Angel in Black (17 page)

“Not by choice, I assure you.”

Rina was suspicious of his answer. “She was with you at Camray, another occasion not of your choosing?”

This prompted a sigh from Blake, but a small spark of amusement flickered in his eyes. “Do I detect a note of jealousy?”

“Do not be absurd,” Rina objected, but his question prompted her own doubts. “I merely question your taste in the company you keep.”

“Aye, her temperament certainly has not improved over the years.”

“So, you are old acquaintances?” Rina seemed unable to still her curiosity.

“You might say that,” Blake intentionally remained vague, and the warmth in his gaze turned cold, unreadable.

“I’m sorry,” Rina said, suddenly uncomfortable, though she did not understand why. “I pry when I should not.”

“No, I’m the one who’s sorry.” Her confusion apparent, he continued, “Lady Ramsey was angry with me, and I’m afraid you got the brunt of it.”

“I’m sure it did not help when I called her a bitch.”

“I don’t suppose it did at that.” This brought his smile back. “Why are you here, little one?”

“I came to see the stallion. His leg has healed nicely. Would you like to see him?” Rina sensed a temporary truce between them and found it to be a pleasant change from the constant battle they waged.

Blake had hoped she had come to see him and tried not to show the disappointment he momentarily experienced. Nodding, he silently walked with her to the stables. As Rina approached the stall, the huge stallion neighed his greeting and stamped the floor in excitement. She stroked his soft muzzle as Blake watched in amazement, unable to believe the horse’s tameness.

“He is a wonderful animal, Blake, and I’m sure he’ll allow you to ride him now. He was merely afraid and confused by the unfamiliar surroundings.”

Walking over to them, Blake rubbed the horse’s neck. “I suppose you had a long talk with him and explained everything.” Rina’s indrawn breath and flash of anger in her eyes warned him. “I’m not making sport of you, Rina … honest. It wouldn’t surprise me if you could talk to the horse. I guess, in a way, you do, but not with words. You talk with your gentleness and love. I only wish you would talk to me in this way.”

“If I did, could you accept it as I give it? Or would you want to twist and form the meaning to suit your own needs?” She turned to look into his eyes. “I cannot and will not live my life as your mistress. I make my own decisions, my own mistakes. I’ll be my own person.”

“And does being your own person and making your own mistakes include being a hunted criminal? Don’t you think hanging is one mistake too many? Did you know the King has sent in troops to stop you? You’ve got a price on your head, little one. I don’t want to see you dangle from the end of a rope. I beg you; let the Angel in Black ride no more.” His face reflected genuine concern as he pleaded with her.

Rina’s heart skipped a beat, pleased he did not wish to see any harm come to her. But her commitment to herself and to her people was far stronger than new and strange feelings for Blake. It saddened her she could not comply to make him happy. “I can’t do as you ask. So, please, do not ask again.”

She turned away from his scowl and walked out into the filtered sunlight, noticing for the first time a commotion at the house. A small garrison of soldiers gathered there and Rina knew they were the troops sent to stop her.

Blake silently came up behind her, and without another word, left. When Rina rode out on Blackstar, she knew he watched her. When she turned to look at Blake, her eyes, instead, met the intense gaze of the young officer standing next to him. Calm, she looked from one man to the other, her stare unwavering, and unafraid. She nudged Blackstar into a run, leaving the two men behind.

Blake didn’t turn his full attention to Lieutenant Greerson until Rina was completely out of sight. Once he did, the admiring twinkle in the other man’s eyes caused him to frown.

“Beautiful,” murmured the man, more to himself than Blake. When he caught the smoldering look of disapproval, he cautiously added, “The horse — what a magnificent animal.”

An amused look replaced Blake’s scalding one. The man’s apparent discomfort was obvious. “Yes,” he agreed, “a magnificent animal. Now, Lieutenant Greerson, what can I do for you?”

“As I’m sure you know I have been sent by the King to apprehend the band of highwaymen running rampant in this area. It was Sir Lawrence Langsford of Camray who petitioned the King for military reinforcement to help solve this problem. I have already spoken with him about the matter, and I wondered if I might question you and your brother as well. I was told you were among those who have been robbed.”

“I’d be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Shall we go inside?”

