The Hopeless Hoyden Read Online Free PDF Page B

in Bow Street.  Their runners know how to hunt a man down without causing a hullabaloo."
                  She tried to pull away, but he held her shoulders fast.  Looking into her blue-violet eyes, he reflected on what Lindemann Park would be like over the next week without her presence.
                  “Miss Pendleton, please don't be angry."  When she refused to meet his gaze, he let out a sigh of defeat.  After all, with a house party, someone would be with her every minute, so what harm could she possibly do.  "I'll let you do all the sleuthing you want, only come and stay the week."  He could swear he saw the devilish workings of her mind behind those vibrant eyes as she thought over his invitation and her angry expression changed with lightening speed to one of sheer joy. 
                  “Done!" she squealed with delight and extended her hand to seal their bargain.
                  Accepting her dainty fingers in his own large hand, he found himself falling into the violet depths of her eyes and felt like a drowning man, floundering without a life line.
                  “So, what activities do you have planned, my lord?"  She gave her hand a small tug, but he continued holding her fingers.
                  “Fishing on the lake after lunch today, an excursion to Hailes Abbey, but little else is definite beyond that.  Nothing too exciting or strenuous, I'm afraid."
                  “Sounds lovely.  I will ride over later this morning."
                  “I'd hope you'd let your maid bring your things over while you return with me now." 
                  “Let me change into my habit while Marabell is being saddled," she acquiesced.
                  “Done," Gabriel mimicked her earlier response with a broad smile and a vigorous handshake.  He was reluctant to release her and so tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and escorted her back to the manor, with Ajax trailing behind them.
                  A short while later, the two riders loped across the countryside, enjoying the warmth of the sun at their backs.  The Viscount rode his powerful stallion with the assurance and control of a man used to spending long hours in the saddle.  Emily's own erect posture and competent seat complimented the dainty lines of her chestnut mare.  As they approached a wood that partially hid one side of the large lakes on Lindemann's property, Emily slowed Marabell and pointed toward a break in the trees.
                  “Who is that man?" she asked.
                  Drawing his mount up to Emily's mare, Gabriel saw Cecil walking between the half dozen dinghies, lying bottom side up, just above the water line.  "That's my cousin, Cecil Caldwell."
                  He knew his tone conveyed his dislike for his cousin, but Emily's interest in Cecil, who had a reputation with the ladies, irked him.  Even from this distance, Cecil's tall, lean build and dark looks showed to advantage.
                  “Come on."  Without any warning, Emily jumped down from Marabell's back, looped the reins about a small bush, and started up the small rise that looked down on the lake.
                  Wondering what Emily was planning to do, Gabriel followed suit, then overtook her when it became apparent she intended to spy on his cousin.  Truth to tell, he thought Cecil's actions were rather circumspect and frankly was curious to discover just what his cousin was doing.  One thing was blatantly obvious, however.  Miss Emily Pendleton was definitely no shy, retiring Bath miss.
                  Gabriel reached the top of the rise where a row of hedge bushes provided good cover.  Parting aside a few branches, he crouched low and leaned forward for a better look.  Emily, one step behind him, rose up on her toes and placed her hands on