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“If we are to get you to safety, you have to tell h he kept his voice low, his tone lost none of its warning

“This isn’t your probleo back to Peter and tell hio I haven’t seen or heard anything fro her sister had stuck to the plan and left a note in their hiding place

“It isn’t that si his horse across the unfaet you to a place of safety, where you can stay until Jemima is found, and your future is decided” He didn’t like to admit that for his own peace of mind he needed to ensure that she was safe and well So the past few hours he had beco far too much than he was comfortable with, but there was little he could do about the sudden driving need to claim her as his Not only did he want her safe, but he was also intrigued by her story and wanted to learn as much as she could tell hiht

It appeared there wasn’t that much difference between hi the strength of feeling she had brought out in him after only a few hours’ acquaintance – andpursued by an unknown, yet persistent enemy

“What do youof finality in his voice, as though the matter had already been decided and didn’t need to be questioned She didn’t want anyone deciding anything for her After the events of the past few months she considered she was the only one qualified to make any decisions on her behalf and she certainly didn’t want anyone of such short acquaintance deciding as best for her

“Iyou to that run down cesspit back in Derby” He threw her a pointed glance, daring her to be evasive or untruthful “You will then tellyou know about your pursuers Once the people ant you so badly are dealt with, you and Jemima can decide what you want to do with your lives”

“Does Peter know about Jeht air stole beneath the folds of her cloak with icy intent Glancing over at Edward’s thin shirt she wondered if she should offer hiuilt; hebut the thin material to protect him

“Situation?”

“What drove her to move to Derby”

“I’m not sure I know they met while you were in Devon She approached him for help for so He has been desperate to find her ever since and has followed her – your – trail through to Derby He has practically pulled the town apart in his quest to find her” Edward could see nothing wrong with confiding in her thus far If she understood the depth of Peter’s involveht earn her trust and make her feel able to confide in him

“You cannot in all conscience drop me on his doorstep and expect hi for” Eliza reasoned, feeling a pang of envy that her sister, her beautiful fun-loving sister, had so of her that he would o with you At the next village you need to let me down so I can find my oay”

“I won’t countenance such a possibility Wherever you go, I go” Edas loathed to leave her anywhere, especially after all of the trouble he had gone to ensuring her safety thus far She was going to be delivered to Peter’s safe keeping, via his brother’s residence – whether she liked it or not

He didn’t want to stop and consider that his determination to take her to Peter and Doain in more normal circumstances

“They are following again” Eliza gasped, catching sight of three riders heading in their direction across the fields Was it her ire shade of light? “They’re co fast” She tried to keep the panic out of her voice, but fear swept through her when Edward glanced over his shoulder and cursed

They raced side by side through the night, hooves pounding with brutal fury as they tried to escape the relentless determination of the three determined pursuers