A Highwayman Came Riding by Joan Smith Page A

have found you a suitable position?”
    “I have an inheritance,” he said. “I don’t take the money for myself, Marianne. I mentioned being more fortunate than many of my fellow soldiers. They have come home crippled, maimed, unable to earn a living for themselves and their families.”
    As he spoke, an angry bitterness crept into his tone. “They should be heroes, but they receive only a miserable pittance of a pension. When they are unable to work their tenant farms, they are turned off to starve. When you get to London, you will see them on crutches, begging on street corners—men who risked their lives for England. And the chosen few who stayed home, getting fat on the war, begrudge them their pension. I am very choosy as to whom I rob. I take only from those who can well afford it, preferably those who profited from the war.”
    “And do you give the money to these unfortunate veterans?”
    “Of course!” he said, offended that she should ask. “That is the whole point of it.”
    “But the duchess was not one of those profiteers who made money from the war.”
    “The duchess was a mistake. I was waiting for the Duke of Ancaster. I had word he would be passing that way. He made thousands manufacturing arms for the war. A tithe of it should go back to those who need a crust of bread more than he needs another horse or carriage or mistress. When I saw the strawberry leaves on the duchess’s coach, I thought she was Ancaster and attacked. Then Tom shot at us, and Miguel returned fire. I lost my temper and decided the duchess should contribute to my cause. She can well afford it.”
    “That first night, the night you robbed the duchess, you went out again after Ancaster?”
    “Yes.”
    “And you got him?”
    “I did.”
    “Good!” When she realized what she had said, she gave a gasp of dismay. “Not that two wrongs make a right! And it is very dangerous, Captain.”
    “I have friends who help me, hide me if I am chased, or would give me an alibi if required. Ned is one of them. He lost a son in Spain. There are others.”
    “You have risked your life once—in the Peninsula, I mean. Now it is someone else’s turn.”
    “The devil of it is, no one seems eager to take his turn.”
    “Could something not be done in Parliament? With your connections, you could be a member of Parliament yourself and lead a crusade.”
    “It is something to think about. I was so furious when I first returned to England and saw how the men were treated that I wanted to take direct action. It is true, one man can’t do it all.”
    “Was there anything else you wished to speak about?”
    “Many things, Marianne,” he said, reaching across the table and squeezing her fingers. “But you are referring to business. I hoped to strike a bargain with the duchess regarding her necklace. I shouldn’t have taken it. I shall have a word with her tomorrow morning.” He looked a question at her.
    Marianne smiled softly. “I think you will find her reasonable.”
    “I shall expect you to put in a good word for me.”
    “You may be sure I will. And now I really must get back to her. But I am glad I came.”
    “I am flattered that you prefer my conversation to her snoring. I hope you have some cotton to stuff in your ears.” They rose and reluctantly left the cozy parlor.
     

Chapter Ten
     
    They went back upstairs. The captain unlocked Marianne’s door and handed her the keys.
    Before going in, she said, “Are you a captain? A real captain, I mean?”
    “Why no, ma’am. I am a colonel.”
    “Oh, you are joking, Macheath. I know that’s not your real name.” She looked a question at him. He just shook his head, unwilling to tell her who he was.
    “Shall we just have a look at Her Grace before I leave?” he suggested.
    “Yes, that’s a good idea.” She listened a moment. “I don’t hear any snoring. Oh dear, I hope she is all right.”
    She hastened through the adjoining door to see the duchess lying at her ease.