Free The Widow and the Rogue by Beverly Adam Page A

dealing with such crises, the valet chose ammunition and checked the weapons’ mechanisms. This was not the first time his master had called him into such service. Master Powers’s actions always matched his words. This was a man for whom his word was his bond. He was someone others could count upon in times of danger.
    The guns were laid on the table. Beau picked them up and holstered them beneath his cloak. He turned to her.
    “I want you to stay here. That madman may be still lurking about. He might try to harm you again.”
    ‘No,” she said, shaking her head. “I want to go with you. Tim is my dog and he was hurt trying to protect me. I want to be there for him, to help if I can.”
    “Very well,” he agreed, his eyes sparkling with admiration.
    She stood before him anxious for her pet, but she’d not gone into a fit of hysterics, or played the part of a frightened damsel in distress. She was eager, ready to brave the possibility of once again meeting the villain who tried to shoot her. She was truly a remarkable woman.
    “But you are to stay behind me. You are too tempting a target for this madman to resist.”
    She quickly agreed and they hastened back to the bridge.
    Upon arriving at the spot where she’d left the dog, a constable on patrol was standing over the unconscious animal. He looked at them, noticing their winded conditions and anxious looks.
    Nodding at the pup, he asked, “This lad yours?”
    “Yes, Officer,” she answered, hurrying over to her pet.
    She was pleased to see Tim half-open his eyes. Relief flooded her. He was alive.
    Spying the large firing pistols hidden inside Beau’s overcoat, the constable’s face grew stern.
    “For sure now, you’re not thinking of putting the animal down, are ye, sir? He’s a young lad and from the looks of him, he’s been badly treated. But he’s not in such a terrible condition that ye must be rid of him. Aye, all he needs is some rest.”
    The constable drew himself up to his full height. He tapped his walking stick into his hand. “Also, I won’t let you fire off those weapons. This is a public place and you might accidentally shoot someone.”
    Beau drew back.
    The idea he would ever harm a family pet, let alone have the temerity to shoot off a weapon without due reason, was clearly an insulting suggestion.
    “I am a gentleman, sir,” he said, in a clipped tone. “I do not run around killing brave dogs who’ve been bludgeoned by a cowardly villain. Nor do I carry firearms on my person for mere sport. That would be quite beneath me. Not to mention reprehensibly caddish behavior. Now, if you don’t mind, Constable, I should like to take the dog home.”
    Without further ado, he picked up the unconscious pup and quickly walked towards the townhouse. His long legs strode across the green in record time. Kathleen and the startled constable followed at a half-trot behind.
    Humphrey promptly opened the front door when they returned. He’d dutifully stood by the front window anticipating their arrival. While they were gone, the housekeeper had placed a pile of old blankets by the hearth fire.
    One of the chambermaids cooed over the young animal as he was brought in. “Oh—you’re a wonderful brave dog, ye are, Tim.”
    Hearing his name, the dog opened his eyes. He gave a soft whimper of pain. Everyone exclaimed, telling him what a brave creature he was, anxious that he be made comfortable by the hearth.
    As if sensing he was once again in a safe place, the animal went limp in his master’s arms. His eyes closed as he became unconscious.
    “To think such disturbing events should happen here,” said the constable in disbelief after being informed of what had taken place.
    Glancing about the bachelor’s townhouse, the officer gave the young woman a shrewd look. “You certain you’ll be safe here, ma’am? Do ye have any relations in town with whom you might wish to stay?”
    She thought briefly of her uncle. But the notion of contacting him