Page 54 of The Captain Claims His Temptress

Stephen could not think about what that conversation might entail with a barrel pointed at him, and he surely couldn’t reach into his coat without risking his life. “’Tis in my pocket.”

How utterly humiliating that Saxton patted him down until he found the key. Even more mortifying, he confiscated Stephen’s pistol.

“Trying to pin his crime on me. Preposterous. He stole the key from your desk and set the men free.” Duponttsked. “And he has draggedla bellemademoiselle into his treachery, convincing her to lie for him.”

There was nothing Stephen could say to defend himself. Dupont had outwitted him.

“We should have alerted the constable immediately when the men were discovered at Herald Hall,” Adams said. “Then we might not find ourselves in this unfortunate situation.”

For once, Stephen agreed with the solicitor.

Saxton rested a finger on his cheek and peered at the ceiling. Eventually, he sighed. “In the morning, I’ll discuss matters with Major Blythe to see what he recommends.”

Dragging Blythe into his entanglement soured Stephen’s stomach, but it seemed his only hope. He would tell his superior everything.

An evil grin spread across Adams’ face. “Until then, you should keep the captain locked up. Otherwise, he may try to escape and take Mrs. Spencer with him.”

Madalene lunged, jabbing her finger into Adams' chest. “I will never court you. Not if you were the last man alive. You are a jealous fool if you think imprisoning Stephen changes anything.”

“Enough,” Saxton said. “I cannot think with all of this bickering.” He closed his eyes for a moment.

The baronet was obsessed with wealth and success, but he was not evil. Undoubtedly, Saxton could be reasoned with, and surely he could see through Dupont’s subterfuge and Adams’ jealousy.

“Sir,” Stephen said in his diplomatic voice that his twin compared to a calming lullaby. “This is a misunderstanding. I assure you, if you give me a few days, I will be able to explain everything.”

Madalene’s gaze pleaded with her uncle.

Adams whispered something in their host’s ear.

“How dare he!” Saxton bellowed as he grabbed Adams’ pistol and jammed the barrel into Stephen’s gut. “Without a chaperone and in my home?”

Did Adams know of Madalene’s visit to his chamber? Stephen opened his mouth to defend himself, but how could he? He’d behaved like a lecherous swine.

“In the cell, now.” Saxton shoved the pistol between Stephen’s ribs. “I will deal with you in the morning.”

Madalene grasped her uncle’s hand. “No.”

“Hugo is correct,” Dupont said. “Le captaineplans to run away with your niece.And I have sent a missive to your secretary of state telling him ofle captaine’ssecrets.”

Madalene bristled. “You untruthful turncoat. Stephen has no secrets.”

Unfortunately, he did, and unless he planned to attack all three men, there was nothing to be done since a loaded weapon threatened to blow him to bits. However, he had the skills to knock all three of them onto their arses. All it would take was a foot to Saxton’s gut, a lunge followed by a fist to Adams’ chin, and a spin in which he disarmed Dupont and shot him between the eyes with his own pistol.

Thereupon, Madalene might look upon him with disgust. And then there would be an inquest.

He sighed in resignation and stepped into the cell. “Please bring Blythe to see me in the morning.”

Madalene raced toward him. “No!”

Adams grasped her around the waist, took the lantern from her, and tugged her backward. She elbowed the solicitor in the nose. Blood gushed as he screeched in pain. Rushing back to Stephen, she wrapped him in her arms.

“Trust no one. Do not say anything,” he whispered in her ear. “I will work this out.”

This time it took both Saxton and a bleeding Adams to pull her from him.

“Be gentle with her,” Stephen growled at the men.

While the others wrestled with Madalene, Dupont stepped toward him, his damn arrogant smirk all-consuming. “You are finished, Captaine. You should have kept your handsome, aristocratic nose out of my business.”