Page 56 of How to Fall for a Scoundrel
Sofia shook her head and glared at Hugo. “You got my arm. If this fool will release me, I can see how bad it is.”
At Harry’s nod, Hugo released Sofia’s wrists, and she pushed down the neck of her dress to reveal a deep gash on her shoulder that was oozing blood.
Ellie swallowed a sudden flash of nausea and guilt. Her pistol had inflicted that wound. She’d never shot another person before, but she’d acted instinctively, in Harry’s defense. She’d do the same again.
She pulled a clean handkerchief from her pocket and gestured to Sofia.
“It’s only a scrape. You won’t need stitches, but you do need to stop the bleeding.”
Sofia submitted to the assistance with a sniff, and Ellie tied the cotton cloth around the wound. She didn’t bother to be particularly gentle—it was hard to forgive the near-miss, whether it was accidental or not.
“Now,” Harry said, “as exciting as this little reunion has been, I think you and your friends should leave now, Sofia.”
Sofia scowled, but clearly accepted when she was beaten. “Bonaparte’s brother will be extremely displeased if I don’t bring him that book.”
“Perhaps you can think of a way to double-cross him the same way you were going to double-cross Willingham?” Ellie suggested sweetly.
Harry smiled at her sarcasm, but addressed Sofia. “You can’t win every hand. Go back to Italy. Nothing good ever comes from meddling in politics, especially when it involves the Bonapartes.”
Sofia gave a petulant toss of her head. “You may beright. And from what I have seen of England, it is a horrible place and the people are not at all hospitable.” She glared at Ellie, who glared right back. “I can’t wait to see the sun again, and eat food that is notdisgustoso.”
She turned with a dramatic twirl of her skirts and sent her two accomplices a scornful look. “What good were you two, eh? Two scarecrows would have done a better job.”
Both men looked sheepish. Luca, or possibly Paolo, pointed at Daisy’s pistol.
“She would have shot us if we’d tried to help you. I can tell by the look in her eye.Quella donna è spaventosa.”
“He says you’re terrifying,” Harry translated to Daisy with a chuckle.
Daisy looked delighted. “I am indeed. Now, go on, start walking. I want to go home and have some breakfast.”
Luca, or Paolo, sent her a charming grin and said something in rapid Italian.
“What did he say?” Daisy demanded suspiciously.
“He said he’d like to give you his blade, because he admires any woman who is able to get the better of him,” Harry said. “I think you’ve made a conquest, Miss Hamilton.”
Daisy’s cheeks turned pink as Paolo or Luca, whichever one it was, bent and placed his knife on the ground like an offering. He stepped back and sent her a jaunty salute.
Daisy gave him a regal nod. “Thank you. I will treasure it always.”
With a disgusted snort, Sofia turned on her heel and started tramping back along the path, irritably dustingthe leaves from her skirts as she did so. Luca and Paolo fell into place behind her. Only when all three of them were out of sight did Tess and Daisy finally lower their weapons.
Ellie heaved a loud sigh of relief and bent over, hands on her knees. “My goodness, what a morning! I’m so sorry I convinced you all to do this.”
Harry shook his head. “It was worth it. How much money is there in that envelope, Hugo?”
Ambrose thumbed through it quickly. “I’d say at least three hundred pounds. Maybe more.”
“Worth being shot at.” Harry grinned, but Ellie sent him a scowl for being so flippant. No amount of money would have been worth his life.
Daisy glanced between Harry and Hugo. “I’m assuming you two know one another?”
The two men shared an amused look. “We’re old friends,” Harry confirmed.
Hugo let out a wheeze. “Who are you calling old, you cheeky devil?” He rubbed his side with a pained grunt. “Damn me, but I’m getting too old for rolling around on the grass with ladies of dubious virtue. I think I’ve cracked a few ribs.”
Ellie crossed to him and offered her arm. “Come on, you need to sit down.” She glanced at Harry. “You both do.”