Wonderland By Night (Heroic Rogues Series) Page 7

  “Apparently, your family in England doesn’t know your whereabouts so they sent this to me hoping I would.” He sat up straighter in his chair. “You, my nephew, are now the only living male heir. The title is now yours.”

  Not really knowing how he should act, he went with his first instinct…and laughed. Actually, snorting was more of what came out of his mouth and nose. His reaction made his uncle jump back and his eyes widened.

  “Uncle Henry, forgive me, but…” Gabe laughed harder as he stood, now towering over his uncle. “Moving to London and becoming an Earl is just not what I want to do with my life.”

  Within seconds, a deep scowl appeared on Henry’s face, emphasizing his many wrinkles. “But you must.”

  A sharp pound started in his forehead and he rubbed the irritation. “Is there not a distant cousin that the title can go to?”

  “No, there’s not.”

  Gabe didn’t want to explain the reasons why he didn’t want to live his life in London—as a pompous Earl, no less. “Uncle Henry, I really need to think this over before making a decision.”

  His uncle gasped. “What is there to think over, boy? The title is yours whether you want it or not. It comes with a large estate and lands. Many men dream of having such a thing handed to them. You are a very fortunate man, Gabriel.”

  Shaking his head he walked to the window and looked out into the yard, gazing upon the predawn sky scattered with billowy clouds. “I’m aware of that, but I have made my own life here in the colonies. I cannot just throw my hands up in the air and forget everything I have done and leave for London without a second thought.” He heaved a sigh. “Will you give me time to think this over?”

  “Yes, but do not take too long.”

  “But Uncle, I cannot make a rash decision.” He looked back at the older man. “This is my future. If I step into an earl’s life, I would surely be expected to take a wife and have heirs myself.”

  Henry nodded. “Just as it’s supposed to be.”

  “But I’m not ready for such a responsibility.”

  Henry slapped his hands on the desk and stood. His eyebrows creased with irritation. “Then it’s time you took on that challenge. You are not a lad, living the carefree life any longer. You need to bring respect back to your father’s name, and this is the only way you can accomplish such a feat.”

  “But I enjoy being who I am. I want to be my own man. I want a normal life.”

  The corner of Henry’s mouth lifted in a smirk. “Gabriel, I believe you have never had a normal life, especially now.”

  Curiosity got the best of Gabe and he wondered exactly what his uncle knew. But he couldn’t ask. He didn’t want to admit he was a traitor to the crown when he knew his uncle was a devoted loyalist.

  “So Gabriel, what do you plan to do?”

  Closing his eyes, Gabe rested his head against the window. “I don’t know, Uncle. Please don’t rush me. Allow me to stay here a few more weeks to clear my head and think rationally.” With another heavy sigh, he pulled away from the window and stepped to the door, resting his hand on the brass door handle.

  “Gabriel, I want you to think of your future. You cannot live a carefree life forever, you know. And for heaven’s sake, get rid of that awful brown color in your hair and return to the vibrant auburn that reminds me of your mother, my dearly departed sister.”

  Chuckling, Gabe opened the door and left, not bothering to give his uncle an answer. He certainly couldn’t tell him he wore this hair color to hide from the King’s Naval Officers.

  Gabe’s long strides carried him to the stables, and within moments, he was atop one of his uncle’s stallions and riding away from the estate. It irritated him to think his uncle would reprimand him, yet he could see how much Henry worried about his welfare. As his uncle pointed out, it wasn’t every day a title was handed over to a commoner—especially one who was a traitor to the crown.

  He growled in frustration and pushed the horse faster. Ideas of what he could do with a title such as this floated through his mind, but he didn’t want to be in London amongst the enemy. True, he could collect information and send it to the Patriots here, but living that kind of life in London was dangerous. His home was here in the colonies. The Sons of Liberty and his crew members were his brothers, and Gabe didn’t want to give up a family like that.

  Gabe slowed his horse to a trot as he wandered aimlessly along the path ahead, canopied by the trees. A gentle breeze blew across his face, bringing with it the heady scent of wildflowers nearby.

  His thoughts drifted back over the years to the great men he’d worked with. William Braxton, a strong dedicated family man who only wanted freedom for his children as they grew. Marcus Thorne—also known as Captain Hawk—was a great businessman who cared for his fellow Patriots, even if it meant giving his own life.

  Because Gabe had such wonderful examples, he wanted to be like his friends. He didn’t want to cower under a pompous title or yield to the way the aristocrats wanted him to live just because he was the only male heir next in line.

  But now… Now, no matter what he decided, he must stay here a few more weeks. He must keep his identity—and hair color—hidden.

  Stopping the horse on the top of a knoll, Gabe looked out over the countryside, breathing the fresh air. He relaxed slightly. Soon he’d be able to decide his future, but right now, this break refreshed him.

  Out of nowhere, something Miss Emmie had said to him came to mind, making him chuckle. She accused him of trying to make Lady Sarah fall in love with him because he was a penniless man. The lady’s companion would probably faint dead away if she knew exactly how much money he had—and that he was just given a title. But to her he was a normal man. He grinned wider. At least he knew he was playing his part well.

