Page 94 of A Dangerous Scheme (Regency Spies & Secrets 4)

“Why would you wish to do that?”

A pained look came to Hawthorne’s eyes. “I was overcome with grief, and I didn’t want to be anywhere that could remind me of my father.”

“I can understand that.”

“But I let my family down,” Hawthorne said. “I abandoned them when they needed me the most, whereas you stepped up and took care of your family without the slightest hesitation.”

“I had no choice,” Guy responded.

“I know, but it makes it no less courageous,” Hawthorne remarked. “You should not sell yourself short. Your path may have changed, but you have still accomplished many great things.”

Guy considered his words for a long moment, then acknowledged, “You are right.”

“I generally am.”

Guy chuckled. “I was able to rise through the ranks as a Bow Street Runner, and now I am an agent of the Crown.”

“Which is an impressive feat in its own right,” Hawthorne stated. “There are very few men who have that privilege.”

The sound of a horse whinnying in the distance could be heard, and they both sat straighter. “Are you ready to play the role of highwaymen?” Guy asked as he pulled a covering over his mouth.

“I am.”

Pulling out their pistols, they moved their horses to the side of the road and waited. A coach appeared and Guy pointed his pistol towards the driver. The driver’s eyes grew wide, and he immediately pulled back on the reins.

As the coach came to a stop in front of them, Guy shouted, “Stand and deliver!”

It was a long moment before the coach door opened, and a short man with a balding head stepped out. He was followed by a dark-haired woman almost a foot taller than him.

The man put his hands up. “We don’t want any trouble,” he said.

Guy dismounted and walked over to the man. “Why are you traveling these roads so late at night?”

An annoyed look flashed in the man’s eyes. “Because my wife thought it would be a good idea,” he muttered.

“Is that so?” Guy asked.

The woman put a hand on her hip. “We have been over this,” she said, turning to face her husband. “We would have left earlier if you hadn’t insisted on meeting with your solicitor.”

“I had to meet with him!” the man exclaimed. “Do you want to go to the poorhouse?”

“It might be better than spending time with you!”

The man pointed his finger at his wife. “You wouldn’t be able to last one day without your fancy ribbons and chocolate.”

“Which I hardly get,” she spat out, leaning closer to him.

Guy glanced back at Hawthorne and shrugged. He was confident these two were not involved in espionage.

“It might be best if you go on your way,” Guy said, lowering his pistol.

The man looked at him with a baffled expression. “Aren’t you going to rob us?”

“Not tonight.”

The woman’s eyes narrowed. “Why not?” she demanded. “Are we not wealthy enough for you?”

“That has nothing to do with it,” Guy replied, tucking the pistol into the waistband of his trousers.

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