He gave her a smile which was bright with relief despite the gloom of the early morning. Pulling his hand from her mouth slowly, ready to place it again upon her lips should she take so much a a sharp breath, he reached for the hem of his cloak. With a flick of his wrist, the voluminous fabric fell across them both, highwayman and maid, to mask them from the weak rays of sunlight that threatened to pierce the forest’s shadows. They were cocooned close together in that thin privacy, his tri-corn knocked aside but face still hidden beneath the thick material. Boldly, he grabbed her hip and rolled her to his side so they might lay face to face with one another upon their bed of moss. The highwayman’s breath smelled of peppercorn, faint traces of some citrine cologne clinging to his skin.

Another snap of twigs upon the forest floor, and he knew how close his pursuers might be. Their voices were clearer now, more distinct. Two men, he decided, the same two that had run him off so rudely from his prize, and his guess was confirmed by their low voices as they spoke to one another.

“ ‘ere. You sure ‘e went this way?”

“No other way he could have gone,” a slightly more educated voice replied. “The gully that way is nearly impassible even in the day time, and the other way leads back to the road and the village. He’s a rather noticeable character. I doubt he would be stupid enough to go that way. So our bandit must have made a straight course this way.” There was a pause. “What’s that there, down by the stream.”

The Highwayman wanted to swear vociferously. The possibility of capture was far too near for his liking, and it was only by skill and guile that he could ensure his escape. Skill and guile… and a pretty face.

“Giggle, lass,” he hissed anxiously, “Giggle as though you are with a lover who is amusing you! Else the next lass to embrace me will be the rope maker’s daughter!” Impatience and fear emboldened him. “Here, like this then!” Kid gloved fingers found her ribs and danced lightly along to tickle her. He reflected that this was actually pleasant, or at least would be were not two armed men seeking his head for a bounty. It would be an easy thing to let his hands wander roguishly over her, to take what pleasure he might in the situation. Only while a thief and a bandit, the Highwayman was no cad or ruffian.