Redemption of a Fallen Woman(88)

‘The woman must be a most accomplished liar to have deceived everyone so well.’

‘Indeed she is, though I suspect she was put up to it.’

‘By whom?’

‘That’s what we need to find out,’ he replied.

‘What a shock this will be for your family.’

‘It’s better that they know the truth as soon as possible. That’s why we shall have to leave for England immediately.’

‘I can see that.’

‘Shall you mind, Elena?’

‘No, of course not.’ She held his gaze. ‘It is the start of a whole new adventure for us.’

‘So it is,’ he replied. ‘The most exciting one yet.’

She knew that any adventure would be acceptable as long as she was with him. If she had only been able to win his heart life would have been perfect.

* * *

In spite of having retired late, Elena woke the next morning with the light. A sideways glance revealed that Harry was still asleep. She watched him for a little while and then, carefully, so as not to disturb him she rose and dressed. Wrapping her shawl about her shoulders she slipped from the room and closed the door quietly behind her.

After that she went to find Concha. As she had hoped the maid was already up and, just then, sitting in the public dining room engaged in quiet conversation with Jack. The room was empty but for the two of them, and, although they were sitting on opposite sides of a table, there was something about their expressions that rendered the little scene strangely intimate. For a moment she felt like an intruder. Then they became aware of her presence. Both reddened a little and rose hurriedly. Concha was first to recover her wits, regarding her mistress with concern.

‘Doña Elena. Is something amiss?’

‘Nothing at all,’ she replied. ‘However, there is something I need to do. Will you come with me?’

Concha nodded. ‘Of course. I will fetch my shawl at once.’

As she hastened away Elena turned to Jack. ‘If my husband asks for me tell him I am gone out but will be back soon.’

‘I will, my lady.’ Jack paused. ‘Am I to tell him where you’ve gone?’

‘No, I’ll do that myself when I return.’

‘Very good, my lady.’

A few moments later Concha reappeared and the two women departed, leaving Jack staring after them in silent bemusement.

* * *

Harry stirred and stretched lazily in a pleasant waking doze. As memory returned he smiled to himself, enveloped in a sense of well-being and contentment. After the uncertainty of recent weeks all was well with the world at last. He turned and reached for Elena, wanting to share the moment. His arm found empty space and a cooling sheet. He came to at once. Propping himself on one elbow he scanned the room swiftly and, finding no sign of her, frowned. A more detailed inspection revealed that her clothing was gone too. Feeling oddly bereft and vaguely disquieted now he rose and dressed in his turn. Then he summoned Jack. An enquiry elicited the message that Elena had left for him. Harry looked at the other man in astonishment.

‘Gone out? At this hour?’

‘Aye, my lord.’

‘And she didn’t say where?’

‘No, my lord. She said she’d explain on her return.’

Harry couldn’t imagine where she might have gone but, feeling reassured to learn that she was attended by Concha, he forbore to question Jack any further. No doubt the mystery would be cleared up in due course. He ran a hand over the bristles on his chin. In the meantime he needed to shave.

* * *

For a little while the two women walked in companionable silence until Elena noticed the covert glances directed her way.

‘What is it, Concha? Is there something on your mind?’

‘Jack has asked me to marry him.’

Elena stared at her. ‘Good gracious! Has he?’ Then, recollecting herself, she hurried on. ‘Not that it’s to be wondered at. He always did seem like a sensible man.’

Concha reddened a little. ‘I think so too.’

‘What did you tell him?’

‘That I would consider his proposal.’

‘I see.’ Elena surveyed her steadily. ‘You like him though.’

‘Yes. I didn’t at first...well, not much anyway, but he has grown on me since then.’

‘I had a strong suspicion he liked you.’

‘He says he loves me.’

The words caused a pang of something very like envy. Elena forced it down. ‘Then if you both feel the same why should you hesitate?’

‘I said that I could not think of marrying him until you are safely settled in your new home.’

‘Concha, you have devoted years of your life to my welfare. It’s time to think of your own happiness.’