The landlord turned his mouth.“I gave her one.Easier to do that than be everlasting talked at by her.”
“Ah, that would be so.”
Speculation crossed the man’s face.“Your children’s governess?”
Easier to dissemble than explain.“My sister’s.We are all running late in this weather.I need a room and my groom needs space in the stable.”
The innkeeper nodded agreement and presented the register for signing.
Jonathan gave instructions to be woken at first light the next day and followed the chambermaid to the room he had been assigned.
Chapter Thirteen
DAWN’S FIRST RAYS COLOREDthe sky as Jane, wrapped in her winter cloak, slipped out of the inn and walked briskly to the nearest set of houses.From the description Charlotte had given, this was her temporary home.
As Jane approached, a uniformed officer of solid build and light-colored hair stepped out of the door of the end house of the terrace.Charlotte’s husband.Jane darted left beside the building and stood in its shadows.Her heart pounded in her chest.He was so close.At this distance, she could hear her brother-in-law order someone inside to stay indoors and get on with the packing.“I expect it done by sundown,” he barked.
Without looking her way, Captain Flynne swaggered down the street toward a cavalry encampment, just discernable in the half light.When she was sure he was gone, she hurried to the front door and tapped on it.“Charlotte, it’s me, Jane.Let me in.”
The bolt of the door was drawn and the door inched open.Charlotte peered out through the crack.Seeing Jane, she wrenched open the rough door and pulled her inside the room and into her arms.
Dear God.Jane hardly recognized the attractive girl who had walked down the aisle a year ago.Charlotte’s hair was dull, her eyes red from crying, and her face marked by blue-black bruises.Anger burned in Jane’s stomach.She dared not react or she would break down.At any minute, Flynne could return and her mission would fail.
“Oh, Jane.Is it truly you?”Charlotte’s hug was ferocious.“Has he really gone?He could come back!”
Jane drew a harsh breath past her throat constricted with unshed tears.“Quickly then.Are you ready to leave?”
“Yes.”Charlotte’s whisper was ragged with fear.
“Put on this cloak, it’s cold outside.”Jane dragged a cloak from near the door and pulled it around her sister, drawing the hood over her head.
“But what if he comes back?”Charlotte asked, clearly petrified.
“We’ll be gone by then.Get your bag.”
Still Charlotte hesitated.
