For the space of several heartbeats neither one spoke. Elena was dressed in breeches and boots once more. Her face was pale and there were smudges of shadow beneath her eyes but she was composed now. However, he read sadness in her dark gaze, and it tore at his heart for she had never seemed so achingly vulnerable. He wanted to take her in his arms and hold her awhile but he guessed the attention would not be welcome. Instead he broke the silence.
‘Have you breakfasted? We need to depart very soon.’
‘I’m quite ready.’
‘Good. I’ll collect my things and meet you outside in the yard, then.’
‘Certainly.’
He reached the door and paused on the threshold. ‘Has Concha taken your things down?’
‘Yes, I believe so.’
‘Is there anything you need before we leave?’
‘No, I thank you, nothing.’
‘Very well. I’ll see you downstairs.’
As he turned away Elena let out the breath she had been holding. The stilted conversation was painful but it obviated the need for anything more personal. She had no idea what she could have said to amend the situation in any case. Clearly he hadn’t wanted to revisit the subject either. His cool, controlled manner was a reproach in itself. Not that she could blame him for that. He’d asked for her trust last night and been rejected. What was he supposed to think? With a heavy heart she made her way down to where Jack and Concha waited with the horses.
The day was fine and it felt good to be on the road again. Elena could not regret leaving the city behind in spite of the comforts it offered. It held too many memories. Now at least they were focused on their original purpose and it gave them something else to think about. She wasn’t sorry for that either.
For the majority of the morning she rode with Concha, since the two men seemed to have matters of their own to discuss. The women travelled in companionable silence which afforded leisure to look around. Since leaving the city they had been following the river valley where the surrounding countryside was green and fertile with orchards and fields of crops. The region had a look of quiet prosperity about it.
From time to time Elena found her gaze shifting involuntarily from the scenery to the man in front of her. Harry sat his mount with the casual ease of a born horseman, controlling the powerful animal with the lightest touch of hand and heel. He wore his power lightly in every respect. He was also heart-stoppingly handsome. The thought that she had thrown away the chance to make him hers was all the more poignant and painful.
When they stopped at midday he made no particular attempt to seek her out and when they did speak it was about practicalities only. Elena followed his lead. It was impossible to do anything else now. She had created the gulf between them and in the circumstances it was small wonder that he made no attempt to cross it. He had been more patient than any man she had ever met, but even his patience was not infinite. If she could not give him what he wanted, then might he not seek solace elsewhere eventually? The thought appalled her.
‘Are you all right?’
Concha’s voice brought her back to the present with a jolt. ‘I’m just a little tired, that’s all. We were back quite late last night.’
Although the maid didn’t look entirely convinced she didn’t pursue it. ‘No doubt you’ll make up for it tonight.’
‘I’ll volunteer for the first watch,’ said Elena. ‘That way I can sleep straight through afterwards.’
‘Good idea.’ Concha glanced around. ‘This scenery is pleasing. It reminds me that we are drawing close to our goal now.’
‘I know what you mean.’
‘At one point I felt rather like that foolish knight in the story.’
‘Don Quixote?’
‘Yes. I used to wonder sometimes if we were tilting at windmills, but I’m sure now that we are not.’
‘Sanchez is real enough,’ said Elena. ‘All we have to do is reach Cádiz.’
They resumed their journey shortly after this. Elena had been unconsciously hoping that Harry might ride alongside for a while, but they barely exchanged a dozen words all afternoon. Several times when she looked his way he seemed not to notice even though she was sure he had. It was becoming increasingly clear that he didn’t want her company. She could well understand it, but it hurt all the same.
When next they made camp Elena took note of his preference and avoided him as far as she could. Initially it wasn’t too difficult. There were the horses to tend to and when that was done she and Jack went off to collect firewood. It was a relief to be out of the way and Jack was much easier company. Between them they gathered a pile of small logs and some twigs for kindling. Then they started slowly back for camp.