their$hosen way&9hile he was please* to have his reasoning orne out) hewas less happy that he was) it seeme*) alrea*y hours ehin*

them&:emounting 2er$ules) he followe* the tra$!s a$! towar*the town& In$reasingly slowly7 with the groun* har*eningan* the verges thi$!) the $loserhe got to the town) the har*er it was to e sure the tra$!she was following were the ones he wante*&2e thought he%* lost them in the main street) ut y sheerlu$! he glan$e* *own a narrow ginnel an* saw $learevi*en$e) imprinte* in the softer)

*amper earth) that his fugitive pair ha* stoo* there for sometime&The proximity of the ginnel to the $offeehouse where he%*first in/uire* as to a possile river $rossing) an* ha*suse/uently een *ire$te* to thehotel a$ross the street) tol* its own tale&



#(amn@' Stal!ing a$! to 2er$ules) he swung up to thegel*ing%s a$!& They%* seen him& An*) of $ourse) not!nowing that all he now wishe* wasto see them safe a$! over the or*er an* free from

S$rope%s pursuit) they%* fle* in the opposite *ire$tion&They%* wal!e* away from the main street) *own the ginnelan* out the other si*e) ut 2er$ules was too wi*e of girth tota!e the same path&Swallowing his $urses) he turne* the ig gel*ing an* ro*ea$! out along the roa*) to $ir$le the lo$! an* pi$! up theerrant pair%s trail&

An hour an* a half later) utterly *isguste* y the latest turnof events) the lair* sat atop 2er$ules at the -un$tion of thehighway with the main roa* throughSt& +oswells an* *eate* his next move&2e ha* no i*ea where his fleeing pair ha* gone&2e might e an expert tra$!er) ut he still nee*e* sometra$!s 0 some hints at least 0 to follow) ut the roa*s an*lanes in this *istri$t ha*har*ene* with the sun an* no longer hel* impressions

suffi$iently well for him to *istinguish his /uarry%s oot printsfrom the imprints left y the many otheroot8wearers in an* aroun* the $ountry town&The pair ha* left the ginnel an* hea*e* aroun*) through theminor lanes running off an* parallel to the main roa* in thegeneral *ire$tion of thehighway) ut eyon* that) he !new no more& 2e%* $he$!e*the ovious pla$es) $asting a wi*e net over an* aroun* thevarious possile minor routes they

might have ta!en towar* 1e*urgh) even ri*ing east as faras .axton an* the lane lea*ing a$ross An$rum .oor) uthe%* foun* nothing&On the off8$han$e they%* gone a$! for whatever transportthey%* use* to rea$h the highway earlier) he%* ri**en north)a$! along the highway) to



the lane from Newtown St& +os wells& 1ust insi*e the lane)he%* foun* evi*en$e) not of the vanishe* pair ut of a horsefollowing $lose ehin* a gig&S$rope) he surmise*) ha* gone a$! an* foun* a gig 0

presumaly the one Eliza an* her gentleman ha* use* to getthat far an* ha*aan*one* on spotting S$rope ahea* of them& Sear$hingfurther) he%* foun* suffi$ient signs to verify his rea*ing ofwhat ha* o$$urre* to sen* the pairrushing through the trees towar* the river& On fin*ing thegig) S$rope ha* tie* his horse to its a$! an* *riven south&.$6insey ha* followe* the gig an* the telltale $loselyfollowing hoofprints a$! to the -un$tion at whi$h he

presently sat& S$rope%s trail le* on&S$rope ha* remove* the pair%s aility to travel south atspee*) at least until they $oul* fin* another gig) an* ha*gone on to wait for them at 1e*urgh&Nu*ging 2er$ules forwar*) the lair* $antere* a hun*re*yar*s south& :eining 2er$ules to a halt again) he loo!e*west *own the lane to Sel!ir!&If he%* een Eliza an* her gentleman) he woul* have gonethat way&

Alternatively) they might have $ir$le* a$! into St& +os wellsan* sought shelter for the night with some $ottager there7 ifso) short of !no$!ing onevery *oor an* as!ing) lo$ating them woul* e *iffi$ult&2e $oul* hea* out along the lane to the west) an* possilysomewhere along it he might fin* their tra$!s) an* e aleto follow them on&Possily& Against that) he ha* S$rope%s tra$!s $learly eforehim&

2is purpose 0 the only purpose !eeping him in the lowlan*s0 was to appease the *eman*s of his honor an* his$ons$ien$e y preservingEliza an* her gentleman from S$rope%s misgui*e*) an*potentially mali$ious) attentions& 2e $oul* *o that -ust aseasily) possily more so) y following



S$rope an* ensuring his erstwhile hen$hman *i* the pair noharm&.u$h simpler&Courtesy of S$rope%s a$tions that *ay) he%* alrea*y rea$he*

the point of feeling $onfi*ent in otherwise leaving Eliza%ssafety an* $are to hergentleman8prote$tor 0 another Englishman) no less&Sha!ing his hea* at the irony in that) with a fli$! of the reinsthe lair* sent 2er$ules $antering on) leaving St& +os wellsan* the lane to Sel!ir!ehin*& 2e !new of a ni$e) $omfortale inn in 1e*urgh7 withany lu$!) S$rope woul* stop in 1e*urgh for the night&

Chapter Thirteen

t was late afternoon when 1eremy an* Eliza wal!e* over arise an* saw the roofs of Sel!ir! efore them& The rion ofa ma-or roa* sna!e*



out of the town) then ran along the nearer e*ge of thesettlement) right to left) lea*ing south to 2awi$!&2alting) 1eremy *rew out the map an* stu*ie* it& #2awi$!%smore than twelve miles from Sel!ir!&' 2e grima$e*& #It%s a

it late) ut we have twooptions& 9e $oul* wal! into Sel!ir!) hire a gig) *rive to2awi$!) then fin* some pla$e there to spen* the night) or'0raising his hea*) he loo!e* towar*Sel!ir! 0#we $oul* stay somewhere in Sel!ir!) then set offtomorrow&' Eliza *i*n%t nee* to pon*er her $hoi$e7 what with fleeingS$rope) avoi*ing the lair*) an* the last few hours% ris!wal!ing) she was starting to flag&

#Sel!ir! an* tomorrow have my vote&' 1eremy no**e*& #.ine) too&' :efol*ing the map) he tu$!e* itaway& #9e seem to have su$$essfully lost our pursuers) an*whether tomorrow westart our run for the or*er from Sel!ir! or 2awi$! will ma!eno real *ifferen$e 0 we%ll still rea$h the or*er y tomorrowafternoon& There%s no reala*vantage in pushing on to*ay&' 2e met Eliza%s eyes) smile*an* wave* her on& #Sel!ir!) it is&'

They stro*e *own the last stret$h of the lane) *eate*) then$rosse* the main roa* an* $ontinue* *own a lane thatpromise* to lea* more *ire$tlyinto Sel!ir! proper&Their -u*gment prove* soun*7 the lane le* them to the highstreet) whi$h in turn opene* into the mar!etpla$e& On$eagain they%* entere* a town onmar!et *ay7 there were *ozens of small stalls an* ooths$logging the irregularly shape* spa$e at the $enter of the

town& The $row*s still thronging thearea allowe* them to stan* a$! an* ta!e sto$! of the twoinns at either en* of the mar!etpla$e) an* the tavern alongone si*e) without attra$ting un*ueattention&



#I *on%t thin! the tavern /ualifies for our list of possilepla$es to fin* a room) ut'0 1eremy grima$e* 0#with all thepeople in town for the mar!et)the inns might well e full&'

#2mm&' The sight of a stall selling $lothes ha* rought athought that ha* een lur!ing in the a$! of Eliza%s min* tothe fore& #I won*er ,' Cat$hing1eremy%s eyes) she *ire$te* his gaze to the $lothing stall&9hen he loo!e*) then glan$e* a$! at her) she ar$he* herrows& #Perhaps we shoul* uy ani$e plain gown for my twin sister5 As a present& Then wemight wal! a$! to the $hur$h -ust a$! there) whi$h is sureto e *eserte* at this hour) an* then

, well) if S$rope or the lair* $ome sear$hing this way)they%re going to as! aout a gentleman an* a youth) aren%tthey5' 1eremy%s slow smile warme* her& #That%s a rilliant i*ea&' #9ell) then&' Smiling herself) she starte* a$ross the $olestowar* the $lothing stall& #"et%s see what we $an fin* thatmight fit my sister&' They ought a simple petti$oat an* a plain $amri$ gown ina sha*e of rown that woul*) Eliza informe* 1eremy as they

wal!e* a$! to the$hur$h) ma!e her len* into any $row*& Personally) he*oute* it7 without the hat she%* een wearing as part ofher *isguise) her gleaming hair woul*$at$h anyone%s eye) as woul* her fine features) features thatwoul* ma!e it *iffi$ult for her to pass as anything other thanthe well8re* young la*y she was&6eeping wat$h in the nave while she $hange* in the vestry)he $onsi*ere* that point& 9hen she finally emerge*)

retransforme* into a woman) hepushe* away from the wall against whi$h he%* een leaning0 an* stare*&The gown fitte* her well) its simpli$ity only emphasizing herheight) her slee! $urves) the regalness of her posture&:ather than *im the rightness



of her hair) the plain rown of the gown ma*e the heavywaves appear a ri$her) *eeper sha*e of honey8gol*) ma*eher hazel eyes appear more vivi*&It wasn%t that he%* forgotten what she loo!e* li!e in s!irts so

mu$h as he%* forgotten what the impa$t she ha* on him inthat guise felt li!e&"i!e he%* een $loute* over the hea*&2e shoo! his rains a$! into pla$e as she $ame towar* him)still) he noti$e*) stri*ing /uite freely&She saw his gaze sli*e *own to her feet an* grinne*& #I!now& I%ve still got my oots on) of $ourse) ut I%m going tohave to remin* myself to gli*eli!e a la*y an* not swagger li!e a youth anymore&'

2e merely no**e* an* rea$he* for the sa**leag she%*ta!en into the vestry with her& It now ulge* with the$lothes an* hat she%* stuffe* into it& #I%* etter ta!e that&' She han*e* the ag over) then) with a happy little sigh)swung the $loa! she%* $arrie* over one arm aout hershoul*ers& #I feel so mu$h , well)lighter) now I $an reathe freely again&' 2e rememere* the sil! an* she%* ha* him help her retie

aout her reasts that morning) thought of her unraveling it)re$alle* what she loo!e*li!e without it ,2auling reath into lungs *istin$tly $onstri$te* even withoutany in*ing) he *ragge* his gaze upwar* from the relevantpart of her anatomy an*fixe* it on her fa$e& #Now you%re a la*y again) when we get aroom 0' #9e%ll nee* to preten* to e man an* wife&' She no**e* an*

rea$he* for his arm& #+ut that shoul* only ma!e our newguise even less$onspi$uous) *on%t you thin!5' #3es) I *o&' 2e wal!e* with her to the hea* of the aisle uthalte* there& #9hi$h is why I thin! you shoul* wear this&' 2ehel* out his han*) the signet



ring he normally wore on his little finger resting on his palm& #It%ll ma!e matters easier an* olster our *isguise&' 9ithout the slightest hesitation) she pi$!e* up the ring& Shesli* it onto the appropriate finger) hel* it up) then showe*

him& #It fits&' 2e glan$e* at the ring 0 one that ha* elonge* to his latefather) whi$h he thought of as very mu$h his own 0 now$ir$ling her finger) then loo!e*at her& .et her gaze&2er lips $urve*) -ust a little) as if she !new what he wasthin!ing& #Than! you&' 2e hesitate*) wor*s $row*ing his min*) ut now was not thetime& 2e tippe* his hea* towar* the town& #9e%* etter get

on an* fin* somewhere tostay&' Smiling more *efinitely) she sli* her arm into his an* waite*until he settle* the sa**leags on his other shoul*er) thenthey wal!e* out of the$hur$h an* a$! along the high street&They stoppe* at the first inn& 1eremy arrange* for a gig toe waiting for them the next morning) ut when he glan$e*into the inn itself) he *rew

a$!& #Too many people&' Too !an rough/loo"ing !en# 2esteere* Eliza a$! into the inn yar*&2is gaze fell on one of the ostlers) a mi**le8age* man)waiting y the entran$e to the stale& #2mm&' 2e gui*e*Eliza towar* the man7 she%* put upher hoo*) hi*ing her hair& #Try to loo! timi* an* shy&' She *uly *ippe* her hea* an* hung a$! a trifle) as ifslipping into his sha*ow&(rawing nearer the ostler) he no**e* to the man& #Can you

re$ommen* anywhere) other than the inns an* tavern)where my wife an* I might fin* a/uiet e* for the night5' The ostler returne* his no* politely an* *ire$te* them to alo*ging house a$ross the mar!etpla$e& #.rs& 9alla$e is awi**er 0 !eeps her rooms



neat an* $lean) an* she%ll *o you a goo* *inner) too& 4oo*$oo!) she is) an* a ni$e woman) too& 3ou%ll fin* her sign upon the $orner of yon lane there 0she%s three *oors *own on the right&'

#Than! you&' 1eremy tosse* the man a $oin) then turne* an*es$orte* Eliza a$ross the $oles an* into the lane&.rs& 9alla$e an* her lo*ging house prove* to e asex$ellent as a*vertise*& The room the wi*ow showe* themto was small) ut airy an*$heerful) with $hintz $urtains at the win*ow an* a mat$hing$ounterpane on the rass8frame* e*& After supplying themwith towels an* an ewer of warmwater) .rs& 9alla$e left them to ma!e themselves

$omfortale& #(inner will e less than half an hour) my*ears)' she warne* as she turne* a$! to thestairs& #I ring a ell so all my lo*gers !now&' #9e%ll $ome *own as soon as we hear it&' 9ith a gratefulsmile) Eliza shut the *oor) then turne* to survey the room&1eremy $arrie* the heavy ewerto the *ressing tale7 he%* earlier slung their ags on theen* of the e*&Crossing to the e*) she set the towels *own esi*e the

ags) then sat an* oun$e* lightly& The mattress was thi$!)the /uilt eneath the$ounterpane stuffe* full of feathers& 2er gaze fell on her lefthan*& She stare* for a moment) then raise* her han* an*stu*ie* the ring on her finger& #It wor!e*)' 1eremy sai*&She loo!e* a$ross to see him turn from pla$ing the ewer inits mat$hing asin&2e met her eyes& #.rs& 9alla$e loo!e* for the ring& On$e

she saw it) she was happy&' Eliza no**e*& #She elieves we%re a marrie* $ouple 0 she*i*n%t /uestion that at all&' :eturning her gaze to the ring)she murmure*) #It%s almostli!e we%re , pra$ti$ing&'



Sli*ing his han*s into his po$!ets) 1eremy halte* at the en*of the e*& 2e stu*ie* her for a moment) then sai*) #9e%renot going to thin! toomu$h) rememer5'

She loo!e* up) met his gaze& #3es) I !now&' She pause*)then went on) #An* I thin! you%re right 0 we nee* to , -uste& 1ust let ourselves e aswe woul* e) without $onsi*ering the expe$tations ofso$iety& 9e seem to e *oing perfe$tly well without ,' Shegesture*& #9ithout ringing so$iety%s notions an* *eman*s) or those ofanyone else) into our e/uation5' #3es& Pre$isely&' She sear$he* his eyes& #9e *on%t nee*

interferen$e from anyone else& 9e%re wor!ing things outetween ourselves ,' Shetilte* her hea*) her eyes on his& #Aren%t we5' :uthlessly suppressing the unease that $urle* through himwhenever he thought of what was evolving etween them)of -ust where his rilliantnotion of simply letting what woul* e) e) was lea*ingthem) he no**e*& #9e are&' She smile*7 in $ontrast to him) she seeme* entirely at ease&

#4oo*& So we%ll -ust $ontinue as we have een 0 an* thensee where we%ve got toon$e we rea$h 9olverstone&' :ising) she hea*e* for the*ressing tale& #I suppose I%* etter ma!e use of that waterwhile it%s still warm&' "ips lifting) he wave* her on& #"a*ies first&' As she passe*him) an* his eyes too! in her honey8gol* hair) his sensestease* y the faint s$ent henow re$ognize* as hers) he turne*) following her with his

eyes) an* amen*e*) #At least when there%s no *angerinvolve*&' She laughe* an* $ontinue* to the *ressing tale&Inwar*ly won*ering -ust what woul* eventually e orn ofthis $urious wooing) this $ourtship of $ir$umstan$e 0perhaps) given they were in



S$otlan*) the whole usiness might more $orre$tly eviewe* as a han*fasting50 he sat on the e* to wait histurn&(inner was an event that fo$use* their min*s& 9hen as!e*

from where they haile*) an* where they were hea*e*) Elizaglan$e* at 1eremy7 hesteppe* in an* spun a tale aout them living on the outs!irtsof E*inurgh) having move* there for the wor!) ut havingto return to Englan* in a rush tovisit Eliza%s mother) who was poorly&+ut the rait pie was ex$ellent) an* their fellow lo*gers anunthreatening group 0 two $ler!s from neary legal offi$es)an* one of the town%s

wat$hmen& The $onversation remaine* general) largely$entering aroun* happenings in the town) until .rs& 9alla$eremove* the last s$raps of her apple$rumle an* shooe* them all out of her *ining room&The wat$hman set out to visit the tavern& The two $ler!s*u$!e* their hea*s politely to Eliza an* 1eremy an* hea*e*for the inn&1eremy ar$he* a row at Eliza&She met his gaze) then smile*) sli* her arm in his) an*

turne* towar* the stairs& #9e shoul* get as early a start aspossile) shoul*n%t we5' Climing the stairs) he smile*& :ea$hing their *oor) heopene* it an* hel* it for her7 he waite* until he%* shut it tosay) #The earlier in the *ay thatwe rea$h Carter +ar an* $ross into Englan*) the happier I%lle&' She glan$e* at him& #I thought you sai* S$rope woul*n%t eat the or*er itself5'

#I *on%t thin! he will e) ut ,' 2e grima$e* as he -oine*her at the si*e of the e*& #The *amne* man has for$e* usto *etour enough to lose a*ay 0 we shoul* have een at 9olverstone tonight at thelatest&' 2er eyes on his) she sai*) #+ut there have een$onsolations&'



#Perhaps& Or) more a$$urately) we%ve ta!en a*vantage ofthe opportunities'0 he wat$he* her step $loser) grip hislapels an* rise up on her toes0#his a$tions have presente* us with&'

From $lose range) from eneath li*s alrea*y lowere*) she$apture* his gaze) then reathe*) her wor*s a tantalizingwaft of heat over his lips) #9e%re not thin!ing) rememer5' Then she !isse* him) *eli$ately) evo$atively) $in*ering any*out he might have entertaine* that she woul*n%t e intenton seizing their unexpe$te*extra night together to further a*van$e her un*erstan*ing&To further explore the passion that rose so rea*ily to her

$all&In him) an* in herself&Eliza was fas$inate*) utterly enthralle* y the appetite shesense* ehin* his so8$ontaine*) so8$orre$t s$holarly mien&"ast night) she%* een so$aught up in the experien$e) in the sensations an*revelations) that she ha*n%t ha* any part of her awarenessto spare for him& To gain any real i*ea of how the moment ha* affe$te* him) whether the satiation)

the satisfa$tion) the simple pleasure that ha* sprea* so$ompletely through her ha* een e/ually*eep) e/ually pervasive) for him&She wante* to fin* out& To use the unexpe$te* opportunity)this unexpe$te* extra night) to explore that) gauge that& Tolearn the truth of what mighte etween them) from his perspe$tive as well as hers&So she ha* no hesitation in stating her nee* an* inviting himto fulfill it& To let *esire rise up through her o*y) let it

sprea* eneath her s!in an*resonate with her hearteat as she presse* her lips to his&An* tempte*&+e$!one* an* lure*&Then he a$$epte* her invitation) $lose* his han*s aout herreasts) an* she su**enly ha* to rea! from the !iss an* lether hea* fall a$! on a



gasp&As she ro*e the $rest of rising pleasure&A pleasure that welle*) swelle*) an* swept her on&She let it) went with it) rea*y an* eager to see where he

woul* lea* her) what he woul* show her tonight) yet somesmall sliver of her min*remaine* attune* to him) wat$he* an* $atalogue* all thelittle signs&"i!e the tension that investe* his features) the har* e*gerising passion lent the austere planes) the passionateplun*ering of his lips an* tongueas he) utton y utton) garment y garment) strippe* her&+are* her&

To the moonlight spearing through the un$urtaine* win*ow&The silvery glow athe* her o*y in pearles$ent light)limning lims impossily gra$eful) gil*ing her lush $urvesan* eroti$ally sha*ing her hollows71eremy $oul* arely reathe) lungs tight) $onstri$te*) aswith his eyes he *ran! in her eauty& As with his han*s hes$ulpte* an* pai* homage) as with hislips he tra$e* an* savore*) an* *evotion) heavy an* real)grew an* urgeone* within him&

An$hore* him& In the here an* now) in the whirlingmaelstrom of their passions&2is intent was $lear in his min*7 to give her all she wishe*)all she wante* 0 fulfill every *esire she ha* 0 ut to reinhimself a$! an* !eephimself from falling into the seething $aul*ron of ravenous*esire that surge* an* swelle* etween them&As he ha*n%t een ale to last night&It wasn%t that he imagine* she ha* any real *esire to rip his

wits away) not even any true $on$eption that she might& 2iswish to remain wholly$aptain of his own will tonight was *riven more y the nee*to reassure himself that he $oul* 0 that he $oul* engagewith her) fulfill her hunger) ring herto $ompletion an* fin* his own in her) an* still e in $ontrol&As he usually was&



As he always ha* een with all his previous lovers&+ut they ha* never tou$he* him an* ma*e him urn) ha*never ta!en him into their arms an* ma*e him lose tou$hwith reason&

2e was a s$holar) a man of rational thought an* $autious)intelligent a$tion& "ast night) for long moments he%* eeneyon* the rea$h of will an*min*) suorne* y) sumerge* in) a *ifferent reality) utthat ha* to have een e$ause the situation in its entiretyha* een new to him& Novel an**istra$ting&"ast night) he%* een *istra$te*& Tonight) he inten*e* toremain fully in $omman*) an* that) he reasone*) woul* set

the tone for their futureengagements&An* then he%* e safe& All woul* e well&That ha* een his $on$lusion) ut he%* reasone* withouther&9ithout the su**en ol*ness with whi$h she) na!e* an*feyli!e in the silvery moonlight) grippe* his -a$!et an*peele* it from him&9ithout the sultry *eman* with whi$h she opene* his shirt)

then) eyes on his fa$e) sprea* her han*s an* *evoure*&(evoure* y tou$h) an* then y taste&:aze* his $ontrol with sensation&2ea* falling a$!) he fought to hol* on to some semlan$eof restraint as she un*resse* him) freely $aressing)exploring) learning , every littletou$h that ma*e him shu**er&;ntil he stoo* in the moonlight) as na!e* as she) while herhan*s *rifte*) in$reasingly ol* ,

(ragging in a reath) *esperate to $reate some mental*istan$e for long enough to fin* his min*) he graspe* hershoul*ers an* tippe*) tumlingthem oth onto the e*&She laughe* an* rolle* with him) ut when he woul* haverolle* her eneath him an* fil$he* the reins) she wrestle*an* insiste*) an* the lea*



passe* a$! an* forth) with first him) then her) in theas$en*an$y) ma*ly pushing the other on ,Flames erupte* an* ra$e* over them) until they werepanting) s!ins *amp) gasping) grasping) *esperate an*

urgent) an* far eyon* thought&She parte* her thighs in wor*less) min*less) aan*one*invitation& 9ith one powerful thrust) he sheathe* himself inher 0 an* the $onflagrationroare*&An* vaporize* all intentions) $in*ere* all $aution) raze* allreservations&9hippe* on y unrelenting passion) he ro*e her har*) an*she $lung an* urge* him on& Openly *eman*ing) writhing

eneath him&As if in she**ing her youth%s attire) she%* $onverte* into awoman in a far *eeper sense than simply in appearan$e&As if in ex$hanging ree$hes for s!irts) she%* release*)unleashe*) a virant) sensual woman 0 one she was*etermine* to let have her way&To let that sensual wanton infuse her) transform her)$on/uer her 0 an* willfully $on/uer him) too&2e $oul*n%t hol* against her pull) against the thun*ering

*eman* to -oin with her in the ma*ness) the fury) thees$alating min*8numing pleasure of their flat8out) *esperate ra$e to $ompletion 0 e$ause that*eman* $ame from within him) not from her&She was the lure) the potent invitation) ut the a$$eptan$e$ame from somewhere *eep insi*e& She $onne$te* to him)to some *eeply urie*essen$e of him) an* effortlessly $alle* it forth&An* he $oul* *o nothing ut surren*er& "in!ing his fingers

with hers) slanting his lips over hers) letting his tonguetangle wil*ly with hers) whole an*$omplete in a way that ro$!e* him to his soul he *an$e*with her) -oine* with her as the swirling $urrents of$rystalline passion an* searing *esire sweptthem up an* on&



Then shattere* them& Pier$e* them) ra$!e* them) an* ro!ethem) then tosse* them into a sea of olivion where lissrolle* in) enfol*e*) an*soothe* them&

Fille* them with glowing gol*en *elight) then gently lai*them *own on some *istant shore) satiate*) satisfie*)eyon* replete&9rappe* in ea$h other%s arms&

Far from the $risp) $lean sheets he%* een loo!ing forwar* tostret$hing out etween) the lair* foun* himself settling for

the night on a pile of straw&S$rope) last the man) ha*n%t halte* in 1e*urgh& Or ratherhe%* stoppe* for a pint ut ha*n%t staye*& Instea*) he%**riven on in the gig he%*$onfis$ate*) his horse pa$ing ehin*) an* stoppe* for thenight in a tiny tavern in the e/ually tiny hamlet ofCamptown&:oughly mi*way etween 1e*urgh an* the or*er)Camptown oaste* no other pla$e a traveler might lay his

hea*) an* the tavern was far tootiny for there to e any $han$e of the lair* putting up therewhile avoi*ing S$rope%s noti$e&;p until that point he%* een $onsi*ering simply overhaulingS$rope) rea*ing him the riot a$t an* sen*ing him on hisway) *allying long enough tosee his fleeing pair go safely past in whatever $onveyan$ethey manage* to arrange& Then he $oul* hea* *ire$tly northfor the highlan*s&

That plan ha* grown in$reasingly attra$tive&;ntil S$rope ha* stoppe* in Camptown&9hy Camptown5That was a /uestion .$6insey $oul*n%t answer 0 to whi$hhe $oul*n%t remotely imagine an answer& There were farmore $omfortale pla$es



S$rope $oul* have stoppe*& 9hy there5 9hat was the manplanning5Settling *eeper into the straw in the hayloft of the arn inthe fiel* opposite the tavern) his arms $rosse* ehin* his

hea*) his gaze fixe* on the*usty rafters aove) the lair* reexamine* the $urrentsituation&2is plan of $hasing S$rope off ha* one serious flaw7 he%*alrea*y *one it on$e) in E*inurgh) an* it ha*n%t wor!e*&S$rope) it seeme*) was fixate* on $ompleting his mission*espite having een *ismisse*& To have followe* the pairthis far 0 to have followe*hi!, his re$ent employer who ha* in no un$ertain terms

*ismisse* him) in or*er to pi$! up the pair%s trail 0 orewitness to S$rope%s unen*ing)unswerving *rive to seize his target) regar*less of anyalteration in $ir$umstan$e&If he again attempte* to sen* S$rope pa$!ing , what was tostop the man from $ir$ling aroun*) waiting until Eliza an*her gentleman passe* ysomewhere near the or*er $rossing 0 as they woul* atsome point have to *o 0 an* then following the pair on into

Englan*52e himself $oul*n%t affor* the time to follow the fleeing$ouple an* play nursemai* all the way to "on*on&+ut on$e the pair $ame trotting past , if he then *elaye*S$rope an* !ept him from following them in reasonaletime) S$rope woul* lose theirtrail&That was what he nee*e* to *o 0 *elay S$rope enough toallow Eliza an* her res$uer to ra$e far enough ahea*& Far

enough to rea$h somepla$e of safety7 he%* seen enough of Eliza%s gentleman to ereasonaly $onfi*ent that he woul* have some pla$e inmin*) an* ma!e a eeline for it)getting the pair of them off the main roa*s in the pro$ess&



So he woul* wait until the pair appeare*) then $ollar S$ropean* hol* him a$!& An hour or two shoul* see Eliza an* hergentleman safely away&An* with any lu$!) tomorrow woul* see the -o *one&

9herever the pair was) St& +oswells) 1e*urgh) or anywherein etween) on horse or in a gig)they ha* a straight an* rapi* run to the or*er&Tomorrow it shoul* e&An* then he woul* ri*e north) home) to his $astle&(e$ision ma*e) his min* shifte* to the in$reasingly urgentarrangements he woul* nee* to ma!e as soon as he rea$he*home&The prospe$t hung over him li!e a la$! $lou*) ut there was

no help for it7 he%* een too ni$e in arranging for others toeffe$t the !i*nap of the twoel*er Cynster girls) telling himself that if he himself ha*n%teen their !i*napper) he woul* stan* a etter $han$e ofpersua*ing them to ai* him in return forall an* everything he woul* lavish on them on$e theymarrie*&The truth was he%* een *eeply) fun*amentally) reelliouslyresistant over eing for$e* y his mother to stoop so low as

to !i*nap any female& To*irty his han*s in su$h a way& To sully his honor&%onor above all# The family motto& 2e ha*n%t wante* to ethe one to ring his name into *isrepute&All very well) ut honor woul*n%t !eep his people safe) an*$ourtesy of the faile* attempts to seize 2eather an* nowEliza) he was left with a star!an* unavoi*ale) last an* final $han$e&The one option he%* wante* to avoi*&

2e) personally) woul* have to !i*nap Angeli$a Cynster&From the first) he%* set his sights on *ealing 0 treating 0with either 2eather or Eliza& At twenty8five an* twenty8fouryears ol*) they were nearer inage to his own thirty8one) were more or less on the shelfmarriage8wise) an* shoul* therefore) he%* reasone*) haveeen more amenale to rational



*is$ussion an* an ami$ale arrangement&2e%* seen oth 2eather an* Eliza years ago) *uring theyears he%* spent in "on*on efore his father%s last illnessha* $alle* him a$! to the

highlan*s& 2e $oul* vaguely re$all atten*ing alls at whi$hthey%* een present) ut he%* never sought any $losera$/uaintan$e) ha* never venture* to as!them for a *an$e7 in those *ays) he%* een loo!ing not for awife ut rather for a goo* time) an* as right8eye* youngla*ies) the Cynster prin$esses ha*hel* little interest for him&Not then& Now , he woul* have infinitely preferre* to haveeen ale to *eal with 2eather) the el*est) or if not her)

Eliza&Angeli$a) the youngest sister) was an entirely *ifferent !ettleof female&2e%* never met her 0 she ha*n%t een out when he%* eenon the town 0 ut he%* learne* enough in a very short timeto have fixe* on her el*ersisters as his etter options& For a start) Angeli$a was a aretwenty8one years ol*7 he ha* little *out that she woul* stillpossess the starry8eye*

expe$tations of a young an* very tonnish young la*y)espe$ially when it $ame to the su-e$t of marriage&:es$ripting her expe$tations , woul* $ertainly prove ahar*er tas!) a higher hur*le) than woul* have een the $asewith either of her sisters& +utmore than that) at twenty8one Angeli$a was far from her lastprayers7 as!ing her to *o what was nee*e* to save hispeople woul* feel mu$h less fair thanit woul* have with her sisters&

+ut he no longer ha* the luxury of in*ulging in su$h ni$esentiments 0 not now he%* steppe* a$! from interferingetween 2eather an* hersavior) +re$!enri*ge) an* Eliza an* her gentleman) whoeverhe was& 2e !new why he ha*7 he $oul*n%t 0 simply $oul*not 0 stoma$h the notion of



for$ing any woman who alrea*y love* another to ma!e *owith him) to ta!e his han* rather than that of her true!night) her true elove*&That wasn%t romanti$ ut sensile7 he nee*e* a woman who

woul* stan* y his si*e an* wor! with him) not a well8ornla*y who woul* hate an*resent him for the rest of their *ays&So Angeli$a it woul* now have to e) even if) y alla$$ounts) she was , fiery& As fiery as the re* an* $opperglints in her hair& 9hi$h) given hisown temperament) *i* not auger well for a $alm an* well8or*ere* future 0 not for him or her&Of the three sisters) she was the one he ha*n%t wante* to go

near&2a*) from the very in$eption of his plan) all ut $rosse* offhis list&Fate) it appeare*) ha* ha* other plans&The way matters now stoo*) he ha* no $hoi$e& It was !i*napAngeli$a Cynster) or lose his home) his lan*s) an* see hispeople *ispossesse* an*turne* out into the worl* with not mu$h more than the$lothes on their a$!s&

The highlan* $learan$es ha* wrea!e* havo$ with the $lans&2is own $lan) the one he now hea*e*) ha* largely es$ape*the turmoil) than!s to theina$$essiility of the glen an* his gran*father%s politi$al$anniness in playing all si*es off) ea$h one against theothers&The ol* man ha* een an expert -uggler7 it was his lega$ythe lair* was now so fo$use* on prote$ting& 2is father ha**one little) either way) other

than to ma!e the *eal that now hung over his hea*&That *eal itself wasn%t the prolem7 he ha* een a witnessto it) ha* $onsi*ere* it a fair an* sensile arrangement atthe time) an* still *i*&It was his mother%s hi-a$!ing of the an$ient golet that stoo*at the heart of that *eal that was the earth/ua!e ro$!ing thegroun* eneath his feet&



2e stare* up through the waning moonlight) not truly seeingthe roof aove his hea*&9ith every step he%* ta!en) every move he%* ma*e in hisplan to re$laim the golet) he%* /uestione* his *ire$tion) yet

ea$h /uestioning ha* lefthim more $ommitte*) not less&Now , he *i*n%t even mentally hesitate over the notion oftraveling to "on*on) into the lions% *en) an* !i*nappingAngeli$a&+e$ause there was no other way&2e woul* have to *o it himself7 he $oul*n%t ris! anythinggoing awry) not with only her availale to pla$e in hismother%s s$ales) to weigh against the

golet&She) Angeli$a) was his last $han$e&An* if he was *amne* for seizing her) so e it7 he woul* eeven more *amne* if he *i*n%t&As ha* een the system sin$e time immemorial) his $lan*epen*e* on him personally) on the $lan lan*s he hel*) an*the $lan usiness hea*ministere*&If he faile*) if he *i*n%t have the golet to $omplete the

arrangement set in pla$e y his father six months efore theol* man%s *eath) then therewoul* e no more $lan&2e woul*n%t lose -ust the $astle) the glen) an* the lo$h7 hewoul* lose for everyone the very thing that ma*e them whothey were&Clan ha* stoo* at the heart of highlan* life for $enturiesuntol*7 it was a spi*er%s we of $onne$tions an* support thatlin!e* everyone who share*

his name or loo* an* hel* them within its prote$tions&Clan was the very essen$e of their life) the eat in theirloo*) the song in their souls&9ithout it) they woul* *ie&2e) his $ountless *epen*ents& The two young oys he now$alle* his own&



Clan was what he stoo* for) what he represente*) an* -ustli!e his foreears) he woul* unhesitatingly) without thoughtor reservation) give his life toprote$t it) to ensure it live* on&

If not *ire$tly through him) then through his heir) the ol*erof those two little oys&+etter he live*7 he ha* no intention of *ying& All in all) he*i* not *out that his un*erlying *etermination woul* $arryhim through whatever was to$ome&For his $lan to survive) he $oul* not fail&That was all there was to it&

Chapter Fourteen



eremy an* Eliza *rove out of Sel!ir! the following morning)the very pi$ture of a young $ouple off to visit family& Afterprovi*ing them with afortifying rea!fast) .rs& 9alla$e ha* seen them off from

her *oor) an* the ostlers at the inn ha* ha* the gig rea*yan* waiting) a neat roan etween theshafts& +esi*e 1eremy) Eliza sat savoring the sunshine as heset the horse trotting along the high street& They passe* the$hur$h as the town%s ell peale*nine o%$lo$!&The roa* to 2awi$! was well surfa$e* an* the s$enerypleasant enough& Eliza lifte* her fa$e to the light reeze)marveling at the sense of simple

happiness that suffuse* her& She $oul*n%t re$all everexperien$ing su$h a sense of inner pea$e& Of inner $almnessan* or*er&She slante* a glan$e at 1eremy) managing the rions witha rea*y $ompeten$y at o**s with her s$holarly view of him&2er earlier s$holarly viewof him 0 that was another aspe$t that ha* $hange*&(ramati$ally&"ips lifting) she loo!e* ahea*& 2e might still e a s$holar in

some ways) ut as she%* *is$overe* an* ha* last night$onfirme*) he was everythingshe wante* in a man& Some part of her tonnish female selfwas still faintly astonishe* y that) ut there was no longerany *out in her min*7 regar*less of whatever else her strange !i*napping rought aout)through it she ha* foun* her hero&She $oul* almost fin* it in her to than! S$rope an* themysterious lair*&

