Wonderland By Night (Heroic Rogues Series) Page 16

  Gabe hurried into the house and straight to his uncle’s study. The door was cracked open slightly and his aunt was inside discussing something with his uncle. Gabe really didn’t want to disturb them, but his much needed conversation with his uncle couldn’t be put off any longer.

  “But what if her father finds out?” Running his fingers through his hair, Henry snapped at his wife. “He will certainly blame me for not putting a stop to it!”

  “You are over-reacting again, Henry,” Martha snapped. “She is still young and does not understand the consequences of her actions. I’m quite certain her father will sympathize.”

  “Truly, this is utter nonsense. I need to stop this charade—” Henry stopped in mid-sentence and swung his head toward the door.

  Embarrassed at being caught eavesdropping, Gabe straightened his shoulders, took a deep breath, and entered. Both his uncle and aunt wore wide-eyed, surprised expressions.

  “Forgive me intruding,” Gabe began, “but I needed to speak with you, Uncle.”

  His aunt grinned and came to Gabe, only stopping to pat his cheeks. “You are not intruding, my dear. Mr. Hampton and I have finished our conversation, anyway.” She threw a finalizing glare toward her husband, then quit the room.

  Henry stretched his arms above his head, and faked a yawn. “What a lovely morning it is.”

  “Yes, it is, Uncle, which is why I would like you to take a ride around the estate with me.”

  “Splendid idea, my boy.”

  After the men had retrieved their riding jackets, they met back at the stables. As promised, Levi had both animals ready for riding. Gabe and his uncle mounted, then took off. Collecting his thoughts, Gabe didn’t know how to start the conversation. Earnestly, he prayed his uncle was not siding with England this time. Henry slowed the horse down to a trot and Gabe did the same.

  “I must say, Gabriel,” his uncle began, “you picked a wonderful time to go riding.”

  A slight breeze flitted through the trees around them, and the sun peeked through the limbs and leaves. “Yes, the weather has agreed with our outing, I believe. I enjoy riding when the land is so peaceful, but then it makes me wish the whole country could be as content.”

  Henry eyed him warily. “Yes. These are certainly troublesome times.”

  “Indeed they are, and being on this side of the sea, I have witnessed quite a lot during my travels.” Gabe took his attention off his uncle and focused on the trail ahead. “So many people are angry, and…forgive me if I speak out of turn, but I can see why they act out in such a way. Sometimes I feel as if the King has abandoned us over here.” He snuck a peek at his uncle’s reaction. Henry still watched Gabe through hooded eyes. Quickly, he continued, shaking his head. “I can see now why Lady Sarah’s father sent her here to hide out.”

  Henry nodded. “Indeed, it would seem at times that our King has forgotten about us…or trying to punish us for living over here. I fear, these perilous times will only become worse if the King doesn’t stop these high taxes.”

  “Very true.” So far everything was in Gabe’s favor, yet, what his uncle said really didn’t tell Gabe what he wanted to know. “Uncle, I heard a rumor not too long ago that has me greatly confused.”

  “What is it?”

  “I heard that you are related to that fearsome pirate, Captain Hawk, who sails on the Avenger, and attacks passenger ships.”

  “What is this?” Henry’s eyes widened. “Out of all the rumors circling round about that pirate, I’m surprised my name was mixed up in it.”

  “I’m assuming the rumor is false then?”

  “Indeed it is! I don’t know who started that rumor, but obviously it is someone who wants to ruin my reputation.”

  “The pirate is known for fighting the King’s Navy.”

  “That he is, my boy. But he’s still a pirate—and fighting for the Patriots.”

  “Forgive me for saying this, but at times I sympathize with the Patriots. Over the past few years, I have seen things that have made my heart break for them.”

  Uncle Henry pulled his horse to a stop, and Gabe followed his example. Worried eyes stared at Gabe as he held his breath, still praying he hadn’t said the wrong thing.

  “My boy, this conversation must be kept between you, me and none other.”

  Gabe nodded. “It shall.”

  “As I’m certain you are aware, there are spies amongst us. Anymore, I don’t know who to trust.”

  “I feel the same, Uncle. But rest assured, you can trust me, and I hope I can rely on your secrecy as well.”

  “You can.” Henry adjusted in his saddle. “But lately, I have not liked associating with the Loyalists. They have become overly pompous and I cannot abide with that kind of attitude. They turn up their noses at anyone who questions the King’s laws, especially the taxes.”

  Deep in Gabe’s heart, he knew confessing his secrets to his uncle would be a good thing to do right now. “I too, have seen this, and I must say, it disturbs me greatly.” Taking a deep breath, he prepared his next words. “Uncle, I feel I must tell you something.” Henry’s gaze remained on Gabe, the older man’s expression unreadable. Gabe continued, “For several years now, I have not been the man my family believes me to be. In fact, before I came to stay with you for a spell, I was on the high seas…running from the King’s Navy.”

  “What are you saying, my boy?” Henry arched a thick eyebrow.

  “I’m saying that I have been doing things these past few years, that if caught, could have me arrested for treason.”

