Angel in Black (19 page)

Turning to Blake, Greerson said, “It seems the children love her. I was told she is remarkable with animals as well.”

“Yes, Rina is a special woman.”

The two men watched until she had finally hugged the last child, and ruffled the boy’s hair good-naturedly. When they left the Church, the children hollered good-bye and waved until they were out of sight.

“I’ll go get my horse.” Rina started down the street, but Blake pulled her back.

“You can ride with me.” The tone of his voice warned Rina not to argue, and not wanting to ruin her day, she relented without argument. “We can stop and get whatever you’ll need.”

Amusement touched Greerson and he quickly averted his face to hide the smile he could not suppress. Somehow he knew Rina’s easy acceptance of help was rare.

Blake lifted Rina onto Hera, settling her comfortably in front of him. Her hair spread out over her shoulders like a cape of gold. He could not resist and smelled it, the softness against his face as the sweet scent of roses filled his senses. His arm tightened around her small waist making Rina blush, a gasp at his familiar behavior escaping her.

“Blake, please —” whispered Rina, trying to pry loose from his strong grip. The more she wiggled, the more aroused he became.

“If you don’t stop moving about, you will be even more embarrassed when I stop and take you on the road.”

His soft spoken words tickled Rina’s ear and sent tremors through her. Immediately, she stopped and her eyes widened with surprise. She could feel his desire pressing against her hips and knew him to be bold enough to do as he threatened.

Risking a glance at Lieutenant Greerson, Rina met his twinkling green eyes and was certain she colored more. She bit her lip to keep back angry words and tried to occupy herself with the task at hand. It proved difficult with Blake molded against her back, his muscles hard and strong. She said nothing more and concentrated on keeping her emotions in check.

T
HEY ARRIVED AT THE
inn in Bardney where the lieutenant and his men stayed during their assignment. Blake helped Rina to the ground. They all walked to the stable where the lame horse was confined.

As she treated the horse, the two men watched in silence. Blake had been uneasy about getting Rina to look at the horse, but the innkeeper told Lieutenant Greerson she was the one to see. Blake worried he might recognize her as the Angel in Black. He tensed when the other man spoke.

“That’s a nasty bruise on her cheek, Lord Roberts.”

Despite his attempt to keep any accusation from his words, the lieutenant failed, and this actually made Blake relax a bit at his protective intention. Obviously, he did not connect Rina with the notorious Angel. “I assure you, lieutenant, it was not of my doing. Though, I must admit I was the underlying cause that made an ill-tempered redhead strike her. It was the last thing I intended with my poorly timed words.”

“Lady Ramsey?” he questioned, though he seemed confident in his assumption.

“Yes, the woman’s lust for money is insatiable, and I seem to be her latest target.”

Blake’s casual manner and tone implied he didn’t mind their conversation, for the moment. But David’s instincts warned him to tread carefully where Rina was concerned. “I seem to remember the young lady riding off when I first visited Windsong. She rode a black stallion — a fine horse of excellent breeding, if I am correct.” Greerson continued to watch Blake, curious about the woman and Lord Roberts, but cautious with his approach.

“Yes. He’s a magnificent animal,” Blake replied wryly, repeating the lieutenant’s own observation, as he had on that day.

“An animal like that would be a great expense. I find it puzzling she would own a horse worth so much.”

“It was a gift — from my grandfather.” Blake was careful to let no expression show on his face, guarding his emotions.

“It seems her reputation is well-deserved.”

The lieutenant’s reflection drew Blake’s gaze to him and he mumbled, “I’m sorry —”

Seeing Lord Robert’s incredulous look, Greerson quickly added, “She has an amazing way with animals — as I was told.”

Blake merely nodded in agreement before he turned his attention back to the woman they discussed. Rina finished wrapping the leg and walked over to the men, who now waited in silence.

“I’ve treated the sprain, I’ll stop by again tomorrow. It will take several treatments to get the swelling down, but you must not ride the horse while it’s healing, lieutenant.”

“Thank you for your trouble. How much is the charge?” he asked.

“There is no charge.” Rina turned to Blake. “Shall we go? I need to check on a sick child this afternoon.”

“I’ll not detain you any further,” Greerson replied with a courteous nod of his head. “Until we meet again, miss.”

