“It seems the odds have been evened,” Gabe taunted as his brothers moved to his back. Relieved, now he knew Dimity was safe, he focused on killing the man before him.
Chapter Thirty-One
“Are you well, Dimity?” Daniel Dillinger asked her.
“I am. Will he win?” She placed her hand on top of Walter’s head to reassure him she was well.
Gabriel’s white sleeve was already red with blood, and now it dripped off the end of his fingers. Thankfully it was not the hand that held his sword.
“He will,” Nathanial Deville said sounding confident.
“But he is injured.”
“And is one of the best fencers I know.”
Allard, who she now knew was called Ombrage, struck, and Gabriel staggered back, then he charged and it was Ombrage who retreated.
“Excellent counter riposte, Gabe!” Michael Deville called.
Dimity spared the brothers a glance. All were focused intently on the two men performing a deadly dance.
She didn’t know how long they stood there. The breath had lodged in her throat as she watched Ombrage’s blade whistle past Gabe’s cheek.
“Dear Lord,” the moan escaped before she could stop it. She grabbed Nathan’s hand, and he squeezed her fingers.
“Have faith in your man, Dimity.”
“He’s injured,” she managed to get out. Her throat felt tight, and nausea rolled around in her belly.
“Finish him, Gabriel,” Daniel said.
“Two men who have fought many times in their lives. It will be a test of fortitude,” Zach said softly.
“Dear Lord,” Dimity moaned as Ombrage struck Gabriel again in the arm.
“Use your feet, brother!” Michael demanded. “Finish this.”
“I’m trying.”
“Try harder!”
Dimity watched the man she loved charge, his blade struck the chest of Ombrage and in seconds the man had fallen to the floor, where he lay unmoving. Michael Deville moved forward and checked his pulse.
“He is dead.”
“Excellent,” Daniel said. “And now, gentlemen, if you will all drop to the floor and place your hands behind your heads.”
…
“I have a carriage for you and Dimity, Gabe,” Michael Deville said what felt like hours later.
The men had been taken to the magistrate and Ombrage’s body removed.
“Come.” She felt his fingers circle her wrist. “Into the carriage now, sweetheart.”
She stiffened at the endearment but followed. He settled her on one seat, then took the opposite. Walter sat beside Dimity, leaning his head on the carriage wall. Clearly, he was exhausted.
“How much do you know?” he asked her as the carriage started to move.
