Page 18 of Brazen

Chapter Six

“Halt.” The young footman sitting in the driver’s seat of the broken carriage pointed his pistol at Magnus.

Magnus brought his horse to a stop and, reins gripped in his right hand, lifted his hands slightly, palms out. He nodded toward the pistol the young man held. “I am unarmed,” he said.

An older man that Magnus took to be the driver, hurried around the horses to the front of the carriage and stopped a few feet away. “You do not look like a highwayman.”

“I’m not. Magnus Forbes, at your service. I am the new owner of Barkely Hall.”

The young man lowered the pistol. “I beg your pardon, sir. The pistol isnae loaded.”

Magnus stared in surprise. “You threatened me with an unloaded pistol?”

“It seemed better than having you threaten us with a loaded one,” the lad said.

“You are correct. I heard shots, but I take it no one was hurt?”

“No sir,” the older man replied. “Thanks to Lady Mia. She shot one of the highwaymen and they fled.”

Lady Mia? The fair-haired beauty stepped into view on the other side of the horses.

She had been in the carriage when the highwaymen attacked, and she had shot them? A strange emotion whipped through him. Shock was part of his reaction. As for the rest, Magnus wasn’t sure if he was afraid or impressed.

He dismounted and strode around the horses to her. “My lady, are you well?”

“I am a bit shaken, but fine.”

He caught sight of a torn sleeve hanging down over the rise of her left breast. Fury whipped through him. “May I ask how that happened?”

She frowned, and he gently pulled back her cloak.

She glanced down. “Oh, that is nothing.” She pulled the cloak back over her shoulder.

Magnus turned his attention to the driver and forced a level voice, “The work of the highwayman, I take it?”

Ire flashed in the driver’s eyes. “Aye, sir.”

“I pray you can identify the men,” Magnus said, then to Mia, “My lady, I am taking you to Westbourne Tower.”

“Sir Stirling’s?” she said. “But I am to return home.”

“You are not attending the party?” he asked.

“Aye, but—”

“Sir Stirling’s is closer than Kaerndal Castle,” he cut in.

“I do not mind the longer ride in order to get home,” she said.

He frowned. “It will be dark soon. You would have these men wait twice as long for help in fixing the carriage—perhaps in the dark? What if the highwaymen return?” The brigands wouldn’t return, of course, but her careless attitude piqued his ire.

“We can wait inside the carriage, my lord,” Boyd said. “Mr. Anders can send men to help fix the carriage.”

“Mr. Forbes is correct,” Mia said. “You should not be forced to wait any longer than necessary, especially in the dark. I will wait here with you while Mr. Forbes rides to Sir Stirling’s home and sends help.”

Boyd looked dumbstruck. “My lady, Lady Leana would dismiss me if I allowed that.”

Something flickered in her eyes, but Magnus couldn’t discern the thought.