Redemption of a Fallen Woman (11 page)

They had been there about an hour when Elena heard the sound of water splash outside. It was louder than the rain, rather as though someone had inadvertently stepped into a puddle, and followed by a muffled curse. She straightened, listening intently, feeling the hairs stir on the back of her neck. Silently she edged closer to Harry.

‘Did you hear it?’ she murmured.

‘Yes. They’re coming. Rouse...’

Before he had time to say more the barn door scraped softly open. Both of them flattened themselves against the wall, pistols in hand. In the gloom they saw three dark figures creep in. The intruders paused then, evidently listening. Hearing nothing untoward they advanced slowly. They had reached the middle of the barn when Harry stepped out of concealment behind them.

‘Stop where you are unless you plan to die.’

The three turned swiftly. Elena heard a snarled oath, saw Harry dodge something that flew past his shoulder and then caught a soft thud as a knife bit into wood. He levelled his pistol and fired. Someone cried out and fell. Daggers raised, the other two intruders launched themselves at Harry. In one smooth movement Elena raised her pistol and fired. The target stopped in his tracks, arms outflung, and keeled over. Somewhere beyond she glimpsed movement at the rear of the barn. Then Harry and the third assailant went down together, the knife swaying between them.

Harry swore softly as a clawing hand groped for his eyes. A reek of foetid breath hit him full in the face as a swarthy and stubbled visage drew close to his own, the lips drawn back in a feral snarl. The blade inched closer to his throat. Increasing his grip he forced the point away and rolled, landing a punch under the man’s ribs. He heard his assailant grunt but his grip on the dagger never altered. With a supreme effort Harry tightened his grip and slowly forced his arm upwards towards his opponent’s neck. The man’s eyes widened and he launched a rain of desperate blows with his free hand but the point of the blade came inexorably closer. The point pierced flesh. As the blade slid deeper it was followed by a muffled choking noise. The punches ceased and the man stopped struggling. Then slowly he sagged and lay still. Breathing hard, Harry staggered to his feet.

Elena felt a surge of relief wash through her. ‘Are you all right?’

He gave her a wry smile. ‘Thanks to you I am. That was quick thinking.’

‘I didn’t have time to think about it. Luckily, at that range, it was impossible to miss.’

‘If they’d stopped when I told them they’d still be alive.’

‘They made their choice,’ she replied. ‘They’d have killed us without a second thought and robbed our corpses afterwards.’

Jack and Concha came to join them.

‘The world’s well rid o’ t’scum, my lady.’

Concha nodded. ‘We dealt honestly with them and they repaid us with treachery. I have met their kind many times before.’

Elena looked at Harry. ‘What now?’

‘We need to find out if there are any more of them. Jack and I will check the house. You and Concha stay here.’

‘Be careful.’

‘Depend on it.’

The two men went out into the darkness. While they were gone Elena reloaded her pistol, hoping she wasn’t going to need it again that night. It seemed the hope would be realised: when the men returned they reported the house empty. Relief replaced anxiety. However, no one felt remotely inclined to sleep now so they sat and waited for dawn.

By then the rain had stopped, though the air was chill and damp. Harry and Jack found some spades and dug three graves behind the barn. Then they carried the bodies out and buried them. When it was done they rejoined Elena and Concha, who were waiting with the horses, and all four rode away.

They rode in silence for the most part, each lost in their own thoughts. However, each of them wanted to put as many miles as possible between themselves and the sinister farm before they stopped again. Elena was weary now and guessed the others felt the same. Now that the drama was over, the incident left a bitter taste. She could only feel thankful that none of them had been hurt. Had they not been so vigilant it would have been they who were lying in shallow graves now.

‘Are you all right?’

She looked round to see that Harry had brought his mount alongside. His face registered quiet concern.

‘Yes. I’m just a bit tired, that’s all.’

‘It’s hardly to be wondered at,’ he replied. ‘Let’s hope my next choice of accommodation is a vast improvement.’

‘You were not to blame. You did what you thought right at the time.’

‘But for your presence of mind I’d certainly be dead now. I owe you a great deal.’

‘Should not a wife defend her husband?’

He smiled ruefully. ‘The roles are usually reversed.’

‘But then it is not usual to be under attack by a band of cut-throats.’

‘No, but it sits awkwardly with me all the same. I must try to do better in future.’

‘I have no complaint to make.’ She paused. ‘Besides, you saved me from the convent.’

‘Are you saying that the honours are even now?’

‘No, for I still consider mine the greater debt.’

Something in her expression caused his heart to beat a little faster. ‘You must not talk of indebtedness, Elena. I do not think of our relationship in those terms.’

