Hi so things hadn't gone according to plan for Lizzie and now we learn more about the mysterious Andrew Richomme! Please review :)

Chapter 17

Lizzie

"Wh -what? I don't know what you're -" Lizzie stuttered, conscious of the cold metal pressing into her throat, but he cut her off.

"What I'm talking about? Ah, perhaps I was not clear. I am no idiot, much as I may act like one, I simply find life simpler if I behave simply, but do you think you're the first floozy paraded before me to swindle away my money? Admittedly you're the prettiest but did you really think I wouldn't suspect?of course the conversation I heard between you and your friend the Sheriff did help my assumptions along considerably." His voice was detached and lofty throughout but the pressure on her neck never lessened and neither did his grip around her waist. Lizzie smoothed her clammy palms down her dress,

"And you would kill me without hearing my side of the story? It is quite a side to tell." She said, keeping her voice light, and he laughed his deep laugh close to her ear.

"I would kill you without a second thought, but I won't just yet – you intrigue me, I wasn't lying about that." He took the blade away from her neck and Lizzie gasped with relief but he held the knife by him still as he nodded at the bench for her to sit. Lizzie arranged her skirts around her and clasped her hands on her lap.

"I have killed a man, Mr Richomme." She said to gauge his expression, which didn't change.

"I guessed as much, luckily for you I am also one of the few people who would not condemn you for it." Seeing her aghast look he grinned. "Spies, my dear, spies." He said, nodding for her to continue.

"I killed him because he was cruel, he bought me at age 14 as his wife when he was 20 because he thought I was beautiful and would bend to his will easily. He was wrong, at least for a little while I held out but he met defiance with pain and I was young, so I caved eventually and submitted to doing his bidding. Even then he beat me at least once a day and I grew bitter and angry at everything but especially him. One night I ran away, the last attempt of many – this time it actually worked. I ran to my brother in Nottingham where he was working for the Sheriff, he knew he owed me one and let me stay but even he could not protect me. My husband found me and very near killed me." She said in a low, fast voice, pointing to the fading but still vivid scar on her chest, she was gratified to see Andrew's eyes widen then narrow with anger, so he wouldn't hurt her then. Good. Lizzie continued,

"But I got him first you see, with the help of a friend who had come to protect me, I stabbed him Mr Richomme and now he's dead and I am facing accusations of murder. The Sheriff, knowing that a word from him could save or condemn me, blackmailed me into seducing you. And so here we are and kill me if you wish." She finished grandly but he slipped his knife back into his belt and sat beside her.

"You have had quite a time of it, I see." He said and Lizzie rolled her eyes – talk about stating the obvious! But then he sighed,

"So I could have had you then. Ah well, so where do we go from here I wonder?" He said, crossing his legs and watching her with apparent amusement.

"I wouldn't have gone through with it, of course!" Lizzie said primly, averting her eyes and her thoughts, but he just chuckled.

"You know I won't let the Sheriff dupe me." He leaned forward to whisper in her ear "And I won't let you either." Lizzie stood up shakily, feeling the blood rush to her head.

"He plans to make the bet tomorrow morning. Do what you will, but remember please that my life is in your hands." She said, lifting her chin and he smiled, a twinkle in his emerald eyes,

"Stop a minute, my dear. I believe I have a plan."