CHAPTER 16
Ryan rode hell for leather toward Dover. He had no idea if he was even going in the right direction. His only clue was when he stopped at the last boarding house, The Falcon Inn, to change horses, the stable lad had said he heard a woman’s voice in a carriage headed to Dover.
She was traveling with a French man and a rough looking character. She did not look harmed, quite the contrary. This did not bode well for Ryan. However, she was in a ball gown, and she was a woman of quality. Ryan gave the lad his due and raced out of there.
Now that Ryan knew what to look for his spirits felt lifted. It had been an exhausting journey, and he couldn’t remember the last time he had slept or ate. All Ryan knew was that he just wanted to hold Lillian in his arms again.
Darkness was falling once again, and the smell of the sea was in the air. Dover was near. He had to get her back before they boarded any vessel. Ryan knew the kind of boats that worked at night.
How did Lillian get involved with smugglers?
He saw the dust and heard the noise from the carriage before it came into view. Taking care, Ryan kept his eyes on the coach. He spurred his horse onward, narrowing the distance between the two.
Slipping behind the coach, Ryan cursed their speed. He hated the thought of falling from his horse and being trampled, but there was no other alternative. Throwing caution to the wind, he said a prayer, wrapped the reins and tied them off, and then grabbed the frame of the carriage.
Then, with the grace of a large cat, he somehow managed to open the door and slide his athletic body inside.
“Ah,” Jack smiled, “And here we have the hero, I presume?”
“Ryan!” Lillian cried out, throwing herself into his arms in a flurry of skirts and ruffles. It was a good thing that he had already closed the door, or they would have tumbled back outside, likely to their deaths.
And then she did the most unlike Lillian thing that she has ever done in her life. She began to cry.
Ryan was undone.
His look was thunderous, “What did you do to her?”
Jack’s lips twitched, “The Comte here wanted to kidnap her.”
The Comte paled considerably, which was impressive considering the man still powdered his face. “I…I…I would never.”
“I will kill you,” Ryan held Lillian so tightly, she had molded into him. Ryan turned to Jack, “And you are?”
“Jack Rattenbury. I am a runner around these parts, and the Comte wanted me to run something extra. The moment he showed up with the princess I knew I would not be doing business with him. I was just waiting for you to turn up.”
Lillian pushed back from where she was lodged against Ryan’s neck. Her water stained eyes and blotchy skin not taking anything away from her beauty.
“You were never going to harm me?” she asked hesitantly.
Jack grinned, “Lord, no! Married my Anna back in April! She would have my hide if I ever treated a lady thus. I told you love, I might be a bad man, but I am not all bad.”
Ryan nodded appreciatively, “I owe you my thanks, Rattenbury. Whatever this idiot was going to pay you, I will give as a reward for keeping my bride safe.”
Lillian blushed as Jack’s eyebrows rose.
Ryan turned to the Comte, “What part do you play in all of this?”
“Traitor to the Crown,” Lillian said in disgust.
Ryan nodded slowly, “I see. Well then, I hate to set you down, Lilly, but it would seem that killing him outright might be too easy on him. I need to tie him up.”
“What about the men driving the coach?” Lilly asked in fear.
“Rattenbury’s men,” Ryan responded as he trussed the Comte up like the pig that he truly was.
Lilly wrinkled her nose, “How did you know?”
Jack laughed, “I reckon your hero knows I would be a mite more concerned than I am right now.”
Ryan flushed, “He’s famous in these parts, Lilly.”
Lilly looked back at Jack with a new appreciation.
Jack smiled, “I am going to be letting you two out soon. The less you see, the better. Would you prefer we deal with the Comte, or would you like to?”
Ryan turned to Lilly, “What would you like to do?”
“How will they deal with him?” Lilly asked.
Ryan wasn’t sure the delicate way to phrase slitting his throat, but apparently, his pause was information enough. However, there was no way they could carry the Comte on horseback.
Lilly turned to Jack, “I don’t want you to kill him.”
Jack huffed, “Love, that is the easiest and far kindest way to deal with the man. And I daresay a much better fate than he had in store for you.”
Ryan’s head snapped up. “Beg pardon?”
“He wanted to sell the lass,” Jack eyes were like slits.
“Do whatever you wish with the bastard. We are thankful for your presence. More than you could ever know.” Ryan’s tone alerted Lilly that he was not to be crossed.
Jack hit the roof, and the carriage came to a halt.
Thankfully, Ryan’s horse was still tied to the side rear of the carriage. The couple departed, but not before Lilly leaned in and took both of Jack’s hands into her own.
“I will never forget you, Jack. You are a good man, don’t forget it. And do you best to get back to Anna, I am confident she misses you!”
Jack’s devilish grin hid a bit of a shy smile, “Go on with you lass, you and your hero have a wonderful life ahead of you.”