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consider. Even more so now that you are to be Lady Westbrook."
    "You make it sound like such a stultifying position, my lord. Perhaps I am not the best candidate after all."
    Gabriel bit back his laughter. She had little hope of persuading his uncle to change his mind, and most likely knew that, yet she fearlessly tweaked him.
    "I am certain you are the perfect Lady Westbrook. Come. We should return so we might discuss the plans for the betrothal ball rather than your encounter with the highwayman."
    The young woman halted, facing Gabriel's direction. "What shall happen to the highwayman, if he is found?"
    Though Gabriel knew he was concealed from view, he indulged in the notion that she sought him out. He marveled anew at her beautiful blonde curls, her guileless blue eyes, and the lush lips he could scarce resist. His body stirred as he recalled her kisses, as well as her eagerness to explore the myriad passionate sensations between them. Was it possible she remembered those embraces with as much fondness as he did?
    Or were they now a source of regret?
    "He shall be found," Edmund answered, "have no fear of that. Such lawlessness will not be tolerated."
    "Truly?"
    Gabriel's heart thudded for several long beats. He could not decipher from her expression, or her voice, what she wanted to happen to him. She had little reason to prevent his capture now after he had prevented her escape. She had aided him the previous night, but only because she had wanted to ask for his assistance. Once he had declined, she had no reason to continue helping him outrun the magistrate.
    He could not wait any longer.
    He gripped Eclipse's reins in one hand, reaching with the other for the pistol hidden in his boot.
    "My lord, I would so love to explore the gardens before we return to the Hall. You know, you are quite fortunate to have such beauty at your disposal."
    "It is at your disposal as well, since it shall be yours soon," Edmund said. He continued to gaze at her, clearly enamored of her beauty rather than the parterres and flower beds comprising his gardens.
    She set off at a brisk pace toward the wide expanse of lawn, away from Gabriel's hiding place.
    Gabriel straightened, relieved to leave the pistol, and his plots for revenge, in place.
    "I am grateful I had the presence of mind to bring my watercolors," she added, looking over her shoulder, "for there is such an abundance of scenery to paint. I believe I shall return tomorrow morning, as I desire to sketch the stand of trees over there, near the folly."
    The young woman continued to chatter in an empty-headed fashion she had never exhibited during her conversations with Gabriel.
    He could hardly wait to tease her about it at their next encounter. Hadn't she signaled to him she would return on the morrow?
    She was bound to attempt another escape at that time. And Gabriel was honor bound to prevent it, just as he had this time. As he would every time until his revenge was complete.
    Eclipse tugged at the reins, impatient to depart the leafy alcove. Gabriel stroked the stallion's nose, silently promising a stirring ride once the threat of discovery had completely passed.
    The impatient animal snorted its disapproval, loudly.
    Edmund wheeled toward the sound.
    Gabriel clapped his hand over the horse's nostrils, quieting any further outbursts. He watched as Edmund cast a long look at the trees concealing Gabriel from view.
    Edmund's eyes narrowed for a brief moment, and he cocked his head, listening.
    Gabriel held his breath, his heart racing faster than Eclipse on the open roadways.
    Edmund took several long strides, heading directly for Gabriel.
    "Oh, look," the young miss said, her voice trembling with excitement. "I think it is a deer."
    Lord Westbrook flicked an impatient glance to where she pointed. "A deer is certainly a possibility." He continued to stride toward Gabriel's hiding place, his fists clenched at his sides. Gabriel closed his fingers around the pistol once more.
    "Are