His Counterfeit Condesa (Historical Romance) (21 page)

‘Maybe so, but I’d trust him with my life.’

‘You already have, and he has proved himself worthy of your regard.’

She nodded. ‘Do you think he has got those plans to Lord Wellington by now?’

‘I sincerely hope so.’

‘I little thought events would turn out this way. I had visions of a triumphant return in which you handed over the papers to the great man himself, while Ward and Forbes looked on in open-mouthed admiration.’

He laughed out loud. ‘I must say I like the sound of that. Unfortunately, things rarely do turn out exactly as we imagine. The important thing is that Wellington does get those papers.’

She hesitated. ‘How soon do you think it might be before my father is released?’

Looking into her face just then Falconbridge was touched by its earnest expression. ‘If Ward has any notion of honour it will be very soon.’ He squeezed her shoulder gently. ‘I will do all in my power to ensure that it is so.’

His touch and his kindly expression warmed her. ‘Thank you.’ She paused. ‘Will there be a ceremony for your promotion to Lieutenant Colonel?’

He choked off a laugh. ‘About as much ceremony as it takes to hand over the paperwork and tell me to clear off and get on with it.’

‘Oh. I thought it would be more elaborate than that.’

‘A forlorn hope, my dear. Of course, on the day I’m given a Field Marshal’s baton they may well organise a parade.’

‘You’d be able to command one then.’

‘So I should.’ He grinned. ‘I’m very flattered that you think I might attain such high rank.’

‘I think you would make an excellent Field Marshal.’

‘Have a care, lest you turn my head.’

‘You would not let your head be turned by me or anyone else.’

‘Oh, you turn heads, my dear, I assure you.’

She flushed faintly. ‘Hardly—not dressed like this at any rate.’

‘It would make no difference if you wore sackcloth. Not that I advocate any such thing, you understand.’

‘I’m relieved to hear it. Mine is not a penitential nature.’

His eyes gleamed. ‘So I’ve noticed.’

‘Sackcloth is not part of my plans, even if I do not get my trunks back.’

‘What would you do then?’

‘Then I should be forced to wear breeches and boots henceforth.’

‘What a dreadful notion. I shall spare no effort to see that your gowns are returned to you with all haste.’

‘I would be most grateful.’

He raised one eyebrow. ‘How grateful exactly?’

‘It is most improper of you to ask, you horrid man.’

Falconbridge laughed softly. Was there ever such a girl?

* * *

It was a thought that stayed with him when the journey resumed a short time later. Their earlier conversations had led him to hope that his company would not be unwelcome to her in future. It gladdened his heart. Once he had thought never to experience that feeling again. If
he had ever considered the notion of a more settled life it had always been in the dim and distant future when the war was over. It had involved the pursuits of a country gentleman and was far removed from any thought of romance. Now, in a few short weeks, all those notions had been turned on their heads. The thought of losing Sabrina’s company was unpalatable because he knew how devilishly dull life would be without it. For all its perils he had enjoyed their shared adventures. A sage in ancient times once said that journeys cause men to reveal their true characters. The saying held good for women, too. Despite the short duration of their acquaintance he realised he knew Sabrina better than he had ever known Clarissa. Guile and duplicity were as far from her nature as the earth was from the stars. Events had tested her severely and she had not been found wanting. Falconbridge smiled in self-mockery. He had once proclaimed that he was married to his career; now he realised that his career wasn’t enough.

‘Penny for ‘em,’ said Brudenell, coming alongside.

Falconbridge started. ‘Oh, er, I was just thinking about our return to Ciudad Rodrigo.’

‘I’m looking forward to it myself,’ admitted the other. ‘This saddle is making life damned tedious.’

‘Getting sore, eh?’

‘Let’s just say I’d give a great deal for a hot tub.’ Brudenell lifted his sleeve and sniffed at it, wrinkling his nose in distaste. ‘I’m starting to smell like a dead ferret.’

Falconbridge glanced ruefully at his own travel-stained garments. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d bathed. ‘Make that two dead ferrets.’

‘These adventures are all very well, but I’m beginning
to think a spell of routine duties would suit me nicely.’

‘I suppose there’s something to be said for routine.’

‘Aye,’ replied Brudenell, ‘hot water, clean linen and a soft bed to start with.’

‘The hallmarks of civilised living.’

‘Not forgetting feminine company, of course.’

His friend smiled faintly. ‘At least I have not lacked for that.’