  Henry gasped so loud, it startled the horse. He stroked the animal’s mane as he controlled his horse. “T-t-treason?”

  “Yes. I’m associated with the Sons of Liberty, and this past year I have been capturing enemy ships and obtaining secrets that will help the cause…that will help us obtain our freedom.”

  Slowly, Henry’s wide-eyed expression relaxed and a hint of a smile touched his face. “How very interesting.”

  “I pray this doesn’t ruin our relationship.”

  “On the contrary, my boy.” He chuckled. “I think more highly of you now than I did before. I had imagined you to be a carefree man who skipped on responsibility. Now I can see I was mistaken.”

  “Indeed, you were, Uncle.”

  “No wonder you argued with me about accepting your position as newly appointed Earl.”

  Gabe groaned. He’d forgotten about that. “That is the very reason I hesitate on the matter.”

  “Oh, but you must see the positive side of that. Being in England will give you ample opportunity to gather information that would help the Sons of Liberty.”

  “Yes, but it would also bring me closer to the enemy, and getting caught and hanged for treason is not what I want to happen at this point in my life.”

  Henry shook his head. “You are an intelligent man. I highly doubt anyone could catch you.”

  Gabe brushed a hand through the hair. “Regardless, I still have much to ponder on that subject, which I would rather not do at this time. However, I think we need to discuss Lady Sarah and why those men came looking for her.”

  Nodding, Henry’s forehead creased in puzzlement. “I still cannot fathom why they came. Do you suppose her father sent them?”

  “No, Uncle. If her father had sent them, they would have mentioned it first, and they would have waited for Lady Sarah to return.”

  “Very true.”

  “So here is what I propose we do to keep her safe.” He urged the animal closer to his uncle. Gabe explained how he asked Levi questions about the men who came, and what he realized. “We need to take Lady Sarah—and Miss Emmie this time—to another town, just for a visit. You cannot let the servants know where we are traveling. Lie if you must, but they cannot know. I do not want Commodore Billingford to find us.”

  Henry’s head bobbed. “I understand. Where shall we take them?”

  “Salem.”

  Henry’s eyes widened. “Why there?”

 
“It’s just enough out of the way from your home, yet close enough that I can have some of my crew meet us there in case Commodore Billingsford and his men know where we are.”

  “I do believe that is a wise decision.”

  “But remember, don’t let any of your servants know of this plan.”

  “You can count on me.”

  “And Uncle, I shall inform Lady Sarah and Miss Emmie about our journey. I plan on taking them for a picnic this afternoon.”

  His uncle studied Gabe closely as he rubbed his chin. “Tell me, Gabriel, why are you so willing to protect the enemy’s daughter? If Patriotism is what you feel strongly about, you probably loathe the duke as well as his brother, Oliver Townshend.”

  “Indeed, I do, Uncle. But as much as I cannot stand—nor trust—these men, I want to protect Emmie—uh, I mean Lady Sarah and her companion. Unfortunately, I have another motive in mind while keeping them protected.”

  “Let me guess.” Henry grinned. “You want to woo Lady Sarah?”

  Gabe rolled his eyes. “Actually, I want to ask her questions about her uncle. The more I know about that man and what he has planned, the more I can assist my fellow comrades.”

  “Now that sounds more like the nephew I know.”

  Chuckling, Gabe turned his horse and continued their ride. He didn’t wish to further the conversation by going into more detail, especially when it came to Lady Sarah and Emmie. For certain, his uncle would be able to see how smitten Gabe had become with Emmie already. And until he could figure out this infatuation himself, he didn’t want to discuss it with anyone.

  Chapter Eleven

  Gabe hurried through the house after he’d finished his morning ride. Talking to Emiline was top priority—even before eating the meal. He checked in the library, in the sitting rooms, even peeked outside the windows to see if she was by the stables. As each minute passed, he grew more anxious to see her. He didn’t know why. It wasn’t urgent that he speak to her right now, yet determination ran through his body and he knew he wouldn’t be able to think straight unless he could see her right away.

  He sprinted up the stairs and toward Lady Sarah’s room. Before reaching the door, it opened and out walked Emiline. A sigh of relief sprang to his mouth and whooshed out his lips.

  She closed the door and turned, then stopped quickly as a surprised gasp sprang from her throat. “Good morning, Mr. Lawrence.”

  He leaned against the wall and stared at her. She was back to wearing the ugly gray dress instead of the fancy one she wore yesterday. At least her hair wasn’t wound tight in a bun. Seeing her outfitted this way made him remember her true station in life. Her beauty and grace told him she shouldn’t be a servant. Unfortunately, he couldn’t change that. “Would you and Lady Sarah like to accompany me on a picnic today?”

  Her smile widened and a sparkle touched her big, brown eyes. “That would be most pleasing, Mr. Lawrence.”

  He leaned closer and whispered, “Have you forgotten my name, my sweet Emmie?”

  Her smile softened. “No, I just wanted to keep some kind of decorum while we were in the house as to not bring suspicions upon us.”

