Wonderland By Night (Heroic Rogues Series) Read online

  Wonderland By Night

  Book Three of the “Heroic Rogues” Series

  Marie Higgins

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Wonderland By Night

  Copyright © 2013 by Marie Higgins

  Cover Design by Sheri McGathy

  Edition License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

  In a world where freedom is questioned and everything is in turmoil, Lady Sarah Emiline Townshend needs to hide her identity for fear that mobs will kill her and her family after her uncle—a political leader—passed laws that the good citizens in Boston did not approve of. Her father sends her to stay with some longtime friends of his in New Hampshire. But to stay safe, her maid must play Lady Sarah’s role…and Emiline will play Lady Sarah’s companion. When Emiline meets a handsome man, she suddenly wants him to look at her as a woman—not as a servant. Protecting her life, however, is more important than confessing the truth.

  Gabriel Lawrence’s pirate ship is almost captured and this time it was too close. He and his crew need to hide for a few months in hopes that the Royal Navy will forget about them. During his stay at his aunt and uncle’s in New Hampshire, he meets the niece of one of his enemies—Oliver Townshend. Because she doesn’t know who Gabe is, he will become close to her to see if she knows any more of her uncle’s secrets. But the beauty of her companion, Miss Emmie, captures his attention, and her quirky personality keeps him wanting more. But her over-zealous nature for adventure places both of them in danger and he’s forced to play the honorable rogue.

  How can he protect them both when an unknown spy is always one step ahead…and wants Gabe dead?

  Dedication

  I want to thank Melissa Lynne Blue, Mary Martinez, and Ella Quinn for helping me with this story. And what would I do without my friend, Veronica? You ladies are the greatest!

  I also want to dedicate this story to my all-time favorite entertainer, Engelbert Humperdinck—King of Romance—for sharing his love songs. I picked the title of one of his songs for this book, because the story fits the song perfectly! Thanks for being my inspiration!

  Chapter One

  Boston Massachusetts, 1767

  Something was not right. Unrest flittered in Emiline Townshend’s stomach, prickling the hairs on the back of her neck as her carriage rocked to a halt outside her uncle’s two-story townhouse.

  Curiosity, and determination to discover what was going on, enveloped her. She gave her hand to the footman as he helped her down from her carriage, and headed toward the front door. Several British soldiers stood guard near the white wrap-around porch as if they expected trouble at any moment. They eyed her warily until she walked closer, and then their postures relaxed a bit. She was used to being surrounded by some kind of political figure or a group of soldiers, but today’s display of guards greatly unnerved her.

  After striding into the house, she tugged on the ties of her bonnet to loosen them. “Can someone explain to me why there are so many soldiers outside?” she asked as two of her uncle’s servants rushed by.

  “My Lady Sarah.” The housekeeper scampered toward Emiline from the parlor. “Thank the Lord you are back, but you must make haste. There is no time to lose.”

  Inwardly, Emiline cringed. Lately she’d been so sick of people using her first name instead of her middle name—Emiline—the very name her mother used to call her. But then again, she was visiting in the same country where her mother was born and raised…and died…so mayhap that was the reason Emiline had been so melancholy lately.

  “I don’t understand why—” Emiline’s words were interrupted when the housekeeper hooked an arm around her elbow, whisking Emiline up the stairs toward her bedroom. As they passed by the first two guest-rooms, her uncle’s servants rushed around inside, shoving clothes into trunks.

  Emiline glanced at Hester still pulling her along. Lines of worry etched on the older woman’s round face at the corner of her eyes and mouth. Sheen of moisture touched the servant’s forehead.

  “Hester, I beg you, please tell me what is amiss. Why are there so many soldiers about?” Emiline glanced in another room and saw the same chaos. “Why is everyone so panicked?”

  As they reached Emiline’s room, Hester bustled in first, heading directly to the armoire. Already three trunks sat open on the bed. Emiline couldn’t understand why they needed to leave. She and her father had only arrived from London five days earlier. Her uncle couldn’t possibly want them out already.

  “My lady, your family is in great danger. The new higher tax laws your uncle passed a fortnight ago have the citizens of Boston in an uproar. Both your father and uncle fear for your family’s life.”

  Emiline slowly removed her bonnet as she tried to absorb the housekeeper’s words. Although she didn’t want anyone to know, she didn’t approve of these so-called laws her uncle had created. In her opinion, he was only stirring up trouble. These citizens already hated Oliver Townshend. They didn’t need more reasons. “Pray, why would my father fear for my life, Hester?”

  “Because you are staying with your uncle, my lady. Mobs are forming as we speak. They want to attack your uncle’s house and harm his family. They will do anything to put a stop to the laws he created.”

