She lifted her head and locked eyes with him. “When he told me he’d kill you, I made a vow that I would kill him if it came to that. When he pointed that gun at you, I knew he would do it. I can’t lose you. Does that make me a bad person? That I would have killed him if I had to?”
“I never want to hear you say such a thing again,” Evan said, raising his hands to frame her lovely face. “You are fierce and kind. You protect those that you lo—care for. I made the same vow every secondI tried to get to you. I was prepared to kill him if he had hurt you.”
“Good thing you taught me how to fire a gun. The skill came in useful. I might have wanted him dead, but I aimed for the shoulder.”
“And you succeeded. Good to see you haven’t lost your aim.”
“I had a wonderful teacher.” She pushed up on her toes and kissed him. “He was quite handsome, too.”
“I see your brush with danger has earned me a few compliments. I wish to save them for later when I do things that are worth complimenting.” He winked at her.
Evan noted something in her face, like she wanted to say something. He stared at her and waited to see if she would speak. She opened her mouth and closed it again. Then she pulled his lips to hers. He was entranced, mesmerized, and hungry for her kiss.
Graham and Matt rode back to the group with a carriage following them. A slender man emerged from the carriage and approached the group. He introduced himself, and the gentlemen returned with their own introductions.
“I hear we had an altercation,” the magistrate said. “I would like to speak with each of you individually. Let’s start with the person who fired the gun.”
Marina stepped forward, but Evan spoke up. “Might I be allowed to stay with my betrothed? I won’t say anything. She has had quite a scare, and I wish to hold her hand.”
“Certainly, my lord. Follow me to my carriage. We will speak there.”
Marina recounted her version of the events, and the magistrate took notes, stopping her a few times to ask questions. Once he finished with Marina’s interview, he shifted his attention to Evan and asked him several questions.
They exited the carriage and Arthur was next. Followed by Jude, Matt, and then Graham. After he had finished with their group, he interviewed the driver and the footman. They all stood together,waiting and keeping an eye on Minto.
The magistrate approached the group and knelt before Minto. “My lord, the testimony is pretty damning and consistent. Do you have anything you wish to say in defense of yourself?”
“I should have killed this idiot—” he waved toward Evan “—when I had the chance. At least I could hang, knowing I ruined their chance at happiness.”
The magistrate stood, shaking his head. “Well, I think that concludes this case. I hope you are all right, my lady. I pray you and your betrothed have many years of happiness after all you have endured today.”
“Thank you,” Marina said.
Evan got the man’s attention. “Sir, might we take his lordship’s carriage to transport my lady and these men home? We will ensure it is returned to his townhouse for when a new earl takes up residence.”
“I don’t see an issue with that. Can you help me tie up the man and get him into my carriage before you depart?”
All five gentlemen spoke at the same time. “Gladly.”
Once Minto was loaded and secured, Evan could finally breathe easier. This mess was behind them. They would still be the subject of gossip, but Evan wanted nothing more than to quit town for a while and have Marina to himself.
They all watched the magistrate ride off with Minto before organizing their own party to depart. Evan rode in the carriage with Marina, while the footman rode his horse back. He held her in the seat next to him the entire ride back. She had nestled under his arm and fallen asleep, and he stroked her hair and back while she slept.
It was dark outside when they arrived in front of the Sidmouth townhouse. He kissed her brow and gently nudged her awake. Arthur had led the others to the mews so they could ensure their horses were taken care of after the long day.
Evan helped Marina down from the carriage and directed the driverto grab the footman and return the carriage to Minto’s mews. Jude gave the men his address before they departed, with instructions on where to report for their new positions.
Brooks opened the door before they reached the hearth. “Thank goodness you are all right. Everyone will be glad to see you, my lady. They are in the drawing room.”
She took Evan’s hand. When they reached the drawing room, they found they had beaten the other gentlemen there. Marina’s mother noted their appearance and rushed to her daughter. “Marina, thank heavens.”
She hugged her daughter. As soon as she released Marina, she pulled Evan into a tight hug. “Thank you for bringing her back.”
“No thanks needed, my lady.”
“Well, he had help, Mother,” Arthur said.
The rest of the gentlemen appeared. Graham went straight to his wife, and Evan glanced around the room, noting who was present. Juliana was there, sitting next to Tabitha. Evan’s mouth dropped open when he saw his mother sitting in a chair next to them. “Mother, what are you doing here?”