His Counterfeit Condesa (Historical Romance) (22 page)

Jacinta frowned. ‘How do you know you will succeed?’

‘I will find him. Everyone must be somewhere, you see.’ He paused. ‘Besides, Ramon is my friend and I did not much care for the slurs of General Ward.’

‘None of us cared for them,’ said Sabrina. ‘When Ramon returns he can shove them back down the General’s throat.’

‘Exactly so.’

‘He may also wish to consider where he’d like to shove General Ward’s secret papers when next they meet,’ replied Jacinta.

Sabrina choked back indecorous laughter.

Luis grinned. ‘I will suggest it to him. In the meantime, I must find a fresh horse.’

‘When you get one, come back. I will have some provisions ready for you,’ said Jacinta.

‘Muchas gracias. Hasta entonces.’

With that he bowed and left them.

* * *

Some time later, in the privacy of her room, Sabrina stripped off her travel-stained garments and climbed into a hot tub. She sank into the water with a sigh of
real pleasure. It seemed so long since she had bathed properly or worn clean clothes. She scrubbed herself vigorously and washed her hair before leaning back to relax and let the heat unknot her aching muscles. The water was cooling before she felt ready to climb out. Having dried herself off she donned one of her older gowns, a rose-pink muslin that had remained behind in the wardrobe. When her hair was dry she brushed it out and tied it back with a ribbon.

A close scrutiny in the mirror revealed that her appearance was at least acceptable, although her face and neck were lightly tanned from the time spent in the open air. The effect was not entirely displeasing though, for the colour enhanced her hair and eyes. Some hand cream would help restore the softness lost through outdoor living. As she began to massage the cream in she realised she was still wearing the wedding ring that Falconbridge had given her when they set out for Aranjuez. She had grown so accustomed to its presence it had almost become part of her hand. It cost her a real pang to remove it, but to do anything else was totally inappropriate. She laid it carefully in the small jewel box on the dresser and closed the lid. That part of the adventure was really over.

Satisfied that she was presentable again, she went downstairs in search of something to eat. She was met by Jacinta, also bathed now and dressed in clean garments.

‘I will make you a tortilla,’ she said. ‘It will keep the wolf from the door until dinner.’

‘Make enough for yourself, as well,’ replied Sabrina. ‘You must also be hungry by now.’

Jacinta nodded. ‘It will be good to have some fresh food again, no?’

‘Yes, it will.’

‘And bread that is not the consistency of brick.’

Sabrina smiled sadly, recalling the meal she had shared with Falconbridge when they had sat by the creek together. The rations had been scanty and poor but his conversation had not. Just being in his company was sufficient compensation for stale bread and cheese. Would they ever have the dinner together that he had promised her? Circumstances seemed to be ranged against it. General Ward had made no secret of his displeasure. If Ramon did not return. She didn’t want to think about the consequences of that, for Falconbridge or for her father.

Almost as if she knew her thoughts, Jacinta met her gaze. ‘If anyone can find Ramon now, it is Luis.’

‘I hope you are right.’

‘One does not suffer a friend to be insulted. You spoke up for Ramon before General Ward. Now Luis will do his part.’

‘Ramon is my friend, too,’ replied Sabrina. ‘My father also holds him in the highest regard. He would have been deeply angered had he been there today.’

‘Yes, I believe he would. For his sake, too, Luis will find Ramon.’

* * *

Later, when they had eaten, Sabrina went out into the garden, wanting some fresh air and some space in which to think. Without making any conscious choice she followed the path to the stone bench she had sat on with Robert Falconbridge the last time she had been out here. He had tried every means to dissuade her from accompanying him on the mission. Every detail was etched on her memory. Even then she had been aware of him, his sheer physical presence, his look, his touch.
She could never have thought then that one glorious moonlit evening he would take her in his arms and steal her heart.

She was so rapt in thought that she failed to hear the footsteps on the path until the visitor was close. She caught sight of a red uniform jacket and her heart leapt. Then she realised with a stab of disappointment that the newcomer was a total stranger. He bowed and smiled.

‘I have been charged to deliver this letter, ma’am. Compliments of Major Falconbridge.’

Her heart gave another lurch. ‘Thank you for your trouble, sir.’

