Of course she would never go into the tap-room, even though her dressing gown was perfectly respectable, but there might still be villagers or male guests drinking. In any case, she didn’t need to. The tavern workers said they had only to ask any of them for whatever they needed, be it an extra blanket or something to drink.
Miranda simply had to find someone. Creeping along the hall, she passed the few other closed doors, including Philip’s, and promptly tripped over a dog sleeping near the top of the stairs. The mutt started to bark.
“Blast,” she swore under her breath, then dropped to her knees to pet the pup.“Shh,”she soothed. “You’ll awaken everyone.”
Almost immediately, the dog put its head down and closed its eyes, and Miranda stepped over it and went down the stairs, considering herself lucky she hadn’t gone head over heels.
Outside the common room, she was lucky enough to encounter a maid.
“I wonder if I can have a glass of brandy, and you can put it on the account of Lord Mercer.”
“Yes, miss. Having trouble sleeping, are you?”
“Yes, exactly so.”
“Wait here, miss. I’ll be back quick as a whip.”
But Miranda felt odd standing in the doorway and she entered the now-deserted room where they’d playedVingt-et-Unafter dinner. Through the wall, she could hear men still in the tap-room, and knew her aunt wouldn’t approve were she to wake up and discover her niece downstairs.
Shifting her weight from foot to foot, she hoped the maid was as good as her word.
When she heard footsteps, however, and turned, a bearded stranger was in the doorway. Stocky, blond, and staggering drunk.
Chapter Fourteen
“Alassie in a perfect state of undress,” the unruly man said, taking a step forward and boldly reaching out toward the belt of her gown.
Miranda smacked his hand and backed up.
“You are rude and inebriated,” she chided.
In response, he laughed. “True, but I’m a damn good swiver, even when I’m far in my cups. How much?”
Her mouth dropped open.How much?She looked past him, hoping to see the maid.
“If you’re looking for someone better, lass, there’s none.” He took another step forward.
She glanced around for something she could wield against the brute. Although fear was beginning to take hold, she also knew she was close enough to others she could let out a loud yell and help would come.Wouldn’t it?But that would also bring curious eyes and maybe other guests. Her being alone downstairs at that hour would appear reckless and even wanton.
Wrapping her fingers around a candlestick whose candle had long since melted down during the evening, she waved it in front of her.
“Leave me in peace.”
The stranger laughed. “Come along, lass. Name your price.” He rubbed a hand over his greasy hair. “Don’t tell me I’m not good enough for you.”
Maybe she could reason with him. “It’s not that. I am engaged to be married.”
He stared silently, leaning to the side as if he might fall over. Finally, he said, “That’s no matter. I’ll share you. It seems there are two of you anyway.”
Such a swill-tub, he had bunged his eyes with strong drink. More disgusted than frightened, she pointed the candlestick at him again as the maid returned.
“Murphy! Stop pestering our guests. You know you’re not supposed to take a step past the tap-room.”
“I thought I was going home, but I ended up in here.”
“You went out the wrong door, you dunce,” the maid scolded.
The stocky man grabbed the brandy she held and downed it in one swallow. Then he belched loudly.
