Chapter Six

 

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 flower garden, but after that, Rebecca controlled Anna’s time pretty much the rest of the day.

Slouching in the sofa, Emmie’s legs parted unladylike underneath the overly large dress as she slid her stockinged feet on the polished wooden floor, thinking about what to do next. Did her boredom stem back to her masquerading, or did the useless feeling come from watching Gabe court Anna? Lately, she’d been thinking about asking him about Mr. Crampton’s relative—Captain Hawk. Yet, she wondered if Gabe would be so open with her at all.

For some reason, Mr. Crampton told Emmie she could ride his horses any time she wished. It seemed odd that he would say that, but she wasn’t about to argue. She loved riding, even if it was sidesaddle—although she did prefer astride—but even after weeks of riding, that too became boring.

During these times, she thought of her father. She prayed he fared well in this time of turmoil, but in the back of her mind, she wished it would all come to an end. She worried that someone would know she was Napoleon’s niece, and they would blame her for the double-role she played.

She also noticed that Gabe also played double roles. Although he acted interested in Anna, he also tried to keep Emmie entertained. Because she had to accompany Lady Sarah whenever Gabe took her on a ride or a walk, sometimes it seemed he talked more to Emmie than Anna. During these times, her heart softened and she had become weak in the knees. Remembering the steamy kiss they’d shared not too long ago was permanently in her mind, and it wasn’t healthy to daydream so often.

And the pond...

Sighing, she slipped farther down into the cushions of the couch, lifting the book to cover the cheeks she knew were flaming from the memory. She didn’t know how much of her body he’d seen, but it was so very improper. Yet, why did she receive flutters in her stomach every time she thought about how he wanted to take a bath with her and wash her body?

Loud footsteps echoed in the corridor outside the library and she straightened to see who was coming to invade her private time. When Rebecca and Anna walked through the door, Emmie sat up straight and slipped back into her role.

Anna’s brown eyes jumped with excitement, but before she could say anything, Rebecca smiled haughtily.

“Miss Emmie? Might I have a word?”

“Certainly, Miss Crampton.”

“My father and mother are taking Lady Sarah and myself to London tomorrow to do some shopping, and then to see an opera afterward. We will be gone two, perhaps three days. I need you to get trunks packed for the journey.”

Emmie’s heart picked up rhythm. London? How thrilling. She’d heard that was the place to go for excitement. There was so much to do and see. She tried not to express her joy, but kept a pleasant smile when she nodded. “Lady Sarah and I will be ready, I assure you.”

Anna stepped to her and clasped her hands. “Oh, Emmie, this will be so fun. I can hardly wait. We will have the grandest time—”

“We?” Rebecca cut in.

Anna glanced at the other woman. “Yes. My companion and I—”

“Heavens no, my lady. Miss Emmie will remain here.”

Emmie’s heart dropped to her stomach, and although she wanted to ask why Rebecca didn’t want her to go, Emmie already knew. That woman was so mean and selfish, Emmie would probably spend most of the trip teaching her manners, she was sure. She glanced at Anna and frowned.

Anna shook her head. “Miss Crampton, Emmie has to come.”

Rebecca’s false smile pricked Emmie’s temper, making her want to physically lash out at the obtuse woman.

“Miss Emmie won’t be needed since you will be with me and my parents.” Rebecca threw a glare toward Emmie. She quickly diverted her attention to Anna. “Nancy will be traveling with us, and she’ll help you however you need. Besides, my maid is used to hard labor and will do an exceptional job.”

Anna’s happy expression disappeared when a frown claimed her face. Emmie pursed her lips tight. Apparently, Miss Crampton didn’t think Emmie worked very hard.

She nodded to Rebecca then looked at Anna. “I will have your things ready, Lady Sarah.” Then, before she was tempted to put Rebecca in her place, she quickly spun around and left the room.

Storming into Anna’s room, Emmie yanked open the closet doors and pulled out the trunks. “I’m not used to hard labor?” she mumbled to herself as she stuffed a dress into the trunk. “Who does Miss Crampton think she is to judge me so harshly?”

The bedroom door opened and Anna flew in. She ran to Emmie and grabbed her hands. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know—”

“Anna,” she stopped her. “I realize what Miss Crampton thinks of me. Most of the Crampton’s servants think I am slothful, too, so it’s only natural for Miss Crampton to think her maid can do more.”