The gig%s wheels an* the horse%s hooves playe* a repetitivetune as they owle* along& Spring ha* finally lai* its han*on S$otlan*) settinghe*gerows looming an* $ountless waysi*e plants springingup along the verges& Thrushes trille* an* lar!s swoope*&Sha*ing her eyes) she saw a haw!hovering over a fiel*) sear$hing for prey&



1eremy *i*n%t spea!) ut neither *i* she7 their silen$e wasn%taw!war* ut $omfortale& Companionale& Neither weregiven to pointless$onversation) an* while with another gentleman she might

have felt $ompelle* to fill the silen$e simply to e polite)with 1eremy she felt no su$h pressingnee*&Another oon allowing her to relax) an*) as they%* agree*)simply e&+e herself& For the first time in her life) she felt she wasstarting to get a firm sense of who she truly was& Of thewoman she $oul* e&The -ourney to 2awi$! was unremar!ale) ut a little way

efore the town they were slowe* to a wal! y a string offarm $arts traveling in $onvoy&+y the time they got free of the $ongestion an* trotte* into2awi$! itself) it was hea*ing towar* noon&1eremy glan$e* at Eliza) for an instant wat$he* her fa$e) herserene expression as she loo!e* aout the town& She wasfleeing a *etermine*!i*napper an* an un!nown noleman) yet she appeare* ,$ontent&

2e felt the same&"oo!ing forwar*) he toole* the gig through the light traffi$&Inwar*ly amaze*) yet at the same time very $ertain& Ofwhat he felt) if not why 0 whyeing a wor* for whi$h s$holars ha* an inera*i$alefon*ness&Currently) the #why' of his own feelings was eyon* him&2e%* given up trying to analyze an* *isse$t& 2e%* wante* tohol* a$!) to $onfirm his

$ontrol an* oserve their interplay from an intelle$tualperspe$tive last night) an* ha* signally faile*&3et he *i*n%t feel li!e a failure7 he felt , settle*& Satiate*)a*mitte*ly) ut the effe$t went mu$h further) rea$he* mu$h*eeper than the mere



physi$al& 2e felt , an$hore*) assure*) far more than he%*ever felt efore) as if he%* een a ship on a /uesting !eelan* ha* finally $ome into port&Poeti$ allusion wasn%t his strong suit& Inwar*ly sha!ing his

hea*) he refo$use* his min* on the present& On theirpre*i$ament& On its solution&2e no**e* at a goo*8size* $oa$hing inn $oming up on theroa* -ust ahea*& #It%s early) ut we may as well halt therefor lun$h& I *on%t thin! there%sanything ut small villages etween here an* 9olverstone&' Eliza no**e*& #9e $an eat) $he$! our route) an* then'0 shemet his eyes 0#set out on our ra$e for the or*er&' Slowing the gig for the turn un*er the inn%s ar$h) he

murmure*) #9ith any lu$! at all) we%ve lost oth the lair*an* S$rope& There%s no reason theymight thin! we woul* $ome this way&' #If they%re !eeping an eye on the 1e*urgh :oa*) they $an%te wat$hing here as well&' #True&' 2e still glan$e* aroun*) was still very mu$h onguar*) his instin$ts alert) ut they weren%t pri$!ing&Ostlers $ame running as he *rew the horse to a halt in theinn yar*&

Five minutes later) he an* Eliza were sitting at a tale in theinn%s small *ining room) their sa**leags at their feet& #<enison pie) please)' Eliza tol* the serving girl& #An* a mugof watere* ale&' 1eremy smile* at that) then gave the girl his or*er& 9henshe ustle* away) he rea$he* *own an* *rew the map fromhis ag& #"et%s ta!e a loo! atthe smaller lanes 0 ma!e sure we%ve $overe* not -ust ouroptions ut S$rope%s an* the lair*%s as well&'

Eliza helpe* him sprea* the map& #(o you thin! the lair*%sa$tively following us or simply waiting for S$rope to $at$hus5' #9e !now the lair* was on our trail earlier) so we have toassume he%s still out there somewhere&' The tale they%*$hosen was in a $orner) the



en$h they were sitting on uilt out from the wall& A win*owhigh aove their hea*s she* a*e/uate light on the map& #2ere%s 2awi$!&' 2e put his finger onthe mar! for the town&

:ea$hing out with one finger) she tra$e* the route she%*earlier pi$!e* out) following the minor lanes from 2awi$! to+on$hester +ri*ge) then onvia an even smaller lane to hamlets $alle* Cleu$h 2ea*)Chesters) an* South*ean) to eventually -oin the highway -ust efore the or*er at Carter +ar& #That%s our route&' She glan$e* si*eways at him& #;nlessS$rope or the lair* pi$!s up our trail an* follows us *own thelanes) I $an%t see how they $oul*

$ome up with us 0 not short of the or*er&' #I was thin!ing more in terms of whether there might eanywhere along our route where the lane we%ll e on mighte visile from the highway) orfrom some position $lose y the highway where S$rope orthe lair* might e waiting) wat$hing) li!e S$rope was whenhe amushe* us near St& +oswells, ut you%re right&' Satisife*) he sat a$!& #That lane*oesn%t run $lose enough to the highway) not until it angles

in to -oin with it) for us to have to fear ourpursuers ina*vertently spotting us an* mounting an atta$!&' .eeting her eyes) he grinne*& #It loo!s li!e we%ve a $lear runto the or*er) an* after that) 9olverstone%s not far&' She settle* on her elows& #2ow far5' #Aout thirty miles& "ess than three hours& Allowing twohours to get from here to the or*er) we shoul* rea$h the$astle in time for *inner&' Eliza smile* at the thought of eing a$! within so$iety)

within her $ustomary safe $ir$le) then gently shoo! her hea*an* loo!e* *own& #9hat5' She loo!e* up at the /uestion) met 1eremy%s eyes& Saw hisinterest in her answer shining there& She hesitate*)sear$hing for her true meaning as



well as the wor*s) then sai*) #I was -ust thin!ing , *espitethe trials an* triulations) *espite having to run an*s$ramle from S$rope) *espite living infear of eing $apture* y the lair*) I%ve , en-oye* isn%t the

right wor*) ut ,' She hel* his gaze& #I $an see 0 I feel 0that I%ve enefite* from the last*ays& I%ve grown&' She straightene* her shoul*ers& #Isuppose you might say I%ve mature* 0 I $ertainly feel*ifferent) more settle*) $learer in my min*aout , a whole host of things& +ut most importantly) I%mmore $ertain aout me&' She tilte* her hea*& #An* for that Ithan! you 0 you%ve helpe* methrough it all) the res$ue) the es$ape) an* you%ve helpe* me

see things) un*erstan* things) too&' 2is expression ha* grown serious7 he hel* her gaze) then/uietly sai*) #I feel mu$h the same& 9hile I%ll e happy tosee 9olverstone) I $an%t saythat I%ve regrette* the last *ays 0 /uite the opposite& Ithin! in years to $ome I%ll loo! a$! upon them fon*ly&' #Exa$tly&' :ea$hing out) she $lose* her han* over one of his)lightly s/ueeze*& #9hile I%ll e happy to !now we%re safe) aslong as S$rope an* the

lair* aren%t reathing *own our ne$!s I feel no sense of*esperation over rea$hing 9olverstone) over ringing this -ourney to an en*&' Turning his han*) he grippe* hers) lightly s/ueeze* in reply&Approa$hing footsteps pattere* a$ross the floor& They othloo!e* up to see the serving girl hefting a pile* tray& 1eremywhippe* asi*e the map&9hile he refol*e* it an* stowe* it away) Eliza helpe* the girlset out their plates an* mugs&

9hen the girl retreate*) leaving them to their lun$heon)1eremy raise* his mug to Eliza& #To getting a$! to our reallives 0 they won%t e the sameas they were) ut the $hallenge will lie in ma!ing the most ofthe $hanges an* opportunities this -ourney has rought us&' #2ear) hear&' Clin!ing her mug to his) Eliza smile*) sippe*)then wrin!le* her nose at the taste) ma!ing him laugh&



Then they turne* their attention to the ex$ellent venison pie&2alf an hour later) they $lime* a$! into the gig& 1ugglingthe reins) 1eremy $onsulte* his fo8wat$h& #It%s not even oneo%$lo$!& 9e shoul* ma!e

9olverstone in goo* time&' 2e glan$e* at Eliza& #:ea*y5' She wave* *ramati$ally& #Onwar* to the or*er 0 an* *on%tspare the horse@' 4rinning) 1eremy fli$!e* the reins) sent the roan trotting outof the inn yar*) then turne* east) away from the ma-or roa*they%* followe* fromSel!ir!) whi$h le* onwar* to Carlisle&9ith the sun gently warming their a$!s) they *rove out ofthe town an* on *own a narrow $ountry lane&

The *ay remaine* fine an* the lane suffi$iently well surfa$e*for them to ma!e goo* time&They rattle* through several tiny hamlets& The lane twiste*an* turne* ut overall !ept them on a southeasterly $ourse&Then a gushing stream

swung $lose on one si*e) the pale water ra$ing past)tumling an* $hurning&The further they *rove the *ar!er the s!y grew) e$omingmore over$ast) the atmosphere more oppressive an*threatening& 9ith every half mile)they saw in$reasing evi*en$e of re$ent heavy rains over theCheviots) the line of moorlan* hills that mar$he* along theor*er& #I -ust hope we *on%t run into any /uagmires)' 1eremy sai*&

Thus far the lane ha* een well *raine*) with *eep *it$hesto either si*e $arrying therainwater away&Eliza was peering over the gig%s si*e& #These *it$hes loo!half full&' She glan$e* ahea* to where *ar! gray $lou*s hunglow) os$uring the horizon& #There must have een a storm&'



1eremy *i*n%t li!e the loo! of those $lou*s& #I -ust hope ourlu$! hol*s&' It *i*) until they rea$he* +on$hester +ri*ge&They trotte* aroun* a $urve an* swung into the village) then

1eremy swore an* haule* on the reins) *rawing the horse toa *ea* halt&Several men ha* $ome running) waving an* shouting forthem to stop&1eremy an* Eliza ignore* them) their gazes transfixe* ywhat lay eyon*&Or rather) what *i*n%t&Staring at the spot where the roa* simply en*e*) to startagain on the far si*e of a $hasm $urrently gushing $lou*s of

spray) 1eremy sai*) #Itseems my $omment aout having a $lear run to the or*erwas premature&'

Over the following hours) 1eremy evaluate* every possileavenue to get them over the or*er& The +on$hester ri*geitself was no more) washe* away

y a torrent the previous night& The townsfol! were stoi$)ut the *isaster ha* effe$tively $ut the town in two7 the/uestions 1eremy as!e* regar*ing thestate of the roa* further on ne$essitate* a great *eal ofyelling a$ross the $hasm) over the raging tumult elow&Eliza pore* over the map an* ma*e suggestions) ut sheseeme* more resigne* than he) or perhaps she was simplymore a$$epting of fate&:egar*less ,

#There%s no way forwar*&' 4rim8fa$e*) he finally slumpe*into the $hair opposite hers in the +on$hester Inn%s parlor&"eaning his elows on his!nees) he ran his han*s over his fa$e& "oo!ing up) he metEliza%s hazel gaze& #There%s no $han$e of getting a$ross thespate in a rowoat) an* even if we



*i* manage to fin* a way a$ross) there%s no gig or similar$onveyan$e availale for hire on the other si*e& 3oursuggestion of ta!ing that minor lane southan* ta$!ing aroun* via 2o!ir! won%t wor!) e$ause the

ri*ge at 2o!ir! is out) too& #An* although everyone agrees we !ight e ale to go eastan* then aroun* via Aotrule to pi$! up our original routeat Chesters 0 min* you)that%s assuming the two ri*ges along that roun*aout routeare still stan*ing 0 a$$or*ing to all reports from the othersi*e'0 he tippe* his hea* towar*the southern half of the town 0#there%s another ri*ge -ustnorth of South*ean that%s een wre$!e*) too&'

2ol*ing her gaze) he shoo! his hea*& #9e $an%t get to Carter+ar along that roa* 0 the lane we wante* to ta!e&' The one that woul* have allowe* them to avoi* any $han$eof running into S$rope or the lair*&She stu*ie* him for a moment) then sai*) #It%s not a*isaster& 9e%ll -ust have to go the other way& 9e%ll getthrough 0 we have until now) an* wewill) somehow&' 2e loo!e* into her eyes) felt her $alm rea$h into him an*

soothe him& 2e sighe*) *roppe* his han*s& After a moment)shoo! his hea*& #I -ust $an%telieve we%re stymie* again& It%s as if all of S$otlan* is inleague with the *evil 0 in this $ase the lair* an* hishen$hman) S$rope&' She smile*& #At least they *on%t !now where we are&' 2e raise* his rows& #There is that& I suppose I shoul* ethan!ful for small mer$ies&' #Or not so small&' She stirre*) sat straighter& #It%s too late to

go on to*ay 0 the light%s alrea*y failing&' 2e glan$e* out through the parlor win*ows7 *ar! $lou*s ha*$lose* in) along with a fine mist& #I%ve as!e* the inn!eeper) an* there%s a room we $an hire&'Capturing his gaze) Eliza went on) #4iven we *on%t have toworry aout S$rope or the



lair* $at$hing up with us here) we $an get a goo* night%srest) then go on tomorrow morning&' A moment elapse*) then he no**e*& #9here%s the map5' She pulle* it out from the ags resting esi*e her&

On$e more they sprea* it out an* stu*ie* the area& #9e%veloo!e* at this so often)' he murmure*) #yet it always seemswe%re loo!ing for anotherway&' Silen$e stret$he* as they oth loo!e*& +oth saw&Eventually) she sai*) #Ex$ept) this time) there isn%t anotherway& Is there5' Eyes on the map) he slowly shoo! his hea*& #9e%ve run outof options& From everything I%ve learne*) the only way we

$an rea$h the or*er fromhere is to ta!e this lane'0 with one finger he tra$e* theroute 0#hea*ing northwest from here to "anglee) esi*e thehighway south of 1e*urgh) an*from there we%ll have to ris! the last stret$h of highway tothe or*er& It%s aout ten miles&' #2mm&' Stu*ying the lane to "anglee) she as!e*) #Are theysure the lane%s passale5' #There%s two ri*ges along it) ut all the lo$als seem to thin!

they%ll still e stan*ing& If they aren%t , we%ll nee* to ta$!further north) whi$h meanswe%ll -oin the highway even $loser to 1e*urgh&' #An* a lot later&' :aising her gaze) she met his eyes& #If wehea* out early tomorrow 0 at first light 0 we $oul* e overthe or*er in what5 Twohours5' "eaning a$! in the $hair) he no**e*& #Aout that&' #Then that%s what we%ll *o&' She starte* refol*ing the map&

9hen he *i*n%t say anything more) she glan$e* at him) sawhim regar*ing her in theway he o$$asionally *i* 0 as if he was stu*ying her& Shear$he* her rows in/uiringly&2is lips twiste*& #3ou *on%t seem too othere* y having tospen* yet another night on the roa*&'



She shrugge*& #I%m not& 9e%re in no *anger) this inn is$omfortale enough) an* whether we rea$h 9olverstoneto*ay or tomorrow *oesn%t $hangevery mu$h) *oes it5'

#I suppose not&' She pulle* one of the ags into her lap an* tu$!e* the mapaway& #3ou seem , very $onfi*ent that we%ll get throughtomorrow&' She glan$e* riefly his way& #I see no reason not to e&' 2e $apture* her gaze) hel* it& After a moment) he /uietlysai*) #Than! you&' She raise* her rows mo$!8haughtily& #For what5 Not

*issolving into a pani$5' She humphe*& #I%m not su$h a pea8rain&' 2is smile *eepene*& #No&' :ea$hing out he $aught her han*)raise* it to his lips an* !isse* her fingers& #Than! you foreing you&' Eliza loo!e* into his eyes) felt asolute $onvi$tion lo$! aouther heart& She smile* an* han*e* him the sa**leags& #Come on 0 we%* etter tellthe inn!eeper we%ll ta!e that room&'

9hen true night finally fell) they retire*) $liming the inn%sstairs to a $orner room overloo!ing) on one si*e) the front ofthe inn) an* on the other the rushingspate) with the mist8shrou*e* Cheviots in the a$!groun*&Carrying two lighte* $an*lesti$!s) Eliza le* the way&

Following her into the $omfortale room with its pleasantlyworn furniture 0 a *ressing tale an* armoire against onewall) a large washstan* inthe $orner etween the win*ows) an* a large four8postere* $omplete with $anopy an* ro$a*e $urtains 0 1eremy$lose* the *oor an* hesitate*&



2e wat$he* Eliza $ir$le the e*) pla$e one of the$an*lesti$!s on ea$h of the two small e*si*e tales) thengli*e towar* the win*ow& .oving tothe *ressing tale) he set their ags *own) pause*) then

glan$e* at her&She%* $lose* the $urtains over the front win*ow ut ha*halte* fa$ing the other7 arms raise*) han*s grasping the$urtains) she stoo* poise* toshut out the view of the Cheviots et$he* in faint moonlight)yet appeare* transfixe* y the sight&Or) as he suspe$te*) y the prospe$t of what lay eyon*&Even as he wal!e* to -oin her at the win*ow overloo!ing theraging stream) he won*ere* at the $ertainty that ha* settle*

in his gut) in his min*&2alting ehin* her) without thin!ing 0 simply letting thatinner $ertainty ta!e $harge an* gui*e him 0 he sli* hishan*s aroun* her waist an*ease* her a$! against him&On a sigh) she leane* a$!) her gaze on the *ar! horizon& #Tomorrow&' She sai* nothing more) ut he !new what she meant an*ha* no insights to offer&

After a moment more of staring into the *eepening *ar!)she straightene*) pulle* the $urtains $lose*) then turne*etween his palms&She stu*ie* his fa$e& #+ut tonight) it%s -ust us& 1ust you an*me&' #3es&' Tonight was their last night in this $urious in8etweenworl* 0 this worl* that was theirs) yet not& Tomorrow) whenthey rea$he* 9olverstone)they woul* ea$h return to their $ustomary existen$e)

reassume their usual so$ial persona) an* e su-e$t on$eagain to the rules an* regulations thatpertaine* on that plane& #Tonight'0 she hel* his gaze 0#$an -ust e for us&' 2is lips lifte*& #There%s no one else here&' 2an*s firmingaout her waist) he urge* her $loser&



9ith a gentle) flirting smile) she olige*) pressing nearer7tipping her hea* a$!) she stret$he* up an* woun* her armsaout his ne$!& #There%sno one we nee* to impress&' 2er gaze fell to his lips7 her li*s

lowere*& #9hose opinion we nee* to $onsult&' #No&' Slowly) he ent his hea*) his gaze *rifting over herfa$e to fasten) at the last) on her lips& #9e $an *o as we li!e&As we please&' 2e reathe*the last wor* over her lips& #3es&' Together they $lose* the last fra$tion of an in$h) the lastsliver of separation etween their lips&Together they presse* nearer still7 mouths mel*ing) tongues

see!ing an* tangling) together they steppe* into the waitingflames& Into thewel$oming warmth of a$!nowle*ge* passion) of *esireowne* an* willingly emra$e*&9illingly) not -ust wantonly&(elierately) without resistan$e&Tonight , he wasn%t going to even ma!e the attempt to hol*onto $ontrol) onto reason 0 to even preten* that he might)that he $oul*&

A futile effort&Tonight was fate*& A storm) washe*8out ri*ges7 $learly fateha* *e$ree* they shoul* spen* another night together inthis in8etween pla$e& Onthis plane *ivor$e* from their normal reality&One more night , so that he $oul* en* the !nee to thepower that live* in their newfoun* $onne$tion&One more night *uring whi$h he $oul* a$$ept an* emra$ehis new state& 2is new reality& So that he $oul* pay *ue

homage to the new an*glorious element that ha* woun* aout his heart an*$apture* his soul&2e was a s$holar7 he learne* fast&In this instan$e) however) she seeme* to have $ome to the$orre$t $on$lusion faster than he&Although perhaps y a *ifferent route&



She seeme* to have no hesitation in) mu$h less resistan$eto) engaging with that emerging power& In grasping it)wor!ing with it) an* letting itwor! on her& 9here he ha* turne* wary) grippe* y innate

$aution) she ha* steppe* forwar* with eager) inno$ent$uriosity) a type of $ourage he feltfor$e* to not -ust mimi$ ut also mat$h&So tonight he woul* go into their engagement with openeyes an* an e/ually open heart& 9ith a$$eptan$e) *elight)an* no reservations&2e woul* follow her lea* an* see where she) an* thatelemental power) le* him&9here was the harm5 They were still far from home) in their

lan* of in8etween&She%* offere* her mouth7 he taste* her flavors) $laime* thesli$! softness) *ran! in the promise of her passion& A hea*y*elight&2e too! a step a$!) then waltze* her) $ir$ling) spiraling) tothe e*&+rea!ing from the !iss) she tippe* her hea* a$! an*laughe*) a sultry) gi**y) tantalizing soun*& Then her eyesmet his&

An* he saw the wanton there& The woman she e$ame in hisarms) the woman she truly was) who) with every night thatpasse*) only grew more$onfi*ent&2e smile* 0 he $oul*n%t help it 0 in anti$ipation) inwel$ome&:ea*ing his eyes) her own gleaming green an* gol*) sheraise* a han* to his fa$e) frame* one $hee!) then stret$he*up an* !isse* him&

In latant) flagrant invitation&They she* their $lothes) garment y garment) first one ofhers) then one of his& 2an*s $aresse*7 fingers stro!e*)tease*&2e shape* her $urves) s$ulpte* an* possesse*) then enthis hea* to pay homage to her reasts& To feast on theirounty an* worship&



Again an* again) their gazes met) in$reasingly heate*)smol*ering) then flaring) then urning&Passion stea*ily mounte*&+reath y reath) $aress y $aress&

Then ignite*&The pair of $an*lesti$!s on the e*si*e tales she* lightenough to see7 the warm glow sli* over her ivory s!in)$asting a gol*en aura over thesil!en $urves he%* are*&The same glow let her see) let her visually possess theplanes of his na!e* $hest efore) *ropping his shirt) she senther han*s to $omplete his$on/uest&

Neither hurrie*& They ha* time& In their in8etween worl*they ha* all night to *is$over whatever fate ha* arrange* forthem to fin*&There was no fire urning on the small hearth) ut *esire!ept them warm) with every heate*) provo$ative tou$hsprea*ing flames eneath theirs!ins&;ntil they urne*&;ntil) na!e*) they stoo* esi*e the e*) a$hingly)

rapa$iously hungry for the other%s tou$h) for the other%s !iss&For the fiery mating of their mouths)for the evo$ative) arousing sensation of are s!in imprintingon are s!in 0(esire erupte*) ro!e free& ;rgen$y whippe* them7 passion*rove them on&Sli*ing his han*s *own an* aroun*) $laiming the gloes ofher *erriere) he grippe* an* hoiste* her against him&On a gasp) all nee* an* longing) she ro!e from the !iss7

long legs instin$tively wrapping aout his hips) she $lut$he*his shoul*ers) panting) eyesurning into his as he positione* her& "owere* her&Eliza felt the roa* hea* of his ere$tion part her sli$! fol*s)let her li*s lower as her senses savore*) let her hea* tipa$! on a moan of gree*y



relief& Of anti$ipation an* *esire an* flagranten$ouragement&es# ow#She *i*n%t 0 than! heaven 0 have to fin* reath to say the

wor*s& 2e grippe* her hips an* ruthlessly *rew herinexoraly *own , an* thrust upan* impale* her&(eli$ious sho$! ripple* through her) imme*iately swampe*y ravenous nee*& +y the sensation of him so har*) so thi$!an* long) presse* highwithin her& +y the raging hunger that provo!e*&2e%* stille* 0 was hol*ing still 0 urie* *eep within her&2alf lin* with surging nee*) she foun* his lips) rushe* a

panting !iss to their $urves) then nippe* the lower& #.ore&' A near8hoarse *eman*) ut he hear*7 he was moving evenefore the wor* fa*e*&(rawing a$!) then thrusting in) gripping her hips so he$oul* plun*er&She trie* to shift) trie* to ri*e) ut he gave her no leeway)simply hel* her) an* fille* her) an* ma*e her shu**er&2er $limax too! her unawares& It erupte*) flashe*) har* an*right) through her) unravele* her min*) s$ramle* her

senses an* *ragge* a s$reamfrom her throat 01eremy $lampe* his lips over hers an* *ran! in the soun*&Savore* ea$h evo$ative whimper of her surren*er even ashe savore* the evo$ative$lut$h an* release of her sli$! sheath $ontra$ting aout hisere$tion&Eyes $lose*) -aw $len$he*) he waite*) $linging to thesensations) $linging not to $ontrol ut to the pleasure of the

moment ,As it fa*e* he turne* to the e*7 with*rawing from the snughaven of her o*y) he topple* her onto the $overs&She sprawle* on her a$!) her ri$hly gol*en hair sprea* inmusse* glory) her reasts) flushe* an* swollen) rising an*falling) her arms) her han*s)



lying wea! at her si*es& 2e gave himself a moment to en-oythe sight) then) *riven y his own rutally arouse* nee*) hegraspe* her thighs) sprea* themwi*e) ent his hea* an* set his mouth to her lush softness&

The s$ream she uttere* was too reathless to $arry eyon*the room&2e feaste* an* she writhe*& :ea$hing *own) she $lut$he*his hea*) lo$!e* her fingers in his hair&Soe* an* moane* as he *rove her on&The soun*s of her pleasure were as musi$ to his ears7 heglorie* in all he *rew from her& 4lorie* even more in heraan*on7 after that moment of initial sho$!) she gave herself over to the intimate play)

surren*ere* an* let him have his way&"et him love her as he wishe*& Intimately& Expli$itly&9hen) with a !eening $ry) she shattere* again) he hesitate*for only a hearteat) then rolle* her onto her stoma$h)$lime* onto the e*) grippe*an* raise* her hips& "ifting her to her !nees efore him) hepositione* himself) then thrust har* an* *eep into her& Intothe s$al*ing sli$!ness of hersheath&

Into the pleasure* haven of her o*y&Into the maelstrom of nee* an* hunger) passion an* *esire)of a *esperate yearning for even greater intima$y thatwhirle* aout them) $lose*aroun* them) an* *rove them on&An* she strove with him& She pushe* a$! an* too! him*eeper) ra$e* an* urge* him on& 2er gasps) her soingpants) mingle* with his ownexhalations as) $hest heaving) mus$les $or*e* an* straining)

he plun*ere* her o*y sear$hing for release&As she $laime* him) an* hel* him) pleasure* him) an* *rovehim ever on&2is nee* was a fury) a lashing whip& (esire grew spurs an*san! them *eep&Passion rose li!e a raging sea an* swept him on&



An* her nee* was an e/ually potent for$e) e/ually powerful)a sirenli!e $all of $omman* an* *eman* that wrappe* aouthis senses) that$omine* with his own wanting to in* him) su*ue him)

seize) an* then $onsume him&Passion ha* its way with them) turne* an* savage* them)then) on their last *esperate gasps) rippe* them oth fromthe worl*&Tosse* them high&2igher&Then let them fall&2e $ollapse* upon her) manage* to roll to the si*e so he*i*n%t $rush her&

2is lims no longer fun$tione*) not at all&2e lay there) heart thun*ering) ra$!e* an* helpless as he%*never een efore) an* some part of him marvele* at thepower) at the pinna$le of glory they%* rea$he*&At the *epth of the satiation that now rolle* li!e a warm seaover him) sumerging his senses&As he lay there) $on/uere*) an* surren*ere* his heart)unale) it seeme*) to *o anything else&

2e felt her han* rea$hing wea!ly) lin*ly& .anage* to $at$hit in one of his& Fingers twining) they lay si*e y si*e) tryingto fin* the way a$! tonormal&Eventually) they stirre*) an* manage*) via inarti$ulatemurmurs an* passion8wea!ene* lims) to wrestle a$! the$overs) $lim eneath) an*settle themselves in the e*& 2e rea$he* over her an*snuffe* out the $an*le on her si*e) then slumpe* a$! an*

*i* the same with the $an*le nearerhim&The night $lose* aroun* them) wrappe* them in *ar! arms)yet the rush of water $hurning an* ra$ing outsi*e thewin*ow was a remin*er of irresistile $hange) of tomorrow an* what it woul* ring&



(rifting on the $usp of sleep) his min* range* ahea*& Therewas no /uestion over what their relationship woul* e on$ethey $rosse* theCheviots& .arriage was their only option7 he !new that as

well as she& A$$epte* it) too) as she *i*& 3et the tone of theirmarriage , that still lay in theirhan*s) theirs to *etermine) theirs to *e$lare&To *e$i*e&+ut that was for later& For tomorrow) as she%* sai*&For tonight , he *rew her *eeper into his arms& Settle* his$hee! on her hair an* $lose* his eyes& Sighe*) $ontent) asshe shifte* an* san!against him) her pen*ant trappe* etween them) over his

heart&In a welter of tangle* lims) they slept&

Chapter Fifteen



hey *rove out of +on$hester into the rising sun& Eliza wasvery $ons$ious of the tension affli$ting them7 she felt astight as a piano wire an*!new without as!ing that 1eremy felt the same&;p in the room in the pre*awn light) they%* *is$usse*whether she shoul* revert to her male *isguise) ut they%*

agree* that the li!ely instant of $onfusion when S$rope or the lair* 0 oth of whom ha* lastseen her *resse* as a youth 0 first set eyes on her on$eagain in a gown might prove vital&.ight prove the !ey to them ra$ing past their pursuer orpursuers an* getting far enough ahea* to elu*e them& Or atleast to $ross the or*er intomore frien*ly territory efore sai* pursuers $aught up withthem&

+oth 1eremy an* she were unhappily $onvin$e* thatsomewhere efore the or*er they woul* en$ounter eitherthe lair* or S$rope& Possily oth&At the same time& Clut$hing the si*e of the gig as 1eremy*rove the roan as fast as he *are* *own the lane towar*"anglee) she saw no reason not topray&The lo$als ha* steere* them well7 oth ri*ges etween+on$hester an* "anglee were still stan*ing) although at the

se$on* they too! thepre$aution of *es$en*ing from the gig an* wal!ing $arefullya$ross) Eliza first) with 1eremy lea*ing the horse over theplan!s&:ea$hing the other si*e) they ex$hange* a glan$e) $lime*a$! into the gig) an* rattle* on&



1ust over an hour later) they rea$he* "anglee& The villagesprawle* to the west of the highway aout five miles southof 1e*urgh&1eremy *rew the horse to a halt efore the first $ottage)

where the rest of the village uil*ings s$reene* them fromanyone on the highway& 2isfa$e grim) he glan$e* at Eliza& #On$e we turn onto thehighway) I%m going to *rive on hell8for8leather) as fast as Ipossily $an& The or*er%s aout twelvemiles on 0 an hour) perhaps a little more) at our estspee*& 9e $an%t ris! stopping 0 not intentionally&' 2e hel*her gaze& #Are you rea*y5' She no**e*& #3es& That%s our est $han$e for rea$hing the

or*er safely) so ,' She loo!e* at the highway) *rewreath) then) $hin firming) methis eyes again& #"et%s go&' 2e starte* to lift the reins) then swore eneath his reath&Transferring the reins to one han*) he turne* to her) withhis other han* $apture* her$hin) tippe* her fa$e to his) an* !isse* her&"ong) *eep& A promise&A statement&

2an*s rising to his $hee!s) she !isse* him a$!) e/uallyemphati$& E/ually sure&The horse tosse* its hea*) tugging the reins) -er!ing the gig&They ro!e from the !iss&1eremy loo!e* into her eyes) saw her $onfi*en$e in him) hertrust) an* her $ourage) sense* her unwavering support&2e no**e*& #:ight& "et%s go&' Fa$ing forwar*) he fli$!e* the reins an* sent the roan pa$ingon&

They turne* right onto the highway an* he *roppe* hishan*s& The horse stret$he* out) legs exten*ing in a ra$ingstri*e&There was little traffi$ that early) an* what there was of itwas hea*ing the other way& The ma$a*am was wi*e enoughto allow the gig to whis!past $oa$hes without 1eremy having to $he$! its pa$e&



9hen they swept past a tiny lane signposte* as lea*ing to+airn!ine) a $luster of three $ottages in the fiel*s to theirright) Eliza raise* her voi$eover the soun* of the roan%s *rumming hooves& #(o you

have any i*ea where the lair* or S$rope might thin! towaylay us5' She shoul* have thought to as! earlier) ut 1eremy shoo!his hea*& 9ithout ta!ing his eyes from the roa*) he $alle*a$!) #There%s not a lot of towns along here) so there%s long stret$hes of roa* wherethey $an e reasonaly sure of staying out of anyone else%ssight& The only reason they mighthol* a$! is if there%s a $arriage $oming the other way&' "ips

grim) he a**e*) #I%m hoping the $loser we get to the or*erwe%ll stri!e more $arriageshea*ing north&' It ha* to e after nine o%$lo$!) yet there wasn%t mu$h traffi$on the roa*& Then again) the 1e*urgh :oa* wasn%t the usualroute $oa$hes too! fromEnglan* to E*inurgh& Although on the map the roa* loo!e*reasonaly straight) in reality it was straight only for shortstret$hes) fre/uently $urving this

way) then that) an* always going up an* *own) *ipping an*rising) through areas of open fiel*s one moment) through*ense fir forests the next&It was impossile to see very far in any *ire$tion&.aintaining a tight grip on the gig%s si*e) Eliza loo!e* ahea*)sear$hing oth si*es of the roa* as far forwar* as she $oul*see) hoping that if S$rope or the lair* were lying in wait she might spot themefore she an* 1eremy rea$he* them&

A line of *enser trees win*ing a$ross the o$$asional openfiel* to their left suggeste* a river ran near& #That%ll e the 1e* 9ater)' 1eremy sai*& #It eventually -oinsthe Twee*&' #(o we have to $ross it5' she yelle* a$!) the rushing win*of their passage whipping her wor*s away& They ha*n%t ha*to $ross any river sin$e



they%* turne* onto the highway&1eremy hesitate*) then replie*) #I%m not sure& Che$! themap an* see&' :ea$hing *own to the ags stowe* etween their feet) Eliza

foun* the map& 9ith the ro$!ing of the gig) unfol*ing itre/uire* patien$e) ut sheeventually ha* it open an* refol*e* to allow her to hol* it inone han* an* stu*y the right se$tion) while resuming herra$ing grip on the gig%s si*e& #9e shoul* pass a turnoff to the right) to a pla$e $alle*.ervinslaw) soon& A little way past that) aroun* a $urve)we%ll $ome to a ri*ge over theriver& There%s a village on the left -ust there 0 it loo!s to e

mostly on the opposite an!) so hopefully there%ll e a*e$ent ri*ge&' 1eremy was frowning& #There must e& I $an%t rememer$rossing any for*s or even ri$!ety woo*en ri*ges when I*rove along this stret$hfollowing you to E*inurgh&' After a moment) he $ontinue*) #In fa$t) as far as I $an re$all we shoul*n%t run into*iffi$ulties) even if it%s een pouring over theCheviots&'

#4oo*&' "owering the map to her lap) Eliza loo!e* ahea*)sear$hing for a signpost to .ervinslaw& 9ithout a signpost)minor lanes an* the*riveways to farms set a$! from the roa* weren%t easy to*istinguish& #There it is&' She pointe* with the map& #.ervinslaw&'Che$!ing the map gave her some i*ea of how fast they weretraveling) of the *istan$e theyha* to go& #9e%re almost halfway *own the stret$h of the

highway to the or*er&' #An* we still haven%t sighte* S$rope or the lair*&' 1eremystraightene* his spine) ease* his shoul*ers) then settle* inhis seat again& #I%m not sure if that%s goo* or a*&' #9e shoul* loo! on the right si*e)' Eliza $alle* a$!&



#Perhaps&' It was tempting to -oin her in her enthusiasm an*$onfi*en$e7 at their present rate of travel) another hourwoul* see them over theor*er an* well into Englan*& +ut he $oul*n%t sha!e the

feeling 0 more than a premonition) more li!e a statisti$al$ertainty 0 that they woul*n%t get awayso easily& That S$rope an* the lair* woul*n%t allow them to&They rattle* on aroun* a wi*e) rising $urve7 the *ensenessof the stan*s of firs or*ering oth si*es of the roa* ma*e1eremy nervous& Anyone$oul* e hi**en y the thi$! oughs) wat$hing) an* he an*Eliza woul*n%t !now) not until the wat$her showe* himself&The tension gripping him ra$!e* a not$h tighter) ut then

they $reste* the rise an* the trees fell away) a narrow rivervalley opening to their left) theline of trees $ontinuing less *ense an* thi$! on the right& #2ere%s the ri*ge&' It was an ar$he* ri*ge of ri$! an*stone) $arrying the highway a$ross the river) spanning it at asafe height an* as wi*e asthe highway itself& 2e let the horse ta!e the upwar* rise ofthe ri*ge in its still rapi* stri*e) then stea*ie* the roan*own the other si*e&

