Shadows clouded Matthew’s vision. Heat blazed through him. Overcome with the need to punish, he struggled for control. Jasmine washis.
But the Duke was dangerous.
Matthew donned a smile and stepped between Jasmine and Duke Kendall. Attempting to herd the man away before a confrontation broke out, Matthew gestured to the range.
“It’s good that you’ve arrived early, Your Grace. Now that you’re here, we can move straight to the presentation. As luck would have it, I’m warmed up.” He shifted his eyes to Blackmoor. “And my family was just leaving.”
“I’ll ride with them in the carriage,” Blackmoor responded on cue. “I have appointments in town.”
“And, Lady Jasmine must return home.” Matthew put his hand onthe small of her back. “If she’s late, I won’t get to have her again.”
“From the looks of it, you’ve had her all morning. There isn’t any rush to get her home now, is there?” Duke Kendall glared at Jasmine. “I would hate for her to miss the demonstration of a one-of-a-kind treasure.”
“I’ll stay.” Jasmine gave Duke Kendall an insincere smile. “I’m sure my father, Marquess Dorchester,will understand that I was held up by aduke.”
“It’s settled.” Duke Kendall turned his attention to Matthew and ordered, “Show me the pistol.”
Matthew nodded to Trevor. The lad ran to the terrace and returned with a rectangular hardwood case with brass corners. He opened the case to display Matthew’s latest invention.
Inside, a Damascus steel pistol lay nestled in crimson felt. Gold filigree snaked around the rosewood handle, cradling in-laid emeralds and pigeon-blood rubies. A line of gleaming brass cartridges bordered the gun. Matthew plucked a handful of rounds and placed them in his pocket. Lifting the pistol from the case, darkness crept into his veins. A voice in his head screamed for him to destroy it.Pitch it into the nearest river or bury it in a forest.
Without a doubt, this gun was the deadliest he had invented.
“Trevor,” he said. “Set the target at twelve paces.”
“Yes, my lord.” Trevor went to the task.
Duke Kendall sat cross-legged on the blanket on the lawn and patted the space next to him. “Come along, little family!”
As the family settled around the Duke, Matthew tried to settle his thoughts. He meant to practice before the Duke arrived, but there was nothing to be done about it now. Once Trevor set up the targets and joined the rest of the family, Matthew loaded the pistol. The cartridge slid in with a metallic trill and locked into place with a resounding snap. He lifted the pistol, aimed, prayed…
And fired.
The scent of blistering oil spiked the air. He peered through the smoke from the barrel, and the first shot hit right on the mark. Releasing a breath, he gave a small laugh.It worked!He grinned at Seth—the bastard had fixed it in days.
Duke Kendall gestured for him to continue.
Matthew’s shoulders relaxed, and he fell into rhythm, shooting through the target perfectly twice more.
“Well done!” Duke Kendall approached. His fingers fell against his palm in a series of quick claps. “What a show!”
Plastering on a winning smile, Matthew gave a showman’s bow and presented the pistol to Duke Kendall with a flourish.
“Would you like to give it a try? We might make adjustments to suit your needs.”
“No, no, Lord Lincolnshire.” He waved his hand dismissively. “I do believe you’re missing part of the show.” He covered both his eyes with his fingers and peeked through them. “Do your trick!”
“You mean for me to shoot blindfoldednow?” Matthew’s brows lifted, then he stuttered, “And ruin your birthday surprise?”
“I watched your trick from the terrace. I can see how you’ve impressed several ladies, but none of those pretty ladies paid you a handsome fee for it.”
Matthew’s gaze shot to Jasmine. Cocooned next to his sisters, her lips set in a firm line. What did she think of his weakness? Torn asunder, he pulled the black blindfold from his pocket.
“I’ll assist.” Seth moved to stand, but Matthew shook his head. Seth wouldn’t be at the birthday celebration.
“I’ll do it myself.”
Duke Kendall danced up to him, holding his hand open. “I’ll do the honors.”