Redemption of a Fallen Woman(89)

‘Jack says he doesn’t mind waiting. Besides, I think it will be a wrench for him to leave His Lordship’s service.’

‘Is he planning to do so?’

‘He means to set up in business.’

Elena’s eyes widened. ‘What manner of business?’

‘A coaching inn, he says.’

‘How exciting.’

‘He has the means to do it. Apparently the war was not a total disaster, financially at least.’

‘Shall you like living in a coaching inn?’

‘The idea is not without appeal. I have the necessary domestic knowledge, and Jack is a good organiser. He was an army sergeant before so he’ll be able to deal with staff, and he knows a lot about horses too.’

‘You’ll make a perfect team.’

Concha nodded. ‘I think we might.’

‘If it’s what you want you have my blessing.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Has Jack spoken to His Lordship yet?’

‘He will not, until he has my answer.’

‘Then I will say nothing either. It will be our secret for now.’

They lapsed into silence again, each rapt in thought. The conversation had given Elena much food for thought. While she was pleased for Concha the emotion was also tinged with sadness because with her went the last connection to Spain. Concha had been like her right arm for so long that it was hard to imagine being without her. Adversity had drawn them close so that in many ways she had been more like a sister than a servant. Losing her would be hard indeed.

Elena pulled herself up sharply. If anyone deserved happiness it was Concha. Jack was a good man. He had proved his worth many times over and he would no doubt make a fine husband. She had won his heart besides. Elena was tempted to ask how it was done. If there was a secret she didn’t have it. Harry might care for her, but it was Belén he loved.

These thoughts occupied her until she reached her destination and stopped outside an imposing building. Concha regarded the church with undisguised astonishment.

‘Is this the place, Doña Elena?’

‘Yes, this is the place.’

Now that she was here Elena felt unexpectedly nervous and she hesitated. Concha eyed her quizzically.

‘Are you all right? You look a little pale.’

‘It’s just that, having turned my back on the Tenant for so long, it feels like a real cheek to turn up at His house out of the blue like this.’

‘Well, I suppose you could have sent a note beforehand,’ said Concha, ‘but since the Tenant is reputed to be omniscient that would seem to be unnecessary.’

Elena smiled wryly. ‘A fair point.’

‘Besides, if we’re not wanted here I expect He’ll make His displeasure known.’

‘Lightning bolts?’

‘Possibly.’

‘I think I’ll risk it,’ said Elena. ‘Seriously though, if you’d prefer to wait here I’ll understand. You don’t have to come in.’

‘Actually I think I do.’

‘Right, then.’ Elena took a deep breath. ‘Ready?’

‘Ready.’

Elena pushed open the door and together they went inside.

* * *

Harry was beginning to feel concerned. The two women had been gone over an hour and there was still no sign of them. He was about to send Jack out to look when Elena entered the private parlour. Relief replaced anxiety.

‘I was starting to worry,’ he said. ‘Are you all right?’

‘Of course. Did you not receive my message?’

‘I did, but that was a while ago.’

‘I didn’t mean to cause you anxiety.’

He hesitated, wanting to ask her where she’d been but fearing to sound like a domineering husband. Elena took off her shawl and bestowed a kiss on his cheek. He slid an arm about her waist.

‘I missed you.’

‘I missed you too,’ she replied, ‘but I had to go out. It was important.’

‘What was important, sweetheart?’

‘I went to church.’

For a moment or two his expression registered blank astonishment. He’d thought of half a dozen possible explanations for her absence but none had even come close.

‘Church?’

‘It was time.’

He recovered his wits. ‘If you felt it to be so, then it undoubtedly was.’

‘I have been angry about the past for long enough, Harry. The events of recent weeks have made me see that clearly. I wanted to let go of it once and for all, but in order to do that I needed to make my peace with God.’

‘You don’t have to explain yourself to me, my sweet.’

‘I know, but I want to all the same. Apart from Concha you are the only person who can truly understand.’