The Untamable Rogue Read Online Free Page A

attack just now against you, either. I was too forceful and I’m prepared to give you a little more time to get used to the idea. Let’s talk it all through. Open the door. – Be sensible!” he added.
    “My answer is no! I’m not considering it at all! And I will not be compromised! I will be of age in three months and then you’ll disappear from here.  I can look after myself perfectly well!” I answered, infuriated.
    I was still trembling with fear and anger. What if I had not managed to escape from him? If he had been successful in his attack and compromised me, then I would have been forced to marry him. That does not bear thinking about! The very thought made my blood run cold and I shook involuntarily.
    “You can’t lock yourself in your room for three months, Elizabeth! Sooner or later you’ll have to come out and then I’ll get you!” he threatened.
    I closed my eyes in horror. He was right! I could not hide from him in here for three months. I had run away blindly and now I was sitting in a trap. That meant that I had to flee, right away from here, and hide – somewhere where he could not find me – this very night!
    *
    I tied my skirts up high and opened the window quietly. Pleasantly cool night air entered the room and I took a deep breath of the fresh air, then, with determination, I climbed onto the window ledge and swung my legs out. I was glad that bustles had recently gone out of fashion so that I was not hindered so much whilst climbing.
    For a short time I sat there, my heart pounding and my hands damp with sweat. It was a foolhardy plan but I could not see any other way if I was not to fall into my guardian’s trap.
    “Right, off you go then, Graham,” I encouraged myself.
    Carefully I searched the masonry next to my window for the thick main stem of the vine. I only needed to climb a little way because it was not far down to the balcony below. I moved one foot over the other in large sideways strides and began the descent. The vine was shaky, but it held, and soon I safely reached the balcony. Relieved, I leant against the wrought-iron balustrade.
    “OK, Graham. Now you’ve nearly done it!”
    With fresh courage I swung myself over the railing and, holding onto the railing with one hand, I reached out for a branch on the enormous walnut tree. I needed a few attempts before I was able to hold onto the branch and I then pulled it towards me. After breathing deeply once more I took the branch in both hands and let myself fall. The branch creaked as it swung down under my weight – but it did not break. When my feet were not far from the ground I let go and landed with a thud on my bottom. I put my fist into my mouth to suppress a cry of pain.
    After recovering from the impact I picked myself up and crept to the stable. It was very dark but I knew every corner of Blue Hall with my eyes closed. I knew exactly how to get to the little ladder that led to the stable boy’s room and I knew that he always put his clothes out to air at night on the window ledge next to the door. Noiselessly I crept up the steps and took the bundle of clothes.
    In the stable I climbed the ladder to the hay loft, changed my clothes hastily, and hid my women’s clothing under the loose hay. Now wearing trousers and a shirt, and with a battered hat covering my blond locks that were piled up on top of my head, I climbed down again. Unfortunately I had no cash, but in the hat I hid a few pieces of priceless jewellery that I could turn into money.
    With swift movements I saddled the stallion and lead him through the rear entrance that lead directly into a paddock. Here no one would hear the hoof-beats which they would on the cobblestones in front of the stable. I swung into the saddle and dashed away. I did not take the trouble to dismount at the gate to open it, but, without further ado, jumped over it with the horse.
    *
    “Are you really thirsty, too, my dear friend!” I asked, exhausted, patting the black