AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"I have heard of you, sir," she said, evenly.
"You are like to hear more, my dear."
"That is as may be, your Grace."
Now she understood the elaborate hilt of the mysterious sword with thecoronet on it, wrought in jewels. She wondered whether Jack had itstill, wherever he was. If only some wonderful providence would bringhim to her now in her dire need! There was no one to strike a blow forher; she was entirely at the mercy of a ruthless libertine, whosereputation she knew well, and whose presence filled her with dread and aspeechless loathing. She felt very doubtful that her father wouldsucceed in finding her. If only Jack were in England! He would come toher, she knew.
His Grace leaned towards her, laying a thin, white hand on her knee.
"My dear, be reasonable. I am not such a bad bargain after all."
The tenderness in his voice filled her with horror. He felt her shrinkaway.
"Take your hand away!" she commanded throbbingly. "Do not touch me!" Helaughed softly and at the sound of it she controlled her terrors anddropped again to the mocking tone she had adopted. "What? Ungallantstill, your Grace? Pray keep your distance!"
The pistol holster on the wall at her side caught her attention.Instantly she looked away, hoping he had not observed her. Very littleescaped his Grace.
"I am desolated to have to disappoint you, my dear. It is empty."
She laid a careless hand on the holster, verifying his statement.
"This? Oh, I guessed it, your Grace!"
He admired her spirit more and more. Was there ever such a girl?
"My name is Tracy," he remarked.
She considered it with her head tilted to one side.
"I do not like your name, sir," she answered.
"'There was no thought of pleasing you when I was christened,'" he quotedlazily.
"Hardly, sir," she said. "You might be my father."
It was a master stroke, and for an instant his brows drew together. Thenhe laughed.
"_Merci du compliment, mademoiselle_! I admire your wit."
"I protest I am overwhelmed. May I ask when we are like to arrive at ourdestination?"
"We should reach Andover soon after eight, my dear."
So it was some distance he was taking her?
"I suppose you had the wit to provide food for the journey?" she yawned."You will not wish to exhibit me at an inn, I take it?"
He marvelled at her indomitable courage
"We shall halt at an inn certainly, and my servant will bring yourefreshment. That will be in about an hour."
"So long?" she frowned. "Then, pray excuse me an I compose myself tosleep a little. I am like to find the journey somewhat tedious, I fear."
She shifted farther into the corner, leaned her head back against thecushions and closed her eyes.
Thus outwitting his Grace. For it is impossible to be passionate with agirl who feigns sleep when she should be struggling to escape from you.So Tracy, who, whatever else he might lack, possessed a keen sense ofhumour, settled himself in his corner and followed her example. So theyjogged on....
Arrived
