The Loving Highwayman — Helen Ashfield

A KIRKDALE CAPABLE OF TURNING DOWN A WAGER? IMPOSSIBLE!

When Alistair, Marquis of Lingard, is challenged to spend a month living the rough life of a highwayman, he is loath to refuse. After all, hasn't he the family notoriety to uphold -- that no heir to the fabulous Kirkdale fortune should every reject a bet, no matter how outrageous? Donning a dark disguise, the Marquis disappears into Epping Forest to await his prey: the carriages of the rich.

But there are other scoundrels afoot, and one of them has the audacity to kidnap Gem Murray, companion to the spirited and beautiful Lady Anne Lynford. Determined to save Gem -- and her reputation -- Anne adopts a highwaywoman's garb and scours the forest for Gem's abductor.

It is when she mistakes the Marquis for Gem's kidnapper and enters into negotiations with him that the sensible Lady Anne wonders, with rising apprehension: Is she falling in love with a common criminal?