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“We’ll take him,” Angus said.
“Agreed, but wait till he’s close before drawing your pistol. You can’t afford to miss.”
“Och, I never miss.”
Grant had once commented that his grandfather was a terrible shot. She had to trust that, for once, he’d been exaggerating.
“We’ll simply act like friends who happened to run into each other,” she said.
Angus nodded. “Then I’ll pull out my popper and make the bastard get off his horse. He’ll be easier to control that way.”
“That . . . that sounds fine.”
It actually sounded horrible, but she didn’t have a better idea.
“Good day to you, Miss Calvert,” the captain cheerfully called out as he approached.
Kathleen reined in her horse. Angus did likewise, staying close. His bay sidled a bit, but the old fellow kept him under control.
Captain Brown came to a halt about a dozen yards away. Was he suspicious already? Still, he seemed his usual jovial self, so she managed to pin on a smile.
“Good afternoon, sir,” she said. “Are you off to Lochnagar?”
“Yes, to call on Lady Kendrick and the rest of you ladies. I must make my departure tomorrow, so I’ve come to say goodbye. Business calls, I’m afraid.”
“How unfortunate. I’m sure your brother will miss you.”
“Yes, I’m afraid he will. Especially since he’s nursing a broken heart, eh, Miss Calvert?” He gave her a knowing wink.
Kathleen returned a polite smile. Blast the man, though. Why wouldn’t he come closer?
Angus glanced at her before pulling out a horse pistol and leveling it straight at Brown. Obviously, he’d decided the captain was close enough.
Brown’s eyebrows shot up in exaggerated surprise. “Is this a jest? Miss Calvert, has the old codger lost his wits?”
“Ye’ll hold yer bleedin’ tongue and get doon off that horse,” Angus snarled.
Brown adopted an outraged expression. “I’ll do no such thing. What the devil is going on, here?”
“You’ve been using my sister to steal for you,” Kathleen snapped. “Where is she, you bounder?”
“Hell’s bells, that’s a jolly rude thing to say to a friend.”
“We found your notes. Jeannie was to meet you this afternoon, bringing Sabrina’s necklace. My sister had best be unharmed if you don’t wish to get shot.”
“I’ll shoot ye anyway, ye blasted varlet,” Angus said. “Now, get off yer damn horse.”
Brown’s gaze darted between them. Then, oddly, he smiled and held up a hand. “I think not.”
Boom.
A thundering shot echoed nearby. It startled Kathleen’s mare, though she didn’t lose control. But Angus’s nervous bay shied badly, nearly dismounting him. Struggling with the reins, he dropped the pistol.
When it hit the ground, it discharged. The bay reared again and sent the old man tumbling backward onto the grassy verge. The horse then jumped a low wall and took off across the field.
“Angus,” Kathleen gasped, starting to dismount.
“Hold right there, Miss Calvert.”
