Page 51 of Wicked Highland Heroes

She racked her brain for a way to stop their march past the cottages and into the field. It seemed the entire town followed, with her, Lord Somerset, Oscar, and Grace close behind. Grace’s presence worried Eve. If Lord Rushton wasn’t to be stopped, then he couldn’t afford any distractions. It would be like Grace to scream or utter some dramatic exclamation as the two men turned to face one another.

Lord Rushton at last stopped and Eve took several paces left, toward Grace. Grace cast her an anxious glance as the two men faced each other.

“One shot,” Halifax said. “If you miss, this is finished.”

The earl canted his head in agreement. “So long as you agree that you will never again approach Miss Crenshaw.”

Lord Halifax gave a condescending snort. “No need to worry.”

Lord Rushton turned to Halifax’s second, “Should the need arise, you will see to it the ladies reach home safely?”

Eve knew what ‘should the need arise’ meant and the burn of tears pricked her eyes.

A corner of the man’s mouth twitched. “I will personally see them home—along with the entourage that accompanied the other lady.”

“You leading that band back to England would be the finishing touch,” Lord Rushton said.

As the two men turned back to back, Eve leaned close to Grace and said, “Do not utter so much as a peep.” Grace opened her mouth, but Eve seized her arm and jerked. “Grace, he could die.” Grace’s eyes widened and Eve feared she would cry. “Get a hold of yourself,” Eve hissed under her breath.

Grace gave a jerky nod as Graham called “One,” and she grasped Eve’s hand as the men took a pace with each count.

Eve’s heart pounded and her mind searched wildly for something—anything—that would halt this madness. But even as Halifax’s second counted twenty, Lord Halifax whirled. The report of his gun broke across the soft chirp of birds as Lord Rushton turned, arm outstretched, pistol pointed at the earl.

“No!” Lord Halifax cried. The pistol fell from his grip and he took a faltering step back as Lord Rushton pulled the trigger.