Lavender Lies (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon Page A

school in London some years ago. I can tell you we made short work of this kind of misbehavior and would not have accepted such conduct."
    "We do not raise our children by English standards, sir," the matronly woman admonished, with anger sparking her eyes. "You would do well to return to that island and teach little English boys how to serve their king. I can assure you, we do not need your advice!"
    The duke swung around and stared at Mr. Groves. Was the man a complete fool that he would flaunt his British background before these ladies? Since Julian was trying to pass as an American, he knew he would have to distance himself from Mr. Groves at once. "The lady is right, sir. We need no Englishman telling us how to raise our children."
    At that point, the coach came to a sudden halt, tossing the two children on the floor, immediately bringing howls when their mother tried to pull them back on the seat.
    "Why are we stopping here?" the matron wanted to know. "We are still miles from Williamsburg, and this is not a scheduled stop."
    Julian looked out the window but could see nothing from his vantage point. However, an unknown voice could be heard speaking to the coachman. "Step down, sir. We want to see all your passengers. If you don't want anyone to get hurt, follow my instructions at once."
    "May the saints preserve us all," the young mother cried out, clutching her two offspring to her. "Have we been put upon by bandits?"
    Julian was quick to react. "Try not to panic, ladies," he advised, knowing nothing could be gained by hysterics. Reaching into his breast pocket, he was about to withdraw his pistol when the door was wrenched open by a hooded man who was wearing a gray cape. The gun the man had aimed at Julian's head forced him to reconsider drawing his weapon.
    "Everyone step down," the man ordered. "Do as you are told, and no one will suffer."
    Not knowing what danger might present itself, Julian stepped out before the ladies. As his feet touched the ground, he saw a second man, a slender youth, on the back of a spirited black horse that pranced and pawed at the earth. Julian had to admire the rider's horsemanship, because with effortless ease he kept the animal under control. The young man was slender and dressed all in black but for the crimson silk handkerchief that was tied about his face. On his head he wore a black cocked hat with a crimson feather, leaving Julian to conclude he was something of a dandy.
    The two ladies now stood beside Julian, and for the moment the two boys were silent. Mr. Groves seemed the most disturbed by the incident, and he hung back near the coachman, as if the man's presence would protect him.
    "Don't anyone do anything foolish," the muffled voice of the rider rang out. "We are only interested in the gentlemen, so you ladies have nothing to fear."
    "Look here," the coachman sputtered, his dark eyes snapping angrily. "This is damned irregular. I am responsible for the safety of my passengers."
    The slender man slid off his horse and approached the driver, while his companion kept his gun trained on Julian. "I suggest you advise your passengers to cooperate, and they will come to no harm, then, good sir."
    "You are nothing but a common highwayman come to rob us," Mr. Groves accused in a voice of bravado. "You can be sure the authorities will hear of this."
    Amused laughter came from behind the crimson mask as the man stepped up to Mr. Groves. "For the moment I want nothing from you other than your name. What are you called?"
    "I will not tell you my name. You have no right to ask," Mr. Groves sputtered.
    A rapier suddenly appeared from the folds of the black cape and the slim youth held the point at Mr. Groves's throat. "Perhaps I can persuade you otherwise, good sir. It would be wise for you to identify yourself came the muffled threat.
    Mr. Groves's face whitened as he stared at the slits in the crimson mask. He could feel the sharp point of the rapier at his throat, and his knees almost