Their footsteps and the clip of Walter’s nails were the only sounds as they walked. She knew he listened, remained alert. His body tensed as four men stepped out of the shadows.
“Stay at my back,” he said softly, forcing her there.
“I bloody well will not!” Dimity stepped back to his side and placed a hand on Walter’s head. The dog was growling softly.
“For once will you listen, woman.” He hissed the words at her, a hand clamping on her arm as he attempted to force her behind him once more.
She wouldn’t be moved.
“Well now, hello, Miss Brown. I see you’ve found yourself a high-priced client. An earl to spread your legs for.”
“Continue to speak to Miss Brown in that manner and I will make you very sorry,” Lord Raine said. His tone sent chills through Dimity.
“Begging your pardon, my Lord,” Clancy gave an insulting bow that had her wanting to slap him.
“Clancy, you leave now,” Dimity said, trying not to show the fear that was gripping her.
“How is it you know I am an earl?” Lord Raine said, and to Dimity’s mind it mattered not how they knew, only that they did.
He could be carrying more money than what he’d tried to give Dimity. They’d take it from him, and anything else of value, then leave him bloody and bruised.
How would they cope with four men? She would fight and knew how to use her fists, but surely they had no hope against these men. All were solid, men who lived their lives on these streets and knew how to fight dirty.
“I just do.” Clancy’s eyes shot left. “I have a fancy for you, Dimity, but I’ve even more of a fancy for what is in that gentleman’s pockets. Isn’t that right, lads?”
The lads all agreed.
“Give him everything, then we run,” Dimity whispered.
“We will not be running anywhere,” Lord Raine said calmly. Far too calmly. What was wrong with the man? These men would tear him apart. “I need room, Dimity. Stand back.”
“What? Room for what? These men want to kill you,” she hissed.
His eyes touched hers briefly before returning to the men, who were forming a half circle around them.
“Have some faith in me, Miss Brown.” He dropped her bag and shrugged out of his jacket. “Hold this.” He thrust it at her. “Move back.”
Clutching the jacket, Walter, and her bag, she found herself obeying him. She’d place it all on the ground and find a piece of wood or something to defend him with.
“Well now, I am surprised,” Clancy said, moving closer. He raised his fists. “A nobleman who is not turning tail and running.”
“I never run from bullies or cowards.” Lord Raine crouched slightly, then lifted his hands before him, but not in preparation to throw a punch.
“Clench them in fists,” Dimity hissed.
“Oh, this is going to be fun, gents,” Clancy said to his friends. “He doesn’t even know how to fight. What’s the problem here, my lord? They not teach that at Eton?”
“Harrow, actually,” Gabriel Deville said, and Dimity couldn’t be sure as it was dark, but thought he was smiling. The man had clearly lost his wits.
“Get your fists up, my lord!”
“It will be all right now,” he said to her. Reassuring her, when surely it was he who was about to be beaten and bloodied. She felt ill.
“I’ll be taking you home tonight, Dimity,” Clancy taunted.
“I’d rather sleep with a rodent,” she snapped tightening her grip on Walter who was straining to get free.
“He won’t be touching you.” Lord Raine’s voice was hard now.
