"Very succinctly put, my dear. You echo my sentiments exactly. Though I would make just a small addition to that statement. I would also prefer to remain unwed than contract a marriage where my wife is compelled to view me with either revulsion or pity."
Instantly she was on her feet and would have given a hasty reply, but at that moment the landlady bustled into the parlor bearing a hearty breakfast, which she laid on the table before bobbing a brief curtsy and once more retreating to the kitchen.
For several heartbeats they stood looking defiantly at each other, both unwilling to make the first move until, relenting, the earl said in rallying tones, "What, not hungry, Jem? We may spend all morning quarrelling like children if you so desire, but I must admit, I would welcome my breakfast"
Reluctantly she resumed her seat, watching from beneath lowered lashes as the earl did the same. There were still words she would have said, but instead she had to content herself by muttering, "You are hateful, Edward, and I wish I had not invited you on this journey."
"An invite, was it, my girl?" He chuckled, with eyebrows raised, his humor returned. "I was of the opinion that when you presented yourself at my house, it was more of a royal command."
"I did do it rather well, didn't I?" she replied, her eyes sparkling with merriment. "I knew you would find it difficult to refuse me, though you almost ruined it all by coming home foxed"
"I realize my intoxication must have proved a severe trial to you, brat. Though, the next time you have need of my services, I would appreciate a little more notice."
"Then you truly don't regret coming with me?" she asked in a hopeful voice.
"I truly do not"
Content with his reply, she settled to her meal, and a feeling of rapport existed between them once more.
Once the meal was over, neither felt the inclination to continue with their previous discussion, feeling that the topic had been exhausted and the air cleared.
"I've been thinking," said the earl, pushing away his plate. "Instead of trying to rejoin the stage, I believe we may now safely travel post. We are far enough away from London for it not to make any difference. What say you? Have you had your fill of public conveyances?"
"I rather enjoyed the experience." Jennifer chuckled. "We met such interesting company. Indeed, it was extremely diverting."
"I never knew you were such a chatterbox" He grinned. "You talked incessantly and with scarcely any caution. Forswear, I was in constant fear of our being found out, although you certainly seemed to relish your role of schoolboy. However, I think it advisable that we recommence our journey in more comfort. Without it being necessary to pick up and deposit passengers, we should reach Freddie that much sooner."
"Couldn't we delay our journey just a little, Ned?" she said unexpectedly. "This is such a cozy inn, and it wouldn't do Freddie any harm to reflect on his misdeeds. Forswear, it may even do him some good."
"Let him stew, you mean? I can see the sense in that, but it would not do that we tarry. We cannot spend another night under this roof. Think of the impropriety of the situation and the scandal we would cause should our whereabouts become known"
"Who's to know where we are? It isn't a route frequented by society, and the inn is so small, it could easily pass unnoticed. It's so pleasant here. Couldn't we stay just one more night? I promise I will not plague you. Please, Ned."
Sinclair found it difficult to resist the pleading in her voice but, realizing he must stand firm, curtly replied, "No. We must make what speed we can so we can resolve the situation as soon as possible. Go and prepare for the journey. I will ask the landlord for directions to the nearest posting inn."
It was not until Jennifer rejoined the earl in the parlor a short while later that he had the opportunity to discuss the matter with the landlord.
"The Red Fox is the inn you want, sir," said the proprietor. "You'll have no difficulty in hiring a chaise there, though it's a tidy step away from here"
"And how far is a `tidy step'?" inquired Sinclair.
"I should say about seven miles, as the crow flies."
"It's a lovely day. We could easily walk there," enthused Jennifer.
"My dear Jem, you are not a bird, and neither am I," was the earl's dampening reply. "Although I have every confidence in your ability to walk seven miles, I don't think it wise to attempt it."
"I have a gig that you could drive over to the Red Fox," said the landlord, eager to be of some assistance. "Our eldest son works at the smithy, and he could return it to me when he finishes for the day."
