The Bride Thief

His every muscle tensed. 'The Bride Thief? What rubbish. He's nothing more than a common criminal, absconding with women who-'

'Have no choice. Who are being forced into a life they do not want.' Her voice shook with feeling. 'He gives women a choice. And offers them the priceless gift of freedom. 'Tis more than a woman like me shall ever have.'

His heart ached for her, as there was no denying the truth of her words. Women's choices were severely limited. He, too, railed against such unfairness, but not in a way he could ever share with her.

Fisting his hands at his sides to keep from touching her, he said, 'Even if the Bride Thief did understand, you'll never see him again.'

The determined look she gave him snaked an icy chill of foreboding down his spine. 'That's what you think,' she said in a tight voice. Before he could recover himself, she brushed past him and stalked down the path.

He stared after her, stunned. Surely she was merely spouting nonsense in a moment of pique, as women were wont to do. But the instant the thought entered his mind, he dismissed it. Samantha Briggeham was the most forthright woman he'd ever encountered. He couldn't imagine her making such a statement unless she believed it to be true.

Clearly she intended-or at the very least hoped-to see the Bride Thief again. Of course she couldn't very well accomplish that without his cooperation, but she did not know that.

Apprehension filled him. For her. And himself.

Bloody hell, what was she planning?

Chapter Twelve

By the time Eric arrived back at his stables, he still had not figured out what Miss Briggeham might be planning. Distracted, he dismounted and handed Emperor's reins to Arthur.

'We need to talk,' Arthur said in an undertone.

His gaze snapped to Arthur's, and his heart thumped against his ribs as he instantly recognized the look in the older man's eyes. Eric nodded. 'We'll meet in the usual place in half an hour.'

Thirty minutes later, Eric entered the gazebo near the rear of the gardens. Arthur paced inside the marble structure, his weathered face taut with worry.

'I've heard word of another who needs help,' Arthur said without preamble.

Eric leaned his hips against the balustrade and crossed his arms over his chest. 'I'm listening.'

'Chit named Anne Barrow. Seems like the usual scenario, but…'

When Arthur didn't elaborate, Eric prompted, 'Something is bothering you?'

'Well, I just think it's damned odd how I heard about it.'

His gaze locked onto Eric's. 'It seems Miz Sammie's the one wot started the gossip.'

Eric froze. 'I beg your pardon?'

'Surprised me, too, it did, 'cause Miz Sammie's not one to carry tales. But I heard it straight from Sarah, the Briggeham's cook. Told me Miz Sammie came into the kitchens this mornin' and told her about this Anne Barrow bein' forced to wed a horrid man, and wouldn't it be wonderful if the Bride Thief rescued her? Even went on to say how she would be traveling along a certain route two nights from now.' Arthur scowled and scratched his head. 'Damned odd if you ask me. Where do you suppose Miz Sammie would hear such a thing?'

'I'm not certain,' Eric said slowly. 'Has anyone else carried the tale to you?'

'No. And that's also strange. Story like this usually makes its way to me from several sources.'

'Tell me exactly what Sarah told you.'

Arthur obliged, then said, 'This Bride Thief Posse is gainin' in numbers, and they're determined to catch ye. The magistrate, too. This whole story could be a trap. What are ye going to do?'

'I'll let you know as soon as I decide. In the meanwhile, quietly see what you can find out about this Anne Barrow.'

Eric strode into his private study and immediately poured himself a brandy. Tipping back his head, he drained the potent liquor down his throat, enjoying the heated path it burned through his chilled insides. He poured another, then walked to the fireplace where he stared into the low-burning flames while his mind spun with questions.

Why had Samantha spread the news about Miss Barrow? By her own admission she wasn't interested in gossip. Had she merely stumbled upon the news, or been told by someone else and was simply passing it on? If so, why hadn't she told him when they'd spoken by the lake? Had a member of the ever-growing Bride Thief Posse told her the story, hoping to start the rumor as a trap for the Thief? Perhaps. Still, why use Samantha? It didn't make sense. Unless…

Had someone hoped she'd carry the tale to him? Did someone suspect him?

But if he were under suspicion, why hadn't someone brought the tale directly to him, to ensure he knew of Miss Barrow's plight rather than relying on the unpredictability of the gossip grapevine-especially if a trap was being set?

Setting his snifter on the mantel, he dragged his hands down his face and considered the other possibility… the one he'd pushed aside but could ignore no longer.

Had Samantha made up the entire tale as a way to lure out the Bride Thief so she could see him again? Could that be the 'project' she'd spoken of? He recalled the words she'd spoken at the lake when he'd said she would never see the Bride Thief again. That's what you think. Damn it all, was there really a girl who needed rescuing or was it just a ruse? And if there was a girl in need, how did Samantha fit into the situation?

Part of him instantly rebelled against the idea that she would lie and spread a false story for her own means. She was too honest and straightforward.

But another part of him taunted: How else could she ever hope to see the Bride Thief again? It's a smart plan, and she's a smart woman… A woman who clearly admires your alter personality. A woman who wants to experience adventure.

A woman who wants a lover.

Searing jealousy pulsed through him and a bitter laugh escaped him. Bloody hell, he was losing his mind. He was burning up with jealousy-over himself. But there was one way to fix that.

After taking extra precautions to ensure his safety, the Bride Thief would rescue Miss Anne Barrow-if indeed she existed.

And if Miss Samantha Briggeham happened to be involved, he'd see just how familiar she hoped to become with the Bride Thief.

The following afternoon Eric reined Emperor to a halt and tipped his hat to the magistrate riding toward him.

'Good afternoon, Straton,' he greeted. 'Fine afternoon for a pleasurable ride.'

Adam Straton tipped his hat in return. 'A fine afternoon indeed, Lord Wesley. However, I'm not on a pleasure ride. I'm on my way to London. I've several new leads to follow.'

Eric raised his brows. 'Oh? For a new investigation or one already in progress?'

'They concern the Bride Thief investigation.'

'Indeed? Have you caught the brigand?'

'Not yet. But some new information has come to my attention that I'm hoping will lead to his capture.'

'Excellent. Bad having a scoundrel like him roaming about-although I haven't heard that he's stolen any brides lately.'

'Last victim was Miss Briggeham,' Straton agreed, 'and he botched that one.' His lips tightened into a grim line. 'If I'd arrived only minutes earlier I might have apprehended him. Unfortunately Miss Briggeham proved a rather uncooperative witness.'