6ra*"Splinters flew from the si*e of the gig esi*e his hip& 1eremyflung himself si*eways) a$ross Eliza) even as he loo!e*towar* the trees , ahea*)to the right) he saw light glint off a pistol arrel) then S$ropeurst out of hi*ing) mounte* on a heavy gray& #2alt@' S$rope thun*ere* towar* them) waving the pistol&1eremy swore& 2is han*s full hol*ing in the plunging roan)he !ept his o*y angle* a$ross Eliza%s 0

2e saw the mouth of a narrow lane to the left at the en* ofthe ri*ge&2auling on the reins) he wrestle* the pani$!ing roan aroun*)swung the horse%s hea* *own the lane) then let the reins runfree& #2ang on@' The roan all ut olte*&



Stret$hing out in a flat gallop) it flew *own the lane) the gigoun$ing an* -oun$ing ehin* it&Still on the roa*) S$rope $urse*&1eremy fli$!e* a glan$e at Eliza) relieve* to see she ha* a

white8!nu$!le* grip on the gig%s si*e an* on the seatetween them& She still hel* themap) $rushe* etween the fingers gripping the seat& 2ergaze was lo$!e* on the lane ahea*&It twiste* an* turne* mu$h more fre/uently than thehighway) going up small hills) then plunging *own& Theywhippe* past a thi$! forest) then thelane $urve* away from the river an* ar$he* over a rise in awi*e sweeping turn&

:eining in his own sho$!) 1eremy wor!e* with the horseuntil it was pa$ing again) then too! sto$!& #S$rope will $haseus) ut that forest a$! therewill slow him *own) an* this lan*s$ape will help hi*e us fromhis sight&' 2e grima$e*& #+ut we%re on a lane) so if he !nowswhere it lea*s ,' 2e glan$e* atEliza& #9here will this lane ta!e us5' Eliza ha* alrea*y *rawn a stea*ying reath) ease* her hol*on the seat) an* raise* the map to loo!&

She trie* to $alm her poun*ing heart enough to fun$tion) tosu*ue her pani$ enough to thin!& 1eremy ha* een *rivingfast efore7 even thoughthe horse was pa$ing again) the gig was now ro$!etingalong& She stu*ie* the map) then frowningly loo!e* ahea*)$omparing what she $oul* see on themap with the $ountrysi*e ,& #There%s an interse$tion $oming up ahea* 0 almost a$rossroa*s)' 1eremy sai*& #There%s a lane lea*ing south 0'

#=on-t ta!e it&' She%* foun* the spot on the map& #It onlygoes a little way along) then stops at a village $alle* Falla&There%s not even a tra$! thatlea*s on from there&' #:ight& Not Falla& So whi$h way5 Is there any route that willta!e us a$! to the highway5'



She sear$he* the map& #Straight on& Or what passes forthat&' After a moment) she a**e*) #9e%re going to have togo aroun* a it 0 we%ll en* uphea*ing north instea* of south for a little way) efore we

$an turn an* hea* aroun* *own a lane to a pla$e $alle*Swinsi*e& After Swinsi*e) that lane turnssouth& It%ll eventually -oin up with another lane that will ta!eus a$! to the highway , aout five miles from the or*er&' 4rim8fa$e*) 1eremy no**e*& #I have no notion whatS$rope%s thin!ing) ut we have to assume he%s going to tryto !eep us away from the or*er& I$he$!e* efore 0 none of these minor lanes lea* intoEnglan*& The only way for us to $ross the or*er is to get

a$! on the 1e*urgh :oa*) or hea*mu$h further north to one of the other ma-or roa*s&' 2aving $onfirme* as mu$h from her stu*y of the map) Elizano**e*& #9e have to ta!e that lane a$! to the highway 0it%s our only reasonaleoption&' #Pray S$rope is following us rather than using his hea* an*wor!ing out where we%ll go& If he%s $hasing us in the hopehe%ll $at$h us up 0 whi$h) all

things eing e/ual) he eventually woul* 0 we might have a$han$e&' Eliza loo!e* at the horse& #2ow%s he *oing5' #2e%s not fresh) ut he%s strong an* willing& 2e%s got a goo*few miles in him yet) even at this pa$e&' After a moment)1eremy a**e*) #I%* li!e toease a$! an* let him get his win*) ut I simply *on%t *are&9e have to get past Swinsi*e an* aroun* into the lane a$!to the highway efore S$rope

realizes our *ire$tion&' 2e *i*n%t li!e their $han$es& S$rope ha* shown himself to e$lever7 he woul* have stu*ie* maps ahea* of time& 2ewoul* !now the lanes&+ut they no longer ha* a $hoi$e over whi$h route to ta!e&



#If we see S$rope again) *u$! *own in front of the seat& Itwoul* help if I !new you were as safe as possile so I $an$on$entrate on *oingwhatever I $an to avoi* S$rope&'

2e felt Eliza%s gaze tou$h his fa$e) then she no**e*& #Allright&' 2e !ept the roan at a ra$ing pa$e) up hill an* *own) thenthey rea$he* the lane to Swinsi*e an* slowe* for the sharpright turn7 on$e aroun* it) helet the rions run free an* the horse ra$e* on&They flashe* past the tiny hamlet of Swinsi*e an* ro$!ete*on& The lane at last $urve* fully south on$e more) followingthe an!s of another

uplan*s stream&Eliza eye* the stream& #At least it hasn%t een raining sohar* aroun* here&' #No& 9e shoul*n%t have to worry aout washe*8out ri*gesin this area&' The lane *iverge* aroun* another small hill7 $oming out ofits s$reening sha*ow) they saw a stret$h of *ense forestahea*) $losing aroun* the lanefrom either si*e&

Consulting the map again) Eliza sai*) #I *on%t !now how farthe forest stret$hes) ut the lane we want shoul* e $uttinga$ross this one somewherepast that next rise&' They $oul* see that some way into the forest) the lanerea$he* a $rest) then *isappeare* over it&There was no way to tell what lay eyon*) not until theywere over the $rest an* within sight of anyone on the othersi*e&

1eremy $oul* see no logi$al reason why he shoul* su**enlyfeel sure that someone 0 S$rope or the lair* 0 woul*in*ee* e waiting) ut hisinstin$ts were pri$!ing) sharply) an* Trentham an* his+astion Clu $olleagues ha* always $autione* him to trusthis instin$ts&



Instin$ts of this sort he%* never truly felt efore) never /uiteelieve* he ha*) ut ,+efore he $oul* as!) Eliza sai*) #9hen we rea$h theinterse$tion with the other lane) we have to turn right) a$!

towar* the highway& "eft will ta!eus further along the Cheviots) an* straight on will $ome to a*ea* en* -ust a little way on into the hills&' 2e no**e*& #All right& 1ust pray S$rope is somewhere ehin*us) an* rememer what I sai*&' They were nearing the $rest& From the $orner of his eye) hesaw her no*) saw her lower the map an* ta!e a tighter gripon the gig%s seat7 she) too)was loo!ing ahea*&

The horse $reste* the rise at spee*) an* then they wereover an* flying *own the other si*e& They $oul* hear theurling of the stream to theirright& An* sure enough) -ust ahea*) the trees fell a$! oneither si*e where the lane they wante* to ta!e $ut a$rossthe lane they were on&2e ha* to slow the horse to ta!e the turn& +oth he an* Elizasear$he* the thinning trees to their right& Then the treesen*e* an* the first hun*re* or

so yar*s of the other lane $ame fully into view& They $oul*see a narrow woo*en ri*ge $arrying the lane a$ross thestream7 thi$!er ushes $row*e* thestream%s an!s an* exten*e* a$! along the lane towar* theinterse$tion&Slowing almost to a wal!) 1eremy turne* the horse%s hea*& #o' Eliza pointe* *own the lane& #There@' 1eremy *i*n%t even loo!& The terror in her voi$e ha* himhauling har* on the reins an* turning the horse ,

2e rememere* her warning aout the *ea* en* ahea*)wrestle* an* heave* an* for$e* the roan to swing fully theother way&6ra*"/pingAnother shot) one that hit the metal a$! of the gig%s seat&The horse pani$!e*& 1eremy let the reins flow an* let himfly& #4et *own@'



Eliza s$ramle* an* $rou$he* *own) ut a few se$on*s latershe raise* her hea* an* peere* over the a$! of the gig%sseat&1eremy swore at her) ut she ignore* him& 2e $oul*n%t spare

a han* to push her a$! *own& As he fought to reassert$ontrol over the pani$!e*horse) he groun* out) #9ho was it5' #S$rope& 2e was waiting in the ushes nearer the ri*ge 0when he shifte*) I saw him&' She pause*) then a**e*) #If heha*n%t move*) I woul*n%thave seen him&' #Than!fully) you *i*&' 2e *i*n%t li!e the tone of her voi$e7 he$oul*n%t allow her to freeze with sho$!& #I assume he%s

following us5' #After shooting at us) he ran a$! 0 I presume to get hishorse&' 1eremy $ast aout in his min*& #"oo! at the map 0 whi$h isthe est way to go5' 2e $oul*n%t loo! himself) ut he truste*her to $hoose as wiselyas possile given what little they !new& #2e%s not in sight&' Easing a$! onto the seat) she smoothe*out the $rumple* map an* stu*ie* it& After a moment) she

sai*) #There%s no waya$! to the 1e*urgh :oa*) not from here& The est we $an*o now is to !eep turning left on this lane& It%ll $urve northagain) an* eventually we%ll rea$hanother roa* whi$h will ta!e us over the or*er , ut it%s along way out of our way) an* even on$e we $ross intoEnglan*) we%ll e mu$h further from9olverstone than we are now&' 1eremy ha* never ha* to assess su$h weighty options un*er

su$h pressure) ut , #9e nee* to get over the or*er asfast as we $an) in whateverway we $an& 4iven S$rope has shot at us twi$e) we $an$laim prote$tion from anyone in authority on either si*e ofthe or*er) ut in this area the nearestoutposts of authority are in Englan*&'



Examining the map) Eliza gauge* the *istan$es to thenearest ma-or towns) sighe*& #4iven S$rope is ehin* us) we$an%t turn a$! to 1e*urgh)so the nearest town of any size is in*ee* a$ross the or*er&'

The lane they were now on was similar to the other7 ifanything) it twiste*) turne*) *ippe*) an* rose even more*ramati$ally through what wasessentially the foothills of the Cheviots&1eremy ha* manage* to ease the roan a$! into its properpa$ing stri*e) ut even to her non8horsewoman eyes theeast was tiring& #9hat%s ahea*5' 1eremy as!e*&She glan$e* at the map& #There%s a for! -ust ahea*& 9e

nee* to go left&' They ro$!ete* along a straight) rising stret$h& She loo!e*a$! an* frowne*& #S$rope hasn%t appeare*&' #2e%s proaly trying to outflan! us&' After a moment)1eremy went on) #If I was him) I%* stay on our right) for$ingus to turn away from the or*er&On$e we *o) he $an $ome up on either si*e) ut for now!eep loo!ing for him on our right&' 4ripping the si*e of the swaying gig) she shifte* to loo! past

1eremy) s$anning the trees) ushes) an* fiel*s& They urstfrom a stret$h of forest tofin* a pat$h of open fiel*s surroun*ing the for!& 1eremy$he$!e* the roan only -ust enough to ta!e the turn7 as theyswung onto the left arm) Eliza swivele*an* loo!e* a$! 0 an* saw a horseman) mounte* on aheavy gray) $harge a$ross the fiel* ehin* them& #S$rope 0ut he%s not $oming *ire$tly for us&' 1eremy urge* the roan on& #2ow far away5'

#One hun*re* an* fifty , two hun*re* yar*s5' #(amn 0 what%s he *oing5' After a moment) 1eremy sai*) #"oo! at the map 0 from the for! to the next pla$e we haveto turn) who has theshortest route5 ;s via the roa*) or S$rope ri*ing in a *ire$tline5' #S$rope&' A glan$e at the map $onfirme* it&



1eremy%s -aw set& #9e%ve got to rea$h that turn efore him&2ang on&' :aising the long whip he ha*n%t until then use*)he sent it sna!ing out overthe horse to $ra$! -ust esi*e the roan%s ear&

If she ha*n%t een so terrifie*) Eliza woul* have spare* moreof her min* to eing impresse*& Instea*) as the horserespon*e*) she $lut$he* thegig%s si*e an* seat an* hung on for *ear life&They ra$e* along at a pa$e far eyon* re$!less& 2ow 1eremy!ept them on the *ipping) win*ing lane she *i* not !now7she praye* theyen$ountere* no potholes or unexpe$te* ruts& #It $an%t e mu$h further)' she yelle* over the rattling

wheels&4rim8fa$e*) 1eremy no**e* ahea*& #There it is&' They flashe* into open $ountry again) pushing har* for the$rossroa*s ahea*& Another stream $rosse* their path)another narrow woo*en ri*gespanning it& #Can you see S$rope5' 1eremy $alle*& #No 0 not yet&' Eliza ra!e* the $ountry to their right& S$ropeha* to e $oming that way&The horse%s hooves thu**e* on the woo* of the ri*ge& The

gig umpe*) ro$!e* , then righte* as the flagging roanlunge* on& The $rossroa*slay a hun*re* yar*s ahea*&Eliza $aught a flash of movement through the treess$reening the interse$ting lane& The roan%s next stri*e *rewthem to where she $oul* see 0 #On the lane to the right@' She stare* as S$rope $amesurging on) flogging his gray in a *esperate gallop& #.y 4o*@2e%s trying to run us *own@'

Time slowe*& 1eremy saw the potential out$omes li!e a!alei*os$ope in his min*& 2e *rew the roan in as if slowingfor the turn& Eyes on S$ropean* the gray) he gauge* the *istan$e) the gray%s all utun$ontrolle* spee* , S$rope saw them an* straightene*)rea$hing for the holster in the sa**le to



his right) then realize* the gray wasn%t aout to halt& S$ropeswore an* yan!e* har* on the reins&The gray reare*&1eremy *roppe* his han*s) fli$!e* the whip) an* sent the

roan plunging on&Straight ahea*&2e $oul*n%t have slowe* an* ma*e the left turn they%*wante* to ma!e7 that woul* have given S$rope their a$!s)an* he ha*n%t een) still wasn%t)prepare* to ris! that&As it was) S$rope was fully o$$upie* in $ontrolling the gray)an* even if he trie* a shot now) 1eremy was etween himan* Eliza&

9hite8fa$e*) Eliza glan$e* a$!) then loo!e* at him& #Thislea*s to a *ea* en*&' 1eremy%s -aw $oul*n%t get any tighter& #I !now& 9e *i*n%thave a $hoi$e&' #2e%s $oming after us&' #2ow far5' #Three hun*re* yar*s or so&' It woul* have to e enough& The lane 0 in$reasingly a*lysurfa$e*) ut that woul* slow S$rope as mu$h as the gig 0

swung aroun* another lowhill) temporarily $utting them off from S$rope&The turmoil in 1eremy%s min* $leare*7 out of all the optionsthey%* ha*) one remaine*& #2ow far efore the en* of thislane5' #Not far&' Eliza swivele* to loo! ahea*) then pointe*& #I thin!it must en* -ust aroun* that next en*&' #All right&' The pie$es of a plan fell into pla$e in his min*& #"oo! at the map& Put one finger on the en* of the lane)

then loo! for a pla$e $alle*9in*y 4yle 0 it shoul* e somewhere to our east) in themi**le of the Cheviots& It%s on the main ri*ge& Put anotherfinger there) then hol* up the map an*show me&' 2ea* *own) she s$oure* the map) then grippe* it with othhan*s) hel* it up so he $oul* see&



2e glan$e* at it) then loo!e* forwar* again& #9hat%s the*istan$e5' She loo!e*& #Aout eight miles&' 2e no**e*& #9e%re going to ta!e this gig as far as we $an 0

get as *eep into the hills as we $an& Then we%re going toleave it an* ma!e a *ashfor 9in*y 4yle&' #9hy there5' #Clennell Street) one of the main *rover%s roa*s) runs *owninto Englan* in the sha*ow of 9in*y 4yle& An* ClennellStreet lea*s more or lessstraight *own to the gates of 9olverstone Castle& I ro*e upto 9in*y 4yle with :oy$e a few wee!s ago 0 it%s aout ten

miles from the $astle&' #Can we rea$h it) *o you thin!) with S$rope mounte* an*$lose ehin* us5' #I *on%t !now) ut it%s our est option&' 2e grima$e* an*urge* the poor roan on& #9e *on%t really have any other&' 2e wasn%t sure what he%* expe$te* from her) ut her $hinwent up an* she no**e*& #9in*y 4yle it is) then&' Sheglan$e* *own& #9hat aout ourags5'

#4et out anything you $an%t leave ehin*& There%s a !nife inthe ottom of my ag 0 get it out for me& I *on%t nee*anything else in there&' She *ragge* his ag onto her lap& #I *on%t nee* anything atall&' #The water ottles 0 ta!e them& An* your $loa!) too&' She *i*n%t waste time answering) -ust gathere* the items)un*ling the water ottles in her $loa! an* hol*ing hisse$on* !nife& Then she glan$e*

a$!& #S$rope -ust $ame aroun* that last en*& 2e%s getting$loser&' They roun*e* the next $urve7 as Eliza ha* guesse*) the laneen*e* -ust ahea*& Their progress slowe* $onsi*eraly asoth horse an* lane faile*&



Even when the lane petere* out) 1eremy !ept *riving as longas he $oul*) turning upwar*) into the rising hills& #There%s a$ottage over there 0they%ll fin* the horse&' A thin stream of smo!e rose into the

s!y from a *istant $rofter%s hut&1eremy finally spotte* what they nee*e*) then glan$e*ehin* them& S$rope was still out of sight) hi**en y the last$urve& 2e haule* on the reins& #Come on& Out an* up that sheep tra$!&' Eliza -umpe* *own as the gig ro$!e* to a halt& She ra$e* forthe tra$!&After looping the reins loosely enough to let the horsewan*er) 1eremy ra$e* after her&

They pelte* into the sha*ows of a $left etween two hills&Ferns grew thi$!ly& Ta!ing the !nife an* stowing it in hispo$!et) 1eremy lifte* theun*le* ottles from Eliza%s arms) then urge* her on& Theystarte* to $lim&To s$ramle an* haul themselves up the in$reasingly steepsi*es of the hill& #2e won%t e ale to ri*e up this)' Eliza sai* without turningaroun*&

1eremy grunte*& #That%s why I $hose this way&' They rea$he* the top of the hill) $rosse* the win*sweptexpanse of the $rown at a run) then rushe* wil*ly *own intothe *ip eyon*&An* starte* to $lim the next slope&+ut S$rope wasn%t to e so easily *enie*&Twenty minutes of ma* s$ramling later) they were $rossinga wi*e) almost flat valley etween two fol*s in the hills whenthey hear* the thu* of

horse%s hooves& "oo!ing along the valley) they saw S$ropethun*ering towar* them) pistol in han*) his gaze lo$!e* onthem as he urge* his horse on&1eremy swore& #4o@' 2e pushe* Eliza on along the slowlyrising sheep tra$! they%* een following& Clumps of gorsesurroun*e* them) thigh8high)o$$asionally snagging their $lothes&



S$rope must have $ir$le* an* $ome up to the higher valleyy another route& 2e was ra$ing up along the rion ofgrassy mea*owlan* along thevalley floor&

They rea$he* the first ro$!s an* the tra$! e$ame grittier)more stone an* rule as they starte* on the next steepupwar* $lim& "oo!ing ahea*)1eremy saw another $left up ahea*& If they $oul* ma!e itthat far) an* rush further into the sha*ows) S$rope woul*have to get off his horse to follow ,$oul* they get far enough ahea* to e out of pistol range5Slowing) starting to feel the effort of so mu$h rushing an*running 0 an* if he was) how was Eliza faring50 1eremy

$alle* to her) #6eep going&Fast as you $an&' 2e ma*e sure she was $liming an*s$ramling as est as she $oul*) then he pause*) turne*)an* loo!e* a$!&S$rope wasn%t far) still in the sa**le) arms flapping as hefor$e* the gray through the gorse& 2e was still out of pistolrange ut $losing&A !nife against a pistol wasn%t goo* o**s) ut if S$ropemisse* his shot ,

1eremy va$illate* 0 ma!e a stan*) or 0The gray -er!e*) then reare*) letting out a low s$ream&Ta!en unawares) S$rope flaile* wil*ly) then topple* from thesa**le& The gray olte*&For an instant) 1eremy stare*) then he turne* an* ra$e*after Eliza&Only to see that she%* stoppe* higher up) not that mu$hfurther on) an* turne* a$! to see , he wave* her on& #4o0 go@'

This was their $han$e to get far enough away from S$ropethat he woul* lose their trail& They rea$he* the $left an*$lime* franti$ally on&Finally gaining the top of that rise) they oth pause* an*glan$e* a$!& S$rope%s horse was $learly visile) gallopingma*ly away *own the valley&



S$rope , it too! them a few moments to lo$ate him& 2e was$oming on still) wa*ing through the gorse) *ogge* an**etermine*) the pistol he%* eenwaving still in his han*&

1eremy grippe* Eliza%s elow& #Come on&' 2auling in a reath) she no**e* an* they turne* to the nextrising slope& 1eremy s$anne* it) then spotte* the opening ofa narrow valley etweentwo ro$!y humps& #That way& 9e nee* to get out of hissight&' They ran as fast as they $oul*&As they passe* into the narrow valley) 1eremy glan$e* a$!&2e $oul*n%t see S$rope) ut he ha* no firm $onvi$tion that

S$rope $oul*n%t see him&Noon $ame an* went as they $lime*& They ha* to startpa$ing themselves) wal!ing when they felt suffi$ientlys$reene*& Their s$ramling upsha*e* $lefts grew slower) ut they forge* on& The nexthours passe* in tense en*uran$e7 they $oul*n%t ris! halting)*i*n%t !now if S$rope was still on theirtrail) or if he was $lose& Close enough to threaten them&All they $oul* *o was laor on&

Eliza ha* long sin$e fori**en herself to as! even herself the/uestion of whether or not they woul* ever ma!e it safelyover the or*er7 she ha* toelieve they woul*&They $lime* an* $lime*) then $lime* an* wal!e* somemore) over a lan*s$ape that appeare* to have een $reate*y a giant%s han*pushing the earth asi*e so that it $rumple* in a series ofever8rising fol*s) li!e a tale$loth shove* roughly to one

si*e& She was eyon* than!ful that of ne$essity she was still wearing her youth%s ri*ing ootseneath her gown& +y 1eremy%s si*e) she sloshe* throughnumerous small urns an* s!irte* anarrow la!e& The groun* was *rier up there) possilye$ause it was ro$!ier& The air was fresh an* $lear) an*$arrie* the tang of the wil*) ut it grew



in$reasingly $ol* as slate8gray $lou*s lew up from the west)roiling an* swelling to ta!e over the s!y) then rolling stea*ilytowar* them&Even though it was still mi*afternoon) the light was waning&

The sun ha* *isappeare* early in their $lim) ut enough ofits light shone from ehin* the $lou*s to gui*e them& 1eremyha* again an* again$he$!e* their *ire$tion an* !ept them hea*ing stea*ily east&Finally they rea$he* the $rest of a ri*ge that appeare*nearly as high as the next ri*ge along) whi$h itself wasn%tthat far away , an* eyon* thatnext ri*ge lay a view over fiel*s an* forests that seeme* tostret$h to infinity&

#Englan*&' 1eremy stare* at the panorama& #+ut we $an%tget *own the es$arpment ex$ept at $ertain pla$es&' #"i!e 9in*y 4yle5' 2e no**e*& They were oth reathing har*&Eliza was fran!ly amaze* she%* ma*e it this far7 wal!ing ha*never een high on her list of favore* a$tivities) utapparently the stri*ing a$ross$ountry she%* een *oing with 1eremy over re$ent *ays ha*uilt up some *egree of stamina& She glan$e* at him) saw

him loo!ing along the es$arpment)following it further east& #So where is it5' :aising a han*) he pointe*& #There& That pea!&' She turne* an* loo!e*& .ove* $loser to ma!e sure theroun*e* pea! she $oul* see was the one he was pointing at& #Clennell Street goes *own the es$arpment -ust this si*e of9in*y 4yle&' .easuring the *istan$e) *e$i*ing there was still an hour ormore wal!ing to go) she lew out a reath& #9ell) at least

we *on%t have to go aroun*it&' 9ith that) she loo!e* *own an* starte* wal!ing& Tru*gingalong) one foot in front of the other&1eremy turne* to follow her) ut then stoppe* an* turne*a$!& :etra$ing the few pa$es to the e*ge of the steep slopethey%* -ust $lime*) he



loo!e* *own) a$! along their tra$! , softly swore&S$rope was still there) still $oming on&Turning) 1eremy -oine* Eliza) who%* halte* a little way along& #S$rope5'

1eremy no**e*& #+ut he%s /uite a way a$!& 9ith lu$!) nowwe%re out of his sight he%ll lose us $ompletely somewherealong the way&' 2e wave* her on an* she turne* an* went&Tramping in her wa!e) he hope* he was right in thin!ingS$rope was no great tra$!er& +oth he an* Eliza wereflagging) ut from what he $oul*see) so was S$rope& As long as they staye* out of pistolrange) they shoul* e safe&

Shoul* e& 2e woul* have felt a great *eal more $onfi*entover their situation ha* it not een for the /uestion nigglingat the a$! of his min*&.here is the laird4 "oo!ing ahea*) he tol* himself it was pointless spe$ulating&All they $oul* *o was flee as fast as they $oul* an* praythey rea$he* one of :oy$e%shol*ings efore either S$rope) or his employer) $aught upwith them&

They were ma*) the lot of them& #(aft as ale8a**le* gits&' Then again) they were English) all three of them) S$ropein$lu*e*& Presumaly that explaine* it&The lair* swore an* stro*e on through the gorse as fast ashe $oul*& S$rope was etween him) an* Eliza an* her

gentleman& 9orse) $ontrary tohis every expe$tation) S$rope was willing to shoot)presumaly to !ill&A*mitte*ly) when he%* first seen S$rope waving a pistolwhile ailing up their fleeing pair north of St& +oswells) he%*ha* that o** premonition



aout having to stan* y an* wat$h S$rope shoot Eliza%sgentleman& "ater) however) he%* $onvin$e* himself that thatthought ha* een irrationally fan$iful0 S$rope was a professional7 he woul* !now etter than to

!ill a man he ha*n%t een hire* to !ill& 2e%* $on$lu*e*S$rope ha* inten*e* merely to use thepistol to intimi*ate&+ut to*ay S$rope ha* shot at his /uarry& Twi$e& 2e ha*n%tshot into the air to frighten7 he%* shot *ire$tly at them& 2e%*hit the gig on otho$$asions) $onfirming the lair*%s opinion of S$rope%s prowesson$e outsi*e a town& Shooting a pistol at $lose /uarters inan alley the man might manage)

ut in the $ountry on horsea$! he was out of his element&9hat worrie* the lair* to the *epth of his soul was that onoth o$$asions S$rope $oul* -ust as well have hit the girl asthe man&9hi$h *i*n%t ear thin!ing aout&either out$ome ore thin!ing aout&2e ha* to $at$h S$rope an* put a permanent en* to theman%s osession with Eliza an* her gentleman&An* it $ertainly appeare* to e an osession&

2e%* een wat$hing S$rope near the ri*ge over the 1e*9ater) waiting to step in if S$rope halte* the pair& The pistolitself he%* expe$te*7S$rope%s use of it he ha* not&;nfortunately) he%* een too far away to imme*iatelyintervene) an* so he%* foun* himself $hasing S$rope 0 whoprove* to have foun* himself a*e$ent horse&2er$ules was a Tro-an) ut he wasn%t uilt for spee*) an*

with the lair* on his a$! he was no mat$h for S$rope%sgray& Frustrate*) furious 0 an*fearing he woul*n%t rea$h S$rope in time to stop the manputting a all into someone 0 the lair* ha* ri**en as har*as he $oul* after S$rope&On$e they%* hit the hills) however) the terrain ha* $hange*)an* the lair* ha* stea*ily $lose* the *istan$e&



2e%* een out of earshot 0 an* he $arrie* no pistol 0 whenhe%* seen S$rope ri*ing har* towar* Eliza an* her gentlemanas they%* s$ramle*on& 2e%* seen the gentleman sen* Eliza ahea* an* turn to

fa$e S$rope&"u$!ily for the gentleman) the lair* ha* a fine arm an*ex$ellent aim& 2e%* vaulte* from the sa**le) s$oope* upsome flinty gravel) an* sent a fewsharp shar*s flying at S$rope%s horse& The stones woul*n%thave hurt the horse so mu$h as stung it) whi$h ha* prove*enough to unseat S$rope&An out$rop of ro$! ha* hi**en him from the fleeing pair asthey%* ra$e* on& S$rope) for his part) ha* stare* after his

spoo!e* horse) sworn) thenswung aroun* an* rushe* after his /uarry7 he%* neverloo!e* a$!) so he ha*n%t seen the lair*&The lair* ha* ha* to ta!e the time to tether 2er$ules eforeresuming the $hase on foot& Now he forge* on) pressing onas fast as he $oul*&2e was $losing on S$rope) yar* y yar*) ut at the sametime) S$rope was $losing on Eliza an* her prote$tor&An* the lair* was seriously /uestioning whether) in the

matter of Eliza Cynster an* her res$uer) S$rope was entirelysane&;n*er his reath) the lair* muttere* a prayer that he woul*$at$h S$rope efore S$rope $aught them&2e $oul*n%t stan* y an* wat$h them *ie&

1eremy%s han* on her a$! was all that got Eliza to the topof the next narrow ri*ge& She steppe* away from the e*gean* slumpe* over) han*s ra$e* onher !nees as she *ragge* air into her lungs& +ent over) allut wheezing) she loo!e* ahea*&



(ire$tly in their fa$es rose a soli* wall of ro$!) too high to$lim& To their left) the ri*ge ran on) a long fol* in theearth%s $rust) a sheep tra$! lea*ingalong the win*swept $rest& Further on) the ro$! wall en*e*)

ut she $oul*n%t see what lay aroun* it& #Follow the tra$!&' 1eremy) also reathing har*) $ame upehin* her& #It%s not that mu$h further&' Than" God Eliza *i*n%t waste reath saying the wor*s) utstraightene* an* got her feet moving& At a shamling run)they followe* the narrowtra$! on along the ri*ge&They%* rea$he* an elevation where the views a$! intoS$otlan* were spe$ta$ular) ut she ha* no min* left to

register the sight& 1ust how highthey were was emphasize* when the left si*e of the ri*gefell away in a $liff) in$reasingly pre$ipitous the further alongthey went& She slowe* an* glan$e*over&At her shoul*er) 1eremy *i* the same) then urge* her on& #Buite a way *own&' It ha* to e hun*re*s of feet& #(i* you see the ro$!s at theottom5'

#3es& "u$!ily) we%re not going that way&' 1eremy turne* herfrom the pre$ipi$e& The ro$! wall ha* en*e*7 he pointe*a$ross a steep) narrow valley)almost a ravine) to the next ri*ge& A sheep 0 or at thisheight was it a goat50 tra$! zigzagge* *own) then up theother si*e& #9e have to $lim up there)an* get through that gap&' 2e pointe* to the top of the nextri*ge) to a narrow $left etween two huge oul*ers& #Thenit%s *own the other si*e to Clennell

Street&' 9in*y 4yle towere* efore them) *ire$tly ahea*& The ri*gethat lay efore them was the last efore they rea$he* thepea! itself) hen$e ClennellStreet shoul* lie exa$tly where 1eremy ha* sai* 0 in theuplan* valley eyon* the next ri*ge&



9ith that prospe$t efore her) Eliza *rew in a *eep reathan* set off *own the tra$! as fast as she $oul*& She%* !ilte*her s!irts an* petti$oatsome time ago) leaving her oote* feet freer) her stri*es

less hampere*& Still) she was tire* an* ha* to wat$h herfeet&9hen she rea$he* the ottom of the *ip) she $alle* over hershoul*er) #S$rope5' #Still ehin* us)' $ame the grim reply& #Anyone else5' #Not that I $an see) ut given our *ire$tion) I $an%t see howthe lair* might have outflan!e* us& If he%s aroun*) he%s atleast as far a$! as S$rope&'

9ho) 1eremy *i*n%t other mentioning) ha* put on a urst ofspee* an* was gaining on them&As they starte* up the other si*e of the narrow valley) heglan$e* a$! to the ri*ge they%* left) then) unwel$omepremonition pri$!ling on$e more)loo!e* to the top of the rise they were $liming , an*inwar*ly swore& 2e ha*n%t noti$e* earlier how very $lose thetwo ri*ges a$tually were) ut from theottom of the ravine) the *ire$t *istan$e) or la$! thereof)

was evi*ent&Pla$ing a han* on Eliza%s a$! to stea*y her) he leane*nearer an* sai*) #9e nee* to push har* to get through thegap etween the oul*ers&' 2earing the su**en *esperation in his voi$e) an* guessingshe woul* too) he a**e*) #;ntil we *o) we%ll e within pistolrange of the last ri*ge&' Eliza shot him a glan$e over her shoul*er) loo!e* a$! an*up at the last ri*ge) then turne* an* s$ramle* on faster&

+ut they $oul* only go so fast& The tra$!) su$h as it was)was ro$!y an* gravelly7 any unwisely pla$e* oot $oul* slipan* sli*e& 2e was panting)an* Eliza was gasping an* pressing a han* to her si*e) whenthey finally s$ramle* onto a ro$!y slope) a reasonalygentle in$line that le* upwar* to thetwin oul*ers an* the gap etween&



Straightening) Eliza too! a step an* staggere*&9rapping an arm aout her waist) he pulle* her up an* on&Their feet seeme* heavy as they $overe* the last yar*s& #On$e we%re through an* $an get going *own the other

si*e)' he tol* her) #we shoul*rea$h Clennell Street an* e hea*ing *own into Englan*efore S$rope 0' #2alt@ &top@' They swung aroun*& On the ri*ge they%* left) S$rope stoo*)feet sprea* wi*e) swaying a little as he fought to train apistol on them&Slowly) 1eremy an* Eliza straightene*& The options they ha*left to them flashe* a$ross 1eremy%s rain&

Surreptitiously) he nu*ge* Eliza& 9ithout ta!ing his eyesfrom S$rope) he murmure*) #6eep e*ging towar* the gap&Slowly&' They stare* at S$rope) an* S$rope) $hest heaving) stare*wil*8eye* at them&Sli*ing her oot si*eways) Eliza e*ge* half a step along thein$line&+esi*e her) 1eremy e*ge* the opposite way7 the spa$eetween them wi*ene*&

S$rope snarle*) #Stop@ I tol* you to stop@' 1eremy too! another step away from Eliza) away from thesafety of the gap etween the oul*ers&S$rope swung his pistol a$! an* forth etween them& Theywere near enough to see the urning intent that *istorte*his features) the mania$algleam in his eyes& The in*e$ision as he struggle* to *e$i*ewhom to shoot&1eremy ha* assume* the answer woul* e him& 2e tense* to

spring to his left) further away from Eliza) hope* she woul*!now to run for her lifewhen the pistol *is$harge* 0S$rope%s lips lifte* in a soun*less snarl an* he swung thearrel towar* Eliza an* stea*ie*& #o@' Changing *ire$tion) 1eremy flung himself at Eliza&



2e hit her as the pistol *is$harge* 0 felt the ra!e of hot$oals) a searing heat) a$ross the a$! of his upper left arm0 then he an* she lan*e* onthe ro$!y groun*&

They oth lost their reath&The su**en pain of the woun* momentarily stunne* him& #3ou%re hit@ 3ou%re woun*e*@ (amn it) you%re bleeding@' Elizafelt $lose to hysteri$al) ut with a form of fury) rather thanfear& Instea* of freezing her)it infuse* an* inflame* her) an* gave her a strength sheha*n%t !nown she possesse*&She wrestle* 1eremy a$!) pushing until she $oul* wrigglefrom un*er him an* ease him a$! into a slump on the

groun*&2e $aught her han*s efore she $oul* examine his woun*& #No 0 we nee* to run& ow &' 2e starte* to struggle up& #(on%t e stupi* 0 one pistol) one shot&' +ut his -aw$len$he* with pain) he insiste* on getting to his feet& Shefoun* herself helping to haul him up& #Oh) all right& +e my hero) then&' 2er mouth was running onwithout her min*7 she *i*n%t $are& #If it%ll !eep you happy)we%ll go through the gap) *own

