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her simply another rich heiress of the sort his father was forever pestering him to marry, and avoided her completely?
    Such speculation was pointless. They had met under very unusual circumstances and he had most insolently and inappropriately kissed her. She must surely think he was a rake, a lascivious libertine.
    If he could help her, it might make her think more highly of him and erase the poor first impression he must have made.
    Whatever the outcome, he would do all he could to discover if she required his assistance and render any aid he could before he went on to the family estate.
    And then he would never see her again.
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    A few hours later, Nell waited anxiously as the full moon rose and shone in through the mullioned window. She was going to have to leave without paying her bill. She had very little money left in her purse and no idea how long it might be before she could earn more.
    The bright moonlight would mean it would be easier for someone to notice her as she absconded, but it also meant she would be better able to see where she was going. Since the only mode of transportation she could afford was her feet, she didn’t want to fall and injure herself.
    What would her parents say if they knew what she’d done today, and yesterday and the day before that? They had tried to raise a good woman, sacrificing much to send her to an excellent school, to learn manners and deportment and etiquette, to be the equal of any well-born gentlewoman.
    All for nothing. It was a mercy they were dead, so they would never know what had happened to her, and what she’d done.
    Hoping everyone was asleep at last, she rose and, taking her valise in her hand, eased open the door and listened again. She heard nothing, save for the occasional creak of bed ropes from Lord Bromwell’s room.
    Perhaps he wasn’t alone. It had sounded as if he’d come up the stairs by himself after she had retired; nevertheless, she wouldn’t be surprised to learn that he had a woman with him—some comely serving maid or one of the women at supper who had been gawking at him. She could well believe women had vied for his favors even before he’d become famous, and he must practically have to beat them off with a stick since his book had been published.
    If he had come to expect such a reaction, it was no wonder he’d kissed her and then sought her out before dinner, even though it should have been obvious she didn’t want to have anything more to do with him. She couldn’t.
    Sighing, Nell crept cautiously into the hall and closed the door behind her. The hall was as dark as pitch. Putting her hand to the wall, she carefully made her way toward the stairs.
    â€œThe coach isn’t due to depart for some hours yet.”
    There was no mistaking Lord Bromwell’s voice.
    Nell turned. Although she couldn’t see his face clearly in the dark, his body was as close as it had been in the coach, and if she could only see the vague outline of his body, she could feel his warmth as if he were embracing her.
    Fighting to calm her racing heart, she gave him the excuse she had prepared. “I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d see if I could find some wine.”
    â€œYou felt it necessary to wear your pelisse and bonnet, as well as take your baggage, to get a nocturnal beverage?”
    â€œI was afraid I might be robbed if I left my valuables in my room.”
    He stepped closer and she could see him better now, although it was still dark. He wore only his boots, buff trousers and shirt open at the neck. “You must have a lot of valuables.”
    â€œNo, but I can’t afford to lose what little I have. I’m sorry if I disturbed you,” she said, continuing toward the stairs.
    He put his hand on the wall ahead of her, so that he blocked her way. “Something is wrong,” he said, his voice gentle but firm. “I wish to be of service, if I can.”
    He wanted to help