Free Wonderland By Night (Heroic Rogues Series) by Marie Higgins

lane from the mill.”
     
    Gabe nodded. “I’m sure my uncle will be able to direct me in their path if I cannot locate them.”
     
    “I’m sure he can.”
     
    After the men shook hands, Rufus quit the ballroom and the house. Gabe scrubbed his hands over his face. Exhaustion set in and he could not wait to rest. Making his way to his room, he realized he might not sleep tonight anyway. Not with his mind occupied with the kiss he’d shared with Emmie.
     

 
     
    Chapter Five
     
     
     
    Gabe rose early in the morning and quickly dressed in his riding clothes, preparing to spend a leisurely afternoon doing nothing but enjoy his solitude in the countryside. It’d been two weeks since he’d come to visit his uncle, and restlessness and boredom began to consume Gabe’s mind. He’d led a busy life of spying these past few years and finding time for leisure was rarely heard of.
     
    Flying down the stairs, he hurried across the wooden floor as he made his way to the front door. When he neared his uncle’s study, Gabe slowed and treaded softly, hoping Henry wouldn’t see him. This was one time he did not want to be bothered. Unfortunately, Gabe’s wish was not granted because his uncle sat behind his desk smoking a pipe and lifted his gaze as Gabe passed by.
     
    “Gabriel?” Henry called. “I would like a word, please.”
     
    Gabe stopped and turned. Sighing in defeat, he walked into his Henry’s study and closed the door. “Yes, Uncle?”
     
    “We need to have a serious discussion,” Henry began.
     
    Giving his uncle a nod, Gabe sat in the wooden chair near his uncle’s desk. He breathed in Henry’s pipe scent drifting through the air—the same brand Gabe’s father used to smoke. It brought back a pang of homesickness and sadness, but he quickly dismissed it as he met his uncle’s gaze.
     
    Henry held up a piece of paper. “I received this missive earlier from your father’s half-cousin, and I fear you will not like the news.” He paused, staring into Gabe’s eyes as his frown deepened. “You have grown up carefree and not expected to become a responsible adult. Yet, whether you know this or not, you have inherited your father’s brother’s title—Earl of Wilshire.”
     
    Confusion filled Gabe’s head and he leaned forward, grasping his knees. “My father rarely spoke of his older brother. From the stories I heard, Father was disowned by his father years ago, before he’d married my mother.”
     
    “That, he was. Unfortunately, circumstances change throughout the years. Your grandfather is dead, as well as his son and your uncle’s son.”
     
    “So why did they send you a missive and not one to me?”
     
    “Apparently, your family in England doesn’t know your whereabouts so they sent this to me hoping I would.” He sat up straighter in his chair. “You, my nephew, are now the only living male heir. The title is now yours.”
     
    Not really knowing how he should act, he went with his first instinct…and laughed. Actually, snorting was more of what came out of his mouth and nose. His reaction made his uncle jump back and his eyes widened.
     
    “Uncle Henry, forgive me, but…” Gabe laughed harder as he stood, now towering over his uncle. “Moving to London and becoming an Earl is just not what I want to do with my life.”
     
    Within seconds, a deep scowl appeared on Henry’s face, emphasizing his many wrinkles. “But you must.”
     
    A sharp pound started in his forehead and he rubbed the irritation. “Is there not a distant cousin that the title can go to?”
     
    “No, there’s not.”
     
    Gabe didn’t want to explain the reasons why he didn’t want to live his life in London—as a pompous Earl, no less. “Uncle Henry, I really need to think this over before making a decision.”
     
    His uncle gasped. “What is there to think over, boy? The title is yours whether you want it or not. It comes with a large estate and lands. Many men dream of having such a