Chapter Four

 

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.

Breathing slower, she relaxed against a tree. Finally her heart beat a normal rhythm. Vicariously, she’d experienced Anna’s thrill of excitement and couldn’t help but wish she was the woman in Gabe’s arms instead of her friend.

Groaning, she rubbed the throb starting in her forehead. She wished she knew why she felt this way. It was so unlike her. Had living as a lady’s companion become so boring that she suddenly dreamed of improper things? What happened to the freedom she thought she’d have pretending to be a companion? For some reason, it wasn’t all she had wanted it to be.

She pulled away from the tree and took slow steps away from her hiding area, taking great care to see if anyone was watching her. Once again, she was grateful that nobody had cared about the lady’s companion. She hurried back into the house as fast as she could.

Just as she entered, the announcement came of the last dance for the evening. Disappointed, she watched as Gabe danced with Anna. His joyous smile while he stared into Anna’s eyes nearly broke Emmie’s heart.

After the dance ended, Anna left Gabe’s side and made her excuses to Mr. and Mrs. Crampton. Emmie followed Anna up the stairs toward their rooms. She really didn’t want to talk to her friend since jealousy continued to eat at her gut.

“Oh, Emmie.” Anna sighed dreamily. “Can you believe there’s a man like Mr. Lawrence? He’s so handsome, and he wanted to be with me. I cannot fathom why he was flirting with me this evening. I tried my best to act shy, but he still continued his pursuit.”

Emmie tried to be gentle as she helped Anna remove the gown to ready her for bed, but ended up yanking the material over her friend’s head, instead, pulling her hair in the process.

Irritably, Emmie rolled her eyes and replied, ”Of course he flirted with you. He’s a man with no title, and you are supposed to be the governor’s daughter. Why wouldn’t he vie for your attention?”

She refused to believe he was enamored with Anna because she was pretty. Men only wanted to court Lady Sarah because of who her father was, so it had to be the same with Anna. It just had to be.

“Do you think that’s why he gave me so much attention?” Anna asked sheepishly.

Emmie fisted her hands as she stormed to the drawer to retrieve a nightdress for Anna. “It is. That’s why everyone acted the way they did tonight. Out here in this country town, they have probably never met a governor’s daughter from France before.”

“Oh.” Anna’s excitement sobered drastically.

Inwardly, Emmie cringed. Obviously, she’d hurt her friend with the way she snapped at Anna. But something needed to be said to deflate her friend’s enthusiasm. “After I get you ready for bed, I am going to go outside and take a walk, all right?”

Anna shrugged. “Why are you asking me? You are the governor’s daughter, after all.”

Irritation flowed through Emmie and she sighed. “I was just letting you know my plans for the evening.”

“Fine,” Anna snapped as she sat on the chair in front of the vanity and pulled out the pins in her hair. “I don’t care if you go for a walk in the dark this late at night without a proper chaperone.”

“You forget,” Emmie countered, picking up a brush, “everyone thinks of me as a lady’s companion. They are not going to wonder why I’m by myself.”

As she finished brushing Anna’s hair, silence grew in the room and became insufferable. Emmie realized she shouldn’t be so upset, but it was hard not to feel like this. She didn’t want her maid to think it was her fault because Emmie was angry. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to smile.

“Anna, I forgot to tell you that I think you performed well this evening. No one could tell you were not the real Lady Sarah.”

Hesitantly, Anna’s gaze lifted in the mirror and met Emiline’s. “Indeed? You really think so?”

“I do. I’m certain my father would have complimented you as well.” She chuckled. “You do look more like my family than you think.”

Suddenly, Anna’s eyes widened. “Oh, I just remembered something I overheard tonight.” She grasped Emiline’s hands. “I heard rumors that Mr. Crampton is related to Captain Hawk.”

Confusion filled Emmie’s head and she couldn’t quite wrap her mind around what Anna was saying. “Captain Hawk?”

“Yes, the captain of The Avenger—the pirate ship that attacked the very ship your mother sailed on and was killed.”

The shock of the news gushed out of Emmie’s lips as she lost her breath. The brush fell from her hand, thudding to the floor as an icy chill ran through her blood. “That cannot be right,” she whispered in disbelief. “Mr. Crampton is friends with my father. Would my father not know this?”

“I’m thinking he does not, Emmie.”

“But why…why would Mr. Crampton agree to have me stay here knowing it was his relative who killed his best friend’s wife?”

“I don’t’ know—unless Mr. Crampton isn’t on speaking terms with his relative now, and he must have thought you would not ever know.”

Emmie’s heartbeat gradually returned to normal as she tossed the idea back and forth in her mind. “What you said makes sense, Anna. After all, I have a corrupt relative, and I’m ashamed be known as his niece.”

