Page 47 of A Proposal to Wed (The Beautiful Barringtons #9)

“Just think, Colm. We’ll soon have everything.” Sally grabbed his arm. “Wealthy beyond our wildest dreams. At least Dufton did impart one good idea. He planned to put Lucy into the sanitarium once they wed.”

“I expect I’ll do the same.” Colm pressed a kiss to Sally’s lips.

Lucy retreated deeper into the trees, carefully moving around the side of the carriage, pressing a hand to her stomach to keep from casting up her breakfast. If Lucy didn’t do something, Colm would take Harry to the quarry and kill him.

Then they planned to somehow marry her to Colm, take Harry’s fortune and keep Marsden.

Rather complicated. But if Lucy didn’t do something, they might well succeed.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t possibly run back to the house fast enough and return with help before Colm came back. She had no weapons, save two kittens.

Lucy looked around. No, not even kittens. Buttons and Boots had disappeared. But the ground was littered with rocks. And she had excellent aim, according to Harry.

Standing perfectly still, Lucy waited until Colm faded into the trees. Picking up a stone the size of a hen’s egg, she summoned all her courage and took aim at the back of Sally’s lying, conniving head.

“That’s for saying I’m stupid,” she said before cursing softly when the stone hit the carriage and not Sally.

Sally jerked around, looking into the woods. “Who is there?” She looked down at Harry, who blinked up at her, blood dripping from a wound at his temple. “There’s been an accident.” She wailed. “We’ve been attacked by thieves of some sort.”

Lucy picked up another rock.

When no one answered, Sally raised her foot and kicked Harry in the stomach.

“This is all your fault for marrying Lucy. But I’m still going to be rich.

I would rather have been Dufton’s mistress, but Colm will do just as well.

I should have told him to set that entire ironworks on fire and save us this ruse. ”

One of Harry’s eyes opened. He spat a stream of blood into the dirt. “I always thought you were a bitch.”

Sally swung her foot back, meaning to kick him again.

Lucy hefted the rock, took careful aim, and threw. This time, she didn’t miss. The rock hit Sally in her left temple, hard enough to whip her head back to snap against the carriage.

Her stepmother let out a tiny sound of shock, clutching her forehead.

The second rock hit Sally right between the eyes, knocking her to the ground.

Lucy stepped into the road, scanning the area for Colm, but there wasn’t any sign of him. She strode over to Sally, feeling violent and furious. This woman had tried to take everything from her.

“Lucy?” Sally gave her a bleary look. “Oh, my dear daughter,” she simpered. “Thank goodness. Dufton sent men after us and?—”

“I’m not a nitwit.” Lucy grabbed Sally by the hair and whacked her head against the wheel of the carriage.

Hard. Her stepmother had conspired to have Lucy put away, not once but twice .

Would have become Dufton’s mistress had Lucy wed him, which, frankly, was disgusting.

Meant to murder Harry. “Nor would I ever allow Colm to console me.”

Sally slumped to the ground, mouth open.

Lucy leaned over her stepmother, feeling for her breath. “Only unconscious. Deserves far worse.”

“Lucy,” Harry rasped from the ground. “Untie me. Before Colm returns.” He made a pained sound. “How could you possibly think she wouldn’t lie to you about being with child?”

“That’s the first thing you think to say? If we are to have a contest in stupidity, Harry, you would win for thinking me capable of conspiring with Dufton.” Lucy bent to untie him. “I’m in the midst of rescuing you, so it would be wise to not question me at present. Can you stand?”

“So hostile.” Harry wobbled but got to his feet. “We need to move. Colm has a pistol, and I can see two of you, which under the right circumstances, I’d appreciate.”

Lucy rolled her eyes. “We are not that far from the house. At least, I don’t think we are. But I don’t want to leave you to get Bartle or Mr. Hammond.”

“A good idea. I don’t care to be shot.” He looped his arm around her shoulders. “I’m sorry, you know. I realized how wrong I was by the time I arrived in London.”

“I can’t believe it took you that long.” Lucy half dragged Harry through the trees, pausing only when he stumbled and fell. He was having trouble staying upright, and she worried Colm would come looking.

“It was the scotch.” Harry fell over. “Wait. Stop. I think I’m going to be ill. My head is swimming.” He took several shallow breaths and leaned over. After a moment he straightened. “Better now.”

Lucy pulled him forward through the trees, panting with his weight until she finally saw their monstrosity of a house peeking through the trees.

She hadn’t gone nearly as far as she thought.

Dragging Harry a few more feet to the edge of the lawn, she lowered him carefully to the ground.

“I must get help.” She dared to glance back at the trees but there was no sign of Colm.

“Tell Bartle,” Harry breathed, “to be armed.” He smiled crookedly at her before his eyes rolled back and he passed out.

Lucy sprinted for the house.