"Does he walk the seven miles to work?" asked Jennifer, curious.
"He does, young sir, so he will be glad of the ride home"
"If your son is able to walk that distance before a day's work, I am quite sure that we could...."
"No, we could not!" interposed Sinclair with some force. Turning to the landlord, he said, "We will take the gig and thank you for it."
"I will put the horse to the shafts immediately, sir," said the landlord. "He's young but a sweet-enough goer."
The post chaise bowled out of the yard at the Red Fox, its occupants appreciating its comparative comforts to their previous mode of travel.
"I must admit, post has definite advantages over the common coach," confided Jennifer.
"I thought you'd found it quite amusing." The earl chuckled, sitting opposite his companion, easing his long legs out before him, and crossing his ankles. "Now, alas, you have only me to entertain you"
"Sadly, 'tis a circumstance I will have to bear with what fortitude I can muster," said Jennifer, smiling in return, longing to emulate his position but realizing it would appear most unladylike.
"As we are traveling post, I've decided that we can now forgo the dubious pleasures of Coventry and take a more direct route to our destination. Therefore, we need spend only one further night en route"
"Where will that be?"
"I know of a posting house in Oakham-not intimately but by repute. It's said to offer excellent accommodation and a more than adequate bill of fare"
She appeared to consider this. "But if it's been recommended, will it not also be know to other members of the ton? And who knows who might be patronizing it? Perhaps a lesser-known inn would suffice"
"I think you might have the right of it, Jen," replied the earl thoughtfully. "I will ask the coachman if he can recommend an establishment. I wouldn't wish to prolong our journey."
"You will be glad to be rid of me?"
"Of the situation-of course. The thought of the torment young Freddie must be suffering is intolerable."
"I would almost say he deserves it," said Jennifer tartly. "He should have more sense than to enter into a bout of fisticuffs."
"Sometimes such situations are unavoidable," replied Sinclair. "He may have had no alternative but to defend himself. Tempers flare more quickly than reason"
"I can't imagine you being led into such a situation."
Sinclair laughed. "Do I appear so sensible? For I assure you, I am not."
"You are known to be very tolerant, Ned"
"If I'm to be accused of tolerance now, it's merely because I remember like instances in my youth when I was equally as hotheaded as our respective brothers. Perhaps even more so, until entering the cavalry moderated my moods"
"I don't believe it for one minute. Arthur told me you were ever known for your even temper."
"You would wish me otherwise?" he asked with some surprise. "If I was, I would not have attempted this journey. I would have returned you home immediately."
"Edward Thurston .. " she began.
He laughed. "I know, I know-'Edward Thurston, I hate you. ,,
"I was about to say," replied Jennifer, feigning superiority, "that I don't believe you for one moment. You are far more generous than that, and you certainly don't appear averse to the situation. Indeed, one could almost accuse you of enjoying the experience."
"That's as may be, my girl," he said, finally relenting. "You s
eem to have the measure of me. Though what Flora would say if she could see us, I know not. She's confirmed that I've become very staid and dull. If she could see me cavorting about the countryside with a hoyden of a girl masquerading first as my pupil and now as my brother, I doubt she would be of the same opinion."
"Arthur would be only too thankful to be rid of me; indeed, he's often told me so"
The earl's dark brows snapped into a frown. "You're not welcome in your own home?" he asked with great concern.
"I am decidedly de trop. He wishes to marry and for he and his wife to be the sole occupants of the house"
"What of you and Freddie?"
"He cares not what becomes of us. He daren't coerce me into marriage, though frequently his methods come near to it."
"Your life is made uncomfortable?" Sinclair asked, concern heavy in his voice.
"At times."
"Damn him," he swore forcefully. "Am I to suppose that when our engagement was broken, he was less than charitable to you?"
"Considerably so. He saw his own plans thwarted and reacted accordingly."
For quite a few moments he said nothing, the heavy frown remaining on his brow as he stared sightlessly through the window. Eventually he returned his gaze to his companion, and, sitting forward in his seat, he reached out and took her hand.