After they were seated comfortably and Ryon joined them, the lieutenant began.

“Sir Langsford informed me this renegade band consists of four men and one woman, a Frenchwoman who is apparently their leader.”

“Yes, and a charming woman, indeed,” Ryon said.

“That seems an odd comment, sir. What makes this woman so charming?” Greerson inquired, his curiosity roused.

“Well, for one thing, she was courteous. She asked the ladies to contribute only one item, the choice left to them. Obviously, she could have taken everything, but didn’t. The Angel in Black made you think you were making a donation to charity, rather than being robbed.”

“The Angel in Black?”

“Yes, lieutenant, the people here named her the Angel in Black. It seems she gives away what she steals — she is their savior, a female Robin Hood of sort.”

Blake watched the officer’s reactions, finding it difficult to remain calm and quiet knowing the threat this man presented.

“Yes … interesting.” Greerson mulled this over before speaking again. “According to Sir Langsford, this so-called Angel in Black is dangerous. Do you agree, Lord Roberts?”

The question was directed at Blake, who had said nothing so far. The lieutenant’s sharp green eyes studied him, and the man awaited his answer. “No, I don’t believe they are dangerous. My impression from our encounter was that they aren’t killers. As long as no one acts foolishly, there should be no violence.”

Again, Greerson considered Blake’s answer before voicing his next thought. “You said the people here about think of this woman as a heroine. I suppose it will be futile to expect any help from them.”

“No doubt,” agreed Ryon.

Greerson stood. “I am anxious to meet my opponent. I would like study the band’s movements and habits before I consider setting a trap for them.”

“Well,” Blake said, rising as well. “I’m certain if you frequent any dinner parties or social affairs in the area, you will get your chance, lieutenant.”

“No doubt, but I would like to think I can count on you, should the need arise, Lord Roberts.” Extending his hand to Blake, then Ryon, he moved to leave. “I’m sure we will see each other again.”

“Until then.”

From the window Blake watched the lieutenant mount his horse and leave with his men.

Ryon stood by his brother, sensing his troubled mood. “I don’t think he will catch her, Blake. What do you think?”

“I pray he doesn’t, Ryon.”

Blake’s answer was filled with so much anguish it shocked the younger man. Confused, he wondered about Blake’s reaction. A strange and sudden thought occurred to him and he asked, “You know who she is, don’t you?”

The question brought Blake’s attention back to Ryon, surprise for the briefest second on his face. “No, of course not,” he said.

Unconvinced, Ryon said, “I don’t believe you, brother, but I’ll leave it be for now. I’m going upstairs to change.”

After Ryon left the room, Blake poured himself a brandy, his mind still on the lieutenant’s mission. The rustling of skirts brought Blake from his thoughts and he turned to see his sister-in-law enter. Rebecca’s smile always brought sunshine to a room, and he smelled the delicate fragrance of lilacs.

“Oh, Blake, how is Rina? I hope Lady Ramsey didn’t hurt her badly.” Concern filled Rebecca’s eyes as she sat on the sofa near where Blake stood.

“She’ll be fine, Rebecca. It would take more than a whip to hurt Rina.”

“Thank goodness. You know, sometimes Lady Ramsey makes me so angry. She has no consideration for anyone or anything. I’m beginning to wish I hadn’t accepted the invitation to her dinner party tomorrow night.”

“We don’t have to go, you know. I’m not sure I can take her overbearing presence again.”

A dismayed expression crossed Rebecca’s features as she considered the idea. “No, we accepted and we must go.”

“You’re always one for doing what’s proper and expected. All right, we shall not be rude and cause any undue gossip.” Blake smiled warmly at Rebecca and relief flooded her face.

“Thank you, Blake. Do you think we will be robbed again?”

“Perhaps,” he replied honestly. “Are you afraid?”

“No, I don’t think so. As a matter of fact, it is rather exciting. I just don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

Blake understood her unspoken meaning. “I assure you, I have no intention of trying any heroics.”

“I’m so glad.” Patting his arm affectionately, Rebecca started to leave, but paused. “Ryon and I have been discussing hosting a dance, and we thought it would be nice to have it Christmas Eve. What do you think?”

“It has been years since we’ve held a dance here. Whatever you want is fine with me.”

