Daughter of the God-King(108)

“Not I, certainly,” her doughty companion admitted. “I shall think of you often.”

Hattie’s smile faltered. “I may not be able to come visit you in England for a while—I’m afraid it is rather complicated.”

Bing’s shrewd eyes met hers. “If I may be so bold, Hathor—we each make our own way; one’s heritage matters not a whit next to one’s legacy.”

While Hattie stared at her, Bing nodded sagely. “Now, allow me to go inform Smithson that he is not to shoot Monsieur Berry.”





Chapter 44





After conferring with the British soldiers, Drummond’s associate approached Hattie and quietly drew her aside. “I’m afraid I must depart straightaway and I insist that you accompany me, madam—I have learned to my dismay that you cannot be trusted to do as you are asked.”

“Unfair,” Hattie pointed out. “It all depends upon who is doing the trusting.”

She could see he was amused, despite himself, and his gaze rested on her cheek, which should sport quite a bruise by now. “I am sorry you were injured—du Pays will answer for it, believe me.”

Prudently, Hattie made no rejoinder, thinking here was another man who had best be careful lest he incite Dimitry’s hair-trigger jealousy.

Hard on this thought, Dimitry himself joined them, shaking his head in chagrin. “I cannot find le baron—perhaps it would be best if the young lady was safely delivered to the British consul’s office; in this way she would remain under your safekeeping and none need know of your role.”

But the associate disagreed as he looked toward the valley’s entrance where the British reinforcements would soon appear. “I’m afraid I cannot allow such a course—she may reveal too much and my mission would be compromised.”

“I am not going to compromise your tedious mission,” Hattie retorted, thinking she should work toward whatever Dimitry’s end was. “I ask only to be left unassaulted for a space of ten minutes at a time.”

The associate gently took Hattie’s arm and guided her further away from the others. He motioned to Dimitry. “My horse, please—quietly.”

Uneasy, Hattie waited for instruction from Dimitry but he was fetching the associate’s horse without demur. Should she protest? Surely she should not simply allow the enemy to spirit her away. Hattie pulled her elbow from his hand, “I will go nowhere with you—I demand to be returned to the Priapus immediately.”

The associate placed a propelling hand at her back, polite but firm as they melted away in the darkness, Dimitry following with the horse. “I must disappoint you, I’m afraid, but I can assure you there will be no more ill treatment—there is a transport ship leaving tomorrow and you will be very comfortable.”

Wishing she had some direction from her exasperating better half, Hattie asked him coldly, “Leaving? Leaving for where?”

“The Cote d’Azur.”

Although Hattie was unfamiliar with this destination, it sounded dauntingly French. “I am going nowhere without my husband,” she declared, hoping said husband would feel free to contribute at any time.

As the associate watched Dimitry tighten his horse’s cinch, he addressed her in a serious tone. “I am afraid I have grave doubts about your new husband, and until I can make some inquiries it would be for the best if you are away from the area, as was requested.” He placed a faint emphasis on the last words.

Hattie responded with equal impatience. “You must see that I have no reason to trust you more than I trust my husband.”

Taking the proffered reins from Dimitry, he attempted to assure her. “I give you my word you shall come to no harm, madam—but I cannot allow you to remain here. I would rather not bind you to the saddle, but I shall take whatever measures are necessary.”

As he gestured to her, Hattie glanced to Dimitry and saw him shake his head slightly.

Responding to the instruction, she backed away from the associate. “You do not dare lay hands upon me.”

“With all due respect, I must.” With some determination he advanced on her.

Holding him at bay with the sword, she pulled Bing’s pistol from her pocket and leveled it at him. “Stand back.”

The associate paused in surprise, then changed tack, his manner now conciliatory as he spoke in a gentle tone. “Be reasonable, madam—I sincerely believe your so-called husband is duping you for his own purposes; you will soon see.”

Hattie did not falter. “You will come no closer.”

The man spread his hands in a disarming gesture. “Come—I will prove to you that no true marriage took place.”