Wonderland By Night (Heroic Rogues Series)

by Higgins, Marie

  She shrugged then folded her arms smartly across her chest.

  His heart softened from her frustration, but it was the spark of defiance in her eyes that made he want to laugh. He refrained. “Thank you, Miss Emmie, for you compliance.” She rolled her eyes, and he tried hard not to laugh.

  Gabe laid the blanket out and helped Lady Sarah to sit. “I’m certainly glad you agreed to come with me today. The weather is quite nice, and being in the company with such enchanting women only makes the day brighter.”

  Anna giggled. “Thank you, Mr. Lawrence.”

  The only reaction Gabe received from Emiline was an arched eyebrow.

  Emiline started setting out the food, so he quickly moved to help her. Once again, he received one of her irritating glares. This time, he tried to ignore it.

  Gabe prepared Lady Sarah’s plate and noticed Emmie was preparing another. With her expression of indifference, she handed him the plate. He threw her a disapproving glare again, but her reply was just to shrug.

  As Gabe handed Lady Sarah her plate, he asked, “Did Emiline tell you that I was going to help her locate her mother during our trip to Salem?”

  Anna nodded as she nibbled on her slice of cheese. “Yes.”

  “Well, I have been up all night thinking, and I just might have a plan.”

  Emiline sat forward, the annoyance gone from her expression. “Please tell.”

  He explained his worries about the unknown men who had come to the house to get Lady Sarah, and why their trip to Salem must be kept a secret from the servants—except the ones traveling with them. He told the women how he had suggested to his uncle Salem as the location where they’d stay until Gabe could find out about those strange men. Both ladies nodded in agreement.

  Emiline chewed on a roll, then swallowed. “Mr. Lawrence, do you think we—Lady Sarah, especially—are in danger?”

  “At this point, I don’t want to overlook anything. Lady Sarah’s uncle is not a popular man around these parts. It’s hard to know who of Mr. Hampton’s friends and associates could be traitors.”

  Emmie glanced at Lady Sarah, then met Gabe’s gaze again. “Has your uncle told you about the mobs in Boston that wanted to do us harm?”

  Gabe nodded. “Yes, but I don’t believe the men who came the other day are from the same mob.”

  “I pray they are not.”

  “My hopes are that while in Salem, we can keep Lady Sarah out of the public’s eyes, and not be in fear of those men coming for her.” He took his gaze off Emmie to peek at Sarah, who surprisingly, sat eating her food, appearing nonchalant about this whole thing. Confusion settled in his mind. Why wouldn’t she be worried about the strange men? She should show a little interest, shouldn’t’ she? Exasperation gathered in his gut, and he couldn’t believe how separated she was from this conversation.

  “I hope you are right, Mr. Lawrence,” Emmie said. “So how should we find my mother if we are not supposed to be recognized by anyone?”

  He met Emmie’s gaze again and smiled. Laying on his side, he stretched his legs out on the grass and faced her. “My cousin, Aunt and Uncle, will want to attend parties. I thought of disguising myself as their driver to these functions so I can spy behind the scenes.”

  Emiline’s face beamed. “What a splendid idea. But, would the driver need a footman? I’m quite certain I could play the part well and not be recognized.”

  “What?” He gave her a cross look. “You wish to dress like a boy?”

  She chuckled. “I used to dress as a boy while helping my father on the farm. I would do so again, especially if it gets me to these parties with you. How else can I find my mother? You don’t know what she looks like, Gabe. You will need me there.”

  Inwardly, he groaned. She was correct. He needed her there…but as a footman? “I would rather have you not dress as a boy, but I suppose of that’s the only way.”

  “It is the only way.” She produced a victorious grin, which made her eyes sparkle.

  He could stare into her eyes forever. Leaning toward her, he prepared to take her in his arms before realizing they weren’t alone. Frustrated, he pulled back. Beside him, Lady Sarah fidgeted on the blanket, nervously plucking at her dress. Strange how it she had become so unimportant to him lately.

  “My apologies, Lady Sarah. I didn’t mean to ignore you.” He sat up straight.

  She flipped her hand in the air. “There’s no need to apologize. I’m happy you will help Emiline find her mother. The news was so shocking, I could scarcely believe it myself.”

  “Indeed,” he said, knowing he must turn the conversation on her somehow. “Lady Sarah, I don’t think you have told me much about your family. I would like it very much if you did.”

  Lady Sarah began telling him what he already knew, and it surprised him that the words just didn’t flow from her mouth as he expected they should. It was almost as if she had to think about what she wanted to say before saying it. Not only that, but she looked at Emmie as she talked, and a few times the companion assisted. Very strange, indeed.

  “Your father sounds like a well-respected man in England,” Gabe said.

  “That he is, Sir.” Lady Sarah nodded.

  “He’s also a little on the mischievous side,” Emmie added with a laugh.

  Gabe grinned, focusing back on Emmie—exactly where he wanted his attention, anyway. “A duke actually has a mischievous side?”

