Wonderland By Night (Heroic Rogues Series)

by Higgins, Marie

  He shrugged. “I would have to see what style of dress she picks for you first.”

  She shook her head. There was no point trying to convince him what kind of dress she would look better in. It would just waste her time if she tried. She ran her gaze over his attire, noticing he had discarded his coat, make her realize just broad his shoulders really were. Very masculine, indeed!

  She grinned. “I hope you do not think I’m forward in saying that you look just as superb in fancy clothes as you do when donned in a towel.”

  His eyes widened mere seconds before he tilted back his head and howled with laughter. “Oh, you are a humorous one, Miss Emmie. And although it was rather forward of you to say, I appreciate your boldness. It’s not very often I find a woman who is so openly honest.”

  One side of her mouth lifted in half of a grin. “Now, is that good or bad?”

  “That is good.”

  She smiled fully. “I thank you, then.”

  He continued to boldly scan her with his enticing gaze, wearing his all too cocky grin. “You probably noticed I had spent a lot of time with Lady Sarah tonight.”

  Emmie lost her smile. “Indeed, I did notice.”

  He turned, leaning his back along the railing as he looked up into the night sky. “Lady Sarah is a very beautiful woman, but you have probably heard men say that about her before.”

  “I have,” she mumbled.

  “She doesn’t talk much, though.”

  “She is a little demure.”

  He looked down at her. “She really didn’t tell me that much about herself and so I cannot understand why she is like that.” He paused briefly then continued. “You must know why she’s so shy. Couldn’t you give me a little information about her?”

  Pulling herself away from the railing, Emmie slowly walked along the side of the terrace, sliding her fingers along the wooden gate as she went. “Forgive me, Mr. Lawrence, but I cannot help you. Lady Sarah is always reserved around people she doesn’t know.”

  “Why?”

  She shrugged without looking his way. “That’s just the way she is.” Emiline didn’t want to tell him it was because she couldn’t trust men. Usually when they proclaimed their love, it was only to be the duke’s son-in-law.

  “How long have you been her lady’s companion?”

  Emiline stopped at the end of the railing to where a rosebush was in full bloom, and gently ran her finger around one of the yellow petals. “I don’t know if she told you this, but we are distant relatives. I became a lady’s companion a few years ago when I needed to find employment to help provide an income for my poor family. Her father was very generous to allow me this position in his household.” She looked at him over her shoulder. “Why do you ask?”

  “I just wondered why some of your personality didn’t rub off onto her, since the two of you had been together for a while.”

  She shrugged, turning her attention back to the rose. “We have only been together a few short years, as I’d mentioned. She grew up with more privileges and I did not. Whether or not that gave me a bolder personality, I couldn’t tell you.”

  “Do I hear resentment in your voice?”

  “I don’t know. Do you?” she peeked over her shoulder.

  “You almost sound like you don’t like that you grew up differently than Lady Sarah.”

  She forced a laugh. “That’s preposterous!”

  He moved away from the railing and came to stand by her once again. “Tell me honestly, Miss Emmie. Do you ever wonder if you could trade places with somebody else?”

  She snapped her head around so fast she was surprised it didn’t come off her neck. As she stared deeply into his eyes, she wondered why he asked her that. Oh heavens! He couldn’t possibly know the truth.

  “Do you ever wish people would treat you differently?” he continued. “Perhaps be in someone else’s place for a while? Sometimes I wonder if people would treat me differently if I were...well, say I was a wealthy man with nice lands and a large estate. Would people treat me the same as they do now?”

  She couldn’t believe he was saying this. Could he read her mind? “No. You would not be treated the same. People would treat you differently because you have money.” His enchanting chocolate brown eyes met hers and she continued. “Take for instance, Lady Sarah. All available men are after her hand in marriage, even some of the married men.” Once more, Lord Richard came to mind. The arrogant fool had married her cousin two years ago, yet continued to act as if he wanted Emmie as his wife. “It would not matter to them if Lady Sarah was pretty or ugly. They would try everything to get her attention and to conquer her heart.”

  He nodded. “I do know how it is. That’s why I sometimes wish I was a wealthy man, and even though the women may think I’m attractive, I will never be anything more to them than just amusement. Women don’t want to marry me.”

  She studied him closely. From his words and tone of voice, he felt the same way she did about marriage, which made her feel closer to him. “Is that why you are after Lady Sarah?”

  Confusion clouded his face. “Pardon me?”

  “Are you trying to get Lady Sarah to fall in love with you because you are a normal man without a title?”

  His blank expression finally turned into a grin. “Is that what you think I’m trying to do?”

  She shrugged. “I have seen it before. A charmingly handsome man tries to sweep the duke’s daughter off her feet when he knows he has no liberty to do so.”

  He chuckled. “Is that why you followed us out to the statue tonight?”

  Emiline gasped, her heart hammering as heat shot up her face, nearly scalding her cheeks. How did he know? Could she lie herself out of this?

