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“You are quite an admirer of theirs,” she said. “But if they’re so secretive, perhaps they don’t want their exploits known.”
He frowned. “We’ll see.”
She regretted putting a damper on his grand ideas, because he decided to leave soon after that.
“Would you consider returning to visit me?” she asked too quickly.
He gave her a curious look. “You want me to visit, but not your betrothed?”
She felt a blush heat her face. She’d made a dreadful mistake.
He smiled with sympathy. “Ah, you’re lonely, of course.”
“Forgive my impulsive request,” she murmured. “I am not in any immediate danger. You would think I would be able to handle a few days alone. But ’tis surprisingly…stressful.”
“I understand. You enjoy talking to people.”
“That’s it,” she murmured, trying not to watch him in fascination.
“You must miss the evenings down below.”
Tears stung her eyes, and she felt ridiculous to be so choked up that she could only nod. Luckily, Sir Philip didn’t seem to notice.
“It will be over soon,” he said, reaching outside and yanking on the rope as if he felt the need to test it. “Continue to be brave, Lady Elizabeth. I promise that John will make everything all right. Fare well.”
“Do be careful,” she called, as he stood on the windowsill, his upper body now outside the tower.
With a jump, he braced both feet on a knot in the rope, and then pulled himself up out of sight.
* * *
John was glaring at Elizabeth when the door opened and Philip walked in. He came up short when he saw them and glanced at the wimple on the floor.
“Should I leave?” he asked uncertainly.
“Stay and close the door.”
John knew his voice was abrupt, but Philip, arching a brow, did as he asked.
“Philip, meet Lady Elizabeth.”
Philip’s mouth fell open, and he didn’t bother to hide his shock.
Elizabeth folded her arms over her chest and gave a brief nod.
“My lady, I—” A strange look came over his face. “So you switched places. Clever.”
John glared at him.
“And deceitful,” Philip amended, smiling.
Elizabeth took a deep breath. “I had to—”
“Do not go into it all again,” John interrupted. “Suffice it to say that she doesn’t trust me, and wishes my brother were alive.”
She frowned and looked away, remaining silent.
“Well, your maidservant is doing a good job impersonating you,” Philip said. “I just left your bedchamber.”
