Redemption of a Fallen Woman Page 0,79

*

Four days later they got their first glimpse of the sea, a deep blue smudge against the paler horizon. As Harry pointed it out Elena stared in wide-eyed wonder.

'This is the first time I ever saw the sea,' she said.

'Or I,' said Concha.

He surveyed them in momentary shock, then, on reflection, realised it wasn't surprising. Spain was a big country and, probably, very many of its citizens never saw the sea.

'You'll soon be able to have a much closer look.'

Elena smiled. 'I can hardly wait.'

Her expression just then was indicative of almost childlike excitement and he was unexpectedly touched.

'We'll make time to look.'

'Will we see whales?'

'I don't know about whales, but there may be dolphins.'

'There was a picture of a dolphin in one of my father's books. I should very much like to see the real thing.'

'They tend to travel in groups,' he replied. 'It's quite something to behold.'

'Aye,' said Jack. 'It is that. They're playful creatures and can follow a ship for days wi'out tiring. They've even been known to help drowning sailors to safety.'

Concha regarded him askance. 'Is this another of your tall tales?'

'It's true, honest. First mate on t'troop ship told me and he swore on t'bible it were so. Cross me heart an' hope to die.'

'Well, it may be as you say.' She paused. 'What do these dolphins do the rest of the time?'

'They hunt fish, I suppose. No one knows for sure.'

'What is it like to travel on a ship?' asked Elena.

'Like being drunk, my lady, only wi'out getting merry - until you get your sea legs that is.'

'Sea legs?'

'When you grow accustomed t'movement o' t'ship.'

'Oh.' She looked at Harry. 'Does the voyage to England take long?'

'Three weeks, perhaps, a little less with fair weather and a following wind.'

'It will be an adventure.'

He eyed her with amusement. 'Have you not tired of adventures yet?'

'On the contrary, I think life would be dull without them.'

'I suppose it would. All the same, a little peace and quiet in between times would not go amiss.'

They rode on and soon the roofs of the town came into view. Situated on a peninsula, Cadiz was an important centre for shipping and trade. Its harbour was protected by a great fortress which, despite all their efforts, had never been taken by the French. A little further along the coast was Cape Trafalgar, off which the British had won their great naval victory eleven years earlier.

'It doesn't seem quite real to be here, does it?' she said.

'No. All the same, I'm glad we are.'

'Very soon now you will have the proof you need.'

He smiled. 'Let's hope so.'

Privately he was hopeful. They had come so far and endured so much. It couldn't all be for nothing.

'We'll find somewhere comfortable to lodge,' he went on. 'Then I'll make enquiries about Sanchez.'

Elena returned the smile, guessing at some of his thoughts just then. For the rest of them it was the end of a long and arduous journey; for him it was the culmination of an ambition. After that she supposed they would take ship for England. The thought filled her with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. The next few weeks were going to be filled with new experiences. After that, something infinitely more exciting beckoned. That thought turned her mind in another direction.

Since they had been on the road there had been no opportunity to share his bed. Nor had he attempted to create any others. He had told her his apparent neglect was not a matter of deliberate policy but, having waited days now for him to make a move, her patience was at an end. Clearly she was going to have to take the initiative. A few weeks ago the idea would have been unthinkable. It was still rather alarming, but now the thought excited her as well. She smiled to herself. If His English Lordship imagined that she had forgotten his promise he was much mistaken. It was he who needed reminding, after all.

They made their way through the bustling streets and at length found La Gata Negra, the hostelry that Don Manuel had recommended. In this at least his judgement had been unimpaired. Like all his other recommendations, the Black Cat was clean and orderly and employed well-trained staff. Harry bespoke accommodation and gave orders about the horses. Then they went in. A manservant showed them to their rooms.

Elena stepped over the threshold and looked around. The chamber was large and surprisingly well furnished with a bed, washstand, dresser,