“But what should I say to change her mind?”

Emmie shook her head. “There’s nothing you can say. Leave it alone. I will be fine right here at the estate. You go and have fun for the both of us.”

“But it’s not right.”

“I know that, but we must let the matter rest. There is nothing either of us can do or say since we are both guests here.”

Frowning, Anna nodded as she moved to one of the armoires and pulled a gown out. Emmie didn’t stop her, only because she lacked the strength to say anything as discouragement sat heavily on her heart. They both packed the trunk in silence. Once in a while Emmie glanced at Anna, but when she noticed her friend’s watery eyes, Emmie quickly looked away before she started crying, too.

Soon, the swishing of petticoats against the skirt of a dress was heard in the hall. Seconds later, Rebecca stood in the doorway holding two teacups. Her expression wavered between happy and being upset. Emmie wished she knew she could read the other woman better.

“There has been a change of plans,” she snipped. “Apparently, my father thought it best that we invite Miss Emmie to go with us to London.”

Emmie’s heart lifted. What a wonderful man! If he were standing here right now she’d probably hug him.

“How exciting!” Anna cheered as the tears disappeared from her eyes. “Now we must get your trunk packed.”

“Yes, um…that’s what I thought too,” Rebecca said in a rush. “So I brought up some tea for both of you.” She handed Emmie’s cup to her first, then Anna.

Emmie eyed the other woman carefully. Rebecca was certainly acting out of character…being nice, that is. “Thank you, Miss Crampton.” She took the teacup from her.

Anna took hers and sipped. As Emmie drank her tea, she watched Rebecca over the rim of the cup. Something was definitely not right. By the way the other woman’s sinister eyes watched Emmie, the hairs on the back of her neck stood. Did she want to travel to London with such a calculating woman?

Sighing heavily, Rebecca offered a faux smile, turned and hurried out of the room. Emmie was even more leery of the woman’s actions now.

Once they were finished packing, Anna returned downstairs, but Emmie’s stomach wasn’t feeling well. By the time dinner was served, her stomach was rolling, and she stayed upstairs in her bedroom. The tang of the tea still lingered in her mouth and tasted very different from what she’d drank before. For some reason, her stomach didn’t like whatever it was Rebecca had given her. Yet Anna seemed just fine.

The night passed too slowly. Emmie couldn’t sleep because she was running to the chamber pot too often, upheaving whatever it was in her stomach. By the next morning, she was too tired, and too weak to even get out of bed. When Anna and Rebecca came to Emmie’s room, she didn’t have the strength to even smile.

“Oh, dear.” Anna touched her hand to Emmie’s cold face. “Miss Crampton, I don’t think we should go to London with Emmie this sick.”

“How sad,” Rebecca said with entirely too much bounce in her voice. “Well, everything is already in place for us to travel.” She pouted…although Emmie knew it was all for show.

“Go on without me,” Emmie whispered brokenly.

Rebecca tapped Anna’s arm. “I’ll let our servants know to take special care of Miss Emmie while we are gone.”

Confusion caused Anna’s eyes to narrow as her forehead creased. “I don’t know. Maybe I should stay—”

“Absolutely not,” Rebecca said quickly. “Miss Emmie will be just fine—” she looked at Emmie, “—won’t you?”

If this was any other day, Emmie would have loved to argue with her. But she just didn’t have it in her now. “Yes, I shall be just fine. I’m actually feeling slightly better than I did last night,” she lied.

Frowning, Anna folded her arms. “Well, all right, if you insist.”

“I do,” Emmie whispered.

When the two women left, Emmie groaned and turned in her bed, pulling the blanket up higher. She needed rest badly.

By mid-afternoon, she was back to feeling normal. It was strange that the stomach ailment would affect her in such a way. But thankfully, she seemed much better now. And…her mind was working because she knew Rebecca had put something in her tea to make her so sick. That was the reason the insufferable woman had acted the way she had.

On the second day, she decided she wasn’t going to sit around and be bored, but she would do something instead. She changed into her riding habit—not Anna’s, but hers—and left the house. This particular riding habit wasn’t as new as her others, but because it had been her favorite for over a year, it was well worn, so she didn’t think any of the Crampton’s servants would question why she was wearing one of Lady Sarah’s outfits.

