The Virgin Courtesan. Michelle Kelly

would dampen his desire or enflame it.

      A glimmer of something that almost looked like disappointment flickered in his dark eyes. He had not been so sure of her then. Juliana decided to be forthright. She had done enough swooning like a silly chit for one night, and doubted he would be the type of man to be moved by tears or pleading.

      ‘Why am I here, sir, and for what purpose?’

      He looked surprised, then approving. ‘As I said, madam, I could hardly in conscience leave you alone on the road, unconscious. I did not know if you had merely fainted or were perhaps ill. As it was my fault for startling you...’

      ‘Startling me?’ Juliana erupted, the gin and indignation making her brave. ‘You held up my coach! With a pistol! You have robbed me. And now you expect me to believe you are a man of any conscience?’

      She was amazed to see he looked almost ashamed. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

      ‘You are right,’ he admitted, ‘I cannot expect you to believe that. But I mean you no harm. My intention was to relieve you of your purse only.’ As if to prove his point he removed his mask, tossing it to one side carelessly.

      Juliana snorted, averting her eyes. He was even more attractive without the covering. His eyes were dark and long lashed, and full of secrets she could only guess at. Nevertheless, she must not betray her attraction to him.

      ‘Relieve me, you mean steal from me.’ Not that there had been a great deal in it; enough to play a few games of whist with Lord Salter. She eyed the highwayman with suspicion. ‘Did you use my purse to pay for this room?’

      He had the grace to look embarrassed. ‘I did. I had no other funds to hand.’

      ‘Clearly not a good night for you then. Perhaps tomorrow night you will have the luck to hold up a stagecoach with more wealthy travellers than myself!’

      He stood up abruptly, looking angry now, and Juliana shrank back. His presence was commanding; she could tell he was used to being obeyed, and she was suddenly frightened of his reaction to her furious words. But he turned away, stalking to the door and looking back at her with a face devoid of emotion.

      ‘I will fetch refreshments. You are of course, free to leave, though I would warn you it is very late. If you can stand my company until the morning, I will see that you get to wherever you need to go safely. I will not harm you. You have my word...for whatever that is worth.’