Clennell Street) an* on into safety) an* then 0' #No) you won%t&' The un*ilute* vitriol *ripping from S$rope%s tones ha* Elizaturning&As she%* expe$te*) S$rope ha* flung his now useless pistolasi*e) ut $ontrary to her assumptions) he ha*n%t starte*after them& 2e still stoo* onthe other ri*ge) fa$ing them 0 with another) smaller) ut*ea*lier8loo!ing pistol in his han*&

#I tol* you)' he snarle*) #you won%t get away& 3ou $an%t getaway& <i$tor S$rope *oesn%t lose his targets&' 2is arm rose a fra$tion higher as he too! $areful aim&A loo*$ur*ling roar erupte* out of nowhere) all ut*rowning 1eremy%s *esperate) #Eliza@'



2e grae* her an* pulle* her a$! *own to the groun* 0as on the other ri*ge a massive figure $harge* from ehin*the ro$! wall *ire$tly atS$rope&

The roar ha* ma*e S$rope hesitate& Seeing the figurerushing towar* him) he starte* to turn to ring the pistol toear on , the lair*5The lair* rea$he* S$rope in a furious rush& 4raingS$rope%s pistol han*) he for$e* it up) pointing the arrel atthe s!y&The pistol *is$harge* harmlessly upwar*) the reportri$o$heting etween the hills&Eliza resiste* 1eremy%s efforts to shove her ehin* him& #No

0 loo!@' Eyes glue* to the swaying figures grappling on theopposite ri*ge) shegrippe* 1eremy%s han*& #2e 0 the lair* 0 stoppe* S$ropefrom shooting us&' Shifting to sit up 0 putting her more or less in his lap 01eremy stare* over her shoul*er an* felt the utteremusement that ha* la$e* her wor*sinfe$t him&+eyon* stunne*) they oth wat$he* the titani$ struggle&

S$rope wasn%t a small man) ut the lair* was half a hea* ormore taller& An* *efinitelylarger) heavier& The a*vantage $learly lay with the lair*) uthe was) transparently) trying to su*ue S$rope) whileS$rope , ha* transforme* into a rai*)raging monster intent only on getting free an* $oming afterhis #target&' "o$!e* together) the men wrestle* a$! an* forth) ootss$uffling on ro$! an* $oarse grass& S$rope stru$! at the lair*

whenever he $oul*) ut thelair* merely lo$!e* an* $aught S$rope%s arms again&To 1eremy) it seeme* $lear the lair* was intent on wearingS$rope out) then se$uring him& 4iven the size of the lair*%sfists) apparent even from



1eremy an* Eliza%s position) one goo* low might $ra$!S$rope%s s!ull& The lair* fought li!e a man very aware of hisown strength&After that first loo*$ur*ling ellow) the lair* ha* fought in

grim silen$e) ut S$rope was in$reasingly vo$al& Finally)literally howling in fury) he ro!efree far enough to !nee the lair* 0 who shifte* an* $aughtthe low on his thigh&In *oing so) to !eep his alan$e) the lair* swung S$ropetowar* the e*ge of the ri*ge) to the e*ge of the $liff&S$rope $hose that moment to fling himself a$!) trying torea! the lair*%s grip&S$rope su$$ee*e*&

On a triumphant ellow) he steppe* a$!&Off the e*ge of the $liff into thin air&The loo! on his fa$e as he realize* was painful to see&(esperate) he lunge*) $aught the lair*%s sleeve) fell 0 an*too! the lair* with him&The ig man topple* over the $liff an* was gone& #M God @' Pressing her han*s to her lips) Eliza stare* at theempty spa$e where se$on*s ago oth the lair* an* S$ropeha* stoo*&

A wailing s$ream 0 a ellow an* s$ream $omine* 0 traile*away) then was aruptly $ut off&She wasn%t sure if it was her imagination) or if she trulyhear* the thump of the o*ies hitting the -agge* ro$!s farelow&Together with 1eremy she sat an* stare* as aroun* themthe silen$e of the mountains returne*) then *ar!er $lou*swashe* a$ross the waningsun) $asting a *eeper pall over the opposite ri*ge an* the

ravine& #Come on&' 1eremy urge* her up&Slowly) she s$ramle* to her feet& #I *on%t un*erstan*&' #Neither *o I&' 1eremy stoo*) twisting to loo! over his leftshoul*er at the gouge the pistol all ha* s$ore* a$ross hisupper arm& It ha* le*



profusely) ut the flow ha* slowe* to sluggish& #+ut I thin!we nee* to get out of the hills to some pla$e of reasonalesafety efore we stop an* try to wor!it out&'

(espite his wish) Eliza insiste* on in*ing up his arm withstrips torn from her petti$oat& #I always wante* to have areason to *o that)' she sai*)smiling an* willing him to let her have her way&So he *i*& +ut as soon as she%* se$ure* her impromptuan*age) he $aught her han*) tugge* her to him) an* !isse*her& :avenous) relieve*)an* so very than!ful&Overwhelmingly grateful&

An* she met him) his roiling feelings mirrore* in her !iss) inthe arely over$ome *esperation an* the soaring relief thatha* superse*e* it&(rawing a$!) he reste* his forehea* on hers& #I thought)for a moment) that I woul* lose you&' She $lung) one han* tra$ing his $hee!& #I ,' 2er voi$eshoo!) ut she strengthene* it an* went on) #I felt so angrywith you for eing shot& I !nowyou *i* it to save me) ut ,' She shrugge*) loo!e* up an*

met his eyes& #If you ha*n%t een hurt) I thin! I woul* havehit you&' 2e smile*) then a laugh es$ape*& 2e put his goo* armaroun* her shoul*ers) lightly hugge*& #9ell) we%re a pair) itseems) for I wasn%t feelingparti$ularly happy with you at one point in the pro$ee*ings)either&' 4lan$ing at the other ri*ge) he shoo! his hea*& #+utwe%re here) still alive) an* they%re*ea*& 9e survive*&'

2e turne* towar* the oul*ers an* the gap etween&She hung a$!) met his gaze when he loo!e* in/uiringly ather& She tippe* her hea* at the other ri*ge& #Shoul* we goan* loo!5' 2e hel* her gaze& #3ou saw the *rop& There%s no way anyman $oul* survive that fall&'



#+ut , we%ll never !now who he was 0 the lair* 0 an* he*i* save us at the en*&' #True) ut that we nee*e* to e save* was his fault in thefirst pla$e) so ,' 1eremy lew out a reath& #3ou $oul* say

he -ust put right what he ha*originally $ause* to go wrong& :egar*less) we $an%t *allyhere& 9e%ve only a few hours efore it%ll get too *ar! to ris!wal!ing on 0 we nee* to fin* safeshelter efore then&' 2er gaze went to his an*age* arm) an* she no**e*& #3es&3ou%re right& They%re *ea*) an* there%s nothing we $an *o tohelp them& An* than!s tothem oth) we nee* to help ourselves&'

"eaving his goo* arm aroun* her shoul*ers) she sli* her armaroun* his waist an* loo!e* ahea*& #Come on) then& Onhome to Englan*&'

They rea$he* the spot esi*e 9in*y 4yle where ClennellStreet $ommen$e* its sharp *es$ent over an* *own the

es$arpment& "eaning -ust a little onEliza) 1eremy pointe*& #The or*er itself lies -ust *own there)more or less following the ase of the es$arpment& Fromhere) the hills fall in a series of ri*ges *own to the moorlan*&' #1ust li!e the ri*ges we $ame up&' 2e *rew reath) felt the faintly woozy feeling he%* eenfighting for the last hun*re* yar*s wreathe through his rainagain& +efore he $oul* stop

himself) he $onfesse* in a rush) #I $an%t ma!e it *own&' Eliza loo!e* at him) $on$ern filling her eyes& #3our woun* 0' #It%s not so mu$h the woun* itself as the loo* loss) Iimagine& I $an wal! on reasonaly well for a while) ut going*own that tra$! ,' 2e eye* the



*es$ent ma*e for horsemen an* $attle) not pe*estrians)then shoo! his hea*& #.e attempting it woul* e a re$ipe for*isaster&' She%* een stu*ying his fa$e& She lin!e*) no**e*& Crisply

sai*) #At least you%re man enough to say so& .ost woul*n%t)an* then we%* start *own)an* you%* en* up $ollapsing on me) an* then where woul*we e5' "ips thinning) he muttere*) #Pre$isely why I mentione* it&' #So'0 she loo!e* aroun* 0#I suppose we shoul* loo! forsomewhere to spen* the night&' 2e almost grinne*& 9here ha* the tonnish young la*y who*i*n%t li!e eing out in the $ountrysi*e gone5 She was still

there) he suspe$te*) -ustma!ing the est of things& #9e *on%t have to *o that&' 9henshe ar$he* a row at him) he explaine*) #I tol* you I ro*eup here a few wee!s ago with:oy$e&' She no**e*) then let him turn her aroun* an* start wal!ingup Clennell Street) a$! into S$otlan*& #I rememer&' #9e went to visit his half rother) 2amish O%"oughlin) an*his wife) .olly& Their farmhouse isn%t far from here&' 2e

glan$e* at the *ar! $lou*s rollingever $loser& #"ess than an hour shoul* see us there) an* I!now 2amish will help&' #If he%s :oy$e%s half rother) then I%m sure he will&' They foun* the $orre$t tra$! off Clennell Street an* $ir$le*9in*y 4yle& 9ith no one $hasing them) they *i*n%t nee* tohurry) to loo! over theirshoul*ers in fear& Contrarily) the la$! of pursuit ma*e thegoing slower7 they ha* time to feel their tire*ness) their

a$hes an* pains&Time for 1eremy%s woun* to start throing&4ritting his teeth against the urning pain) he slogge* on)the nee* to see her to safety strong enough to !eep himgoing&



They $ir$umnavigate* the hea*waters of a stream) thenfollowe* the tra$! *own its an! into a shallow uplan*valley&"ow stone walls appeare*) *ivi*ing the pasturelan* into

fiel*s& They finally rea$he* the spot where the farmhouse$ame into view) tu$!e* into apo$!et in the hills) snugly prote$te* from the win*s an* theweather&Slowing) 1eremy halte* an* san! a$! against a low stonewall& #That%s it&' 2is tones were $lippe*) his lips tight withpain&2ea* tilting) Eliza loo!e* at him& #I $an see it&' 9ithout meeting her gaze) he no**e* at the house& #3ou go

on& 3ou $an sen* 2amish a$! with a horse for me 0 it%ll eeasier for me that way&' It soun*e* so reasonale , until she loo!e* a$!) lifte* hereyes) an* saw the $urtain of misty rain sweeping their way)gra*ually ut stea*ilylotting out the hills as it $ame& #That%s all very well) ut I%m not leaving you here to get*ren$he*& An* *on%t tell me it%s etter for me that I *on%t getwet 0 I haven%t een shot&

Allowing someone who has a pistol woun* to get *ren$he*an* $at$h a $hill on top of it soun*s li!e something mymother woul* warn me never to *o&So@' She loo!e* at him) met his narrowing eyes with latantostina$y& #(on%t argue& 1ust get up) lean more on me) an*we%ll e ale to go faster) an* thenneither of us will get wet at all&' Exhaling through his teeth) 1eremy pushe* $arefully awayfrom the wall& #If you go on alone) you%ll rea$h the farm

efore the rain&' #Possily& An* if you%ll -ust shut up an* *o as I say'0 seizinghis goo* arm) she pulle* it over her shoul*ers) !eeping hol*of his han* 0#we mightoth rea$h the house efore getting *ren$he*& Now $omeon&' Stifling a sigh) he let her help him along&



A few steps along) she ma*e a ru*e soun*& #I won%t $ollapseif you a$tually lean a little weight on me) you !now&:ememer) the aim of thisexer$ise is that we oth *on%t get wet) so you might say I

have a veste* interest in you leaning on me properly&' "ips firming) he *i* , an* *is$overe* that together they$oul* go $onsi*eraly faster& 2e was tall) ut for a womanso was she7 tu$!e* un*er hisarm) her arm aroun* his waist) she provi*e* -ust the rightsupport for his flagging ailities&They rea$he* the entry to the farm yar* -ust as the firstwash of light rain*rops pattere* over them&(ogs starte* ar!ing&

#(on%t worry)' he murmure*) #they%re tie* up in the stale&' As he%* hope*) the ar!ing rought 2amish to his *oor&The ig S$ot fille* the opening) as tall as :oy$e utsignifi$antly wi*er& The instant he saw who was limpinga$ross his yar*) 2amish yelle* a$!to .olly) then $ame stri*ing out to meet them& #1eremy) la* 0 what the *eu$e are you *oing here5' #2e%s hurt)' Eliza answere*& #2e%s een shot in the arm an*it le* *rea*fully) an* I thin! he%s fainting&'

#Nah&' 2amish *u$!e* to loo! into 1eremy%s eyes) thengrinne*& #2e%s -ust a trifle wea! is all& 2ere) lass) let me ta!eover&' Eliza relu$tantly gave way to 2amish%s rute strength7 if1eremy *i* $ollapse) etter 2amish was there to $at$h him&She followe* on 1eremy%s other si*e) eyes on his fa$e 0 an*nearly ran into the *oorframe&A gentle han* stoppe* her& #2ere) now&' Turning) Eliza met a pair of right lue eyes& #3ou must e

.olly&' The small woman with her $orona of right hair smile*& #Aye) that I am& 9hy *on%t you $ome on insi*e out of themizzle) an* 2amish will ring1eremy) then we $an all sit an* have a $up of tea while youtell us what%s happene*&'



9armth an* $omfort ra*iate* from the house) from .ollyan* 2amish& Feeling a weight she ha*n%t !nown ha* settle*on her shoul*ers fall away)Eliza no**e*& #Than! you&' She smile* wea!ly& #That soun*s

heavenly&'

Chapter Sixteen



hey spent the night $o$oone* in the warmth of 2amish an*

.olly%s home) enfol*e* in an* su$$ore* y the perva*ingsense of $alm)unruffleale family life&After sitting 1eremy *own at her !it$hen tale) .olly) ai*e*y Eliza) unwrappe* the ma!eshift an*age) prie* him fromhis ruine* shirt an* $oat)then washe*) salve*) an* rean*age* his arm& 2amishhelpe* y provi*ing a glass of whis!y) ignoring .olly%sa*monishing frown&

1eremy was grateful7 the whis!y *ulle* the pain&2e was also grateful for the shirt an* -a$!et 2amish lenthim7 oth were overlarge) ut warm an* $omfortale&Shortly after) 2amish an* .olly%s younger $hil*ren) (i$!onan* 4eorgia) twenty8three an* twenty years ol*)respe$tively) -oine* them aout thetale for *inner7 after the meal) 2amish an* .olly left the$leaning up to the younger ones) ushere* 1eremy an* Elizainto the parlor) settle* them in

arm$hairs) then *eman*e* to e tol* all&+etween them) 1eremy an* Eliza manage* a $re*italysu$$in$t a$$ount of all that ha* happene* from the instantEliza ha* wal!e* into the a$!parlor of St& Ives 2ouse& They ha* to a$!tra$! an* explainaout 2eather%s !i*napping) of whi$h .olly an* 2amish ha*not yet hear*&1eremy felt no /ualms over *is$losing su$h matters to2amish an* .olly7 he !new how $lose the $ouple were to

:oy$e an* .inerva&9hen they rea$he* the en* of their tale an* *es$rie* theunexpe$te* fight they%* witnesse* on the e*ge of the $liff)2amish ex$hange* a glan$ewith .olly& #I%ll go with (i$!on tomorrow at first light an*ta!e a loo! at the o*ies&' .olly no**e*& #(o&'



Then she gathere* Eliza an* 1eremy an* shooe* themupstairs to the e*s she an* 4eorgia ha* prepare*)instru$ting them to sleep until they feltli!e getting up& #I%m sure 2amish will e wanting to go with

you to the $astle& On$e he%s seen the o*y) he might !nowmore of your lair*&' 1eremy no**e*) ex$hange* a glan$e with Eliza) thenwat$he* as she than!e* .olly for all her help an**isappeare* into one room) leaving him to*o the same an* retreat to a room of his own& Alone&2e tol* himself she was only a$ross the $orri*or) perfe$tlysafe&The next morning) he $ame *own to rea!fast late& Eliza

was at the tale) eating a owl of porri*ge& Summoning asmile) he aime* it at .olly)stan*ing y the stove& #Sorry 0 I too! your suggestion toheart& Is there any rea!fast left5' There was no one else in the !it$hen& #Of $ourse there is 0 an* I ma*e the suggestion e$ause Imeant it&' .olly turne* a$! to the stove& #Eliza%s -ust got*own herself& (i* you sleepwell5'

#9ell enough&' 2e met Eliza%s gaze) note* her eyes weresha*owe*& Saw the $yni$al /uir! of her row) as if she !newhe was lying&The truth was he%* foun* it *iffi$ult to slip un*er sleep%s veil&The nagging pain in his shoul*er) $omine* with anun*erlying *is/uiet that ha* ha*more to *o with missing Eliza%s warmth esi*e him 0 howon earth that ha* $ome to e so familiar an* in some o**sense re/uire* when they%* only

share* a e* for five nights he *i*n%t !now 0 ha* !ept himawa!e long after the house ha* fallen silent&2e%* slippe* into a fitful *oze as the s!y ha* eenlightening) then he%* slept through the soun*s of the usyhousehol* wa!ing&



4etting *resse* ha* een a painful $hore) ut he%* manage*it with the same stoi$ism with whi$h he%* got un*resse* thenight efore& The woun*was painful an* sore) ut he ha* reasonale use of his arm&

.oving it hurt li!e hell) ut ,Ta!ing the seat esi*e Eliza) he than!e* .olly as she pla$e*a steaming owl of porri*ge lierally la$e* with honey eforehim& The aromarea$he* him& 2is mouth watere*7 he pi$!e* up his spoonan* *ug in&Eliza wat$he* him) satisfie* his appetite) at least) wasunaffe$te*& ;nli!e .olly) she !new what he normally loo!e*li!e in the morning) an* the

lines ra$!eting his mouth) et$he* into his lean $hee!s)weren%t usually there&Finishing her own porri*ge) she ex$hange* the empty owlfor the $up of tea .olly ha* rea*y for her& She seriously*oute* 1eremy ha* slept allthat well& She $ertainly ha*n%t) too worrie* over him to fin*any pea$e) not until *awn ha* een strea!ing the s!y&She%* *eate* going to $he$! on him) ut $on$ern overwa!ing him if he ha* manage* to fall asleep ha* !ept her in

her own little e*& Tossingan* turning) then later *reaming that he%* starte* a fever)ut his $olor this morning was normal) not flushe*) so itseeme* that it ha* in*ee* only een a*ream& The eginning of a nightmare&She sippe* her tea an* nearly sighe*& She smile* at .olly& #"ovely&' Soun*s at the front of the house grew lou*er) then resolve*into 2amish an* (i$!on returning& +oth $ame into the

!it$hen& 9hile 2amish went to*rop a !iss on .olly%s $urly hea*) (i$!on no**e* to 1eremyan* Eliza) then loo!e* at 2amish& #I%ll go ru the horses*own&' 2amish no**e* an* too! a seat opposite 1eremy& #Aye 0 I$an tell this lot all that%s nee*ful) ut no *out you%* est erea*y to ri*e *own with



the three of us 0 your ;n$le :o%ll want to /uestion you aswell as me) to ma!e sure you *i*n%t spot something Imisse*&' (i$!on grinne*) *u$!e* his hea*) an* went&

2amish smile* fon*ly at (i$!on%s a$!& #I*olizes his un$le:o) he *oes&' 1eremy ar$he* his rows& #2e $oul* *o a lot worse&' #<erra true&' 2amish fol*e* his han*s an* levele* his gazeon them& #The o*ies) sa*ly) were gone y the time werea$he* the spot&' #4one5' 1eremy pushe* his empty owl away& #2ow5' #I%m thin!ing it%ll e one of the *roving $rews $oming past 0there were signs ri*ers ha* een at the spot) milling aout

for a time efore ri*ing onnorth& It%s the way aroun* here 0 we fin* a o*y) we ta!e itto the magistrate in the nearest town& 2e%ll report the *eathan* arrange for urial&' 2amishgrima$e*& #Troule is) the nearest town *epen*s on theroute the ri*ers were ta!ing& That sai*) however) there%s no*out whatever that your men fell totheir *eaths on the ro$!s&' 2e grima$e* again) this timeplainly in *istaste& #Plenty of evi*en$e to attest to that&'

1eremy *igeste* that) then as!e*) #2ow *o we go aoutfin*ing where the o*ies were ta!en5' 2amish met his gaze& #I%m thin!ing that you%ll have enoughon your plate -ust now) what with Eliza here having gonemissing more%n a wee! ago)an* everyone who !nows you oth waiting an* expe$tingyou to rea$h 9olverstone *ays sin$e& +est you leavelo$ating the o*ies 0 an* learning whatwe $an from the lair*%s 0 to me an* :oy$e& On$e I tra$! the

o*ies *own) he%ll e ale to pull his usual strings an* learnall we nee*&' After a moment) 1eremy in$line* his hea*& #Than! you 0that woul* almost $ertainly e the est way forwar*&2owever'0 he glan$e* at Eliza 0#it



might e wise not to in/uire too openly& 9e *on%t wantanyone as!ing why we%re so intereste* in learning the lair*%si*entity) an* as for S$rope) I%* esurprise* if he isn%t !nown in $ertain $ir$les as the villain he

was& Again) we *on%t want to allow any $onne$tion to e*rawn etween Eliza an* S$rope&' #No&' 2amish was no**ing& #Or etween you an* S$rope)$ome to that& "eave it to :oy$e an* me 0 we%ll get theinformation without anyone thewiser&' 2amish grinne*& #If ne$essary) we%ll lie& :oy$ealways was goo* at weaving stories&' 1eremy grinne* a$!& #I imagine that woul* have een are/uire* talent in his previous life&' Over the years of the

wars with Fran$e) :oy$e ha*een Englan*%s spymaster in $harge of all $overt Englishagents on the Continent& #So&' 2amish loo!e* from 1eremy to Eliza& #Are you rea*y tostart out again5 It%ll ta!e us an hour) a it more) to rea$hthe $astle&' Eliza loo!e* at the $lo$! on the *resser& #It%s -ust eleveno%$lo$! 0 if we leave now) we shoul* rea$h there eforethey sit *own to lun$heon&'

#Aye 0 so I%m thin!ing)' 2amish sai*&1eremy $aught Eliza%s gaze& #The tra$!%s too steep for a gig0 we%ll have to go on horsea$!&' #Oh&' 2er fa$e fell&2amish frowne*& #9e%ve plenty of horses&' Eliza grima$e*& #It%s not that& I%m , not a very $onfi*enthorsewoman&' +oth 2amish an* .olly lin!e*7 an instant of silen$e ensue*&.olly ro!e it& #9ell) then&' She spo!e to her husan*& #4ive

1eremy Ol* .artin) an* he $an ta!e Eliza up efore him&' #4oo* i*ea&' No**ing) 2amish rose& 2e loo!e* at 1eremyan* Eliza& #If you%ve finishe* here) we might as well getgoing&' 1eremy an* Eliza than!e* .olly) sin$erely grateful for her$osseting& .olly eame*) presse* their han*s) an* wishe*them well) then they followe*



2amish out to the stale&(i$!on was there7 etween them) the three men sa**le*three horses&1eremy insiste* on sa**ling Ol* .artin) a pla$i* ol*er

gel*ing& #.oving my arm helps&' It also hurt) ut he ha* a suspi$ion that if he *i*n%t use thearm normally) it woul*n%t heal as well as it might&9hile he u$!le* the sa**le girth) he finally put his finger onwhat it was that seeme* so *ifferent etween now an* whenhe%* visite* 2amish an*.olly with :oy$e two wee!s ago& %e was the only thing tohave $hange*&An* he ha* $hange* 0 *ramati$ally&

2e felt ol*er) more mature& .ore trie* an* teste*& 2e%* eenthrough the fire an* ha* survive* an* emerge* on the othersi*e7 he now !new hisown mettle&2e also ha* a mu$h $learer vision of how he wante* his lifehen$eforth to e&4irth tightene*) he flippe* the stirrup *own) then turne* toEliza&"oo!e* at her) met her hazel eyes , an* felt his heart

expan* an* his awareness lo$! on her& She was theessential $entral foun*ation henee*e* for his future) the future he now wante* 0 his futurewith her&She smile* a trifle tentatively) unsure of his thoughts&2e returne* the smile fleetingly7 now was not the time forthe *is$ussion they woul* have to have) the *is$ussion theywoul*n%t e ale to avoi*on$e they rea$he* 9olverstone an* returne* to their normal

lives& 2e hel* the horse stea*y& #9oul* you rather ri*eefore) or ehin*5' She glan$e* up at the horse%s a$!7 Ol* .artin was a goo*seventeen han*s tall& #+efore) if you *on%t min*&' #I *on%t& 2ere 0 ta!e my han*&' 2e helpe* her up) thenswung up ehin* her&



2amish an* (i$!on were alrea*y mounte* an* waiting in theyar*&After ma!ing sure Eliza was $omfortaly an* safely settle*efore him) 1eremy wal!e* Ol* .artin out) appre$iating the

gel*ing%s stea*y) unhurrie*gait an* roa* a$! 0 appre$iating why .olly ha*suggeste* him as a mount& There was no $han$e Ol* .artinwoul* olt even if 1eremy *roppe* thereins& #:ight then&' 2amish no**e*& #"et%s away&' 2amish le* the way out) 1eremy followe*) an* (i$!onrought up the rear& In line) they trotte* up the tra$!) a$!to Clennell Street) then turne*

south) to Englan* an* 9olverstone Castle&

9hen their party passe* through the wrought8iron gatesthat mar!e* the entran$e to 9olverstone Castle an* $amewithin sight of the $astle%s front steps)

Eliza $oul* arely elieve her eyes& #9here the *evil *i*they all $ome from5' From ehin* her) apparently e/ually transfixe* y the $row*waiting to greet them) 1eremy murmure*) #An* why5' #.y parents)' she whispere*) #I%* expe$te*) an* :oy$e an*.inerva) of $ourse) an* 2ugo an* Coy an* even .eggin 0we !new they might ehere& +ut my sisters) an* +re$!enri*ge) an* 4ariel an*Alathea) an* (evil an* 2onoria an* Aunt 2elena5'

#"eonora an* Trentham I thought might $ome) ut Christianan* "etitia) an* (elorough an* (eliah) an*) to $ap it all)"a*y Osal*estone5' +efore Eliza $oul* *o more than ma!e a *iselieving soun*)they *rew $lose enough to have to plaster on reassuringsmiles&



They halte* in the fore$ourt& As 1eremy *ismounte*) witheaming smiles an* $ries of wel$ome their wat$hers ro!eran!s an* floo*e* *own thesteps& +y the time he lifte* Eliza *own) a small ti*e of

females ha* rea$he* them) an* then they were swampe*&Caught up in her mother%s s$ente* an* transparently hugelyrelieve* emra$e) Eliza arely ha* time to assure Celia thatshe was all right eforeher father pulle* her into a $rushing hug) then passe* her to2eather) then Angeli$a) an* 4ariel) an* Alathea ,The soun* of a *ozen voi$es rolle* over them) all ex$laimingan* as!ing /uestions) whi$h 2amish 0 less him 0 fiel*e*as est he $oul*& After

*ays of relative isolation) with -ust 1eremy for $ompany)Eliza felt li!e she was *rowning&Not -ust in the noise an* the physi$al $row*) ut in theemotions swirling aroun* her7 happy though they were ingeneral) an un*er$urrent of worry)of $on$ern) remaine*&On her parents% part) she !new that worry woul* persistuntil she an* 1eremy ha* tol* their tale an* then sorte* outtheir , $onse/uen$es&

She wasn%t rea*y to thin! of those yet&Cat$hing his gaze) seeing in his rown eyes the same senseof eing overwhelme*) she smile*) a small private smile thathe returne* efore theywere oth *rawn on$e more to atten* to those who stoo* allaroun* them&Eliza finally rea$he* .eggin an* emra$e* her warmly& #3ouwere right 0 we *i*n%t $ome $lose to ma!ing it in a *ay& Thefoo* $ame in useful&'

.eggin laughe* an* *rew a$! to hol* Eliza at arm%s length& #I%m -ust so gla* 0 we%re all so gla* 0 you ma*e it through&9e were so worrie*when you *i*n%t ma!e it y the se$on*) or even the thir*)*ay&'



#After that) we lost $ount an* -ust worrie*&' Coy pushe*through to hug Eliza& #Sa*ly) our won*erful *e$oy *i*n%twor! as well as) or for as longas) we%* hope*& (i* you have S$rope an* his $rew on your

tail all the way5' #No 0 we *i*n%t see 4enevieve or Taylor after we left& OnlyS$rope an* lair*&' #The lair*5' (evil turne* from spea!ing with 1eremy& #I%ll eintereste* in anything more you learne* of him&' Eliza opene* her mouth) ut a sharp $lap *rew all attentionto .inerva) (u$hess of 9olverstone) who ha* gone insi*eut now stoo* at the top of the steps&

#If you want to !now all) then I suggest you let poor 1eremyan* Eliza gather their wits& If you will all $ome insi*e)lun$heon is on the tale) an* afterwe%ve refreshe* ourselves) we $an gather in the *rawingroom an* all hear the entire story at on$e&' .inerva sweptthe gathering with a sharp hazel gaze& #So no more /uestions) not until we%re settle* in the *rawingroom&' (evil turne* a$! to Eliza) ut) lips now firmly shut) she -ust

smile* at him& 9hen he frowne* a$!) trying forintimi*ation) she laughe*& #3ou hear*what our hostess *e$ree*& 3ou%ll -ust have to wait li!eeveryone else&' 9hi$h suite* the powerful (u!e of St& Ives not at all) uteven he wasn%t immune to .inerva%s power& Espe$ially givenhis own *u$hess ha* nowfixe* her eagle eye on him7 with a grunt) he wave* Eliza).eggin) an* Coy on) then $rosse* to give 2onoria his

arm&9ith Angeli$a) also !een to hear more) on her other si*e)Eliza $lime* the steps& "oo!ing a$ross) she saw 1eremyflan!e* y his sister)"eonora) <is$ountess Trentham) an* his rother8in8law)Tristan) <is$ount Trentham& Christian Allar*y$e) .ar/uess of(earne) an* his wife) "etitia)



flan!e* Trentham an* "eonora respe$tively&Eliza%s aunt 2elena) (owager (u$hess of St& Ives) an* "a*yOsal*estone ha* gone ahea*) ea$h $laiming one of 2ugo%sarms 0 an*) Eliza ha*

not a *out) sutly interrogating him7 the two gran*es*ames were the only ones present who woul* *are *efy.inerva%s *e$ree&They all wal!e* into the $ool sha*ows of the great hall) an*Eliza felt the we of her $onne$tions 0 familial) so$ial 0$li$! into pla$e on$e more&As if she%* steppe* a$! into some preor*aine* spot) somealrea*y $arve* ni$he laele* with her name& An* the shapeof that ni$he *efine* who an*

what she was ,& she wriggle* her shoul*ers) sloughe* offthe thought) smile* at Angeli$a) who ha* loo!e* at her/uizzi$ally) an* wal!e* on&She wasn%t the same person she ha* een) ut she *i*n%tyet !now exa$tly who she now was& She woul* have to learnthe answer) soon) ut ,9ith .inerva in her $arver at the en* of the tale monitoringall $onversations) the $ompany restraine* themselves) an*lun$heon passe* off

/ui$!ly an* smoothly&Feeling $onsi*eraly more refreshe*) fortifie* for what wasto $ome) Eliza too! the arm$hair :oy$e wave* her to in the*rawing room) one of apair he%* set flan!ing the huge firepla$e an* fa$ing the long)elegantly $omfortale room& The rest of the $ompany*ispose* themselves on the varioussofas) $haises) an* $hairs) the men sprea* aroun* the roomehin* their wives&

All ex$ept :oy$e) who remaine* etween the two arm$hairs)his a$! to the firepla$e& As 1eremy sat in the otherarm$hair) :oy$e turne* to Elizaan* smile* en$ouragingly& #9hy *on%t you start with whathappene* when you left the allroom in St& Ives 2ouse5' She no**e* an* egan) #I re$eive* a note) passe* on y oneof our footmen&'



Eliza tol* of her !i*napping) at :oy$e%s re/uest *es$riingS$rope) 4enevieve) an* Taylor) then *etailing all that ha*happene* from herperspe$tive until 1eremy) 2ugo) an* Coy ha* arrive* to

res$ue her from the asement of the E*inurgh town house&:oy$e turne* to 1eremy& #2ow *i* you learn where she was5Start from when you saw Eliza eing whis!e* past in a$arriage up the 1e*urgh:oa*&' 1eremy no**e* an* too! over the tale) filling in what he%**one while Eliza ha* een ta!en to E*inurgh an* hel* atthe town house& After outlininghow he) Coy) an* 2ugo ha* arrange* an* exe$ute* Eliza%s

res$ue) he smoothly $ontinue* with their -ourney out ofE*inurgh) avoi*ing all mention of Eliza%s prolem with ri*ing) simply stating that soon afterleaving E*inurgh they were for$e* to go on in farm $arts)those eing the only $onveyan$esavailale&9hen he rea$he* the point of spotting the lair* ontheir trail from the $hur$h tower in Currie) he loo!e* atCoy an* 2ugo& #I%m assuming your*e$oy *rew S$rope off 0 we *i*n%t see him until mu$h

later&' Coy $leare* his throat& #As to that ,' 2e explaine* whatha* happene*) $ulminating in his an* 2ugo%s return toE*inurgh& #+ut we $he$!e* atthe stales in the 4rassmar!et) an* they sai* you%* ri**enout) an* although a lair* 0 the staleman $alle* him that 0ha* as!e* after two people whoha* set out that morning) the staleman *i*n%t thin! he wasintereste* in you two 0 he%* as!e* after an English young

la*y an* a gentleman&' 1eremy frowne*) then shrugge*& #2owever he *i* it) herealize* we were on that roa* an* $ame after us&' #1ust the lair*5' (evil as!e*&1eremy no**e*& #9e *i*n%t see S$rope until later the next*ay) outsi*e Peni$ui!& +ut that%s getting ahea*&' 2e returne*to them ra$ing into the



Pentlan* 2ills to avoi* the lair*& 2e $ontinue* in simple)*e$larative vein) re$iting the fa$ts ut nothing more& None ofthe emotions) none of their fears)mu$h less their evolving passions&

Eliza seeme* $ontent to let him $ontinue7 when he glan$e*her way) she no**e*& 9hen he *es$rie* their es$ape froma pistol8waving S$rope inSt& +oswells) ex$lamations aoun*e*& Smoothly) he went on)outlining their suse/uent -ourney) the hur*les of thewashe*8out ri*ges) then their last wil*ra$e for the or*er&2is au*ien$e sat in asolute) unmoving silen$e as here$ounte* their flight from S$rope 0 no longer merely

waving a pistol ut a$tively shooting0 $ulminating in that moment high on the ri*ge in theCheviots) an* the final) *efinitive appearan$e of the lair*& #2e%s dead 5' (evil soun*e* in$re*ulous& #9e $oul*n%t affor* the time to stop an* loo! 0 the weatherwas $losing in& As it was) we ma*e it to 2amish%s farmhouse -ust as the rain $ame*own&' 1eremy no**e* at 2amish& #+ut 2amish an* (i$!onwent a$! at first light&'

All attention swung to 2amish as he tol* what he an* hisson ha* seen& As 2amish ha* pre*i$te*) :oy$e /uestione*oth 2amish an* (i$!on$losely&;n*er the $over of the interrogation) 1eremy glan$e* atEliza& Their gazes met) hel*) ut he $oul*n%t tell what shewas thin!ing) how she wasfeeling) how she now felt aout their a*venture) aout their -ourney& Aout what $ame next&

The sensational en* to their flight resulte* in $onsi*erale*is$ussion over whether the lair* was truly *ea*) an* if so)what *i* that mean5 9oul*they ever learn what the !i*nappings ha* een aout 0what he%* sought to a$$omplish through them5All unanswerale /uestions) an* largely re*un*ant as far as1eremy was $on$erne*&



+ut the presen$e of all the others !ept him in the arm$hair)an effe$tive $onstraint stopping him from rising an* going toEliza) ta!ing her han*) an*slipping away ,

.eggin) less her) noti$e* that Eliza was tiring7 she rosefrom the $haise neary) ha* a whispere* $onferen$e with

