Page 80 of His Wicked Secret
Jonathan saw a number of horses charge up into their midst like a small cavalry. Godric was at the lead, a pistol in his hand. And then everything went black.
* * *
“Jonathan. Jonathan! Wake up, brother.”
Jonathan swam back into consciousness, now surrounded by friends instead of enemies. The bluff was quiet except for the panting of the men.
“What…? What happened? The soldiers?”
“Most ran off,” said Godric. “I believe they had been drinking heavily, and our charge made our numbers seem far greater than they actually were. We have a little time before they gather their wits and regroup. Can you move?”
Jonathan sat upright. “I believe so.”
“And what the devil are you wearing?”
Jonathan smiled. “This damn disguise didn’t do me any favors.”
“Disguise? You look like you escaped one of the old armoires from the attic and the wardrobe attacked you as you left.”
He plucked at the mud-soaked lace. He wondered how ladies ever kept their gowns clean.
Charles and Ashton were a few yards away, tending to Avery. Cedric seemed to be searching for someone. But who?
“Good. Then perhaps you can settle a debate as to how you ended up in a dress?”
“Well, the soldiers were coming and…” Jonathan shot to his feet. “Audrey…?Audrey!”
He heard her call from the rock outcrop. “Over here. Is it safe to come out?”
Jonathan hobbled over and found Audrey behind it, leaning against a boulder, smiling, despite her pale face.
“My God, woman. I thought I’d lost you.”
“You didn’t. I’m right where you left me.” She eyed his terrible gown. “Puce and lace really don’t do your coloring justice. But I bet you’d look smashing in green.”
He hugged her tenderly, chuckling at her ability to tease him at a time like this.
“Ahhh!” Her cry of pain made him release her. Terror gripped him as he studied her pain-filled eyes.
“Your wound…” he started.
“Audrey?” Cedric hurried over, gripping Audrey’s face gently, kissing her forehead. “You’re all right! Thank God you’re all right.”
Audrey winced as she chuckled. “I could be better, I suppose.” Cedric let go of her, and she looked around at the men gathering around her. “You’re…all so sweet. I…” She took a few shaky steps and then collapsed.
“Audrey!” Jonathan screamed.
“She’s wounded.” Cedric cradled her, his palm coated with blood as he touched her side. “What happened?”
Jonathan lifted her up. “She was shot when she killed the captain. We have to get back to town.”
“We shouldn’t move her,” Cedric argued, eyes wide with fear.
“It’s not safe here,” said Godric. “Drunk or not, those soldiers will soon return.”
Ashton spoke up. “I have a surgeon aboard my ship. If anyone can save her, he can.”
Cedric insisted on taking her. Jonathan carried Audrey in his arms and waited for her brother to mount his horse. Once he had, Jonathan passed Audrey up to him, and he took off. Jonathan quickly stripped off his dress, reduced to the light trousers and shirt he wore underneath, and mounted one of the spare horses the League had brought. The others followed as fast as they could.
