If you want the viscount, just take him.
***
“You found the men that approached Caroline and invaded her home?” Mason asked Hunt, who gave single nod. The study had taken on a somber air after she left, and he found he missed her presence even though not much time had passed since they parted.
“Your uncle too. They are all in custody. What do you want to do?”
Mason tapped a finger on his chin. A thread of worry weaved through his heart. Would Caroline take her sisters and leave now that everything was almost settled? God knows, they hadn’t known each other long, but their encounters were always ladened with explosive emotion that Mason did not want to give up. Would not give up.
He would just have to woo her harder.
Seduce her with soft reassurances.
Tempt her with gentle kisses.
Lure her with promises of their future.
But first. “Has my uncle discovered the watch is counterfeit?”
“No.”
“Good. Inform my uncle I will not press charges—he can even keep the watch—but he is to leave England immediately, never to return. Make sure he leaves. Escort him to the nearest ship, if you must.”
“You will not speak to him?”
“I’ve wasted enough time on him.”
“What about his men?”
“If you can’t send them to rot in prison for good, then send them with him. I do not want vermin such as them walking the streets of London.”
Hunt nodded. The Bow Street Runner understood him. Had since they met years ago when his uncle first started with his tricks and he had sought out someone for advice. The bounds of acquaintanceship had long since transformed to that of friendship.
“And Digby?”
“Leave him.” He was, after all, his future father-in-law. “I’ll deal with him if he makes trouble.”
Hunt nodded, paused, then asked, “Then am I to congratulate you on upcoming nuptials?”
Mason dragged a hand through his hair. “Not yet,” he laughed. “I suppose I ought to send my uncle a thank you note. If it wasn’t for him, I’d never have met my little thief.”
A soft throat cleared. “Then your uncle and his cronies have been apprehended?” Kate asked from the doorway. She stepped into the room. She glanced at Hunt. “My description aided in their capture?”
Hunt nodded. “You were extremely detailed, my lady.”
Kate laughed. “Please, I’m no lady. In fact, I’m here on my sister’s request to report my pistols.”
Mason’s brows snapped together. “You own pistols?”
Kate nodded. “Caroline ordered me to inform you of their existence. Consider yourself informed.”
“Who the devil taught you to shoot?” Mason asked, at a momentary loss.
“Why, I taught myself,” Kate said with a smile. “I’m not a good shot, I admit, but I’m not that bad either.”
“Pistols are dangerous, Miss Harwood,” Hunt suddenly spoke up.
“You do not have to tell me that, Mr. Hunt.” Her eyes brightened. “You are a Bow Street Runner, so I imagine you are a very good shot. Perhaps you can help me practice my technique.”