Emmie ran right to the stables. As she entered, the stable boy stood talking to another person, and because of where they stood, she couldn’t see who it was...until she moved closer and noticed Gabe. His gaze met hers, holding her prisoner. It was too late to leave now.

Staring at him nearly caused her to have heart palpitations. Every time she’d seen him before, he was dressed in fancier clothes. Now he looked more like a farmer, yet, he was absolutely breathtaking in his fawn colored shirt and tan breeches, and black knee-high riding boots. His good looks had fascinated her so much her feet wouldn’t move to take her away from here.

He stopped the conversation with the stable boy who then turned to fetch a horse. Gabe smiled at her, so she returned the gesture. She still felt uncomfortable under his close scrutiny, but tried to be polite, nonetheless.

“Good day, Miss Emmie. What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I have come to ride one of Mr. Crampton’s horses.”

He lifted an eyebrow in disbelief. “Indeed? Have you done this before?”

“Yes. Surprisingly, Mr. Crampton gave me permission not long after our game on the lawn with your family.”

“That does surprise me.” Slowly his smile widened. “But it is also good news. Now we can ride together.”

Her heart pounded with uncertainty, yet the idea did sound exciting. It was either that or be very bored. “Why didn’t you travel to London with your aunt and uncle yesterday?”

Tapping the whip against his thigh in a steady rhythm, he moved closer. “I can do without big cities, and most especially the people there. They are just a bunch of gossipmongers if you ask me.” He paused, tilting his head as he studied her. “Why didn’t you go? I heard my aunt and uncle are taking Lady Sarah to the opera. Won’t you need to assist her?”

She shrugged. “According to your cousin, her maid will suffice just nicely for both of them. Miss Crampton was determined that I shouldn’t go with Lady Sarah.”

He stood beside her now. His gaze roamed slowly over her face, making butterflies dance in her stomach. Taking a deep breath of courage, she inhaled his intoxicating scent. A mixture of leather and spice.

“I must apologize for my cousin. She can be very manipulative sometimes.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Sometimes?”

He chuckled. “You are correct. She is manipulative all the time.”

“Indeed, she is.”

“You look disappointed that you were not able to go,” he said.

She nodded. “I too, have never seen London. I would have found the excursion there most pleasing. It would have been nice to partake of the scenery and pleasures.”

“Maybe someday you will.”

She shrugged. “Perhaps.”

There was silence between them for the next few moments. Gabe glanced at her a few times, but mostly watched inside the stable. When his attention wandered her way, a different expression touched his face. It was as if a light flickered to life in Gabe’s head. His eyes widened as he turned them to her.

“I have a message for Lady Sarah. I received this yesterday, but she was out. Do you mind if I tell you instead and you can relay it to her?”

“Of course.”

“Remember your carriage accident on your way to my uncle’s estate?”

“How could I forget? It rattled both Lady Sarah and myself so much.”

“Well, apparently the authorities found your driver.”

She gasped and stepped closer. “They did? Was he terribly hurt?”

“Just the opposite, in fact.” Gabe shook his head. “He was drunk and spouting the truth. Apparently, he knew Lady Sarah’s uncle was Napoleon, and the driver wanted to harm her as a way to get back at her uncle.”

Emmie slapped a hand over her mouth. Indeed, her father had been correct to assume his daughter might be in trouble. Breathing slower, she lowered her hand. “But we had switched carriages before we even set foot in Hampshire. How did the driver know?”

“I’m assuming the first driver you had, told him.”

“That could have happened.”

“Apparently, the second driver released the horses before jumping off the vehicle just as it traveled down the slope. That’s why the coach turned over the way it did.”

She nodded, blinking back tears. Were they safe anywhere? Still, if these citizens knew that she really did side with them and not her uncle, perhaps they would not want to harm her. “I thank you for letting me know. I shall inform Lady Sarah as soon as she returns.”

“Yes. She would definitely like to know.”

Panic welled in her chest and she grasped Gabe’s arm. “Mr. Lawrence, could I ask you a favor?”

“Anything,” he said in a soft voice.

“Please don’t say anything about Napoleon being related to Lady Sarah. That’s why we are here. The governor wanted to protect his daughter.”

“I understand. I only hope the driver, and the authorities haven’t gossiped about it.”

“I hope not, too, or Lady Sarah’s father will be sending us somewhere else.”

“No.” Gabe slid his palm against hers. “I will protect you. Both of you.”