  Terror climbed through Emiline’s body, clutching her heart. The good citizens of Boston wouldn’t punish her for being related. Would they? Then again, Uncle Oliver was her father’s brother, so people would definitely jump to the conclusion that they all shared the same belief.

  Shaking herself out of her thoughts, she focused back on the housekeeper. “Are Father and I returning to London then?”

  “Oh, no. The duke will stay here with your uncle and fight this thing through, but he’s sending you to Hampton, New Hampshire.”

  “What?” Emiline shrieked. “Why there? I am quite certain I have never heard of that place.”

  Hester took a gown from the armoire and with trembling hands, carefully folded it and laid it in the trunk. “Some friends of your father live there, Mr. and Mrs. Hampton. The town was named after their ancestors, I believe.”

  Now Emiline recalled her father speaking of these people, but he hadn’t seen them for years—since before her mother died fifteen years ago. “Do they know I’m coming?” She moved to assist Hester.

  “Yes, my lady. Just this morning your father sent a messenger with the note.”

  Footsteps pounded on the floor down the hallway. Emiline swung toward the door just as her lady’s maid ran in to the room. Strands of her dark brown hair had escaped her mop cap and clung to her pale cheeks. She did a quick curtsy. “Lady Sarah, your father instructed me just now that we are to have you packed and on your way within the hour.”

  Impossible! There was no way they would have her packed that quickly. “Then there is no time to stand around and converse.” She marched to another armoire, swung open the doors and started yanking out gowns. “I shall help pack.” Glancing over her shoulder, she peered at her maid. “Anna, I suggest you start on those drawers in the corner.”

  “Yes, my lady.”

  To some servants, seeing Emiline packing her own trucks might seem out of char
acter for the daughter—an only child—of a duke, but Emiline was different. As a child, her father hadn’t been a titled man and they could only afford a few servants, so Emiline learned to do things herself. Two years after her mother died and her father was given the title of duke when his grandfather passed on, Emiline had more servants than she needed. Having her father with a new title changed everything, it seemed. She missed doing things with him, just the two of them.

  Sighing heavily, she recalled when they used to go sailing. He’d taught her everything about commanding a boat. How she had loved sailing, only because it made her feel so powerful—so in control of her own life. Her father even taught her how to ride a horse. She had entered many horse races as a child and won ribbons. As she grew to be a young lady, it was unheard of for a girl of her mature age to compete in horse races, which saddened her greatly. At that point in her life, her father had become more involved with parliament and his comrades, and didn’t find time for his daughter.

  Heavier footsteps thudded up the hallway and stopped at the door. She knew who stood there before looking his way. Her father’s presence commanded attention no matter where he traveled or who he encountered.

  Glancing over her shoulder, she met her father’s eyes. “I’m almost packed.”

  Nodding, he looked at Hester. “Will you give me a private moment with my daughter?”

  “Yes, Your Grace.” Hester curtsied and hurried out.

  Anna turned to follow the other servant, but Emiline’s father touched her arm. “I would like for you to stay.”

  “As you wish.” Anna curtsied, too.

  After he closed the door, he strode closer, his arms folded over his massive chest. Indeed, he was a large man, and not one to be trifled with. Even his younger brother, Oliver, was taken down a peg a time or two whenever he verbally crossed the duke.

  Worry lines creased his forehead and around his mouth. It seemed he had aged several years since she had visited with him this morning. Definitely, the strain from the recent upset had taken its toll.

  “Father, what is amiss?”

  For a few long and awkward moments, he stood in silence. Finally, he cleared his throat. “I have a wild idea, and I need both of you to do something for me.”

  Emiline exchanged glances with Anna, before she returned her focus back to her father. “What is it?”

  “Here in the colonies there are many citizens who are not devoted to our King. Instead, they would rather cause mayhem and make others miserable.”

  Emiline frowned. “Do you blame them, Father? They have suffered a lot with such ridiculously high taxes—”

  “Please,” he interrupted, holding up a hand. “Let me finish.”

  Nodding, she kept her mouth closed, and especially, her opinions to herself.

  “Because it’s hard to decipher the Loyalists from the fools over here, I cannot trust people I do not know. It’s that reason I’m sending you to my friends, Henry and Martha Hampton. But because I do not trust their neighbors, I cannot have my daughter in danger with me so far away.” He took a deep breath. “So because of that, I have formulated a plan that only us three will know about.” He looked at Anna. “Before you reach New Hampshire, you will become Lady Sarah—” he met Emiline’s wide eyes, “—and you, my darling daughter, will be Lady Sarah’s maid.”

  Slowly, Emiline shook her head, not quite understanding what her father was saying. She must have cotton in her ears. Did he really want her to play a servant? “Papa?” she asked in a small voice. “Let me understand this correctly… You wish me to switch places with my maid?”