“Exactly.”

Emmie sighed and nodded. “That must be why Mr. Crampton hasn’t said anything. I shall not blame him for something his relative did.”

“You have a forgiving heart.”

After Anna climbed into bed for the night, Emmie quickly left the room and made her way down the stairs. Her maid said she had a forgiving heart, but Emmie didn’t feel like she did at this moment. She wanted to know the truth. Who was this so-called relative of Mr. Crampton’s? And why was her mother killed so violently? The mystery to her mother’s death was never fully explained.

Outside, the cool air stroked Emmie’s face, relaxing her slightly. Breathing in deeply, she hoped it would cool her temper as well. This whole night had been an emotional ride for her. First with watching Mr. Lawrence woo Anna…and now hearing the news about the relative. Hopefully, she would be able to collect herself and continue as she had thus far.

If they had only stayed in France instead of coming here, none of this would have happened. Her father wouldn’t have had the insane notion of Emmie playing the role of lady’s companion, and she wouldn’t have had to discover Anna’s talent for acting. Moreover, they wouldn’t have met the very handsome Mr. Lawrence, and she wouldn’t be having these strange feelings of jealousy. Emmie always envied her friend for being pretty, but had never let it get this far out of control.

She wished now they could return home and everything would be the way it was. She missed her father and her other friends. This was really the first time she had been so far away from home. However, time away would be good for her, she just needed to have patience, which was something she never had.

In her wandering, she found herself on the back terrace. Most of the guests from the party had left, and only a few servants milled about cleaning up. Luckily, a few lamps were lit on the lawn, giving her the lighting she needed for her walk. Pausing, she leaned against the railing and looked up at the moon. It appeared so big tonight, much larger than she had ever seen, and she had looked at the moon quite a bit in her lonely life.

“Now, why am I not surprised to find you out here this late after dark, and all alone?”

The man’s deep voice from behind made her jump. She whirled around to face the intruder. When Gabe walked closer, her heart pounded faster. Automatically, her hand flew to her bosom as if to stop the wild beating beneath her chest. Being alone with him out here was certainly not proper. Yet, leaving was not an option.

“Mr. Lawrence, you frightened the wits out of me.”

He chuckled. “Forgive me, but I thought you would have heard me coming. I made enough noise to wake the household.”

She grinned. “I suppose I was lost in thought and didn’t hear.”

He moved closer until he stood next to her, leaning his hip against the railing. “What, may I ask, were you thinking of? It must have been enthralling to keep you from hearing my loud entrance.”

“No. It was not that intriguing. I was just thinking of home.”

“Are you homesick?”

She nodded. “I have never been this far away.”

“I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do to help you keep your mind off home?”

A teasing glimmer sparked his eyes, letting her know he wasn’t serious in trying to give comfort. This look was definitely different from the way he looked at Anna tonight. “I thank you for your thoughtfulness, but there is nothing you can do.”

He grinned then glanced over her. She shifted, uncomfortable under his close scrutiny, yet a heated chill ran over her, warming her considerably.

“I have to admit,” he said, “you do look different somehow.”

She arched her eyebrows in question. “Is that good or bad?”

He laughed deeply. “If you don’t mind my candidness, I think your dress looks slightly outdated, and it’s a little large on your small frame. This particular style of dress doesn’t fit you, either. It doesn’t match your bold personality.”

She couldn’t hold back from laughing. Wouldn’t he love to know why… “Well, I’m sorry you don’t approve. Maybe Lady Sarah and I can travel into town tomorrow to find a dressmaker. Would that make you happy?”

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, making her realize just how broad his shoulders really were. Very masculine, indeed.

She grinned. “I hope you don’t 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.” Emmie 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 governor’s son-in-law.

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

She stopped at the end of the railing to where a rosebush was in full bloom, and gently ran the tip of 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 goodness! 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.” 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 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 an ordinary 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 governor’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?”

Emmie 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 gently 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. Once her lips parted, his tongue slipped inside. Fireworks exploded in her mind as dizziness assailed her.

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 and tongues stroked. 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 turned 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.

Emmie 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 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 nonetheless. As he opened the door and stepped inside, he noticed a friend from earlier who was speaking to Uncle Henry. Gabe hadn’t 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 didn’t expect to see you here.”

Rufus grinned and folded his arms. “Ah, my good friend, Mr. Lawrence. I almost didn’t 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. Crampton 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 Bonaparte’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. However, my uncle doesn’t want others to know who her uncle is. While she is here, she’s just the governor of Paris’ daughter.”

“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’s plans.”

“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 couldn’t 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.