At that moment, the stable boy brought around an amazing black stallion, temporarily taking her mind off her troubles. Emmie knew a purebred when she saw one, and this horse was a winner; top of the line. Her father owned several, which she rode back home.

Gabe looked at her again with a gleam in his eyes. “Emiline, would you like to join me for a friendly and relaxing jaunt around the countryside?”

She still didn’t know if she dared to be alone with him. Her body had betrayed her once before, not only with the kiss, but when she was in the pond. Good thing he couldn’t read her mind at that time since improper thoughts had swam in her head.

But now... She wanted to be with someone. Anyone. Loneliness didn’t make a good companion. If they become better friends and he started to trust her, then she might ask him about his relative, Captain Hawk.

“All over the countryside? Not just inside the estate, but outside of it, also?”

His smile was full now, showing off his straight, pearly white teeth. “You have seen enough of the estate, so why not see more of the beautiful country England has to offer?”

Returning a smile, she quickly made her decision. “I would love to join you, Mr. Lawrence.”

“Splendid.” He turned to the stable boy. “Put a sidesaddle on Princess so that Miss Emmie can ride her.”

“Actually,” she quickly cut in, “I prefer a regular saddle.”

Gabe glanced over her riding habit. “Are you sure?”

“Oh, yes. I’ll be able to ride just fine in this.” She picked at her skirt.

Not much time later, the stable boy brought out a white thoroughbred mare, the most amazing horse she had ever seen. “Oh, my,” she gasped, walking to the horse and patting its nose. “You are going to let me ride her?”

The young lad looked at Gabe who gave him a small nod, then back to her. “Yes, Miss. You can ride Princess.”

The boy moved to give Emmie assistance, but she flipped her hand to move him away. “Thank you, but I can mount by myself.”

The stable boy shrugged and turned to help Gabe, but he mounted without any assistance. The boy threw up his hands and walked away.

Without thinking, Emmie pulled her dress up almost to her knees, helping her to mount better. Once she was sitting astride and had her dress in place, she glanced at Gabe. His eyes were wide and still directed to her legs. Inwardly, she groaned. If her father knew she’d just given a man a glimpse of her stocking legs, her hide would be raw by nightfall.

Clearing his throat, Gabe shook his head and switched his focus to look straight ahead. He pulled the reins and turned his horse, Emmie followed him until they trotted side by side. He rode with ease and skill. So refined. So much like a noblemen. She was certain he’d have made a fine man of peerage. It was too bad his circumstances left him untitled.

After a few awkward minutes, she finally breathed a sigh of relief that Gabe hadn’t commented on her improper display not too long ago, and she finally let the excitement of their horse ride consume her. Although being alone with Gabe made her nervous, she couldn’t stop giddiness from surrounding her as he began his tour of the countryside. Not only was her heart beating witlessly, her mind jumped everywhere at once.

“You know,” she began to speak her thoughts as they came, “I used to ride a horse just like yours back home when—” She quickly stopped then mentally scolded herself. She shouldn’t have told him that. After all, most poor people didn’t own many horses, especially thoroughbreds.

Gabe raised his eyebrows in question. “You rode a stallion? Just like this one?” he repeated. “Was it your horse or Lady Sarah’s?”

“It was Lady Sarah’s...well, actually, it was her father’s horse, but Lady Sarah allowed me to ride it and she rode the mare.” His gaze narrowed on her, so she quickly finished with, “Because of my upbringing, she knew I could handle the stallion better.” Once again, she silently chided herself for not thinking before speaking. My upbringing? How was a poor relative going to handle a thoroughbred better than a mare?

“Pray, Miss Emmie, why don’t you tell me about your most curious upbringing.”

Think, Emmie! “Perhaps I will when the time is right.” She lifted her chin and pushed her horse a little faster. He kept her pace with his animal.

“So, how good are you at riding?” he asked with a twinkle in his eyes.

Her heartbeat picked up rhythm. “I’m actually not as good at riding as I am at...racing!” She dug her brown calf-high boots in the sides of the mare, taking off ahead of him, laughing over her shoulder as she passed.

He shouted with laughter before the thundering of the horse’s hooves caught up to her. Knowing him, he would try his hardest to show her that a woman didn’t know the first thing about racing. After a few moments of him still being the one in the rear, she hoped he would change his attitude about her.