She wanted to ask how he did regard it but bit the words back. It was another impertinent question and would almost certainly annoy him. Moreover, they were both tired and she had no wish to quarrel. Instead she changed the subject.

‘Will we reach Seville soon, do you think?’

‘Yes, quite soon. Another week at most.’

‘I’m looking forward to that.’

‘So am I,’ he replied. That was the absolute truth. He wanted to be able to stop exposing her to danger and reckless adventure, especially when he was such a dismal failure as a protector. That realisation only intensified his guilt.

Their conversation also remained on his mind for some time. Elena had shown courage and presence of mind, and never at any time had she treated him to a fit of feminine hysterics. In fact, he thought that she had more spirit and more nerve than many men he’d met. She was remarkable in so many ways. She was also beautiful. After losing Belén he’d been certain that he’d never marry, that no other woman could make him feel as she had done. He had never anticipated rediscovering that kind of magnetic attraction, but now it was impossible to deny that he did feel it. That brief stolen kiss with Elena had only intensified his desire. It was so tempting to give it rein and the opportunity had been there. It would have been easy. He could have taken her, could have made her his in fact as well as in name. He grimaced. Even if Elena was willing to give herself to him what would be her reaction when eventually she learned the truth? It could only be delayed so long, but at some point she would find out and it would be better if it didn’t happen in a casual conversation with someone else. Once they returned to England the likelihood of a chance revelation increased substantially. He was going to have to deal with the matter before then. In the meantime he needed to concentrate on the business in hand.

Chapter Twelve

T
hey reached Seville without further incident some five days later, and put up at the Posada del Sol
,
one of the recommendations on Don Manuel’s list. Elena wasn’t in the least sorry for the change. After they had eaten and rested, Concha went out to find them some more suitable clothing. It was one thing to sport masculine dress while they were out in the sticks, but quite another here in the city. Elena was hopeful of seeing at least some of the sights once Harry had undertaken his own business affairs. To do that, she had to look respectable.

The first thing she did was to request a bath. Then she stripped off her travel-stained garments and sank into the hot water with a blissful sigh. She scrubbed herself thoroughly with scented soap and washed her hair. It was good to be clean again and to smell of flowers instead of horses and leather. She smiled wryly, thinking that she’d hardly fitted the mould of a newly married woman when she didn’t even look feminine. Masculine clothing was practical and comfortable for travel but she was looking forward to a change now.

Concha had returned with various purchases which included a couple of figured muslin gowns, a shawl and a straw bonnet. ‘They are perhaps not in the first stare of fashion but they may serve until we can locate a dressmaker,’ she observed.

‘They will do very well,’ said Elena. ‘The material is pretty.’

‘So I thought.’

The gowns were a reasonably good fit and, surveying herself in the glass later, Elena was satisfied.

‘At least I can step out of the room now without attracting undue attention,’ she observed.

The maid grinned. ‘You will always attract attention, Doña Elena.’ She surveyed her handiwork critically. ‘It looks well.’

‘I wish I could say the same for my hands. They look terrible.’

‘Not so terrible. A rest from work and a little cream will work wonders.’

‘I haven’t used hand cream since we left Madrid.’

‘You will soon recover the habit.’

‘I need to if I am to resume the role of a lady.’ Elena sighed. Such things hadn’t mattered before but the advent of Harry had changed all that. Now she needed all the help she could get.

‘If you don’t mind, I would like to take a leaf out of your book and make myself more respectable,’ said Concha.

‘Of course. I need to speak to His Lordship in any case.’

‘He is in the private parlour.’

Harry, who had also bathed and changed sometime earlier, had been reading a newspaper but glanced up as the door opened. Seeing Elena he got to his feet at once. His gaze swept her from head to toe but could find no fault. The sprigged muslin gown was simple and pretty and exquisitely feminine. Dark curls framed her face and were caught up behind in a simple knot. The effect was both artless and alluring. Realising he was staring, he recollected himself quickly.

‘You look wonderful.’

‘Thank you. It feels good to wear a dress again.’

‘You should make a habit of it.’

‘Indeed I hope to.’

He gestured to a chair. ‘Please.’ When she had settled herself comfortably he continued, ‘I am glad you are come since I wished to speak with you about my next line of enquiry.’

‘I imagine that means a visit to Señor Garrido.’

‘Just so. It is my intention to call upon him this afternoon.’

‘Then I wish you all good fortune.’

‘I thank you.’ He paused. ‘I just hope that all the effort to get here will not have been in vain.’

‘Why should it?’

