Page 71 of A Dangerous Pursuit (Regency Spies & Secrets 1)

“Will it truly be that simple?”

He winced. “There are some risks associated with this plan.”

“Such as?”

“The Bow Street Runners might not come immediately, and you may be required to protect yourself,” he said.

“And how exactly would I do that?”

Lord Hawthorne reached into his boot and pulled out a small pistol. “Are you familiar with how to use a muff pistol?”

“I am not.”

“That is disconcerting,” he replied, frowning. “It is not uncommon for a lady to carry one in her reticule.”

Glancing down at the pistol, Madalene remarked, “I have never been in a position that required the use of one.”

“I shall bring my spare with me tomorrow and give it to you,” Lord Hawthorne said, returning the muff pistol to his boot.

“I am not opposed to that.”

“Good,” he replied. “Do you carry a knife on your person?”

“I do not.”

With disapproval on his features, he asked, “Do you not have the slightest regard for your personal safety?”

“I can box,” Madalene announced proudly.

Lord Hawthorne didn’t appear impressed by her admission. “I doubt that very much.”

“It’s true,” she asserted.

His next words seemed to catch her off guard. “Punch me, then.”

Her lips parted in surprise at his odd request. “I couldn’t possibly punch you, my lord.”

Leaning closer to her, he said, “I give you leave to punch me.”

“But what if I hurt you?”

Lord Hawthorne chuckled. “You couldn’t possibly hurt me,” he remarked smugly.

Tired of his pompous attitude, Madalene reared her fist back and punched him in the face. She felt gratified when she saw him stumbling backwards.

His right hand went to cover his nose and she saw blood on his fingers. “Oh, my lord!” she exclaimed. “I am so incredibly sorry.”

Rushing over to the table, Madalene picked up the handkerchief she had been working on and brought it back to Lord Hawthorne.

“Allow me to retrieve some ice for your nose,” she said.

Rising to his full height, Lord Hawthorne asserted, “That won’t be necessary.”

“But you are bleeding, my lord.”

Dabbing his nose with the handkerchief, he remarked, “No harm done. It was just some blood.”

“Again, I am terribly sorry—” she began.

---