Greerson left them, his mind filled with thoughts of the lovely young woman and Lord Roberts’ obvious possessiveness.

Blake crossed the yard to Hera and mounted her. He looked down at Rina. “Do you really have a sick child to see, little one?”

“Yes, I do.” Rina took the hand he offered and let him lift her into the saddle. From the unguarded look of disappointment in his eyes, she knew why he had asked.

“That’s too bad. I would very much like to kidnap you for the afternoon and make passionate love to you … but … if there is a sick child, I’ll wait for another day.” He brushed his lips over hers with the lightest of kisses before he nudged Hera into a trot.

Greerson stood in the doorway of the inn and watched the couple on the horse. He did not miss the intimate way Blake held Rina, nor the tender kiss he gave her before they rode on. Thoughtfully, he turned and went inside.

T
HE FIRE CRACKLED AND
spit red embers out in a spray as the wood popped under the consuming blaze. Enjoying the warmth against her face, Rina stared into the orange flames, her brush forgotten by her side. Her just-washed hair curled about her shoulders, the glow of the fire bringing out streaks of copper and gold. The smell of roses still lingered in the air from the bath Rina had luxuriated in only moments before.

A light snow fell, covering the ground with a soft, white blanket. It was Christmas Eve and Rina wondered how the ball at Windsong was going. Visions of Blake in the arms of other women caused her much anxiety and depression. Everyone of importance was there tonight. Rina’s thoughts changed and she forgot the other women, her mind focusing on the trap carefully set for the Angel and her men.

Lieutenant Greerson had persuaded Blake to allow him to set up an ambush. Convinced they would strike during the ball, the lieutenant called in more men with the intent to position them at all possible escape routes. His plan was perfect.

Or so he thought. Rina smiled to herself, having decided to pass up the ball before she learned of the trap. A large crowd of people would be there, and she did not wish to take any chances with the lives of her men or those attending the dance. Greerson’s mistake was in thinking greed ruled them, but no amount of money was worth dying for. No, tonight the Angel would not steal from anyone. Tonight, she wanted only to give.

It was late. Jake and Jenny had gone to bed. John had left earlier, unaware of Rina’s plans. Slowly, she got to her feet and pulled on her pants and shirt. They were not her worn riding pants but her black ones, and silently she donned the rest of the Angel in Black’s outfit. She placed her ragged clothes in a small bag and taking one pistol and her knife, she left. The cape she wore was her own and tonight she rode Blackstar.

The snow muffled the hoof beats as Blackstar and his mistress pounded down the road to Windsong. When Rina neared the estate, she slowed her pace and looked warily around. Once in view of the house, she slid off Blackstar’s broad back and made her way to the stables. She managed to get inside undetected. She breathed a sigh of relief and guided the horse to an empty stall. Hearing a noise behind her, she whirled about, pulling her pistol from her belt.

Jenkins stood there, the surprise on his face quickly replaced by concern. “Lordy girl, what are you doin’ here? You were warned they be waitin’ for you, Rina. Have you lost your mind?” He glanced about in a nervous dither.

It was Rina’s turn to be shocked. “How did you know it was me, Jenkins?”

“Ah, come now, girl. There are some of us who know you better than you do yourself. Ol’ Jacob an’ me figured it out right off. Now, tell me, Rina, why are you here?” Jenkins’ brows wrinkled in worry as he thought of the danger she was in.

“I’m alone tonight; there is no need to fret, I’m not here to rob anyone. But I hate to disappoint the lieutenant after he went to so much trouble.” Rina smiled as she teased Jenkins, but his serious look remained.

“An’ tell me, you foolish girl, how do you intend on gettin’ out of here after you pay your visit t’ the man?”

Rina hesitated, unable to find another answer other than an honest one. “I don’t plan to leave tonight.” She saw Jenkins understood her meaning. “If you will see these clothes get to Jacob, I’ll leave early in the morning as myself.”

She handed him her bag and cape. Jenkins took her hand in his own gnarled ones and with a gentle pat asked, “You love him, don’t you, lass?”

“Yes, Jenkins, I do.”

