The Lady Hellion Read Online Free PDF Page A

you’ve forgotten, you’ve asked for my assistance and I have refused it.”
    “Which I refuse to accept. Not only are you the most clever man I know, you’re a friend. Who else is in a better position to help me than you?”
    Now he would appear churlish to refuse. Smart.
    He flexed his fingers, thinking. While he did not appreciate being manipulated, he did not want to see her hurt. And if he showed her how to operate the damn things, would she go away and leave him in peace?
    “If I give you your hour, do you promise not to return?”
    “Yes,” she answered quickly, enthusiasm lighting up her face.
    “And what if you show no aptitude for firearms? Will you abandon this silliness?”
    “Of course. I do not have a desire to die.” She removed her cloak and threw the heavy garment over a chair. “I’ll suggest swords instead.”
     
     
    “If that is your idea of a jest, I am not laughing.”
    Sophie bit her lip. No, Quint’s face did not show any hint of amusement. With his eyes narrowed and mouth curved into a frown, he looked quite dour—even for a man who tended toward the serious. All the more reason she sensed something was off with him.
    She forced herself back to the conversation. “Of course I am jesting.” Not in the least. “Now, let us begin. I need to return before daybreak.”
    That did not appear to make him any happier. “Just how did you escape, by the way? And how did you sneak into my house without any of my staff stopping you?”
    She dared not tell him of her abilities. Only Alice had an inkling of the talents Sophie possessed, and no one else need know. “My maid is covering for me. She’s entirely trustworthy and discreet. And your kitchen door was unlocked. I assume your cook forgot to lock it on her way to bed.”
    He pulled at his full bottom lip with his thumb and forefinger, clearly contemplating something. The action brought attention to his mouth, and her skin began to tingle with the memory of what it had felt like to have those lips on hers. He was a remarkable kisser, with a single-minded focus and thoroughness to make a courtesan blush.
    That was the thing about Quint: Whatever he chose to do, he did well. His viscountess would be a lucky lady, indeed.
    Too bad it would not be Sophie.
    She glanced away and took a deep breath. These reactions to him would not do, not if she planned on paying attention.
    “Let’s examine the weapons,” he said, dropping his arm. “Pick one up, if you please.”
    Sophie reached into the velvet-lined box and lifted one of the pistols. The ivory handle was cool against her palm. “It’s heavier than I assumed.”
    “That is why you need to practice holding it, as I said, to build up your arm strength. The steadier you keep it, the more accurate your shot. And if you cannot hold it steady, then do not go through with a duel.”
    “Understood.” She peered down the barrel, pointed it at the floor. “Will you show me how to load it?”
    “No. The seconds oversee the loading of the pistols. All you need to be concerned with is not dying.”
    “But how shall I practice properly if I cannot load it?”
    She expected him to argue, but he surprised her by sticking to the practicalities. “You are aware you’ll need to drive out into the country in order to shoot, I hope.”
    “You needn’t treat me like a child, Quint. I plan to spend a few days in Sussex. I daresay there’s enough space on Papa’s estate to discharge a cannon and not be overheard.”
    He held up his hands. “Fine.” Reaching into the case, he withdrew various bits and pieces, which he lined up on the desk. His thorough explanation covered both the construction of the pistol and firing mechanism, as well as the function of the other items originally contained in the box. He showed her the paper cartridges, how they were used. In all his diligence, however, he never touched the pistol once.
    She began to shift impatiently, ready to actually do something.
    “Are you