  “Oh, yes. He’s not as pompous as some of the other lords in London. If memory serves, I believe he has made some of them upset at him a time or two, and he’s even upset a few Chancellors.”

  “Pray tell, what has he done?”

  “He dares to defy some of the laws. He’s definitely not afraid to argue and voice his opinion.”

  Gabe took a peek at Lady Sarah…who was nothing like her father. Emmie was actually more like the duke than his actual daughter. Glancing back at Emmie, he nodded. “That is certainly rebellious of him.”

  “It is. He stayed with his brother to assist with the problems in Boston knowing the House of Lords would not appreciate his devotion.”

  “Indeed, that is true brotherly love,” he said.

  It was a little strange that Lady Sarah let her companion talk about the duke in such a fashion. But then perhaps it was because she was too busy stuffing food into her mouth to speak. He’d never been one to criticize eating habits, but if Lady Sarah didn’t watch her food intake, she’d be ordering more dresses soon. The one she wore today looked almost too snug anyway.

  Finally, the meal was finished, and Gabe quickly gathered the dishes before Emmie could get to them, and then he folded up the blanket. She gave him a hard stare, yet there was a twinkle in her eyes. He lived for moments like this because it made his heart thump out of control more often than not.

  As they reached the buggy, Emmie was already starting to lift her skirt to climb inside. He nearly dropped the picnic basket in order to free a hand to help her in.

  She arched an eyebrow and grinned. “Thank you, Mr. Lawrence. You are too kind.”

  “Think nothing of it, Miss Emiline.”

  He helped Lady Sarah into the vehicle, then set the blanket and basket in the back seat next to Emmie before climbing in. As he gathered the reins, a soft hand rested on his shoulder. He turned his head and met Emmie’s tender stare.

  “Is everything going to be all right with our trip? I cannot get rid of the uneasiness crawling through my stomach right now,” she asked.

  “Are you certain it is uneasiness? Perhaps Cook prepared something bad.”

  She chuckled. “I assure you, it’s not the food.”

  “My dear, Emmie. I cannot promise our plans will go smoothly, because I don’t know. However, I can promise that I will do all I possibly can to make everything turn out well and see to your safety.”

  Tears gathered in her eyes and she blinked, nodding and mouthing the words thank you.

  His heart swelled with emotion, and he knew he had told her the t
ruth about his identity. He’d move heaven and earth if he had to, but he would make sure she was protected…and that she found her mother.

  * * * *

  True to Gabe’s word, they left the Hampton’s home without many people knowing. The few servants who assisted packing and loading the carriages also went with them. To Emmie’s surprise, they all left early in the morning. It was quite comical to see Mrs. Hampton, and especially Rebecca, sluggish and having puffy, sleepy eyes. Even Anna acted like she didn’t want to get out of bed that early. Irritation for the maid’s actions of late stung Emmie. How long had Anna been the maid? Yet now—after only a few short weeks—she was performing like a pampered, spoiled little rich girl. Emmie was put out, especially when she had never acted in such a way.

  Although most everyone was tired, there was no way Emmie could sleep. Excitement pumped through her and she couldn’t wait to find her mother. She also couldn’t wait to be with Gabe, alone, dressed as his footman. It was hard not to give her heart to him, but she knew once the truth came out, she would return to England as the duke’s daughter, and he would go back to…whatever it was he had done before visiting his uncle.

  Curiosity niggled her mind, suddenly making her want to find out more about him. He had to be making some kind of living since his clothes were fancier than a mere farmer’s would be. And his manners and intelligence proved he was far from being a mere farmer’s son.

  Emmie watched out the window as the morning sun brightened the trees and flowers, making them sparkle. Anna slumped against the corner with her head resting against the coach’s wall, as heavy, sleepy breaths escaped her slightly parted lips. Across from them sat Mrs. Hampton. Her husband and daughter rode in the other coach, thank heavens. Emmie didn’t think she could stomach being in close confinement with Rebecca for very long without voicing her thoughts, especially since Emmie figured the other woman put something in the tea to make her sick the other day.

  The older lady had been dozing off and on since they left the estate an hour or so ago, but now she blinked to awareness and sat up straighter on the seat. She lifted a hand to pat her hair before the found her white bob cap and tied it back on. When she met Emmie’s eyes, the woman smiled.

  “Did you sleep well,” Emmie asked.

  “As well as could be expected, I suppose. Are you not tired?”

  “No. There is too much to see.” Emmie glanced out the window again. “I’m visiting a different land, and I want to take in everything I can before returning to England.”

  “You have never been over here?”

  Emmie looked back at Mrs. Hampton. “Never.”

  “I have lived here all my life and have never been to England.”

  “You should come. Well…after all the turmoil that we are going through right now is over.”

  “Agreed.” Mrs. Hampton nodded. “Miss Emiline, tell me…how long have you, eh…worked for Lady Sarah?”

  Emmie didn’t like the pause the other woman gave. Obviously, she didn’t think Emmie was a good companion. Then again, she really wasn’t a good servant at all, so she shouldn’t get upset that everyone else knew it, too. “Only for a few years. When my family fell on hard times, Lady Sarah’s father invited me to come be her companion.”

