Page 40 of A Treacherous Treasure

“A hit. Very well done.”

She shot the pistol two more times, hitting the tree both times.

“You are doing very well,” Thomas said. “Now, shall we move on to the rifle?”

She almost protested, saying, “Must we? I was just starting to enjoy the pistol.” Instead, she held her tongue and let him put the pistol aside.

He showed her how to load and unload the rifle and how to hold it. She was competent enough now that he didn’t have to place her hands on the gun to show her how to hold it, but he stood very close as he instructed her, and once again, she felt a pleasant tingling sensation as he spoke, his voice low and deep.

As he showed her where to look in order to aim the gun, she felt his breath on her ear and had to control the delicious shiver that ran through her.

She was so thankful he couldn’t read her thoughts and prayed he didn’t know how appealing he was to her.

“Men always know when a woman finds him attractive,” Arthur had said to her once. But she’d assumed it was his pride and arrogance that made him think that. He probably thought every woman was in love with him as soon as he smiled and said some flattering words to her. And perhaps he was right. It certainly seemed to be so.

But Thomas Westbrook never seemed to have that kind of arrogance. She’d never flirted with him, and he’d never flirted with her. They both seemed quite aware of the fact that she was the wife—now widow—of the man he rightfully despised.

She set the stock of the gun against her shoulder, as he instructed her, and aimed the gun at the tree trunk.

She squeezed the trigger and the gun slammed her shoulder like a hammer. She gasped.

“Are you hurt?” Thomas asked, taking the gun from her shaking hands.

Rebecca rubbed her shoulder. “That hurt worse than I expected.”

“I should have warned you to hold the gun firmly.”

“I must have expected my shoulder to keep the gun from kicking. I never expected it to kick my shoulder.” She was sure to have a bruise.

“Forgive me.”

“No, it is not your fault. Next time I will hold it more firmly.”

“Do you want to try it again?”

The thought of shooting the gun again was not a pleasant one. “No, thank you. I think I can remember how.”

“I am sorry you’re hurt.” He looked contrite.

“No, no, I am not injured.” She tried to smile and look undaunted. She never liked thinking she was the same as other women, and society always portrayed women as frail and soft. Besides, she didn’t want him to regret showing her how to shoot.

“I feel quite safe and secure, now that I know how to defend myself if necessary.”

Thomas said, “I’m glad. That was my intent, to help you defend yourself. And now I think I should go. Remember not to trust Mr. Fogg or let him in the house.”

“I won’t.”

“And I don’t think you should trust Mr. Strader, the Justice of the Peace, either.”

“I won’t.”

“Or Mr. Pursglove, for it was strange that he came here to investigate before Mr. Strader had a chance to request his presence. The Justice of the Peace is required to pay for his services and is the one who would request it, not the constable.”

“So many suspicious things.” Rebecca shook her head. How troubling that they could not trust their own authorities and officials!

“If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to send for me. I will help you any way I’m able. And if you suspect any of your servants of disloyalty, I hope you will send them away. Mother can probably help you find better ones. She knows a great number of people.”

“That is very kind and thoughtful. Thank you, and please thank your mother for me.”