Wonderland By Night (Heroic Rogues Series)

by Higgins, Marie

  The handsome stranger stepped to Anna and offered his hand. “My lady, let me help you back into your coach. I shall have my driver take you to Mr. and Mrs. Hampton’s estate.”

  “What about you?” Emiline asked. After all, he was a gentleman of means, she was certain, so didn’t he need a driver?

  He glanced her way for a second before leading Anna to the coach. “I shall have no problems driving my own vehicle, thank you.”

  “Oh, Sir…what about our driver?” Emiline shook her head. “I did not see him anywhere. He could not possibly have been thrown so far from the coach, could he?”

  He glanced at her over his shoulder. “If you wait here, I shall go up the road a bit and try to locate him.”

  “Would you like me to help?” Emmie offered.

  The man shook his head. “I fear if he’s lying broken or bleeding, that’s not the sight a young lady needs to see. Wait right here.”

  As the man hustled up the road, Anna clutched Emmie’s hands. Both of them had been through so much within the past little while, and Emmie prayed the Good Samaritan would find their driver. During their wait, the man’s driver tried to fix the broken door to their carriage, but there wasn’t much he could do. Nevertheless, they could travel without a door, just as long as they didn’t have much further to go. The driver also brought the trunks back to the coach and fastened them on.

  Soon the helpful stranger returned. A frown marred his handsome face and he shook his head. “I could not see him. When I return to town, I shall summon the authorities and have this investigated posthaste.”

  Sighing, Emmie nodded. “You are extremely kind, Sir. I thank you for taking the time to look, anyway.”

  He helped Anna inside the coach and she offered a shy smile to the man. “I thank you, Sir.”

  Emiline bit her lip to keep from grinning. Her maid was certainly acting out of character. Usually her servant flirted outrageously with handsome men. Perhaps Anna was thinking about her new role and remembering a duke’s daughter wouldn’t be so bold...even though sometimes Emmie was.

  She walked to the door, waiting for him to step aside so she could climb in. “Pardon me, but what is your name? How do you know Mr. and Mrs. Hampton?”

  “Most everyone around these parts knows of Mr. and Mrs. Hampton. They own a large piece of land and live in a beautiful manor.”

  “You did not tell me your name.”

  “I’m Gabriel Lawrence.”

  She smiled. “Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Lawrence. We certainly appreciate your assistance.”

  He took her hand and helped her inside. After the man walked back to his vehicle, Emmie looked at her maid and sighed with relief. So far it had worked. She wouldn’t believe it any other way.

  Anna shook her head. “Lady Sarah, I really don’t know what your father was thinking to have us switch roles.” She spoke low. “I feel as if I have to think about every word before I say it.”

  Emmie arched an eyebrow. “But Anna, you told my father you could play this role without any instruction.”

  A blush stole across the maid’s cheeks. “Well, perhaps I didn’t know what I was saying. Thinking and doing are entirely two different things.”

  Emmie chuckled. “Indeed they are. But you are doing fine.” She nudged her maid’s arm. “Besides, you look more like a duke’s daughter than I ever did.”

  “No, I don’t.” Anna shook her head. “I bet you are glad you made me wear this fancy traveling dress. Otherwise, Mr. Lawrence may have been suspicious.”

  “Indeed, I’m very grateful. I knew we would reach Mr. and Mrs. Hampton’s house today, and now we won’t have to worry about first appearances.” She patted Anna’s clasped hands. “No need to fret. Nobody will know the difference.”

  “As long as you believe in me, I think I can do this.”

  “I do believe in you.”

  The clip-clop from the horse’s hooves and the swaying of the vehicle lulled Emmie, causing her eyes to droop. Yet her mind wouldn’t sleep. Many ideas swam in her head, and excitement danced in her body, keeping her awake.

  Originally, she had abhorred her father’s plan. But now…

  She wanted to accomplish so much without the restrictions of being a duke’s daughter hanging over her. She would finally get to ride through the countryside without one of her father’s servants escorting her. She could talk the way she wanted, and pretty much do whatever she wanted without seeing her father’s scowl or hearing his raised voice when he scolded her for being hard-headed and having her own mind.

  How would it be if a man could look at her as a woman and not as a wealthy lady? Plenty of men vowed their loyalty and love to her, but none she believed. How could she when she knew it was her dowry they were after?

  Closing her eyes, she leaned back on the seat. A man’s face appeared in her mind, and she smiled. Mr. Lawrence. Would she ever meet him again? Although he rode in the coach of someone who had money—and a title—he certainly didn’t act like he was used to being waited on. When he volunteered to help turn over their vehicle, then said he’d drive the coach himself, Emiline was certain he didn’t hold a title.

  When the coach slowed and surprised voices rang out, Emiline snapped her eyes open and peeked out of the broken door. The old trees lining the drive appeared as if they had been tended with care throughout the years, as had the acreage of manicured lawns rolling out as far as she could see. She gasped in awe of its beauty. When a house came into view, she gazed upon the two-story artwork that looked to be a cross between Gothic and Tudor styles. This, she was informed, was where the Hampton family liked to spend their off season.

