How to Best a Marquess by Janna MacGregor

Author:Janna MacGregor
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group

Chapter Seventeen

Julian quit arguing with Beth for a moment to look at Cochran. “What did you say?”

Beth bristled beside him. “That is preposterous and unacceptable,” she scolded. “I will not undress.”

Cochran raised a single black eyebrow. “My wife is a lot like you. She wouldn’t be taking too kindly to my demands either. But this is business.”

Julian ran a hand through his hair. Bad enough that he quarreled with Beth, but things were progressing from a poor situation to a dire one. “Why do you want our clothes?”

Cochran waved the pistol around them and pointed at Beth’s reticule. “I need to make a profit today. To make it worth my while, I’m taking your clothes and selling them.” He waved the pistol at their feet. “Boots and shoes too, if you please.”

“Why don’t you take the horses?” she asked.

Cochran tsked. “Beth, you know that would make it too easy to find me after I leave.”

“This is barbaric.” She took a step back.

Julian bit the inside of his cheek. Why did she have to be so argumentative? Her spirit was one of the most attractive things about her, but not at this moment.

“We would not be in this predicament if you’d gotten on that damn horse.”

Her eyes narrowed.

He’d seen that look before. It’s the one she always had when she was about to dress someone down.

“It’s my fault that we’re here?” The incredulity in her voice would have been comical if Cochran’s gun hadn’t been pointed at them. “After you gave up your pistol?” she added.

“It wasn’t loaded,” Cochran pointed out.

She shot the thief a look. “You didn’t know that. Nor is this your argument.”

“I’m just trying to be helpful,” he said sheepishly. “We men have to stick together.”

She didn’t answer but turned her attention to Julian once again. “Perhaps if you’d had your fortune told, she would have advised you to keep your pistol loaded,” she bit out.

“She didn’t dream about me.” Immediately, Julian’s blood started to pound, and his head ached in similar rhythm. He should just tackle the miscreant to the ground and take his chances with the pistol. If Beth weren’t there and in danger, he’d have done it already.

Mr. Cochran ran his gaze over her body.

Immediately, Julian sneered and made a move to shield her from the scoundrel’s perusal.

The thief had the good sense to hold up one hand. “Hold there, sirrah. It’s not what you think. My missus is about the same size as your wife … lady. I’ll be taking her garments to give to the missus. That ought to keep me out of the dungeon for a least a week—”

“I … I embroidered this ensemble myself,” Beth protested.

“There, there, ma’am. I’ll leave your chemise.” He frowned. “What kind of a gentleman do you think I am?”

She blinked, incredulous at the thief’s question.

“Hurry. I don’t have all day. Dinner will be ready soon.” He smiled. “Tomorrow, I can take these to the market—” He shook his head. “It almost slipped.” He waggled the pistol toward them.

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