Sea of Fire (22 page)

She nodded. Seconds later, he fled the crowded shop. About fifteen minutes passed before she was at last waited upon and made her selections. As the items were being wrapped, she considered what might have happened had she used the bad coins. What if the clerk in the shop had noticed them and publicly declared them to be counterfeit? With so many people around, any number could be called out as witnesses. She shuddered. Thank God Christian had come along when he had.

“Come again.” The clerk handed her the parcels.

“Thank you,” she said and stepped outside. The weather remained fair, which she appreciated, as the month of March was unpredictable. One day promised the hope of spring while the next only served as a reminder that it was still winter and could snow.

She stared down the street until she located the sign of the spirits shop. Unless that particular establishment was overflowing with patrons, Christian should have had enough time to browse and make any purchases. She strolled to the shop and peered inside. He conversed with a gentleman whose back faced her. With her own arms full of purchases, she decided to wait outside rather than try to juggle her goods to get the door. She turned her sights to the people and activity along the street.

When a few minutes passed and Christian still had not exited, she peeked through the window again. He was nowhere to be seen—at least not from her position. Now, she adjusted her packages, grabbed the door handle and stepped within the spirits shop. A few moments later, she heard laughter. The curtain to a back room swished aside and the proprietor, Christian, and to her surprise, Roderick, shuffled through it as if the three had known each other for years.

“Why, Elizabeth, whatever are you doing here? I didn’t realize you were interested in spirits,” Roderick greeted her. Before she could respond, he added for Christian’s and the shop owner’s sake, “Elizabeth is a
close
friend of mine.” She gave a weak smile, and said, “I stopped in here to browse for a friend.”

He clapped his hands in delight, assuming instantly that he was the person she spoke about and the items she carried were what he had requested. “I don’t see how you’ll manage by yourself. I’ll see you home,” he decided.

“Truly. I can handle these items. I’ve carried much more before. Besides, I’ll hail a ride.” She looked directly at Roderick, afraid to chance a glance at Christian and give away their acquaintance.

“I insist.” Roderick helped himself to several of her parcels, and started for the door. She had no choice but to follow. With Roderick’s back to her, she peeked up at Christian.

He failed to make eye contact. It was as if he didn’t notice her. He spoke to Roderick, “I’ll come by as you suggested.”

“I look forward to it,” Roderick answered. He held the door for her. She passed through it with a foreboding.

Was it a coincidence that Roderick happened to be in the spirits shop the same time as Christian? What had transpired behind the curtain that caused the three of them to carry on so amiably? Though she had questioned Christian’s involvement with her father’s abduction, all conclusions suggested he was as much in the dark as she was. Still, Christian gave her no indication he was on her side right now when she needed the reassurance. Instead, he and Roderick acted like they’d known each other and planned to meet. For what purpose? What if Roderick had solicited Christian to test her loyalty? For the first time, she truly feared for her father’s safety.

* * * *

Elizabeth sat in the work area in Roderick’s silversmith shop. “I purchased the items you requested. I have some goblets at home that I will bring you next time. Now will you please tell me how my father fares.”

“As far as I know, alive and well.” Roderick answered. He examined the contents of the packages. His large blue eyes twinkled and his face lit up like that of a child who had received a plaything.

“I want to meet with Adam. I want proof my father is well.” She was in no position to make demands, but she hoped the purchases she had secured would make him more agreeable.

“I’ll do what I can for you.” He held up one of the bottles of medicine, set it down and examined one of the platters. “Did no one question the coins? You had no problems?”

If she admitted to no difficulties, he would know she was lying. “All commented that the coins’ appearance was odd, but I assured them I had just come from the bank. I guess I look like I have an honest face.”

“That you do, sweet Elizabeth. Which brings me to our next task.”

“When will you find out about my father?”

“You’re becoming tiresome. Soon.” He sat down across from her just like they sat the first time she learned he was counterfeiting. “I want you to draw another coin.”

“What’s wrong with the one I already drew you?”

Roderick smiled. “This isn’t for us. Another source.”

