'But there is my house to consider. I must advise Hannah, my companion. She needs to know that I am well, and and I must warn her, for he may search for me there.'

'Undoubtedly he will do so. I think it could be arranged that a note is sent to your home, but it need not disclose your whereabouts. You are not yet recovered sufficiently to fend for yourself, so I suggest you remain here, where you need not worry about being discovered, until we can decide what's to be done with you.'

'But this is your room. I could not possibly- '

'My dear child, I do not live here permanently, and when it is necessary for me to be here, I can quite easily make do with a truckle bed somewhere.' He grinned, his eyes twinkling: 'You will have noticed that there is but one bed in this room and I don't suppose you would like to....? No, I can see the idea does not find favour with you! To be serious, for the present we need to keep you hidden away, but my activities make it necessary for me to use this room occasionally with your permission, of course, ma'am. I shall do my utmost not to inconvenience you.'

'And just what are your - er - activities, Mr Belham?'

He grinned at her. 'Have you not guessed? I work the high toby. I'm a prigger. A highwayman.'

If Ralph Belham expected to shock her he was disappointed. Elinor's brows rose fractionally in surprise, then she chuckled.

'And I was afraid you might think I had stolen the blood stone! No wonder you want to sell it for me.'

'Blood stone? Why do you call it that?'

She did not answer immediately, but stared at the brooch, turning it between her fingers so that the ruby glowed in the firelight.

'It came into my possession following a series of of tragic events,' she said at last, her eyes still fixed upon the ruby. 'It reminds me of the blood that was shed that must be repaid.'

'If Boreland is involved you had best leave well alone,' he advised her and earned for his trouble a scornful glance.

'I have no intention of giving up now. I will have vengeance.'

Belham shrugged. 'Well, 'tis no business of mine.'

She gave him a rueful smile.

'Very true, but let us return to your business! Why is it so important that you use this room?'

'Because it has a secret stairway set into one side of the chimney, that leads directly to the stables. It means I can come and go from here without anyone knowing. Very useful for one in my line of business! Would it disturb you if I continue to use those stairs? If you do not trust me, I will let you have one of my pistols to protect yourself.'

Elinor laughed: odd, she thought, that she felt so at ease with this man.

'That will not be necessary. I am so much in your debt that I cannot refuse to help you in this little way.'

'Good.' He rose. 'You look tired. I won't detain you any longer, my dear. You should rest.' He put a hand on her shoulder as he passed her chair. 'Don't worry, Elinor. Megs will look after you while you are here. You will be perfectly safe.'

'Thank you. But you said you could get a message to my servant?'

'Certainly, although to do that you must tell me your name, do you not agree?'

Elinor sighed.

'I must do so. After all, it would be a simple matter for you to discover it, would it not, once I give you my direction.'

'Good. I will have paper and pens sent up. Write a brief note, tell me the direction and I will see to it all.'

'Thank you, Mr Belham.'

'Ralph.'

'Thank you, Ralph.'

When he had gone, she remained by the fire, a faint smile still playing about her mouth. She felt strangely at peace, and was surprised to find she was not at all concerned to be sharing her room with a highwayman. Her amusement deepened as she thought about her rescuer. What an odd man he was. A gentleman, to be sure, even if he now lived on the wrong side of the law. Mistress Carew obviously idolised Master Ralph as she called him and Elinor wondered if the landlady knew anything of his earlier life. She made up her mind to question her hostess at some suitable moment, but for the present she must turn her mind to what she could put in her note to Hannah. Poor Hannah! How shocked she would be when she learned of her mistress's adventures, although for the present it must suffice her to know that she was safe: explanations could come later.

The following day was market day and Mistress Carew returned to the inn laden with packages that she took up to Elinor. There were two gowns, one in green calamanco, the other a grey silk with a quilted petticoat, which she laid out upon the bed for Elinor's inspection.

'I'm sorry they are so countrified,' she apologised as she shook out the dresses, 'They aren't what you are used to, I'm sure, but I didn't want to draw attention to myself by buying anything too fancy. I had to guess your size, ma'am, too, and looking at you now I think we're going to have to take a little bit out of the waist of the calamanco, but if you'll just try it on, I'll have it altered in a trice.'

'They are just what I need,' Elinor assured her, 'I shall be pleased to be able to wear something other than your night-gowns. And as for style, I should look very out of place here wearing London fashions, besides being most uncomfortable. These will suit me perfectly. Thank you, Mistress Carew. I would not have chosen differently myself.'

