Wonderland By Night (Heroic Rogues Series) Page 8

  Her head snapped up and she rested the book against her bosom. He was suddenly jealous of the object so close to her heart.

  “Good day, Mr. Lawrence.” She scrambled to her feet, the book now resting where her bottom had been only moments before. “Forgive me for reading, but I was caught up with my duties, and I…um, well, I—”

  “Miss Emmie,” he interrupted her. “It’s all right.

  “Is there something Lady Sarah needs right now?”

  “I’m not sure about Lady Sarah, but I need you.” Had his voice really deepened just now? Heavens, why had he said it that way? Her cheeks reddened and her eyes widened. Although he loved teasing her, he decided he’d better tell her why he sought her out. “My family requests the pleasure of your company in a game they are playing out on the back lawn.”

  Her eyes blinked slowly. “They do? Why?”

  “Lady Sarah inadvertently let it slip that you taught her how to play a more entertaining game of Trundling Hoop and Roll. Can this be true?”

  Emmie stared at him for the longest time, her chest rising and falling in a fast beat. “It is true.”

  “Then you know the game well?”

  “Yes.”

  “So, you wouldn’t mind playing with me...um, I mean, us?”

  “Are you certain your family requested my presence?”

  “They will be delighted to have your company.”

  Taking a deep breath, she nodded and slipped on her shoes. Gabe remained standing where he was until she finished, then he held out his elbow for her to take. “May I escort you outside, then?”

  She looked him directly in the eyes before her gaze slipped to his mouth. A blush stole across her and she quickly looked away. “Mr. Lawrence, you don’t need to escort me as if I were a lady of nobility. In case you have forgotten, I’m her companion—just one of Lady Sarah’s poor relatives who needed employment.”

  Actually, he had forgotten, although right now, he didn’t know why. Nonetheless, he wanted her touch on his arm. He wanted her so close he could inhale her sweet fragrance of roses—the same fragrance he had smelled that night they kissed.

  “Fine, you don’t have to hold onto my arm, but will you walk beside me?”

  Slowly, she nodded. “I can do that.”

  He smiled. “I would like that very much, Emiline.”

  She stumbled and bumped against him and then quickly righted herself. The color in her cheeks had left, and her eyes now were laced with panic. “Who told you my name was Emiline?”

  “Lady Sarah let it slip. Is there a reason you don’t want me to use that name?”

  “Uh…no, that’s fine.”

  Side by side, they walked outside to the lawn where Lady Sarah waited with his family. Gabe noticed how uncomfortable Emiline seemed when all eyes were upon her, and he thought it was probably the first time his uncle, aunt, and cousin had really got a good look at the woman. She tugged at the waist of her dress then smoothed her hands down the material.

  Gabe decided to break the silence. “Now that we are all here, let us allow Miss Emmie to teach us how to play.”

  He glanced at his uncle and aunt who stared blankly at Emiline as if the girl had two heads. Irritation ran through Gabe. Were his relatives appalled to actually be playing games with a lady’s companion? He would talk to them alone about their behavior and give them a piece of his mind. After all, Emiline was a guest here, just as Lady Sarah was.

  Henry cleared his throat and nodded. “Gabriel is right. We shall let Miss Emmie teach us this new game.” He smiled wide at his wife. “I, for one, am quite bored of Trundling Hoop and Roll, after playing it for so many years.”

  “Uh…” Martha’s gaze switched between Emiline and Henry a few times before she shrugged. “I think that is a splendid idea, Mr. Hampton.”

  Relief washed over Gabe, knowing that his uncle and aunt were not going to cause a scene—although Rebecca just might. Gabe handed a stick and hoop to Emmie and gave her an encouraging nod.

  A shaky smile appeared on her lovely face as she took the items. “Actually, the way I have changed this game, is that we will need a wooden ball as well. If you do not have one, I’m certain my ball of yarn will work.”

  Rebecca snickered and smartly folded her arms across her chest. “A wooden ball? Pray tell, is this a child’s game?”

  “Actually no, Miss Hampton,” Emmie replied quickly, “although I’m quite certain children could play without difficulty.” Her grin widened and she suddenly didn’t appear as shaky as before. “So I’m very certain you will have no problem catching on to the game...as well as everyone else, of course.”

  Rebecca gasped as her mouth hung agape. Gabe, slapped a hand to his mouth to keep himself from laughing and covered his quick movement with a cough. Remarkably, his aunt and uncle didn’t comment.

  “Uh…I do believe we have a small wooden ball,” his aunt finally said and turned to a nearby servant. “Linus, do you know which ball I’m referring to?”

  “Yes. I will fetch it right away.”

  During the few minutes the servant was gone, Henry and Martha directed a few questions to Emmie, inquiring about her stay here in New Hampshire. The companion’s tone of voice was quite different than when she had first spoken to Rebecca. Instead of the bold woman Gabe knew Emmie to be, her answers were soft and she rarely met his aunt and uncle’s gaze.

  The more he studied Emmie, the more he wondered why she acted so different. In front of him—and even Rebecca—she was as brash as any woman he’d ever met. Yet in front of Henry and Martha, she acted extremely shy.

