Page 60 of A Stranger’s Gamble

He considered wresting the pistol from her, but she may well need some measure of protection, and even a tiny muff pistol might save her life. He stood and extended a hand. She took a deep breath, released it, then placed her smaller hand in his and stood. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as the door opened.

Balfour entered. “I hope I am not interrupting.”

“Not at all,” Adam said. “Miss Shaw and I were just discussing where we will go on our honeymoon.”

Balfour lifted a brow in polite inquiry.

“France,” Adam said. “Once our business here is finished.”

“A fine choice.” Balfour smiled at her. “Will this be your first visit to France, Miss Shaw?”

“Nae, but I was very young, and remember little of the trip,” she said, without giving away any of the anxiety she’d revealed to Adam only moments ago.

Balfour turned toward him and pulled a sheath of folded paper from his inside jacket pocket. “You are to take this note and fetch the special license from the bishop.” He handed the paper to Adam.

Adam checked the surprise that flashed through him. “If it is all the same to you, Balfour, you may send one of your men for the license.”

Balfour smiled congenially. “Rest assured, Miss Shaw will be safe in my keeping until you return.”

Fury swept through Adam. What was the man up to? Why force him to get the license himself. He looked at Sophie.

“I will be fine. Mr. Balfour will keep me company.” She turned a charming smile on him.

Balfour looked at Adam. “A horse awaits you out front.”

Adam gave a slight bow to Sophie. “Miss Shaw.” He turned to Balfour. “Balfour, a word before I go.”

They went into the hallway. Adam wasn’t surprised to see half a dozen men now standing guard outside the room. No doubt, another half dozen lurked in the shadows somewhere.

When they’d taken three steps, Adam halted. “Harm a hair on her head, and I will kill you.”

“Now why would I harm her?”

“Do not toy with me, Balfour. If anything happens to her, I will lose a fortune.”

“Ah, she is an heiress.”

“Don’t be a fool, of course she is an heiress,” he snapped. “I have invested a great deal in her and have no intention of letting her fortune slip through my fingers.”

“Given the circumstances, you should thank me for ensuring your marriage tonight. We will see you in about half an hour?” Balfour said.

“Twenty minutes,” Adam said, and strode away.