That dame flushed deeply at her praise.

'Well, I don't think you'll look too badly in them, ma'am. There's some flannel petticoats and everything else I could think of that you might need in the last parcel.'

'You must let me know how much all this has cost you.'

'Oh, but I haven't paid for a thing!' replied the landlady, puzzled. 'Master Ralph gave me your purse and told me to take what I needed did he not tell you he had done so?'

'What? Oh oh yes,' returned Elinor, making a mental note to speak to Master Ralph later. 'I had forgotten all about that.'

She had no chance to speak to him during the day, but the idea that Ralph Belham had bought her clothes disturbed her thoughts so much that she lay awake that night long after the fire had burned down, and consequently her ears caught the muffled sound of footsteps coming softly up the stairs, followed by a faint click and the whisper of the wall panel opening upon its near-silent hinges. Daring to peep out, she saw a great-coated figure with a lantern crossing the room. It must be Ralph, she thought, but even so she lay very still, the blankets pulled well up over her face. As he came to the foot of the bed he stopped and she shut her eyes, pretending to be asleep, but her body was rigid with fear. After a few seconds, the figure moved on, out of the door and down the stairs to the main part of the inn.

Elinor's opportunity to speak to her benefactor came the following day when she received a message that Master Ralph considered it would be safe for her to take a little walk, since the road was clear of strangers and the sun was making a brief appearance. Glad to quit her room, even for a short period, Elinor emerged from the inn, a warm scarlet cloak about her shoulders and her feet enclosed in serviceable but clumsy wooden clogs. She found Mr Belham waiting for her and smiled at the look of surprise upon his countenance when he beheld her.

'Did you expect to see me in a hoop and silver lace, sir? I fear you are disappointed.'

'Not at all, ma'am. The country style becomes you admirably.' Taking her hand upon his arm Ralph led her along the lane away from the inn. 'Tell me if I go too fast. I do not wish to overtax your strength.'

'No, I shall go on very well. In fact, I am glad of this opportunity to speak to you about these clothes. Mistress Carew thinks that is, the money '

'Megs told you I had found your purse, and we both know you had no money with you,' he said helpfully.

'But it is not right that you should buy my clothes,' she murmured, her cheeks hot.

'No, of course not, and knowing that that is just how Mistress Carew would look at the matter, I decided it would be best to tell her it was your own money and save any embarrassment.'

'Yes, of course. I would not for the world upset our hostess, but that does not mean I can allow you to keep me. You can sell some of my jewellery.'

The gentleman looked amused.

''Of course I could, an I needed to. Calm yourself, Elinor. Why will you not let me help you?'

'I I do not wish to be in your debt.'

'Then you may look upon my assistance in this matter as a loan. When it is safe for you to return to your proper station, I shall of course expect to be repaid.'

'And you shall be, sir. Every penny!'

He stopped. 'My dear, there is no need to be so vehement. Lovely as you look with that angry flush upon your cheek and the sparkle in your eye, I would prefer to have you smile upon me.'

For a full minute she struggled with herself. Anger and indignation warred with her sense of humour, but at last the humour won and she laughed, not the affected trill of a light-heart, he noticed, but a low, melodious sound, full of warmth.

'You do well to mock me, Mr Belham. In recent days so much has happened to me that to fall out with you over a few shillings would be absurd and very ungrateful too, but from an early age I have tried always to pay my debts, not to be beholden to anyone. I fear it has become something of an obsession with me.'

He glanced down at her, intrigued again by the repressed passion in her voice. He said gently, 'I would like to hear your history, Elinor, an you would allow it.'

Her eyes flew to his face: he saw again the fear in her sea-green eyes before the thick lashes concealed her thoughts from him.

'Perhaps sir, I will tell you, in time, but it is no tale with which to sully such a beautiful winter's day. Tell me instead if your messenger has yet returned from Knight's Bridge.'

Belham shook his head. 'I do not expect him before tomorrow. When he has delivered your note he is to go into Town for me, to learn what news there is. I have heard rumours that French are poised to invade in a fresh attempt to set the Stuart back on the throne and I shall be interested to know what is being said in the coffee houses. These matters are rarely without some substance.'

