Wonderland By Night (Heroic Rogues Series) Read Online Free Page A

vehicle.
     
    “It appears everything is in working condition, except for the broken door.”
     
    “We shall drive without a door, then.” Emmie smiled.
     
    The handsome stranger stepped to Anna and offered his hand. “My lady, let me help you back into your coach. I shall have my driver take you to Mr. and Mrs. Hampton’s estate.”
     
    “What about you?” Emiline asked. After all, he was a gentleman of means, she was certain, so didn’t he need a driver?
     
    He glanced her way for a second before leading Anna to the coach. “I shall have no problems driving my own vehicle, thank you.”
     
    “Oh, Sir…what about our driver?” Emiline shook her head. “I did not see him anywhere. He could not possibly have been thrown so far from the coach, could he?”
     
    He glanced at her over his shoulder. “If you wait here, I shall go up the road a bit and try to locate him.”
     
    “Would you like me to help?” Emmie offered.
     
    The man shook his head. “I fear if he’s lying broken or bleeding, that’s not the sight a young lady needs to see. Wait right here.”
     
    As the man hustled up the road, Anna clutched Emmie’s hands. Both of them had been through so much within the past little while, and Emmie prayed the Good Samaritan would find their driver. During their wait, the man’s driver tried to fix the broken door to their carriage, but there wasn’t much he could do. Nevertheless, they could travel without a door, just as long as they didn’t have much further to go. The driver also brought the trunks back to the coach and fastened them on.
     
    Soon the helpful stranger returned. A frown marred his handsome face and he shook his head. “I could not see him. When I return to town, I shall summon the authorities and have this investigated posthaste.”
     
    Sighing, Emmie nodded. “You are extremely kind, Sir. I thank you for taking the time to look, anyway.”
     
    He helped Anna inside the coach and she offered a shy smile to the man. “I thank you, Sir.”
     
    Emiline bit her lip to keep from grinning. Her maid was certainly acting out of character. Usually her servant flirted outrageously with handsome men. Perhaps Anna was thinking about her new role and remembering a duke’s daughter wouldn’t be so bold...even though sometimes Emmie was.
     
    She walked to the door, waiting for him to step aside so she could climb in. “Pardon me, but what is your name? How do you know Mr. and Mrs. Hampton?”
     
    “Most everyone around these parts knows of Mr. and Mrs. Hampton. They own a large piece of land and live in a beautiful manor.”
     
    “You did not tell me your name.”
     
    “I’m Gabriel Lawrence.”
     
    She smiled. “Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Lawrence. We certainly appreciate your assistance.”
     
    He took her hand and helped her inside. After the man walked back to his vehicle, Emmie looked at her maid and sighed with relief. So far it had worked. She wouldn’t believe it any other way.
     
    Anna shook her head. “Lady Sarah, I really don’t know what your father was thinking to have us switch roles.” She spoke low. “I feel as if I have to think about every word before I say it.”
     
    Emmie arched an eyebrow. “But Anna, you told my father you could play this role without any instruction.”
     
    A blush stole across the maid’s cheeks. “Well, perhaps I didn’t know what I was saying. Thinking and doing are entirely two different things.”
     
    Emmie chuckled. “Indeed they are. But you are doing fine.” She nudged her maid’s arm. “Besides, you look more like a duke’s daughter than I ever did.”
     
    “No, I don’t.” Anna shook her head. “I bet you are glad you made me wear this fancy traveling dress. Otherwise, Mr. Lawrence may have been suspicious.”
     
    “Indeed, I’m very grateful. I knew we would reach Mr. and Mrs. Hampton’s house today, and now we won’t have to worry about first appearances.” She patted Anna’s clasped