Free Love Be Mine (The Louisiana Ladies Series, Book 3) by Shirlee Busbee Page A

pretty face.
    Innocently Lisette asked, "What, chérie?" Realizing that she was venting her own bad temper on her mother, Micaela glared at the apple green gown. "Never mind. It was not important." It was a lovely gown, however... and there was that dinner... Airily, she added, "But if you think I should have it made up, I shall be guided by your wishes."
    Lisette smiled at her. She bent and kissed Micaela's cheek. "Do what you want, petite."
    But that was the problem, Micaela thought unhappily. I do not know what I want! Not anymore....

 
     
     
    Chapter 5

     
    Feeling pleased with himself for having clearly left Micaela speechless, Hugh continued his stroll home. The stunned expression on her pretty face crossed his mind several times that afternoon and evening. As a matter of fact, thoughts of Micaela nearly cost him his life.
    He had gone to a gaming establishment with Jasper that evening. The Dupree men were there as was Alain Husson and Hugh was not surprised that the three of them greeted him coolly. It was obvious that Alain had learned of his refusal to sell and was firmly in the Dupree camp.
    Some hours later, increasingly restless, Hugh had finally left Jasper at the faro table to walk the several blocks to Jasper's house. Despite the light from the oil lamps which hung from chains at every street corner, there were deep pockets of blackness, and as he approached one of these danger struck. His thoughts dwelling pleasurably on the meeting with Micaela this afternoon, he was not aware of the peril which stalked him until, out of the corner of his eye, he caught the vicious movement of a cudgel.
    Hugh whirled away, the cudgel barely missing his head as his hand went to the sword cane he carried at his side—as did most fashionable gentlemen in New Orleans. The small sword sang free and he swung to face his attacker.
    There were three of them; each carried a cudgel, and as they fanned out around him in the shadowy darkness, like wolves circling their prey, Hugh's confidence wavered. One or two he could defeat, but three?
    Despite their strength, they did not seem eager to join battle, contenting themselves with threatening gestures and the occasional, halfhearted feint. But as the seconds passed they grew bolder, pressing closer, staying just out of the range of his sword.
    The middle one, apparently the leader, spat on the ground and muttered, " Allons, mes amis! We do not get paid unless we beat him soundly. At him!"
    As one, the three surged toward Hugh; desperately he thrust with his sword. Dancing deftly backward from their approach, he slashed at first one and then another, hearing with fierce satisfaction the man on his left cry out with pain. But Hugh paid for it as one of the cudgels struck his shoulder with terrible power.
    Hugh groaned, his sword arm feeling as if it were numb, but he recovered almost immediately, lunging violently after his attacker. He took another blow, a glancing one on the head, which left his ears ringing. Outnumbered, he retreated until he felt the wall of one of the buildings which lined the dark, narrow street against his back.
    With labored breathing he faced his attackers, waiting for their next advance. Fortunately, it did not come.
    There was the sound of footsteps on the wooden banquette and a second later, in the murky light, Hugh recognized Jasper. "A l'aider," Hugh shouted as he fended off a brutal blow from one of his tormentors. "Au secours!"
    It took Jasper but an instant to read the situation, and his sword was immediately in view. There was a violent oath from one of the men and then, almost as one, they took to their heels, disappearing into the darkness.
    Jasper hurried to Hugh's side. "Are you hurt, mon ami?" He took a deep breath. "Diantre! But those were bold robbers."
    Hugh shook his head and winced. "Perhaps a trifle." His eyes met Jasper's. "But they were no robbers—they were hired to attack me."
    "Mon Dieu! But this is beyond belief. Are you