Lottie laid her head on Ethan’s shoulder. She nibbled on a dried piece of fruit and offered it up to share. What he proposed made so much sense, especially when one knew his generous heart. Thank heaven he hadn’t been raised to be a lord. Because of that, he was better than most of the aristocracy.
“I love it.” She gave him a peck on the lips, pulling back before the sweet sentiment could build into anything more. “Thank you for riding across the country to save me. You were so dashing, ready to fight Montague.”
“Aye, but you got tae him first, you little savage.” The dimple in his cheek never failed to cause a flutter in her belly. “I’ll always come for ye, lass. And I’ll mow down anyone fool enough tae get in my way.” Ethan let go of her hand to bury his fingers in her hair, holding her steady for his kiss as the carriage hit a bump. “Are you sure you don’ want the society church wedding?”
“I told you, Agatha is joining us tonight. We have it all planned.”
He sighed. “I’m surrounded by managing females.”
“Get used to it, Lord Amesbury.”
Epilogue
The river and nearby waterway of the Solway Firth carried men, ships, and silt to and from the sea with the temperament of a demanding mother-in-law. The air smelled like mud and fish.
Cal might be cranky with fatigue. Once he finished this task, he’d get something to eat. Maybe that would help. Lack of food made him irritable, and he was most definitely irritable.
A muffled sound came from the other seat in the carriage.
“Shut up,” he replied.
Montague glared ineffectual daggers from behind his gag. No doubt the man was making a rude gesture behind his back, where Cal had tied his hands.
Justice was justice, after all. And Cal was nothing if not fair. Montague had been treated to the same tender ministrations he’d shown the new Lady Amesbury.
Ethan and Lottie’s marriage over the anvil had taken mere moments. Glancing at his pocket watch, Cal checked the time. The lovebirds were naked by now. He’d bet on it.
Angus, an affable three-toothed man who’d known Ethan since birth, opened the door and climbed inside, carrying the smell of whisky and tobacco with him. “Time tae take out the rubbish, eh? ’E’s beginning tae smell.”
“You don’t know the half of it. Let’s just say this has been a very long trip,” Cal said. Whatever Lottie had given the man was nothing short of foul.
Angus directed him to a pub near the docks that was suitably disreputable for their needs. In the farthest corner, drinking in the shadows, sat a man with his back against the wall. After years of friendship with Ethan, Cal would be the first to admit that his metric might be skewed. But judging by the man’s shoulders, he was a bit of a beast. Easily as broad as Ethan, but without any layers of gentility. Definitely a rough character, although younger than he’d expected.
Angus doffed his cap. “Captain Harlow? Had a bit of trouble. Thought ye could help. Lord Carlyle, this here’s the gentleman I told ye about.”
Gentleman might be stretching the truth. Pirate was probably more accurate. Cal eyed the sketchy seafarer a moment before motioning to a passing barmaid for another round of ale. The woman eyed him up and down suggestively, then winked when he placed a coin in her palm.
“You’ll get more than a drink from that one,” Captain Harlow said, nudging a chair toward Cal.
“I’ll just take the drink, thank you.” Cal took a seat and waited for Angus to sit beside him before speaking. “I won’t waste your time, Captain. A man kidnapped my best friend’s wife.”
“You need me to track him down? I don’t find people.”
“Your services aren’t required for that. We have the kidnapper outside under guard. We need you to make him disappear.”
“If you want him gone, he’ll need papers. Papers will cost ya.” Harlow paused when the barmaid came back to their table.
The pirate captain—there was no way Cal would ever think of him as anything else—smirked when the barmaid rested her generous bosom on Cal’s arm while delivering their drinks. Her offer was clear, but Cal wasn’t tempted to take her up on it. He was here for business. She walked away with a pouting flounce, and Cal returned his attention to the pirate captain. “Name your price.”
“Not a good negotiator, are ye, boy?” Angus muttered from his glass.
“My one condition is you have to take custody of him now. I’ve been carting him around the country for days and want rid of him.”
“He’s beginnin’ tae smell,” Angus reported.
“He anyone important?”
“Good family. Not an heir,” Cal said.
“Then I’d better get to work. First, gold.” He named a price that had Angus choking on his drink.
It would be worth it if Montague disappeared forever. Without a second thought, Cal handed over the purse of coins he’d brought with him. He’d tell Ethan it was a quarter of that amount, should he ask.
Rolling the purse in his hand, sending the coins jangling against each other, the pirate captain cocked his head. “You’re a good friend to do this for a lady who’s not even your wife.”
“This man is a threat to all women, and I have a sister.” Cal drained his glass and rose from the table.
Eyeing Cal, the man said, “I might like to meet this sister.”
“You’ll never meet my sister. I guarantee it. Now, let’s get down to business.”
The coach awaited them in the farthest corner of the stable yard from the pub’s entrance. Cal swung open the door, and there sat their coachman, happily holding a pistol on Montague. Their captive yelled through the gag, but no one attempted to decipher what he said.
“You’re right, there is a stench about him, isn’t there?” Captain Harlow sounded almost cheerful when he continued, “You are now prisoner 8792-39. Or