.inerva) who no**e*) then

.eggin went to Eliza an* suggeste* she might li!e to retireto refresh herself an* rest efore *inner&Eliza glan$e* on$e at 1eremy) then fell on the offer with anala$rity he share*& 9oul* that he $oul* es$ape so easily) uthe manage* an easy)en$ouraging smile as Eliza%s eyes again met his) then she

turne* an*) with .eggin) left the room&9hen .eggin $lose* the *rawing room *oor ehin* them)Eliza almost sagge* with relief& #Than! you@ I%ve neverefore noti$e* how noisy su$hgatherings are 0 I must e out of pra$ti$e&' .eggin grinne*& #I have to a*mit to eing a it overwhelme*myself) ut everyone%s een very !in*&' They starte* towar* the wi*e stair$ase& #I $an%t than! youenough for $oming)' Eliza sai*& #3our $hil*ren 0 will they e

all right without you5' #9e left them with my sister an* her husan* 0 they live alittle way out of (al!eith 0 so my roo* will e en-oyingthemselves hugely with their$ousins) I imagine&' .eggin met her gaze as they $lime*& #+ut as Coy an* 2ugo were in su$h a state over nothaving !ept their *e$oy8*isguise forlong enough) an* were fixe* on $oming here as they%*inten*e* an* $onfessing all) I *e$i*e* I nee*e* to e here to

support them&' Eliza smile*& #I%m very gla* you $ame&' It was o**) ut shenow felt $loser 0 more of a min*) with more share*$onne$tion 0 to .eggin than she*i* to her own $ousins& As if the new her) the her that ha*een mol*e* an* forge* through the !i*napping) her res$ue)an* their flight) ha* alrea*y shifte*



from the ex$lusive $ir$les of the "on*on haut ton to , if notthe E*inurgh ton) then to some other so$ial sphere&Some esoteri$ s$holarly so$ial $ir$le where oth she an*1eremy $oul* e themselves& Their true selves&

Pon*ering that insight) she followe* .eggin to the room.inerva ha* ha* prepare* for her&To fin* a ath waiting) a footman tipping in the last pail ofhot water& #Oh) -oy@' Eliza sighe*& #I *on%t want to thin! of how long itis sin$e last I athe*&' A little mai* was waiting with towels an* s$ente* soap toassist her out of her gown an* help her wash her hair&.eggin offere* to follow the footman out) ut Eliza egge*

her to stay&They $hatte* aout this an* that) a $onversation aoutin$onse/uential) or*inary) *ay8to8*ay things that re/uire*no great ingenuity) or sutlety) tomaintain&Then .eggin saw the $lo$! on the mantelpie$e) ex$laime* atthe time) an* left to $he$! on Coy an* 2ugo&9hen Eliza finally rose from the tu an*) wrappe* in a roe)towele* her hair *ry) she felt , li!e her ol* self) ut not&

She was in$reasingly $ertain she $oul* never go a$! to thatearlier self) her previous in$arnation& 9hatever $hanges thelast wee! ha* wrought)they were irreversile&2er parents ha* rought a trun! of her $lothes7 she ha* thelittle mai*) .illy) lay out one of her own *inner gowns& #That will e all for the moment) .illy&' #3es) miss& 9oul* you li!e me to $ome an* help you *ress)an* put up your hair) later5'

#Please&' Eliza smile* as she san! onto the *ressing stoolan* pi$!e* up her $om& #I%ll nee* help to ma!e itpresentale& I%m -ust going to $om itout) then ta!e a nap&' .illy oe*& #I%ll e a$! at the first ell&' The *oor ha* arely shut ehin* the little mai* when itopene* again an* 2eather) followe* y Angeli$a) wal!e* in&



.eeting her sisters% eyes in the mirror) Eliza imme*iately!new what they wante*& The truth) the whole truth) an*nothing ut the truth&2eather *ragge* up a $hair to one si*e of the *ressing stool7

Angeli$a per$he* on the en* of the stool itself) nu*ging Elizawith her hip to ma!eroom& #Now)' Angeli$a sai*) #tell all& All the stuff you left out*ownstairs&' #(i* you really wal! through E*inurgh *resse* inree$hes5' 2eather preten*e* to e s$an*alize*) ut hereyes gleame*& #I woul* have givenanything not to have to tru*ge for miles an* miles in s!irts&'

Eliza no**e* an* !ept $oming& #+ree$hes are mu$h etter&'9ith the $om) she pointe* to the ri*ing oots she%* eenwearing) set neatly yone wall& #An* those helpe* even more& :i*ing oots aremu$h etter than half oots for wal!ing) even un*er s!irts&' #9hen *i* you stop wearing the ree$hes5' Angeli$a loo!e*aroun*& #2ave you got them here5' Eliza explaine*) !nowing full well that her sisters weremerely i*ing their time until they $oul* lea* her to the topi$

they most wante* to *is$uss&Eventually) 2eather roa$he* it& #+oth 1eremy an* you seemaltogether $alm an* settle*& So what have you *e$i*e*) youan* him5' Eliza *rew a *eeper reath) tippe* up her $hin& #9e *e$i*e*)shortly after we set out from E*inurgh) on$e we !new we%*e spen*ing *ays) an*nights) alone) that we weren%t going to *well on theout$ome) weren%t going to thin! or *is$uss it) not until we%*

rea$he* safety&' 2eather frowne*& #9hy on earth not5' #I suppose you might say so that we *i*n%t , pre-u*i$e whatmight evolve) all on its own) etween us& 9e -ust wante* tolet ourselves get to !nowea$h other) without pre$on$eive* results&'



2eather loo!e* un$ertain) ut Angeli$a slowly no**e*& #Allright& I $an un*erstan* that& +ut what aout now5' #Now)' Eliza sai*) laying *own her $om) #he an* I nee* to*is$uss what we feel) an* what we want an* how to go

aout things , ut $learly we$an%t *o that until we get a $han$e to spea! privately)without the entire gaggle of our families loo!ing on&' #That)' Angeli$a sai*) hea* tilting) #is very true&' In themirror) she met Eliza%s eyes& #(o you want us to'0 Angeli$awriggle* her fingers) movingthem through the air in mimi$ry of lots of horses 0#helpmatters along5' Eliza loo!e* into Angeli$a%s eyes) too! in her younger sister%s

expression) then loo!e* at 2eather) saw the same support inher el*er sister%seyes& #If you $an) I%ll e eternally grateful&' #Consi*er it *one)' 2eather sai*& #I%m sure a wor* 0 theright wor* 0 in .inerva%s ear) an* 2onoria%s) will *o thetri$!&' #Nothing li!e *u$hesses to get people moving)' Angeli$aaverre*&2eather tilte* her hea*) her gaze still sear$hing Eliza%s fa$e&

#3ou%ve $hange*)' she sai*& #I *on%t !now exa$tly how) ut,' Angeli$a humphe*& #Of $ourse she%s $hange*& She%s foun*her hero) an* if I%m any -u*ge) she%s his heroine&' :ising)Angeli$a $aught Eliza%s eyesin the mirror an* grinne*& #9hi$h means we shoul* leave soshe $an get some rest) e$ause she%ll nee* her strength fortonight&' Eliza lushe*&

2eather saw7 her rows rose) ut she $ontente* herself witha !nowing smile an* got to her feet& #Angeli$a%s right 0 we%llleave you& 1ust promiseyou%ll $all on us if you nee* any help&' Eliza felt her smile wole as she stoo*& Turning to hersisters) she flung an arm aroun* ea$h of them an* hugge*& #Than! you&'



They hugge* her a$!) then *rew away&2eather wagge* a finger as she turne* to the *oor& #1ustrememer 0 you have to sen* wor* to us first on$e you an*1eremy finalize your

*is$ussions&' #3es) in*ee*&' At the *oor) Angeli$a turne*& #No letting "a*yO fin* out aout anything first&' Eliza laughe*& #2eaven fori*@' 9ith a smile) she wat$he* her sisters leave& The smile) an*the warmth imparte* y her sisters% ta$it approation of1eremy) lingere* as shewal!e* to the e*) lay *own on the $ounterpane) an* $lose*her eyes&

&he wasn-t the sa!e person she had been, but she didn-tet "now e)a*tl who she now was# Perhaps) ut she wasgetting a $learer view of herself with every passing minute&&he-s +ound her hero, and ; she-s his heroine# Angeli$a ha*a hait of putting her *eli$ate finger s/uarely on the heart ofthings&Eliza ha* een sear$hing for her hero for years) an* she!new) to her heart) to her soul) that she%* foun* him in

1eremy Carling&Totally unexpe$te*ly) ut in$ontrovertily&2e was hers) an* she was his) an* in sutle ways that she$oul*n%t explain yet was nonetheless $ons$ious of) that ha*$hange* her& It ha*$hange* her view of herself7 it ha* $hange* how she feltaout herself& Their flight) an* the way he intera$te* withher 0 all the ways in whi$h they$onne$te*) share*) an* ex$hange* its an* pie$es of

themselves 0 ha* altere* an* mol*e* an* re8forme* herinto a la*y who was , mu$h strongeran* more $onfi*ent than the young la*y she%* een&As there was no going a$!) she $oul* only go forwar*&Forwar* into their -oint future& A future so$iety woul**eman* an* insist they share , ut



there was no reason they nee*e* to allow so$iety to *i$tatethe tenor) the type) of their union&It ha* een his farsighte*ness in suggesting they leave the*etails of their #out$ome' until later) until now) that ha*

allowe* them to see what mighte) ut she was in$reasingly sure she woul* nee* hernewfoun* $ourage to se$ure the future as she now imagine*it an* wante* it to e&She !new what she wante* with a $ertainty that previouslyha* never een hers& She%* rarely) if ever) felt so immovaly*etermine*&She%* rarely felt so arrogantly Cynsterish) truth e tol*&There was) now she%* loo!e*) no *out whatever in her

min*& She wante* to translate the relationship) thepartnership that ha* evolve* etweenher an* 1eremy *uring their ma* flight through a worl* nottheir own) onto this plane& She wante* to ring that same$loseness) that sharing) thatre$ipro$al relian$e) into this) their normal worl*) an* eme*it) enshrine it) in their union&That was what she wante* 0 the style of marriage she !newthey $oul* have) an* was asolutely *etermine* they woul*

in*ee* have&The only /uestions remaining were) first) how52ow was she to effe$t the translation from a life live* un*erpursuit) to a life live* among the ton5An* lastly) the even more vital /uestion? 9hen all was sai*an* *one) now they were a$! in so$iety%s fol* an* the tonha* on$e again lai* itshan*s upon them) woul* he e willing to go along5 .ore)was he) as she was) willing to fight to hol* on to the

relationship they%* *is$overe* they $oul*share5Those two /uestions $ir$le* in her rain) aroun* an* aroun*)until sleep steppe* in an* *ragge* her *own&



#9hat was the *amne* man loo!ing to a$hieve5' (evilappeale* to the room at large 0 :oy$e%s lirary) to whi$h all

the males ha* es$ape* an* wherethey now repose* in various $hairs) or proppe* theirshoul*ers against shelves) or) in :oy$e%s $ase) prowle*restlessly efore the long win*ows 0 ut noone answere*&The #*amne* man' to whom (evil referre* was) of $ourse)the late lair*&Eventually) :oy$e sai*) #On$e we learn his i*entity) wemight gain some insight& 3ou $an leave that to 2amish an*

me& 2e%ll tra$! the ri*ers an*learn where they left the o*y& I%ll follow up) withoutrevealing why I%m intereste*& The o*ies were foun* nearenough to my lan*s) so my /uestions won%tseem too remar!ale& If the man truly was a highlan*noleman) then there%s $ertain to e tal!& There%s no waythe *eath of su$h a man $oul* passunremar!e*& One way or another) we%ll follow his trail a$!&' #9hat I *on%t un*erstan*)' "or* .artin Cynster) Eliza%s

father) sai*) #is why he) the lair*) fought with S$rope) who)y all a$$ounts) was hishen$hman) an* who at the time ha* 1eremy an* Eliza aile*up&' "or* .artin sprea* his han*s& #9hy arrange a!i*napping) only to let Eliza es$ape5.ore) to ensure she es$ape*5 It ma!es no sense&' 1eremy ha* let the arguments run& Now he shifte* an* sai*) #I%ve een thin!ing aout that& 2is a$tions woul*)presumaly) ma!e perfe$t sense if

we !new his motives& "et%s say he 0 for some reason we*on%t !now 0 nee*s an unmarrie*) unatta$he*) Cynster girl&So he arrange* for 2eather%s!i*napping) ut as soon as that went awry'0 1eremy loo!e*at +re$!enri*ge) seate* a$ross the room 0#$orre$t me if I%mwrong) he *ismisse* hishirelings&'



+re$!enri*ge no**e*& #3es) that%s right& 4o on&' #So , Flet$her an* Coins) wasn%t it5 They woul* have*es$rie* you to the lair*& 3ou pulle* the wool over theireyes) ut what if the lair* saw

enough to e suspi$ious) at least to some *egree) of yourstation5 3ou sai* he followe* you) ut when he $aught upwith you 0 in open $ountry with noone else aout) him on horsea$!) very possily with aweapon) an* you on foot) almost $ertainly unarme* an* with2eather to prote$t 0 what *i* he*o5' #2e wat$he*)' +re$!enri*ge replie*& #(i* you ,' 1eremy gesture*& #Sense any mena$e from

him5' +re$!enri*ge hesitate*) then replie*) #No& I remar!e* on itat the time& 2e wat$he* assessingl & 2e ma*e no frien*lyovertures) ut neither *i* hema!e any threatening moves&' 1eremy no**e*& #Exa$tly& An* then on$e you%* wal!e* on)he $he$!e* at a lo$al tavern an* learne* you%* ta!en2eather to a manor owne* y herfamily&'

#An* then he left the area)' +re$!enri*ge sai*& 2is eyes on1eremy%s) he a**e*) #+e$ause he !new 2eather was safe5' 1eremy no**e* again& #That%s what I surmise& On$e hegauge* what sort of man you were) an* that you wereprote$ting 2eather) an* I *on%t !nowut woul* guess that he%* seen you an* her together5' +re$!enri*ge no**e* $urtly& #9ell&' 1eremy lew out a reath& #"et%s rememer we%re*ealing with a highlan*er) a noleman& "et%s assume he

hunts 0' #An* he%s use* to $omman*ing men)' :oy$e $ut in) #use* torea*ing men) an* he trusts his instin$ts&' 2e%* stoppe*pa$ing an* was loo!ing at1eremy& #3our hypothesis is starting to ma!e sense& 2ow*oes it fit with what happene* with Eliza5'



#She%s the next Cynster girl 0 the next Cynster sister& Sothis time the lair* sen*s a hen$hman who%s oth more*etermine* an* moreexperien$e* than Flet$her an* Coins& Flet$her an*

Coins were effe$tive enough) ut S$rope was more so)more ruthless) an* also morea$$ustome* to *ealing with the ton& Eliza%s !i*napping wasneat an* effi$ient) an* S$rope stru$! in the one pla$e he$oul* e $ertain Eliza woul* e)relatively spea!ing) unwat$he*&' #True)' (evil sai*) his tone terse& #S$rope%s use of lau*anum to !eep Eliza su*ue* throughthe -ourney) rapi* though it was) again suggests S$rope was

of a *ifferent $alier toFlet$her an* Coins& +ut) again) on$e S$rope lost Eliza'01eremy loo!e* at :oy$e 0#I thin! the lair* *ismisse* S$ropean* $ame after Eliza an* mehimself& #I originally thought S$rope an* the lair* were wor!ingtogether) $hasing us& +ut'0 1eremy no**e* at Coy an*2ugo 0#as Coy remin*e*me) if that ha* een so) then we shoul* have seen Taylor)

one of S$rope%s $rew) helping& I $an un*erstan* that thenurse) 4enevieve) woul*n%t have eenall that mu$h use in the $hase) ut Taylor5 2e wasn%t amin*less thug 0 he tra$!e* *own Coy an* 2ugo fasterthan we%* expe$te*&' Pausing) 1eremy glan$e* aroun* the $ir$le& #The only reasonI $an thin! of for S$rope not to have Taylor helping sear$hfor us is if S$rope ha*een *ismisse*) so let Taylor an* 4enevieve go) ut then

S$rope *e$i*e* to *isoey the lair*%s or*ers an* go afterEliza on his own&' #+y all a$$ounts)' 4ariel sai*) #the lair*) whoever he was)was not a man most people woul* gainsay&' 1eremy grima$e*& #1ust from what I saw of him 0 always ata *istan$e 0 I woul* have to agree& 2e $ut an impressivean* intimi*ating figure& 1ust



wat$hing him wal! was warning enough& +ut from what Elizahas sai*) S$rope wasn%t your average !i*napper) either& 2emay not have een a gentleman)ut he wasn%t far from it&' (rawing in a reath) 1eremy

pause*) then went on) #An* from what we saw of S$ropeover the last *ays) espe$ially from how hespo!e -ust efore the lair* intervene* , well) he *i*n%tsoun* all that sane& It was as if the notion of Eliza es$apingwas) to him) simply insupportable& Ithin! it%s telling that) at the last) it was Eliza he aime* at)not me&' <arious mutterings greete* that) ut :oy$e was no**ing& #"et%s $on$e*e the notion that losing Eliza $ause* S$rope to

fixate on getting her a$!)regar*less of how he *i* it& 4iven that s$enario) $oul* thelair* have een following you with the same purpose asyou%ve hypothesize* he ha* in following2eather an* +re$!enri*ge 0 that he was see!ing not tore$apture Eliza ut to $onsi*er you) her res$uer) an*) if youpasse* his stan*ar*s an* prote$te*Eliza an* got her to safety) then he woul* let her) an* you)go5'

1eremy no**e*& #I%ve thought a$! over all that we saw ofhim) an*) yes) that hypothesis $oul* fit& If he wasn%t*esperate over whi*h Cynster girl hetoo!) then he $oul* affor* to e lenient) a*-ust his plans)an* go after the next& 2e *i*n%t nee* Eliza per se any morethan he%* nee*e* 2eather spe$ifi$ally0 he -ust nee*s) nee*e*) a Cynster sister&' #So you%re saying he 0 who ha* originally hire* S$rope 0atta$!e* S$rope e$ause S$rope was a$ting in a way that

woul* en*anger Eliza5' Christian loo!e* s!epti$al&+ut 1eremy no**e* again& #As far as I $an see) that%s theonly explanation that fits all the evi*en$e&' 2e wave* at+re$!enri*ge& #All that we%veseen&'



+re$!enri*ge) too) no**e*& #9e shoul*n%t forget that thelair*%s instru$tions to Flet$her an* Coins ma*e it very$lear that 2eather was not)un*er any $ir$umstan$es) to e harme*& Not a hair on her

hea*% were) I elieve) Flet$her%s wor*s&' Silen$e fell while all present *igeste* that an* asore* theimpli$ations of 1eremy%s hypothesis&Eventually) "or* .artin stirre*& #I suppose) given he is anoleman) then we have to allow that he might have someallegian$e to honor&' #I thin!)' :oy$e sai*) #that we might nee* to allow that&:egar*less) the man%s now *ea*& 9e still *on%t !now whatmotive *rove him to see! to

!i*nap one of the Cynster girls) ut on$e we learn hisi*entity) no *out that) too) will e$ome $lear&' #+ut as he%s *ea*)' "or* .artin sai*) #then presumaly thereis no further threat to the girls&' #Than! 4o*@' 4ariel%s ex$lamation was e$hoe* y (evil& #IfI ha* to put up with mu$h more harping from Angeli$a onthe su-e$t of myoverprote$tive ten*en$ies) I%* e in$line* to wring her ne$!myself&' 2e shoo! his hea* at the others& #She has a tongue

that%s sharper than any swor*& Ipity the poor so* she *e$i*es is going to e honore* yhaving her to wife&' The laughter of all the others was $ut short y the resonantbong of the ell) warning them that it was time to *ress for*inner&They all rose) stret$he*) then file* out of the lirary&:oy$e) at the rear) following 1eremy) $lappe* him on thea$!& #4oo* wor!& Than!s to you) tonight is going to e a

festive o$$asion&' "ips lifting) 1eremy in$line* his hea*& #3ou shoul* than! Eliza0 she *i* her part) too&' :oy$e smile* an* no**e*& #I will&'



"ater that night) 1eremy lay on his a$! in the very real$omfort of a e* long enough to a$$ommo*ate his length

an* won*ere*) rather woozily 0$ourtesy of the *raft the *o$tor) summone* y an insistent.inerva) ha* given him 0 whether .orpheus woul* oligean* allow him some rest&2is arm still throe* *ully) *istantly) although the *raft ha*in*ee* *ea*ene* the pain&2is rain seeme* *etermine* to !eep going roun* an*roun*) not /uite fo$using on anything in parti$ular) ute/ually unale to stop&

An* eneath his whirling thoughts lay a *isturing)*is/uietening sense of something not eing right&The $astle gra*ually settle*) an* silen$e fell& 2e%* almostresigne* himself to not getting any sleep when the *oor tohis room opene*& 1ust a $ra$!at first) then it swung fully open an* Eliza whis!e* in an*shut the *oor ehin* her&2e lin!e*) $on$lu*e*) as she gli*e* to the e*) peere* athim through the *imness) then whispere*) #3ou%re not

asleep) are you5' that she wasn%tan apparition) a figment of his nee*iness& #No&' After a se$on*%s $onsi*eration) he in/uire*) mil*ly) #9hat are you *oing here5' The wor*s $ame out a trifleslurre*&She was alrea*y shrugging out of her roe& #Ssh 0 no nee*to tal!& I -ust wante* to e with you) to ma!e sure thatyou%re all right&' +eneath the roe) her long) slen*er o*y was sheathe* in a

fine $otton nightgown&"ifting the $overs) she sli* into the e* on his unin-ure*si*e& She snuggle* against him as she normally *i*) or more$orre$tly as she ha* *one forfive of the six nights past& Oligingly) he raise* his goo* arman* she snuggle* $loser yet&



2er warmth sprea* li!e a alm over his unin-ure* si*e) thensan! eneath his s!in an* sprea* further& :ea$he* *eeper&She sighe* an* settle* her $hee! on his $hest& #1ust sleep&' Part or*er) part instru$tion 0 all in all) an ex$ellent

suggestion& 2is lips ha* $urve*7 his smile *eepene* as hes/uinte* at her right hea*& Then he*i* as or*ere* an* relaxe*7 letting his hea* sin! a$! intothe pillow) he $lose* his eyes&It was strange7 -ust having her there $alme* his whirlingthoughts&2er appearan$e in his room) her presen$e in his e*) *i*n%t)he !new) resolve any of the issues) answer any of the/uestions) revolving in his

rain& Those issues) those oh8so8pertinent /uestions) layefore them) ut that was for tomorrow&For tonight , everything was now right) as it shoul* e&Now he $oul* fall asleep&An* he *i*&

Chapter Seventeen



wo mornings later) 1eremy stoo* ami* a $haos of $arriages)horses) footmen) an* grooms) with frien*s an* $losea$/uaintan$es $lapping himon the a$! an* wishing him well) an* s$ente* la*ies he%*!nown an* largely avoi*e* for years patting him on the$hee! an* stating their expe$tation of seeing him soon in "on*on) as the ul! of those who%*gathere* at 9olverstone prepare* to *epart&

2e *i*n%t !now whi$h *eity to than! for prompting thegeneral exo*us) ut he was immeasuraly grateful&2ugo) Coy) an* .eggin were the first to a$tually leave7they woul* *rive a$! to E*inurgh in 2ugo%s $urri$le& Coyha* *riven 1eremy%s$urri$le *own) an* 1asper was now eating his hea* off in:oy$e%s stale&



#I say)' Coy sai*& #I too! a /ui$! gan*er at your notes on9olverstone%s Sumerian tome& Faulously ex$iting@ (on%tforget to sen* me a $opy of the paper when you present it to The :oyal So$iety&'

9hen 1eremy loo!e* lan!) Coy frowne*& #3ou are goingto present your fin*ings) aren%t you5' 1eremy lin!e*& #Ah) yes&' It ha* ta!en long minutes torememer the fantasti$ fin* he%* un$overe*& #Of $ourse 0I%ll sen* you a $opy on$e it%s*one&' Eventually&The realization that) from the moment he%* turne* his$urri$le north in pursuit of Eliza) he ha*n%t on$e thought ofthe $riti$al text he%* *is$overe*

stru$! him as epitomizing how mu$h he%* $hange*& Evennow) while matters etween him an* Eliza remaine*unresolve*) he felt no in$lination to sparetime for his notes&2i*ing that fran!ly sho$!ing *is$overy ehin* an easy smile)he shoo! han*s with Coy) $lappe* his frien* on the a$!)then let him go an*turne* to farewell .eggin& #Ta!e $are&' .eggin stret$he* up to !iss his $hee!& (rawing

a$!) she sear$he* his eyes& #An* e sure to ring Eliza upfor a visit when this is allover&' That #this' hovere* over him) an* over Eliza) too& 2eno**e*& #I will&' Eliza $hose that moment to -oin them& .eggin turne*) an*she an* Eliza emra$e* warmly& #Than! you so mu$h for all your help)' Eliza sai*&.eggin laughe* an* repeate* her invitation&

Eliza%s fa$e lit& #Of $ourse we%ll $ome&' Then she turne* toCoy an* 2ugo) wishing them well an* laughing atsomething 2ugo sai*&1eremy wat$he* her& 2er a$$eptan$e of .eggin%s invitationha* een genuine) sin$ere7 her intera$tion with his frien*splease* an* reassure*him&



Although she%* spent the last two nights sleeping alongsi*ehim) ensuring he) too) got a goo* night%s rest) on othmornings when he%* wo!en)she%* alrea*y gone& An* $ourtesy of the small army that

until now ha* inhaite* the $astle) he an* she ha* ha* not amoment alone in whi$h to ex$hangeopinions on anything& Conse/uently) he ha* no i*ea whatshe now thought) was thin!ing) aout him) aout them)aout their ne$essarily -oint future) notnow that they%* returne* to their $ustomary worl*&9hat he was in no *out aout was how all those present)arring only Coy) 2ugo) an* .eggin 0 $liming into2ugo%s $urri$le even as he

pon*ere* 0 saw him& An* therefore how they saw thelooming $onne$tion8that8ha*8to8e etween him an* Eliza&2er el*er rother) 4ariel) was only the latest to reinfor$ethat view&After stan*ing esi*e 1eremy an* waving 2ugo) Coy) an*.eggin away) Eliza was haile* y +re$!enri*ge7 she hurrie*off to spea! with hersisters) whom +re$!enri*ge was es$orting a$! to town&"eaving the spa$e at 1eremy%s shoul*er to e fille* y her

rother& #I wante* to than! you for saving her&' There was no*outing the sin$erity in 4ariel%s *eep voi$e& #3our plan toget her a$! here within one *aywas a goo* one) an* with either 2eather or Angeli$a it woul*have wor!e*) ut I !now it was Eliza%s la$! of ri*ing s!illsthat s!ittle* the plan& It wasn%t yourfault you an* she spent *ays getting to safety& In*ee*'04ariel%s lean lips $urve* 0#for someone who spen*s his

*ays with his nose urie* in *ustyoo!s) you *i* ex$ee*ingly well avoi*ing all the *angers an*getting past the hur*les to get her safely here& +ut the wi*erout$ome wasn%t any part of yourplan) an* no fault of yours) yet you%ve ma*e it plain enoughyou%re willing to a$$ept it) an* for that I 0 an* the rest ofus) too 0 honor you&'



1eremy *i*n%t want them to honor him in that way) yet he$oul* har*ly protest that there was no nee*) that hiswillingness to save Eliza in the wi*ersense wasn%t primarily *riven y any sense of oligation) not

when he *i*n%t !now what Eliza was now thin!ing& 9hether)now they were a$! in so$iety%sfol*) she wishe* to $ast their up$oming union in anoligatory light& 2is gaze on her as she $hatte* with 2eatheran* Angeli$a) he replie*) #I ,' Sli*ing hishan*s into his po$!ets) he lightly shrugge*& #It%s the rightthing to *o) for oth of us&' That) at least) was true&4ariel in$line* his hea*& #:egar*less&' 2e hel* out his

han*& #Call on us for anything you nee*&' #Than! you&' 1eremy shoo! 4ariel%s han*) then smile* atAlathea as she -oine* them&The farewells $ontinue*& 1eremy ha* mu$h the same$onversation with (evil as he%* ha* with 4ariel) with mu$hthe same result& 2aving to s!irtthe /uestion of -ust what the true relationship etween himan* Eliza was 0 having to let (evil) 2onoria) 2elena) "a*yOsal*estone) an* all the rest

leave with the $lear impression that the union everyone ha*een $areful not to *ire$tly mention woul* e one ase* onhonor an* *riven y a nee* topreserve Eliza%s reputation , allowing that view to remainun$hallenge* literally grate* on his nerves&They felt rue* raw y the time he%* wave* away the$arriage $onveying Christian) "etitia) (elorough) an* (eliaha$! to "in$olnshire&3et he ha* to a*mit to feeling grateful that so many ha*

$ome in support of him as well as Eliza& On re$eiving themessage he%* sent fromE*inurgh) :oy$e ha* sent ri*ers to "eonora an* Tristan inSurrey) an* to Eliza%s parents in "on*on& 4ariel an* Alatheaha* $ome north with "or*



.artin an* "a*y Celia& (evil an* 2onoria ha* *riven up) too7as 2elena ha* een staying with them at the time) she) too)ha* $ome& "eonora an* Tristanha* ro!en the long -ourney north at (earne Aey) an*

foun* (elorough an* (eliah visiting there) along with "a*yOsal*estone& Not !nowing what thestate of affairs might e north of the or*er) Christian an*"etitia an* (elorough an* (eliah ha* -oine* Tristan an*"eonora) an* "a*y Osal*estoneha*) of $ourse) $ome too&"a*y Osal*estone ha* ele$te* to return to "on*on with2elena in (evil an* 2onoria%s $arriage7 it followe* Christian%s*own the *rive& 4ariel

an* Alathea ha* alrea*y set out for "on*on&On the other si*e of the fore$ourt) Eliza ha* ha* more thanenough of eing le$ture* y her sisters& She hugge*2eather) who then allowe*+re$!enri*ge to han* her up the $arriage steps& On the topstep) 2eather turne* an* fixe* Eliza with an a*monitoryloo!& #:ememer) hol* firm& 3ou !nowwhat you want 0 so ma!e sure you get it&' +esi*e the $arriage) +re$!enri*ge rolle* his eyes an* feigne*

*eafness&Eliza rolle* her eyes) too& #Stop fussing& I !now what I%m*oing&' #3es)' Angeli$a sai*) preparing to follow 2eather) #ut willyou sti$! to it5 9e all !now you%re softer) more malleale)than 2eather or me& If youlose heart on this) if you allow yourself to e persua*e* tosettle for anything less than your *reams) we%ll ,' On thetop step) Angeli$a narrowe* her eyes

to green shar*s& #9ell) I *on%t !now what we%ll *o) ut I *o!now we won%t stan* for it& So *on%t a$!sli*e&' 9ith that) Eliza%s irritating younger sister turne* an**isappeare* into the $arriage&"eaving +re$!enri*ge to follow&



2e grinne* ruefully an* gave Eliza a light hug& #As yoursoon8to8e rother8in8law) I woul* merely a** ,' 2epause*) then sighe*& #2e%s a goo*man) Eliza& 9hatever you wor! out etween yourselves)

*on%t forget that 0 or all that he *i*) all he%s given) to !eepyou safe&' She lin!e*& Carefully hugge* +re$!enri*ge a$!7 he wasstill re$overing from the life8threatening woun* he%*re$eive* while saving 2eather& #I!now what sort of man he is& I%m not li!ely to forget&' 2e was her hero in more ways than anyone seeme* torealize& That not even her sisters seeme* to a$tuallyun*erstan* that felt very li!e her last

straw) ut now that the $auses of her irritation ha* largelyleft) she $oul* *raw reath 0 an* rein in her temper eforeit a$tually ro!e loose&"a*y Osal*estone an* her aunt 2elena ha* gone so far asto assure her that eing marrie* to a man !nown for hispropensity to ury himself forwee!s at a time in his lirary woul*n%t e that a*7 they%*patte* her han* an* tol* her she woul* fin* plenty of otherinterests to fill her time&

All of them 0 all 0 ha* ehave*) an* ha* allu*e* to1eremy) as if he was somehow se$on*8rate& As if theirmarriage woul* e a se$on*8est) anot 8est out$ome) for them oth& At least 2eather an*Angeli$a ha* a$!nowle*ge* the possiility of anotherout$ome) although neither seeme* to haveall that mu$h faith that etter out$ome woul* $ome to e&Not if the matter was left in Eliza%s an* 1eremy%s han*s&At that moment) 1eremy strolle* up& 2e shoo!

