Redemption of a Fallen Woman(44)

The vehicle had barely gone fifty yards before it came to an abrupt halt. The window was lowered and a man leaned out. He scrutinised them keenly for a moment and then his face lit in a beaming smile.

‘Is it possible?’

Elena looked quizzically at her companion. ‘A friend of yours, by any chance?’

‘He does look familiar I have to say.’

‘But you don’t recognise him.’

‘Not immediately,’ he admitted.

The carriage door opened and a man got out. Then he strode towards them. As he drew near his smile widened.

‘Harry Montague! I knew I was not mistaken.’

Recovering his wits and his memory, Harry returned the smile. ‘Villanueva! Of all people. This is a pleasant surprise.’

The two men shook hands warmly. Elena regarded the newcomer with interest. He was of an age with Harry and almost the same height. The face with its neat moustache and goatee beard was also strikingly handsome. His dress proclaimed him a nobleman. Harry performed the introductions.

‘May I present the Conde de Villanueva. Conde, this is my wife, Elena.’

The conde’s dark gaze swept her from head to foot, registering admiration. ‘An honour, my lady.’ He smiled. ‘Your husband is a fortunate man.’

‘I know it,’ said Harry.

‘It has been a long time, my friend. Too long.’

‘Yes, it has.’

‘May I ask what good fortune brings you to Sevilla?’

‘A matter of business.’

‘Do you stay long?’

‘I’m really not sure. Some days at least.’

‘That is excellent. My wife and I are holding a ball on Wednesday to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We would be honoured if you were able to attend.’

Elena knew Harry would decline. As he had said, they were here on business, and besides, all her gowns were in Madrid. She hadn’t anything suitable to wear and not enough time to have anything made. It was an impossible situation.

‘We’d be delighted, wouldn’t we, my dear?’

For a moment she couldn’t believe that she’d heard aright. Then, recollecting her manners, she summoned a gracious smile. ‘I can’t think of anything I’d like more.’

The conde beamed. ‘That’s settled, then. Here is my card—the direction is on it. I regret that I cannot stay to talk further but I am on my way to an appointment.’

‘Don’t let us delay you,’ said Harry.

‘Until Wednesday, then.’

With that the conde left them and a few moments later the carriage rolled away. ‘That was unexpected,’ said Harry. ‘I haven’t seen him since the end of the war.’

‘How did you meet him?’

‘By chance. He was an officer in the Spanish army and his men fought various actions in support of the British. He was a capable leader and a brave fighter.’

‘He obviously remembered you.’

‘I can recall him mentioning Andalucia, but not that his home was in Seville. It’s a happy accident at all events.’

‘Is it?’

‘He’s pleasant enough company. Besides, now you have a ball to look forward to.’

‘I’d look forward to it a lot more if my gowns were not in Madrid.’

‘Heavens, I’d forgotten that.’ He looked thoughtful. ‘We have a little time though, so I’m sure something can be contrived.’

Elena wished she could share his optimism.





Chapter Thirteen





In fact, Harry was as good as his word and, having made enquiries, took her to visit a reputable dressmaker. When patterns and fabrics had been discussed and Elena’s figure measured, the question of a delivery date arose. She opened her mouth to apologise for the short notice but Harry was before her.

‘My wife requires the gown on Wednesday afternoon. Kindly see that it is delivered to our lodgings.’ He gave the woman the direction and tossed a purse of coins onto the table. ‘Here is a little something on account. You will get the rest when the gown is finished.’

Elena blinked. She had never heard him sound so peremptory or so arrogant. His present mien fitted the words too, so that he looked and sounded liked the archetype of a haughty Spanish hidalgo. Nevertheless, it did not fail in achieving the desired effect. The dressmaker stared at the purse and then bestowed on him a fawning smile.

‘I thank you, Your Excellency. Certainly the dress will be ready on Wednesday afternoon.’

‘I’m quite sure of it,’ he replied.

The woman ushered them to the door with all ceremony and then bade them an almost reverent farewell. With that they left the premises.

Elena stared at her companion, torn between incredulity and amusement. ‘That was outrageous.’