Elinor shrugged. 'It is always in someone's interest to keep the pot boiling. But what shall you do today?' she asked, suddenly changing the subject. 'Will you try your luck upon the the high toby?'

'Madam, I beg you!' cried he, feigning horror. 'Such cant terms upon your lips! But no, I do not go out tonight. I fear Devon may have strained a fetlock nothing serious, but I'm going to let him rest for a day or two. Normally I would have returned home, but I thought perhaps you might care for a little company this evening.' He sketched a bow. 'Mistress Elinor, would you do me the honour of dining with me tonight?'

The lady responded immediately with a curtsy. 'I should be delighted, sir. A little company is never unwelcome.'

'Good. However pardon the indelicacy, ma'am I must beg permission to use your rooms for the occasion, since I fear 'twould be tempting Providence for us to use the private parlour downstairs...'

'But of course.' She stepped back to make him a most regal curtsy. 'Pray consider my room as your own, sir, and make such arrangements as are necessary.'

He caught her fingers and raised them to his lips. 'I vow 'tis an honour to have your acquaintance. I shall instruct Mistress Carew to prepare dinner, and shall wait upon you at four o'clock!'

'You are looking very well, ma'am, if I may say so.' Mistress Carew arranged a white kerchief about Elinor's shoulders and stood back to admire the effect. 'That walk today has done you the power of good, for it has put the roses back in your cheeks, that it has. Now, I must be off downstairs to see how Becky's doing in the kitchen my daughter's a good girl, ma'am, but she needs watching if we're not to have burnt offerings for dinner. I'll send her up later, ma'am, if you're agreeable, and she can build up the fire and set the table for you, so that you and Master Ralph can enjoy your dinner in comfort.'

'Megs?' Elinor did not look up from adjusting the sleeves of her grey silk gown, 'You do not think it wrong that I should be having dinner here, alone, with Mr Belham?'

Mistress Carew looked at her blankly for a few moments, before bursting forth in merry laughter. 'Bless me, no, my dear!' she said, when she could at last command her voice. 'Master Ralph has told me how important it is that we keep you out of sight here, and I can quite see that it would be impossible for you to use the private parlour, for you never know who might just happen to glance in at the window, or come into the inn and discover you. I'm a good, Christian woman, madam, never doubt it, but I don't see as having dinner with Master Ralph will do you much harm. In fact it's more likely to help you, for mayhap you'll eat a little more if there's someone to keep you company, for it's precious little you've been taking up to now. Hardly enough to keep a bird alive. And another thing,' continued the good woman, in a much more serious tone. 'If it keeps the master indoors for a night it will be a blessing, for I don't mind telling you, Mistress Brown, that I worry about him when he's out o' nights, for he's no need to do it, as I've told him often and often, and it'll be Tyburn Tree for him if he's caught, and no mistake!'

With this dark warning, the landlady retired, shaking her head.

Chapter Sixteen.

A chapter of histories

At precisely four of the clock, Ralph Belham arrived at Elinor's room. He had done justice to the occasion by donning his best suit of plum-coloured velvet, the coat and waistcoat embellished with silver buttons and silver lacing. A froth of white lace adorned what was visible of his shirt above the waistcoat, and there were matching ruffles at his wrists. His hair was held back by a silver buckle and, for the first time, she noticed the streaks of silver in his dark hair. A dress sword hung by his side and a cocked hat was tucked under one arm, completing the picture. Elinor was impressed.

'If I had known it was to be such a grand occasion, I should have had my dressmaker send me a new gown, sir!' She smiled, giving him her hand.

'You look charming,' he assured her, kissing her fingers. He grinned ruefully. 'It is unfortunate that however fine my own dress, my beard ruins the effect by giving me such a piratical appearance.'

Elinor laughed, pleased to find that his words had effectively dispelled the nervousness she was experiencing. The wine was already opened and awaiting them at the table. Ralph escorted Elinor to her seat and filled her glass, and a few moments later Mistress Carew and her daughter entered carrying trays laden with dishes. Some were set out upon the table, others were arranged upon a side table brought in for the purpose, and after checking that everything was to their satisfaction, the landlady followed Becky to the door, pausing only to instruct the diners to enjoy themselves.

