Emmie pulled herself from a deep slumber. It took a lot of strength just to peel her eyes open. Exhaustion had taken its toll on her last night, and she felt as if she’d been running for three days straight. Her eyelids were heavy, and her head throbbed, yet at the same time, exhilaration blossomed in her chest. Her mother wasn’t dead after all, and the thought of finding her lifted Emmie’s spirits. Finally, they could be a family again! Perhaps then her father would cease this inane idea of trying to protect Napoleon.
Awareness surrounded her, and she realized she wasn’t in the bed she occupied while staying at the Crampton’s house. As her mind started working properly, she recalled being in Gabe’s arm
“And this is a miniature of my wonderful husband, God rest his soul.”Gabe smiled and sat patiently as Georgia showed him nearly every picture she had in her house. Such a dear woman, and it was obvious she didn’t have many guests stop by. It surprised him that her house was so grand, mainly because Emiline didn’t mention having a wealthy family. “And after the birth of our youngest daughter, Victoria, my wonderful husband had this house built.”
Gabe hooked both horses to the buggy he’d purchased from Georgia. At first she just offered it for his travels today, telling him she never used the vehicle, but he couldn’t go without giving her some kind of payment. Finally, he convinced her to take his money.Emiline walked toward him carrying a basket, and his heart leapt. She now wore a cloak that matched her gown, with a purple scarf over her hair, which thankfully didn’t hide much at all. Curses! How would he be able to handle being so close to her without wanting to take her in his arms and smother her with kisses? Her lips were sweet as honeysuckle, and her skin soft as a rose petal. Strange how in one day she turned from being a friend he took pleasure in teasi
Emmie rushed upstairs to Anna’s room. She flung open the door and Anna jumped from her sitting position near the window. Her eyes wide as she stared.“Anna, I have found her!” Emmie ran to her maid and clasped her hands. “My mother is alive and I know where she is!”Anna squealed and hugged her. “Oh, my lady! I was so worried...nobody knew where you were...I thought the mob your father told us about had come and taken you.” Tears sprang to her eyes. “I was at my wit’s end not knowing what had happened.”
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