"Congratulations. That was a fine show you put on with your pistol."
He seemed momentarily startled, but then he laughed at his own surprise and took another swig of kill-devil. "Thank you very much." He wiped his mouth, set down the bottle, and glanced back. "Forgive me if I disturbed your evening."
"Where did you learn to shoot like that?"
"I used to do a bit of hunting."
"Have you ever actually shot a man?"
"Not that I choose to remember."
"I thought so. It really was a bluff." Her eyebrows lifted. "So may I enquire what is it you propose doing now with your two hundred men and provisions?"
"You're Miss Bedford, if I'm not mistaken." He rose, finally making her out. "I don't seem to recall our being introduced." He bowed with a flourish. "Hugh Winston, your most obedient servant." Then he reached for the flask of kill-devil as he lowered back into his chair. "I'd never presume to address a . . . lady unless we're properly acquainted."
She found the hint of sarcasm in his tone deliberately provoking. She watched as he took another drink directly from the bottle.
"I don't seem to recall ever seeing you speak with a lady, Captain."