Rogues Gallery by Donna Cummings

Author:Donna Cummings [Cummings, Donna]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Historical romance, boxed set, Regency Romance, Regency romance boxed set
Publisher: Donna Cummings
Published: 2014-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25

A cloud of dust approached the camp, and Gabriel knew the bliss of the past few days was about to end. He had awakened each morning with an angel snuggled in his arms. She had bestowed the most heavenly kisses at every opportunity; she had led him through the gates of Paradise every night.

But such euphoria could not last. Edmund had committed many evil acts in order to attain his goal. There was no reason to believe him incapable of as much, or more, to retaliate for the public loss of his wife-to-be, and by a highwayman, no less. His uncle would not leave this latest act unpunished.

Gilbey came riding neck-or-nothing into camp. Sliding off his horse before the animal had completely halted, he strode to where Jamie, Marisa, Althea, and Gabriel sat eating luncheon. Gilbey's eyebrows shot up when he spotted the quartet dining at a real table, but then he shrugged, accustomed to accepting the many changes suggested by Marisa.

Jamie cleared his throat, nodding his head at Gilbey's clenched hand. Reminded of the reason for his hasty entry, he thrust a crumpled broadsheet at Gabriel.

Gabriel smoothed the paper on the rough wooden table, not surprised to feel Marisa's face at his ear while she read over his shoulder. He grinned and turned his head so he could feel her sweet breath on his skin. He could not seem to get enough of her touch, no matter how he tried.

Marisa rewarded him with a quick kiss, not halting her perusal of the broadsheet.

"Well," Jamie muttered. "Tell me what it says."

Gilbey nearly blurted the news, but Gabriel inserted instead, "Lord Westbrook accuses me of stealing a diamond necklace. A most valuable piece of jewelry, from the amount of reward offered."

In truth, he had misjudged the speed with which Edmund would act. He could at least be thankful Edmund did not yet know the identity of his tormentor.

Marisa reseated herself before looking at Gabriel, but to his relief, he saw no approbation in her eyes. However, there most definitely was fear. "What does this mean then?"

"It means that he best lay low," Gilbey declared, "or he'll swing for sure if he's nabbed by the authorities for this."

"Oh!" Althea cried.

Marisa blanched, reaching for Gabriel's hand. He squeezed it before tossing a warning look at Gilbey. The lad blushed, realizing too late his error.

Gabriel's heart softened at the sight of Jamie patting Althea's hand, calming the woman's fears with tender words.

"But why would he accuse you of stealing the necklace?" Marisa asked.

"He is trying to force me to the surface, angel," Gabriel answered. "The theft of the necklace pales in comparison to having his bride stolen from him."

"Then are ye saying Edmund still has the necklace?"

"No, Jamie," Gabriel answered. "Although I never took it."

Marisa slumped with visible relief. "When it disappeared soon after the betrothal ball, I assumed—" Her hands fluttered toward Gabriel. "Not that I cared," she added in a rush. "I just do not want Edmund to harm you."

Marisa had protected him even then, when she believed he had slipped away with her betrothal gift.

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