Wonderland By Night (Heroic Rogues Series) (24 page)

“No, that was all they said, but they looked none too happy.”

Releasing a pent-up breath, Gabe ran his fingers through his hair. None of this made sense, yet he needed to find out what was going on. Was Lady Sarah in danger? After all, her uncle was Oliver Townshend…a man who was not very popular with the Patriots. The problem was…Gabe didn’t know if Commodore
Billingsford
was after Lady Sarah—or after Gabe. He didn’t know why the Commodore would want Lady Sarah and refer to her the way he had. Things were getting more confusing by the second.

“Levi, do you remember what they were wearing?” When the stable hand’s forehead creased in confusion, Gabe added, “I mean were they dressed like gentleman, or as farmers, or…Naval Officers?”

“Only one was dressed like a naval officer—the man with the evil eyes and orange hair. The others were dressed like gentlemen.”

That confirmed Gabe’s suspicions. Indeed, it was Commodore
Billingford
. “One last question, if you will. Did the man say if they would be back?”

“No, Sir. He did not.”

“I thank you for your assistance.” Gabe swung around and marched back toward the house. He needed to figure out this mystery soon before Lady Sarah was taken…or before
Billingsford
realized Gabe was staying here as well.

The more and more he thought about staying low, the more he realized that going with Emiline to Salem looked better and better. His aunt and uncle must not let their servants know of their journey in case
Billingsford
decided to follow. It could be done. Gabe would see to it personally.

This meant he needed to let his uncle know
why
he needed to stay hidden and away from
Billingsford
. But before he did that, he must discover where Uncle Henry’s belief really lies…and which side of the ocean he supported in these perilous times.

Quickly, Gabe stopped and turned back toward the stables. Levi was still out, thankfully. “Levi, will you get my uncle’s horse ready—and one for me as well? We shall go riding very soon.”

“As you wish.” Levi rushed into the stables.

Gabe smiled. Levi had always been so obedient. That was a good quality to have in a servant.

Gabe hurried into the house and straight to his uncle’s study. The door was cracked open slightly and his aunt was inside discussing something with his uncle. Gabe really didn’t want to disturb them, but his much needed conversation with his uncle couldn’t be put off any longer.

“But what if her father finds out?” Running his fingers through his hair, Henry snapped at his wife. “He will certainly blame me for not putting a stop to it!”

“You are over-reacting again, Henry,” Martha snapped. “She is still young and does not understand the consequences of her actions. I’m quite certain her father will sympathize.”

“Truly, this is utter nonsense. I need to stop this charade—” Henry stopped in mid-sentence and swung his head toward the door.

Embarrassed at being caught eavesdropping, Gabe straightened his shoulders, took a deep breath, and entered. Both his uncle and aunt wore wide-eyed, surprised expressions.

“Forgive me intruding,” Gabe began, “but I needed to speak with you, Uncle.”

His aunt grinned and came to Gabe, only stopping to pat his cheeks. “You are not intruding, my dear. Mr. Hampton and I have finished our conversation, anyway.” She threw a finalizing glare toward her husband, then quit the room.

Henry stretched his arms above his head, and faked a yawn. “What a lovely morning it is.”

“Yes, it is, Uncle, which is why I would like you to take a ride around the estate with me.”

“Splendid idea, my boy.”

After the men had retrieved their riding jackets, they met back at the stables. As promised, Levi had both animals ready for riding. Gabe and his uncle mounted, then took off. Collecting his thoughts, Gabe didn’t know how to start the conversation. Earnestly, he prayed his uncle was
not
siding with England this time. Henry slowed the horse down to a trot and Gabe did the same.

“I must say, Gabriel,” his uncle began, “you picked a wonderful time to go riding.”

A slight breeze flitted through the trees around them, and the sun peeked through the limbs and leaves. “Yes, the weather has agreed with our outing, I believe. I enjoy riding when the land is so peaceful, but then it makes me wish the whole country could be as content.”

Henry eyed him warily. “Yes. These are certainly troublesome times.”

“Indeed they are, and being on this side of the sea, I have witnessed quite a lot during my travels.” Gabe took his attention off his uncle and focused on the trail ahead. “So many people are angry, and…forgive me if I speak out of turn, but I can see why they act out in such a way. Sometimes I feel as if the King has abandoned us over here.” He snuck a peek at his uncle’s reaction. Henry still watched Gabe through hooded eyes. Quickly, he continued, shaking his head. “I can see now why Lady Sarah’s father sent her here to hide out.”

Henry nodded. “Indeed, it would seem at times that our King has forgotten about us…or trying to punish us for living over here. I fear, these perilous times will only become worse if the King doesn’t stop these high taxes.”

