He opened the door. “Your room,Lady Julia.”
She bit her lip and stepped into the room. If her insides had not been on fire, she would have marveled at the gossamer fabric that hung like an extended tent from ceiling to wall—not to mention the enormous, pink-pillowed bed. As it was, she barely noticed the furnishings.
She winced as Rayne closed the door.
“Eloping, are we?” His voice was terribly gentle.
Julia shrugged out of her coat. “Rule two—best not to ask questions.”
“I’m not sure I need you to answer any questions. Apparently, Farring’s letterexplains everything.”
She closed her eyes.Think, Julia. Think.What could Farring have possibly written?
Someone rapped against the door, and Julia nearly jumped from her skin.
Saved. For now.
But she had to find the letter first—and make sure Rayne was not able to leave before they had discussed this like reasonable adults.
Rayne opened the door. “Fräulein Anna,” he greeted a woman in brightly colored clothes, “you’re looking well.”
She set down a tray with two steaming mugs of chocolate and a single plate of cheese. Then she held out her hand and grinned.
Rayne grasped her fingers. “Lovely ring. Congratulate Shillingham for me, will you?”
“You can do so yourself when we dine. Is everything to her ladyship’s liking?”
Rayne snorted. “If it’s not, I am sure she’ll make it so.”
“Very well, then.” She curtsied and turned for the door.
“Excuse me,” Julia called. “Might you…” She paused, desperately trying to think of an excuse to make Anna stay. “Might you tell me about your clothes?”
“Swiss, ma’am. The most beautiful place in the world.”
“Are you from the Alps, Fräulein Anna?”
Anna exchanged a glance with Rayne. “London, more like. Seven Dials.” She repeated her curtsy. “Will that be—”
“Mrs. Shillingham mentioned a bath. Would that be for Lord Rayne?”
“Yes.” Fräulein Anna frowned. “Unless he doesn’t wish—”
“Oh, he wishes,” Rayne interrupted.
“If you had a bath drawn so quickly”—the words practically tumbled from Julia’s mouth—“might I assume Periwinkle Gate boasts a water closet?”
“Why, certainly. You share one with Lord Rayne right through that door. We’ve six altogether.”
“Six! Imagine that, Rayne.”
His eyes narrowed. “I’m imagining allsortsof things.”
“Well,” Julia said brightly. “I’m certain Lord Rayne wishes to get on with his bath. While he bathes, I’d be delighted to see more of the house.” She caught Anna’s hand in hers and headed for the door. “You wouldn’t mind showing me, would you?”
“This conversation will continue,” Rayne said through the closing door.
“Why wouldn’t it?” Julia called back. “Just as soon as you’ve time to settle.”