  When the servant brought back the small wooden ball, Emmie changed into a different person again. Confident and self-assured, she explained the new game and even demonstrated how to smack the sticks against the ball, making it roll from one end of the lawn to the other until reaching its destination inside the hoop. Indeed, Emmie was brilliant. This game would be much more enjoyable.

  Soon the game began. And even though it wasn’t prearranged, the group did eventually divide into partners. Gabe, willingly partnered with Emmie. Rebecca with Lady Sarah, and his aunt and uncle were together.

  Rebecca stomped her foot, and scowled as she faced the ball. Slowly, she turned her back to the group, but it was obvious she kicked the ball instead of hitting it with the stick. When the ball didn’t reach its mark, she grumbled. “This is a very senseless game, and in my opinion, the rules were not thought up correctly.”

  “Now, Rebecca,” Henry warned. “The rest of us are enjoying it, I suggest you relax and enjoy it as well.”

  She huffed and planted her hands on her hips. “I don’t know why we have to play this. And really, why did we pair off in teams?” She pointed at Gabe. “He is stronger than any of us, so naturally he is going to win. It’s not fair.” She glared at Emiline. “And she is cheating. I just know it!”

  Emiline stood beside him, and from his cousin’s comment, Miss Emmie hitched a breath and squared her shoulders. “Forgive me, Miss Hampton, but I assure you I’m not the one who is cheating. I don’t have to kick the ball in order to make it move.”

  “Augh!” Rebecca aimed her fiery blue eyes at Emmie. “How dare you accuse me of kicking the ball?”

  “Rebecca, dear.” Martha moved to her daughter and grasped her arm. “Please, just calm yourself and play the game right.”

  Rebecca flipped her hands in the air. “What are you saying? Do you think I’m cheating too?”

  “I believe it’s my turn,” Henry said quickly and moved into place.

  Gabe didn’t think he’s ever seen his cousin so out of sorts, but he loved how Emiline could irate the redheaded woman. When Emiline turned her attention back to him, he winked at her, silently letting her know he approved.

  “Your rules are impossible to follow,” Rebecca snipped as she swiped a reddish curl off her forehead. “I cannot seem to hit the ball. It’s too difficult.”

  “May I show you another way?” Miss Emmie asked calm
ly.

  Rebecca shrugged one shoulder and rolled her eyes.

  “If you will,” Emmie began, “imagine the ball as a head.” When Rebecca gasped, Emmie held up her hand and continued. “Think of the head as someone you loathe and would love to take out your frustrations on.” Emmie adjusted her stance with her stick close to the ball. “For instance…if someone has been belittling me on a daily basis, and I want to take my frustrations out of that person but know I cannot.” She arched an accusing eyebrow toward Rebecca. “Instead, I just swat this stick against the ball as hard as I can to relieve my anger.”

  Focusing on the ball, Emmie nibbled her lower lip as she aimed…and swung. Whack! The ball sailed across the lawn perfectly. She stepped back and pointed toward the ball. “Ahh, I feel so much better now.” She grinned haughtily. “See, Miss Hampton. It works perfectly.”

  Rebecca grumbled and stormed toward her parents. “Did you see that?” she whined. “She was thinking of me, I just know it!”

  When Gabe’s cousin reached his aunt and uncle, their whispers couldn’t be heard. Gabe grinned at Emmie as she made her way back to him. Chuckling, he shook his head and said softly, “I don’t know what you are trying to prove with my cousin, dear Emmie, but I’m having the most enjoyable afternoon watching you.”

  One side of her mouth lifted more than the other. “Prove? Pray tell, what would a mere lady’s companion want to prove with your cousin?”

  “Oh, I don’t know, unless it’s showing my cousin you are not afraid of her.”

  “I don’t fear many people, Mr. Lawrence, most assuredly, your arrogant cousin.”

  The game continued, and to Gabe’s greatest delight, the winner was Emiline. He held himself back from taking her in his arms to give her a congratulatory hug only because he worried that once she was in his arms, he’d want to do more than just hug her. He quickly shook the thought from his head. What was wrong with him lately? Why couldn’t he stop thinking about charming the woman? Had he basked in their kiss that much?

  He grinned. Apparently so.

  “That was a splendid game,” Henry cheered. “What shall we do next?”

  “As much as I hate to leave this cheerful group,” Gabe answered, “I have other duties that need to be dealt with at this time, so I shall wish all of you a good day and see you at evening meal.” He bowed slightly, and turned to leave.

  “I, too, have things to do in order to get Lady Sarah’s dress ready for this evening’s social,” Emiline added quickly. “Thank you, Mr. Hampton for including me in this game. I really do appreciate your kindness, but I need to get back to my duties.” She bowed and turned toward the house, passing Gabe on her way.

  “Emiline, hold up there,” he called.

  She glanced at him over her shoulder. “Mr. Lawrence, I really need to go—”

  “Emiline, I just wanted to tell you what a good game you played, and I wanted to thank you for teaching my cousin a lesson.”

  She stopped and faced him. “I taught your cousin a lesson? When did I do that?”

  “Dear Becky could not stand the fact that you won the game.” He laughed. “I thought it was the best medicine she had ever tasted.”