Blake laughed as Rebecca’s eyes lit up at the prospect of a ball. She hugged him and flew up the stairs to find her husband and tell him her news. Blake watched Rebecca in her excitement and decided it was nice having a woman at Windsong.

B
LAKE SAT ACROSS THE
table from Lieutenant Greerson, his manner tense as he nervously glanced about. The officer’s men were positioned around the estate, hoping the Angel would show up. The evening grew endless, each minute agony as his worries weighed on his mind. It didn’t help he had to put up with Catherine Ramsey’s incessant small talk. She played at being extra-sweet tonight, trying to make Blake forget her temperamental behavior the day before.

The dinner over, Blake sought refuge from the crowded, noisy room. He walked out onto the veranda, the fresh air clearing his mind. The night was dark, a new moon casting no light from the meager sliver it presented. Blake stared into the darkness, his mind filled with thoughts of Rina — always thoughts of Rina. She was so damn stubborn, but, God, she was spirited and beautiful. Only in her dreams did she fear anyone or anything.

Rina possessed a strength he had never seen in a woman, not only physically, but mentally as well. And, he had witnessed the justice her tiny, yet capable hands could mete out. Now she rode through the countryside, reaping havoc on the aristocrats, and giving hope to the poor. What had she said? “Dying is easy. For the poor, it’s the living that is difficult.” What had happened to his golden girl? What caused her to treat death so casually, without fear, without caution?

“Blake, darling. What are you doing out here?”

Catherine’s voice shattered Blake’s thoughts. He winced in aggravation before turning to face her. “I stepped out for some fresh air, Lady Ramsey.”

She stepped close to Blake, and leaned enticingly toward him, revealing the low décolletage of her gown. Her breasts brushed against him, her eyes dark with anticipation. Blake found it amusing, for the moment, and made no attempt to stop her.

“I’m glad you decided to come tonight. I would have been terribly disappointed if you hadn’t.”

“Then you must thank Rebecca. I am only here at her urging.”

Catherine drew in a deep breath, his comment not to her liking. “You shouldn’t tease, Blake. It is hard to control my temper when it comes to your blunt manner.”

“I noticed.” Blake’s voice was hard, his eyes unfeeling.

“Again, you tease.” Lady Ramsey smiled, determined not to lose her temper again. “You know I’m attracted to you, Blake. I think we would be wonderful together.” She entwined her arms around Blake’s neck and stood on her toes to pull his lips to her own. She kissed him deeply before Blake managed to pull her off him. This game was turning distasteful.

“You could stay with me tonight, darling.”

Stepping back from her smothering affections, Blake’s cold eyes showed none of the emotions Catherine felt. “No, Lady Ramsey. I have other plans for later. And they do not include you.”

“Why, you bastard — I suppose you will be occupied with that little trollup I ran into yesterday. Really, Blake, do you enjoy sleeping with peasant trash so much?”

As soon as her jealous words slipped out, Catherine knew she had gone too far. His angry golden eyes sent a shiver down her spine, and the flexing jaw muscle made her tremble in fear.

“I really hate to disturb your little spat,
Madame
, but your presence is required inside.”

Both turned to face the Angel in Black. Catherine’s eyes widened when she saw the pistol aimed directly at them.

“
S’il vous plait
, I do not have all night,
monsieur
.”

Blake thought he heard a note of pain in her icy voice.

Catherine’s feet turned to lead and Blake had to guide her into the drawing room like a child. Everyone else was already gathered inside with the Angel’s four men standing guard.

Rina glanced at Blake, her eyes angry and hurt. But when she turned to Lady Ramsey, they were carefully masked. “Now that we are all present, shall we begin with our donations tonight?
Madame
Ramsey, since this is your party, shall we begin with you?”

Biting her lip, Catherine pulled off a ring and reluctantly dropped it into the bag. “Ah,
Madame
,” she could not resist taunting the woman, “I see you have learned to curb your tongue,
n’est-ce pas
?
Tres bien
.”

Rina turned to Blake. He dropped his money into the bag and his pocket watch went after it. His lips were a thin line, his eyes stating what he could not say.

“So, we meet again,
monsieur
. You do seem to frequent these boring affairs often.”