Page 131 of Rogue of My Heart

Phoebe rose, then came to Rebecca, helping her to slip into the gown before working to fasten the row of buttons along her back. “He must have done something remarkable to earn your description of his character,” she said softly. “Why do you harbor such an ill opinion of the man?”

“He amused himself at my expense while he withheld his identity.” She reached for her riding hat and pins, an unwelcome storm of emotions—outrage, desire, curiosity—raging through her. “For the first time in my life, I wish I would have stayed away from Almerry Castle.”

Phoebe looked up through thick lashes, a small grin tugging at her lips. “Is he handsome?”

Rebecca hesitated, looking away as she considered her words. She let out a deep sigh before responding. “He is... handsome, I suppose. But he is too obnoxious by far. His cocky demeanor and vexing words make him all together unbearable.” She smoothed her hands down her skirt before placing her bonnet on her head, avoiding Phoebe’s gaze. “I hope to never see him again.”

Phoebe laughed, a wide grin spread across her face, and amusement sparkled in her eyes. “I think I would like to meet this Captain Beauchamp. If only to judge him for myself.”

“Believe me, dear sister, you do not.” She strolled to the doorway. “If you’ll excuse me, I intend to join Father’s hunting party.”

“More likely, you intend to disappear while the others hunt.” Phoebe shot Rebecca a bemused glance. “You don’t fool me. You never have.”

A shaky smile tugged at Rebecca’s lips despite her annoyance. “I beg to disagree, for what is hunting other than disappearing into the landscape, which I absolutely intend to do.”

Phoebe laughed. “In that case, enjoy the hunt.”

Rebecca winked at her sister. “I intend to.”

Four

Lingering wisps of fog clung to the ground as Rebecca steered her mount toward the hunting party. As she drew closer, she offered a smile to her father, who sat atop his white stallion, his gaze meeting hers. Fine lines softened the corners of his deep blue eyes as he looked at her.

“I’m glad you joined us, poppet.” He said, adjusting the reins in his leather-gloved hands as his horse shuffled from side to side. “I will start the hunt once Captain Beauchamp arrives.” He turned his attention to the rolling hills leading toward Almerry, and Rebecca followed suit.

When had Father made Captain Beauchamp’s acquaintance? Her stomach lurched, her lips pressing into a tight line as she tried to come up with a plan of escape. She didn’t want to face him again; not after this morning.

Glancing back at the house, she weighed her options. Should she pretend to be ill again? Mother would likely call the doctor if she did. It would be troublesome but better than facing Camden, or worse, everyone discovering that she had already met the captain. Still, a traitorous part of her elated at the idea of seeing him again.

She contemplated running and staying, lingering in a state of uncertainty, wanting both but unable to commit to either path. Her heart warred on, growing more uneasy with every passing second until...

“Ah, here’s the captain now.” Father lifted his hand, waving the captain over.

It was too late. She was well and truly cornered.

Captain Beauchamp, with his dashing good looks and easy smile, rode toward them. Rebecca’s stomach flipped at the sight of him, her cheeks burning as memories of their morning encounter flooded back. She resolutely kept her gaze on her horse’s neck, hoping he wouldn’t give away their secret.

“Captain Beauchamp,” Father began in a booming voice, “I’m pleased you could join our hunt. Allow me to introduce my daughter, Lady Rebecca.” He gestured toward her and she forced a smile onto her face before meeting Camden’s gaze.

His features softened into an appreciative smile, and he tipped his head politely in her direction. “A pleasure, my lord,” he said to Father before turning his attention back to Rebecca. “On both counts,” he added, a roguish gleam in his blue eyes.

Rebecca felt an unwelcome thrill race through her at his words and smiled despite herself. This was dangerous. One misstep could cost her dearly, but for now she was safe—or so it seemed from the way Father was looking between the two of them approvingly.

Still, she knew better than to get too comfortable around Captain Camden Beauchamp—no matter how attractive or charming he may be, there was no denying that his presence was trouble waiting to happen.

If father were to find out she had so brazenly approached Camden, he’d assign a proper and permanent chaperone to her. And mother... A shudder ran down Rebecca’s spine. Mother would try to match them.

She guided her horse to follow the hunting party, biding her time. When the opportunity presented, she would make her escape. Camden would follow the hounds along with the rest of the hunters, and she would find a quiet place to spend the afternoon.

She snuck a peek at him. Her heart skipped a beat as the devil flashed her a knowing smile, then winked at her before returning his attention to the dogs. A feverish blush rushed over her cheeks, and she bit down on her lip to stifle the sensations running through her.

“Release the hounds.” Her father’s booming voice filled the air, startling her out of her thoughts.

She spurred her mount forward, following the pack of hounds toward the river. She’d have to wait until everyone was well distracted to separate from them. It would not do to be noticed.

The hounds cut east across the property, the hunting party riding behind them. She slowed her mount to put more distance between herself and the others. Once she was certain everyone’s attention was firmly on the hunt, she directed her horse away from the pack and toward Almerry. The castle was her favorite place to pass time, and since Camden had joined the hunt, she had no reason to fear being caught there.

The castle walls jutted up from the lush green grass, inviting her closer. Rebecca rode across the shallow creek, water splashing up in her wake, and a sense of freedom surged through her. As she galloped up the slope toward the postern wall, she patted the book hidden in the folds of her skirt. She could think of no better way to spend a summer afternoon.