Page 61 of The Curious Life of the Unfortunate Duchess
There was a deep, sardonic laughter from the direction of the stairs, filled with malice, not mirth.
“Oh, is that a fact, Miss Elizabeth?” the newcomer drawled. “Do you find much honor in highwaymen? What do you think,Mark? Are we a noble bunch?”
Elizabeth did not move her head to look. The danger in the air was suddenly palpable and she knew she was in the presence of the second highwayman.
“I was just giving her something to eat—”
“You are an imbecile!” The crack of a fist on bone met Elizabeth’s ear and she twitched, squeezing her eyes closed. “You told her your name?”
“I, I—“
“You are dismissed. I will see to Miss Elizabeth’s meal.”
There was not one word of protest from Mark’s mouth and she heard him retreat hurriedly up the stairs. At once, the blindfold was yanked from Elizabeth’s eyes and she blinked rapidly, confused by the man’s action.
“You never asked my name,” he jeered at her as she stared at him blankly. “Do you not care to learn it?”
Fear trickled down her spine and suddenly, Elizabeth’s mouth was dry again.
Never had she seen such cold eyes. They appeared made of blue ice and they lacked the warmth that Elizabeth had sensed in Mark.
“I, I did not have a chance,” she replied quickly. “Please, do tell me your name.”
“You may call me Cooper,” he chuckled, flashing a set of surprisingly even teeth.
“Thank you, Mr. Cooper.”
“Cooper will do.”
“Cooper, then.”
“I want to get one thing clear before we go any further, Miss Elizabeth,” he continued, the dead smile on his lips. “Are you listening?”
“Indeed,” she replied. Beads of sweat formed over her brow line and she waited for what was coming.
“You are worth a lot to us, Miss Elizabeth, and I would very much like to collect on your ransom.”
“My ransom?” Elizabeth echoed. “That is why I have been taken?”
Cooper tilted his head to the side, his brow furrowing.
“What other use could I have for a noble-blooded brat?” he spat back. “Of course.”
The picture became clearer but it still did not make sense. Why was she the only one taken? Why not Frances or Catherine? A Duchess’ daughter certainly was worth more money than the daughter of a Viscount. It made little sense but Elizabeth hardly had a moment to ponder it.
“You will be traded in three days,” Cooper continued. “Ifyou behave yourself.”
He was giving her the same speech which Mark had and Elizabeth began to nod.
Cooper might be more difficult to win over but it can be done. I must think like Leonard. He would never give up.
“I will behave myself,” she promised. “You will not hear a peep from me and my father will pay…how much have you demanded?”
“Fifty thousand pounds.”
Elizabeth choked on the number, her head swimming in confusion.
“My father is a Viscount, Mr. Cooper!” she breathed. “He cannot come up with such a sum, certainly not in three days’ time!”
