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children, but old enough to be prepared to settle down to the pace of life on my estate.”
    Justice was uncomfortable with her steady gaze upon him. She didn’t comment immediately, but he felt as though she was searching his soul. Finally she offered him a soft smile. “I hope we are both able to achieve our objectives, my lord. I wish you well with your search.”
    Her quiet conviction brought a lump to his throat. He didn’t reply as he carefully manoeuvred his team to a standstill in front of Elizabeth’s townhouse.
    “It was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with you, my dear lady. Thank you for accompanying me.” Justice almost had to bite the inside of his cheek in order to prevent his amusement from showing at the look of confusion that was dancing across her expressive face. She obviously didn’t think the expedition had been entirely pleasurable and seemed surprised that he would say so.
    Apparently her breeding won out over her suspicion and she answered him politely. “It was my pleasure, my lord.” He doubted her reply was anywhere near being truthful, and he didn’t bother to hide his laughter from her.
    “Perhaps we shall have the pleasure again sometime soon,” he teased her.
    Indignation overrode her façade of politeness. “I do not think that would be advisable, my lord. I will wish you a good day.” He could tell she was trying to be repressive, but it didn’t suit her delightful personality. She didn’t do starchy and autocratic very well. He chuckled in her ear as he lifted her down from his curricle and could feel her shiver of awareness despite her efforts to remain impassive.
    As soon as he placed her on the ground she dipped a brief curtsy and then, lifting her skirts slightly, she hurried gracefully up the stairs where an attentive footman was holding the door open for her. He was watching her closely so he was gratified to see that she did glance back over her shoulder at him before she whisked through the door.
    Justice curbed his frustration over his lack of progress, climbed back into his curricle, and drove himself home deep in thought. He would have to regroup and come up with a new strategy to pursue whatever information Lady Elizabeth had but did not wish to share. He chose to ignore the eager anticipation, which simmered in the back of his mind over the thought of further interaction with the lovely young noblewoman.

Chapter 3
    E lizabeth peered into the looking glass, admiring her maid’s handiwork. The intricate style Pansy had twisted her hair into was the perfect foil to the deceptive simplicity of her gown. She absolutely adored the shade of palest green and the dainty flowers stitched around the neck, sleeves, and hem. No wonder it had been expensive. But it was worth every farthing. She just hoped her father thought so when his secretary received the bills. She smiled slyly at her reflection when she realized that it would be her mother who would receive the lecture, not her, if her father did take exception to her expenses. Her mother would no doubt argue that any expense was worth the investment in getting her youngest daughter settled comfortably. And without being overly smug, she knew she was looking well that night.
    The Earl of Heath crossed her mind, but she shoved the unwanted thoughts to the back of her mind. She refused to dwell on how handsome he was, especially when he had been trying not to laugh at something she had said. She was unsure what had come over her that afternoon. She was so rarely comfortable in the company of gentleman. How is it possible that I had relaxed with the notorious earl? she demanded of herself. Sticking her tongue out at her reflection, Elizabeth’s laugh was self conscious as she realized she would appear quite vain to anyone watching her as she gazed into the looking glass.
    Straightening to her full height, which wasn’t much higher than the earl’s shoulder she realized, she once again had to dismiss thoughts of Lord