Damsel in Disguise Read Free Page B

Yes, Sophie was pretty, she supposed. Gentlemen would notice that, of course. But, by God, what was that charming expression forming on Sophie’s fresh, youthful face? Why, the little tart was actually smiling at Anthony Rastmoor!
    Julia’s stomach roiled, and she put an involuntary hand up to her mouth. Damn, but there was soup in the mustache there. She hated the itchy thing all the more. Of course Anthony would not look at her in the same way he was ogling Sophie—soup-stained gentlemen were hardly his type. Gullible little misses like Sophie were. Just as Julia had been, once.
    “Why, Mr. and Mrs. Clemmons,” Lindley said, noticing them and coming their way.
    Julia had given the false name at the spur of the moment as they were leaving London. It had seemed convenient to use as they’d traveled, and now she was glad they had. No one would think it amiss to see the quiet Clemmons couple being greeted by an old acquaintance here, and no awkward explanations would have to be given at mistaken names.
    Anthony, too, would likely not recognize the name.
    Or maybe it didn’t really matter. He’d likely forgotten her altogether, judging by the way his attention was now given entirely to her companion. Indeed, why should he so much as spare a second glance to Julia’s severe haircut and soupy mustache, while Sophie was sitting there in front of him, all blond and dreamy and feminine? Damn his eyes.
    “How odd to run into you here,” Lord Lindley said when he reached their table. “I had no idea you were traveling this way, else I would have invited you to share my carriage.”
    He, too, had his eye on Sophie. What pigs these men were. Didn’t they realize Sophie was supposed to be a married woman? How dare they stare like this! If it kept on, Julia feared she’d end up having to call at least one of them out or risk exposing herself as a fraud. What husband could sit calmly while virtual strangers drooled over his wife? Shame on them. How on earth had Julia ever thought Anthony Rastmoor to be a decent, worthwhile human being?
    “We had a rather sudden change of plan,” Sophie was saying. “Didn’t we, Mr. Clemmons?”
    Julia cleared her throat. “Er, yes. We came this way rather spur of the moment.” She worked at keeping her voice low and hoped Anthony might not recognize it.
    She needn’t have worried. His focus was all on Sophie, to the point the poor girl must have noticed and was finally starting to appear uncomfortable.
    “Forgive me,” Lindley said, at least trying to tear his eyes from Sophie and act respectably. “Everyone has not been introduced. Lord Rastmoor, this is Mr. Alexander Clemmons and his lovely wife, Mrs. Sophie Clemmons. We met a few days ago in London.”
    Rastmoor made a polite bow and allowed Julia a quick nod before turning his attention back to Sophie. It had been highly unnecessary for Lindley to recall Sophie’s first name, but obviously he had. Sophie was looking decidedly anxious now. The girl might be too pretty for her own good, but at least she appeared to have some sense. She knew enough not to trust the flattery of blackguards.
    “How do you do,” Julia said, not pausing long enough for Rastmoor to speak before directing her next question to Lindley. “Will you gentlemen be staying for the night here?”
    Lindley sent a quick look toward his partner, and Rastmoor gave the reply. His voice sliced Julia to the heart. Odd that a voice could have so much power.
    “We’re undecided as yet, Mr. Clemmons. Will you be staying?”
    Julia fixed her eyes firmly on her soup bowl. Mr. Clemmons . He still hadn’t recognized her. Lord, but that, too, hurt far more than it should have.
    “We haven’t entirely decided that, my lord,” Julia replied. It was true. If she found the men would be here, she’d simply leave a note of warning for Rastmoor with the innkeeper then get herself and Sophie back on the road and far away from the lusty lords.
    But Sophie had her own ideas.