Page 53 of The Major's Mistake
There was a nervous shuffling among several of the men. “The boy will raise the alarm,” muttered one of them. “Perhaps itwould be best to have done with this and leave her be—especially if she’s telling the truth. I’ve heard the locals talk about her and she don’t seem that sort?—”
“Shut up!” McTavish glared at them, then turned back to Miranda and dealt her a stinging blow across the cheek. “You, too.”
He removed a good-sized rock from his coat around which was tied a note. After hefting from one hand to the other, he tossed it to one of the men. “You know what to do—heave it right through the window I showed you. And be quick about it.” There was a slight pause. “Don’t go getting any clever ideas, either. I promise you, the authorities would have precious little sympathy for any tale from the likes of you. You’ll only end up swinging from the gibbet, and then what would happen to your family?”
The other man pocketed the ransom note without a word and set off.
McTavish then signaled for Scofield to take hold of Miranda’s arm. “Come on, then. Let’s get her back to the camp before the brat spreads the word on what has happened.”
Julian urgedhis stallion into a brisk gallop, enjoying the feel of the wind in his face again after what had seemed like an interminable confinement.
“Easy now, guv,” cautioned Sykes after the marquess’s mount had cleared the low stone wall at full gallop.
“Oh, stubble it, man,” he called with a grin as he reined the big animal to a walk. “Good Lord, you’ve been acting worse than a damn nursemaid over a few bruised ribs.”
Sykes rolled his eyes. “Someone here has to exercise a little common sense,” he grumbled.
Julian laughed outright. “Come now, it’s too nice a day to brangle.” He thought of the small package he had tied at the backof his saddle and turned in the direction of his aunt’s property. “Let us ride to Lady Thornton’s. The book I ordered from London for Justin arrived yesterday and I wish to give it to him.” A fond smile played on his lips. “I think he shall like the pictures of the animals.”
That there was also a fine edition of a rare herbal for Miranda he didn’t feel the need to mention. The truth was, he felt a bit like a nervous schoolboy as he wondered whether she would accept it.
Somehow, it mattered a great deal. A sigh slipped out as he thought of all the other things he would like her to have as well. Along with the books, several large trunks had also arrived from London. Though his man of affairs must have been thoroughly perplexed by the orders he had received, he had carried them out to the letter. Julian now had a full wardrobe of exquisite gowns and sundries made by Miranda’s former modiste, still considered the most exclusive in Town. He had no doubt that colors and styles selected by that most discerning lady would be perfect.
Now, if only he could convince Miranda to?—
His stallion shied sharply to one side, nearly unseating him. “Behave yourself, Zeus,” he grumbled. “I know you’ve been sadly neglected over the past week, but you needn’t toss me on my ear over it.”
He looked up to see that Sykes had drawn his mount to a halt and his hand was moving towards the brace of pistols at his saddle. In answer to Julian’s questioning gesture, the valet pointed at the stand of thick scotch pine trees flanking the narrow trail just ahead. There was a quick movement in among the boughs, then utter stillness. The two exchanged glances and slowly drew their weapons.
“Whoever is there, come out and show yourself, else risk a bellyful of lead,” called Sykes in a menacing voice.
There was no answer.
The valet cocked one pistol, the ominous click echoing like a shot through the surrounding woods. Suddenly a small figure appeared from the sheltering shadows.
“M ... Major?”
“Ye gods, it’s Justin!” Julian jammed his pistols back in the holsters, spurred forward and swooped the little boy up into his arms. “Steady lad,” he said softly as Justin began to sob against his shoulder. “Good Lord, tell me what’s wrong.”
“Mama said I was to run home and not stop for anything.” He brushed away a tear. “But I got lost in the woods, and …”
“You’ve been very brave and done very well, but if I am to help I must know exactly what has happened.”
“W … we were gathering herbs up in the field near old shepherd McDuff’s cottage when some … men came out of the woods towards us. That was when Mama told me I was to do just as she said and run.”
Sykes had drawn alongside the marquess. His brows came together as the soldier in him began to assess the situation. “How many men were there, lad?”
Justin thought for a moment. “There were three in the field. And two more were by the trees. Then one other tried to catch me, but I got away.”
“So, at least six.” The valet’s brows came together and he slanted a look at Julian. “Squire Hawkins is the local magistrate and he isn’t above twenty minutes ride from here. It shouldn’t take long to raise an armed party. Have you any idea where this McDuff’s cottage is?”
“Aye, I know the place.”
Justin swallowed hard. “Nothing is going to happen to Mama, is it?” he asked in a small voice.
Julian hugged his son hard to his chest. “No, lad. I promise.” He tousled the boy’s hair, then abruptly thrust him into his valet’s arms. “See him safely to my aunt’s.”
“But guv!”
