is not here legally. He’s an escaped prisoner of war. Worse, a thief. You find Capitaine Carnell, and there will be a grand reward for you.”
“I don’t suppose you know where he is?” the tall officer asked.
“Non. But watch her house”—he jerked a thumb toward Laura—“and you are sure to find him.”
“I told you, he’s gone,” Laura said.
“Oh, he’ll be back. You saved his life, after all.”
“I may have helped, but I am not his keeper.”
François smirked, the expression emphasizing the scar on his cheek. “You underestimate your charms, mademoiselle.”
“We have been looking for him without success,” the tall officer admitted.
“I shall help you,” François said. “I know just what he looks like.”
“We shall see. For now, come with us.” Gesturing with the gun, the men led LaRoche away, to Laura’s relief, though she feared the militia would now redouble their efforts to find Alexander. She prayed she had not just doomed him to recapture . . . or death.
Half-buried in the loose sand of the east shore of the estuary stands the ancient church of St. Enodoc.
—BLACK’S GUIDE TO THE DUCHY OF CORNWALL, 1876
Chapter 16
Before returning to the ferry, Laura visited the antique and curiosity dealer in Padstow.
The proprietor’s face lit upon seeing her. “Ah, Miss Callaway. What have you brought in for me today?”
Laura reached into her glove, where she had hidden her treasure, then placed the gold salamander brooch on the counter.
A short while later, errand completed, Laura walked to the milliner’s and all but dragged Eseld from the displays of bonnets, ribbons, and lace. Together, they returned to the harbour to await the ferry.
They reached Black Rock as evening fell, and Uncle Matthew was waiting for them at the ferry landing. There was still no sign or message from Kayna Roskilly. Eseld was quite worried about her friend by this time and pleaded with Matthew to drive to their house.
He eventually relented and turned the horse toward Pentireglaze, though doing so would add a few miles to their journey.
“I do hope she hasn’t fallen ill or something,” Eseld said. “It isn’t like her to not keep her appointments without at least sending word.”
Laura could not blame Eseld for her concern, but she was even more concerned about Alexander. Would he still be at Miss Chegwin’s? She longed to confide in her uncle but thought it best to hold her tongue.
When they reached the Roskillys’ drive, a groom helped Eseld alight, and she hurried into the house while Laura and her uncle waited outside. Eseld returned a few minutes later with Dr. Kent.
“The family is upset,” Perry explained. “There has been a theft. The money raised at the charity ball is missing, as well as a pair of Kayna’s earrings.”
Uncle Matthew’s expression fell. “I am very sorry to hear it.”
“I know you are.” Eseld squeezed his hand. “I am going to stay with Kayna for a while. Her father has gone for the constable.”
Uncle Matthew nodded, eyes troubled. “Kind of you. I’d stay too, but Mrs. Bray is expecting me.”
“I will make sure Eseld gets home safely, sir,” the young man offered.
“Thank you, Perran.”
Offering his arm, Perry led Eseld into the house, and Laura and her uncle started back toward Fern Haven.
“I am sorry, Uncle Matthew,” Laura said. “I know you have your heart set on restoring St. Enodoc.”
He nodded again but said little, clearly distracted and disheartened by the setback.
She decided not to add to his woes by sharing what had happened in Padstow, nor what she had learned about their guest.
When they returned to Fern Haven, Laura helped her uncle with the horse, and then the two walked into the house together. He went into the parlour to speak to his wife, while Laura went upstairs. She planned to walk over to Miss Chegwin’s but first went up to her room for a small coin purse to give to Alexander. Seeing a man sitting in the passage outside her room, she jumped, then whispered, “What are you doing here?”
Alexander rose, a vulnerable smile on his lips. “Not the greeting I hoped for.”
“You shouldn’t be here. The militia are looking for you and will soon come here again. They’re questioning Monsieur LaRoche now.”
She told him about the encounter outside the custom house.
He stepped nearer, searching her face in concern. “Are you all right?”
“Yes. Shaken but well.”
“Good.” He pressed her hands, then his eyes hardened. “That man . . . he will be the death of me yet.”
Alexander took a deep breath and drew back his broad