  “Were you trying to keep Lady Sarah from falling in love with an untitled man?” he continued.

  “I—I—I—” Words seemed to disappear from her mind, which rarely happened. How did he know she had spied on them? Apparently, she hadn’t hidden herself as well as she’d thought.

  Stepping closer to her, he grasped her shoulders, bringing her body against his. “Or did you want to watch me kiss another woman and envision yourself in my arms instead?”

  Shock waves crashed over her and her mouth hung open. His words were so appalling, even though it was close to the truth. “How dare you insinuate—”

  “Miss Emmie? Do you want me to hold and kiss you, instead of Lady Sarah?”

  Her breathing grew faster, and although she should slap his face for his insulting words, this was exactly how she felt. Excitement…and yes, anticipation shot through her. Against her will, she was being lured into his charm.

  He bent his head, brushing his lips softly against her mouth. “Tell me. Do you want me to kiss you? Is that the reason your gaze followed me around all evening long?”

  Their closeness made her head swim and her body weakened. At the same time, his actions and truthful accusations disturbed her. Pressing her hands against his chest, she shook her head. “Mr. Lawrence, you have gone too far!”

  He grinned. “No, I haven’t, but I will now.”

  Pulling on her shoulders to bring her closer, he lowered his head. When she fell against him, he placed his mouth over hers. His warm lips moved sensuously back and forth across her stiff ones. She struggled to break his hold, but his determined kiss convinced her to yield. His mouth remained soft as he pecked at her lips, urging her to open for him.

  One at a time, his hands moved from her shoulders as they slipped around her back, pressing her more intimately against him. Fire consumed her the longer their mouths fused. Helplessness washed over her, and she hated feeling that she had no control. Her body wouldn’t listen to her mind, which screamed at her to stop and push away. The strength in her hands slowly disappeared, and her lips softened and relaxed to his passionate kiss. She had never been kissed like this before, and strangely enough, she didn’t mind feeling so vulnerable…if even for a few seconds.

  At her surrender, he growled and tur
ned the kiss wild. She sighed and held tightly to his shirt, fitting herself closer to him. But as soon as the thrill began to build, he broke the kiss and stepped back.

  Her strength returned just in time. Before she melted to the ground, she steadied her legs. As the shock of the situation finally hit, disgust ran rapid inside her, more so over her weakness than his actions. Anger streaked through her, and she slapped his face.

  “Now you have gone too far,” she said, her voice deep, still laced with passion.

  His blank expression didn’t change as he stared at her. She didn’t know if he was angry or hurt, and she wished he’d say something to let her know. His chest heaved with quick breaths, the same way hers was doing.

  Finally, he nodded. “Indeed, I have. Forgive me.”

  He continued to stare at her for several long, agonizing minutes while she tried to get her breathing regulated. Her body shook, and she cursed herself for feeling this way around him.

  Emiline gained control of her senses. She lifted her skirt to her ankles and ran into the house, all the way back to her room where she knew she’d feel safe. Her heart beat erratically. She could not stop thinking about Mr. Lawrence and that earth-shattering kiss.

  * * * *

  Gabe stood stunned. Not because he’d kissed Emmie, but because he’d enjoyed it so much.

  Usually he preferred more experienced women…and those who definitely dressed better that made them look alluring. Certainly, she was not the kind of woman he would seduce. Yet…he’d sure been thinking about doing that very thing since noticing her hiding behind the statue.

  Shaking his head, he turned back toward the house. His uncle and aunt were saying their goodbyes to the last of the guests who just wouldn’t leave, and Gabe really didn’t want to be included in that, but he had to go inside nonetheless. As he opened the door and stepped inside, he noticed his friend from earlier who was speaking to Uncle Henry. Gabe had not wanted to say anything to his friend before now since there were too many gossipmongers about, but now would be a good time to talk with Rufus.

  Just as Gabe reached them, his uncle walked away to speak to another guest who was leaving. Gabe stood in front of the other man, eyeing him warily. He tried not to grin, but his lips pulled upwards. “I’m hesitant to ask if this is a coincidental meeting…Mr. Daughtery.” He chuckled softly. “I honestly did not expect to see you here.”

  Rufus grinned and folded his arms. “Ah, my good friend, Mr. Lawrence. I almost did not recognize you.” His gaze lifted to Gabe’s hair. “You actually look better with brown hair, I must say.”

  Gabe laughed. “But I think you used too much black when you changed your hair color.”

  Rufus ran his fingers through his crop of midnight black hair. “Yes, the person who helped me was not as talented as the one who assisted you.”

  “Obviously.”

  “Tell me, Lawrence, why are you here?”

  “Mr. and Mrs. Hampton are my uncle and aunt.” Gabe took a quick glance around the empty room. “Who are you here with?”

  “My cousins, if you must know.” Rufus chuckled. “I had nowhere else to hide out but with them.”