  “How very sweet of him.” Mrs. Hampton offered an energetic smile that almost seemed too forced. “Lady Sarah’s father is certainly a kind man.”

  “Have you met him? I know he is friends with Mr. Hampton, but did you know him as well?”

  “Yes. Mr. Hampton and I were there when Forester married Daphne.” Her smile softened. “Daphne was so lovely and so in love with Forester. It was a marriage I thought would last forever.”

  Emmie blinked quickly to ward off the tears stinging her eyes. “That’s what I heard,” she said softly. “Unfortunately, fate had to change things.”

  “Yes. It was a terrible accident.”

  Silence lasted another few awkward moments as Emmie turned her attention back out the window to the passing scenery. The trees were so green and flowers so colorful. This kind of beauty she could stare at forever.

  “So, Miss Emiline, I have noticed you spending a lot of time with my nephew, Mr. Lawrence.”

  Emmie snapped her head toward the other woman. Panic rushed through her, yet she really didn’t have anything to fear. Mrs. Hampton must know that nothing could come of Gabe and Emmie’s friendship.

  Slowly, she released the breath she’d been holding, hoping the other woman didn’t notice how uncomfortable Emmie was right now. “I suppose we have been spending time together. We became friends during our ride across the countryside not too long ago.”

  “He has always been a kind boy, and as a man he’s added adventure to his life.”

  Emmie chuckled. “You are correct. It was because of his love for adventure that we kept traveling farther away from your estate and was caught in the rain.”

  Nodding, Mrs. Hampton smiled. “He does love to ride through the countryside.”

  “Mrs. Hampton, might I ask something personal about your nephew?”

  “What would you like to know?”

  “He doesn’t talk very much about himself, and I wondered about his profession.”

  “Gabriel works at the docks and helps to load and unload the ships. He must love it, because he spends most of his time there. In fact, a few times he has sailed with the cargo.” Her forehead creased in confusion. “I don’t exactly know what he does, but he does sail quite a bit.”

  “How very interesting. The only time I have sailed was when I came here with Lady Sarah.” She shook her head. “My stomach didn’t like the waves very much, I must confess.”

  “I believe my stomach would feel the same way.” Mrs. Hampton smiled.

  For a few quiet moments, Emiline pondered what the older woman had said. If Gabe worked on the docks or on ships, why did he dress so elegantly? She highly doubted men who worked on the docks made good money.

  “Mrs. Hampton? Might I ask about his family? He has never told me about them.”

  “My husband and I are his only family now. Gabriel’s mother died when he was just a lad, and his father left this world a few years ago. Gabriel is the only child. However, just recently, his grandfather in England passed away and since Gabriel is the only living male heir, the title of Earl of Wilshire was given to him.”

  Shock vibrated through her more than the movement the carriage made when the wheel ran over a rock. Gabe an Earl? “How wonderful for him.”

  Mrs. Hampton shrugged. “Unfortunately, someone will have to convince him of that. My husband tells me Gabriel is struggling to accept the title.”

  “But why? He would live in his grandfather’s estate and obtain all of his lands and money.”

  “You don’t understand Gabriel that well. He is not the sort of man who believes his life revolves around money. He does what he wants—things that make him happy and uplifts others. He is a very good person, but I fear that if he took the title, he would—”

  Just then a rifle shot rang through the air, and within seconds, the carriage came to a dead halt. Anna jumped in her seat, blinking awake with a frightened expression. Mrs. Hampton’s eyes were also wide as color slowly left her face.

  Emmie’s heart dropped. They were being attacked! She just knew it!

  Chapter Twelve

  Gabe sat atop his stallion holding the still smoking rifle. “Blasted snakes,” he muttered as he searched the road for more. There had to be more, he was certain of it, and he’d shoot every last one of them if he had to.

  He turned to the nearest carriage. His uncle had opened the door and stuck his head. Gabe waved his hand in the air. “All is well now, Uncle. I just shot a rattler who had gotten in my path.”

  “Thank the Lord you saw the snake before he could strike.”

  Gabe urged his horse toward Emiline’s carriage. “I shall inform the others.” He stopped to the side and rapped on the door. “Aunt, there is nothing to fear.”
>
  Slowly, the door opened as his aunt’s white face appeared. “What happened?”

  “I killed a snake, is all. We shall be on our way now.”

  She offered a shaky smile before withdrawing back in the vehicle and closing the door.

  Once again, Gabe rode ahead of the carriages, watching closely for any signs of trouble. The trek was long and boring, and more than once he turned to look back at the carriages, hoping for a glimpse of Emiline’s face in the window. Unfortunately, he never saw her or even heard her laugh. His uncle’s carriage was a different matter, though. Whenever Gabe rode close to that carriage, all he could hear was his cousin whining. He rolled his eyes. That spoiled girl was a handful, to be sure. Was it any wonder she didn’t have suitors?