Page 37 of Hooked

That evening, after I’d helped Marilee ready for bed, I made my way up to the servants’ quarters to find Emeline and Falstone both standing outside the room I shared with Emeline. Falstone seemed to be talking while my young friend listened. I was surprised and impressed that she seemed at ease. “Might I help you?” I asked, pinching the fingers on my left hand with my right as nerves washed over me from the sight of a man just outside my room.

Falstone looked up, mischief swirling in his eyes. “We’re going swimming.”

I pulled my chin back and raised a brow. “We’re what?”

“Going swimming, just as we discussed this afternoon.”

I rolled my eyes. “We did not seriously discuss it. We joked about it. That is very different.”

He was undeterred. “Regardless, I’m ready to go when you are.”

“We cannot just run off to the stream.” My cheeks heated at the very idea.

“Why not?” He was nonplussed.

“Because…” of reasons! Which I was certain would come to mind at any moment.

“We won’t stay long,” he assured me. “The moon is full and bright. Perhaps Emeline will even join us for the fun.” He turned to look at Emeline, who thankfully looked flattered instead of terrified by the suggestion.

“Will you come with us?” I asked, realizing that strangely enough, I desperately wanted to go. I wanted to let Falstone bring me into his world of teasing and fun and sneaking out to go swimming. But it would be so much more proper if Emeline came with us.

She shook her head. “Early morning. You go.”

“Are you certain?” I asked, then leaned in so that only she could hear my next question. “Is it horribly scandalous for me to go?”

She shook her head again, this time with a grin. “Have fun.” She opened the door and stepped into our room, returning not a moment later with my cloak in hand, holding it out to me.

I took it, knowing that for all the reasons I wanted to protest, there were too many more that pushed me to go. I smiled at my young friend. “Thank you. I’ll be back soon.”

She just shook her head, her lips pressed tight against a smile as she shut the door.

Falstone was grinning from ear to ear when I turned back.

“It seems I’ve agreed to this foolhardy adventure,” I said.

“It may be many things,” he said, sweeping his hand in the direction of the stairs. “But foolhardy is not one of them. Now be quiet so that we can sneak effectively.”

I stifled a laugh, knowing that though he teased, we really did need to be stealthy. I had no desire to start rumors about the two of us having clandestine meetings. Though the thought wasn’t entirely unappealing.

I was a heathen.

Falstone took my hand and led me quietly down the back stairs. I tried not to get my heart into a twist over the fact that he so willingly held my hand in his, but it was a losing battle.

We stopped at the bottom of the stairs, checking the corridor before hurrying across to the library. We snuck in, closed the door behind us and made our way to the doors that led out to the veranda.

Stepping out into the night air made me nervous and exhilarated all at once. Falstone’s steps were sure and quiet as he brought us to the doors of the stables and easily let us in.

“Are you going to abscond with a horse as well?” I asked into the darkness.

“It’s called borrowing.” A flame cut through the darkness as Falstone lit a lamp then made quick work of saddling a horse that looked confused by the late-night interruption, but willing enough.

“Up you go,” he said a few minutes later.

“This isn’t a lady’s saddle,” I protested.

“I cannot ride a lady’s saddle, and we are only going to abscond with one horse. Now, up you go.”

Only one horse? I was stunned enough by the idea that I didn’t protest at all as he boosted me up onto the saddle before climbing on behind me.