Page 60 of To Hunt the Hunter

“You will do as you are told,” Lucian retorted, wishing just this once that Matilda was not quite so stubborn and brave. He had adored that about her from the beginning, and that she would stand up to him and tear him off a strip without batting an eyelid. Right now, though, he heartily wished it were not the case. “You will keep Phoebe safe,” he added, hoping that would call to her maternal instincts if nothing else.

Matilda narrowed her eyes at him. “If I’m to protect Phoebe, why have you given her the pistol?” she demanded with indignation.

“Because you’ve never fired a pistol in your life as you freely admitted, and Phoebe is quite adept.”

His heart ached at the pride in Phoebe’s eyes, and he felt a surge of relief at having taught the girl such things. Instinct and his own experiences had told him she might need such skills, even as he’d wanted to keep her innocence intact and her view of the world untainted. Sometimes innocence had too high a price, though, as Thomas had discovered. So Phoebe had been prepared for a world that could be cruel and even dangerous, whilst he’d done his best not to taint her view of it too badly.

He crouched down now, his eyes fixed on the blue-grey gaze of his little niece. “Tell me what you will do.”

Phoebe put her chin up, her face pale but determined. “I will raise the pistol and tell them clearly and firmly to go away or I will shoot them. I’ll look them in the eyes and speak out loud and not be afraid.”

Lucian nodded, his throat feeling suddenly restricted.

“And?” he prompted.

“And I won’t lower the pistol even if they go, and I’ll keep my guard up, for they might return.”

“And?”

“And if I feel threatened, I won’t hesitate. I will shoot whoever seems to be in charge.”

“And?”

“And then I’ll run like the devil is at my heels.”

Lucian pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. He closed his eyes and promised himself that he would make his uncle pay for all of it. Theodore would pay for having benighted his life all these years, for the harm he’d done Thomas. For all of it.

“Will Pippin and Mrs Frant be all right?” Phoebe asked, her voice quiet.

Lucian nodded. “Yes, sweetheart. These men are not interested in them. They’d have noticed if I’d left you or Matilda behind, but Pippin and Mrs Frant are safer back at the village, though I might not be when we go back for them. Pippin was fit to be tied.”

“She was terribly cross,” Phoebe agreed, and put her arms about his neck. “I love you. You will be careful, won’t you?”

“I promise,” he said gravely. “But if anything bad happens, Miss Hunt will look after you. I have made her your guardian.”

“Nothing bad will happen,” Phoebe said, her mouth compressing into a firm line. “I’ll shoot anyone who tries to hurt you.”

Lucian raised his hand and pointed a finger at her. “You… will stay here out of sight and not make a peep, young lady, or highwaymen and cutthroats will be the least of your problems. I’ll have your word of honour, Phoebe.”

A mutinous expression crossed Phoebe’s face and Lucian glowered at her.

“Phoebe,” he said, his voice low and filled with warning.

She huffed, furious.

“Very well, I’ll stay here and be quiet like a good little coward whilst you go and get yourself shot,” she muttered, folding her arms and glaring back at him. “Word of honour.”

Lucian let out a breath and kissed her.

“I love you, Bee. Keep yourself and Matilda safe for me.” He turned to Matilda, who was looking just as annoyed as Phoebe. “Please, love, make sure she stays out of sight.”

Matilda glared at him.

“I suppose you expect me to promise too?” she said tartly, folding her arms. Her eyes glittered in the dim light under the bridge.

“You must, love. I have to know she will be safe if anything happens to me. If my uncle got his hands on her….”

His voice quavered and he trailed off, unable to complete that thought.