“Sisters,” she snapped with disgust. “I am not your sister, Robert Langley.”

“Well, that is how I see you, Lisa Madison. Like a sweet little sister.” Usually, he added silently. Dear God, there was nothing little sisterly about her just then, and neither his thoughts nor his body’s reactions were anywhere near filial in nature.

“Well I am not your little sister, Robert. In fact, there is nothing little about me anymore at all. I’m a grown woman, and if you’re too dense to see that, then perhaps it’s time I found someone more intelligent to give my love to.”

Robert’s gaze slid to her again and he quickly removed his cape and leaned forward to wrap it around her, muttering. “I wish you would.”

Lisa stiffened as the first real emotions she’d experienced since Mrs. Morgan had forced those drinks on her pierced the fog clouding her brain. And those feelings were disappointment and fury. She had loved this man forever, since she was knee high to her father, and Robert valued it about as much as an old pair of shoes thrown out on the dung heap.

“As you wish,” she said coldly, gathering his cape around herself. She then leaned to the window to glance out as the carriage slowed. “That is Richard and Christiana’s townhouse.”

“Aye,” Robert muttered, not bothering to look. “We have to pass it on the way to my place. Close the curtain, Lisa. One of the servants might look out and see you riding past.”

Lisa scowled, but just shrugged. “I may as well just go home rather than trouble you to take me to your townhouse. Send Bet home when you get there, please.”

“You are not—Lisa!” he snapped as she opened the door and leapt from the stopping vehicle. It was only when her feet hit the pavement that she realized she was barefoot. Ignoring that, she glanced to the front of the carriage to see what had made them stop. Richard and Christiana’s neighbors, the Wortheys, were returning home from an outing, their carriage blocking the road as the couple disembarked.

“Lisa!” Robert hissed from behind her, but she ignored him and hurried to the gate leading to the walk to Richard and Christiana’s front door. She heard his boots hit the pavement behind her, but didn’t glance around, merely hurrying to the door and rushing inside.

The entry was empty. Even in her still somewhat muddled state, Lisa thought that could only be a good thing. Pushing the door closed, she slipped quickly up the stairs, and then along the hall to the room she was occupying, neither slowing nor stopping until she was safely inside.