My Dearest Friend (Books We Love Regency Romance) (5 page)

She shuddered with revulsion.
“Never, sir. I fear I will never partake of food again!”

He patted her hand reassuringly. “You may not know it, but I can assure you that you will feel considerably better once you’ve been nourished.” He turned to leave and after a backward glance asserting that his companion was now in a fair way to being asleep, returned to his own cabin.

Now out of the Channel and into the open sea, the movement of the vessel was less violent, but instead of seeking repose immediately he sat at his ease taking a much-needed glass of brandy. He had every confidence in Captain Storey so there was no need for him to venture topside until morning, indeed, the worthy Captain had his own way of ordering things and would not welcome his intrusion into the daily workings of the craft. However, it was not long before the effects of the spirits and the lateness of the hour encouraged him to seek his bunk where he sank into a deep slumber, the like of which had eluded him these many months and more.

Chapter
Three

Morning found The Mistral sailing down the west coast of France, its shores faintly visible through the early mists. The duke had risen at dawn and sending for Captain Storey had been appraised that he expected to arrive in Lisbon late the next day if the weather held and they encountered no further squalls.

“That would suit our purpose admirably,” replied the duke. “It will give us the opportunity to hire a suitable conveyance and be ready to set out for Elvas the following dawn. We will then have a full day’s travel in front of us that will stand us in good stead, thus ensuring that we arrive at our destination as quickly as possible. Once we are docked, send one of your men to hire a carriage for Miss Chandler and myself. If all is favorable, we will set out at first light.”

***

 
Arriving in the yacht’s compact salon an hour or so later, Jane found her benefactor bending over a map of Portugal that had been spread over the table and for the moment he was unaware of her presence. Seeing him less formally attired in shirtsleeves, forest green waistcoat and pale doeskin breeches, she secretly thought he seemed much more approachable. Even his neck cloth was more casually arranged, giving the impression of a man at his ease, an ease that was rarely shown in the company of others.

Her own mood had taken a complete turnabout now that she was rested and the movement of the vessel no longer affected her so violently. Indeed, although she found it hard to admit, she was in a fair way to being grateful for the duke’s involvement.

“I give you good morning, sir,” she said brightly, standing just within the cabin’s door.

Immediately, Robert came upright, his eyes instantly searching her face for signs of the previous day’s indisposition and was relieved to see that the color had returned to her cheeks and there was no sign of the discomfort she had experienced. “Good morning,” he said, smiling. He quickly lifted the map from the table and rolling it, placed it into its leather case. Giving it to the steward, he ordered it to be taken to his cabin. Returning his attention to Jane, with a slight bow, he indicated that she should join him at the breakfast table.

“Again it would seem that I am in your debt,” she said, advancing into the salon and taking the proffered chair.

He paused briefly before seating himself at the opposite side of the table and somewhat baffled asked,
“Whatever for now?”

“For your ministrations yesterday, sir,” she replied, smiling. “Many a man would have fled at the mere thought of a nauseous female. You were extremely heroic; even my own brother would have taken flight when faced with such a task.”

“Then he would not be worth his salt,” he replied catching some of her humor. “Although I must admit I am glad ’tis not an everyday occurrence. At least, I hope it’s not. How are you this morning? Restored I hope?”

Jane straightened in her chair and smiled to prove her words.
“Fine as a trivet, I think that is the expression, and I do believe that I am in a fair way of being hungry, just as you predicted.”

The duke gave a bark of laughter and motioned to the waiting steward to serve their breakfast.

A short while later, after the dishes had been removed and they sat over their coffee, the duke asked with deceptive nonchalance, “Do you still find it so difficult to accept my assistance, Jane? I promise you my motives are genuine and assure you I have no hidden cause.”

Blushing slightly at thought of her previous response, Jane met his gaze openly. “I can only hope you will forgive my earlier reaction, sir. When our father was alive, I had
need to be resourceful and I have become used to having the command of things. Harry has no mind to business matters either, so I have, by necessity, always had the arranging of affairs. I beg your pardon if I seemed ungrateful. In fact, should truth be told, to have undertaken the journey on my own would have proved a very daunting task. I am truly thankful for your help.” Then almost as an afterthought, with a mischievous smile, “But I must warn you I can be very independent, and I like it so.”

“Your independence is assured, my dear,” Robert replied, making an effort to keep the amusement from his voice. “I can see we will do famously for I have no wish to be accompanying a simpering female who is ever ready to succumb to a fit of the vapors.”

“Of that you may be quite sure, sir!”

“
Of that I am quite grateful, my dear!”

Jane joined in his laughter and was taken by surprise at the transformation of his previously austere countenance. She would have been even more surprised had she known of its rarity, indeed, its total absence for some considerable time. She thought, this man should laugh more. It makes him almost human. She said ‘almost’ for there was still an unfathomable air about him, and at times a sadness that pervaded his whole being. Nonetheless, she felt that here was someone she could trust for all his overbearing ways and need for command. In truth, though she would not admit it, at times it would be a great relief to have someone to whom she could relinquish the burden of responsibility.

She mentally took herself to task, thinking, this would never do, she hardly knew him and to think of placing herself in his hands bordered on the ridiculous. However much she was tempted, she must be on her guard and not rely greatly on his protection.