+re$!enri*ge%s han*) s/ueeze* the han*s 2eather an*Angeli$a hel* out of the $arriage win*ows&Then Eliza%s parents $ame up) along with :oy$e an*.inerva& +re$!enri*ge $lime* into the $arriage7 shuttingthe *oor after him) :oy$e signalle* the$oa$hman&



9ith waves an* farewells all aroun*) the $arriage rumle*off&An*) finally) they were alone&Or at least surroun*e* only y those who ha* a real reason

to e there? Eliza%s parents) "eonora an* Tristan) an* theirhosts) :oy$e an* .inerva&Chatting among themselves) those others all amle* a$! tothe steps) $learly inten*ing to return in*oors&After $onsi*ering the general retreat) 1eremy glan$e* atEliza) still esi*e him& #9oul* you li!e to go for a wal!5' :elief shone in her eyes& #3es) please& I *efinitely *on%t wantto go insi*e an* sit&' A feeling for whi$h he ha* a great *eal of sympathy& #9e

$an wal! to the stream an* ta!e the path aroun* the la!e&' She no**e* an* they hea*e* a$ross the front of the $astle)leaving the *rive for a well8ten*e* path that le* throughe*s an* *own the e*ge of alawn to the stream&Ta!ing her han*) he stea*ie* her a$ross the plan!s of awoo*en ri*ge that ar$he* over the urling stream& #I%malmost grateful to S$rope forshooting me) given he *i*n%t *o too mu$h *amage&' .eeting

her eyes as) surprise*) she glan$e* at him) he grinne*ruefully& #Than!s to the woun*) we%veeen ale to $laim at least a few *ays% gra$e efore ma!ingour expe$te* appearan$e in "on*on&' +efore *e$laring their engagement an* ma!ing thene$essary plans to we*&She grima$e*& #That%s true&' #+ut as they have all $onsente* to give us the time ,perhaps we shoul* use it&'

Stepping onto the path that ran along the other si*e of thestream) she ar$he* her rows& #9hat *i* you have in min*5' 2e hesitate*) then sai*) #Tell me your favorites 0 $olors)flowers) musi$ 0 anything on whi$h you have an opinion&' She laughe*) an* *i*) then *eman*e* the same of him&



They tra*e* li!es) *isli!es) opinions) an* views as theystrolle* towar* the la!e& 1eremy foun* the /uestions) an*his answers to hers) $omingmore easily to his tongue than he%* expe$te*7 tal!ing to

young la*ies ha* never een his forte) ut in this $ase , thiswas the la*y with whom he woul* esharing the remain*er of his life7 there was no real nee* to$ensor his tongue&9hat he *i* nee* was to learn more aout her) eventhough) to his min*) he alrea*y !new the most importantthings& 2e !new he li!e* her laugh)!new that a $ertain private little smile of hers ma*e him feelli!e a !ing& +ut he pai* attention to the answers she gave)

his attention wholly lo$!e* on her,9ooing her&9ith an o** little start) he realize* that was what he was*oing& .ore) that he was *oing it *elierately) with intentan* passion , e$ause somepart of him) that newfoun* part of him that ha* emerge*over re$ent *ays) *rawn out from some re$ess of his soul ythe *eman*s of their flight) elieve*

she *eserve* it& That she *eserve* so mu$h more than apreor*aine* union&On$e he realize*) somewhat to his surprise) he *i*n%t *rawa$!) ut instea* went further) set himself to $harm an*amuse an* *raw her out& An*foun* he $oul*&Eyes laughing) she respon*e* openly) without guile& Theyrea$he* the la!e an* $ontinue* strolling eneath the trailingran$hes of the willows)

ta!ing the path that le* away from the house) slowly$ir$umnavigating the la!e&Eliza foun* herself $aptivate*) her heart $apture* all overagain& Sli*ing her arm into his) she wal!e* y his si*e an*as!e* after his un$le



2umphrey) as!e* him to *es$rie the house at Numer D).ontrose Pla$e) where he an* his un$le live*& 2e *uly*es$rie* the house an* gar*ens withthe *egree of *etail she expe$te* from him) ut even she

*ete$te* the one glaring omission& She ar$he* a row athim& #9hat aout the lirary5' 2e pulle* a fa$e) almost a win$e& #A$tually) it%s liraries&There are two& I $onverte* what use* to e the $onservatoryinto a *rawing room) an*then too! over the original *rawing room for my own&' +efore he $oul* *o violen$e to his feelings an* offer toreverse the $onversion 0 as his somewhat stri$!enexpression suggeste* he was aout

to *o 0 she leapt in to as!) #So the new *rawing roomoverloo!s the a$! gar*en5' Somewhat warily) he no**e*&She smile* an* presse* her shoul*er to his& #That%s all therage these *ays) you !now&' #It is5' 2e loo!e* at her $yni$ally& #3ou%re ma!ing that up&' She laughe* an* shoo! her hea*& #No) truly& It was in all thela*y%s -ournals these months past 0 the latest tren*&' #Ah&' 2e no**e*& 2is fa$e $leare*& #9ell) then) it appears

we%re ahea* of the times& I must rememer to tell2umphrey&' #2e soun*s li!e he woul* appre$iate the $a$het&' #In*ee*) he will&' The light anter $ontinue*) yet eneath the airy $ommentsthere was a threa*) a *ire$tion) she ha*n%t misse*& 2e was)in his own way) telling heraout his life) his home) the sort of life he le* 0 an* as!ingafter hers&

Showing her) revealing to her) the information they ha*n%tha* time to share efore en*ing up engage*8y8*efault)$ourtesy of S$rope an* thelair*&2e *i*n%t have to *o it) to exten* himself in this way) to lether see the little things) the minutiae of his life that wereimportant to him) that meant



something to him&An* he *i*n%t have to e intereste* in her& 3et he was7 therewas nothing the least fari$ate* in his attention) his interest&In*ee*) eing the fo$al

point of his un*ivi*e* attention gave her a *efinite thrill7 asa s$holar) his $on$entration was truly impressive an* havingthat $on$entration traine* on herwas in itself riveting&6nowing him for the s$holar he was) largely *ivor$e* fromthe so$ial s$ene) she ha*n%t expe$te* him to $ourt her li!ethis& That he ha*) that hewas) ma*e her lose her heart again&They%* roun*e* the la!e an* turne* towar* the $astle&

"oo!ing up at the turrete* !eep) he sighe*& #I have to$onfess I !now nothing aoutetrothals) aout what we nee* to *o) puli$ly or privately&'2e slante* a glan$e at her& #I%m assuming you *o5' She hel* his gaze for a moment) then no**e*& The segueha* een so seamless) so smooth) ut he%* shifte* from thetheoreti$al to the pra$ti$al)to the issues with whi$h they now ha* to *eal& #First $omesa noti$e in the Gazette& There%s a fairly stan*ar* wor*ing&'

#An* then5' She *rew in a reath) her lungs su**enly tight) let it outwith) #That *epen*s very mu$h on us& On what we *e$i*e&On our , *ire$tion&' 9hen he frowne*) $learly not $omprehen*ing) sheexplaine*) #9hat we *o after the noti$e of our etrothal isposte* will signal to the ton) toso$iety at large) what the , for want of a etter term) asisof our marriage is to e&' She fought an* su$$ee*e* in

!eeping her tone *ire$t an* matter8offa$t& #In $ir$umstan$es su$h as ours) there%s an expe$tation that)following the noti$e in the Gazette) matters will e organize*/uietly) an* our we**ing wille a su*ue*) family an* $lose $onne$tions only) affair&' #Ah&' :aising his hea*) he loo!e* towar* the attlements&



She $oul*n%t see his features) his eyes) $oul*n%t get any realsense of what he was thin!ing& +ut she nee*e* to !now&This was the $rux) the pointto whi$h his earlier ta$! that they not thin! aout so$iety%s

expe$tations ut simply let what might e etween themevolve ha* rought them to&9ere they to marry for love 0 were they to grasp the$han$e for the ultimate happiness she felt sure was withintheir grasp5 Or were they to stepa$! to the safety of a $onventional) so$ially *i$tate* union)one whi$h left them oth) at least theoreti$ally) free to stepa$! from love&Free to remain un$ommitte* to love&

#9e have to ma!e a *e$ision) you see 0 a $hoi$e) one wayor the other&' She trie* to $at$h his eye) ut he *i*n%t loo!her way& #3es& I see&' From what she $oul* glimpse of his fa$e he appeare* to efrowning in a rather s$holarly way) as if the /uestion of whatlay etween them was amatter for analysis&A matter yet in /uestion&

She was tempte* to press) yet , it was possile he ha*n%tthought through his feelings yet& 2a*n%t yet *e$i*e* on his*ire$tion& .en) as herrothers% an* $ousins% wives fre/uently pointe* out) wereoften relu$tant to engage in su$h emotional *e$ision ma!ing)an* while 1eremy might e as$holar) he was also un*enialy a man&Perhaps she shoul* give him time to thin!) to rea$h his own$on$lusion efore she a*van$e* hers&

Angeli$a%s wor*s rang in her min*) ut she pushe* themaway& She wasn%t a$!sli*ing& She !new what she wante*)an* she wasn%t turning asi*efrom her goal in the least) ut she $oul*n%t have what shewante*) $oul*n%t attain her ultimate goal) if he *i*n%t want it)too&They%* rea$he* the house&



1eremy hel* the si*e *oor for her) then followe* her into the$orri*or& #Tell me 0 what%s the most unusual)un$onventional wor*ing you%ve ever$ome a$ross for a etrothal noti$e5'

The /uestion too! her y surprise& #;nusual5' She ra$!e*her rain) then shoo! her hea*& #I *on%t thin! I%ve ever seenanything ut the norm&' #No "or* an* "a*y 2igginotham are hugely relieve* toannoun$e the etrothal of their fifth *aughter Pris$illa to .r&Courtney%5 .r& an* .rs&Foxglove are e$stati$ in *e$laring their el*est *aughter.illi$ent is to e we* to <is$ount Snaring%5' She laughe*& #No mention of relief) no matter how real)

mu$h less e$stasy&' 2e humphe*& #I thin! we shoul* ma!e an effort to eoriginal 0 at least to assess our every option&' She was stru$! y the remin*er of the way his min* wor!e*& #"i!e we *i* *uring our flight5' They%* rea$he* the large front hall& 2alting) lifting her han*from his sleeve) he turne* to fa$e her7 his fingers lightly$lasping hers) he met her eyes& #3es& 1ust li!e that&'

2er heart s!ippe* a eat7 she sear$he* his eyes& (i* hemean 0The gong for lun$h $ut a$ross their senses) fra$turing themoment&.ultiple female voi$es approa$he* the top of the stairs7 therumle of male voi$es $ame from the *ire$tion of the lirary&Their gazes returne* to ea$h other) met) hel*&1eremy%s lips twiste*& 2e offere* his arm& #Shall we5' Stifling a sigh) telling herself they woul* have plenty of time

later to pursue their *is$ussion) Eliza set her han* on hissleeve an* wal!e* esi*ehim to the *ining room&



If 1eremy ha* harore* any *out as to what "eonora an*Tristan) :oy$e an* .inerva) an* Eliza%s parents imagine* the

#asis' of his an* Eliza%s unionwoul* e) the fa$t that not one wor* on the su-e$t) noteven an allusion to it) was uttere* throughout the mealwoul* have set him straight&The *eli$ate avoi*an$e) the implie* aw!war*ness in evenallu*ing to it) was smotheringly pervasive& No one wante* toraise the issue of theso$ial $ompulsion to whi$h they all 0 patently 0 elieve*he%* owe*&

2e ha* surren*ere* to a $ompulsion) ut not that one&9hat their attitu*e implie* aout Eliza set his teeth on e*ge&A*mitte*ly) neither he nor she ha* ma*e any statement)any *e$laration) yet he $oul*n%t $omprehen* how "eonora)an* even Tristan an* :oy$e)who ha* oth !nown him for over a *e$a*e) $oul* e solin* to the truth&A truth he felt in every sinew) that ha* sun! to his veryones&

2e was *ifferent7 he%* $hange*& An* it wasn%t simply theirflight from *anger that ha* rought aout thetransformation& #9e%ve ha* a goo* year thus far in Somerset)' "or* .artinreplie* to :oy$e%s /uery& #The planting went well an*)arring *isaster) the yiel*sshoul* e ex$ellent&' The male $onversations revolve* aout $attle) sheep) an*$rops& 2ow the la*ies manage* to restrain themselves

1eremy *i*n%t !now) ut noton$e was so$iety in any of its many guises so mu$h asmentione*&On his right) seate* opposite Celia) "eonora sai*) #I%ll haveto exert myself an* fin* a new governess& Or perhaps anextra governess 0 our girls



have een protesting that they want to learn "atin) an*more arithmeti$ an* geography) if you $an imagine&' #Oh) I $an)' .inerva replie*& #Ours) sa*ly) are tomoys) an*)of $ourse) :oy$e is no help in reining them in) ut they seem

mu$h more in$line* to ,shall we say more esoteri* pursuits than emroi*ery) musi$)or painting&' Their nearest an* *earest were tiptoeing aroun* them) an*even more aroun* the su-e$t of their marriage&2alfway through the meal) he ex$hange* a glan$e with Eliza&From the set of her lips) she) too) was fin*ing sai* tiptoeingtrying&2e toye* with putting his /uestion aout interesting ways to

$ou$h a etrothal noti$e to the tale at large) ut as he an*Eliza ha*n%t yet *is$usse*an* agree* on anything) he refraine*&That last thought !ept him /uiet through the rest of themeal& 2e often was silent at the tale) ut this time it wasn%t.esopotamian hieroglyphi$swith whi$h he was wrestling&Eliza ha*n%t a$tually said anything aout what type ofmarriage she wante*& 2a* she5 2e wasn%t the most

oservant sort) not when it $ame topeople) females in parti$ular) ut although she%* $ome to hise* for the past two nights) although she%* respon*e* /uitegratifyingly to his attempt to wooher) she ha*n%t a$tually state* what she wante*&2e thought he !new7 he hope* he was right) ut , sheha*n%t a$tually uttered any wor*s on whi$h he $oul* pin hisfuture&In*ee*) the more he thought of it) the more he analyze*) as

was his wont) the more he grew unsettlingly aware that hisassumptions aout theman* their future) aout what she wante* their marriage toe) were) thus far) ase* solely on his interpretations of hera$tions) ne$essarily viewe* throughthe prism of his own hopes an* fears& 2is nee*s) his wants&The reality of hers $oul* $on$eivaly e /uite *ifferent&



2e $oul*) very easily) e wrong&An* all those sitting aroun* him $oul* e/ually easily eright&9hat if they were5

2e glan$e* a$ross the tale& "i!e him) she was silentlyeating) an* paying s$ant attention to the $onversationsaroun* her& 2e trie* to view her 0her ehavior) her expressions) the wor*s they%* ex$hange*0 o-e$tively) *ispassionately& As!e* himself if what he%*seen might fit e/ually well if notetter with the notion that) having returne* to her$ustomary worl*) she was now happy to sli*e into the ni$hethat her parents) his family) an* their frien*s

ha* waiting for her 0 an* him 0 a ni$he ase* onpre$on$eptions an* on what they elieve* was preor*aine*&Sli*ing into that ni$he woul* $ertainly e easier&On them oth&Easier to simply surren*er the reins) sit a$!) an* follow thepres$rie* pattern 0 starting with a $onventionally wor*e*noti$e in the Gazette&All he ha* to *o was as! her to marry him an* then letmatters ta!e their $ourse&

2e woul*n%t have to wrestle with what he felt) what she felt)woul*n%t have to ma!e any real a*-ustments to how he live*his life& Not if he settle* fora so$ially *i$tate* marriage ase* on oligation an* mereaffe$tion&If that was what he wante*) it woul* e easy to ma!ehappen&+ut was that what he wante*5+y the time the meal en*e* an* they all rose from the tale)

he was no longer sure 0 not of him) not of her) not of whatthey oth wante*) let alonemight have) for their future&



1eremy too! himself off for a longer wal!& This time alone&2e nee*e* to thin! things through) to get $lear in his min*

what he wante* 0 an* then *evisesome $lever way to learn what Eliza wante* efore he ma*ea fool of himself y ma!ing a i* for an option she *i*n%twant&It might have een easier if he%* een ale to spea! with herin private) without any of the expe$tations that 0 as he%*feare* 0 now all ut literallypresse* *own upon them) ut as they%* left the *ining roomher mother ha* $laime* her attention7 engrosse* in

$onversation) Eliza ha* starte* up thestairs with the other la*ies) presumaly hea*ing to .inerva%ssitting room) the *u$hess%s favore* retreat&2e%* glan$e* at Eliza%s a$!) then) $ons$ious of the threemen following at his heels) he%* wal!e* on *own the$orri*or) not to the lirary ut pastit) to a si*e *oor that gave a$$ess to the gar*ens&Stepping out of the house) he $lose* the *oor an* set outalong the gravel path) an* felt an oppressive weight ease

from his shoul*ers& From hismin*&This was what he nee*e*) spa$e an* silen$e in whi$h tothin!&Sli*ing his han*s into his trouser po$!ets) he fixe* his gazeon the path an* wal!e*& 2e woul* have preferre* to haveri**en) or *riven) ut hiswoun* still ren*ere* either a$tivity unwise&2is min* wor!e* on logi$al lines7 logi$ was the natural

perspe$tive from whi$h he approa$he* any su-e$t henee*e* to un*erstan*&2e nee*e* to un*erstan* this&Comparing himself in this situation with what he !new ofother men seeme* a sensile pla$e to start& 2e ha* always)to himself an* all others)



een a s$holar) not a warrior& 3et most of the men he !newoutsi*e of a$a*eme were un/uestionaly warriors 0 Tristan)all the other memers of the+astion Clu) :oy$e) all the Cynsters7 he was well

a$/uainte* with the $hara$teristi$s of the ree*&2e might always have een a s$holar) ut having to res$ueEliza from S$rope an* the lair* ha* rought another)un*erlying) perhaps latent si*e of him to the fore 0 a si*e instantly re$ognizale as a warriorpersona 0 an* as the freely a$!nowle*ge* approval an*approation of 4ariel) (evil):oy$e) an* all the others ha* prove*) they) too) ha* seenhis a$tions an* rea$tions as those not of a s$holar ut of a

warrior li!e them&So , he was a mixture& A s$holar8warrior) or a warrior8s$holar) it *i*n%t matter whi$h& 9hat mattere* was that)un*erneath all) he was su-e$t tothe same impulses an* $ompulsions as all the other warriorshe !new) ut in his $ase those impulses an* $ompulsionswere influen$e* an* tempere* yhis s$holarly si*e&2e wasn%t sure if that ma*e him more $ol*8loo*e* than

them) or simply more $learhea*e*&:egar*less) the pertinent issues surroun*ing marriage wereones he%* seen all those others fa$e7 he !new how they%*respon*e*& 2a* any of them een in his shoes , he snorte*) muttere*) #They woul*seize the $han$e of getting what I want 0 Eliza as my wife0 without having to spea! of love) without having to expose my heart) or a$!nowle*geany of the $on$omitant vulnerailities&'

2e was very aware of those vulnerailities) yet , perhaps itwas the s$holar in him) ut he%* never seen the point infearing them) or fighting them)at least not to the extent of forgoing what was offere* inreturn& 2e%* never seen the point in allowing a *isli!e of oneaspe$t of a *esirale $oin to prevent



him from seizing the $oin altogether& #+ut they woul* trytheir *amne*est to $on$eal their true feelings& If I as!e*)they%* tell me to seize the $han$e) an*allow the assumption that the union etween me an* Eliza

will not e a love8mat$h to stan*&' For every gentleman8warrior he !new) marrying the la*ythey%* love* without having to *e$lare or in any way exposetheir feelings ha* een a holygrail& Not one of them ha* su$$ee*e* in attaining it) yet thatgoal was now efore him) pla$e* y $ir$umstan$e all ut inhis grasp) his for the seizing&An* he *i*n%t want it&2e !new they%* thin! him ma* , or at least they woul* have

efore they%* all marrie*& Now ,Now) they might -ust un*erstan*&Ea$h of them) ultimately) ha* ma*e that other $hoi$e& The$hoi$e he wante* to) felt *riven to) ma!e&2e saw no reason to *eny love 0 its -oys) its $hallenges) itssorrows) all that it en$ompasse* 0 -ust e$ause everyoneha* assume* that he)simple s$holar that he%* appeare* to e) woul*n%t want it&That he woul*n%t want to wrestle with su$h a powerful

emotion) to invite its *istra$tions an*upheavals into his well8or*ere* life 0 ut he *i*&2e *i*n%t nee* to $onsi*er his own feelings further& 2e "newwhat he wante*&All he nee*e* was to *is$over whether Eliza wante* that)too&Then they $oul* move on&Into the future that was right for them) rather than thelan* an* oring future everyone envisage* for them&

A footstep ehin* him ha* him glan$ing a$!& 2e wasn%tterrily surprise* to see Tristan stri*ing along with the $learintention of $at$hing him up&Stifling a sigh 0 long8suffering) ut resigne* 0 he halte*an*) s$hooling his features into a polite ut uninformativeexpression) waite* for hisrother8in8law&



Tristan met his gaze) trie*) unsu$$essfully) to see past hismas!) then) with an easy gesture) wave* them oth on& #Iimagine you%re trying to seeyour way through all of this&'

1eremy no**e* $urtly& #In*ee*&' 2e was trying to see how toget Eliza to tell him what she felt& #Oviously)' Tristan $ontinue*) pa$ing alongsi*e him) #not inany way foreseeing) or having any experien$e of) su$h asituation) you must ewon*ering aout the ins an* outs 0 the *etails) there/uirements) the so$ial $ommitments&' #2mm&' 1eremy was won*ering if it woul* e fair to simplytell Eliza how he felt) or whether) if he *i*) she might feel

olige* to preten* to feel thesame for him 0 or) potentially even worse) to e terrily!in* aout it all& ;gh&+esi*e him) Tristan went on) #The truth is) all you nee* to*o is as! her to e your wife 0 you *on%t nee* to preten* toany *eeper emotion& No oneexpe$ts you or she to preten* yours will e a love8mat$h&' 5ut what i+ it was4 .hat i+ the didn-t need to pretend4 It was on the tip of his tongue to voi$e those /uestions 0

an* upset Tristan%s apple $art entirely 0 when his rother8in8law $ontinue*) #Everyone!nows that Eliza isn%t the wife you woul* have $hosen) anymore than she woul* have seen you as the man of her*reams) ut as neither of you is in anyway atta$he* to any other) an* as in all other respe$ts themat$h is perfe$tly a$$eptale) then the ton $an e $ounte*on to no* an* smile an* give yourmarriage its lessing&'

The ton *ould go hang 1eremy literally it his tongue to hol* a$! the wor*s thats$al*e* it& Apparently along with all else) his warrior self ha*a mu$h hotter temper thanthe mil*er s$holar possesse*7 the suggestion that Eliza*i*n%t really want him) or that he *i*n%t truly want her) ha*een enough to sen* it soaring& 6eeping



his eyes on the path so that Tristan woul*n%t glimpse hisfury) tamping *own the urge to rip his rother8in8law%s hea*from his shoul*ers) verally at least 0remin*ing himself that he li"ed Tristan) an* that "eonora

li!e* him even more 0 he swallowe* the su**en surge ofrage an* manage* a grunt&Tristan) of $ourse) too! it as agreement& 2e $lappe* him onthe shoul*er& #:ight then 0 all you nee* *o to set the allrolling is as! her for herhan*& No nee* in the $ir$umstan$es to see! .artin%sapproval 0 of $ourse you have it) you may ta!e that asrea*&' "or* .artin woul* nee* to fin* his swor* if he wante* to get

in 1eremy%s way& #On$e you%ve as!e* an* she%s a$$epte* 0 whi$h of $ourseshe will 0 then all of us here stan* rea*y to help you oth inorganizing all the rest&' After a moment) Tristan *u$!e* his hea*) trying to rea*1eremy%s expression) his rea$tion to the a*vi$e&+y then 1eremy ha* his features un*er $omplete $ontrolagain) ut he wasn%t aout to trust his tongue& 2is fa$e setin un$ompromising lines) he

no**e* on$e an* gave another grunt&From the $orner of his eye) he saw Tristan smile) apparentlyrelieve*& #No great rush) of $ourse)' Tristan sai*) #ut theannoun$ement will proalynee* to go out within the wee!&' Another grunt appeare* to satisfy& If 1eremy ha*n%t*is$overe* Eliza%s true feelings within a wee!) he%* go ma*&The path they%* followe* ha* $ir$le* the house) lea*ing themto a *oor in another wing&

#2ow%s the woun*5' Tristan as!e* as he hel* the *oor open&2is arm was the least of his $on$erns& Stepping over thethreshol*) 1eremy growle*) #Still sore&' "eaving Tristan to follow) he stal!e* on an* hea*e* for thelirary&



None of the others woul* other him if he urie* his nose inone of :oy$e%s an$ient tomes7 there were some enefits toeing a renowne*s$holar& All he%* have to *o was turn a page now an* then)

an* they woul* imagine he was rea*ing& Perfe$t $over forwhat he really nee*e* an* inten*e*to *o 0 to wor! out a way to learn if Eliza returne* hisregar*&To *is$over if she love* him as he love* her&

Eliza%s afternoon *egenerate* from the tryingly izarre tothe izarrely trying&She $oul*n%t elieve 0 $oul* arely $omprehen* 0 the la$!of per$eption that three la*ies she%* previously $onsi*ere* toe among the moreintelligent of their $lass were intent on *isplaying over her)1eremy) an* their up$oming marriage&

No one /uestione* that the marriage woul* o$$ur) ut in allother respe$ts) reality an* the la*ies% expe$tations*ramati$ally) if not *iametri$ally)*iverge*&2er mother ha* waylai* her in the front hall with a /uestionover the timing of 2eather an* +re$!enri*ge%s we**ing& The*ate ha* not yet een sete$ause of +re$!enri*ge%s near8fatal in-ury an* hissuse/uent $onvales$en$e) ut now that their engagement

all was su$$essfully past) thoughts ha*turne* to the we**ing&Eliza ha*n%t un*erstoo* her mother%s reasoning in as!ingher) until) having steere* her through the *oorway into.inerva%s sitting room upstairs)Celia ha* *e$lare*) #9ith your own we**ing now in theoffing) we%ll nee* to $onsi*er -ust how to alan$e the two&'



Eliza ha* frowne*) then ha* sat on the sofa esi*e hermother& #+alan$e in what way5' #9ell) *ear) with 2eather an* +re$!enri*ge%s marriage einga love8mat$h) everyone will expe$t all the romanti$

trappings&' Celia ha* met Eliza%seyes) her hazel gaze $ompassionate) her lips $urving in asympatheti$) almost $ommiserating smile& #9ith you an*1eremy , well) no one woul* want toput you oth through that&' Eliza ha* een so stunne* that she%* simply stare*& Sheha*n%t !nown what to say&9hi$h) of $ourse) ha* le* her mother to pat her han*$onsolingly an* turn to .inerva an* "eonora to as! their

a*vi$e on) firstly) what they thoughtso$iety woul* *eem an a$$eptale etrothal perio* for Elizaan* 1eremy 0 no longer than ne$essary seeme* to e the$onsensus 0 an* in light of that)what length of time $oul* e reasonaly allowe* etween2eather an* +re$!enri*ge%s matrimonial extravaganza) an*Eliza an* 1eremy%s /uieter) morereserve* nuptials&2er min* reeling) Eliza trie* to formulate some way 0 some

a$$eptale wor*s 0 with whi$h to $orre$t the $learlyprevalent mis$on$eptions) utevery time she assemle* appropriately temperate phrasesan* senten$es) one of the other three woul* ma!e another)even more outrageouslyerroneous $omment) leaving her lin!ing) !no$!e* off8alan$e) an* spee$hless again&.ore than on$e she was on the rin! of leaping to her feetan* stating) for$efully) ou have it all wrong#

+ut then .inerva) "eonora) an* Celia starte* tal!ing aouthouse) home) family) an* $hil*ren) an* Eliza shut up an*listene*&"istene* e$ause they *i*n%t spea! of her an* 1eremy ut)instea*) of their own experien$es) o$$asionally referring totheir expe$tations of



2eather an* +re$!enri*ge) ut in the main spea!ing aout)*es$riing) the sort of marrie* life Eliza ha*) for all her life)imagine* woul* e hers&9hat they spo!e of ma*e the *istin$tion etween what a

la*y $oul* expe$t from a love8mat$h versus a so$ially*i$tate* mat$h $rystal $lear&That $larity fo$use* Eliza on the $riti$al /uestion she ha*until then allowe* to remain unanswere*) even in her min*&(i* 1eremy love her5She wasn%t in any *out of the nature of her regar* for him&A fortnight efore) she woul* have s$offe* at the notion thatshe might fall in love with1eremy Carling7 she now !new etter& An* the way she%* felt

on the ri*ge) when he%* flung himself a$ross her an*!no$!e* her *own) an* so save* herfrom eing shot at the expense of eing shot himself) leftasolutely no room for *out&She was hea* over ears) irre*eemaly in love with asometimes asentmin*e* s$holar who) when the nee*arose) $oul* transform into a maleevery it as prote$tive as her rothers or $ousins&Not the slightest hint of wavering or un$ertainty remaine* in

her reast 0 not over her feelings for him&2is feelings for her , of those she was less $ertain) ut asshe%* assure* her sisters) she wasn%t so wea! that she woul*step a$! from the$hallenge of seeing their feelings ma*e $lear) openly an**ire$tly a$!nowle*ge* etween them&A ris!) perhaps) yet , the more she thought of the way he%*$are* for her) the way he an* she intera$te*) even now) theway he%* hel* her an*

ma*e love to her , the way he%* unhesitatingly ris!e* hislife to save her&In her heart of hearts) where she *i*n%t nee* fa$ts orevi*en$e to -ustify her $on$lusions) she !new& 6new that helove* her&



3es) they might have to) as so many $ouples *i*) *an$earoun* the su-e$t until he felt $omfortale enough to saythe wor*s) ut having seen that*an$e performe* often an* !nowing that the en* was always

the same) she ha* no real worries on that s$ore&+etween the two of them) they woul* get to the point theywante* to rea$h 0 -ust as they ha* *uring their flight fromE*inurgh& There woul* ehur*les an* seta$!s) ut she ha* no *out of their ailitiesto somehow) together) over$ome them&They woul*) at a time of their own $hoosing) rea$h the pointwhere they woul* say to ea$h other? I love you&An* when they *i*) they woul* !now the other meant ea$h

of those three little wor*s&All that) to her min*) was a $ertainty& She *i*n%t !now theirtimetale) ut their *estination shone $lear an* right in hermin*&The step after that) however) loo!e* *e$i*e*ly mur!y&If theirs was truly to e a love8mat$h) as she was sure itwoul* e) yet everyone 0 their families in$lu*e* 0 *eeme*it a marriage for$e* uponthem y $ir$umstan$e , woul* it matter5

9oul* it $hange how they went on) how they live* theirmarrie* lives5She honestly wasn%t sure&For herself) she *i*n%t $are what so$iety at large thought ofthem) an* she suspe$te* 1eremy woul* e even lesssensitive to so$ial stigma) utgiven her intemperate rea$tion to her mother%s) his sister%s)an* .inerva%s $omments , how woul* they respon* to alifetime of su$h well8intentione*) ut

so wil*ly erroneous) an* therefore rather insulting) remar!s5:eturning to the $onversation that ha* een $arrying onwithout her) as if in illustration she hear* .inerva say) #Of$ourse) there%s always the/uestion of other interests 0 with :oy$e) it%s the estate) utthan!fully) after that last foray with (elorough an*$ompany) he hasn%t e$ome involve* in



any other governmental8type missions) mu$h to my *elight&' #Tristan)' "eonora sai*) #has his han*s full with his aunts)$ousins) an* the other ol* *ears& On top of the estate)they%re more than enough to !eep

him usy&' Celia laughe*& #In my *ay) anything that !ept a manasore* an* away from temptation was to e applau*e*&'She pause*) then a**e*) #I mustrememer to tell 2eather to en$ourage +re$!enri*ge to*evelop some hoy that will !eep him away from town&' .inerva ar$he* a row& #An* all the la*ies5' Celia no**e*& #I%m /uite sure where his interest lies) ut Iwoul*n%t *is$ount some la*ies elieving they might prove a

worthy *istra$tion&' #<ery true)' .inerva sai*&"eonora loo!e* at Eliza an* smile* reassuringly& #At leastthat%s something you won%t have to $onten* with& The only*istra$tion you%ll ever have to$ompete against will e an$ient) *ea*) an* either leather8oun* or engrave* in stone&' .inerva $hu$!le*&Celia starte* to) then her expression $hange* to a frown&

#9ell) yes) ut that *oes ring up another $onsi*eration&'She loo!e* at Eliza& #3ou%llnee* to have some asoring interests of your own) my*ear& 3ou won%t want to ma!e too many *eman*s on1eremy%s time&' #I hate to say it) ut he%s *rea*fully asentmin*e* when hehas his nose in a tome)' "eonora sai*& #3ou%ll nee* to ma!eallowan$es) I fear&' Eliza felt herself grow warm) not with emarrassment ut

with anger& :ising aruptly) she manage* to state) #Pleaseex$use me& I elieve I nee*some air&' +oing a $urtsy) she stro*e for the *oor) not $aring in theleast that she left them lin!ing in surprise&Of $ourse) they thought of her as the /uiet one) thereserve* one) the one with no real temper to spea! of&



+ut she%* $hange*&So ha* 1eremy&An* she was perfe$tly $ertain that neither of them was goingto $hange a$!) no matter what anyone thought&

:ea$hing the *oor) she opene* it) steppe* into the $orri*or)$lose* the *oor ehin* her) then exhale* through her teeth)her frustration es$aping ina long hiss&She%* ha* to leave 0 efore she%* tol* them exa$tly whatshe thought of having to $ompete with some musty ol* tomefor 1eremy%s attention& #2uh@' 2ea* lowering) rows *rawn *own in a *istin$tlyla$! frown) she stal!e* off&

If she re$alle* aright) there was a way up to theattlements7 she woul* fin* it an* sit *own in the reezeuntil she $alme* *own&Then she woul* ta!e a leaf out of 1eremy%s oo!) $onsi*erher options) an* ma!e a plan&

It was their new selves) their $hange* selves) that fit so welltogether&That night) after they%* all retire* to their rooms an* the$astle ha* /uiete* eneath the lan!et of the night) Elizastoo* efore an open win*owloo!ing out at the *ar! panorama of the Cheviots) an*) on$eagain) retro* the line of logi$ that hel* her there 0 loo!ing

out at the night) the fingers of onehan* lo$!e* aroun* the rose /uartz pen*ant lying etweenher reasts) her white poplin nightgown ruffling gently in thereeze) with her feet firmly plante*&She wasn%t going to go to 1eremy%s room tonight&She $oul*n%t&+e$ause she $oul*n%t push&



+e$ause) $ourtesy of the revelation that ha* $ome to her onthe attlements that afternoon) she%* realize* that she ha*to wait for him to ma!e uphis own min*&

She%* fallen in love not with the s$holar ut with the manhe%* shown himself to e *uring their flight through thelowlan*s& That was the man whoha* $apture* her heart) an* she was perfe$tly $ertain thatthe she he%* $ome to love enough to prote$t with his life wasthe la*y who%* sat esi*e him inthe gig as they%* ro$!ete* along the lanes on the other si*eof the Cheviots&2e ha* to *e$i*e whether or not he inten*e* to remain the

man he%* e$ome through their re$!less flight) or whetherhe wishe* to revert to hisearlier self) the s$holar an* nothing more&For herself) she%* alrea*y ma*e her *e$ision& The life she$oul* live as her new self) in her new in$arnation) was somu$h more enthralling an*exhilarating than the life she woul* have live* as herprevious self& She woul* emra$e her new self) her new life)her new purpose) an* a$$ept whatever

ris!s might $ome&+ut she $oul*n%t ma!e that *e$ision for 1eremy any morethan he $oul* have ma*e the *e$ision for her&An* them seizing their love with oth han*s was) woul* e)the e/uivalent of seizing an* hol*ing on to their altere*selves) e$ause it was thosenewfoun* selves who ha* fallen in love&The pressure of the others% views) of their la$! of$omprehension) was pushing them a$! to their ol* selves)

to eing the lesser people they%*previously een& +ut their new selves were so mu$h more)promise* so mu$h more&So she ha* to give 1eremy time&Impatien$e pri$!e*) a spur sharpene* y a hunger she%* feltfor no other man) ut $aring for a man $ame in manyguises) an* in this instan$e



!eeping her *istan$e was the right thing to *o& She%*$onsi*ere* her options an* ma*e her plan 0 a simple)*ire$t) effe$tive plan& 2aving ma*e her*e$ision) she now stoo* poise* to put it into a$tion&

The instant he ma*e a move 0 any move that tol* her$learly that he wante* to go forwar*) han* in han* with her)an* $laim the love they alrea*yshare* 0 then she woul* step up to stan* esi*e him sothey $oul* ta!e the next step together&She *i*n%t nee* to thin! any further than that& All she ha* to*o now was wait&9ait for him to realize that her heart was his) alrea*y his)now an* forever more&

An* that in the same vein) his was hers&

Chapter Eighteen



ith the $urtains *rawn against the night) 1eremy) still fully$lothe*) pa$e* a$! an* forth efore the empty hearth in hisroom& :ehearsing his

arguments) reaffirming his fa$ts) his $on$lusions&That nothing ha* o$$urre* to -olt the others 0 .artin) Celia)Tristan) "eonora) :oy$e) an* .inerva 0 from the apparentlyuniversal view of his an*Eliza%s pen*ing relationship ha* een amply *emonstrate*over *inner an* the two hours following7 he%* spent most ofthe latter in the illiar* room) trying



to !eep the $onversation away from that su-e$t so hewoul*n%t rea$t) woul*n%t lose his temper an* ma!e rashstatements 0 statements he ha* yet toverify with Eliza&

+ut they were going to get to the e*ro$! of it) him an* her)together) tonight) -ust as soon as she arrive* in his room&2e%* seen enough) sense* enough of her rea$tion to theothers% lin*ness) to feel reasonaly $onfi*ent that her viewof him an* her $loselyaligne* with his own& 2e ha*n%t misse* her rea$tion on theri*ge when he%* een shot) either) nor ha* he forgotten herrefusal to let him push her ehin*him when S$rope ha* levele* the se$on* pistol on them&

From experien$e with "eonora) he !new females $oul* eevery it as prote$tive of males they $are* for as thosemales might e of them&Prote$tiveness was one instin$t that ha* no gen*errestri$tion&Of $ourse) there was a signifi$ant *ifferen$e etween #$aringfor' an* #loving)' whi$h was the single point he nee*e* to$larify&%ow4 was the /uestion that ha* him pa$ing&

One thing was $ertain? the time for eating aout the ushwas past& They nee*e* to *e$i*e) tonight) -ust what sort offuture they wante* together)an* then tomorrow they nee*e* to set everyone elsestraight&So , how to learn the answer to his one $ru$ial /uestion5Sa*ly) there seeme* no easy) let alone sutle) way forwar*&2e was going to have to simply as!& +ut =o ou love !e4soun*e* rather arupt& Not

to mention *esperate&2alting) he ran oth han*s through his hair& #If there%s astan*ar* wor*ing for a etrothal noti$e) why isn%t theresome well8worn) e/ually wellestalishe*phrase for in/uiring if a la*y loves you5' No answer $ame& Instea*) the $lo$!s throughout the hugehouse peale* the hour 0 twelve ongs) tings) $himes ,&



#Twelve5' Startle*) he swung to the *oor& #She%s usuallyhere y now&' On the past two nights) Eliza ha* arrive* well eforemi*night&

2e narrowe* his eyes& Set his -aw& #No&' 2e stal!e* to the*oor& #No& No& An* no& 9e are not en*uring another *ay inthis unresolve* state&' Flinging open the *oor) he steppe* into the $orri*or) $aughtthe *oor) an* pulle* it shut ehin* him& After a momentmentally orienting himself an*re$alling whi$h $orri*or le* to Eliza%s room 0 she%*mentione* its lo$ation when she%* rushe* into his room lastnight 0 he stal!e* off&

To have the *is$ussion they ha* to have& Now& Tonight&People thought s$holars were patient souls) an* with respe$tto their stu*ies they usually were& On all other matters)parti$ularly over anything thatgot in their way) they ten*e* to e not -ust impatient utalso iras$ile) testy) an* *istin$tly intolerant& Su$h were thetraits of a s$holar&2e was a s$holar to his soul) an* the state of un!nowing) ofun$ertainty) of not having everything settle* an* *e$i*e*

was *riving him insane&As he $rosse* the sha*owe* gallery an* starte* *own the$orri*or to Eliza%s room) the /uestion of why she ha*n%t$ome to his room rose in hismin* ,& 2e swatte* it asi*e& If there was a reason) shewoul* tell him& .ost li!ely the others% foolishness ha* ma*eher won*er , something li!e that&:ea$hing her *oor) he tappe*& 9ithout waiting for anyanswer) he turne* the !no an* steppe* insi*e&

No $an*le urne*) ut his eyes ha* alrea*y a*-uste* to thenight7 he saw the moun* in the e* shift) then Eliza sat oltupright) peering a$ross theroom& #1eremy5' 2e shut the *oor an* a*van$e* on the e*& #9e nee* total!&'



She no**e*7 although the light was poor) he thought sheno**e* eagerly& #3es& 9e *o&' Curling her legs eneath the$overs) she loo!e* up athim&

