Sea of Fire (15 page)

He set his cup down and checked his pocket watch. It was nearly noon. Elizabeth was late. Before they had departed last eve, he had asked her to meet him to discuss plans for her upcoming meeting with Roderick. He glanced towards the windows. No sign of her. Had she decided not to come? Did she not take him seriously? Nay. She knew better than to trifle with him.

He considered what had transpired thus far and sighed. Elizabeth had been a tempting sight last night, dressed in the blue and silver gown. The combination complemented her auburn hair and sparkling blue eyes. Having mistook Mr. Feeney as her escort for the evening added to her loveliness. It was presumptuous of her and what he’d expect from a red-haired woman.

He grinned. Her reaction to him was exactly what he had hoped for upon seeing him—her mouth hung open and she was unable to speak. He laughed out loud. And, wasn’t that mouth sweet to kiss. After he spent the entire evening with the firebrand, he simply couldn’t help himself. He had tasted her once before and wanted more of the same. To his surprise, she objected little. In fact, she’d deny it, but she had enjoyed their kiss, too.

He watched out the windows again. Still no Elizabeth. He frowned. She’ll be here, he told himself. He had pleased her when he said he believed her story. Her face had lit up, and she smiled at him in such a way that his heart softened towards her. What was crazier was he wanted to do more to make her happy.

He shook his head and said out loud, “God forbid. If she ever loved a man, she’d probably kill him with that smile.”

“Who’d kill who?” Elizabeth asked from behind him. She waited for him to offer her the chair opposite him.

He waved for her to do so. “Don’t sneak up on a person like that.”

“I didn’t. Whatever you were daydreaming about held your interest. You failed to see my approach.”

His cheeks turned warm, and he cleared his throat. If you only knew, Sister Friar, he thought.

“Who killed who?”

“No one.”

She eyed him suspiciously, but apparently was going to let it rest.

“You’re late,” he angrily told her, yet he was really upset at himself for his reactions to her. He hadn’t blushed since he’d been a young lad in the classroom. Though she had proved to be a delightful companion last night, he still wasn’t sure he even liked her. “I expect punctuality.”

“I thought you were a more patient man. A bit on the ill-tempered side today, are we?” She cocked her head at him to indicate that his disposition concerned her little.

“I didn’t get much sleep,” he lied. He couldn’t admit to her how much she affected him.

She smiled and said, “I’m sorry I’m late. I misjudged the traffic.”

“How did you get here?”

“Alf drove me. He’s waiting down the street.”

“Is he discreet?” he asked in a serious tone.

“Aye, he’ll not tell Hannah, if that’s what you mean.”

He gave a nod of approval, but said, “Still, in the future, it might be best to hire a ride.”

“Aye. You’re probably right. I’ll do that.”

“What would you like?”

“Just coffee please.”

He hailed the serving maid and ordered the coffee. When the woman left, Elizabeth asked, “What’s your plan?”

“You’re to continue doing as you have been,” he informed her.

“That’s no plan,” she responded, clearly not pleased. “You asked me to come here to tell me that?” She stared at him incredulously.

She was right. It was no plan, but it was the best he could suggest for the time being. “Where did you get the friar’s robe?” he asked before she could voice further dissent.

She tilted her head at him. “The friar’s robe? I purchased the material and sewed it. Why?”

He waited for the serving maid to set another cup and a carafe on the table. “Will ye be needin’ anythin’ else?” she asked.

“Nay,” he answered. “Thank you.”

He told Elizabeth. “I need a robe. I’m accompanying you from now on.”

“Nay,” she practically squealed. “Roderick would know. Nay. I won’t allow it.”

“Beg your pardon,” he said in a tone intended to remind her that she had no choice in the matter.

In a frustrated manner, she fluffed her napkin before she placed it on her lap. She reached for her spoon and from the bowl on the table scooped a mound of sugar into her coffee and stirred. She dipped into another bowl filled with heavy cream and plopped two spoonfuls on top of the coffee. “Don’t you see. It won’t work,” she said and lifted the drink with both hands.

“Let me finish. You and I will travel together as fellow friars. Just before we reach the destination where you are to make your drop or pass the coins, I’ll slip from view. I’ll watch from a short distance. I may be able to discover what isn’t obvious to you.”

Elizabeth still did not appear convinced.

