The earl, despite appearances, was actually wide awake, watching thegirl through half-closed eyes. The coach jolted violently over apothole and he moved swiftly, catching the unconscious figure as itthreatened to slip to the floor. With a reluctant smile he moved to theseat beside her, sliding a supporting arm around the slight figure.Danielle's head instantly found a resting place on a broad,velvet-covered shoulder. Reflecting ruefully on the speculation such asight would give rise to, Milord resigned himself to a few crampedhours.
It was late in the afternoon when the coach halted for a second changeof horses. Linton, gently disengaging himself, alighted into the smallyard in front of a pretty country inn. Having requested a tankard ofale he was stretching his muscle-locked limbs when Danielle climbedsleepily from the coach, looking around her purposefully.
"What can I do for you, infant?" he asked with a smile. The coachmanand postillions were refreshing themselves in the inn and no one wasabout to note this curious manner of addressing a servant lad.
"Actually, milord, you can do nothing for me. This is something I mustdo for myself." Shooting him a cheeky grin Danielle made her way downthe garden path at the side of the building in the direction of
thesmall, noisome outhouse at the rear.
The earl chuckled, wondering how Society would receive this mostunusual candor. He found it immensely refreshing but suspected that hisreaction would be shared by only a small minority. The girl was goingto need a very firm hand guiding her path through the intricacies oflife amongst the ton. In spite of her orphaned state she would not bedowerless—the Earl of March was a very wealthy man, well able toprovide for his granddaughter, and his countess was one of the leadersof London society. The chjld's birth was impeccable and an excellent
parti
should be no problem tofind—unless, of course, the story of heradventures became known to the gossips. Linton frowned, well aware thatthe most scandalous aspect of her escapades so far was his protectionand their present mode of travel. She was hopelessly compromised by hiscompanionship and its absolute necessity would be considered no excuse.There was but one acceptable solution and it was one he stronglysuspected would be pressed most ardently by the Earl of March.
They resumed their journey. Danielle, refreshed by her nap and relievedby their halt, seemed disposed to conversation. But hers was a far cryfrom the artless prattle of the young girls of Linton's acquaintance.He found himself in the presence of an exceptionally well-informed mindwhose interests ranged far and wide across the gamut of philosophy, thearts, horse-breeding, and, most particularly, politics. Her knowledgeand insight about what was happening in her country both amazed andinformed him. In fact, Linton reflected, she would probably be of moreuse to William Pitt at this time than he. He had gleaned someinformation and impressions during his brief stay but Danielle wasconsiderably better informed, and her wanderings amongst the populacehad given her an invaluable opportunity to gauge the mood of thepeople—an opportunity that she appeared to have used to best advantage.If it could be arranged without revealing too much of her personalstory and endangering her reputation, a meeting between Daniellede St.Varennes and William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, could prove mostenlightening to the latter.
When at long last they reached their day's destination some forty milessouth of Calais they were both heartily sick of thecarriage. Danny, in particular, was tired, hungry, irritable, and notdisposed to accept with equanimity the earl's brisk instructions thatshe say nothing and do exactly as she was bid. Her self-appointedguardian, however, was equally irritable and not inclined to brookargument. A pithy description of the consequences of any disturbancessimilar to those at the Inn of the Rooster was sufficiently convincingto ensure a rather sullen compliance, and she followed Milord, in themanner of
an obedient servant, across the courtyard and into the inn.
Mine Host, with much bowing and scraping, assured milord of the bestbedchamber, a private parlor, and a superb dinner. His offer to providethe lad with a bed in the attic with his own servants was politelyrefused.
"The boy can be wild on occasion," the earl explained blandly. "Iprefer to keep him under my eye—a
cot in my chamber will suffice."
The landlord shot Danny an interested look—the lad didn't look wild,just rather sulky and effeminate. However, appearances were frequentlydeceiving, and with a shrug, he dismissed the matter and went
off tohis cellar to bring up a bottle of the best burgundy for hisdiscriminating guest.
"Come," the earl directed over his shoulder and began to mount thestairs after the serving wench deputed to show him to his chamber.
As there was no option, Danielle followed. The large airy room waspronounced satisfactory, the portmanteau bestowed under the window, andsteaming jugs of water placed on the dresser. Left to themselves again,Linton put up his quizzing glass and surveyed his charge.
"You do look the most complete urchin, Danny. I think— yes I reallythink we must contrive a change
of clothes. If only one day's travelcan reduce you to that state of disorder I dread to think what a weekwill do."
Danielle flushed crossly. "It's hardly my fault."
"I do not remember saying that it was," Linton clipped with a frown."Do you think you could manage to stay out of trouble for an hourwhilst I ponder the question and get out my own dirt."
Danny glared at him in soundless fury, then turned on her heel andwhisked out of the room, slamming the heavy door resoundingly. She hadgone no more than three steps before it was flung open and Milord'ssuddenly very soft voice arrested her.
"Come back here and shut this door properly." She bit her lip infrustration, but hesitated for only a second before turning to comply,linton had returned to the chamber insultingly sure of her obedience,leaving the door opened wide. She closed it gently