“Has a fierce temper, that one. But if anyone can stand toe-to-toe with the lad, would be you. Be patient with him, in time he’ll come t’ his senses. His grandfather were much the same at his age.”

This surprised Rina, unable to imagine the gentle and kind man she knew as temperamental as his grandson. She touched Jenkins withered cheek and smiled, “Thank you.”

“I’ll take care of everythin’, includin’ this beast of yours. Now go, but be careful, girl.” He kissed her on the cheek, his affection for her clear in his eyes when she turned to leave.

Rina didn’t know when she had decided to go to Blake. Perhaps it was the day she treated the lieutenant’s horse … she knew only the tremendous desire to be with him, to feed the love growing inside her. She argued with herself for days, but her heart was stronger than her mind. In the end, it was simple; she wanted to share tonight with the man she loved. Tomorrow — well, she would face it when it came.

Knowing Windsong from her visits over the years, Rina found her way to the library with ease. Impatient, she waited until all the guests had gone. She heard when Ryon and Rebecca said good night to the lieutenant and Blake, leaving them alone. She guessed Lieutenant Greerson would be the last and most reluctant to leave. Her hunch proved correct.

Disappointed the Angel had not shown up, Greerson accepted Blake’s offer of a drink before he and his men pulled out. A fire burned in the hearth, its meager light casting the room in shadow as Blake shut the door behind them. He crossed to where a single oil lamp burned and turned it up.

“I tried to warn you the ball would be too large a gathering for the Angel to chance a robbery.” Blake poured two snifters of brandy and handed one to the other man. “Here you are, lieutenant.”

“Please call me David. That’s exactly what I thought would attract her. Surely the gain in jewels and coin would make it worthwhile. So why didn’t she come?”

“You thought greed would bring her here tonight?” At David’s nod, Blake shook his head. “No, the Angel isn’t a thief because of greed. She does it for other reasons, for humanity, love, compassion — but never greed.”

“Lord Roberts, how is it you seem to understand so much about this woman?”

“Just Blake, please. You would as well if you saw and heard what I do. I see the love these people have for the Angel and what she does — after all, she does it for them. I see the way their lives have improved since she started thieving. I know it’s your duty to capture this woman, but I cannot help feel a bitter sadness at the thought.” Blake took a deep swallow of his drink, thinking he would actually die inside if she was caught.

“I only know she has committed crimes against the Crown, and it is my sworn duty to see she is captured and punished. I cannot allow my heart to rule my actions. She must be stopped — no matter what her reasons may be.”

“I admire your dedication, David. But I must disagree.”

Rina stepped out from behind the heavy drapes and pointed her pistol at the two surprised men. “Perhaps what I do is against the law, but I assure you, my reward is much more gratifying than yours. You may gain the favor of the King himself, but mine comes from the people. You see, my heart does rule my actions, and I hope never to change.”

Finding his tongue, David asked, “Despite the fact you may forfeit your life?”

“
Oui
, I’d gladly do so. It is not so difficult to die; living is what challenges us,
non
?”

Silence filled the room as the young lieutenant looked at the Angel in Black, his confusion apparent. “Why are you here? The guests have all gone. You have little to gain by robbing us two.”

“You went to great effort to set a perfect snare for us and I hated to disappoint you,
monsieur
. ’Tis Christmas Eve — a time for giving, not taking.” She walked over to him and read the unspoken question in his eyes. “Merry Christmas, David.”

She handed him a small box and watched when he opened it. Neatly tucked among the paper was his pocket watch. “I read the inscription and knew it must have great sentimental value. Since I
do
allow my heart to rule my actions, I could not keep it.”

David opened it and read the familiar words; he had thought he would never see this treasure again. When he looked up, the Angel was gone. Alarmed, he ran over to the door and out into the empty hall. He turned to Blake, knowing he had watched her flee, but said and did nothing.

“I must go after her.” David hesitated a moment, his words sounding more like an apology than a statement. He reminded himself of his duty.

Blake nodded. “Do what you must, David. Goodnight.”

After the lieutenant and his men rode off in search of the Angel, the night grew still. Blake poured himself another drink and lifted the glass in salute, “To my Angel.” After draining the glass, he walked slowly up the stairs to his bedchamber. There was nothing he could do for her now.