He reached for the carafe and warmed his coffee. “Would you not feel safer in the dark of early morn with a protector?”

“Aye, that I would,” she freely admitted then she shook her head. “If Roderick catches you ... I hate to think.”

He watched her take several drinks of her coffee. The action left cream on her upper lip. He inwardly smiled, and said, “I won’t get caught. That’s a promise.”

She smiled warmly.

Once again a heat spread through him. He was becoming far too sensitive to this woman.

She set her cup down and wiped her mouth with her napkin. “Nonetheless, I’m going to ask Roderick if I can transfer the coins during the daylight. Hannah is getting quite concerned with all the time I spend overnight at Charlotte’s. She can’t understand why Charlotte doesn’t visit at my home. I’ve managed to appease her thus far, but I can’t say as I blame her for worrying.”

“You’d still need the friar’s disguise. It wouldn’t be wise to hand over the spurious coins to Roderick’s corrupt acquaintances as yourself.”

“I’m sure you’re right, but how will we hide our hair? At night, my hair is pulled back into a tight knot. I gather the hood of the robe close to my face and keep my head down. People can’t tell anything is amiss.”

“I suggest we check a costume shop. They would have plenty to choose from for masquerade balls. Certainly, we’ll find something to remedy the problem.”

Elizabeth appeared more confident. “That’s a splendid idea.”

“Do you know of a costume shop nearby?”

Elizabeth thought a moment and said, “Aye, I do. Let me finish my coffee, and we’ll go see. It’s within walking distance.”

She did so. The two left the coffeehouse and informed their drivers they’d return shortly.

Elizabeth gently held his arm as they walked in silence. They stopped at the sign of Matthew’s Tailor Shop & Merchant of Masquerade. He motioned her to enter before him.

He’d never been inside before so he surveyed the shop as she did. The interior of the shop contained mostly goods for the masquerade although one corner displayed ordinary materials and several men’s ready-cut coats, waistcoats and shirts. The rest of the shop was devoted to masks from the simple black to the grotesque, and costumes for those who chose to be a buccaneer, an empress, or even a rooster.

“Good day. May I help you?” A gentleman clothed in impeccable attire stepped from behind a curtained entry into the shop.

“Please,” Christian said. “My fiancée and I are looking for something unique for an upcoming ball.”

“Would you like it tailored to suit your needs, or do you prefer one of our stock items?” the clerk inquired.

“We have our costumes. We’re missing one small item,” Christian said, noting the man’s erect stance. His features did not suggest friendliness.

“Such as,” the clerk prompted.

“Do you have anything that would give the illusion of baldness?”

The man’s eyebrows rose in surprise, and then he frowned. He glanced at Elizabeth who had suddenly giggled.

“Is this a prank?” he asked.

“Nay. I’m quite sincere,” he said, and gave Elizabeth a warning glance.

Immediately, she said, “My fiancé speaks the truth. You see, we’ve been invited to this ball where there will be a grand prize for the best costumes. It is imperative we cover our heads.” She twirled a lock of her hair for emphasis. “Many a person would recognize me for the color alone.”

After Elizabeth had spoken, the clerk appeared less apprehensive. “All I have that might help you are those wig caps. You know. They’re used to keep one’s hair in place under a wig.” As he spoke he walked over to a bureau in the small, tailor section of the shop. He yanked open a drawer. “As you can see, I’ve white, black, and beige. The beige would be closest to skin color. Would this serve your purposes?” he asked in the same lofty, unfriendly manner.

“Let’s test it. Shall we? Let me try the beige, and one that will fit snugly,” Christian suggested.

The clerk handed one of the lightweight cotton caps to Christian. He retied his queue before he shoved all his hair into the cap and faced Elizabeth. “What do you think?”

She giggled in reply.

He turned to the clerk. “Do you have a looking glass?”

The man searched a drawer and handed the object to him. Christian grinned at his silly appearance. “Your turn,” he said to Elizabeth. He removed the cap and handed it to her.

Reluctantly, she took it and smashed all her hair underneath before she hesitantly faced him. He burst out with laughter.

He handed the looking glass to her.

“Not very flattering, but I think ‘tis just what we need,” she said and giggled.

“Aye,” Christian agreed and whispered for her ears only. “It will still look strange, but people would not suspect friars of trickery.”