  Gabe nodded. “I understand, my friend.” He clapped his hand on Rufus’ shoulder.

  His first mate took a step closer. “I’m sure you were surprised to learn Oliver Townshend’s niece was staying with your aunt and uncle,” he lowered his voice.

  “Very much so.” Gabe dropped his tone as well. “Apparently her father is acquainted with my uncle.”

  “How very interesting.” Rufus arched an eyebrow. “This is something we could use to our advantage.”

  “Believe me, I have already thought of that. I’m not going to let this matter rest. I plan on finding out all the girl knows about her uncle.”

  “Is that why you took her outside earlier?” He scratched his chin. “Or was it the normal reasons you take a woman out under the moonlit sky?”

  Gabe rolled his eyes. “Trust me, I do not have plans to seduce Lady Sarah.”

  Rufus chuckled. “If you say so.”

  “I do,” Gabe snapped, not liking how Rufus was jumping to conclusions.

  “Very well then, I shall leave you to Lady Sarah. I had thought to woo her tonight, yet she was always dancing with other men. So I ended up dancing with your cousin, Miss Rebecca, and getting to know her.”

  “I’m sure she loved your attention as well as your company.”

  “As did I. I found her delightful.”

  Holding himself back from laughing aloud, Gabe bit his lip. Was his friend addled? Rebecca…delightful? Out of all the words used to describe his selfish cousin, delightful was not the right word. “I suspect she was putting on a grand performance if you found her delightful. Most of the time she is more like…” He scratched his chin. “A shrew.”

  “Oh, come now, Lawrence. Your cousin was very pleasant.”

  “I’m glad you think so. I have never thought that in all the time I’ve known her. She often rubbed me the wrong way.”

  “That’s what happens when families are close.” Rufus nodded. “Now that my cousins are older, we get along splendidly.”

  “Good to know.” Gabe folded his arms and glanced around the room again. “So tell me,” he said softer, “did the rest of the crew go into hiding as I instructed?”

  “Indeed they did. They were all looking forward to the much-needed rest.”

  “I wish I knew how long we need, but for now, at least two months.”

  “Aye, Captain.”

  Gabe glared at Rufus. “Keep your voice down, man. We do not need others hearing.”

  “What others?” Rufus snickered.

  “Servants have ears, too,” Gabe clipped. Taking a deep breath, he stepped away from his first mate and in a louder voice said, “It was good to see you again, Mr. Daughtery. I hope we can meet up again soon.”

  “As do I.”

  “In case I need to contact you, where are you staying?”

  “Joseph and Mildred Langston. They live just down the lane from the mill.”

  Gabe nodded. “I’m sure my uncle will be able to direct me in their path if I cannot locate them.”

  “I’m sure he can.”

  After the men shook hands, Rufus quit the ballroom and the house. Gabe scrubbed his hands over his face. Exhaustion set in and he could not wait to rest. Making his way to his room, he realized he might not sleep tonight anyway. Not with his mind occupied with the kiss he’d shared with Emmie.

  Chapter Five

  Gabe rose early in the morning and quickly dressed in his riding clothes, preparing to spend a leisurely afternoon doing nothing but enjoy his solitude in the countryside. It’d been two weeks since he’d come to visit his uncle, and restlessness and boredom began to consume Gabe’s mind. He’d led a busy life of spying these past few years and finding time for leisure was rarely heard of.

  Flying down the stairs, he hurried across the wooden floor as he made his way to the front door. When he neared his uncle’s study, Gabe slowed and treaded softly, hoping Henry wouldn’t see him. This was one time he did not want to be bothered. Unfortunately, Gabe’s wish was not granted because his uncle sat behind his desk smoking a pipe and lifted his gaze as Gabe passed by.

  “Gabriel?” Henry called. “I would like a word, please.”

  Gabe stopped and turned. Sighing in defeat, he walked into his Henry’s study and closed the door. “Yes, Uncle?”

  “We need to have a serious discussion,” Henry began.

  Giving his uncle a nod, Gabe sat in the wooden chair near his uncle’s desk. He breathed in Henry’s pipe scent drifting through the air—the same brand Gabe’s father used to smoke. It brought back a pang of homesickness and sadness, but he quickly dismissed it as he met his uncle’s gaze.

  Henry held up a piece of paper. “I received this missive earlier from your father’s half-cousin, and I fear you will not like the news.” He paused, staring into Gabe’s eyes as his frown deepened.
“You have grown up carefree and not expected to become a responsible adult. Yet, whether you know this or not, you have inherited your father’s brother’s title—Earl of Wilshire.”

  Confusion filled Gabe’s head and he leaned forward, grasping his knees. “My father rarely spoke of his older brother. From the stories I heard, Father was disowned by his father years ago, before he’d married my mother.”

  “That, he was. Unfortunately, circumstances change throughout the years. Your grandfather is dead, as well as his son and your uncle’s son.”

  “So why did they send you a missive and not one to me?”