  Miss Emmie was a strange little woman. Over the past two days, he had been with Lady Sarah quite a bit. He’d taken her on a few carriage rides and even on picnics. Emmie made it obvious through her glares that she didn’t approve. Sometimes he wondered if he courted the duke’s daughter just to get a reaction from her companion.

  It was rather funny, now that he thought about it, because Emmie hadn’t met his gaze since he’d kissed her. However, she still watched Lady Sarah closely, and had an even closer eye on him.

  He’d also made it a pastime of late to watch the lady’s companion. He couldn’t understand why he thought Lady Sarah looked out of place, and especially why she didn’t act as bold as her companion. Yet bold as Miss Emmie was, she still displayed a face of innocence. Her crimson blushes gave it away.

  Swiping his hand across his moist brow, he kicked the horse into a gallop and rode in a different direction. Since the weather was warmer than it had been in a few days, he decided to take another swim in his uncle’s pond. Just thinking about the cool water cascading down his heated body made him urge the animal faster.

  He neared the secluded spot and stopped the horse. As he tied the reins to a tree branch, the sound of splashing permeated the air. Since tall trees surrounded the pond, he couldn’t exactly see who had invaded his bathing place, so he hurried toward the water.

  The first thing he saw was an ugly gray dress lying on a rock. Gabe shook his head and held in a chuckle. Miss Emmie. He really should leave so that she could have some privacy. He was, after all, a gentleman of sorts, but he was in the mood to tease a little. Actually, this time he would tease a lot. How could he not since it had been his first instinct since meeting her?

  Gabe waited until she emerged before doing or saying anything. The water slapped against her shoulders, but didn’t show him anything below that. Stringy wet brown hair fell around her face and down her back, making her look more like a woman…and that much more alluring. Something must have gotten in her eye because she vigorously rubbed that spot with her dainty fingers. After a minute, she swiped the hair out of her face, shaking her head in the process.

  This was absolutely the most enticing thing he’d ever witnessed, and what m
ade it more appealing was that she didn’t know she had an audience. The woman was naturally sensual, and this knowledge brought a tightening to his chest as his heart hammered out an uneven rhythm.

  Once she opened her eyes and saw him, she gasped. Her arms crossed over her chest to hide what he couldn’t see, anyway, and she squatted in the water until the liquid bobbed up around her chin.

  “Mr. Lawrence?” Her voice squeaked high in panic. “What—what—are you doing here?”

  Her gaze combed slowly over him. Desire flowed through him from her adorable expression. May the devil take him, but he liked seeing her all flustered. Her red cheeks made her brown eyes darker.

  Wetting his dry lips, he exhaled through his nose, trying to remove the indescribable feelings pumping through his blood. What was wrong with him?

  He shook himself out of the trance she’d put him under. “Good day, Miss Emmie. I was just passing by when I heard someone in the pond. I took it upon myself as the nephew of this estate to see if there was perhaps an intruder on my uncle’s lands.”

  “Well, now that you see I’m not an intruder, will you be so kind as to leave me to my privacy? It is not proper for you to be watching me bathe.”

  “And when you watched me bathe the other day, was that any different?” He shook his head. “I think not, my dear.”

  “That’s neither here nor there.” Her cheeks reddened even more, if that was at all possible. “Please, Mr. Lawrence, leave me to my privacy.”

  He grinned, deciding this was the perfect moment to start teasing. “Actually,” he began as his fingers moved up and started loosening his neck cloth. “I thought I might join you. The weather has been warm today, and I was in the mood for a swim.” He stepped toward the water.

  “No!” She moved back further. “Please, Mr. Lawrence, do as I say and leave.”

  He’d removed his neck cloth quickly and his shirt hung open at his throat before he stepped near the edge of the pond. As much as the idea of sharing the pool with her sounded most entertaining right now, he was really only teasing. Now if his heart would quit hammering from the pleasure he received from just watching her, he’d be able to think rationally.

  “Are you certain you would not enjoy some company?” he asked.

  She shook her head, and once again, her gaze moved over his chest, resting momentarily on his exposed throat. “Yes, I’m most certain.”

  He sighed heavily and shrugged. It pleased him to see that her innocent gaze couldn’t stay off him.

  “Can I help you out?” He looked around the area where her clothes were located. “I think you will need a towel, but I don’t see one.”

  “I—I—I will be fine, Mr. Lawrence. I assure you.”

  He looked back at her and grinned. “I gather you have never shared a bath with a man.”

  A deeper blush covered her face, verifying his curiosity. Her reaction was everything he thought it would be, and he wouldn’t have traded it for all the money in the world—or the bloody title of an Earl. The look on her face was priceless. He loved the fact that he could make her respond in such a way.

  “Mr. Lawrence, I don’t believe it’s any of your business, but no, I have never shared a bath with a man.”

  “I don’t suppose you would want to start your first experience now?”

  “I would not,” she said pertly.

