Page 3 of Wickedly Yours
“Someonedoesdare.” Arabella threw off her blanket and reached underneath the seat where a compartment held a brace of pistols. Arabella knew how to shoot a pistol, though she doubted she’d have time to load either weapon. Hopefully the thieves who’d stopped the coach wouldn’t realize that.
The door to the coach was flung open to reveal Seagraves, unharmed. “I’m sorry, my lady.”
“Oh, Seagraves”. Aunt Maisy placed a hand on her throat in relief. “What is the matter? It sounded like something happened to the horses. What—” Aunt Maisy’s words dissolved into a gasp of outrage as the footman shoved his massive form into the coach. He settled next to her, pinning her smaller body against the squabs, the breadth of his shoulders straining the Dunbar livery as he blocked her aunt’s movements.
“Don’t fuss so, my lady. I don’t wish you to hurt yourself.” His mouth drew down mournfully. “Nor doIwish to hurt you.”
Aunt Maisy began to pummel Seagraves back with her fists, like a small child trying to move a boulder. The scene would have been ridiculous were the situation not so serious.
We’re being robbed. Seagraves and Barker are part of it.
Arabella’s fingers clawed at the compartment, desperate to pull out the pistols, but Seagraves stuck a booted foot against the opening. He shook his head. “Don’t.” He grunted. “I’ve no wish to hurt you either, my lady.”
“Shut her up.” Barker opened the door and jerked his chin in Aunt Maisy’s direction. “Or I’ll gag her.”
Seagraves immediately placed one meaty paw across Aunt Maisy’s mouth silencing her. Her aunt’s eyes peered over his hand, eyes wide with affront.
Barker turned to Arabella. “Let’s go, my lady.” He sneered the words. Wrapping his blunt fingers around both her wrists, he pulled her towards him with little effort.
Her ankle caught on the brick, tearing her skirt. Arabella instantly regretted not grabbing the brick instead of trying for the pistols. She could have lobbed the hot piece of stone at Barker’s head. Twisting and kicking, she screamed. “Your life isn’t worth a farthing. My brother will see you dead for daring to touch us.”
Barker’s lips twisted, in what she thought was an imitation of a smile. She noticed he was missing two teeth, and another was broken.
“He’s got to find me first.”
“Ow.” Seagraves muttered as her aunt bit his fingers. He removed his hand from her mouth long enough for Aunt Maisy to order him to release her. “Let me out. Let me out this instant.” She slapped at the back of his neck, as she attempted to escape.
“My lady,” Seagraves growled. “Please be still. If you bite me again, I’ll have to tie you up. He held up a dirty length of rope in one hand.
Aunt Maisy’s eyes bugged at the sight of Barker dragging Arabella out the door. “No! Leave her alone, you filthy mongrel.” Her aunt struggled to grab hold of Arabella’s cloak.
Barker shot Seagraves a pointed look and tossed him a scrap of cloth. “Gag her. Now. We’re far enough from Camden but we can’t afford to let anyone chance upon us. You’re too bloody soft,” Barker hissed. “Give her a good slap and she’ll shut up all right.” Barker tugged again and Arabella landed outside the coach.
Seagraves didn’t answer, but his mouth grew taut. “You do your job and I’ll do mine.” He reached over and slammed the door.
Aunt Maisy’s muffled cries continued to sound from the coach.
Arabella’s shock and anger rapidly turned to fear as Barker began to drag her towards the other coach. She kicked furiously at his shins.
Her captor grunted in pain as one of her boot heels hit their mark. He raised a hand and she shied back, certain he would hit her, but Barker lowered his hand with a snarl. Instead he shook Arabella until her teeth clattered together. Stubbornly she dug her heels into the mud and refused to budge, forcing him to drag her.
“What have you done to him?” Arabella choked out as she spied John face down in the road, a trickle of blood oozing from his skull. Teddy Mac sat next to him, a gag in his mouth, his hands and feet tied.
The young groom glared at Barker with anger.
“He’s not dead.” Barker caught her glance at the driver. “I just hit him. But he will be if you don’t stop.” He shook her again and grabbed her more firmly by the arm.
Arabella stopped struggling. She couldn’t risk any harm coming to John or Teddy Mac. “What about my aunt?”
“She’ll be fine with Seagraves.” He led her to the other coach and swung open the dented and scratched door. “Here she is.” Barker flung her inside.
A dank musty smell filled her nose and she fell against the floor of the coach. The blinds were closed, leaving the interior dark. Even though she could see little, Arabella sensed she wasn’t alone.
Firm hands gripped her shoulders and lifted her onto the seat.
“What do you want?” She struggled to keep her voice from trembling though she was terrified for the safety of her aunt. “I demand you let us go. How dare you accost the family of the Duke of Dunbar. Surely you know who we are.” Arabella moved herself to the far corner of the seat. “You will be found out before you can collect any ransom for me if that is your aim.”
A shadowed hand moved the curtains allowing a fraction of light to filter through the dirty windows.