"You must forgive me, Jenny," he said earnestly. "It was not my intention to put you into an invidious position."
At the touch of his fingers, she hastily withdrew her hand. "There's no need to apologize," she said quickly. "I was of the same frame of mind as you. I must take my share of the blame. Indeed, I'd already informed Arthur of my intention of ending the betrothal before I came to see you at Fly."
"Then it came as no great shock to you when I followed the same course?" he asked, watching from beneath lowered brows as he once more sat back in his seat.
"It rankled that you were the first to state the case. As is common in these situations, I would have preferred to be the one to make the break. I'd come to Fly with the intention of explaining all to you"
"And I was too eager to say my piece," he stated flatly.
"You did seem somewhat eager to be rid of the betrothaland me-yes"
"I wished only to assure you that you were in no way obligated to proceed with the marriage, that we would not deal at all well together. I put my case too bluntly, but I had no wish to wound you"
She considered the matter briefly, studying his face. "We do well enough as friends though, don't we, Ned?"
"Aye, as friends we do admirably." He smiled, and then a teasing light came into his eyes. "Though I could wish for a little more respect from my young brother when in company. I will not have it announced to all and sundry that I snore when it was you who kept me awake half the night with your mutterings."
She picked up her hat from the seat beside her and, laughing, threw it at his head, but he deftly caught it before it made contact.
"I said you were a hoyden" He laughed, placing the hat out of her reach. "Heaven help the man who finally takes you to wife. He does so with my deepest sympathy."
"That need not worry you, Edward," she replied haughtily. "It's no concern of yours. I, too, have decided never to marry."
"Then that is a great pity, my dear."
She moved to a corner of the coach and sat with chin resting in hand as she studied the passing countryside, and silence reigned.
"I've spoken to the coachman, and he suggests either The Pheasant or an inn that has the dubious name of The Sow's Ear," the earl informed Jennifer when next they stopped to change horses and alighted to partake of refreshment. "He informs me that The Pheasant is often frequented by sporting gentlemen on their way to the races, so 'twould appear that The Sow's Ear may be more suitable. What say you, Jem? Do you think you could be comfortable in an inn that rejoices in such a name?"
"If it's the quieter of the two, then most certainly," replied Jennifer, finishing the last of her cold lamb. "If we wish to remain undiscovered, it appears we've no choice in the matter. 'Pon reflection, 'tis quite a colorful name"
"Then we must hope the patrons to be less so and that we are able to secure separate bedchambers. It would not do to tempt providence a second time and risk discovery."
Sinclair drained the last of his ale and rose from the table, indicating that she should do the same, and, after paying the shot, he guided her once more to the waiting chaise.
Once inside and the journey resumed, he said, "I've been thinking, Jenny. Tomorrow I believe it would be prudent to break our journey at Ashbourne and for you to change into your skirts. It won't do that you should arrive at our destination in your guise of schoolboy. It would only complicate matters"
"What of the coachman and postillion-will they not think it strange?" she asked in some surprise. She'd not given her new persona a second thought or even contemplated her reception when she should at last confront Freddie.
"From the curious stare the coachman gave you at our last halt, I believe he may have his suspicions already," the earl informed her. "He may even believe he's party to an elopement."
"Pish, who would elope to Buxton?" she scoffed. "If we'd been bound for the border, then I could understand his reasoning. But Buxton? No!"
"You have brought a suitable gown with you, haven't you?"
"Of course I have," she replied indignantly.
"Then I will have no argument. You will change into it tomorrow."
She firmed her chin, casting him a mutinous look. "What if I refuse?"
"That would not be wise," he said severely. "You will not refuse. We make a stop at Ashbourne."
"And if I don't comply?" she persisted.
"Then I will find it necessary to dress you myself."
"You wouldn't dare"
"There you have the wrong of it, my dear. I most certainly would dare."