  A small smile tugged on the corners of Emmie’s tempting mouth. “If you think that’s a good thing, then I’m certainly glad I was able to help.”

  “Yes, that’s a good thing. My cousin needs to be brought down a notch or two in her life, and I was happy to see it happen.” He stroked her cheek with his knuckles. “Especially from you.”

  Her gaze dropped to his mouth, and once again, she blushed profusely.

  “I thank you, Mr. Lawrence,” she said, stepping away from him as she reached to open the side door, “but I really must be getting back. I promised Melba I would help her get Lady Sarah’s dress ready, and give her some tips on how to style her hair correctly.”

  The statement struck him funny. Miss Emmie knows how to style hair correctly, when hers was always pulled back so tight her eyes nearly popped out?

  Shaking away the thought, he stepped past her and took hold of the door. His hand brushed against hers, and she quickly withdrew. Her eyes sparkled as she looked into his eyes. There was a certain glow about her and it wasn’t due to the sun shining on her face. Curses, she was pretty!

  “I thank you, again,” she whispered.

  “Yes, well, I’m sorry for keeping you. Have a good afternoon, and I shall see you later.”

  Her smile widened as she bowed, and then quickly walked into the house. Although she was a mere companion—a poor relative as she’d kept reminding him—he felt like a grand gentleman while holding the door for her. He looked forward to doing things for her just to see her radiant smile. And her eyes...

  He took a deep, cleansing breath. Those mesmerizing eyes could make a man weak in the worst way.

  Chapter Six

  With a sigh of apathy, Emiline closed the book she’d finished reading and rested it on her lap. It had been three weeks now since she’d arrived in New Hampshire, and as the days lagged on, she realized just how dull the life of a lady’s companion was.

  She attended Lady Sarah like a dutiful companion…well, at least close to one. She helped Anna dress every morning since Melba was busy with Miss Hampton. Emmie accompanied Anna downstairs for breakfast, but usually they were the only ones in the room eating since Mr. and Mrs. Hampton had already partaken of the meal, and Rebecca was still dressing. After breakfast, Emmie and Anna took a stroll through Mrs. Hampton’s flower garden, but after that, Rebecca controlled Anna’s time pretty much the rest of the day.

  Slouching in the sofa, Emmie’s legs parted unladylike underneath the overly large dress as she slid her stocking feet on the polished wooden floor, thinking about what to do next. Did her boredom stem back to her masquerading, or did the useless feeling come from watching Gabe court Anna? Lately, she’d been thinking about asking him about Mr. Hampton’s relative—Captain Hawk. Yet, she wondered if Gabe would be so open with her at all.

  For some reason, Mr. Hampton told Emmie she could ride his horses any time she wished. It seemed odd that he would say that, but she wasn’t about to argue. She loved riding, even if it was sidesaddle—although she did prefer astride—but even after weeks of riding, that too became boring.

  During these times, she thought of her father and uncle. She prayed they fared well in this turmoil, but in the back of her mind, she wished it would all come to an end. Even before coming to the colonies, she had heard talk through London about how the King had been raising taxes over here. It had bothered her a little when she’d heard this, but once she arrived in Boston, and especially during her journey to New Hampshire, she saw the way these people lived—barely scraping the barrel to feed their families. It upset her to see them this way. If given the chance, she would want to help them in any way she could.

  Then again…she’d be called a traitor and it wouldn’t matter if she was the duke’s daughter or Oliver Townshend’s niece. She’d be hanged for treason and nobody would save her.

  She didn’t want to be a coward, but she didn’t think she could play these double roles. She also noticed that Gabe also played double roles. Although he acted interested in Anna, he also tried to keep Emiline entertained. Because she had to accompany Lady Sarah whenever Gabe took her on a ride or a walk, sometimes it seemed he talked more to Emmie than Anna. During these times, her heart softened and she had become weak in the knees. Remembering the steamy kiss they’d shared not too long ago was permanently in her mind, and it wasn’t healthy to daydream so often.

  And the pond... Sighing, she slipped farther down into the cushions of the couch, lifting the book to cover the cheeks she knew were flaming from the memory. She didn’t know how much of her body he’d seen, but it was so very improper. Yet, why did she receive flutters in her stomach every time she thought about it?

  Loud footsteps echoed in the corridor outside the library and she straightened to see who was coming to invade her private
time. When Rebecca and Anna walked through the door, Emiline sat up straight and slipped back into her role.

  Anna’s brown eyes jumped with excitement, but before she could say anything, Rebecca smiled haughtily.

  “Miss Emmie? Might I have a word?”

  “Certainly, Miss Hampton.”

  “My father and mother are taking Lady Sarah and myself to Manchester tomorrow to do some shopping, and then to see an opera afterward. We will be gone two, perhaps three days. I need you to get trunks packed for the journey.”

  Emiline’s heart picked up rhythm. Manchester? How thrilling. She’d heard that was a very large town in New Hampshire and had plenty of things to do for those visiting. She tried not to express her joy, but kept a pleasant smile when she nodded. “Lady Sarah and I will be ready, I assure you.”