Return of the Runaway Read Online Free Page B

serving as maid to one of the English ladies in Verdun.’
    â€˜Ah.’ The tapster sniffed. ‘Damned English have taken over the town, I hear.’
    Raoul poured a glass of wine and held it out for Cassie, his eyes warning her to keep silent.
    â€˜Aye,’ he said cheerfully. ‘But they are generous masters, only look at the smart habit my sister now possesses! And their English gold is filling French coffers, so who are we to complain?’
    â€˜You are right there, my friend.’ The tapster cackled, revealing a mouth full of broken and blackened teeth. He slapped Raoul on the shoulder and wandered off to fetch their food.
    * * *
    Cassie could hardly contain her indignation as she listened to this interchange.
    â€˜Sister?’ she hissed in a furious undertone, as soon as they were alone. ‘How can that man think we are related?’
    His grin only increased her fury.
    â€˜Very easily,’ he said. ‘Have you looked at yourself recently, milady? Your gown is crumpled and your hair is a tangle. I am almost ashamed to own you.’
    â€˜At least I do not look like a bear!’ she threw at him.
    Cassandra regretted the unladylike outburst immediately. She chewed her lip, knowing she would have to apologise.
    â€˜I beg your pardon,’ she said at last and through clenched teeth. ‘I should be grateful for your escort.’
    â€˜You should indeed,’ he growled. ‘You need not fear, madame . As soon as we reach Reims I shall relieve you of my boorish presence.’
    He broke off as the tapster appeared and put down two plates in front of them.
    â€˜There, monsieur . A hearty meal for you both. None of your roast beef here.’
    Raoul gave a bark of laughter. ‘No, we leave such barbarities to the enemy.’
    Grinning, the tapster waddled away.
    â€˜Is that how you think of me?’ muttered Cassie. ‘As your enemy?’
    â€˜I have told you, I am not French.’
    â€˜But you served in their navy.’
    He met her gaze, his eyes hard and unsmiling.
    â€˜I have no reason to think well of the English. Let us say no more of it.’
    â€˜But—’
    â€˜Eat your food, madame , before I put you across my knee and thrash you like a spoiled brat.’
    Cassie looked away, unsettled and convinced he might well carry out his threat.
    The food was grey and unappetising, some sort of stew that had probably been in the pot for days, but it was hot and tasted better than it looked. Cassie knew she must eat to keep up her strength, but she was not sorry when they were finished and could be on their way.
    * * *
    Raoul Doulevant’s good humour returned once they were mounted. He tossed a coin to the ostler and set off out of the village at a steady walk.
    â€˜The tapster says Reims is about a day’s ride from here,’ he told Cassie. ‘We might even make it before nightfall.’
    â€˜I am only sorry he did not know where we could buy or hire another horse,’ she remarked, still smarting from their earlier exchange.
    â€˜You do not like travelling in my arms, milady?’
    â€˜No, I do not.’
    â€˜You could always walk.’
    â€˜If you were a gentleman you would walk.’
    She felt his laugh rumble against her back.
    â€˜Clearly I am no gentleman, then.’
    Incensed, she turned towards him, intending to say something cutting, but when she looked into those dark eyes her breath caught in her throat. He was teasing her again. Laughter gleamed in his eyes and her traitorous body was responding. She was tingling with excitement in a way she remembered from those early days following her come-out, when she had been carefree and had flirted outrageously with many a handsome gentleman. Now she wanted to laugh back at Raoul, to tease him in return. Even worse, she found herself wondering what it would be like if he kissed her. The thought frightened her. In her present situation she dare not risk