Could the person be Christian? “Who?” she asked before she realized she had no business doing so. She braced herself for his rebuff.

Yet, he mildly answered, “That is none of your concern.”

She had to know, even if it meant inciting his ire. “I simply was curious and wondered if it was the man you were with in the spirits shop today.”

“I’m not going to divulge such information, Elizabeth.”

Blast, she thought. “When does this person need this done?”

“The gent is in a hurry. Tonight.”

“Tonight? Nay, Roderick. Please. I’m too exhausted. I wouldn’t perform well.”

“All right. You have had a busy day. You were to have the purchases to me by tomorrow. Since it was my good fortune to meet you and receive them early, we’ll plan on tomorrow eve.”

“Where?”

“Come to Liffey Supply where you worked on the pattern for the other coin. Say midnight.”

“Must it be so late?” she asked. “ ‘Tis hard traveling, and ...”

“No one is about at that hour. The building is closed to business. Be there.”

“Aye.” She stood, knowing she could push him no further, and left.

In twenty minutes she returned home, exhausted. Should she contact Christian or wait for him to contact her? After seeing him that afternoon with Roderick, her scant trust was diminished. The idea had crossed her mind to be more open. Now, she was confused and didn’t want to think about it. Though the evening was early for bedtime, she changed into her nightwear and curled up in bed. If she slept, she wouldn’t have to worry about what to do, or if her father was well.

No sooner had she snuggled down under the covers, than all tiredness fled her. Her eyes refused to remain closed. She tossed and turned until she decided sleep was not in order.

Maybe if she practiced her calligraphy, it would take her mind off her situation. Maybe she’d get drowsy and be able to sleep. Yet, as much as she loved the challenge of perfect lettering, she was not in the mood. The situation between Christian and Roderick disturbed her greatly. What was Christian about? She had to know, and what better way to find out than to ask him personally? She’d travel to his town house and do so.

A half hour later, after she had changed back into her gown and had Alf prepare her carriage, she stood at the door to Christian’s town house. Minutes passed. No one answered her knock on the door. She turned to leave when she heard laughter down the street drift her way.

Moments later, Christian, with Mary Margaret on his arm, the same woman who had unexpectedly stormed into his bedchamber and found him with her disguised as a friar, walked towards her. There was naught for her to do, but address the two.

“Good evening,” she said. She remained in place a few feet from his doorstep.

He clearly was surprised.

“Elizabeth, what is it?” He opened the door for the woman, who eyed her in an unfriendly manner. “Go inside and wait for me, Mary Margaret,” he said. She reluctantly did so and closed the door behind her. “Did you have trouble with Roderick?”

“Nay. He was quite pleased.”

“What is it then?”

“I shouldn’t have come,” Elizabeth said, embarrassed that she had apparently intruded at a personal moment. Yet, she was ruffled that he had given no consideration to her feelings or thought to advise her of his intentions with regard to his own meeting with Roderick. Instead, he was out and about carrying on with a woman. This didn’t set well with her. Consequently, she accusingly asked, “What are you up to? What is this meeting you have with Roderick about? You’re so quick to insist I inform you about everything. Yet, you keep me wondering.”

“There’s naught to tell you.” He relaxed into his now-familiar stance with his hands behind his back.

“It didn’t appear or sound that way to me.” His insolent attitude irritated her.

“You misunderstood,” he said and studied her.

“I think not. I heard you agree to meet Roderick. Why?”

“You’re letting your imagination run wild. Try to show some trust in me. We’ll discuss this another time. I’ve kept Mary Margaret waiting long enough.” He turned to leave.

Trust him—the brother of Adam? To think that earlier she had considered trying to do so. She reached for his upper arm to prevent him from taking another step. “My father’s life is at stake here. I won’t have you jeopardizing it.”

He stared at her grip on his arm. After a few moments, his mouth formed a grim line and he removed her hand. “Go home,” he said.

“Not until you ease my mind.”

Next moment, the front door swung open. “Don’t keep me waiting too long, love,” Mary Margaret said provocatively and blew him a kiss. She wore a silky red wrapper that clearly indicated what Christian shouldn’t keep her waiting for.

