Author's Note: Many thanks to Heather who is my beta for this... here's the next chapter. Enjoy it guys. Meg

Eliza, wide-eyed and curious, studied the passing scenery. She had been sheltered most of her life, and been out of France only once, several years ago, to visit her grandfather. Mostly she was allowed to go into town and visit Margot, her friend and daughter of Ramon. Eliza was also allowed to visit the garrison on occasion. The youngest d'Artagnan felt tired but she was much too excited to allow herself to fall asleep.

Her thoughts turned to Edmund. He had been mostly quiet, and she got the feeling he did not think of her as anything more than an extra burden for him to carry. He was polite and courteous as a gentleman, but he rarely did more than ask if she was hungry or if she needed a rest. The horse jerked to a stop, interrupting her thoughts and causing her to notice a small town in front of them. She studied the town so intently that when Edmund spoke, it startled her slightly.

"We need to get you some peasant's clothing and another horse." Eliza rolled her eyes and jumped off ignoring his hand.

"I will see to the clothing myself. I will meet you there in an hour." Eliza pointed to a nearby tavern before running off.

Edmund muttered under his breath as he watched her go. He jumped off the horse, but she was already out of sight, and to try to follow her would only create unwanted attention. Edmund went in another direction to buy a horse. Once that was done, he led the horses to a stable to be fed and watered as he sought a way to send a message. Edmund felt Gerard and his parents were entitled to know where Eliza was and with whom she was with. His friend had asked him to take his leave and come to the d'Artagnan estate with him, but Edmund declined. Gerard had left the directions to the place in case he changed his mind. Edmund sent the message off and started for the tavern to meet Eliza. He hurried as he spotted Eliza just ahead of him. He grabbed her shoulder when he reached her and turned her around.

"Mademoiselle, if you go off like that again without consulting me," he paused as he searched for the best thing to say to make her listen. "I will tie and gag you for the rest of the journey." Her eyes widened and then narrowed. Even in peasant's clothing, she looked intimidating.

"We shall see," she replied coolly.

Edmund walked in front of her into the tavern and sat down. The barmaid came quickly and before Edmund could open his mouth, his spirited companion was ordering for them. The musketeer was growing to dislike her. She was stubborn, entirely too independent for her own good, not to mention her inability to listen. It really irritated him. He turned to her his voice commanding and stern. "From now on, I do the talking." He put emphasis on I.

Eliza's lips parted slightly, showing her annoyance at being told what to do. "You think women are incapable of making their own decisions?" Eliza asked him in a challenging tone.

Edmund shook his head. "A woman's place is in the home, not out thinking, causing trouble."

Eliza's eyes narrowed again and she pulled her head up straight, looking down on him. "Perhaps if men could think, women would not have to." Edmund started to reply and decided against it. He was letting her get under his skin. Instead, he took a sip of wine and ate the food that had just been placed in front of them in silence.

Edmund lead the new horse out onto the road and held it as Eliza mounted. Edmund watched amused as she sat sidesaddle like a well brought up lady would.

"A peasant would not ride that way," he commented to her. Eliza's face flushed and then she moved to put one leg over. Edmund stayed behind her still chuckling quietly. The 'UN-ladylike' way to ride was making her uncomfortable. Eliza shot him a deathly look before grabbing the reins and started the horse out slowly. She adjusted within a few minutes and traveled at a steady pace. Edmund rode slightly behind her.

"It is still several days journey to the Italian border. We shall ride at night and some in the day." Eliza did not respond to him. "There are few towns on the way, so we will have to make do with blankets and food that is nonperishable."

Eliza now turned toward him, her expression slightly shocked, but she slowly nodded her head. "I am capable of going with little rest, and I have had worse beds." She was lying of course, but it did not matter, she could do it.

Edmund's face showed a slight tug of a smile. "As you wish, Mademoiselle," he turned behind them looking for anyone suspicious following, but there was no one. "We should rider faster, to make better time. Can you do that?" Eliza did not respond but only kicked her horse into a faster gallop leaving him behind. Edmund shook his head in annoyance and kicked his horse to go after her. She was proving to be quite the handful. It took him several minutes to catch up to her completely. He pulled her reins when he was within reach and pulled them both to a stop.

She glared at him. "You said ride faster," she pointed out to him.

Edmund sighed. "Do not do that again! I will lead." His voice was stern and she rolled her eyes in mockery of him before sighing exasperatedly.

"What? Now women cannot ride as well as men?" she said in a sarcastic tone.

Edmund grabbed her right hand and forced her to look in his eyes. "Mademoiselle, I must protect you. I cannot do that if you lead." His ungloved fingers rubbed slightly against hers. They stared at one another for a minute before he shook himself and dropped her hand. "Come on," he said before kicking his horse into a full gallop.

Eliza grinned wickedly at his back. "I can prove you wrong." She then took off after him. If touching her fingers unnerved him, then it would be great fun to see what else could.