With no hesitation, Mariel looped it around her neck and closed the clasp. He could sense her relief at having it back, filling him with awe that he could mean so much to her. To have such a brave, observant, shrewd woman, who had actually taught her horse to attack was far more than he deserved.
Lady Northwick sat back on her haunches, her dress covered in dirt. Lady Sommerset stood next to her, with a dress in no better condition. He turned to Mariel taking her hand again. “You saved my life.” He looked to the other two sisters. “You all did. Thank you.”
Lady Sommerset’s eyes twinkled. “Well you are, or will be, family. And we are an unusual one.”
Lady Northwick nodded. “Damn, if we are at that.” She winked, a smile lighting her face.
He looked to his love. “I will never doubt you again.”
She squeezed his hand even as she cocked her head and raised her brows. “Or Zephyrus?”
“Or Zephyrus.” The horse lifted its head from the tender grass he enjoyed then went back to it. “I promise to be as odd as I can to rub along better with everyone.”
Mariel leaned in and kissed him lightly. “We are happy to have you as you are.”
Shouts rang out in the wood and the two ladies before him looked at each other. Lady Northwick swore. “Bloody timing. I’d hoped we’d have everyone at Blackmore House before our husbands arrived.”
Lady Sommerset lifted one shoulder. “I’d rather have the help.” She turned toward the trees. “Andrew! Is that you?”
Swearing could be heard, and he rose. He’d need to recount to the duke and earl what had occurred. Even as he remembered being shot from his horse, his fear rose, causing him to stumble.
“Marcus!” Mariel grabbed his arm.
“We have to find Anthony. Last I saw him he’d been shot while driving the phaeton and it spooked Legend and Lore. I can only hope he’s still alive. While Cobby wanted me alive to exact his revenge, he didn’t have such compunction about Anthony.” His gut tensed with worry for his friend.
“I promise we will find him, and Joanna can tend to him.”
“Joanna!” The duke’s deep voice swept through the woods like a cannon ball, his worry obvious to them all.
“I’m here, James! We could use your assistance!”
The sound of branches being pushed aside could be heard just before the duke and earl emerged upon the clearing, one in black and one in brown. They stopped for less than a moment before they both rushed to their wives.
Marcus took that moment to slip his arm from Mariel’s grasp and clasp her around the waist. It was clear from the way her sisters’ husbands held their wives that they too knew well what it was to marry a Mabry. Now if he could just save Anthony and get Mariel to the altar, he could truly be part of the family.
Clearing his throat, he drew their attention. “My friend, Anthony, was also shot. We must find him.” He glanced to where Stiff was trying to roll himself into the woods. “There is also that man over there to contend with and a body to bury.”
At his words, the earl let go of his wife and strode over to Stiff. “I’ll take on the live one. Newgate seems a fitting place for him. Who tied him up so well?”
The duchess preened. “I did, after I dropped him.”
Her husband scowled at her. “What do you mean, you dropped him?”
She grinned. “The girls were not the only ladies attending the physical defense classes this past winter.”
At the widening of his eyes, it was clear the duke had no indication his wife had been involved in such lessons. His gaze narrowed. “Do tell me you didn’t kill the other one.”
Before the duchess could answer, Mariel answered. “No, Zephyrus injured him, but when he tried to kill Marcus, he had no choice but to shoot him.”
“Your horse injured him?”
Marcus could tell there would be a lot to be retold, but they needed to find Anthony. “I know you all have questions, but Anthony could very well be dying.”
Mariel pulled from his grasp. “Yes, we need to search for Mr. Taylour posthaste. Lord Sommerset, you can take care of Stiff. We can send the footman for the body later. James, I’m assuming you brought a coach.”
The duke nodded, a bit taken aback that she took charge. Marcus quite liked that.
She took his good arm. “Then let us return to the coach so that our search can be underway.” She gave a soft whistle and Zephyrus walked over. “Good boy.” Taking his reins she started through the wood.
