She was struggling to walk properly and struggled to retain some of her dignity as she staggered through the door of the small coaching inn later that evening. Trying not to fidget, she stood just inside the door and waited patiently for Jamie to secure their rooms. Her chin tilted defiantly and she blithely ignored the blatant stares that assessed each of them from head to toe. It was virtually impossible though, to ignore the expectant silence that had settled over the occupants as they observed the new arrivals suspiciously. Although she was glad to have finally gotten off that wretched horse, she wished she was back on it now. It was certainly better being out there than under the curious gazes of the assorted locals. The yard had been empty of ostler or stable hands which, given the inn was barely habitable was unsurprising. It was just what they needed for tonight though and suited their purposes perfectly. It didn’t come as any surprise when, moments later, Cecily was shown to a tiny room at the back of the inn by a surly maid who merely slammed the door open, nodded at her with a fierce scowl and snapped, “In there,”
