the words too, so that he looked and sounded liked the archetype of a haughty Spanish hidalgo. Nevertheless, it did not fail in achieving the desired effect. The dressmaker stared at the purse and then bestowed on him a fawning smile.
'I thank you, Your Excellency. Certainly the dress will be ready on Wednesday afternoon.'
'I'm quite sure of it,' he replied.
The woman ushered them to the door with all ceremony and then bade them an almost reverent farewell. With that they left the premises.
Elena stared at her companion, torn between incredulity and amusement. 'That was outrageous.'
His expression was unrepentant. 'It was intended to be.'
'I'd like to ask how much was in that purse but I'm afraid you wouldn't tell me.'
'I'm afraid you'd be right.'
'It is kind of you to do this. I appreciate it.'
'Did you think I would let you go to the ball in rags, Cinderella?'
She laughed. 'Perhaps not. All the same it was a generous gesture.'
'Should not a husband buy his wife a gown?'
'It's a new thought for me. Up to now I've had to purchase my own.'
'Do you think you might grow accustomed to the idea?'
'I really believe I might.'
* * *
As there was no word from Garrido they spent the next two days exploring the city. Harry was an entertaining companion and Elena enjoyed his company. Indeed when she was with him it was hard to be aware of anyone else. He put himself completely at her disposal, a novelty for one who had until lately been so self-reliant. He was also quietly attentive to her every need. It was the first time in her adult life that a man had ever made her feel as if she mattered, and she found it an oddly agreeable sensation. In many ways it was a deferred courtship. He encouraged her to talk and listened carefully to what was said but was never censorious. It was surprisingly easy to confide in him. He made no demands or any attempt to initiate intimacy and when he did touch her, to offer his arm or to point something out for her attention or to put a hand in the small of her back and guide her gently through a doorway, it seemed natural and right. His nearness was exciting but never threatening and she relaxed and enjoyed being with him. The thought of the forthcoming ball filled her with pleasant anticipation since it would be the first time they had attended such a function together.
They had returned from a walk along the banks of the Guadalquivir when a message arrived for Harry. He opened it hurriedly and scanned the contents.
'It's from Garrido. He asks me to call upon him. Would you mind if I left you for a while?'
'Not at all. Of course you must go.'
'I shan't be too long.'
'I'll still be here,' she replied. 'And, Harry...good luck.'
'Thank you. I'm rather hoping for some luck myself.'
* * *
When he arrived at Garrido's house he was admitted at once. His host rose to meet him with a smile.
'You are prompt, my lord.'
'It is a matter of considerable importance. I can do no other.'
Garrido bade him be seated and then poured two glasses of amontillado. He handed one to his guest and sat down in the chair opposite.
'Since last we spoke I have made enquiries among my acquaintance in the service,' he said. 'From them I have news of Xavier Sanchez.'
Harry drew a deep breath, dreading to ask the question but knowing he must. 'Is he still alive?'
'Oh, yes, very much so.' Garrido smiled. 'Alive and currently living in Cadiz.'
Harry's heart beat a little faster now. 'Do you have his direction?'
His host reached into his coat pocket and took out a folded sheet of paper. 'It is written here.'
Harry took it and glanced at the contents, struggling to repress emotion. The last piece of the puzzle was in his hand. All he had to do now was make use of the information and he would get the proof he sought. He would actually speak to the man who was with Jamie at the end. For a moment it was hard to speak.
'I cannot thank you enough for your help in this matter, not only on my account but on behalf of my family too.'
'I am very glad that I was able to help.'
'Is Sanchez also retired from the service now?'
Garrido smiled faintly. 'No, but then he is much younger than I.'
'Is Cadiz his home town?'
'Again, no. He comes from Valladolid, I believe.'
'Then he is