‘In truth I’m afraid of raising my hopes too high lest they should be dashed.’

She regarded him sympathetically. ‘I can understand that but, all the same, I think your fears are groundless. If Señor Garrido can help, then I’m convinced he will, especially when he learns how important a matter it is.’

‘Well, there’s only way to find out.’ He surveyed her steadily. ‘I’d be glad if you would remain here in the meantime since I shall want to speak with you on my return.’

‘As you wish.’

‘I hope not to be too long. Can you find some means of amusement until I get back?’

‘I’m quietly confident.’

‘Good.’ He possessed himself of her hand and raised it to his lips.
‘Hasta entonces.’

With that he smiled and departed. Elena stared after him, aware of a strange sensation of loss and the warm imprint of his kiss on her skin.

* * *

Harry found the address with no difficulty. It was a large house in a respectable part of the city, evidently the property of a man of some consequence. By good fortune Garrido was at home and, on receipt of Harry’s card, had him shown into the study at once.

Pablo Garrido was in his mid-forties. Although only of average height his compact frame suggested strength. Like most Spaniards he was dark, though grey hair was evident among the black. His clean-shaven face was angular, though not ill-favoured, and commanded by a pair of piercing brown eyes. He received his guest courteously and, having invited him to sit, asked to know how he might be of service.

As Harry summarised, Garrido listened intently and without interruption. His gaze never left Harry’s face. At length, when he had concluded, Garrido nodded.

‘I did indeed meet your brother, my lord. A most intelligent man and an excellent operative in every way. His loss was deeply regretted in many quarters.’

‘Never more so than by his family.’

‘Of course, especially in the light of what you tell me.’

‘It is imperative that I establish the truth about my brother’s death. The law in England requires it. To obtain the proof I require I must find Xavier Sanchez.’

‘Yes, I can see that. However, I have not set eyes on the man for some time.’

‘Do you know where he may be found?’

‘No, but I can make enquiries.’

Harry experienced a surge of excitement but reined it in hard. ‘I’d be most obliged.’

Garrido nodded. ‘I’ll do what I can. If you will give me your direction I’ll send word when I know more.’

* * *

When Harry returned to the inn, he lost no time in seeking out Elena. He found her still in the parlour engaged in reading the newspaper he had left there. She looked up eagerly as he entered, and he saw her smile. It was a warm, unforced expression and it caused his heart to beat a little faster. Telling himself not to refine on it, he closed the door.

‘What news?’ she asked.

As he communicated what he had learned, she listened carefully.

‘It sounds hopeful,’ she said when at length he had done.

‘Yes, though I’m not counting my chickens.’

‘I’m sure all will yet be well.’

He smiled. ‘In the interim we have time to spare. Would you like to take a look around? I believe Seville has some fine sights.’

An answering smile lit her face. ‘I should like it very much.’

‘The cathedral and the
Giralda
are very near. Perhaps we should start with those.’

‘Oh, yes. Let’s.’

He offered his arm. ‘Come, then.’

They strolled along the street in companionable silence. Although Elena looked about with interest, every part of her being was alive to the man beside her. It occurred to her also that this was the first time they had ever done this. Of course, their relationship had lacked any kind of courtship and, hitherto, they had always been in the company of others. This was a pleasurable change.

Then they turned the corner and for a moment everything was driven from her mind except for the towering edifice in front of them.

‘Oh, my.’

The Gothic cathedral of Santa María de la Sede was breathtaking. Elena stared at it incredulously.

‘Oh, Harry, it’s magnificent. I’d always been told that it was, but it’s not the same as seeing for oneself.’

He smiled. ‘Indeed not.’

‘My father told me that it is one of the largest churches ever built.’

‘He was quite right.’

‘He said it took more than a hundred years to construct, and it has the longest nave in the world.’

‘So I believe.’

She craned her neck, gazing at the intricately carved frontage and soaring tower above, wondering at the skill that wrought it. ‘The ancient builders were certainly masters of their art.’

‘Yes, they were.’ He paused. ‘Shall we look inside?’

For a second she hesitated, then nodded. ‘Why not?’

If she had thought the outside impressive, the interior with its elegant pillars and vaulted ceiling and glory of stained glass was even more awe-inspiring. And that, she reflected, was the point. This building was not just about architectural splendour; it was about power and control. A control she had so narrowly escaped. Of course it wasn’t possible for a woman to escape some form of control. Society would not countenance such a thing. She glanced at the man beside her. He wore his power lightly but, ultimately, she was still subject to his will. Yet of the two choices she knew whose authority she preferred.

