Despite the chill air the Marchioness felt a sudden warmth run through her veins. Her men were not afraid any more than she was afraid. She had taken the risk and how worthwhile it had been!
She remembered the first time she had sent gold to France. She could think of nothing else for the days and nights that had elapsed until the crew had returned with the cargo. She had known very little about it in those days. It was very shortly after she returned to Mandrake. She had heard people talking of smuggling and she had known that the well-to-do inhabitants of Folkestone and Dover were all making a little money on the quiet.
An old friend had told her how easy it was. He had been abroad for a year, escaping from the consequences of a duel after which his opponent had died.
“’Tis simple, Ha
