'Don't worry, lass. I won't let ye fall.'
Before Sammie could assure him she wasn't worried, they were off, speeding through the forest. This time, instead of fear, nothing but exhilaration raced through her. Closing her eyes, she savored every sensation: the wind whipping over her face, the scent of moist earth, the rustle of leaves. She imagined she was a beautiful princess, held by her handsome prince as they dashed across the kingdom on their way to some exotic locale. Silly, foolish imaginings. But she knew these moments with this masked hero were precious, and she would never live them again.
All too soon he pulled on the reins and halted the horse. She opened her eyes and squinted. She could make out pinpricks of light in the distance, reminding her of the fireflies she'd caught earlier.
'Briggeham Manor lies just beyond these trees,' he whispered. 'I fear an alarm has been raised by your absence.'
'How do you know?'
'Listen.'
She strained her ears and heard the low murmur of voices. 'Who is that?'
'Judging by the number of lanterns held aloft and the crowd gathered on the lawn, I'd say half the town is present.'
'Oh, dear. Just leave me here and I'll walk to the house. I wouldn't want you to risk capture.'
He paused for a moment, and she sensed him scanning the area. 'It doesn't appear as if anyone is brandishing a weapon,' he said against her ear. 'I shall therefore bring ye to your family. I do not want ye to walk into a hole or fall in the darkness. I will, however, say good-bye here, as I will regrettably need to execute a hasty exit.'
'Thank you, sir.'
'No need for thanks. 'Twas my duty to bring ye home, lass.'
'Not for that, although I do appreciate it.' Staring up at him, a lump of emotion clogged her throat. Forcing a smile, she said, 'I thank you for this incredible evening that I shall never forget. This has been a grand adventure.' She lowered her gaze. 'I've always wanted one, you see.'
Placing his gloved fingers under her chin, he raised her face. 'Well, then, Miss Briggeham, I am glad I was able to provide ye with your grand adventure.'. 'I wish you Godspeed with your endeavors, sir. It's a noble and heroic thing you do.'
She sensed that he smiled beneath his mask. 'Thank ye, lass. And I hope ye get to explore all those places ye dream of some day. I hope all your dreams come true.'
With that, he urged his mount into a gallop. They emerged from the fringe of trees and raced across the grass. Sammie squinted against the rush of air, her heart pounding as they drew closer to the crowd.
He pulled on the reins and the horse halted not ten feet from the crowd. A chorus of audible gasps, followed by a hum of whispers reached Sammie's ears. He lowered her to the ground then turned to the group gaping at them.
'I return Miss Briggeham with my apologies.' He jerked the reins and his magnificent stallion reared up on its hind legs, pawing the air. Sammie, along with everyone else, stared, mouths agape at the awesome spectacle of the masked rider silhouetted against the glow of a dozen lanterns. She looked toward her father and watched his monocle fall to the ground.
The instant its hooves touched the ground, the horse galloped away, the Thief's long black cape flapping behind. Within ten seconds the darkness swallowed them.
'Samantha!' Her father's voice, rough with worry, broke the stupefied silence.
'Papa!' She ran to him and he wrapped her in his arms, so tight she could barely draw a breath.
'Sammie, my dear sweet girl.' She felt him swallow and blow out a long breath. 'Thank God.' Loosening his grip, he held her at arm's length and ran his anxious gaze over her. 'Are you all right?'
'I'm fine.'
Lowering his voice, he asked, 'Did he hurt you?'
'No. In fact, he was very kind.'
He gave her a searching look, then, apparently satisfied she was unharmed, he nodded. Glancing toward the woods, he remarked, 'I suppose there's no point in going after him. It's too dark and he has too much of a head start. Besides, all that matters is that you're home. And safe.' He reached into his waistcoat pocket. 'Here are your spectacles, my dear. Cyril found them in the woods.'
Grateful, Sammie slipped them on her nose. The crowd pushed in, expressing their happiness over her safe return, while casting wide-eyed glances toward the forest. Cyril mopped his tears with a huge hanky and squeezed her until she thought her eyes would pop.
'I 'ope I never get another scare like that again, Miz Sammie,' he said, giving his nose a hearty blow. 'Took ten years off me life, it did. And me 'eart ain't what it used to be.'
Hubert engulfed her in a mighty hug, his bony arms crushing her to his narrow chest, the metal frame of his spectacles biting into her cheek. 'I say, Sammie, you gave us all quite the fright.'
She kissed his cheek and tousled his unruly hair. 'I'm sorry, darling. I-'
The front doors of Briggeham Manor flew open. 'My baby! Where's my baby?' Cordelia Briggeham rushed down the steps and pushed her way through the crowd. She launched herself at Sammie with such force, she nearly propelled them both to the ground. Only Papa's restraining hand kept them upright.
Enveloping Sammie in a bone-jarring, floral-scented hug, Mama moaned, 'Oh, my poor, poor child.' Thrusting Sammie back a step, she peered into her face. 'Are you hurt?'
'No, Mama. I'm fine.'
'Thank heavens.' She emitted a single chirp and raised her hand to her brow.
Papa stepped forward and whispered in a furious undertone, 'Do not even consider swooning here, Mrs. Briggeham, as I swear I'll leave you where you fall. I've had quite enough of your hysterics for one evening.'
Mama couldn't have looked more shocked if Papa had claimed to be King George himself. Taking advantage of her temporary speechlessness, Papa raised his voice and said to the crowd, 'As you can all see, Samantha is fine. Thank you all for coming, but now if you'll excuse us, we wish to get our daughter into a warm bed.'
Calling out good wishes, the neighbors departed for their homes, and the servants returned to their quarters. As they climbed the stone steps leading to the front door, a man on horseback rode up.
'Mr. Briggeham?' he called out.
Papa halted. 'Yes?'
'My name is Adam Straton. I'm the magistrate. I understand your daughter was kidnapped by the Bride Thief.'
'Indeed she was, sir. But I am happy to report that she has been returned to us, unharmed.' He indicated Sammie with a nod of his head.
The magistrate studied Sammie with keen interest. 'That is happy news, sir. I've never known the brigand to return one of his victims. You are fortunate.'
Sammie bristled at the man's words, but before she could open her mouth to protest, he continued, 'I'd like very much to speak to you about your abduction, Miss Briggeham… if you're feeling up to it.'
'Certainly, Mr. Straton.' She relished the opportunity to disabuse him of his misconceptions. Brigand, indeed!
'Why don't you show Mr. Straton to the drawing room, Charles,' Mama suggested in a voice mat brooked no argument. 'Samantha and I will join you in a moment. I'd like a private word with her.'
'Very well,' Papa agreed. 'This way, Mr. Straton.' They entered the house, closing the door behind them.
The instant they were alone, Mama turned to her. 'The truth now, dearheart. Did that man hurt you? In… any way?'
'No, Mama. He was a perfect gentleman, and very kind. And very apologetic for absconding with me in the first place.'
'As well he should be, although I must say that I lay the blame for this
Sammie tried to speak, but Mama rushed on. 'Now don't try to talk me out of this, Samantha. My mind, and your father's as well, is quite made up. You will not, under