  As the vehicle came to a stop, the front door to the house opened and an older gentleman, tall, stocky with thinning brown hair hustled out. Not far behind him came a woman about the same age, tall and thin, wearing a lovely blue gown. She adjusted her bonnet as she aimed her gaze at the coach.

  Emmie smiled. This must be her father’s friends, Mr. and Mrs. Hampton.

  Anna stirred on the seat, stretched and yawned. “Have we arrived?”

  “Indeed we have, Lady Sarah.”

  Anna rubbed her eyes then blinked as she looked at Emiline. “Do you know how hard it is going to be for me to answer to that name?”

  “You shall do fine. Just remember to call me Miss Emmie.”

  As the driver hopped down, Emiline prepared herself for a new adventure. Freedom from London society’s rules were in her grasp. At least for a little while, and she planned on taking advantage of a perfect opportunity.

  * * * *

  Gabe submerged his body fully into the pond. Holding his breath, he hoped the water would not take away his new hair color. The old widow, Mrs. Baker, changed the color of his hair to brown and even gave him a cut. Gratefully, he had walked out of her house looking a new man. Now if he could just keep away from large crowds, all would be well in his world. At least for a few months. He prayed things would get back to normal soon after that.

  During his much-needed break, he didn’t want to think about the problems in his life. He didn’t want to have to constantly look over his shoulder and wonder who is a spy—and especially who might know that he was a member of The Sons of Liberty. Unfortunately, he couldn’t relax now. Not since he knew the niece of Oliver Townshend was visiting the Hamptons.

  Before the air ran out of his lungs, he rose up out of the water and breathed deeply. He swiped his fingers through his hair, pushing the strands back on his head out of his eyes. Wiping the excess water from his face, he blinked and focused on his surroundings. His uncle’s country estate was the perfect place for his sanctuary, and during the next few weeks, he’d take advantage of what the property had to offer...which at the moment was peace and solitude.

  Sometime while he was here, he’d also get to know Lady Sarah a little better as well. He couldn’t really blame her for what her foolish uncle had done, but he would definitely become close to her to see if her uncle had any more ridic
ulous laws he wanted the King to approve.

  Taking the brick of soap, he scrubbed it over his face. Within seconds, his eyes began to sting. He cursed, tossed the soap on the grass then splashed water on his face, but his eyes still stung and blurred.

  The rustle of bushes and snaps of twigs pulled his thoughts away and he swung around to face the intruder. Ready to give them a sound thrashing, he scowled when his vision didn’t quite cooperate. Through his impaired vision, it looked like someone was peeking through the bushes.

  The burning sensation in his eyes only intensified. “Please, I need your help. If you will, I need you to bring me that towel over there.”

  When the person didn’t move but continued to stare, irritation flowed through Gabe. “Are you going to stand and ogle my body or can you hand me that towel?” He pointed to the rock where he’d left the towel.

  Finally, the person moved from out from the bushes, heading for the rock. Gabe splashed his eyes with water again and rubbed them harder.

  “Actually,” the stranger said, “I thought ogling your body would help pass the time this dreary day.”

  Stunned, Gabe exhaled sharply. Words vanished from his mind and he blinked, trying to focus. The blur finally formed into a person…a woman with her hair wound tight on the top of her head who appeared to be wearing a baggy dress.

  Embarrassment washed over him quicker than the water had a few moments ago. What was a woman doing peeking on him while he bathed? Unless… He’d known the younger widow from his uncle’s neighboring property, and she’d always been a little forward. Perhaps it was Mrs. Fisher. Inwardly, he groaned. Now was not the time to try and fight off her advances. “Thank you for your assistance, but if you were planning on joining me, let me assure you, I’m nearly finished, so your trip here was wasted.”

  A gasp came from the woman and her mouth hung open. She lifted the towel from off the rock and stepped closer.

  “First off, let me say I’m appalled by your rude behavior from a man—who not more than two seconds ago—asked for my help. Lastly, I don’t know who you think I am, but I had no plans on joining your bath!”

  The voice was definitely not Mrs. Fisher’s. Mortification expanded inside him, worse than the embarrassment had done. For the first time in his life, he was rendered speechless.

  Quickly, he splashed his eyes with water one last time and rubbed them before focusing on his intruder once again. This time he could see the woman as clear as day. And sure enough, this was definitely not Mrs. Fisher, but a much younger woman. He didn’t know who she was, but she was in dire need of a more experienced seamstress. That ridiculous gray dress was at least two sizes too large and hung on the young woman’s petite frame.

  He studied her face as she stepped closer to the edge of the pond holding the towel. Now he could see the gentle curves of her cheeks and lips. Long eyelashes framed her eyes. Although her face was pretty, her hair and dress did not fit her loveliness.

  Gabe shook his head. “Forgive me for not noticing you at first. I had soap in my eyes and couldn’t see clearly. And I apologize for thinking you were someone else.”