‘No, you lucky dog. It was a cruel fate that rewarded you with the company of the delightful Miss Huntley, and me with El Cuchillo.’

‘Cruel indeed.’

‘It’s worse than that. For reasons that I cannot fathom, the lady likes you.’

Falconbridge felt his face redden. ‘I fear I have done little enough to deserve it.’

‘Not what she says, old boy. Of course, I tried to put her on her guard and tell her what an undeserving brute you are, but she was having none of it.’

It drew a deprecating grin. ‘Unkind, Tony. You might have put in a good word for me.’

‘What, and seen myself quite cut out?’ Brudenell sighed. ‘Not that it did me any good. She is oddly impervious to my charm.’

‘So she should be. You’re a married man.’

‘That isn’t the point.’

‘Isn’t it? I rather thought it was significant.’

His companion returned the grin. ‘You’re a hard man, Robert.’

‘Hard? I have it on good authority that I’m quite odious.’

‘Good Lord. Who dared to say that to your face?’

‘Miss Huntley.’

Brudenell chuckled softly. ‘Did she, by God?’

‘Oh, yes, and a lot more besides.’

‘Really? What more?’

‘If you think I’m going to tell you that, Tony, you’re delusional.’

Far from dismaying his friend, it served only to fuel his enjoyment. ‘How I should have loved to be a fly on the wall.’

Falconbridge regarded him with a jaundiced eye. ‘I have no doubt you would.’

‘Offensive, was it?’

‘Deeply.’

‘Wounding?’

‘Most hurtful.’

‘Bruised your pride?’

‘It may never recover.’

‘Splendid.’ Brudenell beamed. ‘I take it you’ll be seeing her again when we get back then?’

‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world.’

T
hree days later they surmounted a hill and saw the Agueda River below. Beside it lay Ciudad Rodrigo. Sabrina smiled, letting her eye travel from the big gun batteries on the Great Teson opposite the town, to the familiar details of its fortress and churches and ancient stone bridge. Somewhere down there was her godfather and, she hoped, Ramon. Perhaps soon her father, too.

‘There were times when I thought we would not live to see this place again,’ said Jacinta.

Sabrina nodded. ‘And I. It seems strangely like coming home.’ She paused. ‘I don’t know why I should feel that when my acquaintance with the place is so slight.’

‘Home is where we happen to be, no?’

‘True—in our case anyway.’

‘Besides, it is people who make places significant.’

‘Yes, you’re right.’

For the first time it occurred to Sabrina that it might be pleasant to put down roots and have a permanent home. Involuntarily her gaze flicked towards
Falconbridge. Then she pulled herself up sharply. She could have no expectations there; he was married to his career and would go wherever the army decided to send him. Today, Ciudad Rodrigo, next week, Salamanca perhaps. She thought that anywhere would seem like home if he were there, and everywhere empty without him.

As they rode slowly towards the town she could not help comparing it with the first occasion. Then she had been trying to forget Robert Falconbridge. Now she knew she never would.

‘Damned glad to see the old place again,’ said Brudenell.

‘Yes. There were moments when I thought we might not,’ replied Falconbridge.

It was so precisely an echo of what Jacinta had said that Sabrina looked up quickly. He met her gaze and smiled. ‘At least now I can look your godfather in the face—and keep my liver intact.’

‘What has your liver got to do with it?’ she asked.

‘A private matter, between gentlemen.’

‘Oh.’ She had an idea he was teasing her again, though his expression did not suggest it. ‘Well, I’m glad to learn your vital organs are safe.’

He bit back a laugh. ‘It’s a relief to me, too.’

The cavalcade clattered over the bridge and through the gates, following the road to the Castillo. They dismounted in the courtyard and Brudenell sent a runner to announce their arrival. Then he looked at his companions.

‘Well, I suppose we’d better go and give an account of ourselves to Ward.’

‘I suppose we had.’ Falconbridge turned to Sabrina. ‘Are you equal to it, my dear?’

‘Certainly.’

‘Good girl.’

Before there was a chance for further speech they heard the sound of footsteps behind them. They turned to see Colonel Albermarle. Sabrina’s face lit in a smile. Then she was enveloped in a hearty hug.

‘My dear girl, how glad I am to see you.’

‘And I to see you, sir.’

‘I have thought of you constantly since the day you left.’ He held her at arm’s length. ‘Are you well?’

‘Quite well.’

‘I was expecting your return by coach, not on horseback. Was there some mishap?’

‘Circumstances forced us to leave the coach behind,’ she explained.

