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Eliza refused to agree or deny the offer of uely as she studied thethemselves for departure She couldn’t tell hier than was absolutely necessary and while there would do everything possible to protect her battered heart and avoid him

She didn’t look back as they rode out of the yard and turned towards the Great North Road, only vaguely aware of the side her

As she rode she became aware of just how protected she felt BothTheir pistols and swords displayed clearly for all to see Their mounts were the finest horseflesh Eliza had ever seen and positively bristled with good health as they strutted regally alongside her own smaller mount

“Are you alright?” The quiet question came from Peter

Eliza studied the horizon for several minutes, unsure how to answer hiain Her heart was certainly battered and bruised and she still had sain? After the last feeeks, she didn’t think so

“Of course Everything will be fine”

“Last chance Left or right?” Sebastianthe three riders as they set off towards Padstow

Edward studied Eliza, her back straight and proud as she rode on her smaller horse between the two brutes on either side She never looked back Not once

He considered her behaviour thatand wondered what had caused such a shift in her He had never seen her so formally polite before Had she been overwhelmed by the presence of his brothers? She wouldn’t have been out of place at one of the Ton’s finest balls, refusing to allow him to mark her card

As they had finished their breakfast, he had found hi to have the old Eliza back with her ready replies, flashing smile and easy ca woers Had the accident yesterday shaken heron? He had tried to draw her to one side to discuss it with her but she hadnone of it The ease hich she shut hiratitude, but did he want her love?

To go left wouldinto more skirmishes with relentless pursuers in his quest to keep her safe Undoubtedly at so love, then he would have to marry her

To go right wouldhome to Leicestershire and the relative tranquillity of his new estate He had no doubt Peter and Doroup of men who had accompanied them to Norfolk, and were fully prepared for the confrontations they were going in to Eliza couldn’t be in safer hands

He was a free ation to Peter as proht him a valuable clue to help hiet on with his own life – couldn’t he?

“Left or right?” Sebastian persisted, after several htful silence

Edward flicked his brother a hard glance and turned his horse