Rebecca swallowed and was momentarily nonplussed, but she had no fancy to spend the night sharing a bed with her maid. Reminding herself that she came from a long line of determined people who had risen from poverty to prosperity by persevering against the odds, she said, “If you do not believe me you may ask the innkeeper.”

But he casually swept her challenge aside.

“I haven't the slightest interest in asking the innkeeper,” he returned. “The room is mine and I intend to use it.”

“Do you mean to tell me that you have paid for it?”

“I have indeed, and paid handsomely, this being the last room at the inn.”

“Then it seems there has been some double dealing,” said Rebecca, realising that the innkeeper, seeking to make as much money as possible out of the calamitous weather conditions, had double let the room. “In a situation such as this a gentleman would customarily defer to a lady...”

“Would he? You have been in a similar situation before, then?” he asked.

“No, not precisely, but —”

Her mouth dried as he pulled his shirt out of his breeches and her next words refused to come out. He had undone all the buttons, which ran from neck to chest, and he was lifting his arms as if he was going to remove it altogether. She had a sudden urge to flee — until she realized that that must be his intention, and so she stiffened her resolve and continued.

“...but...” she said, stopping again in mid-sentence as he pulled his shirt over his head, his muscles rippling as he did so. She swallowed. “In that case,” she said again, trying not to look at his tanned and muscular chest, “I am sure you would not want to deprive me of somewhere to sleep tonight.”

“No. You're right. I wouldn't.”

She breathed a sigh of relief as she realised he was going to give way after all. And not a moment too soon, for she was not sure how much longer she could have persevered. She had a strong character, but she was beginning to discover that the gentleman in front of her had one that was as at least as strong as her own.