  “Yes. Just while you are staying with Mr. and Mrs. Hampton.”

  “But…will they not realize we are fooling them?”

  “No.” He walked closer to her and stopped right in front, stroking her cheek lovingly. “Mr. and Mrs. Hampton have never met you. If you and Anna play your parts precisely, my friends will never know of the deception.” He motioned his head toward Anna. “You and your maid are only a few months apart in age. You both have dark hair and dark eyes. During your carriage ride, you can instruct Anna on how she needs to act.”

  “Oh, Your Grace,” Anna spoke quickly, her voice raised in excitement. “Lady Sarah does not need to instruct me. I have been her maid for several years. I know how the daughter of a duke is required to act.”

  He smiled wide. “Splendid. Then I shall need you to instruct my daughter how to act like a servant.” He glanced back at Emiline and winked. “I fear my daughter has been pampered of late.”

  Inwardly, Emiline growled. She was quite certain she would not need lessons, either. But…a maid? She couldn’t stop the panic bouncing inside of her from his suggestion. “Father, forgive me for voicing my opinions, but I cannot act like a maid! It’s just not done. I would be expected to know how to do things. I will certainly mess up and then cause suspicion.”

  “Hmm…” He nodded and rubbed his chin. “I do see your point. All right then, instead of Lady Sarah’s maid, you shall be her companion. I’m quite certain Mr. and Mrs. Hampton will have a maid to tend to Lady Sarah while you are there.”

  Without being able to stop herself, Emmie snorted a laugh. “A lady’s companion? But father…I’m not old enough.”

  “On the contrary, my dear. Not all ladies’ companions are old. We will tell Mr. and Mrs. Hampton that you are Lady Sarah’s poor relative and you have been her companion for three years now. You will not be required to do all the duties of a maid, and you shall have more freedom to do other things when you are not with Lady Sarah.”

  Emiline kept quiet as her mind turned over her father’s idea. The more she thought, the more she realized this just might work. “Fine. I believe I can handle being a lady’s companion.”

  “Good.” He kissed his daughter’s forehead. “Now that is all settled, I will have only a few soldiers following you during your journey. They will only follow until you cross over to New Hampshire.”

  Her heart sank. “But…would the soldiers not draw attention to us if they are following?”

  He shook his head. “I shall instruct them not to follow too closely.” He took his daughter’s hands and squeezed. “I believe your journey will go smoothly. When you reach the Hampton’s estate, I want you to enjoy yourself. Think of this as a holiday, if you will. Try not to worry about your Papa.”

  Emiline’s heart clenched and she frowned. “That is asking a lot of me. I cannot help but worry about you.”

  Her father pushed his fingers through his graying black hair. “My dear little Emmie, you worry entirely too much about me.”

  Her heart melted when he called her by the nickname her mother used to use. Of course, being in the colonies, Emiline couldn’t help but think of her mother. The very reason her mother had died fifteen years ago was because she’d come here to visit her family, but before arriving in the Boston’s harbor, her ship was attacked by pirates.

  “Father, it’s hard not to worry.” Tears pricked her eyes. “I don’t want to lose you like we lost mother.”

  “Nonsense. Your mother was killed by a pirate ship.”

  “Exactly. Are they not part of the same group who are after Uncle Oliver now?”

  Chuckling, he patted her cheek. “My dear, you are too intelligent and you know too much about politics. Rest assured, all will be well.”

  She released a pent-up breath. “Promise me you will not do anything rash and get involved where you shouldn’t.”

  He offered a sympathetic half smile. “Not to worry, my dear little Emmie. The Lord will watch over both of us.”

  Her father turned and opened the bedroom door, then led them down the grand stairs to the front door. Uncle Oliver stood by the entryway and gave her a quick hug before she walked out with her father.

  Servants were quickly loading the trunks onto the coach as Anna climbed in the vehicle. Emiline hugged her father before getting in herself. Once she sat, he reached in and grasped her clutched hands.

  �
��God speed, my dear.”

  “I shall see you soon.” She smiled, although she didn’t put much effort into the emotion due to her jittery feelings.

  As the coach jerked into action, her heartbeat slowed considerably. The next little while was definitely not a holiday, no matter what her father tried to tell her. And she had promised to be a lady’s companion the whole time.

  Good grief, what had she been thinking to agree to her father’s plan?

  * * * *

  Gabriel Lawrence gnashed his teeth as he gripped the ship’s railing with one hand and balanced the spyglass with the other, watching the enemy ship coming toward them. All the crew on The Avenger scrambled into action as Gabe shouted orders over his shoulder. The Avenger was a fast ship, which is why it was perfect for his needs. The Sons of Liberty counted on him as well as his fellow comrades fighting for freedom and away from Britain’s rule.