The clerk assumed his haughty posture once more and eyed them curiously.

“We’ll take two,” Christian said. He was compelled to tease the man. In a serious voice he said, “Not only do we plan to wear these caps at a ball, but we hope to set a new trend—a new style in fashion. What do you think?”

The clerk sputtered and replied, “Why anything is possible, of course, sir.”

Christian glanced at Elizabeth who covered her mouth to smother a giggle.

The clerk wrapped the caps, and the two at last departed. Once outdoors, they looked at each other and laughed again.

“You shouldn’t have said that,” Elizabeth told him.

Christian nonchalantly watched the woman beside him as they strolled the short distance back to their respective carriages. She’d been through a lot so far, and still, she endlessly strove to do what she needed to do to keep her father alive. A heavy burden lay on her shoulders, yet she managed to keep a sense of humor about her. He admired her courage.

He escorted her past the Strand Coffeehouse, along the rest of the way to her carriage. “I’ll see if I can find a robe by this eve for your meeting with Roderick. I’ll meet you on the north corner of the block down from Charlotte’s.”

“All right,” she simply said and entered the carriage.

As he watched the vehicle fade into the distance, a sudden loneliness crept over him. He hurried to his own carriage. “Take me to Bailey’s Club.”

A few rounds of cards with some of his peers ought to wipe out such foolishness. Better to think that he was closer to finding Adam.

* * * *

Elizabeth paced the floor of her bedchamber. In several hours, she would have to leave to meet Christian. Though, earlier she had tried to relax in a steamy bath, her stomach still fluttered nervously. She still hadn’t mustered up the courage to tell Hannah she’d be gone for the evening. It was time.

She took a deep breath and calmly walked downstairs to the kitchen. “Hannah,” she said to the woman who was preparing supper. “Will we be eating soon?”

“Are ye hungry, Bethy?” Hannah smiled over the slices of veal she had arranged on a platter.

“Aye, but I’m anxious to get to Charlotte’s. I’ll be spending the night once more.” She braced herself for the onslaught of disappointment that was sure to come from Hannah.

Hannah stopped her supper preparations. “Not tonight, Bethy. I overheard some fishermen at the market today. ‘Tis warmer weather expected, but a rainstorm. I worry about ye even if ye are indoors all safe. Besides, ye told me ye were going to invite Charlotte to stay here.”

“I will, Hannah. We have a few more letters to practice on this new script I told you about. Remember?” Elizabeth didn’t wait for her reply. She needed to speak fast before Hannah would try to convince her to stay at home. “Charlotte has the book and more space. We’ll need a few more evenings. Don’t worry. All right?” Elizabeth walked over to Hannah and put her arm around her.

“Can’t ye practice during the day like ye used to do?”

“We will soon. On most afternoons, Charlotte has been making wedding plans.” Another lie. Elizabeth hated Roderick and Adam for what they were putting her through.

“It seems early for such,” Hannah said skeptically.

“She’s excited and wants everything perfect. Say you won’t be angry with me, Hannah. I couldn’t bear it.”

“Me Bethy,” Hannah said and blew a stream of air. “Ye’re like the daughter I never had. I can’t help but be concerned. Of course I’m not mad.”

Elizabeth hugged her. “Thank you. I’ll go prepare my portmanteau and return for supper.”

Several hours later, Elizabeth requested Alf to drop her off one street from Charlotte’s. She explained that she wished to walk the rest of the way. She assured him she’d be perfectly fine. When Alf rounded the corner, she turned in the opposite direction to meet Christian on the north corner. The winds increased and blew her cloak about her as if to underscore Hannah’s prediction of a downpour. Thankfully, Christian had already arrived. He stepped from beneath a concealed doorway and grabbed her by the elbow. He led her to a carriage parked across the street.

Once they were comfortably seated side by side, she removed her hood and said, “I think when we get to White’s Inn we should enter separately. The innkeeper now knows me. I’d hate to cause speculation or rumors.”

“There’s no need.” Christian set his hat on the seat opposite him and faced her at his side. “You’ll stay at my town house with me.”

“I’m not so sure that’s a good idea. Remember what happened last time?” The instant her words left her lips, she regretted it. Though she referred to his hysterical woman friend, it was obvious from the gleam in his eyes that he, too, remembered their intimate position.