Chapter 3

The carriage moved smoothly along the roads back to the inn. It was dark and comfortable and the rocking motion would have eased her off to sleep were she not so awake. Across from her Fosco remained awake also. She could not see his face through the darkness inside the carriage but she knew his eyes were on her. At one time she would have stayed wide awake in fear but now something had shifted. Once he had desired her, inconceivable as it was, and leapt at the chance to have her in his bed. She had tricked him, manipulated him and thought that had been the end. Surely only retribution and humiliation remained…this blackmail surely proved it…and yet…

She recalled the way he had spoken to her, earnest and affectionate, and the way his eyes had devoured her across the lunch table. She could still feel his hands on her waist, on her back, brushing her arms as they danced. He had lavished as much attention as courteousness allowed on her alone and when she had been made to stand aside as he danced with other women she drew herself up regally until he returned again. It was a shock how much confidence those few words he had spoken gave her.

Now she could feel his eyes burning through the dark, smouldering across her skin. The atmosphere in the carriage was too charged to allow sleep.

When the inn came into view she was suddenly nervous.

"Fosco…" she started but he hushed her as the carriage rattled to a stop.

"Say nothing Miss Halcombe," he breathed and was out the carriage first so he could offer her a hand down.

"Now, Miss Halcombe," he whispered as they walked towards the inn doors, her hand on his arm maybe no longer just for show, "now I will tell you what happens next."

Marian felt the blood rush through her veins as every sense became over alert.

"Your favour," Fosco continued, noting her tension, "she is complete." He was almost surprised at the sadness in his tone; surely he could not care for her company so greatly. He could much easily fill his time with other young maidens or diabolical company should he choose to do so. A new scheme he could apply his mind to would do the trick splendidly…and yet he had said to himself that would she let him he would show her what he thought of her. She had unwillingly offered him that opening. He had found the chink in her armour and though he could have used it against her in revenge he had found greater pleasure in repairing it. The result left him breathless. She had leaned on him, trusted him and drawn strength from him. For the first time he had Marian Halcombe vulnerable and seeking his protection. She had allowed and welcomed his attentions and his touch. This gamble, this game, was suddenly taking a turn he had not foreseen nor allowed for, yet he would take up the challenge and see it though to the end. Fosco was usually very cautious with gambles but this time, although it was no longer predictable and became more serious by the second, he would take the risk. He would always take the risk when it came down to Miss Halcombe.

"Don't look so worried my dear. Bravisima. You were an angel this evening. The payment is fulfilled."

He had stopped and turned to gaze down at her and she gazed right back. The tension had left her shoulders but emotions fought across her face.

Marian didn't know whether to be angry, elated or devastated. No debt meant no more Fosco...was that good or not? Again with the moral crisis. As she gazed up at him she felt a strangeness settle over her as she looked into his eyes and suddenly she wanted him to kiss her. She wanted to feel his lips again when she was not manipulating him. Slowly Fosco lifted his hand and caressed her cheek, running a finger lightly over her lips.

"Miss Halcombe," he murmured, "you must head back to your room. Go now."

Her eyes widened at the urgency in his voice and as she looked at him the burning desire in his eyes caused her nearly to gasp. With great effort he took his hand away and stepped from her.

"I will follow behind. I cannot see you to your room. Go Miss Halcombe."

In a state of bewilderment Marian turned and headed away from him, through the doors and up to her room.

Fosco shook his head.

"Ah, Miss Halcombe, you make me honourable, yes?" He chuckled to himself and headed upstairs after her.

Marian sat and waited. She heard the creak of his footfalls down the corridor and the cessation as they paused outside her door. After a moment they moved on and there was a click of a door opening and shutting. Slowly her eyes rested on the adjoining door. He was behind there right now. It was with great effort that Marian continued to ready herself for bed.