Read Online Angelina by Janet Woods - Free Book Online Page B

he’d always thought as his half-sister came into the cottage. She looked flushed from her ride, her dark eyes were shining with excitement as she gazed at his mother.
    “Walk my horse while I talk to your mother, Frey,” she said imperiously. “I rode her too hard and she’s lathered.”
    “Walk her yourself,” he said quietly. “I’ve got business of my own to see to.”  
    An astonished expression crossed Rosabelle’s face and her eyes jerked up to his. Frey smiled when her mouth opened slightly. She was the same as him, a lowborn bastard. No, she was less. At least he knew who his parents were.
    Taking the hat from his head he swept it across his body, giving a parody of a bow before sauntering from the cottage and closing the door firmly behind him.
    * * * *
    It was almost midnight. A horse picked its way through the leaf litter on the forest floor. Its glossy sable hide was unrelieved by markings. Its rider, clad in a black voluminous coat despite the warmth of the evening, was in no hurry.
    Now and again, the narrow gap between the low brimmed hat and the black cloth covering the lower part of the rider’s face, revealed a glimpse of dark eyes. Those eyes watched the track off to the right, where another horse and rider ambled aimlessly along. The object of the felon’s attention was singing lewd verses at the top of his voice. 
    Presently, the highwayman turned the horse to the left, spurring it into a canter. Swiftly, the black covered the ground until the junction branching towards the stables of the Marquis of Northbridge was reached. There, where the track curved, the highwayman took up position in the middle of the track.
    “Whoa, nag.” George peered owlishly at the figure baring his way. “Stand aside fellow, or I’ll shoot you.” He fumbled for his pistol, then realising he wasn’t wearing one roared with false bravado. “Damn and blast you for a knave. You have the advantage over me. I am unarmed.”
    A scarf muffled the highwayman’s voice. “I’m relieved, sir, I have no desire to kill you.”
    “You don’t eh? If it’s money you’re after I have none. A man must pay for his pleasures and I enjoyed the company of a couple of Winchester harlots.’
    “And won a small fortune at the gaming house afterwards if your reputation does you justice.” The highwayman indicated with the pistol. “Throw me your purse, My Lord.”
    Reluctantly, George did as he was asked. Rapidly sobering, he was embarrassed by the indignity of being caught without a weapon to see this rogue off with. It was the first time he’d heard of a highwayman operating in these parts, and he’d make damned sure he never ventured abroad without a loaded pistol again. He scowled as he watched his winnings disappear inside the thief’s coat.
    “Empty your pockets.”
    “Damn it man, isn’t that enough?” His hands tightened on the reins. “Out of my way...God’s truth!”
    The pistol jerked, a ball cut through his reins and he tumbled over his mount’s rear to sprawl in the dust. Spooked by the shot, his horse bucked a few times then trotted off up the track. It stopped at a patch of succulent grass and quietly started to graze.
    The highwayman brought his horse under control as George scrambled to his feet. A second weapon appeared in his hand. “Your pockets, sir. Empty them into your kerchief then hand it all to me.”
    George scrambled to obey. The highwayman sifted through the contents. He removed a silver snuffbox and a jewellery case. The rest was tossed to the ground. Flipping open the jewellery case, the felon whistled. Within seconds, an exquisite ruby pendant dangled from a black-gloved finger. “A handsome bauble.”
    ‘Now look here, my man,” George bristled. “That’s a gift for a lady. Take my horse instead.”
     The highwayman chuckled. “Your horse is a noble beast, but doubtless, he knows his way home. I’d not have him long. Tell me about this lady-love of yours. She’s your