Page 21 of Beth: A Regency Romance Novell

“I only have one horse,” he said as they stood poised at the top of the stairs.

“I can fend for meself. I’ll hide from the monster,” Lilly said her voice lacking conviction.

Beth shook her head. “I shan’t let you do that, Lilly.”

“Now, I’ll go first. Be careful how you go, ladies.”

Marcus moved off down the stairs. Dawn was breaking, a new day was beginning.

Chapter Seven

Through the long window, the sky was a cool violet threaded with slashes of pink. Marcus descended the main staircase with the two women behind him. He gripped the pistol, alert for an attack from Ramsey. So far there was no sign of the man. Nothing stirred below them in the great hall, the lamp on the table still burning.

“I can’t believe we’re free,” Beth whispered.

Lilly drew in a sharp breath. “Ye don’t know ’im, miss. ’E won’t give up.”

“No, I believe you are right, Lilly,” Marcus said.

They stepped down onto the flagstones.

Ramsey suddenly jumped out from the well of darkness leading to the servant’s stairs. He brandished a sword, one of a pair which had decorated the wall.

Marcus pushed the two women behind him. He watched Ramsey warily. “Do you want me to shoot you?” He had killed men when fighting for his country. But that was war. Although he would happily take his fists to Ramsey, he didn’t want another death on his conscience, and certainly not a man who was clearly out of his mind.

“You’d shoot me down like a horse with a broken leg?” Ramsey cried circling them, swiping the air with the epee. “What about a fair fight, Nyeland? Shall we duel? Or are you a coward?”

Marcus sighed and contemplated shooting him in the leg, but that would cause more problems. “If you wish,” he said finally. “But Beth and Lilly must first leave the house.” He was a keen fencer who practiced often. But Ramsey would undoubtedly be an able opponent. Most gentlemen patronized Angelo’s Fencing Academy. And madmen were dangerous with a sword in their hands.

“Best shoot ’im sir!” Lilly said.

“I’m not leaving you, Marcus,” Beth stated flatly.

Marcus drew her aside. He handed her the pistol. “Leave the grounds. It’s light enough for you to find your way to a neighbor’s house. Ask for their help,” he said quietly as Ramsey walked over to take down the remaining epee. “I’ll find you there. But if Ramsey defeats me and comes after you, shoot him.”

“No! I intend to stay.” Beth’s fingers coiled around the steel butt. Her gaze on Ramsey she raised the gun in his direction; and although it shook a little in her hands, she looked determined.

She stole Marcus’ heart at that moment. He intended to remain alive to persuade her to marry him. “Go,” he said gently. “I’m sure you don’t wish to distract me.”

Apparently seeing the sense of this, Beth slowly nodded. “Please be careful.”

He held out his hand to Ramsey. “The keys.”

Ramsey reached into his pocket and drew out a bunch of housekeeper’s keys. He tossed them to Marcus, who then handed them to Lilly.

Beth kept the pistol aimed at Ramsey as she took her evening cloak from the hall stand and picked up her reticule.

Lilly unlocked the door.

For a moment Beth stood in the doorway, her anxious gaze on Marcus, then she followed the maid out into the faint dawn light.

While not entirely confident she would obey him, Marcus divested himself of his coat. He would have to make sure he walked out of here in one piece.

Ramsey handed the sword hilt first to Marcus, his eyes lit with a manic fire.

“Wait, Ramsey.” Marcus walked to the door to ensure Beth and Lilly had left. Finding no sign of them, he returned. He tested the unfamiliar epee, having been more used to the foil, and the saber during the war. This was a much heavier blade, the shape, weight and fluting reminiscent of an ancient dueling sword. A thrusting weapon, the guard was large, cup-shaped to protect the hand and wrist. He tested the strength of the steel and the feel of the sword in his hands, slicing through the air. Then he saluted his opponent.

“EnGuarde!” Ramsey cried taking up the stance.

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