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.’