“We’ll discuss this tomorrow, Elizabeth.”

The man obviously couldn’t wait to get inside to his Mary Margaret. Before his hand reached the doorknob, she coolly said, “I doubt I’ll be home tomorrow.”

He stopped and slowly turned around to face her. His usually glowing amber eyes grew dark. “You
will be
there,” he commanded.

The cold, deadly tone of his voice caused her skin to prickle. Even so, she blew him a kiss, and in a voice she hoped mimicked Mary Margaret, she said, “I wait for no one,” and hurried off.

* * * *

Christian barely had closed the door behind him when Mary Margaret rushed into his arms. “Who was that woman? Something about her was vaguely familiar.”

He unwrapped her arms from about his neck and stepped back. He stared at the woman, wondering what in the world had possessed him to suggest she accompany him home. When they had accidentally met in the city, she had asked to talk to him. Perhaps it was guilt, and the way in which they last parted, that caused him to agree.

“You told me you wanted to talk to me. I brought you here because I was anxious to return home to attend to paperwork.”

She tried to embrace him. He grabbed her hands and removed them from his arms. “You put me off. You shouldn’t have come to the door dressed as you are.”

“Why? Did I offend your little friend?”

“Talk, Mary Margaret, or you can leave.”

“You never called on me since the horrible incident with the friar. I miss you.” She tried to snuggle once more, but he would have none of it.

“I still can’t tell you anything.”

“I admit I was a bit upset and hasty to react. Let’s forget it. I want us to be like we were before. Make love to me, Christian.”

Though he had not considered the idea when he had asked her to return home with him ... she was gorgeous. She was offering and he was a healthy male. On several occasions with Elizabeth, his loins had responded against his will. Sure, his body had wanted the auburn-haired tease and, after consideration, he admitted he did, but willingly, not because he could seduce a naive virgin. Why not satisfy himself now with a willing partner instead?”

He pulled her roughly to him. His mouth came down on hers, and the moment it did he knew he was fooling himself. Mary Margaret no longer interested him. Beauty or no, willing or no, he didn’t want her. He broke their embrace.

“What is wrong?” Mary Margaret asked.

“It’s not you. It’s me.”

“ ‘Tis the friar. You’d rather lie with him.”

He gave an exasperated sigh. “Nay. ‘Tis over between us.”

“You
and the friar?”

“Forget the friar. I’m talking about you and me. You’re a good woman. Find someone who’ll appreciate you.”

“I want you,” she said, and flung her arms around him.

“Nay. We’ve had our time together. Now ‘tis over. Get yourself dressed and leave. I need a brandy.”

He started for the library when she said, “ ‘Tis that woman who was here. She’s the reason it’s over. Am I correct?”

He laughed aloud. “That’s the most ridiculous statement I believe I ever heard you utter. There’s no woman, Mary Margaret, nor is there a man. I have some business that’s taking up most of my time these days. It’s not fair to you.”

“You can fool yourself, but you can’t fool me, Christian Traynor. At least, do me the courtesy and speak the truth.” When he didn’t answer, she raised her chin as if to say “I rest my case,” and left him to change into her clothes. Without another word said, a few minutes later, he heard the entry door open and slam shut. Mary Margaret was gone from his life. His only regret was that it had happened the way it did.

He filled his glass with brandy and took several gulps of the soothing liquid. For better or worse, he’d taken care of one woman this eve. Should he call it a night or confront Elizabeth as well, who was the cause of his problems?

He had to admit he was disappointed in her. At her first opportunity, she was at his doorstep making demands and clearly displaying her lack of trust in him. He told her there was nothing to his and Roderick’s conversation, but she failed to hear or comprehend any of that. Instead, she chose to accuse him of endangering her father. Even her tone suggested he might be a cohort of Roderick’s.

Was she calling his bluff, or would she not be at home tomorrow? It wouldn’t surprise him if the lady planned something silly just to anger him. Why put himself in such a position? He’d call on her this night and put this nonsense behind them. The element of surprise would be on his side.