Page 130 of Rogue of My Heart
She glanced over her shoulder, eyes squinted. “I do not believe you regret your actions, nor do I believe you are the rightful owner of Almerry.”
He stared at her in disbelief. How dare she call him a liar? The chit was positively vexing. “Your beliefs are of no consequence. I am Captain Camden Beauchamp, and I do own this property. As for my apology, I withdraw it.”
“I would have expected nothing less.” Without sparing another glance, she made her way across the bailey, then through the gatehouse, before disappearing from his view.
Regret coursed through him, for he knew nothing about the lady. Not even her name. The only information she’d given was that her estate sat nearby. There were several country homes close enough for the occupants to have seen his lantern. Any one of them could be hers. He should chase after her and demand to at least have her name.
Ridiculous, he had no need of a name when he did not care to see her again. Camden shook his head. Whoever the lady might be, one thing was certain: she was the most vexing woman he’d ever encountered. If he never crossed paths with her again, he would not miss her. On the contrary, he’d be grateful.
Determined to forget about her, he marched back to the stable and tossed himself into the work at hand. No matter how many stones he moved, or how long he labored, the confrontation with her continued to tumble through his thoughts.
With his saddle secured, he threw himself onto the stallion’s back and squeezed his heels against the beast’s sides. He had better things to do than think of the viper-tongued chit. Bloody hell, she’d called him a liar and an intruder. He had little doubt she would be back.
He would have to be prepared, and it was well understood among those in the military that one gained an advantage by knowing their adversary. He called her image into mind, blond hair and flashing green eyes on a tall feminine figure wrapped in the intoxicating scents of vanilla and jasmine.
Indeed, he would know his adversary.
Three
Rebecca clutched the delicate fabric of her skirts in her fists, feeling the lace and embroidery dig into her skin. She quickened her pace until she was jogging across the plush landscape, the verdant grass cushioning each step. The sun cast long shadows that danced playfully around her feet. Mother would give her an earful about proper ladylike behavior if she caught sight of her in such a state, but what did it matter? The way Rebecca felt inside, raging and on fire, couldn’t be tamed by corsets and curtsies. She needed to burn off her anger somehow, lest it consume her completely.
Not in all of her years had she met a man as devilishly handsome and utterly vexing as Captain Beauchamp. A roguish smile had played across his lips, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into her very soul. He set her blood boiling, riling her with his words and demeanor, all while holding her captive with his bold looks and cocky charm.
Even now, excitement pulsed through her, bringing every nerve to life. Her heart had thundered against her ribs, her skin had tingled and her breath had struggled at his nearness. She had never experienced such fire or passion as this. All of her senses had been heightened as she’d faced off with him, and when he’d whispered in her ear, a part of her wished he would pull her into his arms.
The captain had tousled dark hair, which she longed to run her fingers through. He was dangerous, a military man. He fought in wars. How could she desire him? Her cheeks warmed at the thought and she hastened her steps. Partly to put distance between her and Captain Beauchamp, but also because she needed to hurry home.
She’d avoided notice by rising before anyone else and making her way to Almerry as the sun crested the horizon. By now, the entire house would be awake and her absence was surely noted. Not that it mattered as all, save for Phoebe, would believe she had simply taken a morning walk. She loathed this house party and Mother’s match-making efforts. Regardless, she had to return, and as much as it pained her, she would have to engage in the day’s activities.
The thought of spending all afternoon in her mother’s matchmaking company made her stomach sour. She loved her mother a great deal and would even go as far as saying she respected her mother’s desire to see herself and Phoebe well married, but it did not change the fact that Rebecca had no desire to be matched.
Perhaps she’d join her father’s hunting party. A novel idea. For once the hounds were released, she could ride in any direction she chose.
With renewed vigor, Rebecca rushed to her bedchamber. After ringing for her maid, she yanked off her bonnet and cloak, letting the garments fall to the carpet. Rebecca reached into the armoire and retrieved her black velvet riding habit. The hunting party would depart soon and she meant to be among them. She peered out her window at the men gathered below. No time to tarry.
The shuffle of feet made her turn toward the door, expecting her maid. She released a sigh at the sight of her sister.
“There you are. Tell me, did you discover the source of your light?” Phoebe said as she sashayed into the room, her silk fan fluttering gracefully in front of her face. She settled onto the mahogany vanity, pinning Rebecca with an intent stare.
Rebecca’s heart raced, for she knew she could not lie to Phoebe, and once everyone discovered Camden’s presence, it would be all they spoke of. The last thing she wanted was constant reminders of the captain, and that he was right across the creek at Almerry. “You didn’t tell anyone, did you?” Rebecca asked, a slight catch in her voice.
“Don’t be a ninny. Your secrets are safe with me.” Phoebe tilted her head, her hazel eyes studying Rebecca. “Now do tell what you discovered.”
Rebecca brushed lint off the bodice of her habit. It would serve her no purpose to lie to her twin. Phoebe would see right through any tale she wove. She’d never been able to hide anything from her sister, no matter how badly she’d wished to.
Rebecca averted her gaze, pretending nonchalance. “I figured out the source of the mysterious glimmers, but there’s nothing special about it.”
“You are withholding important information from me. Should I go tell Mother about your morning adventure?”
“No. You must stay silent about this.” Rebecca held her dress close to her body. “You cannot say a word, Phoebe. Promise.”
“It was only a jest. I told you I will not speak a word of this and I shan’t. But do tell me what happened before I perish with curiosity.” Phoebe lifted her arm to place the back of her hand across her forehead in a dramatic flourish.
“Very well.” She sighed, glancing down at her velvet riding habit as she drew in a breath. “Almerry’s owner is in residence.”
Phoebe’s eyes grew round. “No one has bothered with that pile of stones in centuries. It cannot be fit for inhabitance. Who is he? Why is he there?”
“A despicable reprobate with terrible manners named Captain Camden Beauchamp, and I really could not say.” Rebecca turned her back to Phoebe. “There, I’ve told you all I know. Now be a dear and help me change.” She cast a glance over her shoulder. “I do not know what is keeping my maid, but I must hurry if I’m to join the hunt.”