Her Devious Scoundrel

Chapter 14

After they had finished their meal, Penelope busied herself with tidying up the small room. She tried to keep her mind from Johnathan, however she found herself frequently stealing glances towards where he sat staring in front of the fire. He looked lost, his face held a forlorn expression that sent pangs to her heart every time she saw it. She wanted to comfort him, but could not figure out how to when he would not speak to her. Every time she tried to say something, she opened her mouth but words would not come.

It seemed like forever before Johnathan let out a heft sigh and stood, slowly making his way toward the bed. As he climbed in Penelope thought to protest, since common courtesy dictates that he would allow her to take the only bed in the room. However, she felt that is was only right for her to allow him to rest in comfort, since he had had such a trying day. She sat at the dining table listing as his heavy breathing slowed to a soft rhythm. She watched the rise and fall of his chest, wondering what their plans would be come tomorrow. They had no money for travel, meaning they would not be able to rent a carriage of horses, nor were they able to go back to London. Surely they would be seen and she would be forced to return home. Her father would not allow her to escape her marriage a second time.

She still had a small amount of coins that would pay for the room and possibly some food for travel, but beyond that they were limited on how they could go forward. Penelope sighed loudly, standing and grabbing an extra blanket from the chest at the foot of the bed. She climbed into the seat beside the window, curling up in a ball and staring blankly into the dark night beyond, her mind working, trying to figure out a solution to their current financial predicament. It was well after midnight by the time Penelope came up with a plan. She smiled as she fell asleep, the plan formulating and taking shape behind her eyelids. She would pay a visit to the inn keeper first thing in the morning.

The next morning a maid knocked at the door, waking Johnathan from a restless sleep. He called the maid in, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“I brought yehs fresh clothing, like the lady asked mi’lord.” The girl gave him a cheeky grin. She placed two stacks of clothing on the dressing table before giving a low curtsy and leaving the room. Johnathan stepped from the bed, glancing around the room for the first time. Panic stuck him as he realized Penelope was gone. He quickly pulled on the clothes the maid had brought, grimacing as the poor quality cloth, before rushing out the room to search for her.

He found her downstairs sitting at a table with the lady he had paid for the room yesterday. She looked up and smiled as he approached, moving over on the low bench to create space for him to sit.

“Mrs. Dunfry and I were just discussing how to get us to your country estate.” Penelope stated cheerfully. Johnathan looked between the two women confused. “She has offered to give us a fair rate on a horse, though she can only spare one, and she has graciously spared some of her late husbands clothing for you to wear, as well as clothing for myself.”

Penelope chattered on about the plans that she had been making while he had slept, she seemed to have taken care of everything, making Johnathan feel very inadequate as she explained the rest of the details. He stared in awe at the woman sitting before him, impressed by her take charge attitude. Never in his life had he met such a capable lady, who could face such a situation without simpering with fear.

“Johnathan?” She said his name, bringing him back to reality. “When would you like to head out? Mrs. Dunfry says she can have her stable hand get a horse ready as soon as we are ready.”

He smiled at her and specified a time, before rising, offering her his elbow to escort her back upstairs. They made their way back to their room, once there she quickly started gathering their belongings, stuffing them into a burlap sack.

“I am going to get supplies we will need for the journey.” He stated dumbly, wanting to do something, anything to feel useful. She smiled and nodded, telling him she would use the time to dress. He turned heading out the door, and wandered down to the common room below.

Johnathan returned thirty minutes later, having gathered the necessary items they would need to begin their journey. Opening the door to the small room, he stopped, shocked at the scene that lay before him. Gone was the beautiful young woman he had left a half hour before, standing in front of him was a dirty little urchin with wide amber eyes.

“What are you wearing!?” he exclaimed, his eyes roving over her shapely legs and pert bottom. The trousers she was wearing hugged her curves perfectly. He shifted, his own trousers becoming uncomfortably tight.

“A disguise!” She said cheerfully, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Why are you wearing that?”

“It is a six-day ride to your country estate, with the threat of highway robbery, I thought it best to be traveling as a boy rather than a woman. We will attract less attention that way.” She looked very proud of herself. He stared at her in disbelief. The idea was a good one, he thought to himself. He scrubbed a hand across his face and shrugged.

“Let’s get going then.” Grabbing the bags with their other clothes and food, he motioned towards the door, watching her little bottom sway as she practically bounced from the room.