Bride for a Night(114)

“I was already given the choice, you arrogant ass,” Harry snapped. “I was told to turn a blind eye and allow you to be sacrificed or Jacques will put a bullet in my heart.” He squared his shoulders. “I am risking as much as you by being here.”

Gabriel turned a deaf ear to the squabbling, instead concentrating on the vague plans that were formulating in the back of his mind.

He understood Hugo’s reluctance to trust Harry. Christ, he didn’t trust his brother. But for the moment their only hope of escape lay in the hidden passageways, and he was not going to allow his doubt to prevent him from grasping the unexpected opportunity.

What the devil did they have to lose?

“Harry, I wish you to lead Hugo to the cellars.”

His brother frowned at the abrupt command. “What of you?”

Hugo shook his head, already suspecting Gabriel’s plan. “Dammit, no.”

Harry stepped forward in puzzlement. “What the devil is happening?”

Gabriel did not allow his attention to stray from Hugo. If his friend refused to cooperate, then his hasty scheme would be ruined before it could be given an opportunity to succeed.

“I have already warned you I will not leave without Talia,” he reminded the nobleman.

Hugo shrugged. “Then we will all go together to rescue her.”

“No, I will not argue.” Gabriel stubbornly refused to consider the offer. “You will accompany Harry to the cellars and wait for us there. If we do not arrive within half an hour, then the two of you will escape to the yacht.” He pointed a finger in Hugo’s face. “And this time, old friend, you will ensure that it sails.”

Hugo stiffened in outrage. “I most certainly will not.”

“Oh, for God’s sake,” Harry snapped. “We are all going to end up dead if we stand here like a gaggle of fishwives.”

“You would be eager to save your own neck,” Hugo muttered.

Harry stabbed him with an exasperated glare. “As any man of intelligence would be, but it is my familiarity with my brother’s arrogant belief he was born for the sole purpose of ordering others about that resigns me to the inevitable.” He pointedly glanced toward Gabriel, who made no effort to hide his stubborn determination. “Our choices would seem to be standing here and arguing or heading to the cellars so Gabriel can go in pursuit of his wife.”

“He is right,” Gabriel said, pushing his friend toward the opening in the bookcase. “Go with Harry and I will join you as swiftly as I can.”

“Fine.” Hugo reluctantly headed toward the passageway, glancing over his shoulder to reveal his disgruntled expression. “But, I make no promises that I will not have strangled your charming brother by the time you arrive.”

Gabriel paused long enough to snatch a candle from the nearby candelabra before following Hugo and his brother into the musty tunnel.

“Just so long as you do not alert the guards.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN



TALIA FELT no guilt as she pressed her ear to the door and eavesdropped on the heated argument between Jacques and Sophia.


Her numerous governesses had never trained her in the proper manners of being held prisoner by a French spy, but her rare afternoons among the dockhands had taught her that a young female must be willing to toss aside polite manners when necessary.

Besides, she continued to hold on to the hope that the Frenchwoman could convince Jacques to release his prisoners and return to his palace. It did not matter to Talia why Sophia was desperate to be rid of her, only that she managed to convince Jacques he was better served by leaving them behind in Calais while he returned to his duties elsewhere.