Page 95 of The Unfortunate Debutante
Stepping out from behind her, Simeon brought up the pistol and pointed it at Lockhart. “I most assuredly am, since I’m a better shot than you.”
Lockhart’s eyes narrowed. “How many pistols did you have on your person?”
“I like being prepared,” Simeon retorted.
“There are still two pistols being pointed at you,” Lockhart pointed out.
“I may just be a Bow Street Runner, but I question your ability to count.”
“Why do you say that?”
Simeon smirked. “Because I count four pistols being pointed at you.”
“Four?” Lockhart’s eyes started scanning the trees.
Simeon cocked his gun. “You didn’t think I came alone, did you?” he asked, pointing at the tree to the side of Lockhart where Adrien stood with a pistol in his hand. “Also, you might want to check behind you.”
Emma practically sighed in relief as she saw Benedict and Jonathon emerge from the trees behind Lockhart. It was over. Surely, Peter would lay down his weapon now that he was so vastly outnumbered.
Lockhart’s thug immediately placed his pistol on the ground and put his hands up in the air. But Lockhart wasn’t as bright. He cocked his pistol as he continued to point it at Simeon’s chest. “You will not win,” he declared. “Emma is mine.”
“No,” Simeon responded. “Emma belongs to no man.”
Lockhart’s eyes grew frantic as he shouted, “If I can’t have Emma, then no one can!” He swiftly turned the pistol towards her. As his finger contracted on the trigger, gunshots erupted, echoing through the trees.
Before the acrid smoke even dissipated, she was wrapped up in Simeon’s tender arms.
“It’s over,” he whispered into her hair. “Lockhart will never be able to hurt you again.”
Being in Simeon’s arms, she felt safe and protected, and dare she believe, cherished. She tightened her hold around his waist and rested her head on his chest.
Benedict’s voice came from next to her. “I believe we helped aid in the rescue as well,” he teased.
Emma stepped out of Simeon’s arms and gave each one of her rescuers a hug.
“Thank you for saving me,” she told each of them.
Adrien smiled fondly at her. “That is what family does. We protect each other.”
Glancing down at Lockhart’s body, Simeon remarked, “Perhaps it would be best if I escorted Emma to the coach.”
“Good idea,” Jonathon replied. “We’ll go see if Larson needs assistance rounding up Lockhart’s thugs.”
Simeon offered his arm, and Emma eagerly accepted it. As they headed towards the coach, Emma felt a huge weight lift off her shoulders. Peter could never hurt her again. She was finally free of him.
“I am relieved beyond words that you are safe,” Simeon declared, placing his hand over hers.
“Thank you for rescuing me.”
Simeon’s eyes were filled with an intensity that she did not understand.
“I will always rescue you, Emma.” His words were filled with such tenderness that it left her speechless.
Maybe he did truly care for her as he had claimed to Peter. Maybe it was not just a ruse. Maybe.
17
The sun was dippingin the sky as Simeon approached the stately townhouse of Lord Revett.
