But instead of maneuvering to disconnect the extra rail car (where John and Jack planned to hide in) that Edward had arranged with the railway company to connect to the end of the train, next to the luggage car, she said that Jack and John could just throw similar satchels they would fill with the gold, out of the moving train at a point they would agree on. She would be waiting in that general area. Once they’d thrown the satchels out of the train, she could collect the satchels, and then ride to Folkestone. She would wait in Folkestone for John and Jack, and together they would ride to London.

It was a daring plan, and John could scarcely believe they would be able to execute it. However, it was less dangerous than the original one he had thought of, which would have involved either he or Jack disconnecting the extra rail car at a precise enough moment so that he and Jack could then disembark with the satchels of gold and walk to the nearest station. Beatrice’s idea was simpler and less dangerous for him and Jack. But it would expose her to a fair amount of danger until he and Jack could join her.

He described their plans to Edward, who protested at first that he didn’t envision involving the fair and elegant Lady Beatrice. “John, you do recall when we first talked that this enterprise is so dangerous I would not have brought in any of my tough lads. And yet you have chosen to not only involve Lady Beatrice, you have given her so much physical labor to endure!”

John laughed at his friend’s red-faced protestations. “Edward, Lady Beatrice may have a reputation in society for grace and beauty, but believe me – she is an exceptional equestrianne and possesses strength and courage I’d wished all my men had while I was out in those wars!”

He clapped his friend on his shoulder, and with a slight laugh warned him, “Besides, I do believe she would shoot both of us between the eyes from a hundred paces if you dare tell her she won’t be able to carry this out on account of her … um…frailty.”

In the end, Edward reluctantly agreed, partly because he knew Lady Beatrice was, indeed, a good shot, had a temper, and was fiercely protective of her brother. But they also did not have any time or leeway to make alternative plans. The first part of the plan to take the gold from the temporary shed needed to be executed the following evening, and he had to admit her plan was the quickest way for John and Jack to empty the shed.