Page 69 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

Touched by the compassion in his voice, she replied, “I must admit that I have struggled. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t miss him.”

“I feel the same way about my father.” A wistful smile came to his face. “I remember the time when your father suggested you go hunting with us.”

Jane laughed. “Your poor father had the most stunned look on his face.”

“I’m afraid it had never occurred to my father that a woman would want to go hunting.” Percy chuckled. “But you are not like most women.”

“No, I am not,” she agreed. “Which greatly irks my mother and brothers.”

“I can’t imagine that to be the case since I believe you to be a delight.”

Jane grinned. “You are resorting to flattery now?” she teased. “I had expected better from you.”

With an unapologetic shrug, he replied, “I had to at least try. Besides, I am only speaking the truth.”

Jane had yet to respond when she heard a pistol cocking, followed by the words, “Do as I say, or I will kill you.”

She turned her attention towards the short, stocky man with a shabby beard beside the curricle, his pistol aimed at her. His clothes were tattered, and his boots had holes along the top.

“Get down from the coach,” he ordered.

Percy spoke up from next to her. “We don’t want any trouble,” he said frantically. “What is it that you want?

“I’m not talking to you,” the man barked before spitting on the ground. “I’m just here for the girl.”

“Take me instead,” Percy attempted. “I am worth far more than some silly girl.”

The man waved the pistol in front of him. “I don’t want you,” he said firmly, bringing his gaze back to Jane. “Now, get down, or I will drag you off myself.”

Jane hesitantly exited the curricle, and the man grabbed her arm, jerking her towards him. He pointed his pistol towards her head and shouted up at Percy, “If you follow us, I will kill her!”

Percy put his hands up, his face growing increasingly pale.

Her abductor lowered the pistol and forcefully led her deeper into the woodlands. “Just behave, and I won’t have a reason to kill you,” he ordered.

“Why are you doing this?” she asked.

“I have my reasons.”

Jane tripped on a fallen tree branch, and the man swore under his breath. “Worthless girl,” he muttered, helping her up.

She heard the sound of another pistol cocking from behind her, and the man grew still. He turned back around, keeping his hand firmly on her arm.

To her surprise, Lord Evan stood there next to a burly man, and both of them had their pistols drawn.

Lord Evan met her gaze and offered her a brief smile, as if letting her know that everything was going to be all right.

“What do you want?” her abductor demanded.

“I’m afraid I can’t let you take this particular lady,” Lord Evan said. His manner was casual, but there was a sternness in his voice that indicated he was not to be trifled with.

The man squeezed her arm tighter. “Why does it matter to you?”

“I’m afraid I am rather fond of her,” Lord Evan replied.

“Clear off.”

“If you let Lady Jane go, then I will think about letting you live,” Lord Evan said.

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