‘No trouble at all, ma’am.’

When he had gone she sank back onto the stone seat and broke open the wafer with a trembling hand. The missive contained one sentence only:
Since a Field Marshal’s baton appears to be out of reach for the present, I comfort myself with the slender hope that you might consent to dine with a humble Major, as soon as he can arrange it. F.
Sabrina read it and felt laughter bubble up in her throat. He had meant it then. Suddenly all her earlier gloom lifted. All might yet be well. Having reread the note half a dozen times, she carefully refolded it and tucked it safely inside the bodice of her gown. Then she went indoors to find pen and paper.

* * *

Some time later an orderly arrived at the officers’ quarters. ‘A note for Major Falconbridge,’ he announced. ‘Arrived just now, sir.’

Brudenell gestured across the room. ‘The Major is yonder.’

Falconbridge took the letter and dismissed the man. Then he studied the direction. The handwriting was unfamiliar but it was unquestionably feminine in nature.
Hope leapt. Taking a deep breath he opened it, eagerly scanning the contents. It contained just one sentence:
Whilst the loss of a baton is deeply regrettable, the notion of dining with a lower-ranking officer is, on balance, to be preferred.
There was no signature but it needed none, and his face lit with a grin.

‘Good news?’ inquired Brudenell.

‘Very good news.’

‘It’s about time.’

‘Yes, it is.’

Refolding the paper, Falconbridge stowed it carefully inside his breast pocket. It was about time, he thought; time to draw a line under the past and get on with his life. At least now he knew what he wanted the future to be.

His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of an adjutant summoning him to Lord Wellington’s headquarters in the Palacio de los Castro. He exchanged glances with Brudenell and then nodded.

‘I shall come directly.’

When the adjutant had departed, his friend frowned. ‘What does the old man want now?’

‘To hear my report, I imagine. Unless of course he wishes to tell me himself that Ramon has returned with the papers.’

‘That would solve a few problems, would it not?’

‘Aye, it would.’

‘You did the best you could, Robert. Damned bad luck his getting delayed like that.’

‘It’s a pity Ward doesn’t see it in the same light.’

‘No, well, he wasn’t surrounded by hostile French troops wanting to carve him into slivers, was he?’

‘Even so…’ Falconbridge moved to the door ‘…I
made an error of judgement. The trouble is that others besides myself will be made to pay for it.’

* * *

When he arrived at Wellington’s door a short time later it was to see Ward and Forbes there as well. His heart sank. Schooling his face to a neutral expression he halted in front of the desk.

‘You wished to see me, sir?’

Wellington looked up from the letter he had been writing and leaned back in his chair, surveying his visitor coolly. The stern lines of his face gave nothing away but the piercing eyes missed nothing. Under their fixed scrutiny his visitor felt the knot in his gut tighten.

‘Damned bad business, Falconbridge.’

‘Yes, sir.’

Ward nodded and interjected, ‘You should not have let those papers out of your hands.’

‘I believed I had no choice, sir, with capture imminent.’

‘You should have brought the documents yourself.’

‘That would have meant leaving my companions to die, sir.’

‘All soldiers know the risks of war.’

‘Miss Huntley is not a soldier.’

‘No, but she also knew the risks.’

Falconbridge’s eyes became steel grey. ‘Not a good enough reason, in my opinion, for leaving her to the mercy of the French.’

Ward glared and made to reply but Wellington was before him. ‘The situation was an unenviable one and I have no doubt you did what you thought right, Major. Nevertheless, the fact remains that a third party now has in his possession the most sensitive of information.’

‘Information that our man in Madrid went to great lengths to obtain,’ said Forbes.

‘I believe that Ramon will deliver it if he can,’ replied Falconbridge.

Ward snorted. The sound drew a swift quelling glance from Wellington but just as quickly his attention returned to Falconbridge.

‘You appear to have great faith in this man.’

‘I do, sir, and so does Miss Huntley. Ramon was a good friend of her father’s.’

‘Well, we’ll see soon enough whether your faith is justified.’

‘Touching the matter of John Huntley, sir…’

‘Well?’