  “I see what you mean.” He straightened. “I thought we might discuss our forthcoming venture to Salem in a few days.”

  Happiness blossomed on her cheeks, and even her eyes lit up like stars. “I cannot believe this is actually happening.”

  “I have already spoken to my uncle and he agreed taking you and Lady Sarah to Salem for a few weeks was a splendid idea.”

  Her joyful expression changed to one of panic and she took a quick glance up and down the hall. “Your Uncle knows why we are going?”

  He stepped closer and lowered his voice. “No. All I told my uncle was that we needed to take Lady Sarah and her companion somewhere else for now since some strange men came asking about her the day we were gone.”

  “Do you know who those men were?”

  “I have my suspicions, but I don’t know why they would come asking for Lady Sarah.”

  “Do you suppose it’s because of her uncle?”

  Gabe shrugged. “That is what confuses me. If her uncle or her father would have sent them, they would have stayed until Lady Sarah returned home with my aunt and uncle.”

  She rubbed her forehead. “Indeed, this is very confusing.”

  “But not to worry. I’m certain my uncle will figure out what is going on.”

  “I sincerely hope so.”

  “Good.” Without being able to resist, he reached out and caressed her cheek softly. If this was the only way he could touch her right now, he’d take it. “We shall have our picnic at noon. I will escort you both.”

  “And we will be happy to have had the opportunity to be in your good graces, Mr. Lawrence.”

  Chuckling, he removed his hand. “Have a pleasant morning and I will talk to you later.” After giving her a wink, he turned and headed back down the hall to the grand stairs.

  Visions of her smile and her laugh occupied his mind throughout the morning as he tried to keep himself busy. He wrote a missive to his friend Rufus, to locate as many members of his crew and gather in Salem as soon as possible. Gabe needed them there in case Billingsford and his men showed up.

  Once the letter was written and sent with a courier, Gabe didn’t know how to pass the time until the moment when he would get Emmie and take her—and Lady Sarah, of course—to the designated spot on his uncle’s estate where he had the servants prepare a picnic spot. He couldn’t stop thinking about Emmie and how gallant he felt while in her company. It pleased him to see her face light up when he did gentlemanly things for her. And he took delight in the way her face turned soft and her amazing brown eyes ignited with passion when he kissed her.

  In a way, he wished he wasn’t so intrigued with this woman. He couldn’t think straight, and in his line of work, that wasn’t a good thing. Sometimes he wished he could give his heart to her, but his life was so complicated, he couldn’t bring her in to his traitorous—and most dangerous—way of living.

  Exactly at noon, Gabe was in the front of the house with Georgia’s buggy, ready to pick up the ladies for their picnic. As he jumped down from the vehicle, the two women were exiting the house. Lady Sarah looked exceptionally pretty this afternoon, wearing a pink dress with bell-shaped sleeves. And her hair curled with ringlets with matching ribbons woven throughout. Unfortunately, Emiline was not as lovely. The baggy gray dress did nothing for her complexion. He would have liked to tell her to change, but that was not his place. She was, after all, still a lady’s companion and didn’t take orders from him.

  He met them at the bottom of the steps and offered his elbow to Lady Sarah and then the other elbow to Emiline. The duke’s daughter took his arm, but Emiline did not. She followed behind like a good servant, which aggravated him to death. Even when Gabe was helping Lady Sarah in the buggy, Emiline climbed in the back seat by herself. Irritation crawled over him. More than anything he wanted her to sit by him. He wanted to accidentally bump her arm or her leg as they traveled in the buggy. Instead of inviting her to sit up front with him and Lady Sarah, he bit his lip and didn’t say a thing about the inconvenience.

  There was not much conversation as they traveled to the area he had planned for their picnic. He’d asked Lady Sarah about her trip to Manchester. She droned on and on, which made the ride almost boring because of her constant chatter. Perhaps he should have aimed his questions at Emmie instead.

  Once they arrived at the picnic spot. The servants had constructed a few tents for shade, which was necessary to help block the sunlight. Gabe stopped the horses then turned and jumped down. He noticed right away that Emiline was moving to climb down, so he hurried over to help her out first.

  Emiline’s eyes widened, and thankfully, she didn’t argue. Instead, she placed her hands on his shoulders as he held her by the waist and lifted her down. His heartbeat quickened from their closeness. Before she stepped away, their gazed locked and a tender smile
graced her face. His smile stretched wider and he winked.

  Gabe stepped away from Emmie, turned and helped Lady Sarah down. She smiled at him, too, but he didn’t feel the same stirring within his chest as he had with Emiline.

  When Lady Sarah was down, he moved to retrieve the blanket and food basket, but Emmie had already picked them up and was walking toward a shady tree. Grumbling under his breath, he strode toward her in large steps.

  “Emiline, please allow me take those from you.” He snatched them out of her hands without waiting for a reply.

  “That’s not necessary. I can do it.”

  Gabe glared at her, hoping his eyes communicated his irritation. “I’m quite sure you can, but I would like to take them, nonetheless.”