  “Is there any way I can convince you? I assure you, I will show you a most enjoyable time.”

  “My answer is still no.”

  “Then alas, my work here is of no avail. I suppose I shall have to leave now. Have a pleasant bath, Miss Emmie.” He smiled, gave her a small wink before turning and leaving the woods.

  Slowly he made his way to his horse, thinking the whole time that maybe he should go back and spy on her. No, that wasn’t like him. After all, he was a gentleman, even though sometimes he didn’t act like one around Miss Emmie. Why did he allow her to bring out his wild, rebellious side?

  As he mounted his horse and rode off for the house, he realized that today’s run-in with Miss Emmie, brief as it was, certainly brightened his day.

  * * * *

  “Gabriel? Would you come here for a moment?” Henry called as Gabe stepped outside through the side doors, preparing to head toward the stables.

  He swore under his breath. Not again! It had been a few days since he’d talked to his uncle in the study. Gabe didn’t want to have to rehash the same words.

  Hesitantly, he turned away from the stables and made his way to the green patch of lawn where his aunt, uncle, and cousin stood with Lady Sarah playing Trundling Hoop and Roll. Henry looked dashing in his red coat covering a golden shirt, and matching red breeches. Indeed, he looked as if he was headed to a political meeting instead of playing outdoor games with his family.

  Aunt Martha always dressed proper in her silver and white gown with white neck lace kerchief covering her neck and shoulders. Rebecca was dressed similar to her mother, just without the neck lace kerchief, and her sleeves were not as long. To be sure, Rebecca appeared most wanton in her attire, and Gabe pitied the man who married his cousin.

  By far, Lady Sarah’s gown was of a more expensive cut, and almost fit her too tight. She wore the neck lace kerchief, yet he could tell it didn’t do her justice because it didn’t hide how her bosom almost spilled over the top of her bodice.

  He walked toward his uncle who came his way. “What can I do for you, Uncle?”

  “I thought you would like to play a game with us. Lady Sarah mentioned she had learned a new game that expands on Trundling Hoop and Roll, but she doesn’t quite remember how to play.” Henry ran his fingers through his salt and pepper colored hair and gave Gabe a crooked smile. “With you traveling so much, I was hoping you had learned this game as well.”

  Gabe moved to the little group, stopping beside the duke’s daughter. “Good day, Lady Sarah,” he greeted with a smile and a bow.

  “And a good day to you, Mr. Lawrence.” She curtsied.

  “My uncle tells me you are having a problem remembering the game.”

  She laughed lightly. “I must admit, I cannot recall exactly how to play, but it was very enjoyable.”

  “Do you remember who you have played this game with?”

  She nodded. “Actually, yes. I was with Emiline…er, I mean Miss Emmie and she taught me…um…”

  She stopped abruptly as if she had said something wrong. Gabe was happy to learn the companion’s full name—although Emmie suited her much better for some reason. All eyes turned toward Lady Sarah, waiting for her to finish her story.

  Gabe’s cousin, Rebecca, snorted a rude laugh. “Your companion taught you how to play? Are you saying this game is a servant’s game?”

  “Uh, well...yes, she did teach me, however I do not think it’s a servant’s game. It was a couple of years ago, but she tried to teach me how to play. It was so much fun.” She frowned. “It is most unfortunate she’s not here right now. Perhaps she would do a better job of teaching it to us.”

  Gabe slapped his hands together and laughed. “I think that’s a splendid idea.” Everyone swung their head toward him, and their eyes widened as well. “Lady Sarah? Where is Miss Emmie? I shall fetch her at once and bring her into the game.” Suddenly, the idea of having to play this insipid game didn’t seem as boring.

  Henry held up his hand. “Oh, but Gabriel, I don’t think—”

  “But Uncle, it’s a perfect suggestion. As it stands right now, I’m the odd man. If we bring Lady Sarah’s companion into the game, it will make our game even with players.”

  As he stepped away to search for Emiline, he heard his cousin huff. “Father, I don’t think this game needs teams.”

  Henry grumbled irritably. “It doesn’t.”

  Gabe chuckled, but hurried before someone tried to stop him. He only had to ask two of his uncle’s servants before finding Miss Emmie’s whereabouts. It surprised him to think she was spending time in the library. But then, he was certain that
most ladies’ companions were bored easily.

  When he stepped into the library, he spotted her immediately. Today she wore an ugly brown dress—so very drab and did not suit her at all. And, as before, it practically hung on petite frame. Apparently, she hadn’t made it into town to visit a dressmaker.

  She sat curled on the couch with her legs tucked underneath her, shoes gone from her feet and laying haphazardly on the floor. Miss Emmie looked deeply engrossed in a book, and guilt overrode his emotions. He couldn’t believe he was going to interrupt her private time just so his day could be more enjoyable. She made such a lovely picture all cozy on the couch, wearing a serious, but pleasant expression. He liked the soft color in her eyes, and the way her lips parted slightly.

  He stepped closer and cleared his throat. “Good day, Miss Emmie.”