‘Indeed. Well, you can tell me the details later over dinner.’

‘Of course.’

Albermarle’s gaze went from her to the rest of the group and came to rest on Falconbridge. ‘You got her back safe, Major. I’m obliged.’

‘Precious few thanks are due to me, sir. The credit rightly belongs to Miss Huntley herself.’

Albermarle saw the glance that passed between the two of them and knew there was more to the matter than he was being told. However, he decided that this was not the right time to probe.

‘Am I to take it that your mission was successful?’

Sabrina bit her lip. ‘Yes and no.’

‘I’m not sure I follow you, my dear.’

‘Godfather, have you not spoken to Ramon?’

Albermarle frowned. ‘Ramon? No, how should I? He is with you.’

The others exchanged looks of consternation. Sabrina heard Falconbridge swear under his breath.

‘Am I to understand that Ramon has not returned, sir?’ he asked.

‘No, he has not, or not to my knowledge.’

Suddenly all the elation of the past few minutes leached away. It was replaced by sudden deep unease as the implications began to dawn.

‘Nothing would have kept Ramon from coming here, save for some misfortune,’ said Sabrina. ‘Perhaps his horse went lame.’

Falconbridge frowned. ‘Perhaps. I just pray it is only that.’

Thinking of the possible dangers their companion might have encountered, she felt her stomach knot. Was Ramon lying dead or injured as a result of an encounter with a French patrol? A glance at Luis and Jacinta revealed that the possibility had occurred to them as well. Willis and Blakelock frowned.

‘If his horse went lame it may have taken some time to find another, depending on where it happened,’ said Albermarle. ‘In which case he’ll turn up in the next few days, I expect. He is an able man. I’m sure you need not fear for his safety.’

‘It isn’t just a matter of his safety, sir,’ replied Falconbridge.

‘What do you mean?’

‘Ramon has the plans we brought back from Aranjuez.’

‘You mean you entrusted the documents to this man?’

‘That is correct, sir. I would not have done it, save under the most extreme of circumstances.’

Albermarle shook his head. ‘This is unfortunate indeed. No doubt you acted for the best but—’

‘He could not have done anything else, sir,’ said Sabrina.

For a moment her gaze met Falconbridge’s and she saw him smile faintly. Then he turned back to Albermarle.

‘I take full responsibility for the decision,’ he replied. ‘It seemed the only choice at the time. I had hoped that Ramon would have returned by now. Unfortunately nothing can be done until he does, or we find out what happened to him.’

‘You realise that General Ward will have to be apprised of the circumstances.’

‘Of course.’

His expression gave nothing away, but Blakelock’s and Willis’s did, and Sabrina began to feel deeply uneasy in her turn. Surely they did not think that Ward would somehow blame Falconbridge for this mishap? Then she realised that that was exactly what they did think.

‘Well, we’d better go in.’ Albermarle shot a glance at his goddaughter. ‘No doubt you will want to retire to your lodgings and rest after your journey, my dear.’

‘I’ll rest later,’ she replied. ‘Right now I have to go along to this debriefing.’

Luis nodded. ‘Maybe we should all go,
Doña
Sabrina. It may be that Major Falconbridge will require corroboration of his report to General Ward.’

The others murmured their agreement. Albermarle looked round in surprise.

‘Surely there is no need for all of you to attend?’

‘I think there is every need, sir,’ replied Sabrina.

He saw the resolution on every face and then shrugged. ‘If you insist.’

‘We do insist.’

Thus they set off together across the courtyard. As they did so, Falconbridge fell into step with her.

‘Thank you,’ he murmured.

‘For nothing.’

‘Not nothing, I think.’

‘They cannot blame you for this, Robert.’

‘I let vital papers pass out of my hands.’

‘You had no choice.’

He vouchsafed no reply, forbearing to say that this was the army and that his superiors tended to see things their way.

* * *

They arrived outside Ward’s office a short time later. Albermarle spoke to the adjutant on duty and they were shown straight in. Looking round, Sabrina could not but remember the last time she had been here, a reluctant participant in a military scheme. It was no more than three weeks ago, yet how very different her feelings were now.

Ward looked up in surprise as the group walked in. However, he made no remark on the matter and merely rose from his chair.

‘Ah, Major Falconbridge and Miss Huntley. Returned safe and sound.’ He paused. ‘Well, man? Did you obtain the papers?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Where are they?’

‘I no longer have them, sir.’

Ward’s brows drew together. ‘I think you’d better explain.’