Sensing her preoccupation Harry regarded her covertly. He thought he could guess at some of her thoughts and wondered if it had been entirely tactful to bring her here.

‘Are you all right, Elena?’

‘Perfectly.’

‘Only you seemed a little uneasy.’

‘This is the first time in years that I have voluntarily entered a church,’ she replied. ‘I have not done so since Badajoz.’

‘I’m sorry. I didn’t think.’

‘It’s all right. I’m glad to have the chance to see this. Besides, faith is not a prerequisite for the appreciation of architecture.’

‘True.’

Again she wondered if she had shocked him with such an impious remark. However, she did not see disapproval in his face and nor had he rebuked her. Her former betrothed most certainly would have done. He had observed all the outward forms of Christianity but never translated his faith to the earthly plane. The tolerance she saw in Harry had been entirely lacking in Jose.

They strolled on, pausing occasionally to admire the marvellously carved tombs and to look into the small side chapels.

‘There seem to be lots of these, don’t there?’ said Harry after a while.

‘About eighty, according to my father.’

‘What!’ The exclamation drew disapproving glances from those nearest. He lowered his voice. ‘How many sins is it possible to commit?’

‘It depends whom one asks. My aunts are authorities on the subject of other people’s sins.’

‘Your aunts are confounded bores. It grieves me to speak harshly of your relations, but in their case I’m willing to make an exception.’

Elena grinned. ‘I won’t take offence.’

‘Indeed I hope not.’

‘I feel sure that your family is not boring.’

‘Boredom is not a word I associate with the name of Montague. In fact, there’s rarely a dull moment.’ Harry sighed. ‘I dream of dull moments sometimes.’

Elena laughed. ‘Be careful what you wish for.’

‘Do you fear that the wish may come true, then?’

‘I doubt whether I will ever be bored in your company, my lord.’

‘I’m flattered—I think.’

Elena gave him a sidelong glance in which mischief and amusement were mingled in equal measure. It was also unwittingly beguiling and, ordinarily, would have met with a fitting response. As it was, he had to remind himself that they were in a church.

It was another hour before they stepped out into the sunshine again. The light seemed dazzling after the relative gloom inside the cathedral. Harry paused and turned to Elena.

‘Where to now?’ he asked.

She looked around, taking in the various possibilities. Then she pointed to the
Giralda
. ‘Up there.’

A former minaret from the mosque that had once stood on the site of the cathedral, the bell tower took its name from the weathervane on the top.

‘I’m game if you are,’ he replied. Then, catching the look in her eye, added ruefully, ‘All right. That was a stupid comment. I should know better by now.’

Elena grinned and slipped her arm through his. Then they strolled across to the tower. It had no stairs; instead a series of carefully inclined ramps led to the top. At the halfway point they paused for breath.

‘Apparently the muezzin used to ride up here,’ she said.

‘I don’t blame him when he had to do this five times a day.’

‘Well, I suppose the horse was fit anyway.’

He laughed. ‘Yes, I imagine it was. This tower is higher than the one in Babel.’

She reached out and took his hand. ‘Come on, not far now.’

Harry groaned in mock despair but allowed himself to be led nevertheless. Her spontaneous gesture had not gone unnoticed; it was the first time that she had made such an overture towards him and it created a strange sensation in his breast. Moreover, her hand felt right in his, as though it belonged there.

They climbed on up the final ramps. By the time they reached the viewing gallery at the top they were breathing hard. However, the views repaid the effort and, since they were alone, they had leisure to admire them undisturbed. Elena leaned on the edge of the parapet, looking out towards the
Alcázar.

‘I expected Seville to be fine but it is far better than I expected,’ she said. ‘Does England have sights as fine as this?’

‘When we go to London, I’ll take you to see Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral. They’re both impressive in their different ways.’

‘I’ll look forward to that.’

‘Shall you not be sad to leave Spain?’

She turned to face him. ‘In some ways, but it is also tied to things I’d like to forget.’

‘It was never my intention to return,’ he admitted. ‘Had it not been for Jamie’s demise I might never have done so.’

‘You could hardly be blamed for your reluctance when the memories were so painful.’

‘Not all of them were painful. I had some good friends and even in the army it was possible to have fun occasionally. And of course there was Belén...’

Elena’s heartbeat quickened but she remained silent, waiting.

‘Her father was a doctor, a gentleman for whom I had the highest respect. One day one of my comrades was injured and it was too far to get him back to camp for the surgeon so we sought a doctor in the nearest town. That’s when I met Belén.’ He smiled faintly. ‘She was acting as an assistant to her father. I’d never seen anyone quite like her.’