Jacquie D'alessandro by The Bride Thief

Author:The Bride Thief [Thief, The Bride]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-02-06T07:55:02+00:00

Chapter 12

By the time Eric arrived back at his stables, he still had not figured out what Miss Briggeham might be planning. Distracted, he dismounted and handed Emperor’s reins to Arthur.

“We need to talk,” Arthur said in an undertone.

His gaze snapped to Arthur’s, and his heart thumped against his ribs as he instantly recognized the look in the older man’s eyes. Eric nodded. “We’ll meet in the usual place in half an hour.” Thirty minutes later, Eric entered the gazebo near the rear of the gardens. Arthur paced inside the marble structure, his weathered face taut with worry.

“I’ve heard word of another who needs help,” Arthur said without preamble.

Eric leaned his hips against the balustrade and crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m listening.”

“Chit named Anne Barrow. Seems like the usual scenario, but…” When Arthur didn’t elaborate, Eric prompted, “Something is bothering you?”

“Well, I just think it’s damned odd how I heard about it.”

His gaze locked onto Eric’s. “It seems Miz Sammie’s the one wot started the gossip.” Eric froze. “I beg your pardon?”

“Surprised me, too, it did, ‘cause Miz Sammie’s not one to carry tales. But I heard it straight from Sarah, the Briggeham’s cook. Told me Miz Sammie came into the kitchens this mornin’ and told her about this Anne Barrow bein‘ forced to wed a horrid man, and wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Bride Thief rescued her? Even went on to say how she would be traveling along a certain route two nights from now.” Arthur scowled and scratched his head. “Damned odd if you ask me. Where do you suppose Miz Sammie would hear such a thing?”

“I’m not certain,” Eric said slowly. “Has anyone else carried the tale to you?”

“No. And that’s also strange. Story like this usually makes its way to me from several sources.”

“Tell me exactly what Sarah told you.”

Arthur obliged, then said, “This Bride Thief Posse is gainin‘ in numbers, and they’re determined to catch ye. The magistrate, too. This whole story could be a trap. What are ye going to do?”

“I’ll let you know as soon as I decide. In the meanwhile, quietly see what you can find out about this Anne Barrow.”

Eric strode into his private study and immediately poured himself a brandy. Tipping back his head, he drained the potent liquor down his throat, enjoying the heated path it burned through his chilled insides.

He poured another, then walked to the fireplace where he stared into the low-burning flames while his mind spun with questions.

Why had Samantha spread the news about Miss Barrow? By her own admission she wasn’t interested in gossip. Had she merely stumbled upon the news, or been told by someone else and was simply passing it on? If so, why hadn’t she told him when they’d spoken by the lake? Had a member of the ever-growing Bride Thief Posse told her the story, hoping to start the rumor as a trap for the Thief?

Perhaps. Still, why use Samantha? It didn’t make sense. Unless…

Had someone hoped she’d

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