Redemption of a Fallen Woman(40)

Chapter Twelve





They 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.