Glancing back, his hard expression let her know he was serious in his pursuit as he leaned forward in his saddle, pushing the animal faster. She finally allowed him to catch up. His expression changed. Now he looked hurt...and surprised.

She stopped her horse, and he did the same. “I apologize, Mr. Lawrence. Please forgive me for laughing, but if you could see the look on your face right now.” She couldn’t hold it back any longer and laughed harder.

He growled, his brown eyes boring into hers. Fear grasped her as her blood turned cold. Upsetting him was the last thing she wanted to do, especially now that they were becoming friends. She needed to think of something to change his attitude quickly—or at least make him smile.

 

* * * *

 

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.

“Emiline? Would you please not call me Mr. Lawrence? I would prefer you use my given name. Gabe.”

The laughter disappeared quickly from her face as she lost her smile. Her forehead creased. “Why?”

He shrugged. “Because all of my friends call me Gabe.”

“And you consider me amongst your friends?”

His grin widened. “Yes. Don’t you?”

The corners of her mouth lifted as if she fought back a full smile. “Well, I...um, all right, Gabe,” she ended, giving him her full smile once more.

“Much better, thank you. And now since we are friends, it’s only decent of you to let me have another chance at winning. So if you will play honestly during our next race, I would like to prove to you that I’m as admirable as you are.”

She laughed lightly. “Play honestly? When was I not playing honestly? I will have you know I am quite ethical when sporting.”

“But you got a head start.”

When she laughed, her eyes danced with merriment. “No. I think you held yourself back because I’m a woman.”

“And what if I did?”

“I don’t want you to hold back this time. I want you to push yourself to the limit.”

Suddenly, an idea took root, and he held back the mischievous spark of energy within. “Would you care to make a wager on our little race, then?”

One of her perfectly shaped eyebrows rose in question. “What did you have in mind, kind Sir?”

He couldn’t believe what he had in mind, but he would definitely not tell her about his improper thoughts. She’d certainly not conform to something so personal, so what wager could he make? “All right, I have it. If I win, I will require you to dress like a woman for an entire week.”

She gasped. “Are you jesting?”

“No. I’m quite earnest.”

“You don’t think I dress like a woman now?”

“Well, let me rephrase that. I want you to dress a little more…what’s the word… appealing.”

She released an unlady-like snort. “Appealing? My gowns aren’t appealing?”

“Let me clarify a little better. I want you to wear gowns that fit you and I want to see your hair styled like a young woman your age would fix her hair. You dress as if you are an old woman.”

“All right, I understand now. So what if I win? Are you going to wear a bath towel all week for me?”

He howled with laughter. This tiny woman certainly knew how to keep him on his toes. She had a quick wit, and he adored it. “Is that what you want to see me in?”

“No. I was just making a comparison.”

“All right, I will do anything but wear a bath towel.”

Leaning forward on her horse, she studied him in quiet deliberation. What wild wager would she require? Would he play along? She was sure he would, especially if he won. Seeing her wearing lovely dresses would give her more of a mature look...more alluring. Most of the time she looked out of place anyway.

Finally, she smiled wide. “If I win, for an entire week you have to treat me as if I’m a princess.”

He chuckled. “How can I treat any woman like a princess if she’s wearing baggy and plain dresses with her hair wound so tight?”

“I suppose you will just have to try.”

He remained silent for a second, staring at her stubborn, yet pretty face. He didn’t plan on losing, so he would agree. “I will take your challenge. If you win, I will treat you like a princess, but if I win, you will have to wear enticing women’s dresses for an entire week.” He reached out his hand to seal the bargain. “Shall we close the arrangement with a handshake?”

She smiled, slipping her small hand into his and giving it one good squeeze. “Yes, we have an accord.”

Lining their horses up, they prepared for the race.

“On your mark...get set...” He started the countdown.

“Go,” she yelled and took off. Gabe was prepared for her trickery and wasn’t far behind. He laughed. She really wasn’t being dishonest, just sneaky.

The thoroughbreds ran neck to neck along the countryside. At times, Gabe was ahead, but then discouragingly, Emiline always seemed to catch up. Then, at a point, she broke ahead of him, but soon enough he caught up. Obviously, she was determined to win, but so was he. And he’d never lost a horse race to a woman. Then again, he couldn’t recall if he’d ever been in a horse race with a woman since he didn’t know many women who didn’t ride sidesaddle.

