Betrayed Countess (Books We Love Historical Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page A

shifted, clung to her bundle, and pinched his hand.
    “Ow! You’re a frisky one, ain’t you?” He grinned at her with his long, slack-jawed face, rubbing his fingers.
    The coach lurched to a stop. Bettina gripped the seat. Outside was an increase in people and vehicles. Scruffy peddlers pushed carts past several stone buildings.
    “Leave ’im alone, Frenchie ,” the sister glowered at Bettina, then peered out the window. “Must be near the London road. It’s about time.”
    The door opened and a woman climbed in. She plopped down beside the sister. “Fie, that last coach were too crowded. Everyone goin’ to Bath or Bristol?” She looked slightly older than Bettina and wore a shabby red dress limp on her thin body. Her arms stuck out of the sleeves of a black frock coat that hugged her tight in the shoulders. A crooked straw hat perched on her brunette hair. “Name’s Kerra. Kerra Tregons.”
    The sister sneered and scooted away from her. Bettina nodded, too weary to say anything. Her stays crimped against her ribs and her head ached.
    “I’m William.” The man tipped his felt hat. The coach lurched off again. Bettina hoped he’d find this woman more interesting.
    “William, aye?” Kerra smiled. She had a sharp little face and luminous green eyes. “I just come from London. What a filthy, crowded place that be. Can’t wait to get home.” Kerra’s accent had a harsher sound than what Bettina had heard so far.
    The coach rambled on through the countryside, the passengers lapsing into silence, and Bettina tried to nap. Her stomach growled in hunger.
    “You married, William?” the newcomer asked in what seemed hours later.
    “Nay. I’m still lookin’, and don’t want to settle with just one.” He grinned, wet and sloppy like a hound.
    Kerra leaned forward and touched his knee. “That’s what all you men say. Never give us ladies no chance.”
    “I tried with this one, but she just stays coy.” William caressed his hand on Bettina’s shoulder.
    Bettina flinched and pressed against the window. “Please, do not touch me, monsieur. I do not know you.” She didn’t know what ‘coy’ meant either, but it couldn’t be decent.
    Kerra laughed and winked at her. “We can share him, aye? He thinks he’s worth it, don’t he?”
    “I’ve had quite enough of this mischief. Both of you keep your hands to yourself.” The sister straightened, cheeks sucked into her bony face.
    “Calm down. He ain’t worth it.” Kerra grinned and nudged the woman in the side.
    The sister stood in the swaying coach and rapped on the trapdoor. “Driver! Stop at once!”
    “What is the problem, Madame?” Bettina jerked upright. The coach halted with a groan and she almost slid off the seat. The conveyance rocked and the driver opened the door.
    “I demand you throw both these harlots off the coach. They’re being improper with my brother.”
    “I have done nothing, monsieur.” Bettina looked to the driver’s perturbed face, certain he’d see the ridiculousness of the situation.
    “I’ll pay you extra to do it now.” The sister jingled a coin purse. “And you know I’m good for it. My father is a judge.”
    “Come on out, ladies ,” the driver sighed and grasped Bettina’s arm.
    “ Mais non . He is the improper one with me.” She pulled back, but found herself dragged out of the coach. She stumbled in the dirt.
    The man reached in again and yanked a screeching Kerra out beside her.
    “Bloody devils! I ain’t done a thing.” Kerra stomped on the ground and shook her fist. “Don’t listen to that old sourpuss. He was enjoyin’ the attention.”
    The driver clambered on top of the vehicle and tossed down a valise. He jumped on the box, slapped the reins, and the coach surged forward, scattering dust and pebbles in its wake.
    Bettina thrust her hand up to protect her eyes from debris. “Mon Dieu. This England is far more dangerous than France.”
     

 
    Chapter Three
     
     
    They stood in a