“If that be so,” William said in a low voice, “it will be my pleasure to shoot them.”
The three men stood and waited for Foyle’s horse to arrive, though for one of them, it was less standing and more of a gentle rocking. Fortunately, it did not take long for the boy to reappear, leading the horse with one hand and carrying Foyle’s hat—with gloves stuffed inside—in the other. Getting the fellow up into the saddle was a far more time-consuming matter, as was the trick of having him stay in his seat.
“Get a grip on yourself, Foyle,” Larson commanded. “The least you can do is not fall off while the animal finds its way home.”
“I could walk with him, sir,” the boy offered.
Captain Larson’s face brightened. “Now there’s a good lad. Here’s another sixpence for your trouble. Mind you make sure he gets all the way home, not just to the street. And you tell the butler Captain Larson sent you.”
“Yes, sir!” The youngster threw a salute to make a drill sergeant proud.
“Now there’s a fine young man the army could use,” said William. “How’d you like to sign up for a smart uniform and a bit of adventure?”
“Still too young, sir,” the boy replied, his eyes cast down.
“Ah, well, maybe it’s for the best,” William replied.
“Good night, then, sir,” said the lad, who began to lead the horse and its almost unconscious rider away. “Where to, sir?” he asked Foyle, leaning closer to hear the mumbled response, then waving to William and the captain as he walked on.
“That was more work than he was worth,” Larson muttered. “What was he up to this time? I cannot imagine something trivial setting you off like that, Cole.”
William’s lips grew tight. “I’d rather not repeat what he said, sir. But I will say that he was expressing most dishonorable intentions toward Miss Lockhart, sir.”
“Ghastly fellow! No woman should be prey to that man’s foul thoughts, least of all an innocent like Miss Lockhart.”
“Indeed, sir.”
Captain Larson picked at the finger of his glove. “Er… Does she have an attachment? Someone who could defend her if it came to that?”
William wished he could sayyes. Instead, he hesitated. There was something about the way the captain had asked. Didhehope to fulfill that role? Heavens, was there not a man in Munro who didnotwant to claim her?!
“Sadly, there is no one at present that I am aware of,” William answered honestly. “The best we can do for her now is to haulLieutenant Foyle off to Europe with us and hope to leave him there.”
“Ha! Yes, certainly. Or…” There was that thoughtful pause again. “One might be bold enough to create such an attachment.”
“You would be a fine candidate for the task, sir,” said William, and he meant it, even if the thought of Miss Lockhart in the captain’s arms sank its teeth into his heart.
Captain Larson dropped his jaw slightly. “Why, thank you, William. That is very good of you to say. Though I do wonder why you have not claimed the enviable task for yourself.”
“Oh, I…. Well, the truth is…” William floundered. “The truth is…” He took a deep breath and exhaled it. “I missed my opportunity.”
“That is a great pity.” Larson shook his head. “And yet you do not strike me as the sort who would give up. What keeps you from trying again?”
“The lady has made her feelings clear.”
“Pardon my blunt observation, but what was clear at the ball was that she very much enjoyed your company.”
“We remain friends.”
“And that is all?”
“That is all.”
“Women have been known to change their minds.”
William’s brow drew into a frown. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand. I was under the impression you might prefer Miss Lockhart and me to be just friends. Why do you now encourage me to pursue her once more?”
Captain Larson formed a wry smile. “I am a man of discipline, William. Discipline, order, and efficiency. It is not prudent to invest my efforts where they are likely to be wasted. If there remains a chance that Miss Lockhart has not fully closedher heart to you, I would prefer to support your endeavor rather than my own.”