‘His freedom was the condition that caused Miss Huntley to agree to go on the mission in the first place. She has performed her part in exemplary fashion, sir, and kept her side of the bargain.’

‘But you did not return with the papers you went for,’ said Ward.

‘That is not her fault. It is mine, and she should not be punished for it.’

Wellington lifted one eyebrow a little. ‘I should have thought there was no question of her being penalised in any way. Major Forbes, have not negotiations already begun for the release of prisoners?’

‘They have, sir.’

‘John Huntley among them?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Good. You will keep me informed of how things progress.’

Falconbridge breathed a silent sigh of relief. At least that much might be salvaged from the affair. Before he
could pursue the thought any further he became aware that Wellington was addressing him again.

‘For the rest we can only wait and hope. In the meantime, in the absence of information, I must try and outguess the French. You may return to your duties, Major Falconbridge.’

Being thus dismissed he walked back to his quarters with the words ringing in his ears. Waiting and hoping were indeed the only options available to him just then, on the career front anyway. On a personal level, he felt a different kind of hope. Sabrina’s face drifted into his mind and he recalled a promise he had made. That at least was a matter he could do something about.

T
he following morning Sabrina received a courteous letter from Major Falconbridge inviting her to dine with him and Brudenell that evening. Her face lit with a smile as she read the invitation. He had kept his promise, and done it with tact and sensitivity. The occasion coincided with ladies’ night in the officers’ mess. Moreover, as Colonel Albermarle was also invited to join the party, she would have a highly respectable escort. For all sorts of reasons it promised to be an enjoyable occasion and she lost no time in returning a note of acceptance.

However, it threw up another difficulty. Her boxes still had not been returned to her and the choice of gowns remaining in her wardrobe was slim. In the end she selected one of her newer muslin frocks. The gown was fashioned in a simple but becoming style and, when combined with a silken shawl, a fetching hairstyle, a necklace and earrings and a pair of long gloves, the effect was of simple understated elegance.

* * *

Heads turned as she and Colonel Albermarle made their entrance, and Falconbridge felt the first stirrings of
pride that she was to be his guest that evening. Beside him, Brudenell was following her progress, too.

‘My word, Robert, but she’s a beauty.’

‘That she is.’

‘What on earth does she see in you?’

‘Lord knows.’

They moved forward to meet their guests. For a moment Falconbridge took her hand, letting his gaze travel the length of her. Then he smiled.

‘You look wonderful.’

‘Thank you.’

He felt another surge of pride, fully aware of the covert looks coming their way, and knowing every man there would like to be in his shoes. In consequence, he forgot that he had retained her hand far longer than was necessary or correct.

Beside him Albermarle coughed. ‘Well, then, shall we sit down?’

Sabrina smiled and took her place beside their host. The meal was excellent, a real treat after the Spartan rations they had endured in the latter days of their journey. A tasty vegetable soup was removed with trout, cooked
à la plancha,
and then a sirloin of beef, chicken in a lemon sauce and a game pie. Dessert was a light and frothy syllabub, with fruit and sweetmeats.

The conversation flowed easily throughout. As ever, Falconbridge and Brudenell were excellent company, being well informed on a variety of topics, and often witty. Many times Sabrina found herself laughing at the tales of their past exploits. These, she had no doubt, had been carefully censored and were thus totally unexceptionable, but always hilarious. Albermarle, too, relaxed and became expansive, keeping up his part in the conversation. Aware of having the company and undivided
attention of three distinguished men, Sabrina found herself positively enjoying the covert and envious looks that came her way from some of the other ladies present. It occurred to her then that both Brudenell and Robert were very handsome in their different ways. Even so, she had eyes for only one.

Becoming aware of her attention Falconbridge smiled and, seeing that the other two were temporarily engaged in discussion, seized his chance. ‘You look thoughtful, ma’am.’

‘I was thinking,’ she admitted.

He lowered his voice a little. ‘About what?’

‘I shall not tell you for fear you should grow conceited.’

He grinned. ‘Now I am intrigued.’

‘Good.’

‘Vixen.’

Sabrina laughed. It might have been the candlelight or the wine or the sparkle in her eyes, or all three, but again he found himself staring and felt a sudden rush of heat to his groin.

‘If we were alone, my girl, I should compel you to speak.’

