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or any kind of lady. She’d heard that name in school, from one of her fellow students who was forever bragging about her lofty, if distant, relations. Nell had thought it wise to use a name similar to her own because it would be easy to remember.
    That seemed the most ridiculous of reasons now.
    But surely if he had met Lady Eleanor, he would have known at once that she was an impostor and said something before this, or summoned the law.
    â€œNo, I’m not and I never said I was,” she replied, wary and determined to reply with more care. “Nor am I running away. I’m going to visit my uncle in Bath. As for my gown, I thought you were an expert on spiders, my lord, not ladies’ fashions.”
    â€œIt is my nature to be observant.”
    â€œMy modiste had a terrible seamstress in her employ. Unfortunately, there was no time to find or hire a better one before my departure.”
    She crossed to the window and turned with an indignant huff, despite her trembling legs and the trickle of perspiration down her back. “There is the door, my lord. Now that I’ve explained, please use it.”
    He planted his feet and crossed his arms. “Not until I’m sure you’re not in trouble.”
    Oh, God help her. She believed he meant that, and that he had no selfish, licentious motive—but why did she haveto encounter a chivalrous gentleman here, and now? “Your aid is quite misguided, my lord. I am in no trouble.”
    â€œThen, unfortunately, I must assume you’re attempting to renege on the payment of your night’s accommodation.”
    She stared at him, aghast, her mind working quickly. He was right, after all, but of course she couldn’t admit that.
    She thought of one excuse he might accept. “There may be another explanation for my wish to leave this room, my lord.”
    He raised a querying brow.
    â€œHas it not occurred to you that I might be afraid to be sleeping so near the man who so impertinently kissed me? Who can say what else you might be capable of, as your presence in this chamber attests?”
    His eyes widened. “You fear I would attack you?”
    â€œWhy should I not believe you are capable of such an act? You did, after all, embrace me without my consent or invitation, accost me in the corridor, follow me into this bedroom and you refuse to leave.”
    â€œI’m a gentleman, as my friends and associates will tell you, or the Jenkinses.”
    â€œI don’t call your behavior today very gentlemanly.”
    He ran his hand through his hair before he answered. “Nor can I,” he admitted. “However, it is not unknown for people to behave under duress as they never would otherwise. I believe it was so in my case. I was not quite myself after the carriage overturned.”
    Neither was she.
    Still, she wasn’t going to let him think he could behave any way he would, and she would accept it. “The women on that island you were describing at supper—would theyconsider you a proper gentleman, if they knew what behavior was expected of one?”
    â€œYes, they would,” he firmly replied. “I acted in complete accordance with their customs and beliefs.”
    â€œAs I have done nothing wrong.”
    â€œPerhaps not,” he replied, “but either you are some kind of cheat or criminal, or you’re running from someone or something. If it is the former, I am duty-bound to hold you here. If it is the latter, I ask you again to allow me to be of assistance. But whatever your answer, I’m not going to allow you to go wandering about the countryside at night. It’s too dangerous and I would never forgive myself if something happened to you.”
    Whether he was genuinely concerned for her safety or not, she could see his determined resolve and realized he wouldn’t leave until she gave him an explanation that was both feasible and believable.
    She would have to come up with