Unfortunately, that brought Mariel’s attention to Stiff, who stood next to him, making sure he didn’t lose consciousness. Her eyes widened in shock before all emotion seemed to leave her face. She lifted her chin. “I just came to discover where my future husband had gone off to. You do realize that you interrupted the most important day of my life. I am not pleased. No, not pleased at all.”
Cobby blinked, obviously not sure what to make of her.
If she could just keep the man talking, he might be able to get his flesh to give way and use the blood from the oozing cuts to slip one hand out. He just needed one hand. His heart pounded. How long did he have before Cobby grabbed for Mariel?
Mariel set her own hand on her hip. “Now he’s going to need weeks of recovery. That is not at all helpful. Untie him at once and go on your way. I’m sure you have already emptied his pockets.”
Despite the pain in his right hand as he tried to work through the rope, he was tempted to smirk. Mariel’s suggestion gained them time.
Cobby looked at Stiff. “Did you check if he has anything in his pockets?”
Stiff shrugged. “You didn’t say to look.”
“Well do it, you rattlepate.”
Stiff made the mistake of stepping in front of him, and he kicked the man hard, letting his frustration add force to his movement.
“Argh!” Stiff fell back on his arse, clutching his thigh. “The nabob kicked me.” The man glared at him before rising again.
“Bugger it.” Cobby pointed at Mariel. “You stay there.” Letting go of the reins, Cobby strode toward Stiff.
Marcus kept his eye on Mariel, who lifted her finger to her lips before dropping her hand as Cobby turned his head to make sure she wasn’t moving. His former soldier yanked Stiff up before approaching him, the man’s foul breath fanning his face. “Now, you’re going to behave when Stiff reaches into your pocket, or I’m going to shoot your woman.” He turned his head and raised his flintlock at Mariel’s head.
A chill filled him as the image of the last woman he’d seen with Cobby whispered through his mind. With no choice, he let Stiff reach into his waistcoat and fob pocket on his breeches. All the man got for his efforts was a pocket watch.
Stiff grinned, holding the watch up by the chain. “Can I have it, Cobby?”
Cobby swiped the watch from the man’s hand. “No, you can’t. After I sell it, I’ll give you a shilling.”
Stiff’s eyes rounded with excitement. “I can have me own lady then.” He eyed Cobby hopefully. “Unless you will share.”
Cobby shook his head. “No. This one is too pretty to share.” He turned back to stare at Mariel. “Bet you’d be mouthy and want to fight, but I know how to take care of that.”
Marcus’ blood ran cold. If Cobby thought he’d touch Mariel, he was bound for disappointment. Having stopped moving his hand when Cobby approached, he started sawing the rope against his skin, the pain nothing compared to his fury. He’d saw off his hand if he had to.
Cobby limped back toward Mariel. “And what do you have of value, captain’s lady?”
Mariel kept her poise. “Nothing. I was expecting to be married, not going to a ball.”
“That will fetch a living for the year.” He pointed at her throat with the gun. “Throw it here.”
Mariel’s façade broke as her hand flew to the necklace he’d given her. It was his heart and she’d promised to always keep it safe. But if she kept it, he’d lose her. Her gaze flitted to him and he gave a quick nod, hoping Stiff hadn’t noticed.
She flipped the stone. “This? It’s hardly worth much. More sentimental than valuable, but if you wish it, you can have it. You are obviously in great need.” She reached her hands behind her neck and unclipped it. Then she tossed it past where Cobby stood.
“Fool woman. You think I’m going to go after your bauble and let you get away? You females always underestimate me. Now, what else do you have?”
Marcus felt a piece of bark chip from beneath his wrist. Glancing at Stiff who stood to his left, he checked to see if the man noticed, but he was focused on Cobby. As long as Mariel stayed on top of Zephyrus, she could still escape.
Mariel held both her gloved hands palms up in front of her. “I told you. I don’t have anything.” Her voice took on an imperious tone. “I was supposed to be getting married.”
“What about the horse, Cobby? I bet that would buy a whole cottage. If you wanted one, that is.”
Marcus wanted to kick Stiff again, but he had to focus on getting his hand to work.
Cobby, who turned toward Stiff, grinned. “It’s a better mount than I have.”
Zephyrus stepped sideways as if appalled at the idea, but Marcus had no doubt Mariel directed him to.