But Emiline was definitely not like most women.

One mile away at the stream was their ending point, and both of them reached the bank at the same time. By the time he pulled his horse to a stop, he laughed merrily, and she joined in.

Gabe dismounted first and moved to help her down. “You surprise me, Emiline. I have never known a woman who could maneuver a horse as well as you.” He took her small waist and lifted her down from the horse slowly.

“Thank you, Sir. That’s quite a compliment coming from you.”

Still holding her waist, he stared down into her huge eyes. Excitement shot through him. He became breathless standing so close. The yearning to kiss her again spread through him like wildfire. The sudden spark of heat confused him, so he released her and stepped back.

Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm himself from the brief contact. “So, now what do we do in this situation?”

Her eyes widened. “What situation?”

“The race. We tied, you know.”

She blew out a gush of air and smiled. “Yes, the tie. I don’t know. I have never tied before. I’m usually the person who wins.”

He chuckled. “You are very good—for being a woman.” Amazed, he shook his head. “But what I think is done in situations like this is that we both have to pay the consequences.”

“What? You still expect me to adorn myself as an enticing woman?”

He nodded. “Yes, just as I will treat you like a princess for a whole week.”

Emiline bit her bottom lip as silence stretched between them for a few seconds. “I think you are getting the better end of our wager.”

He chuckled. “No. I think you are. Can you imagine what my uncle, aunt, and cousin will think when they see me treating you as if you are royalty?” He laughed harder. “Just think about what Lady Sarah will do.”

A frown quickly touched her mouth. “I will explain things to her so she understands.”

He turned away and walked to the water. “Is it really difficult for you to dress that way?” He bent and plucked a long weed from out of the grass.

“Hard for me?” Her laugh sounded forced. “I will have you know—” She stopped suddenly, biting her lower lip.

He received the impression she was about to divulge a secret. Now he wanted her to continue. “Go on,” he encouraged.

“Um, I will have you know that...well, that I do know how to dress that way.” She walked to him. “I have been Lady Sarah’s companion for a couple of years and I have watched her closely. I know I could dress as she does, but I have chosen not to. My father was not very strict with me as a child, and he let me traipse around the estate doing things only a boy would do.”

Chuckling softly, he shook his head. “And Lady Sarah still wanted you for her lady’s companion?”

A flicker of hurt flashed through her eyes and her expression sobered. She lifted her chin stubbornly. “As I told you before, we were friends and she wanted to help me out by giving me the position as her companion.”

He didn’t mean to hurt her, just thought he was stating the obvious. He touched the long weed to the end of her cute little nose. “You must have done fabulously because look at Lady Sarah now.”

Pushing the weed away from her face, she walked passed him toward the stream. “I thank you, I think.”

He chuckled. “Yes, that was a compliment.”

She knelt by the stream and ran her fingers through the water. Leaning against the tree near her, Gabe studied her, wondering why she’d suddenly become quiet. The gentle breeze lifted the wavy strands of her hair that had miraculously escaped her tight bun. He traveled his gaze further to her ears and neck, which was actually beginning to tempt him to lean down and kiss her skin. Strange how hard it was to hold back from doing so.

As he studied her, he realized she would have been the hit of London if she were a real lady. If she arranged her hair the right way and wore elegant dresses that fit, she would indeed make one very beautiful woman. She carried herself as a lady and talked as one, too, which was quite surprising, but then he suspected it was because she had been around the governor’s daughter for a few years. Strange, but Lady Sarah didn’t speak as eloquently as her companion, nor did she carry herself as well. Yet Emiline was the one who was a poor relation. Very confusing.

Emiline’s pretty eyes were surrounded by dark thick lashes, almost making them resemble butterfly wings. Soft skin and high cheekbones made her face appear more delicate. Indeed, she was one very handsome woman. Then again, so was Lady Sarah, yet… There was something not quite right, and he couldn’t pinpoint the problem.

“Emiline?”

She didn’t take her eyes off the water. “Yes?”

“I was just wondering about something.”

“What is that?”

Curiosity got the better of him and he just had to ask. “Why do you know more and seem more educated than Lady Sarah? You mentioned earlier you rode a stallion, yet once when I was with Lady Sarah, she said she had never been on one before. Can you tell me why this is?”

Her hand froze in the water, and her body stiffened. Now he knew she had a secret.