Redemption of a Fallen Woman Page 0,94

due course. He ran a hand over the bristles on his chin. In the meantime he needed to shave.

* * *

For a little while the two women walked in companionable silence until Elena noticed the covert glances directed her way.

'What is it, Concha? Is there something on your mind?'

'Jack has asked me to marry him.'

Elena stared at her. 'Good gracious! Has he?' Then, recollecting herself, she hurried on. 'Not that it's to be wondered at. He always did seem like a sensible man.'

Concha reddened a little. 'I think so too.'

'What did you tell him?'

'That I would consider his proposal.'

'I see.' Elena surveyed her steadily. 'You like him though.'

'Yes. I didn't at first...well, not much anyway, but he has grown on me since then.'

'I had a strong suspicion he liked you.'

'He says he loves me.'

The words caused a pang of something very like envy. Elena forced it down. 'Then if you both feel the same why should you hesitate?'

'I said that I could not think of marrying him until you are safely settled in your new home.'

'Concha, you have devoted years of your life to my welfare. It's time to think of your own happiness.'

'Jack says he doesn't mind waiting. Besides, I think it will be a wrench for him to leave His Lordship's service.'

'Is he planning to do so?'

'He means to set up in business.'

Elena's eyes widened. 'What manner of business?'

'A coaching inn, he says.'

'How exciting.'

'He has the means to do it. Apparently the war was not a total disaster, financially at least.'

'Shall you like living in a coaching inn?'

'The idea is not without appeal. I have the necessary domestic knowledge, and Jack is a good organiser. He was an army sergeant before so he'll be able to deal with staff, and he knows a lot about horses too.'

'You'll make a perfect team.'

Concha nodded. 'I think we might.'

'If it's what you want you have my blessing.'

'Thank you.'

'Has Jack spoken to His Lordship yet?'

'He will not, until he has my answer.'

'Then I will say nothing either. It will be our secret for now.'

They lapsed into silence again, each rapt in thought. The conversation had given Elena much food for thought. While she was pleased for Concha the emotion was also tinged with sadness because with her went the last connection to Spain. Concha had been like her right arm for so long that it was hard to imagine being without her. Adversity had drawn them close so that in many ways she had been more like a sister than a servant. Losing her would be hard indeed.

Elena pulled herself up sharply. If anyone deserved happiness it was Concha. Jack was a good man. He had proved his worth many times over and he would no doubt make a fine husband. She had won his heart besides. Elena was tempted to ask how it was done. If there was a secret she didn't have it. Harry might care for her, but it was Belen he loved.

These thoughts occupied her until she reached her destination and stopped outside an imposing building. Concha regarded the church with undisguised astonishment.

'Is this the place, Dona Elena?'

'Yes, this is the place.'

Now that she was here Elena felt unexpectedly nervous and she hesitated. Concha eyed her quizzically.

'Are you all right? You look a little pale.'

'It's just that, having turned my back on the Tenant for so long, it feels like a real cheek to turn up at His house out of the blue like this.'

'Well, I suppose you could have sent a note beforehand,' said Concha, 'but since the Tenant is reputed to be omniscient that would seem to be unnecessary.'

Elena smiled wryly. 'A fair point.'

'Besides, if we're not wanted here I expect He'll make His displeasure known.'

'Lightning bolts?'

'Possibly.'

'I think I'll risk it,' said Elena. 'Seriously though, if you'd prefer to wait here I'll understand. You don't have to come in.'

'Actually I think I do.'

'Right, then.' Elena took a deep breath. 'Ready?'

'Ready.'

Elena pushed open the door and together they went inside.

* * *

Harry was beginning to feel concerned. The two women had been gone over an hour and there was still no sign of them. He was about to send Jack out to look when Elena entered the private parlour. Relief replaced anxiety.

'I was starting to worry,' he said. 'Are you all right?'

'Of course. Did you not receive my message?'

'I did, but that was a while ago.'

'I didn't mean to cause you anxiety.'

He hesitated, wanting to ask her where she'd been but fearing to sound like a domineering