The Highwayman's Daughter by Henriette Gyland Read Free Book Online Page B

magistrate about the robbery.’
    ‘Ah. And did you tell him of our little discovery?’
    Alethea looked from one to the other, her eyes suddenly alert. ‘Which discovery?’
    Jack hesitated. He hadn’t mentioned to the magistrate nor to his father that the culprit was a woman, and he doubted that Rupert had said anything about it either. It would spoil the enjoyment of the wager if the facts became known, and no doubt others would take it upon themselves to catch the daring wench. There was also a good chance that the thief would make a mistake if she was lured into thinking that her gender hadn’t been discovered.
    Yet now Alethea had the bit between her teeth, and Jack knew from experience that she wouldn’t rest until she’d managed to wrestle further information out of them. He was confident he could withstand such onslaught, despite his affection for her, but whether Rupert could was another matter. What would she think of their less-than-honourable bet if she found out? The thought made him grimace.
    He glanced at Rupert, a gesture which didn’t pass her by, and then said, ‘We discovered that the robber was a mere boy.’
    ‘A boy?’ said Alethea with a suspicious frown. ‘How old was he?’
    ‘Just a lad, really, and not much older than yourself.’
    ‘Extraordinary.’
    Rupert inclined his head with an indolent smile. ‘Extraordinary indeed, especially since this boy was well-versed in the use of a pistol. He destroyed a perfectly good hat of mine, and now I shall have to make do with what the milliner in Hounslow can offer. Still, a gentleman needs a hat, especially if I’m to accompany you, dear Alethea.’
    Giving her a mocking bow, Rupert grinned.
    Alethea glowered back. ‘I don’t wish you to accompany me anywhere, thank you very much.’ But it was clear her brother was intent on sticking to her like a limpet. Jack rolled his eyes, and found himself, as he had many times before in dealings with these two, caught between a rock and hard place.
    Rupert left them at last, under the pretext that a ride might be just the tonic he needed, although Jack suspected it would take him the way of the magistrate’s residence.
    Alethea scowled at his retreating back and turned to Jack. ‘I don’t care what you say about my dear, charming brother, but he’s becoming impossible and I don’t like the way he draws you into his wicked ways.’
    ‘He doesn’t,’ Jack said mildly.
    ‘How can you defend him, Jack? How can you be so blind?’
    ‘I’m not blind to Rupert’s faults, Thea. I’m keeping him company in town in the hope that I may restrain him a little, not because I enjoy a life of wantonness. I’d rather be here; there’s so much work to be done.’
    ‘But your father is,’ Alethea insisted. ‘He refuses to see that Rupert is a spendthrift and a hanger-on who has no respect for how hard Uncle Geoffrey works to keep us all in comfortable circumstances. If he doesn’t stop him, soon the estate will be mortgaged to the hilt. I can’t bear it, after all the kindness your parents have shown to us. I wish I could repay them somehow.’
    ‘You’re exaggerating, Alethea. I’ve tried speaking to Father about Rupert’s behaviour; but Father thinks I’m overreacting. Anyway, no one is expecting anything back – you’re family. Besides, it won’t come to that, I promise. It is my hope that Rupert will see sense eventually and go into a profession.’
    ‘He won’t; he’s too indolent.’ Alethea shook her head. ‘Damn it, Jack, can’t you see what sort of game he’s playing?’
    Jack was well aware what Rupert got up to in town but hadn’t realised Alethea knew too. Instead he said, ‘Language, Alethea. Remember you’re a lady.’
    Alethea tossed her black curls and stomped her foot. ‘And what of it? Should only men and low-born women be allowed to express their true feelings?’
    ‘All right, all right,’ said Jack. He held up his hands soothingly, bemused and bewildered at