Plainly en$ouraging&1ust to $he$!) an* e$ause some semlan$e of manners waspri$!ing at him) halting esi*e the e*) he as!e*) #3ou *on%tmin*5' #No&' After an instant%s pause) she a**e*) #I%m gla* you$ame&' Swinging up to !neel) she wal!e* on her !nees to the e*geof the e*) rea$he* out) grippe* his lapels) an* *rew himnearer) until his legs hit the

si*e of the e*&Curling his han*s aout hers) he sai*) #9e nee* to tal!aout you an* me&' 2e loo!e* *own at her) at the *eli$atefa$e turne* up to his& #Aout us)an* the life we%ll have together 0 aout what we want it toe li!e&' She%* left the $urtains open7 silver moonlight washe*through the room) provi*ing enough light to) at $lose/uarters) see ea$h other%s features) to

see the *ire$tness an* feel the warmth in ea$h other%sgazes&2e ha*n%t thought of exa$tly what to say 0 ha*n%t stumle*on any neat phrase that woul* lea* her to reveal what hewante* to !now& "oo!ing intoher fa$e) sear$hing) hunting for inspiration) he rea$he* *eepwithin an* foun* the wor*s waiting&2e%* wante* to as!) =o ou love !e4 Instea*) he sai*) #I love you&' 2is han*s tightene* on hers&

2e%* sun! so *eeply into her eyes he felt li!e he was*rowning& +ut the s$holar in himwas still there& #At least , I thin! I *o& I%ve never felt thisway for any other woman&' 2e felt his lips $urve eventhough he *i*n%t feel li!e smiling& #It%s as if) to



me) to my senses) you are the personifi$ation of the mostfaulous hieroglyphi$ manus$ript ever $reate* 0 you hol*my attention) my interest , I want to!now every little thing aout you) every $urli$ue) every

/uir!) every sutle nuan$e& I value an* revere every littlething that ma!es you you) an* I feel aurning nee* to treat you as my most pre$ious treasure) toehave in every way as if you are&' :aising one of her han*s to his lips) his eyes lo$!e* withhers) he !isse* her fingers& #So I thin!) yes) that it must elove 0 that I love you& 9hatelse $oul* this enthralling) $ompulsive fas$ination e5' She sear$he* his eyes) her own now alight) her fa$e alrea*y

rapturously glowing) then she laughe*) lightly) gloriously)an* the -oyous soun* shoo!him to his soul& #Only you $oul* *es$rie it so $learly&' 2ea* tilting) her eyeson his fa$e) lo$!ing again with his) she sai*) $learly)straightforwar*ly) simply) #9hi$his one of the reasons why I love you&' Sli*ing one han* fromeneath his) she lai* her palm to his $hee!& #An* I%m verysure that it is love I feel) e$ause

I%ve een sear$hing for you) hunting high an* low) for whatseems li!e forever& All through the ton) ut I never met youthere , or) at least ,' #3ou never met the me I now am there& 3ou only met theasentmin*e* s$holar&' 2e pause*) then went on) #I%ve$hange*& This -ourney 0 youra*u$tion) the res$ue) an* our flight 0 has $hange* me&' #An* it%s $hange* me 0 I feel li!e a *ifferent woman& I !nowmyself now) an* feel $onfi*ent in so many ways I never *i*

efore&' #+efore) we met as the people we were& Now , we%re thepeople we were meant to e) that we always ha* it in us toe&' #3ou feel that) too5 That it%s the people we now are who%vefallen in love5'



#3es&' 2e grima$e*& #+ut sa*ly no one else seems to see the$hanges&' She gesture* *ismissively& #They *on%t matter& In this) onlywe *o& This is our truth) our reality& It%s who we really are)

an* who we want to e& It%show we want to live from now on 0 an* that%s all that trulymatters&' For a moment) he hel* her gaze) then he release* her han*san* rea$he* for her& #I%m gla* you feel that way& Togetherwe $an e the people wewish to e) an* what the rest of our worl* thin!s will eirrelevant&' 2is han*s sli* aout her waist7 feeling them firm an* urge

her to him) Eliza went gla*ly) shifting forwar* to lean intohim& :aising her arms) shewrappe* them aout his ne$!& "o$!e* in) willingly $apture*y) his tawny $aramel gaze) she felt her heart soar) uoye*y an efferves$ent -oy eyon*anything she%* ever !nown& At the same time) she feltan$hore* y $ertainty& +y the firm grasp of his han*s) y the*ire$tness of his gaze& +y their mutual*etermination) an* the implie* assuran$e that this was how

they woul* always e 0 straightforwar*) *ire$t&An* true&She tippe* up her fa$e) rought her lips to his& #I%m gla* youagree) too&' They !isse*& Impossile to tell who !isse* whom) for theya$te* together& In $on$ert& +y mutual a$$or*&The $aress *eepene* in the same way& Step y step) utwho le* an* who followe* $onstantly $hange*7 oth !newwhat they wante* an* where

they were going&+oth !new the way&Into passion&Into those moments when their hearts eat har*er) heavier)when their reaths e$ame in$reasingly ragge*&



Into an ex$hange where senses lossome* an* sensatione$ame a means of $ommuni$ation) him to her) her to him)messages of love) of *evotion an* $ommitment) of worship an* *esire $arrie* y

in$reasingly heate* !isses) y intense) lingering tou$hes) ystro!es an* $aresses thate$ame ever more *eman*ing) more $omman*ing) evermore expli$it&Ever more arousing an* nee*y&2ungry an* gree*y&Effortlessly together) han* in han*) they wal!e* onto thatplane where the worl* fell away an* there was only them&Their hearts) their nee*s) their wants an* *esires&

Their $ommitment&1eremy *rew away) in one sweeping movement *rew hernightgown off over her hea*7 she helpe*) untangling herarms from the sleeves&Ta!ing another step a$!) the garment falling) forgotten)from his fingers) he let his gaze openly rove her o*y) na!e*an* *ele$tale as shealan$e* on the e* on her !nees& The moonlight ha*strengthene*) et$hing the s$ene in silver) athing her lims

with a pearles$ent wash thatheightene* his per$eption of her as a treasure eyon* pri$e& #3ou are , in*es$rialy eautiful&' 2is features were toopassion8set to smile7 he met her gaze) trusting she woul*see his feelings in his eyes)not $aring in the least that she *i*& #3ou truly are eyon*$ompare&' 2e steppe* $loser) his gaze falling to the moun*s of herreasts) to the rose /uartz $rystal that *angle* etween)

suspen*e* on its lin!8an*8ea*$hain& To the tight) rosy pea!s of her reasts) to the softflush of *esire that ha* alrea*y sprea* so evo$ativelyeneath her s!in&2is gaze swept lower) over the in*entation of her waist) theflat plane of her elly) over the flare of her hips) *own thetaut length of her thighs) over



the that$h of *owny lon* $urls at their apex&(rawing reath past the $onstri$tion an*ing his lungs) hefor$e* his gaze upwar*7 slowly *rin!ing in the won*roussight) he $oul* almost hear the

warrior within whisper? Mine#Eliza $oul* arely reathe& The long urning perusal wasnothing less than a stamp of possession) a ran* seare* intoher senses) into herpsy$he& She felt it) !new it& The night air $aresse* her s!inwith $ool fingers) yet still she urne* 0 urne* for him&She *i*n%t tremle or sha!e ut hel* out her arms7 ol*ly)razenly) a siren%s smile on her lips) with her han*s shee$!one* him nearer&

2e saw) rea* the invitation) instin$tively move* to respon*)then reine* himself a$!& 2alting with their o*ies merein$hes apart) he rea$he* outwith one han* an* twine* his fingers with hers& :aising hisgaze) meeting her eyes) he sai*) his voi$e pure gravel) #Isuspe$t I shoul* formally propose&' Smile wi*ening) she rea$he* for his nape) *rew him to her)an* !isse* him 0 har*) fast& 2ungrily ,The lan$ing sensation of his $oat rushing her alrea*y tightly

furle*) a$hingly sensitive nipples ma*e her shu**er& For$e*to rea! the !iss) shegaspe*) #"ater& Tomorrow&' 4rasping his $oat with othhan*s) she haule* the si*es wi*e& #For tonight) for now ,' She *i*n%t other finishing the senten$e) *eeming the urgentenergy she fo$use* on un*ressing him statement enough&She su$$ee*e* inwrestling the $oat a$! over his shoul*ers7 he olige* an*shrugge* free of it 0 an* win$e*&

She saw& #Is your woun* still painful5' 2e grima$e*& #.ore that it limits my movements 0 forgetaout it&' #2uh@' Stepping from the e*) rushing his han*s) moreintent on roaming her na!e* $urves than un*ressing himself)asi*e) she insiste* on



assisting him) un!notting an* unwin*ing his $ravat)unuttoning his waist$oat) then his shirt& Pressing $lose) herhan*s sli*ing over his na!e* $hest) shesmile* into his eyes& #Consi*er me your valet for the night&'

The s$offing soun* he ma*e suggeste* that was utterlyimpossile) ut he surren*ere* an* followe* her lea*) toeingoff his shoes) un*oing theuttons at his waist&An* then) finally) he was as na!e* as she& (elighte*) shewoun* her arms aout his ne$! an* went into his emra$ewith a liss8fille* sigh) onethat hit$he*) /uavere*) un*er the su**en onslaught of the*eli$iously pleasurale) intensely eroti$ sensations that

spar!e* as their o*ies met) s!in tos!in) har*ness to softness) an* her senses swam&(espite the passionate *esire smol*ering hot an* urgent inhis eyes 0 *espite the telltale tension she now re$ognize*)re-oi$e* in) that hel* him0 *espite the heate* *esperation in his grip) he $apture*her gaze) murmure*) even as his gaze *rifte* to her lips) #9e%ll nee* to tal! aout our etrothal)an* our we**ing&'

The wor*s were rough) passion e*ge*) only -ust*e$ipherale&It was a $hallenge to fo$us her min* enough to answer) utif he $oul* fin* wit enough to as!) she woul* mat$h himeven in that& #I elieve)' shereathe* a$!) li*s lowering) her senses reeling as his han*sshifte*) evo$atively rising over the planes of her a$!) #thatwe%ve rea$he* what the gran*es*ames woul* term an un*erstan*ing& 4iven that we have'0

his han*s firme* possessively an* he *rew her nearer) herreasts pressing against themus$le* planes of his $hest) the $risp hairs ara*ing hersensitize* s!in7 it too! effort to fin* reath to $on$lu*e0#we $an leave su$h *etails fortomorrow& For now 0'



:ea$hing up) she *rew his hea* *own the last in$h an*presse* her lips to his& 6isse* him with all the passion an**esire that ha* een uil*ing)uil*ing) etween them&

2e !isse* her a$!) too! $ontrol) ravishe* her mouth)$laiming with a latantly ravenous passion) an* the vol$anoof their nee* erupte*&9ants an* hungers $olli*e*) geysere*&Their han*s sprea*) $lut$he*) ra$e* an* tra$e*&Their pulses thun*ere*&Then he lifte* her) lai* her on the e*) an* followe* her*own&9in$e* again&

#3our arm&' (espite the raging fever in her loo*) she ha*no *iffi$ulty fo$using on his hurt& 2ol*ing him a$!) shestruggle* up onto one arm& #9e$an%t *o anything that might open the woun* again&' She%* forgotten7 they ha*n%t ma*e love sin$e he%* eenshot&2e hesitate*) flexing his left arm& 2e met her gaze) then hislips $urve* in a slow) *istin$tly wi$!e* smile& #So we%ll *an$ein a *ifferent way 0 one

that won%t put un*ue strain on my arm&' #Oh5' She ar$he* her rows& #2ow5' +oth a latant$omman* an* a haughty *eman*&2is smile wi*ene* in appre$iation& 4ripping her waist) herolle* onto his a$!) lifting her over him as he *i*& #"i!ethis&' 2e settle* her astri*e him)her !nees to either si*e of his waist) then he ease* hera$!&She nee*e* no further *ire$tions&

She laughe*7 pla$ing her han*s on his shoul*ers) she leane*forwar* an* !isse* him 0 ma*e the wil*) wanton $aress intoa promise&One of his han*s presse* etween her shoul*er la*es)hol*ing her to the !iss7 his tongue *uele* an* tangle* hotlywith hers) while his other han*



gli*e*) reverently tra$ing her $urves) efore slippingetween her thighs to $up her) then to stro!e an* $aress hersoft flesh until the fol*s were swollen an*sli$!&

Then first one) then two) long fingers sli* into her o*y7 hewor!e* them *eep) then repetitively stro!e*) his thum$ir$ling the tight nuin of nerves -ust ehin* her $urls&;ntil she was gasping) panting) floo*e* with nee* an* want)an* an urgen$y too sharp an* *esperate to *eny&She ro!e from the !iss7 too reathless for wor*s) hersenses aflame) her o*y a$hing for -ust one thing) shefollowe* the gui*ing prompting of his

han*s until she felt the roa* hea* of his ere$tion nu*ge ather entran$e) then ease* a$! an* too! him in&Eyes $losing) nerves taut an* /uivering) she $aught herreath at the feel of the heavy ro* of his ere$tion in$h yin$h impaling her& Filling her&Possessing her& The sensations) so *ifferent in this position)washe* through her7 they merge* with her rising emotions)forming a sea of passion an**esire) of surren*er an* love that floo*e* her an* swept her

on&Slowly) a$hingly slowly) she sheathe* him fully in her o*y&Enshrine* him in her heart&:ea$he* for him with her soul&1eremy *ran! in the glory suffusing her fa$e an* *e$i*e*this was heaven& 2is) at least 0 his heaven on earth& Shemove* upon him) instin$tivean* sure) in$reasingly $onfi*ent in an* aan*one* to herpleasure& An* his& 2e $lose* his eyes an* let her loving roll

over him& The sensations of hersil!en lims shifting) sli*ing) smoothly over his) $aressing)stro!ing) artfully in$iting) the won*er of the heate* $lasp ofher tight sheath) the -oy of herreasts teasingly swaying over his $hest) sometimesrushing as she shifte* as she ro*e him) all $ontriute* to astate or*ering on e$stasy&



She a*-uste*) an* too! him *eep) then *eeper& 9rappe*him in her ounty) then rippe* his wits away& :aze* them)wantonly $in*ering his $ontrol)then razenly she set herself to sto!e the $onflagration that)

as ever) alrea*y laze* etween them&That li$!e* over their s!ins with searing flame) that eatthrough their veins li!e elemental thun*er&2is han*s roame* her hips) the long lines of her flexingthighs) then swept up to $apture her reasts an* worship&:earing up) eyes $lose*) hea* high) she gaspe* an* ro*ehim ever har*er7 her hair *an$ing aout her shoul*ers ingol*en *isarray) she whippe*the storm of their passions to new an* *izzying heights&

;ntil nee* an* want an* passion $oales$e* into one *riving*esire&One a$hing) ravenous hunger&One powerful) overwhelming) impossile to *eny urge&On a growl) he $ame up on his goo* arm) proppe* on thatelow) an* with his left han* $apture* one reast an*rought the tightly furle* nipple tohis mouth& "i$!e*) lave*) then *rew the tight u* into hismouth an* su$!le*&

She uttere* a smothere* s$ream) foun* his hea* with herhan*s) lo$!e* her fingers in his hair an* hel* him to her asshe rose an* fell an* *rovethem oth on&Then she tightene* aout him&:eleasing her reast) he palme* her nape) ra$e* his arman* rose higher to $laim her mouth) *elierately shifting theangle of their -oining&(riving her inexoraly to that in*efinale e*ge&

An* over it&She went& On a s$ream he *ran!) she soare* high) higher)then she ro!e) shattere*) an* fell&An* too! him with her&;nale to resist) on a grating groan he thrust har*) high)an* felt the powerful $ontra$tions of her sheath $lamp aouthim& Felt her o*y $laim an*



re$eive him&2e shu**ere* as he sense* the reality of that other si*e ofhim so $lose to his surfa$e) -ust eneath his s!in) that othersi*e of him that she an*

only she $onne$te* with) that she so effortlessly *rew forth&A primal) primitive) wil*ly possessive si*e) it *rove him tota!e her) to $laim an* $hain her) hisforever more&9ith that other si*e in the as$en*an$y) he $oul* a$$eptnothing less&+ut possession wor!e* oth ways&Their o*ies $linging) with him sun! *eep within her an*their hearts thun*ering to a single eat) he !new that to his

soul) an* a$$epte* it as right&As inevitale& ;navoi*ale& Irretrievale an* irrevo$ale&As the way he an* she woul* always e&Ea$h other%s&1oine* y that power the poets $alle* love&On the heels of that a$$eptan$e) simple an* soul8*eep)$ompletion rolle* over him) through him) not simply physi$alsatiation ut an elemental$ompleteness in so many ways) on so many planes& She

rought him the part of himself he%* een missing for solong) an* ma*e him whole&Spent) exhauste*) he slumpe* a$! to the pillows an* she$ollapse* on top of him& 2e $lose* his arms aroun* her& Felther *rag in a reath) thenlet it go& 2er lims san! against his in total surren*er&Not to him ut to what ha* rage* etween them&To what) a$!nowle*ge*) now live* etween them) their newreality uilt on their new) $hange* selves&

The harshness of their reathing ease*7 the night%s silen$ereturne* along with his hearing& Aware of the tug of the ti*eof e$stasy) the growingtemptation to let go an* let liss $arry him away on thatgol*en sea) he lifte* her from him) settle* her) oneless)a$! in his arms) then he shifte* his hea*



an* presse* a !iss to her forehea*& #This is the truth of us 0how we%re meant to e&' She pillowe* her hea* -ust eneath his shoul*er) then*roppe* a warm !iss on his $hest& #This is how we are) an*

how we will e&' The wor*s rang with her $ommitment) one to mat$h his&Eyes $losing) he lin*ly grope*) foun* the $overs) fli$!e*them over their $ooling o*ies) then he $lose* his armsaout her) lay a$!) an*surren*ere* to the liss they%* wrought&

Chapter Nineteen



eremy *eparte* from Eliza%s room only -ust in time to avoi*the mai*s) leaving Eliza with stri$t instru$tions to get*resse* an* meet him assoon as possile&Enthuse* an* *etermine*) she rushe* through her alutions)hurrie* into her $lothes) an* rushe* an* $oile* her hair&



Finally presentale) she wal!e* ris!ly from the room& Sheha* no $lear i*ea what 1eremy inten*e*) ut she re$alle*well enough that they ha*issues to *is$uss&

Not that she was all that othere* with the *etails) not afterthe night ha* $larifie* the one) truly important issue in su$ha *efinitive way&"ove& She was still trying to asor it& 3es) she%* !nown shelove* him) an* yes) she%* hope* an* suspe$te* that hemight love her in return&+ut now she !new&Not only !new ut , somehow last night ha* een *ifferent)with every $aress in some intangile way emphasizing their

new truth& Crystallizingan* an$horing their love&"ast night ha* een a *emonstration of love) of love in theflesh&Smiling) feeling as if her fa$e might $ra$! so great was herhappiness) she rea$he* the en* of the $orri*or& Steppinginto the gallery) she saw1eremy loitering efore one of the long win*ows) preten*ingto loo! out&

Seeing her) he turne* an*) long legs eating the *istan$e) -oine* her& #4oo*&' 2is gaze rove* her fa$e) the $aress almost a !iss&Ta!ing her han*) he raise* it) riefly rushe* her fingerswith his lips) then sai*) #Comeon& I !now where we $an tal! without eing interrupte*&' 2e le* her *ownstairs) then *own the long $orri*or to thelirary&;shering her insi*e) he $lose* the *oor an* lo$!e* it&

She glan$e* aroun*) then) es$hewing the large *es!) wal!e**own the room to where a sofa sat fa$ing the vista visilethrough a pair of longwin*ows&1eremy followe*& They roun*e* the sofa) ut efore she$oul* sit) he $aught her han*& (rawing her to fa$e him) hetrappe* her other han*) too)



hel* ea$h in one of his&2e loo!e* into her eyes an* simply sai*) #(earest Eliza ,'2e pause*) then went on) #I ha*n%t seriously loo!e* aoutme for a wife) ut if I ha*) I

woul* never have imagine* that my eye woul* settle onyou) let alone that my heart woul*& That I might fall in lovenever truly $rosse* my min*) yet here Istan*) irresistily an* irrevo$aly in love with you&' That wasmore than he%* inten*e* to say& (rawing reath) he$ontinue*) #+ut as I am so *eeply in lovewith you that I $annot imagine living without you) will youplease *o me the inestimale honor of $onsenting to e mywife5'

The slow smile that ro!e a$ross her fa$e *azzle* him&Eliza too! a moment to assemle the right wor*s& Sear$hinghis eyes) her heart in hers) she *rew reath) an* replie*) #(earest 1eremy) I%ve eenloo!ing) sear$hing) everywhere for my hero) for the one manwho $oul* sweep me off my feet an* into we**e* liss& 2a*we remaine* in "on*on) I woul*never have foun* him) for I woul* never have realize*'0raising one han*) she pla$e* her palm to his $hest 0#that

my hero%s heart eat eneath thisparti$ular $hest& +ut the trials of the last wee!s have shownme the truth 0 your truth) an* our truth& So as I%m so mu$hin love with you that I $an%t imaginelife other than y your si*e) yes) I will in*ee* marry you&' The smile that fille* his eyes warme* her) wrappe* aroun*her& 2e again !isse* her fingers) first one han*) then theother& #Ex$ellent&' 2is smileturne* wryly teasing& #Now that we%ve got that *etail *ealt

with) we nee* to ma!e plans&' She no**e* an* sat) *rawing him *own to sit esi*e her& #Are we going to ma!e a stan*5' #Oh) I thin! so 0 *on%t you5' Chin firming) she no**e*& #So 0 how are we going to openeveryone%s eyes5'



There was) of $ourse) only one way& A way most memers ofthe haut ton woul* shu**er to even $ontemplate&They ha* no su$h /ualms&+rea!fast was no use to them as Celia haitually *i* not -ointhe $ompany) preferring a tray in her room& 4iven they *i*not wish to en$ounter anyof their suppose* mentors) not until they $oul* spea! withthem all at on$e) they slippe* into the rea!fast parlor an*hurrie*ly ro!e their fast as the

*ishes were eing set out) then es$ape* from the houseefore even :oy$e appeare*&They went out to the stale to $he$! on 1asper& The youngla$! was restive) pining for a run& 9ith 1eremy unale toris! his woun* reopening)Eliza suggeste*) an*) somewhat warily) 1eremy agree*) thatshe shoul* *rive them in the gig) 1asper etween the shafts)into Alwinton) the nearestvillage&

(espite a few minor s$ares) Eliza manage* well enough&They toole* aroun* the village an* along several lanes) thenreturne* to the $astle -ustas the rest of the $ompany were sitting *own to lun$heon& #Our timing) thus far) is perfe$t&' 2er arm through 1eremy%s)Eliza wal!e* towar* the family *ining room&



1eremy loo!e* into her fa$e) glowing) luminous) an* not -ustfrom their *rive) an* smile*& #:ememer what we planne*&No se$on* thoughts5' She shoo! her hea* *e$isively& #None&'

They swept into the *ining room) an* the others all loo!e*up&+eaming) letting his happiness overflow for all to see)1eremy halte* Eliza at the si*e of the tale on whi$h the pairof them usually sat) let his gazerest riefly on ea$h of the six fa$es turne* to them insurprise) then announ$e*) #Eliza has *one me the honor ofagreeing to e my wife& %owever ) we wishto ma!e it $lear to all) to you an* suse/uently to the rest of

the worl*) that we are not marrying e$ause we in any wayfeel we must) not e$ause of anyton expe$tation or so$ial *i$tate&' 2e pause*) on$e again letting his gaze $ir$le the fa$es) nowloo!ing even more ta!en aa$!) then he loo!e* at Eliza) sawthe same truth he waspro-e$ting shining li!e a ea$on in her eyes an* -oyouslylighting her expression& "ifting her han* from his sleeve) hiseyes on hers) he raise* her fingers

to his lips& 6isse*& Then he turne* to the others an**e$lare*) #9e%re going to marry e$ause we%re in love&+e$ause we foun* love) or it foun* us)somewhere in S$otlan*& An* we%re not going to preten* thatit *i*n%t happen 0 we *on%t want to ta!e the $owar*%s wayout an* not a$!nowle*ge ourtruth) our reality&' Every last implement ha* een lai* a$! on the tale7 astunne* ut expe$tant silen$e prevaile*&

1eremy smile*& #So)' he $on$lu*e*) #we wish to marry) an*we wish the o$$asion to e puffe* off to the very top ofeveryone%s ent& 9e inten* topla$e a highly un$onventional noti$e in the Gazette, an* wewish that to e followe* y a ma-or engagement all& As forour we**ing) we want that to e a



spe$ta$ular $eleration& 9e want our love to e puli$lya$!nowle*ge*) to e !nown an* un*erstoo* y all 0 to)figuratively spea!ing) shout the fa$t fromthe rooftops&'

4lan$ing aroun* the tale again) he too! in the *awningun*erstan*ing rea!ing a$ross all the fa$es an* let his smilewi*en& #In short) we wanteveryone to !now that we are'0 he loo!e* at Eliza) an*)eyes misty ut smiling eatifi$ally) she respon*e*) sayingthe wor*s with him 0#eyon* lost inlove&' Silen$e reigne* for half a se$on*) then Eliza *ragge* hergaze from 1eremy%s eyes an* loo!e* at her mother&

Celia rose from the tale7 tears streaming *own her $hee!s)she hel* out her arms& #Oh) my *arling $hil*ren@' Eliza went into her arms an* hel* her mother as Celia*issolve* into happy tears&Then .inerva was there) laughing) smiling) hugging Elizaan* Celia oth) then passing them to "eonora so .inerva$oul* envelop 1eremy in as$ente* emra$e&.oments later) Celia) openly laughing an* $rying at the

same time) *ispla$e* her& #I am so thrille*@' She !isse*1eremy%s $hee!) then *rew a$!to eam up at him& #3ou *i* that -ust right&' After estowing another surprisingly strong hug) Celiapasse* him on to .artin&9ho was simply *elighte* an* sai* so&Among the men) a$!s were thumpe* an* han*s wrung&Ex$lamations aoun*e*& Explanations were re/ueste* an*ma*e) as far as they $oul*

ma!e them&:oy$e shoo! his hea*& #I *i*n%t see that $oming) ut inretrospe$t I shoul* have&' 2e met 1eremy%s eyes& #Fate hasa way of $at$hing up with onewhen one least expe$ts it&' 1eremy grinne*& #I was an* am happy to e $aught&'



:oy$e%s lips /uir!e*) his gaze going to his *u$hess& #In theen*) aren%t we all5' The meal for the moment forgotten) they stoo* an* laughe*an* tal!e*& 1eremy $aught Eliza%s eye) an* she smile* an*

no**e*& The sin$erity of the others% pleasure an* -oy at their news) their unreserve*a$$eptan$e of it) was transparent an* $oul* not e *oute*&They%* su$$ee*e* thus far& They%* shattere* the per$eptionof their union that ha* prevaile* among this group& #Next) we ta!e on the ton)' Eliza murmure*&1eremy smile*& #An* we%ll triumph there) too&' +ut it was "eonora who gave him most hope that $onvin$ingthe ton woul*n%t e *iffi$ult& #9e ha* won*ere*) of $ourse)

ut neither of you are allthat easy to rea* 0 you%re oth /uieter) more reserve* 0 sountil you sai* it) we $oul*n%t presume&' 2er eyes on his) shesmile* a tou$h mistily& #"ove isnot something you $an impute to another) ut) *arling1eremy) I am so very happy for you oth 0 an* 2umphreywill e utterly *elighte*&' 4lan$ing atEliza) then loo!ing at Tristan) "eonora went on) #Trust me 0the wor*s might e har* to say the first time) ut they get

easier with the years) an* you%llnever regret saying them) now or in the future&' Turning a$! to him) stret$hing up) "eonora !isse* his$hee!) then patte* his arm an* left him to move to Tristan%ssi*e&1eremy wat$he* his sister an* rother8in8law) saw theaffe$tion that so effortlessly flowe* etween them& 6new hean* Eliza woul* from now onshare a similar unremar!e* yet remar!ale $onne$tion&

To his left) .artin) eaming wi*ely) pumpe* :oy$e%s han*)while .inerva stoo* alongsi*e :oy$e) her arm in his) her lips$urve* an* her eyesshining&Their gran* *enouement ha* got them over the first an*highest hur*le7 the rest) as "eonora ha* sai*) woul* $omemore easily&



1eremy glan$e* at Eliza) to his right&She met his gaze) a fleeting moment la*en with thatre$ognition that only) he now realize*) $ame with love) thenshe turne* to Celia as her mother

returne* to wrap her on$e more in a warm emra$e&Eliza returne* the hug) won*ering&Only to hear Celia whisper softly) #.y *arling girl 0 wel$ometo the $lu@'

oti*e appearing in the 4azette) Ma 1@th, 1829"or* .artin an* "a*y Celia Cynster of (over Street an*Casleigh) Somerset) are thrille* to announ$e the etrothal oftheir *aughter) Elizaeth.arguerite) to 1eremy 9illiam Carling) of .ontrose Pla$e)rother of "eonora) <is$ountess Trentham) an* nephew ofSir 2umphrey Carling& AnEngagement +all will e hel* in two wee!s% time at St& Ives2ouse) in $eleration of the happy $ouple%s *e$laration that

they are utterly an*irre*eemaly lost in love&



Epilogue





Ma 29, 1829&t# Ives %ouse, (ondonappy5' 1eremy as!e*) entirely re*un*antly as he waltze*Eliza aroun* the massive allroom&Eliza%s fa$e glowe*7 she was ra*iant) in his eyes eyon*$ompare& #I%m the happiest la*y here tonight) ar none&' Aroun* them) the $r>me *e la $r>me of the ton) summone*

to ear witness to their engagement) $ir$le* an* swaye*)smile* an* $hatte*& Theevent) an* the sele$t *inner that ha* pre$e*e* it) ha* eenan un/ualifie* su$$ess) an* none was more grateful for) an*more satisfie* with that) than1eremy& 2e ha* se$ure* the wife he nee*e*) in the way theyoth nee*e*) an* he was utterly $ontent& #If you are the happiest la*y) then I am) without *out) theprou*est an* lu$!iest man&' 2e smile* into her eyes as he

whirle* her& #3ou ta!e myreath away&' Eliza laughe* a$!) gratifyingly reathless) too&.artin an* Celia) also waltzing) passe* y them as theynegotiate* a tight turn& 9hen he an* Eliza were on$e morepre$essing a$! up the long



room) 1eremy murmure*) #I thin! the se$on* happiest la*yin the room must e your mother& She%s settle* her el*esttwo *aughters $re*italy an*) -u*ging y all the usual signs) the ton wil*ly approves of

oth mat$hes&' 2e pause*) then a**e*) #I wasn%t sure theywoul*& 2eather an* +re$!enri*ge) yes)ut you $oul* have rea$he* mu$h higher) as the gran*es*ames woul* phrase it&' Smiling fon*ly) Eliza shoo! her hea*& #No) I $oul*n%t have 0or rather) woul*n%t have& An* all the gran*es *ames an* thegossipmongers !nowthat& So they are) naturally) in alt) all /uite *elighte* thatyou%ve $ome along an* $laime* my heart an* my han*&'

#I must a*mit) I *on%t /uite un*erstan* that& I%m a s$holar)not an earl&' #3ou forget 0 2eather%s twenty8five) so was at her lastprayers) an* I%m twenty8four) not mu$h younger& The notionof two Cynster girls languishingon the shelf ma*e all the so$ial mavens un$omfortale 0 ifwe hel* out that long) an* potentially even longer) for ourheroes an* refuse* to marry anyother men) -ust thin! of the pre$e*ent) the example to other

young la*ies that woul* set&' Tilting her hea*) Eliza loo!e*into his eyes an* smile* that privatesmile that never faile* to tou$h him in some in*efinaleway& #+ut 2eather foun* her hero) an* so *i* I) so all%s wellon$e more within the ton&' #Ah&' 2e no**e* sagely& #Now I un*erstan*&' Through thethrong filling the *an$e floor) he glimpse* 2eather an*+re$!enri*ge) also *an$ing& Noone) seeing the light in their eyes as they revolve*)

$ompletely asore* in ea$h other) $oul* *out the natureof their $onne$tion& #I thin! 2eather must/ualify as the thir* happiest la*y present&' #<ery li!ely& She may even e happier than .ama) who has*ivi*e* loyalties) so to spea!&'



#An* next ,' S$anning the *an$ers) then) ale to see overmost hea*s) loo!ing further) 1eremy murmure*) #9oul* it eyour aunt 2elena) youraunt 2oratia) or "a*y Osal*estone5' 2e glan$e* *own at

Eliza& #9hi$h *o you thin!5' +ut Eliza shoo! her hea*& #Oh) no 0 none of them& 3ou%vemisse* the la*y who) now I thin! of it) is almost $ertainlythe se*ond happiest la*y heretonight& In*ee*) the more I thin! of it) that must e true&She) of all others) has the most $ause to e thrille*&' 1eremy ra$!e* his rains&6nowing he li!e* puzzles) Eliza waite*&+ut after two more revolutions) he shoo! his hea*& #No& I

$an%t fathom it& So who) my *arling) is the se$on* happiestla*y here tonight5' Eliza laughe*& #Angeli$a) of $ourse&' She tippe* her hea* tothe si*e of the *an$e floor&4lan$ing that way) 1eremy saw Eliza%s younger sisterstan*ing y the si*e of the room& #1ust loo! at her fa$e 0 at her smile) at her eyes)' Elizasai*&1eremy ha* to a*mit that) even from a *istan$e) Angeli$a%s

*elight was plain to see& #+ut'0 he loo!e* at Eliza) let hersee the puzzle* frown in hiseyes 0#why5 9hy shoul* she e espe$ially thrille*5' #+e$ause not only are oth 2eather an* I engage*) veryhappily to our heroes) who happen to e gentlemen of whomthe ton at large an* ourfamily in parti$ular approve 0 proving that waiting for theright gentleman is the sensile $ourse for Angeli$a) too 0ut the lair* is now *ea*&'

#9hat%s he got to *o with it5 9ith Angeli$a5' #+e$ause ha* he live*) a $ontinuing threat to Cynstersisters)% then Angeli$a) 2enrietta) an* .ary woul* have een!ept un*er the $losestimaginale guar*& Our rothers an* $ousins ha* alrea*ye$ome unearaly auto$rati$ an* osessively prote$tiveefore S$rope whis!e* me away 0



$an you imagine what they woul* have een li!e after that5A$$or*ing to Angeli$a) she was fori**en to set foot outsi*ethe house in (over Streetwithout at least one of them at her elow) an* oth :upert

an* Alas*air $ame up to town an* too! up resi*en$e athome) so there was always one of them in the house) on han*& Or) as Angeli$a put it)un*erfoot& She) in parti$ular) ha* no pea$e) an*) even moreimportantly) no opportunity at all to hunt forher own hero) whi$h) of $ourse) she%s now even more set on*oing than she was efore&' #+ut she%s only ,' 1eremy ransa$!e* his memory& #Twenty8one) isn%t she5 She%s years younger than you 0 she has

plenty of time&' #3es) ut you have to rememer that she%s grown uptogether with 2eather an* me& She%s the youngest) ut she*is$ounts the three years etweenme an* her& To her min*) now 2eather%s engage* to+re$!enri*ge) an* I%m engage* to you) it%s her turn next&An* for Angeli$a) next means now& 3ou maye asolutely $ertain that she%ll set out to sear$h for herhero in earnest tomorrow& Or) as the $ase may e) tomorrow

evening& I%m /uite sure she%ll havealrea*y assesse* all those atten*ing tonight&' The musi$ en*e*& The *an$ers swirle* to a halt7 thegentlemen owe* an* the la*ies $urtsie*& :ising) Eliza sether han* on 1eremy%s proffere*sleeve) then glan$e* at where Angeli$a ha* een) ut the$row*s lo$!e* her view& Turning a$! to 1eremy) shesmile*) eyes *an$ing& #6nowingAngeli$a) her sear$h for her hero is oun* to e) at the very

least) highly entertaining&' 1eremy met her eyes& #I shu**er to as!) ut why5' Eliza hesitate*) then sai*) #Ta!e every strong female trait2eather an* I have) put them together) then *oule them)an* you%ll have some notion of



what Angeli$a is li!e& Of the three of us) she%s the moststuorn) the most *e$isive) the $leverest y far) the most*etermine*) an* she%s very goo* atmanipulating people 0 ex$eptionally goo* at getting what

she wants& Angeli$a might e the youngest) the shortest) thesmallest of the three of us) utshe%s also the ol*est) the strongest) an* she%s the one witha fiery temper) too&' #9ell) her hair is re**ish) after all)' 1eremy sai*& #+ut I still*on%t un*erstan* why her roman$e shoul* e espe$iallyentertaining&' #+e$ause whoever Angeli$a sets her heart on) you $an easolutely $ertain there%ll e firewor!s&'