They took their time selecting from the array of dishes. There was roasted fowl, a glazed ham and spiced brisket with a rabbit fricassee keeping warm in a large covered pot beside the fire. Turnips and carrots tossed in butter glistened in the candlelight and on the side table a plum pudding, apple pie and a large jug of cream awaited their attention. There was no servant to wait upon them, the landlord requiring all his staff in the tap-room and kitchen during the evening, but the diners did not consider this a disadvantage, in fact as the meal progressed Elinor was surprised to find herself relaxing and conversing with Ralph with the easy intimacy of an old friend.

'Will you tell me about your life?' she asked as he refilled her glass.

'There is little to tell: I am the younger son of a very respectable family in Warwickshire. My father owned a small estate there, and as a younger son he wanted me to become a parson. Can you imagine a worse profession for me? Having no taste for the religious life, I went to London where a brief spell of high living soon disposed of my allowance. In an effort to recoup some of my losses, I turned to highway robbery. I worked on the notorious Hounslow Heath for a while, quite successfully. I found the excitement suited me so well that I decided to settle into a regular way of life as a highwayman.'

'Why did you come here?' she asked, intrigued by the unconcerned manner in which he spoke of his illegal activities. They had finished their meal, and Elinor sat with her elbows upon the table, resting her chin upon her clasped hands.

'Hounslow is by far too dangerous to work for long.' Ralph leaned back in his chair, studying the wine in his glass. 'Almost every coach upon that road has outriders, or an extra guard. The risks are too great. Besides, one cannot spend every night upon the road. I assist the vicar of Hoddesdon in the running of his charity school there. The pay is meagre, but sufficient for a gentleman down on his luck, and I have lodgings adjoining the school, so I am free to come and go very much as I please, except for a few hours' teaching.'

'But surely your frequent absences are remarked?'

'I put it about that I have a widowed mother living nearby, so no-one questions my movements.' He laughed suddenly, a hearty, lively laugh, full of energy. 'Doubtless they think me a most devoted son. I have a broken old nag that suits my schoolmaster image perfectly, and Jem takes care of Devon for me here. With a little cross-country riding I can work any of the northern roads out of the capital, and much less chance of getting caught. Do I shock you?'

'No, but I am curious to know why you do it.'

'Oh, for the adventure, mostly. Don't worry, I haven't harmed anyone yet frightened a few, I don't doubt. No, I take a few gewgaws, or a purse, just sufficient to keep me in comfort. Jem and Megs don't really approve, but they say very little about it and if I suggest that it would be safer for me to move out, Megs won't hear of it. I think she's quite attached to me, in her own way.'

'I am sure of it,' smiled Elinor, 'for she is always talking of Master Ralph. But what of your family have you no wish to see them? Surely your father would make you an allowance.'

'Doubtless he would, an I would be a dutiful son, but there's the rub! I prefer to go my own way, and after so many years I'm too old to change now! Don't look so troubled, sweetheart, there is very little love lost in my family. I daresay they are all the better for my absence.'

'But your mother or surely there must be someone you care for, some lady you once loved?'

'My mother died when I was a child, and as for the ladies ...' He threw back his head and gave a loud, merry laugh. 'Aye, I've loved a few in my time, but never seriously. That's the secret, Elinor, care for nobody, 'tis the only way to survive. Once you allow yourself to become a victim of the tender passion you are lost, you become vulnerable. But perhaps you would care to argue the point with me?'

She shook her head. 'No, I think you are right, for that is how I too have survived.' Before she could continue, there was a scratching upon the door and Mistress Carew came in.

'If you have done, ma'am, Becky and I will clear away these dishes, for you will be more comfortable to have a tidy room, I daresay, and Jem's sent up a bottle of brandy for you, Master Ralph, if you are agreeable, for he knows it's what you like. And there's a bottle of ratafia for you, ma'am, which is about all we have in the house suitable for ladies, excepting my elderberry wine, which I thought would not be quite what you would want at the end of a meal. Put down that tray, Becky, there's a good girl, and then you can help me pack up these things.'

She bustled about, chattering inconsequentially as she loaded the dishes onto the trays ready to be taken away. While this was being done, Ralph escorted Elinor to one of the chairs beside the fire, where he pulled up the small table and set upon it the brandy and ratafia, pouring out a glass of each and handing the ratafia to Elinor. By this time Mistress Carew and her daughter were ready to depart and Ralph held upon the door for them to go out. Megs thanked him, adding that it was not for a gentleman to be holding open doors for such as she, and adjuring him to remember that Mistress Elinor was not yet in full health and not to keep her sitting up till all hours.