Lord Midnight

Lord Midnight Part 2

Gabriel DeVault adjusted the leather strip around his eyes as he glanced down at Westbrook Hall. He had viewed the estate from this promontory many times over the years, memorizing every detail. It was an impressive home of Palladian design, with curved staircases of York stone flanking the main entrance, and statues from antiquity balancing atop Corinthian columns. The house was surrounded by acres of parkland, as well as parterres, and gardens of every variety, all designed to reflect the family's wealth and status.

Tonight, Gabriel saw Westbrook Hall in a completely different light, thanks to a chance encounter on the king's highways.

"Gilbey, I must thank you for preventing my demise this evening." He tugged at the knot of his cape, not quite able to find a comfortable spot. "Though your rough manner calls to mind a hangman's noose about my throat."

"I noticed you were a mite distracted," Gilbey answered, a wide grin covering his freckled face. "And that kiss you stole. I thought I might need help from the lads, to wrench you away from the young beauty."

"I paid her scarce more attention than the other ladies we encounter during a night's work," Gabriel retorted. "It was a mere kiss."

In truth, the angel's pulse had throbbed under his lips in a most entrancing fashion, creating an answering ache in his loins. Her rosewater-scented skin, and the gossamer curls, elicited the most delicious thoughts.

"Aye, a mere kiss. I can see you scarce remember her."

Gilbey's grin widened, but Gabriel chose to ignore him. His attention was centered on something a great deal more important.

Lord Westbrook's carriage rolled to a stop in the pea gravel driveway. Liveried footmen rushed out with torches to usher the passengers into the grand entryway.

Gabriel's breath caught at the sight of the blonde woman descending from the traveling coach, albeit in a more decorous fashion than when she had landed in his arms earlier that evening. His body reacted at that delectable memory, and he shifted in his saddle, disturbing his horse's grazing. The inky-black animal reared its head, snorting its displeasure. Its heated breath mingled with the crisp night air, creating a swirling fog around them.

"Come, Eclipse," Gabriel said, smoothing his gloved hand over the stallion's sleek muscled neck. "Surely you can permit me one more glimpse of Lord Westbrook's betrothed."

She was possessed of such an angelic demeanor, yet it was paired with an unexpectedly devilish manner. He could not help but be enchanted by her beauty. The pale blonde curls, unwilling to remain confined in the topknot she wore, coupled with the cobalt-blue eyes, were enough to distract any man from rational thought. The first time she smiled, his heart had ceased beating for several long seconds.

Yet it was the mischievous sparkle in those innocent eyes, and the utterly bold manner in which she had inspected his costume, which made him smile now. She had not swooned or fainted when he kissed her. Instead she had accused him of distracting her from her purpose. He laughed at the unexpected notion.

What could such a spirited miss want from a highwayman?

Gabriel reached into his boot for the jewel case. He opened it, catching his breath once more at the display of rubies, the pigeon's-blood-red gems given to the Westbrook brides for numerous generations.

The jewels brought an answering flood of memories: the carriage accident, his parents' lifeless bodies, the hands around his throat, choking the life from his ten-year-old body.

He returned his attention to Westbrook Hall. The carriage was leaving the driveway, heading for the mews. The bold miss was safely inside the foyer, most likely on her way to meet with her betrothed.

"Gilbey, return to the abbey. I shall meet up with you later."

The gap-toothed lad did not try to hide his skepticism. "You do not want to seek out another coach this evening?"

Gabriel shook his head, dislodging a blond strand. He tucked it back inside the leather queue.

"I have something else I must do first," he replied.

Gilbey chuckled. "The lengths you go to in order to steal more kisses."

Gabriel tightened his grip on the reins while Eclipse pranced and pawed at the ground, mirroring Gabriel's excitement. "I can assure you I have more in mind than stealing kisses."

Gilbey held his gaze, clearly wanting to say more. Finally his lips tilted up in a wry fashion. "The better part of valor is not questioning your actions any further?"

"Something like that," Gabriel said, returning the smile. "Say nothing to Jamie of what has transpired this night. I shall tell him upon my return."

Gilbey nodded, and shot him a quick salute. "Godspeed then."

Gabriel touched his heels to the stallion's flanks, and galloped off toward Westbrook Hall.