“Very true.” So far everything was in Gabe’s favor, yet, what his uncle said really didn’t tell Gabe what he wanted to know. “Uncle, I heard a rumor not too long ago that has me greatly confused.”

“What is it?”

“I heard that you are related to that fearsome pirate, Captain Hawk, who sails on the
Avenger,
and attacks passenger ships.”

“What is this?” Henry’s eyes widened. “Out of all the rumors circling round about that pirate, I’m surprised my name was mixed up in it.”

“I’m assuming the rumor is false then?”

“Indeed it is! I don’t know who started that rumor, but obviously it is someone who wants to ruin my reputation.”

“The pirate is known for fighting the King’s Navy.”

“That he is, my boy. But he’s still a pirate—and fighting for the Patriots.”

“Forgive me for saying this, but at times I sympathize with the Patriots. Over the past few years, I have seen things that have made my heart break for them.”

Uncle Henry pulled his horse to a stop, and Gabe followed his example. Worried eyes stared at Gabe as he held his breath, still praying he hadn’t said the wrong thing.

“My boy, this conversation must be kept between you, me and none other.”

Gabe nodded. “It shall.”

“As I’m certain you are aware, there are spies amongst us. Anymore, I don’t know who to trust.”

“I feel the same, Uncle. But rest assured, you can trust me, and I hope I can rely on your secrecy as well.”

“You can.” Henry adjusted in his saddle. “But lately, I have not liked associating with the Loyalists. They have become overly pompous and I cannot abide with that kind of attitude. They turn up their noses at anyone who questions the King’s laws, especially the taxes.”

Deep in Gabe’s heart, he knew confessing his secrets to his uncle would be a good thing to do right now. “I too, have seen this, and I must say, it disturbs me greatly.” Taking a deep breath, he prepared his next words. “Uncle, I feel I must tell you something.” Henry’s gaze remained on Gabe, the older man’s expression unreadable. Gabe continued, “For several years now, I have not been the man my family believes me to be. In fact, before I came to stay with you for a spell, I was on the high seas…running from the King’s Navy.”

“What are you saying, my boy?” Henry arched a thick eyebrow.

“I’m saying that I have been doing things these past few years, that if caught, could have me arrested for treason.”

Henry gasped so loud, it startled the horse. He stroked the animal’s mane as he controlled his horse. “T-t-treason?”

“Yes. I’m associated with the
Sons of Liberty
, and this past year I have been capturing enemy ships and obtaining secrets that will help the
cause…
that will help us obtain our freedom.”

Slowly, Henry’s wide-eyed expression relaxed and a hint of a smile touched his face. “How very interesting.”

“I pray this doesn’t ruin our relationship.”

“On the contrary, my boy.” He chuckled. “I think more highly of you now than I did before. I had imagined you to be a carefree man who skipped on responsibility. Now I can see I was mistaken.”

“Indeed, you were, Uncle.”

“No wonder you argued with me about accepting your position as newly appointed Earl.”

Gabe groaned. He’d forgotten about that. “That is the very reason I hesitate on the matter.”

“Oh, but you must see the positive side of that. Being in England will give you ample opportunity to gather information that would help the
Sons of Liberty.
”

“Yes, but it would also bring me closer to the enemy, and getting caught and hanged for treason is not what I want to happen at this point in my life.”

Henry shook his head. “You are an intelligent man. I highly doubt anyone could catch you.”

Gabe brushed a hand through the hair. “Regardless, I still have much to ponder on that subject, which I would rather not do at this time. However, I think we need to discuss Lady Sarah and why those men came looking for her.”

Nodding, Henry’s forehead creased in puzzlement. “I still cannot fathom why they came. Do you suppose her father sent them?”

“No, Uncle. If her father had sent them, they would have mentioned it first, and they would have waited for Lady Sarah to return.”

“Very true.”

“So here is what I propose we do to keep her safe.” He urged the animal closer to his uncle. Gabe explained how he asked Levi questions about the men who came, and what he realized. “We need to take Lady Sarah—and Miss Emmie this time—to another town, just for a visit. You cannot let the servants know where we are traveling. Lie if you must, but they cannot know. I do not want Commodore
Billingford
to find us.”

Henry’s head bobbed. “I understand. Where shall we take them?”

“Salem.”

Henry’s eyes widened. “Why there?”

“It’s just enough out of the way from your home, yet close enough that I can have some of my crew meet us there in case Commodore
Billingsford
and his men know where we are.”

“I do believe that is a wise decision.”

“But remember, don’t let any of your servants know of this plan.”

“You can count on me.”

“And Uncle, I shall inform Lady Sarah and Miss Emmie about our journey. I plan on taking them for a picnic this afternoon.”