Gabe smiled politely at the lovely woman beside him. The longer he was in her presence, the more he became confused. Her charm was evident, and yet her shyness was a contradiction. She really didn’t talk much, and he couldn’t believe there was a woman out there who didn’t chatter like a crazed magpie. Now he found one he wished would talk a little more.
So far he had told her about himself—at least what he wanted her to know—and now he wanted to hear about her. If she would tell him, that is. Every time he asked her about herself, she changed the subject, bringing th
Once Gabe and Anna had walked away, Emmie released the breath she was holding and it came out in a gush. Thankfully, neither of them had seen her. Relief also poured through her, knowing that Anna had not let Gabe kiss her. Her maid played a role, and Lady Sarah would have not allowed a man to take the liberties in stealing a kiss…no matter how handsome he was.Then again, she had really never known any man as handsome as Gabe. And blast it all, it didn’t help that she kept seeing him in the water. Perhaps if she had been in Gabe’s arms, she would have been sorely tempted to let him place his lips on hers.
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 wasn’t the kind of woman he would seduce. Yet, he’d 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
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
“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 looke
With a sigh of apathy, Emmie closed the book she’d finished reading and rested it on her lap. It had been three weeks now since she’d arrived in 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 Nancy was busy with Miss Crampton. Emmie accompanied Anna downstairs for breakfast, but usually they were the only ones in the room eating since Mr. and Mrs. Crampton had already partaken of the meal, and Rebecca was still dressing. After breakfast, Emmie and Anna took a stroll through Mrs. Crampton’s f
Unrest roiled in Gabe’s stomach. He hated to be bested. He especially hated to be bested by this slip of a woman. Determination settled in his bones. There was no way he was going to lose a horse race to a woman. Even in her outdated riding habit—that actually fit her better than the other dresses had—she was all woman, soft and desirable. Excitement flushed her face, causing her eyes to twinkle like stars. Lips soft and red, turned up in a smile.When she laughed, her whole face lit up with enthusiasm. Of course now she wore a panicked expression. Probably because she sensed his irritation. Sighing deeply, he smiled, which made the smile return to her pretty face.
Emmie cursed under her breath. Dare she weave more into her web of lies? Or could she trust him with the truth? As much as she wanted to trust him, the simple fact was that she didn’t know Gabe very well at all. She didn’t know the Crampton’s, either. Would they frown upon her father’s decision of wanting to keep his daughter’s identity hidden? She doubted they would understand.Steadying her heartbeat, she turned and looked up at him. She thought back to the story Anna had told him about Lady Sarah, and Emmie knew she couldn’t give him that story. She presented Gabe with a sweet smile. “I was born here in England to a struggling farmer and his sickly
Emmie huddled closer to the horse for warmth as the sheeting rain fell in buckets around her, soaking her clothes. The rain came earlier than expected, and as she and Gabe searched through the small village for a place to stay, the town seemed too busy closing their shops for the night to help the two weary—and drenched—strangers.As they passed through the muddy streets, the chance of finding a place to stay seemed bleak. Desperation fell over Emmie, and she would take anything, even a stable, just to get out of the rain. Glancing at Gabe, his droopy expression let her know he felt the same hopelessness.