His Counterfeit Condesa. Joanna Fulford

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ had a damaged wheel, sir, and it took longer than expected to repair.’

      ‘Unfortunate, but these things happen. Any other trouble on the way?’

      For a moment Major Falconbridge’s face swam into her memory. She pushed it aside.

      ‘No.’

      ‘Good.’ He eyed the oranges on the wagon. ‘And the guns?’

      Sabrina nodded to Ramon. He pushed aside part of the top layer of fruit and lifted the sacking on which it rested to reveal the stocks of the Baker rifles beneath. Albermarle smiled.

      ‘You’ve done well, my dear, as always.’ He eyed her dusty garments and then went on, ‘Lodgings have been arranged for you nearby. You’ll find Jacinta there with your things. When you’ve had a chance to bathe and change we’ll have dinner together.’

      ‘That sounds delightful, sir.’

      ‘Good. We’ll talk then.’

      Sabrina rejoined him some time later, elegantly gowned in a sprigged muslin frock and with her hair neatly dressed. The meal was good and so far removed from the rations of the last few days that she ate with real enjoyment. Her companion kept the conversation to general topics but, knowing him of old, she sensed there was something on his mind. In this she was correct, though the matter was not broached until they had finished eating and were lingering over the remains of the wine. The colonel leaned back in his chair, surveying her keenly.

      ‘Have you thought any more about our last conversation, my dear?’

      ‘Yes, and my answer is the same.’

      ‘I thought it might be.’ He smiled gently. ‘Does England hold no charms for you then?’

      ‘I barely remember the place, much less my aunt’s family. It is kind of her to offer me a home but I would feel like a fish out of water. My life has revolved around the army. Father could have left me behind in England when he went abroad, but he chose not to and I’m glad of it.’

      ‘I have known your father a long time. John Huntley was always an unusual man, some might even say eccentric, but he is brave and honourable and I am proud to count him among my friends. He is also a very fine cartographer.’

      ‘Yes, he is, and it’s thanks to him that I have received such an unusual education. How many young women have been where I’ve been or done what I’ve done?’

      He chuckled. ‘Precious few I imagine.’

      ‘I have sometimes thought that it might be pleasant to have a permanent home and to attend parties and balls and the like, but the bohemian life is not without its charms, too. I suppose the habit has become ingrained, even though Father is gone.’

      ‘You miss him, don’t you?’

      ‘It has been four months now, but not a day passes when I don’t think of him.’

      ‘His capture was a severe blow to the army.’

      ‘I can’t bear to think of him languishing somewhere in a French prison. I cling to the hope that one day he will be freed and I shall see him again.’

      ‘When the war is over who knows what may happen?’

      She sighed. ‘I think that day is far off.’

      ‘I know how lonely you must be without him.’ He hesitated. ‘Did you never think about settling down?’

      ‘Marriage?’ She shook her head. ‘I have never been in one place long enough to form that kind of attachment.’

      ‘Just so, my dear, and it worries me.’

      ‘There is no need, sir, truly. Father took pains to ensure I was well provided for.’

      ‘It is a godfather’s privilege to be concerned,’ he replied.

      She returned his smile. ‘When I find another man like you I may consider settling down. In the meantime it is my duty to do my part for king and country.’

      ‘Are you sure, my dear?’

      ‘Quite sure.’ She paused, her gaze searching his face. ‘There’s something in the wind, isn’t there?’

      ‘Am I so transparent?’

      ‘I’ve known you a long time, sir.’

      ‘True. And you’re right. There is a mission in the offing.’

      ‘May I know what it is?’

      ‘Even I don’t have all the details yet. All I can tell you is that it is top level. I have a meeting in the morning with General Ward and Major Forbes.’

      ‘Major Forbes is one of Wellington’s leading intelligence officers.’

      ‘Yes, he is.’ He paused. ‘What is more, he has asked that you should be present at the briefing tomorrow.’

      Her astonishment was unfeigned. While she had undertaken several missions in the last year they were all low-key affairs involving relatively small risk. This appeared to be rather different. Curiosity vied with a strange feeling of unease. What kind of mission was it that required her involvement? What part would she be asked to play?

      For a long time after she retired that night she lay awake pondering what her godfather had said. It wasn’t just the business of the mysterious mission. It was the matter of her future. At some point the war would end and, God willing, her father might be released. However, conditions in French prisons were notoriously bad and she had to face the possibility that he might not survive. What then? Likely she would have no choice but to return to England. However, she had been independent too long ever to live by someone else’s rules. Her aunt meant well but the prospect of life in a small town held no charms. Besides, the only career open to a woman was marriage, an indescribably dull fate after a lifetime of adventure. Happily, that was one problem that wouldn’t affect her. She had learned early that, when it came to matters of the heart, what men said and what they meant were very different things.

      For an instant Captain Jack Denton’s image returned, along with its false smile and equally false assurances. Of course, she had been much younger then, barely fifteen. Having no mother or older sisters to advise her, she had been easy prey for a handsome face and polished manner. They had met at her first dance. Ten years older than she, Denton’s attentions had been flattering, and had awakened something inside her whose existence had remained unknown till then. He had recognised it at once. And he had been clever, careful not to move too fast yet leaving her in no doubt of his admiration. Smiles and soft looks and compliments developed into brief stolen meetings, always when her father or his friends were not by, and eventually a tender kiss. It had kindled the spark to a flame that lit her whole being. Utterly infatuated, she never questioned his sincerity or the depth of his feelings.

      She swallowed hard. No woman in her right mind would risk making that mistake again. Nor would any woman risk her reputation so foolishly. Her relationships with men were almost entirely professional now. On those occasions when she met them socially she was unfailingly courteous but also careful to keep them at arm’s length. It was better to be free and independent. The only СКАЧАТЬ