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She jerked but managed not to look up.Pretend it’s not you.Don’t acknowledge him.
“Viscountess,” the man—she knew it was Pin—hissed. “Are you hiding under that awful shawl?”
Gabrielle looked up and into the sharp, narrow face. The man’s name was certainly appropriate, as his head was somewhat pointed.
“I think you must have me confused with someone else, sir,” she said in French. “My name is Citoyenne Leboeuf.”
“Yes, and I’m King George III.” He ripped the shawl off her hair and grabbed her shoulders, pulling her close. He stared at her before gesturing to his men. “Take her to the carriage.”
“Wait!” Gabrielle called, backing away, wondering if she could run faster than Pin’s thugs. Her body was still battered and broken from the events of two nights before. “You’ve mistaken me.”
But the men were closing in now. Gabrielle knew if she ran she’d be hunted down like a fox chased by hounds. “Very well,” she said, holding out her hands. The men looked at Pin, who raised a hand.
“Viscountess?”
“Yes,” she admitted. “It’s me. And I know I owe you money, and I promise you I will pay. As soon as I return from France—“
Pin lowered his hand and his men rushed forward again. Gabrielle turned to run, but the man standing at the gangplank in front of her grabbed her arm and shoved her behind him.
“Wh—?” she managed before she stumbled against the gangplank.
The gangplank! The sailors hadn’t pulled it aboard the ship yet. Could she make it aboard?
“Move aside, sir, or you will be moved,” Pin said.
“I’d like to see you try,” the man said, and Gabrielle, who had been about to sprint up the plank, froze.
She knew that voice.
She looked at the man’s back.
She knew that body…Sedgwick.
What in God’s name washedoing here?
“This is not your concern,” Pin said.
“On the contrary,” Sedgwick answered. “I am well acquainted with the viscountess and called her late husband friend. If you intend her harm, it is definitely my concern.”
“You wish to assist the lady?” Pin asked.
“Yes.”
Behind them a sailor called. “All aboard!”
“No, wait!” Gabrielle screamed. “I’m coming!”
“Then pay her debt,” Pin said.
Gabrielle saw Sedgwick stiffen. He knew what this was about. Knew George well enough to understand the situation completely now.
“How much?” Sedgwick asked.
Pin named the outrageous amount, and Sedgwick laughed. “I don’t think so.”
Pin did not even smile. “Then step aside. The lady and I have matters to discuss.”
Sedgwick shrugged and gave Gabrielle an apologetic look. The bastard, she thought, right before he lifted her off her feet and ran up the gangplank.