Falconbridge summarised events, omitting nothing and exaggerating nothing.

Ward heard him out without interruption but his
expression was wintry. ‘So the documents are now in the possession of this man, Ramon?’

‘That is correct, sir.’

‘A partisan, I believe.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘What do we know about him?’

‘I believe him to be honest and reliable.’

‘I didn’t ask what you believe, Major. I asked what is known,’ replied Ward. ‘The documents in his possession are worth a great deal of money in more than one quarter.’

Sabrina, who had been following the conversation closely, stared at him in disbelief. It was followed immediately by a surge of anger. Beside her Jacinta and Luis stiffened visibly. Suddenly events were taking a turn she could never have envisaged. Even so, she couldn’t let the imputation pass unchallenged. Striving to control her voice, she spoke up.

‘Ramon is both honest and loyal, sir. He would never do such a thing.”

Ward glanced at her. ‘Men will do all manner of things for money, Miss Huntley.’

‘If he is not here now it is because something happened to prevent it,’ she replied.

‘Let us hope you are right, ma’am.’

Her face paled but Ward had turned his attention back to Falconbridge.

‘The decision to let the documents out of your keeping amounts to a dereliction of duty, Major.’

Falconbridge’s jaw tightened. ‘Had I not done so, the French would have found them when we were captured. I gave them to the one person who had a realistic chance of getting away and delivering them safely.’

‘What Major Falconbridge says it true,’ said Sabrina.
‘And every member of our party here will attest to it, General.’

Ward surveyed her coolly. ‘Be that as it may, the documents are still missing. Of course, your friend Ramon may yet deliver them.’

‘If he can, he will,’ she replied.

‘Again, let us hope you are right, ma’am,’ he replied. ‘So much hangs on it, does it not?’

The implication of the words was not lost on her and she was suddenly sickened. If Ramon did not come, all their efforts would have been for nothing. Her father would not be freed. Beside her she heard a faint hiss of indrawn breath and glanced at Jacinta. The woman’s face was a mask of cold fury, an outward expression of Sabrina’s own sentiments.

‘Major Falconbridge, you will return to your quarters and stay there. I shall want to talk to you again later. Lord Wellington will require a full report of course.’

‘Yes, sir.’

Ward favoured Sabrina with another chilly smile. ‘Your servant, Miss Huntley.’

It was dismissal and there was nothing they could do about it. They trooped out of the office and into the corridor. Sabrina turned to face Falconbridge.

‘I’m so sorry, Robert.’

‘Thank you for what you said back there.’

‘It was the least I could do. I wanted to hit the old buzzard for implying those things.’

He gave her a wry smile. ‘It is perhaps as well that you did not.’

‘Yes, I suppose it is, though it would have served him right.’

Albermarle shook his head. ‘Damnable situation
all round, but I cannot blame you for what happened, Major.’

‘Thank you, sir.’

The Colonel turned to his goddaughter. ‘Will you walk back to your lodgings, my dear?’

‘Presently, sir.’

‘Then I’ll leave you for the time.’ He nodded to Falconbridge. ‘Let’s just hope your man, Ramon, turns up.’

With that Albermarle walked away. For a little space they watched him go. Then Falconbridge looked at Sabrina. ‘I had hoped to call on you after you had rested, but I fear that may not be possible for a while.’

Her heart skipped a beat. He did want to see her after all. ‘Then I shall have to be patient.’

‘I fear you will.’ He sighed. ‘It’s a devil of a mess.’

‘But not of your making.’

‘You are generous. The consequences for you may be harsh indeed.’

‘You must not think that way. Ramon will come. I know he will.’

‘I pray he will. The thought of all your efforts being for nothing appals me.’

‘I am not the only one who stands to lose something. Your promotion—’

‘Is unimportant, compared with your father’s freedom.’

The words brought a lump to her throat. ‘It may yet be well.’

He hoped with all his heart that she was right.

* * *

After they parted Sabrina rejoined Jacinta and Luis and walked back to her lodgings. How different it all was from the way she had imagined it. Her vision of
their triumphant return had been a fantasy indeed. When they reached the door, Luis paused.

‘I must leave you here,
Doña
Sabrina. Jacinta will look after you for the time being.’

‘Where are you going?’

‘To find out what has happened to Ramon.’

‘He could be anywhere, Luis.’

‘Then I must discover where that is.’

‘Will you not eat first and rest a little?’

He smiled, revealing strong, white teeth. ‘The sooner I leave, the sooner I shall find him.’