Vane was reaching for his cane before her last words had died-the emotion investing her "please" was compelling. Infected by her concern, her fear overriding the logical excuses his mind freely concocted, he turned to the door.
Webster, reacting with similar speed, opened it. Swiftly, Vane descended the steps. His stride lengthening, he mentally retraced Devil's habitual route home from his favorite club. Ten yards from the steps, Vane remembered the alleyway between Berkeley Square and Hays Mews. Cursing, he broke into a run.
Back inside St. Ives House, Honoria clutched the banister and fought down her panic.
Closing the door, Webster briefly glanced her way. "By your leave, ma'am, I'll notify Sligo."
Honoria nodded. "Please do." She remembered she'd ordered Devil watched-with relief, she grasped that branch and hung on. Sligo, protective, watchful Sligo, would have made sure his "Cap'n" was well guarded.
Beneath her, the baize door was flung open, crashing against the wall. Sligo rushed into the hall, flung open the front door and raced down the steps. As he disappeared, Honoria felt the slim branch she'd clutched ripped from her grasp-and found herself facing the black pit of her fears again.
*****
"Hah!" Devil didn't waste breath putting much force into the shout-the alleyway was long and narrow; there were no windows in the tall brick walls. Swinging the thin blade of his swordstick in a wide arc, he grabbed the moment as his three attackers flinched back to reach down and tug the body slumped on the alley's cobbles within his guard.
Leaving room for his feet, he straightened immediately, sword flicking back and forth, steel tip scenting blood. In his other hand, he held the empty scabbard, the rigid rod a foil against another weapon. With a feral grin, he gestured with the scabbard. "Well, gentlemen? Who'll be first?"
His challenging glance swept the faces of the men sent to kill him. They'd waited until he was in the alley, striding along, thinking of other things. Two had followed him in, the third had closed from the other end. All three were brawny, hulking brutes-sailors from their ill-fitting garments. All three carried swords-not slim blades like the one keeping them at bay but long, straight, single-sided weapons.
His gaze steady, his expression taunting, Devil mentally searched for escape. And found none. Chance-in the form of two large barrels left in the usually empty alley, and a man who'd chased the sailors into the dimly lit passage-had kept him alive this far. With a yell, the man had thrown himself at the pair, alerting him to their presence. The man's intervention had been more heroic than wise; after momentarily grappling with him, one sailor had raised his arm and, with his sword grip, struck him down.
But by then he'd had his back against the wall, unsheathed sword and scabbard in his hands, the barrels immediately to his left restricting the front he had to defend. "Come along," he taunted, waving them forward. "No need to feel reticent about dying."
Their eyes shifted one to the other, each waiting to see who'd be first. It was his only hope-to keep them hanging back in indecision. From the corners of his eyes, he kept watch on the ends of the alley, lit by the flares in the street and square beyond. If anyone passed, their shadows would be thrown in-he'd have to hold his attackers back until that happened, and he could call for help. Unfortunately, it was past midnight in an area of fashionable residences with the Season yet to start. There were few people abroad.
Feet shifted on the cobbles; the largest of the sailors, the one directly in front, tried a slashing thrust. Devil blocked, catching the blade on his scabbard, sword hissing forward to slice the man's forearm. With a curse, the man jumped back, scowling, piggy eyes considering.
Devil prayed he wouldn't consider too hard-one on one, he could win, or hold them off forever. They were all heavier, but he was taller and had a longer, more flexible reach. If they rushed him all at once, they'd have him. Indeed, he couldn't understand why they hadn't already overwhelmed him; despite his black coat, his snowy cravat and white cuffs marked him clearly. Then he saw all three exchange another wary glance; inspiration dawned. He smiled, devilishly. "Hell's not such a bad place-take my word for it. Fiendishly hot, of course, and the pain never ends, but I can guarantee you'll all be found a place."
The three exchanged another glance, then the leader tried a less-than-successful sneer. "You may look like Satan, but you ain't him. You're just a man-your blood'll run free enough. 'Tisn't us slated to die tonight." He glanced at the others. "C'arn-let's get this done."
So saying, he raised his sword.
His warning, of course, was not wise. Devil met them, front and right; the man on his left, impeded by the barrels, predictably hung back. Sparks flew as one sword met the sweetly tempered steel of the swordstick and slid away; blocking the leader's stroke with his scabbard, Devil followed up with a swift thrust that pierced flesh.
He disengaged, simultaneously blocking the leader's second blow; the sword, wielded with force, sheered along the polished wood and struck his hand, clenched around it. The cut was not serious, he'd been pulling back at the time, but the scabbard quickly turned sticky beneath his fingers. Suppressing all reaction to the wound, Devil sent his thin blade reaching for the leader. The man jumped back as the fine point pricked his chest.
Devil cursed; the man to his left pressed closer, anxious to be in on the kill. The three assassins regrouped, all raising their weapons.
"Hi! Hold hard!"
A tall figure blocked out the light from Hays Mews. Running footsteps echoed from the walls; a second figure followed the first.
Devil grabbed the moment, striking cleanly at the leader.
The man yelped, then staggered back, clutching his right arm. His sword dropped from nerveless fingers. The clatter shocked his comrades-they looked around, then dropped their weapons. All three turned and fled.
Devil started in pursuit-and tripped over the slumped form of his would-be savior, still lying at his feet.
Vane, his own scabbard and unsheathed sword in his hands, skidded to a halt beside him. "Who the hell were they?"
Side by side, the cousins watched the three burly shadows disappear into the glare of Berkeley Square. Devil shrugged. "We didn't exchange introductions."
Vane looked down. "You got one." Bending down, he turned the man onto his back.
"No." Devil peered at his comatose good Samaritan. "He tried to help and got a clout over the ear for his pains. Strange to tell, I think he's one of my undergrooms."
Puffing, Sligo clattered up. His gaze swept Devil, then he slumped against the wall. "You all right?"