  “Oh… Well then, since you thought I was someone else, you are forgiven for being so rude.”

  She was forgiving him? When she was the one spying on his bath? Obviously, she wasn’t as innocent as she appeared. “Who are you and where are you from? Did you know you are trespassing on another man’s land?”

  Instead of the panic he figured to see on her expression, she arched one of her eyebrows. “I have been invited here, but you Sir, have not. I have met everyone who lives and works on this estate, and you are not one of them. Perhaps you are trespassing.”

  Confusion filled his head. Was she one of his uncle’s servants? But she didn’t look like any servant he’d met before. “No, I’m not trespassing.” Still in the water, he walked toward her. Just before reaching the point to where the water lowered on his body, he stopped. Why did she continue to stare? She didn’t have that experienced expression on her face. Indeed, this woman was innocent, so then why was she still watching him? “Are you going to turn and hide your eyes, or are you used to seeing a man’s nakedness?”

  Her cheeks flared a bright red color mere seconds before she spun around. “Forgive me. I hadn’t realized... I mean, I had forgotten...”

  Chuckling, he walked out of the water and stood behind her, taking the towel from her hand. “Nonetheless, I thank you for retrieving the towel for me,” he whispered in her ear.

  A shiver shook her body, but she stayed rigid and faced the other way. “Sir, you still have not told me who you are.”

  He wrapped the towel around his waist and tucked in the edges. “And you, my little confused woman, haven’t introduced yourself either, so I assume we are at a standstill.”

  “Confused?” she shrieked.

  Huffing, she spun around and faced him. Fire nearly shot out from her heated gaze as she lifted her eyes and met his. Being a head and a half taller, he hadn’t realized until now how tiny she was. Another thing he hadn’t noticed until now was her astonishing lovely brown eyes—a much darker shade than he’d ever seen before.

  A small gasp came from her as her eyes widened. “Actually, I believe we have met after all. You are Mr. Lawrence, the man who rescued Lady Sarah and me from the overturned coach.”

  It was Gabe’s turn to inhale a surprised breath. This was Lady Sarah’s companion? Good heavens! “Forgive me for not recognizing you, then. You looked different without all that mud covering you.”

  She shrugged. “It’s surprising what a little bath will do.” She motioned her hand toward the pond. “As I’m sure you have already guessed.”

  He chuckled. “Indeed, I have. But now I’m curious to know why you are still standing here talking to me? Most women I know would have ran like the devil was on their heels from seeing a man take a bath. Yet, here you are, still in front of me.”

  Although her cheeks were still red, she squared her shoulders and lifted her chin as if to challenge him.

  “I hate to disillusion you, Mr. Lawrence, but I’m not like most women.”

  “Do ladies’ companions usually act this way in London?”

  “Not many.” She shook her head. “But Lady Sarah understands me well and allows it.”

  He nodded. “Then forgive me for scolding you. It was not my place.”

  “So Mr. Lawrence, you still have not told me why you are here on Mr. and Mrs. Hampton’s property.”

  He couldn’t believe how surprised he was at this whole situation—almost speechless, which was not like him. Strange to think he was still mostly naked and yet the young lady was still making polite conversation as if they were at a dinner social.

  Shaking his head, he tried not to laugh at her. “I’m visiting my uncle for a spell. Henry Hampton is my mother’s brother.”

  She smiled. “How nice, Mr. Lawrence.” She scrunched her forehead. “By chance, do I need to address you differently? Are you a lord?”

  Not unless his noble relatives had all died… Gabe did laugh this time. “Miss Emmie, I’m not a lord. You can call me Gabe, or Mr. Lawrence, either one. Most of my friends call me Gabe.”

  She smiled. “It is very nice to see you again, Mr. Lawrence.”

  He grinned at her stubbornness, and a thought struck him. “Pray, what is a lady’s companion doing traipsing throughout the countryside by herself instead of tending to the duke’s daughter?”

  Smugly, she arched an eyebrow again. “As I had mentioned previously, Lady Sarah understands me and treats me different than most servants. Besides that, a lady’s companion doesn’t need a chaperone to ride the countryside, and a lady’s companion doesn’t need to be constantly by her mistress’ side since she’s with your aunt and uncle right now.”

  “You are correct, of course.”

  An uncomfortable silence hung between them and she shifted her feet as her gaze moved around the secluded area. Remarkable, but he didn’t want to tal
k. Looking at her was fulfilling enough. It was hard to believe that even wearing such plain clothes, she was far from being plain. She was quite lovely, in fact.

  “Oh, Mr. Lawrence, I must ask…did you discover what happened to my—er, Lady Sarah’s driver?”

  He shook his head. “Unfortunately, I have not heard. I summoned the authorities as I had promised, but I have not heard what happened. I told them Lady Sarah was staying with my aunt and uncle, so I suspect if the authorities find anything out about your driver, they will let Lady Sarah know.”

  “Well I thank you again for your help in the matter.” She offered a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “As much as I would like to stay and chat, my personal time is about up. I should return to the house. Lady Sarah might need me soon.”