#Ah&' Pla$ing his han* over hers on his sleeve) 1eremygently s/ueeze* her fingers& #2ave I mentione* how verygrateful I am that we%ve manage*to rea$h this point without any firewor!s5' Eliza laughe*) then no**e* towar* a *oor& #That%s where allthis starte*&' She loo!e* up an* met 1eremy%s eyes& #That%swhere I was stan*ingwhen the footman rought me the note that too! me to thea$! parlor an* S$rope&' She sear$he* 1eremy%s eyes& #I

was so *esperate to fin* my herothat I went 0 an* that%s how I $ame to e in that $oa$hhea*ing north towar* 1e*urgh) $alling to you for help&' 1eremy%s lips /uir!e* in an un*erstan*ing smile& #So you%ve$ome full $ir$le 0 a$! to where you starte*) ut with me yyour si*e&' #9ith my hero) my fian$=) an* my husan*8to8e&' Eliza%sgaze grew misty& #Fate was !in*&' #.ore than you !now&' 1eremy hel* her gaze& #I left

9olverstone that *ay won*ering how to fin* the ri*e I ha*finally $ome to a$$ept that I nee*e*0 an* fate steppe* in an* set me the tas! of res$uing you&'2e raise* her han* to his lips) !isse* her fingertips& #An* sohere I now stan*) with the la*ywho will e the perfe$t wife for me on my arm&' 2e smile*& #Fate has) in*ee*) lesse* us&'



#To our $re*it)' Eliza sai*) #we were up to the $hallenges shethrew our way&' #True& Fate *ealt the $ar*s) ut it was you an* I who playe*the han*&'

#An* won&' #3es 0 we won& Everything we wante*) all that we *esire*&' #An* now'0 she glan$e* aout them) at their families)$onne$tions) an* frien*s all gathere* to wish them well0#now that we%ve $laime* our -ustrewar*) our future loo!s rosy&' "oo!ing up) she smile* into1eremy%s eyes& #I $an%t wait for it to start&'

9at$hing Eliza smile at 1eremy) wat$hing 1eremy set Eliza%shan* on his sleeve) an*) hea* ent to hear what Eliza wasnow saying) stroll on *own theroom) Angeli$a Cynster sighe*& :elieve*) $ontent) happy)an* *elighte*&All was on$e again well in her worl*) -ust as it ought to e&4lan$ing to where 2eather an* +re$!enri*ge stoo* $hattingwith 4reat8aunt Clara) Angeli$a smile*7 she thoroughlyapprove* of her sisters%

$hoi$es& They ha* sear$he* for an* foun* their heroes) an*all was well with them&9hi$h meant she $oul* now turn her full an* $ompleteattention to her own sear$h) to lo$ating an* snaring her ownhero&9herever the *amne* man was&



Sen*ing a rief glan$e s!ating over the shoul*ers aroun*her) she muttere*) #2e%s not here) that%s $lear& So whereshoul* I loo! next5' Fingers rising to $lose aout the rose /uartz pen*ant

*epen*ing from the strange ol* $hain $omprise* of gol*lin!s intersperse* with amethystea*s that she now wore) she waite* for inspiration tostri!e& The ne$!la$e was now hers 0 her talisman -ust as itha* een 2eather%s) an* then Eliza%s&An*) apparently) Catriona%s) too) so many years ago& Elizaha* passe* it on to Angeli$a on the *ay Eliza an* 1eremy)along with Celia an* .artin) ha*returne* from 9olverstone& Eliza ha* explaine* Catriona%s 0

or possily her "a*y%s 0 *ire$tive that the ne$!la$e was toe passe* *own among theCynster girls as ea$h foun* their hero) their fate* husan*&Angeli$a wasn%t sure she elieve* in fate) ut she was happyto a$$ept whatever help $ameher way with respe$t to lo$ating her hero& She%* alrea*y$ome* the ton for him) or at least all of the ton she wasallowe* to explore) the tonnishentertainments *eeme* suitale for a well8re* young la*y

of her age& #Clearly) I nee* to $ast my net wi*er&' Clinging to thesha*ows along the wall eneath the overhang of the gallery)she $onsi*ere* what alternativesshe might have) what wi*er fiel*s she might wan*er& .ost ofthe gentlemen present were either relate* or $onne$te* insome way) so all !new etter thanto *istur her se$lusion) an* for the same reason thegran*es *ames) who woul* otherwise ensure she was

intro*u$e* to every potentially eligilegentleman in the room) ha* tonight no reason to turn theirea*y gazes her way) leaving her free to thin!&To set her min* to *efining her way forwar*&Tomorrow) she felt sure) was the time to start 0 to stri!eout on her own now that her rothers an* $ousins ha*relaxe* their vigilan$e after



learning that the lair* ha* *ie*) an* his threat against #Cynster sisters' along with him& Their osessiveprote$tiveness ha* susi*e* to its usual irritating)ut manageale) level) ut there%* een so mu$h to *o with

preparing for this all that she%* set asi*e her $on$erns tohelp Eliza an* Celia&+ut now the all was nearly at an en*) an* it was time toreinstitute her sear$h 0 in*ee*) to intensify it given she nowwore the ne$!la$e an* wastherefore mar!e* y The "a*y as next in line to fin* her truelove& Even more pertinently) she shoul* ma!e a start eforeher rothers an* $ousinsrealize*) an* rememere* that the lair* was not the only

*angerous male inhaiting the wi*er ton&The whole /uestion of the lair*%s intentions as yet remaine*a mystery7 :oy$e) (u!e of 9olverstone) ha* volunteere* to*is$over the man%si*entity) ut yester*ay wor* ha* arrive* that :oy$e an* hishalf rother 2amish ha* still not lo$ate* the an* of *roverswho ha* remove* the lair*%s o*yan* that of his hen$hman S$rope from the ottom of the $liffover whi$h they%* fallen& :egar*less) there was no /uestion

that the man ha* *ie*) an*eventually) as always) :oy$e woul* prevail) an* then they%*!now the whys an* wherefores) ut the lair*%s motivationsno longer $on$erne* her , or atleast they woul*n%t) not unless some other memer of hisfamily too! up the ven*etta , no 0 she wasn%t going toentertain that thought&4lan$ing at her el*est rother) :upert) stan*ing $hattingwith others neary) she fervently praye* the possiility of a

family ven*etta $ontinuing *i*not o$$ur to him& Or to Alas*air) or (evil) or any of theothers& If it *i* , they were /uite $apale of ma!ing her lifea misery) regar*less of whether therewas any real threat or not&



Narrowing her eyes on :upert) she murmure*) #+est to startas I mean to go on) an* est to start imme*iately 0tomorrow it shall e&' Pushing away from the wall) she move* into the $row*)

smiling) no**ing) ex$hanging $omments here an* there asshe ma*e her way towar* theexit& Cat$hing sight of her mother) she *etoure* to explainthat she ha* an in$ipient hea*a$he an* woul* ta!e the$arriage home) then sen* it a$! theshort *istan$e for Celia) .artin) an* Eliza) who woul*n%t efree to leave until the last stragglers ha* *eparte*&2aving re$eive* her mother%s lessing) Angeli$a $ontinue* tothe *oor) then *es$en*e* the stairs to the front hall& (evil%s

ma-or*omo) Sligo) onwat$h) poppe* up with her $loa! an* to in/uire if shenee*e* assistan$e& She let him summon the $arriage an*help her into it&9ith the *oor shut) Angeli$a leane* a$! against thes/uas& Alone in the $omfortale *ar! as the $arriage rattle*over the $oles towar* (overStreet) she fo$use* on what lay ahea*&2er hero& 9herever he was) she inten*e* to hunt him *own&

An* then , love) she fully expe$te*) woul* ta!e $are of therest&+ut fin*ing him was her test) the $hallenge she fa$e*) thehur*le she ha* to over$ome to prove she was worthy7 sheseriously *oute* that hewoul* fin* her& :egar*less) she fully inten*e* to en-oyherself while she sear$he*& 9ho !new5 She might notstumle on her hero for a year or more ,She frowne*& That might not e how matters $ame to pass&

2enrietta 0 to whom Angeli$a was suppose* to pass thene$!la$e after she%* foun*her hero 0 was only a few months younger than Angeli$a&2enrietta was -ust a few steps ehin* Angeli$a in the hero8hunt& So , #2mm , I might not have as mu$h time as I%* thought&'



Frowning more *efinitely) she refo$use* on her purpose an*mentally reaffirme* the spe$ifi$s of her hero& Tall)han*some) an* well set8up wentwithout saying) an* she ha* a *istin$t preferen$e for *ar!

hair) ut she was willing to $ompromise on that& 9hat wasfar more important was there/uirement that) on$e he%* realize* an* ha* ha* it ma*e$lear to him the role he was to play in her life) her heroshoul* loo! at her in exa$tly the sameintelligent an* !nowing) yet no longer $aring how he mightloo! to others) esotte* way that 1eremy loo!e* at Eliza&The same way +re$!enri*ge loo!e* at 2eather&The exa$t same way her father still loo!e* at her mother)

even after all these years&That loo! was the !ey&:elaxing against the seat) frown evaporating) repla$e* y aninflexily *etermine* expression) Angeli$a no**e*& #That%swhat I want) an* that%swhat I will have& Or my name isn%t Angeli$a Cynster&' Coming February !" fromStephanie #aurensan$

%von &oo's

The Capture of the Earl of (len)rae









Turn the pagefor an ex)erpt from

*is)ount &re)'enri$geto the +es)ue



%vailable now fromStephanie #aurens

an$

Mar*h, 1829.adha! Gardens, (ondoneather Cynster !new her latest plan to fin* a suitale

husan* was *oome* the instant she set foot in "a*y2erfor*%s salon&In a *istant $orner) a *ar! hea*) perfe$tly $oiffe* in thelatest ra!ish style) rose& A pair of sharp hazel eyes pinne*her where she stoo*&



#(amn@' 6eeping a smile firmly fixe* over her involuntarily$len$hing teeth) as if she ha*n%t noti$e* the most startlinglyhan*some man in the roomstaring so intently at her) she let her gaze *rift on&

+re$!enri*ge was hemme* in y not one ut three *ashingla*ies) all patently vying for his attention& She sin$erelywishe* them every su$$essan* praye* he%* ta!e the sensile $ourse an* preten* heha*n%t seen her&She was $ertainly going to preten* that she ha*n%t seen him&:efo$using on the surprisingly large $row* "a*y 2erfor* ha*enti$e* to her soiree) 2eather *etermine*ly anishe*+re$!enri*ge from her min*

an* $onsi*ere* her prospe$ts&.ost of the guests were ol*er than she 0 all the la*ies atleast& Some she re$ognize*) others she *i* not) ut it woul*e surprising if any otherla*y present wasn%t marrie*& Or wi*owe*& Or more*efinitively on the shelf than 2eather& Soirees of the style of"a*y 2erfor*%s were primarily the provin$eof the well8re* ut ore* matrons) those in sear$h of more$onvivial $ompany than that provi*e* y their usually mu$h

ol*er) more se*ate husan*s&Su$h la*ies might not e pre$isely fast) yet neither werethey inno$ent& 2owever) as y $ommon a$$or* sai* la*iesha* alrea*y presente* their husan*swith an heir) if not two) the ma-ority ha* more years in their*ish than 2eather%s twenty8five&From her rief) initial) assessing sweep) she $on$lu*e* thatmost of the gentlemen present were) en$ouragingly) ol*erthan she& .ost were in their

thirties) an* y their style 0 fashionale) well8turne* out)expensively gare*) an* thoroughly polishe* 0 she%* $hosenwell in ma!ing "a*y 2erfor*%ssoiree her first port of $all on this) her first expe*itionoutsi*e the rarefie* $onfines of the allrooms) *rawingrooms) an* *ining rooms of the uppere$helon of the ton&



For years she%* sear$he* through those more refine*re$eption rooms for her hero 0 the man who woul* sweepher off her feet an* into we**e*liss 0 only to $on$lu*e that he *i*n%t move in su$h $ir$les&

.any gentlemen of the ton) although perfe$tly eligile inevery way) preferre* to steer well$lear of all the sweet young things) the young la*ies para*e*on the marriage mart& Instea*) they spent their evenings atevents su$h as "a*y 2erfor*%s)an* their nights in various pursuits 0 gaming an*womanizing to name ut two&2er hero 0 she ha* to elieve he existe* somewhere 0 wasmost li!ely a memer of that more elusive group of males&

4iven he was thereforeunli!ely to $ome to her) she%* *e$i*e* 0 after lengthy an*animate* *is$ussions with her sisters) Elizaeth an* Angeli$a0 that it ehoove* her to $ometo him&To lo$ate him an*) if ne$essary) hunt him *own&Smiling amialy) she *es$en*e* the shallow steps to thefloor of the salon& "a*y 2erfor*%s villa was a re$ently uilt)/uite luxurious *welling

lo$ate* to the north of Primrose 2ill 0 $lose enough to.ayfair to e easily rea$he* y $arriage) a pertinent$onsi*eration given 2eather ha* ha* to$ome alone& She woul* have preferre* to atten* withsomeone to ear her $ompany) ut her sister Eliza) -ust ayear younger an* similarly *isguste* withthe la$! of hero8material within their restri$te* $ir$le) washer most li!ely $o$onspirator an* they $oul*n%t oth *evelopa hea*a$he on the same evening

without their mama seeing through the ploy& Eliza)therefore) was presently gra$ing "a*y .ontague%s allroom)while 2eather was suppose*ly lai* uponher e*) safe an* snug in (over Street&4iving every appearan$e of $alm $onfi*en$e) she gli*e* intothe $row*& She%* attra$te* $onsi*erale attention7 althoughshe preten*e*



oliviousness) she $oul* feel the assessing glan$es *wellingon the slee!) amer sil! gown that $lung lovingly to her$urves& This parti$ular $reationsporte* a sweetheart ne$!line an* tiny puffe* sleeves7 as

the evening was unseasonaly mil* an* her $arriage stoo*outsi*e) she%* ele$te* to $arry onlya fine topaz8an*8amer Norwi$h sil! shawl) its fringe *rapingover her are arms an* flirting over the sil! of the gown&2er a*van$e* age allowe* hergreater free*om to wear gowns that) while *efinitely not asrevealing as some others she $oul* see) nevertheless *rewmale eyes&One gentleman) suitaly *rawn an* a tou$h ol*er than his

fellows) ro!e from the $ir$le surroun*ing two la*ies an*langui*ly steppe* into herpath&2alting) she haughtily ar$he* a row&2e smile* an* owe*) flui*ly gra$eful& #.iss Cynster) Ielieve5' #In*ee*) sir& An* you are5' #.iles Furlough) my *ear&' 2is eyes met hers as hestraightene*& #Is this your first time here5'

#3es&' She glan$e* aroun*) *etermine*ly pro-e$ting$onfi*ent assuran$e& She inten*e* to pi$! her man) notallow him or any other to pi$! her& #The $ompany appears /uite animate*&' The noise of untol*$onversations was stea*ily rising& :eturning her gaze to.iles Furlough) she as!e*) #Are herla*yship%s gatherings $ustomarily so lively5' Furlough%s lips $urve* in a smile 2eather wasn%t sure sheli!e*&

#I thin! you%ll *is$over 0' Furlough ro!e off) his gaze goingpast her&She ha* an instant%s warning 0 a primitive pri$!ling overher nape 0 then long) steely fingers $lose* aout her elow&2eat washe* over her) emanating from the $onta$t)supplante* almost instantly y a *isorientating gi**iness&She $aught her reath& She *i*n%t



nee* to loo! to !now that Timothy (anvers) <is$ount+re$!enri*ge 0 her nemesis 0 ha* ele$te* not to esensile& #Furlough&' The *eep voi$e issuing from aove her hea* an*

to the si*e ha* its usual *is$on$erting effe$t&Ignoring the frisson of awareness strea!ing *own her spine0 a sus$eptiility she positively *espise* 0 she slowlyturne* her hea* an* *ire$te*a reine* glare at its $ause& #+re$!enri*ge&' There was nothing in her tone to suggest she wel$ome* hisarrival 0 /uite the opposite&2e ignore* her attempt to *epress his pretensions7 in*ee*)she wasn%t even sure he registere* it& 2is gaze ha*n%t

shifte* from Furlough& #If you%ll ex$use us) ol* man) there%s a matter I nee* to*is$uss with .iss Cynster&' +re$!enri*ge hel* Furlough%sgaze& #I%m sure you un*erstan*&' Furlough%s expression suggeste* that he *i* yet wishe* he*i*n%t feel olige* to give way& +ut in this milieu)+re$!enri*ge 0 the hostesses% an*the la*ies% *arling 0 was well nigh impossile to gainsay&:elu$tantly) Furlough in$line* his hea*& #Of $ourse&'

Shifting his gaze to 2eather) Furlough smile* 0 moresin$erely) a ta* ruefully& #.iss Cynster& 9oul* we ha* met inless $row*e* surroun*s&Perhaps next time&' 9ith a parting no*) he sauntere* offinto the $row*&2eather let free an exasperate* huff& +ut efore she $oul*even gather her arguments an* turn them on +re$!enri*ge)he tightene* his grip on herelow an* starte* propelling her through the $row*&

Startle*) she trie* to halt& #9hat 0' #If you have the slightest sense of self8preservation you willwal! to the front *oor without any fuss&' 2e was steering her) surreptitiously pushing her) in that*ire$tion) an* it wasn%t all that far& #"et& .e& 4o&' Sheuttere* the $omman*) low an**elivere* with $onsi*erale feeling) through $len$he* teeth&



2e urge* her up the salon steps& ;se* the moment whenshe was on the step aove him to en* his hea* an*reathe in her ear) #.hat the devil are ou doing here4 '

2is $len$he* teeth trumpe* her $len$he* teeth& The wor*s)his tone) sli* through her) evo!ing 0 as he%* no *outinten*e* 0 a neulous) purelyinstin$tive fear&+y the time she shoo! free of it) he was smoothly)apparently unhurrie*ly) steering her through the gueststhronging the foyer& #No 0 *on%t other answering&' 2e *i*n%t loo! *own7 he ha*the open front *oor in his sights& #I *on%t $are what

ninnyhammerish notion you%veta!en into your hea*& 3ou%re leaving& Now&' %ale, whole, virgin inta*ta# +re$!enri*ge only -ust it a$!the wor*s& #There is no reason whatever for you to interfere&' 2er voi$evirate* with arely suppresse* fury&2e re$ognize* her moo* well enough 0 her $ustomary onewhenever he was near& Normally he woul* respon* y givingher a wi*e erth) ut

here an* now he ha* no $hoi$e& #(o you have any i*ea whatyour $ousins woul* *o to me 0 let alone your rothers 0 ifthey *is$overe* I%* seen you inthis *en of ini/uity an* turne* a lin* eye5' She snorte* an* trie*) surreptitiously ut unsu$$essfully) tofree her elow& #3ou%re as large as any of them 0 an**emonstraly -ust as mu$h of aully& 3ou $oul* see them off&' #One) perhaps) ut all six5 I thin! not& "et alone "u$ an*

.artin) an* 4yles Chillingworth 0 an* what aout .i$hael5No) wait 0 what aout Caro)an* your aunts) an* , the list goes on& Flaying woul* epreferale 0 mu$h less pain&' #3ou%re overrea$ting& "a*y 2erfor*%s house har*ly /ualifiesas a *en of ini/uity&' She glan$e* a$!& #There%s nothing theleast o-e$tionale going



on in that salon&' #Not in the salon) perhaps 0 at least) not yet& +ut you *i*n%tgo further into the house 0 trust me) a *en of ini/uity itmost *efinitely is&'

#+ut 0' #No&' :ea$hing the front por$h 0 than!fully *eserte* 0 hehalte*) release* her) an* finally let himself loo! *own at her&"et himself loo! into herfa$e) a perfe$t oval hosting *eli$ate features an* a pair ofstormy gray8lue eyes lushly fringe* with *ar! rownlashes& (espite those eyes having turne*har* an* flinty) even though her lus$ious lips were presently$ompresse* into a thin line) that fa$e was the sort that ha*

laun$he* arma*as an* in$ite*wars sin$e the *awn of time& It was a fa$e full of life& Full ofsensual promise an* arely restraine* vitality&An* that was efore a**ing the effe$t of a slen*er figure)slee! rather than $urva$eous) yet investe* with su$h flui*gra$e that her every movementevo!e* thoughts that) at least in his $ase) were etter leftunexplore*&The only reason she ha*n%t een moe* in the salon was

e$ause none ut Furlough ha* sha!en free of thearrestation the first sight of hergenerally $ause* /ui$!ly enough to get to her efore he ha*&2e felt his fa$e har*en) fought not to $len$h his fists an*tower over her in a sure8to8e8vain attempt to intimi*ateher& #3ou%re going home) an*that%s all there is to it&' 2er eyes narrowe* to shar*s& #If you try to for$e me) I%lls$ream&'

2e lost the attle7 his fists $len$he* at his si*es& 2ol*ing hergaze) he evenly state*) #If you *o) I%ll tap you un*er thatpretty little $hin) !no$! youun$ons$ious) tell everyone you fainte*) toss you in a$arriage) an* sen* you home&' 2er eyes wi*ene*& She $onsi*ere* him ut *i*n%t a$! *own& #3ou woul*n%t&'



2e *i*n%t lin!& #Try me&' 2eather inwar*ly *ithere*& This was the troule with+re$!enri*ge 0 one simply $oul*n%t tell what he wasthin!ing& 2is fa$e) that of a 4ree! go*)

all $lean planes an* sharp angles) lean $hee!s elow high$hee!ones an* a strong) s/uare -aw) remaine*aristo$rati$ally impassive an* utterlyunrea*ale no matter what was going through his min*& Noteven his heavy8li**e* hazel eyes gave any $lue7 hisexpression was perennially that of anelegantly ra!ish gentleman who $are* for little eyon* hisimme*iate pleasure&Every element of his appearan$e) from his ex/uisitely

un*erstate* attire) the severe $ut of his $lothes ma!ing thelean strength they $on$eale*only more apparent) to the langui* *rawl he haituallyaffe$te*) supporte* that image 0 one she was fairly $ertainwas a $omprehensive faa*e&She sear$he* his eyes 0 an* *ete$te* not the smallest signthat he woul*n%t *o pre$isely as he sai*& 9hi$h woul* esimply too emarrassing& #2ow *i* you get here5'

:elu$tantly) she wave* at the line of $arriages stret$hingalong the $urving pavement of 9a*ham 4ar*ens as far asthey $oul* see& #.y parents% $arriage 0 an* efore you le$ture me on the impropriety oftraveling a$ross "on*on alone at night) oth the $oa$hmanan* groom have een with myfamily for *e$a*es&' Tight8lippe*) he no**e*& #I%ll wal! you to it&' 2e rea$he* for her elow again&

She whis!e* a$!& #(on%t other&' Frustration erupte*7 shefelt sure he woul* inform her rothers that he%* foun* her at"a*y 2erfor*%s) whi$hwoul* spell an en* to her plan 0 one whi$h) until he%*interfere*) ha* hel* real promise& She gave vent to hertemper with an infuriate* glare& #I $an wal!twenty yar*s y myself&'



Even to her ears her wor*s soun*e* petulant& In rea$tion)she $appe* them with) #1ust leave me alone@' "ifting her $hin) she swung on her heel an* mar$he* *ownthe steps& 2ea* *etermine*ly high) she turne* right along

the pavement towar* whereher parents% town $arriage waite* in the line&Insi*e she was sha!ing& She felt $hil*ish an* furious 0 an*helpless& 1ust as she always felt when she an* +re$!enri*ge$rosse* swor*s&+lin!ing a$! tears of stifle* rage) !nowing he was wat$hing)she stiffene* her spine an* mar$he* stea*ily on&From the sha*ows of "a*y 2erfor*%s front por$h)+re$!enri*ge wat$he* the ane of his life stal! a$! to

safety& 9hy of all the la*ies in the ton itha* to e 2eather Cynster who so tie* him in !nots he *i*n%t!now7 what he *i* !now was that there wasn%t a *amne*thing he $oul* *o aout it& She wastwenty8five) an* he was ten years an* a million nights ol*er7he was $ertain she viewe* him at est as an interferingmu$h ol*er $ousin) at worst as aninterfering un$le& #9on*erful)' he muttere* as he wat$he* her stri*e

fearlessly along& On$e he saw her safely away , he wasgoing to wal! home& The night airmight $lear his hea* of the *istra$tion) of the unsettle*)restless feeling *ealing with her always left him prey to 0 asense of loneliness) an* emptiness)an* time slipping away&Of life 0 his life 0 eing somehow worthless) or rather)worth less 0 less than it shoul*&2e *i*n%t) truly *i*n%t) want to thin! aout her& There were

la*ies among the $row* insi*e who woul* fight to provi*ehim with *iversion) ut he%*long ago learne* the value of their smiles) their pleasure*sighs&Fleeting) meaningless) illusory $onne$tions&In$reasingly they left him feeling $heapene*) use*&;nfulfille*&



2e wat$he* the moonlight glint in 2eather%s wheat gol* hair&2e%* first met her four years ago at the we**ing of hisiologi$al stepmother)Caroline) to .i$hael Anstruther89ethery) rother of

2onoria) (u$hess of St& Ives an* /ueen of the Cynster $lan&2onoria%s husan*) (evil Cynster) was2eather%s ol*est $ousin&Although +re$!enri*ge ha* first met 2eather on that *ay insunny 2ampshire) he%* !nown the male Cynster $ousins formore than a *e$a*e 0they move* in the same $ir$les) an* efore the $ousins ha*marrie*) ha* share* mu$h the same interests&A $arriage to the left of the house pulle* out of the line&

+re$!enri*ge glan$e* that way) saw the $oa$hman set hishorses plo**ing) then loo!e*right again to where 2eather was still gli*ing along& #Twenty yar*s) my arse&' .ore li!e fifty& #9here the *amnhell is her $arriage5' The wor*s ha* arely left his lips when the other $arriage) atraveling $oa$h) *rew level with 2eather&An* slowe*&The $oa$h%s *oor swung open an* a man shot out& Another

leapt *own from esi*e the *river&+efore +re$!enri*ge $oul* haul in a reath) the pair ha*slippe* past the $arriages lining the pavement an* grae*2eather& Smothering hersho$!e* $ry) they hoiste* her up) $arrie* her to the $oa$h)an* un*le* her insi*e& #2ey@' +re$!enri*ge%s shout was e$hoe* y a $oa$hman afew $arriages *own the line&+ut the men were alrea*y tumling through the $oa$h *oor

as the $oa$hman whippe* up his horses&+re$!enri*ge was *own the steps an* ra$ing along thepavement efore he%* even forme* the thought of giving$hase&The traveling $oa$h *isappeare* aroun* the $urve of the$res$ent that was 9a*ham 4ar*ens& From the rattle of thewheels) the $oa$h turne*



right up the first $onne$ting street&:ea$hing the $arriage where the $oa$hman who%* yelle* nowsat stunne* an* staring after the !i*nappers% $oa$h)+re$!enri*ge $lime* up an*

grae* the reins& #"et me& I%m a frien* of the family& 9e%regoing after her&' The $oa$hman swallowe* his surprise an* release* the reins&+re$!enri*ge swiftly ta$!e* an*) $ursing at the tightness)swung the town $arriage into the roa*& The instant the$onveyan$e was free of the line)he whippe* up the horses& #6eep your eyes peele* 0 I haveno i*ea whi$h way they might go&' #Aye) sir 0 my lor* ,&'

+riefly meeting the $oa$hman%s si*eways glan$e)+re$!enri*ge state*) #<is$ount +re$!enri*ge& I !now (evilan* 4ariel&' An* the others) utthose names woul* *o&The $oa$hman no**e*& #Aye) my lor*&' Turning) he $alle*a$! to the groom) hanging on ehin*& #1ames 0 you wat$hleft an* I%ll wat$h right& If wemiss seeing them) you%ll nee* to hop *own at the next$orner an* loo!&'

+re$!enri*ge $on$entrate* on the horses& "u$!ily there waslittle other traffi$& 2e ma*e the turn into the same street the$oa$h ha* ta!en& All threeof them imme*iately loo!e* ahea*& "ight from numerousstreet flares garishly illuminate* an o**8angle* four8wayinterse$tion ahea*& #There@' $ame a $all from ehin*& #That%s them 0 turningleft into the igger street&' +re$!enri*ge gave than!s for 1ames%s sharp eyes7 he%* only

-ust glimpse* the a$! of the $oa$h himself& ;rging thehorses on as /ui$!ly as he*are*) they rea$he* the interse$tion an* ma*e the turn 0 -ust in time to see the $oa$h turn right at the nextinterse$tion& #Oh)' the $oa$hman sai*&+re$!enri*ge fli$!e* a glan$e his way& #9hat5'



#That%s Avenue :oa* they%ve -ust turne* into 0 it mergesinto Fin$hley :oa* -ust a it along&' An* Fin$hley :oa* e$ame the 4reat North :oa*) an* the$oa$h was hea*ing north& #They might e hea*ing for some

house out that way&' +re$!enri*ge tol* himself that $oul* e the $ase , ut theywere following a traveling $oa$h) not a town $arriage&2e steere* the pair of la$!s he was managing into Avenue:oa*& +oth the $oa$hman an* 1ames peere* ahea*& #3ep 0 that%s them)' the $oa$hman sai*& #+ut they%re a wayahea* of us now&' 4iven the la$!s were Cynster horses) +re$!enri*ge wasn%tworrie* aout how far ahea* their /uarry got& #1ust as long

as we !eep them in sight&' As it transpire*) that was easier sai* than *one& It wasn%tthe la$!s that slowe* them ut the plo**ing easts *rawingthe seven $onveyan$es thatgot etween them an* the traveling $oa$h& 9hile rollingalong the narrow $arriageways through the outs!irts of thesprawling metropolis) pastCri$!lewoo* through to 4ol*ers 4reen there was nowhere+re$!enri*ge $oul* pass& They manage* to !eep the $oa$h

in sight long enough to feel$ertain that it was) in*ee*) hea*ing up the 4reat North:oa*) ut y the time they rea$he* 2igh +arnet with thelong stret$h of +arnet 2ill eyon*) they%*lost sight of it&Inwar*ly $ursing) +re$!enri*ge turne* into the yar* of the+arnet Arms) a ma-or posting inn an* one at whi$h he waswell !nown& 2alting the$arriage) to the $oa$hman an* 1ames he sai*) #As! up an*

*own the roa* 0 see if you $an fin* anyone who saw the$oa$h) if they $hange* horses) anyinformation&' +oth men s$ramle* *own an* went& +re$!enri*ge turne* tothe ostlers who%* $ome hurrying to hol* the horses% hea*s& #I nee* a $urri$le an* yourest pair 0 where%s your master5'



2alf an hour later) he parte* from the $oa$hman an* 1ames&They%* foun* several people who%* seen the $oa$h) whi$hha* stoppe* riefly to$hange horses at the S$epter an* Crown& The $oa$h ha*

$ontinue* north along the highway& #2ere&' +re$!enri*ge han*e* the $oa$hman a note he%*s$rile* while he%* waite* for them to return& #4ive that to"or* .artin as soon as you$an&' "or* .artin Cynster was 2eather%s father& #If for anyreason he%s not availale) get it to one of .iss Cynster%srothers) or) failing them) to St& Ives&' +re$!enri*ge !new (evil was in town) ut he was less$ertain of the others% whereaouts&

#Aye) my lor*&' The $oa$hman too! the note) raise* a han*in salute& #An* goo* lu$! to you) sir& 2ope you $at$h up withthose la$!guar*s right/ui$!&' +re$!enri*ge hope* so) too& 2e wat$he* the pair $lim up tothe ox seat of the town $arriage& The instant they%* turne*it out of the yar*) hea*inga$! to "on*on) he stro*e to the slee! phaeton waiting toone si*e& A pair of grays the inn!eeper rarely allowe* to e

hire* y anyone *an$e* etweenthe shafts& Two nervous ostlers hel* the horses% hea*s& #:ight fris!y) they are) m%lor*&' The hea* ostler followe* himover& #They haven%t een out in an age& 6eep telling theoss he%* e etter off lettingthem out for a run now an* then&' #I%ll manage&' +re$!enri*ge swung up to the phaeton%s highox seat& 2e nee*e* spee*) an* the $omination of phaetonan* high8re* horses

promise* that& Ta!ing the reins) he tensione* them) teste*the horses% mouths) then no**e* to the ostlers& #"et %emgo&' The ostlers *i*) leaping a$! as the horses surge*&+re$!enri*ge reine* the pair in only enough to ta!e the turnout of the yar*) then he let them have their hea*s up +arnet2ill an* on along the 4reat



North :oa*&For a while) managing the horses asore* all of hisattention) ut on$e they%* settle* an* were owling along)the stea*y rhythm of their hooves

eating the miles with little other traffi$ to get in their way)he $oul* spare suffi$ient attention to thin!&To give than!s the night wasn%t freezing given he was still inhis evening $lothes&To grapple with the realization that if he ha*n%t insiste*2eather leave "a*y 2erfor*%s villa 0 ha*n%t allowe* her towal! the twenty8$um8fifty yar*salong the pavement to her $arriage alone 0 she woul*n%thave een in the han*s of un!nown assailants) woul*n%t

have een su-e$te* to whateverin*ignities they%* alrea*y visite* on her&They woul* pay) of $ourse7 he%* ensure that& +ut that in noway mitigate* the sense of horror an* overwhelming guiltthat it was *ue to his a$tionsthat she was now in *anger&2e%* inten*e* to prote$t her& Instea* ,1aw $len$he*) teeth gritte*) he !ept his eyes on the roa*an* ra$e* on&

About the Author





The first roman$e stories Stephanie "aurens ever rea* wereset against the a$!*rop of :egen$y Englan*) an* these$ontinue to exert a spe$ial



attra$tion for her& 2er first novel for Avon +oo!s was6aptain 3a*"-s .o!an) pulishe* in DGGH& Suse/uentvolumes forme* Stephanie%s popular seriesaout the masterful) arrogant Cynster $lan? =evil-s 5ride) A

a"e-s ow ) &*andal-s 5ride) A ogue-s 7roposal ) A &e*ret(ove) All About (ove) All About 7assion) The 7ro!ise in a <iss) ?n a .ild ight ) ?n a.i*"ed =awn) The 7er+e*t (over ) The Ideal 5ride) The Truth About (ove ) .hat 7ri*e (ove4,The Taste o+ Inno*en*e) .here the %eart (eads an*Te!ptation and &urrender & Stephanie has also written eightoo!s aout the eight *ashinga$helors of the +astion Clu? The (ad 6hosen) A

Gentle!an-s %onour ) A (ad o+ %is ?wn) A :ine 7assion) To=istra*tion) 5eond &edu*tion) TheEdge o+ =esire an* Mastered b (ove&2er last series of oo!s form the +la$! Cora Buartet? TheBnta!ed 5ride) The Elusive 5ride) The 5razen 5ride an* Thee*"less 5ride&The new Cynster novels) is*ount 5re*"enridge to thees*ue an* In 7ursuit o+ Eliza 6nster ) are to e followe* yThe 6apture o+ the Earl o+

Glen*rae&Twenty8four of Stephanie%s releases have een ew or"Ti!es) B&A Toda an* 7ublishers .ee"l estsellers&.arrie* with two *aughters)Stephanie lives in a leafy suur of .elourne) along withher two $ats) Sha!espeare an* .arlowe&<isit Stephanie%s wesite atstephanielaurens&$om

Other books by Stephanie Laurens





The &la)' Cobra ,uartet

T2E :EC6"ESS +:I(E

T2E +:AEN +:I(ET2E E";SI<E +:I(ET2E ;NTA.E( +:I(E&astion Club Novels

.ASTE:E( +3 "O<E J T2E E(4E OF (ESI:E+E3ON( SE(;CTION J TO (IST:ACTIONA FINE PASSION J A "A(3 OF 2IS O9NA 4ENT"E.AN%S 2ONO: J T2E "A(3 C2OSENCAPTAIN 1AC6%S 9O.AN

Cynster Novels



IN P;:S;IT OF E"IA C3NSTE:

<ISCO;NT +:EC6EN:I(4E TO T2E :ESC;ETE.PTATION AN( S;::EN(E: J 92E:E T2E 2EA:T "EA(ST2E TASTE OF INNOCENCE J 92AT P:ICE "O<E5T2E T:;T2 A+O;T "O<E J T2E I(EA" +:I(ET2E PE:FECT "O<E: J ON A 9IC6E( (A9NON A 9I"( NI42T J T2E P:O.ISE IN A 6ISSA"" A+O;T PASSION J A"" A+O;T "O<EA SEC:ET "O<E J A :O4;E%S P:OPOSA"SCAN(A"%S +:I(E J A :A6E%S <O9 J (E<I"%S +:I(E

The %nthologies

Documents

71719867 Stephanie Laurens Cynster Sisters 02 in Pursuit of Eliza Cynster