Free Scoundrel by Elizabeth Elliott

appreciated his concern, yet how could she tell him that she didn’t need to be rescued? The windows reflected long, gray shadows and she knew her time was about to run out. The mail coach would leave in less than half an hour. She had to leave.
    Physical strength wouldn’t win this argument. Her wits would. Or rather, what would appear to be a lack of them. Men could be persistent when they set their mind to something, yet she could be equally evasive. She calmly drew the netting aside and arranged the veil over her hat. “I do appreciate your concern, Your Grace, but I simply cannot remain here another moment. My coach will leave the Two Swans no later than seven o’clock, and I must be on my way.”
    He studied her for a moment, a puzzled expression on his face, then he shook his head. “There’s no hurry. You aren’t going to West Wycombe on a public coach.”
    “But of course I am. Papa planned this himself. He would be very upset to learn that you detained me, that I am in your house unchaperoned. Can you imagine the scandal should anyone learn of this visit?” It wasn’t hard to look horrified by the possibility. Men fought duels over far less serious matters. He must know the possible consequences, yet she decided to give him a reminder. “My family would surely demand satisfaction, for my reputation would be in shreds. It would mean social ruin for us both. Please don’t be stubborn about this, Remmington. I’m leaving.”
    “You’re not.”
    Lily gritted her teeth. “You can’t keep me here.”
    “Really?”
    The implication that he might use physical force to get what he wanted made her hesitate. The thought alarmed her, yet what he wanted wasn’t so very offensive. He meant to keep her safe, and he’d obviously decided to do whatever it would take to insure as much. If only the situation were as simple as it appeared. He deserved gratitude rather than an argument. Unfortunately, her feelings on the matter didn’t change any of the facts. She had to leave.
    “I believe kidnapping is a very serious offense,” she said. “My maid will go straight to my father when I don’t return to the carriage. His gratitude will be short-lived when he learns you are holding me here against my will. He will very likely press charges.”
    Remmington shrugged off her warning. “I’m certain your maid is having a nice hot cup of tea in my kitchens at this very moment. Digsby is already on his way back to your house to collect the rest of my men. He will also inform the earl that I wish to have lunch with him at our club to discuss certain changes in your travel plans. If he insists on sending you to West Wycombe, then I will take you there personally. It won’t be any great feat to get you back into my carriage without being seen, and to West Wycombe without being recognized.” His gaze lowered to inspect her somber mourning clothes, his tone disdainful. “I doubt even Great-aunt What’s-her-name will recognize you in that awful getup.”
    Lily didn’t take offense over the insult. His plan sounded reasonable. It would be much safer to travel in Remmington’s carriage than in a mail coach. She could even picture herself in his coach. He would have his arm around her again, and her head would rest against his shoulder. The gentle swaying of the coach would lull them both to sleep, but he would hold her securely in his arms, safe in his care. She released a wistful sigh. His plan tempted her. Unfortunately, there were just a few minor flaws in his scheme, such as the fact that Great-aunt Amelia had died three years ago, the woman had never lived a day in West Wycombe, and he must never learn her true destination.
    She had to leave.
    “You’ve done more than enough already,” she said, trying desperately to think up a logical argument. “I cannot allow you to inconvenience yourself any further on my account. Gretchen and I will be quite safe on the mail coach. I expect the journey will prove