"Edward!" came her incensed reply. "I would not have believed it of you!"
He laughed. "That shows just how little you know me, Jeremiah. If you challenge me, I will most certainly carry out my threat"
"Edward Thurston ..
"I know. I know," he said, laughing. "I've heard it often enough"
"Well, I do. I hate you!"
It lacked but five minutes to ten when the travelers laid weary foot in the small, dimly lit private parlor of The Sow's Ear. A general hum emanated from the taproom on the other side of the corridor, but other than that, the inn appeared sparsely inhabited. To the earl's relief, two bedchambers were secured, albeit on different floors. Ordering their supper to be served as soon as possible, they determined that once the meal was over, they would immediately seek repose.
"The young gentleman looks quite done up, sir," confided the proprietor to the earl when he ordered the repast.
Jennifer cast him a tired glance as she took her seat on the settle beside the small fire that made the room less chilly. She had been quiet for some time and felt disinclined to enter into conversation, leaving Sinclair to make what arrangements were necessary.
"I trust I chose rightly for supper?" asked the earl, taking his seat on the opposite side of the hearth.
She nodded briefly, even this seeming an effort in her weary state.
"Try not to fall asleep, my dear," said Sinclair softly, as he watched her eyelids begin to fall. "You will only feel the worse for it."
"I am not going to sleep. I merely rest my eyes," lied Jenny valiantly, as her head drooped onto her chest.
Rising from his seat, the earl gently lifted her feet from the floor so that she lay on the settle. He attempted to ease her into a more comfortable position, cursing softly at what he perceived as his clumsiness, with having but one arm to achieve the task. However, she nestled quite contentedly on the ill-padded seat, murmuring slightly as she rested her head in the crook of her arm. He tried to catch her words, but they were inaudible, and he resumed his seat.
He sat studying his companion's sleeping countenance. As he took in her s
leep-softened features and tousled hair, his own expression softened in contemplation, but the moment of reverie was short-lived as the maids arrived with the meal. He raised his hand to indicate that they should go quietly about their task, but their clattering as they laid the meal on the table roused Jenny, and she slowly raised herself up.
"I was not asleep, Ned," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes. "I promise you, I was not asleep."
"Of course you weren't." He smiled indulgently. "You merely rested your eyes. I know you are tired, but try to take some nourishment, and then you may seek your bed"
"I'm too tired. Couldn't I just sleep? You can wake me when you've finished."
Taking her arm, he raised her from the settle, slowly pulling her to her feet. "Even if it's only the broth, you must take something, Jen. Come, sit at the table, and you will feel more awake"
With lagging steps, she did as he bade her, taking the chair he held for her. "Am I a trial to you, Ned?" she asked with a wan smile.
"A severe trial, my dear," he said, a wealth of warmth in his eyes and voice as, taking his own seat, he pushed the broth toward her. "Though I must tell you that at this precise moment you bear a distinct resemblance to a dormouse"
She chuckled drowsily. "I quite like dormice."
"So do I, my dear, so do I," he said soberly, and, pressing the spoon into her hand, he bade her eat.
They spoke little during the meal; it was not necessary, so comfortable were they in each other's company. Once the meal was over, the earl pushed his chair from the table and, standing, placed his arm about Jennifer and raised her to her feet.
"Come, I will assist you to your bedchamber," he said softly. "We leave at first light so that we may complete our journey. You will feel more revived in the morning."
She laid her head against his shoulder, allowed him to lead her from the room, and with his aid mounted the stairs to the first landing. As they achieved the corridor, a figure started out of the shadows and, pushing past them, quickly descended the stairs to disappear into the taproom.
"Who was that?" asked Jenny, lifting her head from his shoulder to look in the direction of the vanishing figure.
"Probably one of the locals," replied the earl, frowning slightly. But there had been nothing of the local about the cut of the man's garb. Indeed, in the poor light there appeared something familiar about his shadowed countenance, but he would not tell Jenny. He had no wish to alarm her.
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