Gabe hurried through the house after he’d finished his morning ride. Talking to Emiline was top priority—even before eating the meal. He checked in the library, in the sitting rooms, even peeked outside the windows to see if she was by the stables. As each minute passed, he grew more anxious to see her. He didn’t know why. It wasn’t urgent that he speak to her right now, yet determination ran through his body and he knew he wouldn’t be able to think straight unless he could see her right away.
He sprinted up the stairs and toward Lady Sarah’s room. Before reaching the door, it opened and out walked Emiline. A sigh of relief sprang to his mouth and whooshed out his lips.
True to Gabe’s word, they left the Crampton’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. Crampton, 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.Althoug
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 out. 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.”
Startled, Emmie jumped away from Gabe. He swung around in the direction of the other man’s voice, keeping his dignity...which was something she couldn’t do. A man, dressed as if he had come from the party, stood not far behind them, his eyes wide and mouth agape. Even his face had lost color.Embarrassment washed over her and scorched her cheeks. She wanted to dig a hole and crawl inside—or at least pull the hat over her face so that nobody could see her discomfort. Unfortunately, the hat wasn’t large enough to cover her whole head.Gabe chuckled, shaking his head. “No, Rufus. Yo
Emmie couldn’t sleep. Knowing she’d get to see her mother—and speak with her—kept Emmie dreaming of their meeting all night long. Once in a while she was able to think of Gabe and how wonderful he’d been to her, especially the gentle and passionate way he’d made love to her…but then her thoughts returned to her mother. Today wasn’t the day to stress about her feelings for Gabe and what she was going to do about it, and especially what she was going to say when she explained to him why she had to lie to him.An hour ago, Rebecca took the fake Lady Sarah out to stroll through town with one of the servants. Emmie was invited—which surprised her greatly—but she declined. How could s
Gabriel sat at the rickety table inside a tavern, sipping his ale. He wanted to drink himself into a stupor but had learned by now the consequences of drinking were not so good. He needed a clear head to think—and because of his way of life, he had to be cautious from sunup to sundown. A few times in his life he wasn’t cautious, which got him into trouble. One episode nearly got him hanged. Since then, he’d learned to be very leery of everyone. So then why was he idiotic enough to let his heart get involved with a woman? Never had he felt this way about a woman, but he should have known better than to fall in love…
Emmie saw him…and she held her breath. Although he wasn’t glaring at her as she suspected he would, the pain of betrayal on his expression was evident through his dark eyes and rigid jaw. Her heart clenched in sorrow. She really needed to talk to him—privately. But they couldn’t do that now.When Elias noticed Gabe, he waved and quickened his step until he stood in front of him. “Good afternoon, Lord Wilshire.”The frown Gabe was wearing tweaked slightly into a smile. “Good day.”
Gabe walked into the inn, bypassing the section leading toward the bedrooms, and entered the dining area. Immediately Rufus raised his hand from the table where he sat to get Gabe’s attention. He nodded and proceeded to his friend’s table. “Good evening, Daughtery.”“And a pleasant evening to you.” Rufus motioned to the empty chair. “I have already ordered us the inn’s special for tonight—mutton and potatoes—which I’m assuming they will bring shortly.”
Gabe sat at the small desk inside his room at the inn as he wrote correspondences to his friends, William Braxton and Marcus Thorne. Gabe needed all the help he could get in dealing with Mercer, and Braxton and Thorne were as qualified as any man Gabe could think of right now. Over the years, he’d kept in touch with both of his friends, happy to know they succeeded in having such successful marriages. William had two children with Mercedes—twins, a boy and girl, and Marcus and Isabelle just had their first child—a boy. One day Gabe hoped to join the rank of father, and with any luck, Emmie would hold the title of his wife very soon.