“You never tire of hearing your own cleverness, do you?”
She shrugged. They entered the busy little inn and Lord Darcy set her at a table near a back window.
“My servants are present, my lady. I shall not set their tongues to wagging by quibbling with you before them. I would appreciate if you would apply the same effort since you are to become their mistress shortly.”
He excused himself to seek relief and left her to order their meals. When he returned, his eyes widened since his stew and ale were awaiting him. Perhaps he had expected to find raw eggs and skunked cider at his seat. She had thought about asking for them.
“You must eat,” he said. She had barely touched her food. “We shall not stop again until dark.”
“Are ye going to ride thy horse the whole of the way to Pemberley?”
“I planned to. This road is not known for thieves, but it does occur.”
“Oh.”
“Why do you ask?”
She stared at her bread and poked at it with her fork. “I suppose I am listless. I have nobody to talk to and I cannot read my book because it makes my head spin.”
“Are you asking for my company?”
“Not particularly, but ye are the only person I know on this trip. Ye do not expect me to converse with the coachmen, do ye?”
“Nay, I do not. You are entirely too vulgar for them.”
Despite herself, Elizabeth smiled. “I deserve that.”
The coolness in his eyes melted away and High Lord Darcy smirked, and for the first time since she had met him, he appeared almost handsome.
“I shall ride in the coach with you in the morning. We should reach Pemberley shortly after dusk tomorrow. Does that sound fair?”
She nodded. “Ye are a puzzle, my lord.”
“Nay,” he replied as he stood and offered his hand. “I am a powerful man. People will watch me and my future bride. We are a show for all who surround us, my sweet, and I intend to give them what they want to see.”
“Playacting?”
“Aye.”
“I see.”
He led her back to the carriage and handed her in. He did not seem to notice her tears.
She was asleep again when the group stopped for the night. Once more, Lord Darcy woke her and escorted her inside while her maid followed behind. Heather went off to ready Elizabeth's bath and bed while the couple ate in a private dining room.
“You are unusually quiet.”
“I am tired.” She took a sip of her wine.
“This journey is exhausting. At least you were able to get some sleep in the carriage. I had no such luxury.”
“Then ye shall sleep well tonight. Would ye mind if I retired now?”
“Is anything the matter?”
She sighed. If only he had not asked her and she was capable of sidestepping the truth just this once. Never in her life had she been so alone and so hopeless. As she settled her gaze on him, she nodded and set her fork down, her meal still nearly untouched.
“I am bothered by this afternoon.”