‘Do you think so?’

‘Do you think I would not?’

The tone and the accompanying look sent a delicious shiver the length of her body. Suddenly she wished very much that they were alone together, somewhere out in the back of beyond; that she was in his arms again and yielding to that tender compulsion. Startled by the tenor of her thoughts she lowered her gaze, afraid that he might read too accurately what lay behind.

Fortunately their attention was recalled by Albermarle who had directed a question to Falconbridge.
Gathering his wits he made some reply but it wasn’t easy while his thoughts were all on the woman beside him.

* * *

For the remainder of the evening there was no further opportunity for private speech until the time came for her and Albermarle to leave.

‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘It has been a wonderful evening. And it was a truly delicious meal.’

He raised her hand to his lips. ‘I keep my promises.’

‘So you do.’ She smiled. ‘And most handsomely, too.’

Resisting the urge to take her in his arms, he contented himself with a bow. ‘It was my pleasure.’

‘Capital evening, Major,’ said Albermarle. ‘First rate.’

‘I’m glad you enjoyed it, sir.’

‘Hope to return the favour one day soon.’

‘I’ll look forward to it, sir.’

With real regret he watched his guests depart, following their progress until they were out of sight.

For a while Sabrina and her godfather walked in companionable silence. Then he cast a shrewd glance her way.

‘I’d say that young man has taken quite a fancy to you, my dear.’

Her cheeks reddened and she was glad of the concealing darkness. ‘Would you?’

‘Couldn’t keep his eyes off you all evening. Not that it’s to be wondered at. You’re a devilish pretty girl.’

‘Thank you, sir.’

He hesitated and then said casually, ‘I think you’re not indifferent to him either.’

She bit her lip. ‘I like him very well.’

‘Thought so. I confess it surprised me at first. I’d a notion you didn’t care for him at one time.’

‘No, I didn’t, but my knowing him better has improved my opinion of him.’

‘I see.’ He paused. ‘Good sort of fellow, Falconbridge.’

‘Yes, he is.’

Albermarle made no reply but merely smiled to himself.

* * *

Sabrina did not see or hear from Falconbridge for several days after that and guessed that his duties kept him fully occupied. Then one morning he came to call.

‘I regret that Wellington has assigned me to another mission. I shall be going out of town for a while.’

Sabrina’s heart sank. This was the very thing she had been dreading. Although she had known it must come at some point she had not thought it would be so soon. Somehow she summoned a smile, trying not to let her disappointment show.

‘Will you be gone long?’

‘A week or so, I believe.’

‘I see.’

‘I deeply regret the necessity, but my orders are to leave at once.’ He looked down into her face. ‘However, I wanted to see you first.’

‘I am so glad that you did.’ She hesitated, hating to ask but needing to know the answer. ‘Is it going to be dangerous, this mission of yours?’

‘Would that matter to you?’

‘You know it would.’

‘On this occasion I think there is likely to be little danger.’

‘May I ask where you are going?’

‘I am not at liberty to say what it is at present.’

‘Forgive me, it was a tactless question.’

He shook his head. ‘No, just a natural one. When I return, everything will be made clear.’

‘A mystery then.’ She laid a hand on his sleeve. ‘I beg you will be careful. You have trouble enough at present without adding injury to the list.’

‘I promise to heed the advice.’

‘I wish I were going with you. I hate the thought of sitting here and doing nothing.’

‘You have already done far more than could ever have been expected of you. Besides, you will want to wait for news of Ramon.’

‘Yes,’ she replied. ‘We have heard nothing from Luis since he left.’

‘I fear the task will be like looking for a needle in a haystack.’

‘He felt he had to do it anyway,’ she replied. ‘General Ward’s comments went deep.’

‘Yes, they did.’

She met his gaze and held it. ‘If Ramon does not return, will things go ill for you, Robert?’

‘I cannot deny that matters are a touch awkward at present, but all may yet be well.’

‘If it had not been for me and Jacinta you would have brought those documents back yourself. Your men would have provided a diversion to cover your escape, and they would all have done it as a matter of duty. But you would not leave two women behind to be captured while you left the scene.’

