“That would hardly be smart.” Mariel frowned at Stiff. “Even this man, Cobby, knows that a mount like this one would cause questions. Not only is he well known in horse circles, but he’s also quite ornery.”
As if Zephyrus had heard himself called that before, he pulled at the reins in Cobby’s hand.
Cobby sneered. “I never said I’d sell him, and I’m very good at making a horse come round to my way of thinking.” To emphasize his point, he tugged the reins.
Zephyrus’ eyes grew round.
“Shh, calm down.” Mariel patted the horse then glared at Cobby. “No one’s taking you away from me.”
Marcus stifled a groan. The only thing Cobby liked better than a fearful woman was a challenging one. He tugged hard and his thumb slipped beneath the rope. Success gave him hope. Just one hand. It was all he needed to be free. His breath came fast as he struggled, his eyes on Cobby, who moved closer to Mariel.
“Don’t lie to the stupid animal. Now get off—”
A noise on the opposite side of the clearing had Cobby going silent. Everyone froze in place. Could it be that Anthony had survived? Or had Mariel enlisted her sisters’ husbands in aiding her? If so, he’d have a word with them about allowing her to come into such a dangerous situation.
The sound of someone walking through bushes continued. That wouldn’t be Anthony, unless he was so badly wounded, he didn’t know what he was about. If it was the duke or earl, he hoped they brought a gun as that was the only weapon that could stop Cobby.
Cobby took three more steps toward Mariel, then trained his gun on the noise.
Marcus stiffened. Mariel only had a chance if Cobby released the reins. Whomever was about in the wood obviously didn’t know anything about soldiering, which had his hope dwindling. He worked harder at getting his hand out while everyone was focused on the intruder. His only hope was getting his hand free or that the person about to arrive in the thicket was a hunter with a fully loaded rifle.
Finally, a bush rustled at the edge of the clearing and Lady Sommerset stepped out.
“Oh, good day.” She smiled sweetly as if she had no idea of what was happening.
His hope plummeted. He’d seen the earl with his wife and there was no way he’d allow her into such a dangerous position. Is this why Mariel had motioned to be silent, because she’d brought her younger sister with her?
Even as fear for both women filled him, the rope on his hand gave way. He stilled as it was placed in his hands to let go as he chose. He didn’t dare turn to see who was behind him as he now understood Lady Sommerset had been a distraction. Though he’d like nothing better than to wrap the rope around Stiff’s neck, Cobby was the greater threat.
“Stiff! Stop ogling the woman and grab her.”
At Cobby’s order, Stiff walked toward a very docile Lady Sommerset.
She shrugged one shoulder. “I was just out for my usual walk when I heard your voices. Are you having a picnic? I haven’t been on a picnic before.”
The quiet snort that came from behind him gave him pause before he heard the slightest rustling as whoever it was left. Though he wished that person would attack Cobby, his knowledge of his adversary meant he had to be the one to do so. He just needed Cobby to step away again.
“Wait! What are you doing?” Lady Sommerset sounded truly disgusted. “Take your hands from my person, you filthy man.”
“Sorry, miss. Cobby said I need to hold you. You smell real nice.”
As if Stiff’s words had been too much, the lady suddenly fainted, almost toppling the man to the ground.
Releasing the rope from his left hand, Marcus watched Cobby keenly.Let go of the reins.
“Stiff, drop her.” Cobby’s attention on Stiff had the pistol waving, but a shot still could hit Mariel.
In the next instant, another person tackled Stiff.
Marcus didn’t wait to find out who it was. He dropped the rope and ran toward Cobby.
The man turned at his movement, finally letting go of the reins, and aimed the gun at him.
“Mariel go!” He kept his eyes on Cobby’s hand as the man drew back the hammer.
A shrill whistle split the air.
Suddenly, Cobby’s head snapped to the side as his body flew through the air, Zephyrus’ front hooves coming down where he’d been standing. The shot rang out, going wild as the pistol fell to the ground.