‘Nor would any man worthy of the name.’ He took her shoulders in a gentle clasp. ‘You should not feel guilty on that account.’

‘I cannot help it.’

‘I took the decision and I stand by it. Do you really think I could have left you there?’

The warmth of his hands and the gentleness of his tone brought a lump to her throat. ‘You should have, but I am glad you did not. In consequence, all of Lord Wellington’s plans are thrown awry.’

He smiled. ‘I think you overstate the case a little. This is a setback, no more.’

‘Now you will not get your promotion.’

‘It doesn’t matter. There will be other opportunities. What matters to me is your safety and well-being.’

‘And yours to me.’

His heart beat a little quicker but before he could reply they heard booted feet in the hall. Then Corporal Blakelock appeared at the door. ‘Beg pardon, Major, but it’s time.’

‘Very well. I’m coming.’ Falconbridge smiled ruefully at Sabrina. ‘There is so much I want to say to you and no time now to do it in, but I’ll be back, I promise you.’

She managed to return his smile. ‘I’ll hold you to that.’

He pressed his lips to her hand, and then left her to join the waiting men. Sabrina watched until they were out of sight and only the warm imprint of his kiss remained.

* * *

The days following his departure seemed long and dull. Nor could she settle to anything. Reading, sewing and sketch pad were abandoned in succession. Every time she heard a horse in the street or a footstep in the hall her heart leapt. She knew it could not be him, but lived in the hope that it might be Luis or Ramon or both, and each time the hope was dashed. Then her thoughts
would turn back to Falconbridge, wondering where he was and what he was doing at that moment. She had known she was going to miss him, but now his absence left a void that nothing could fill. Moreover, she missed action, the sense of having something important to do.

Needing to make herself useful, she accompanied Jacinta to the market each day and explored the local shops to see what they might have to offer in the way of dress fabric. Her trunks had not yet arrived and there was no absolute certainty of their doing so. In consequence, her wardrobe was drastically reduced, and she needed to furnish herself with some new gowns. The choice proved to be limited but she found two lengths of figured muslin cloth and some thread, with matching ribbon for trim. At least sewing new gowns would provide a worthwhile occupation.

‘Perhaps you will have them ready by the time Major Falconbridge returns,’ said Jacinta.

‘Yes, perhaps,’ she replied.

Seeing her downcast expression the other woman continued, ‘You need not worry for him. He will come back. That one is like a cat; he has nine lives.’

Sabrina made no reply. This parting, though not wholly unexpected, had come sooner than she had anticipated. Being separated from him was like losing a part of her. It caused a lowering of the spirits quite unlike her usual buoyant self. Her abstracted air had not passed unnoticed in other quarters. Colonel Albermarle, with whom she was dining that evening, was sufficiently concerned to enquire.

‘Is something wrong, my dear?’

Unable to open her heart just then, she sought refuge in a partial truth. ‘It’s only that so many days have passed
without news of Ramon or Luis. I really thought they might have returned by now.’

It had been his thought also but he did not say so. ‘If they have not there will be a good reason for it.’ He regarded her shrewdly. ‘It is an anticlimax, isn’t it, coming back to routine after such an adventure?’

‘I confess it is.’

‘Look, I have to ride out to the Great Teson tomorrow morning. Why don’t you come with me?’

Sabrina brightened a little. ‘I’d like that.’

* * *

They went out early, and once on horseback again Sabrina felt her spirits revive. The morning air was sweet and cool and the company congenial. As they rode towards the hilltop batteries, Albermarle pointed out the repairs and improvements underway. Even at this hour the place was a hive of activity. Seeing so many redcoats she began automatically to seek for one in particular, even though her mind told her he couldn’t possibly be there. Then she told herself sternly not to be such an idiot.

* * *

They returned to the house just before ten to see two horses outside, one a particularly poor specimen. Since she didn’t recognise either, Sabrina assumed it must be someone seeking Albermarle.

‘Possibly, my dear,’ he said. ‘I left word where I would be if needed, though I don’t know anyone who owns such a nag as that chestnut. Never saw such an ancient, sway-backed, spavined, cow-hocked bag of bones in my life.’

The comment was not unjustified. The horse looked as though it might have walked straight out of the pages of a Cervantes novel.