***

Dawn of the fourth day found the two travelers settled in an equipage which, if not built for speed, afforded a certain degree of comfort. The duke, being mindful of his companion, had attempted to provide at least some basic comforts should the terrain prove inhospitable. Rugs, cushions, wine and a large hamper had been placed in the interior whilst the portmanteaux had been strapped to the roof. Seeing these arrangements, and aware that they had been ordered for her benefit, Jane warmed toward her companion, appreciating his consideration for her welfare.

Trying not to alarm her, Robert did not mention the brace of loaded firearms he thought it necessary to place in the pocket of the carriage door or the small pistol that he could now feel pressing against his thigh in the pocket of his greatcoat.

It would not do to admit that he thought their expedition could prove hazardous. Jane had enough to cope with by way of her concern for Harry without having to dwell on possible dangers. Indeed, he would spare her whatever anxiety he could during this very difficult time.

Not wishing to draw attention to their journey, he had dispensed with outriders. Instead, he ordered that Hills, a wiry, middle aged, individual who was first mate on The Mistral, should accompany them. He was to act as interpreter and guard, and now traveled alongside the hired coachman. He hoped that by presenting a less opulent appearance they would prove less attractive to those who would seek to waylay them.

Sitting in the forward facing corner, opposite the duke, Jane found it difficult to hide her impatience when the coach was forced to lumber through the narrow streets of Lisbon at a painfully slow pace. Now that they were once more on dry land, and within reach of Harry, her anxiety would not be suppressed and manifest itself in a scarcely concealed irritability.

“Can we not go any faster?” she asked, frowning as she looked out of the window. “How long will it take us to reach
Elvas?”

Robert leaned forward from the opposite seat and took her hand, patting it reassuringly. “Be assured we will make what time we can,” he said, attempting to calm her unease.

“Do you think we will be in time?” she asked, turning her anxious gaze on him. “I cannot bear the thought that we may not. I dare not even think it!”

“
The coachman says it should take no more than three days, possibly a little less. You must try to reconcile yourself to the journey; it will make it far less tiring and wearing on your nerves. See, we already leave the bustle of Lisbon behind, we will soon be out in open country and although the roads may prove a little rough, there is nothing to hamper us and we shall make good time.”

“
There is no need to humor me, sir,” she said sharply, retrieving her hand from his clasp and leaning back against the squabs. “I am fully aware of the possibilities; I have known from the outset that the result of our journey is far less than certain. Indeed the odds are set against us. I should not have involved you in my schemes; you ought not to have been troubled on our account.”

He frowned heavily, becoming impatient with her repudiation of his support. “Whatever ails you now, Jane? If I am not mistaken, I
involved
myself. Can you not, even now, come to accept my aid? I had thought you to have become reconciled to it.”

  
Immediately contrite she held her hand out to him. “Indeed I have. Forgive me. I know not what I am at and I worry so. Will you not shake hands and make amends?”

“Humph,” he said, folding his arms across his chest and ignoring the outstretched hand. “If this is to be your way of thinking throughout the journey it will seem a very long one indeed. I am in no mind to try to fathom your moods. The workings of the female mind ever remain a mystery to me.”

They fell silent, each retreating into their corner deep in their own thoughts, Jane suppressing a desire to cry with frustration, and the duke suppressing a desire to box her ears. The remainder of the day passed with an awful civility between them, Elvas did indeed seem a great distance away!

So remained the state of affairs until early evening when as they approached the outskirts of Marateca darkened skies and a loud clap of thunder heralded the storm that was to come.

“I think it would be prudent to seek accommodation for the night,” Robert said, rapping his cane against the roof of the coach to attract Hills attention, and as his face appeared against the hatch, directed him to find a suitable hostelry.

“
Could we not have traveled just a little further?” pleaded Jane. “The light is still good.”

“That may be so, but who knows what kind of accommodation we will find once we have cleared the confines of the town. We have to change
horses, therefore we have need of a coaching inn, so we may as well take advantage of the halt to rest until morning. It would not be wise to travel further if there is to be a storm.”

“You are right of course,” she conceded with a rueful smile. “I confess my limbs are feeling cramped, and I would welcome a hot meal, would not you, sir?”

“I must admit that a hearty repast would not go amiss,” he agreed, obviously still not in the best of humor. “The thought of a comfortable bed certainly appeals. I can assure you, you will not be troubled with my company for much longer this night.”

“
Come, sir, could we not cry truce,” she appealed, trying at a reconciliation. “It is entirely my fault; I am not at my best. You of all people should understand my feelings at this moment in time.”

He hesitated, and seemingly examined the gold signet ring on his little finger before replying in a subdued tone,
“That I do, Jane. That I do!”

Suddenly, in large heavy drops, the rains came unbidden. They drove against the sides of the coach and it became necessary to pull up the windows, the coachman springing the tired horses in an attempt to reach the first coaching inn that would provide a comfortable resting-place for the night.

***

A bright flash of lightening illuminated the yard followed by a crash of rolling thunder when the travelers finally arrived at the inn. The coachman found it difficult to control the horses as they plunged about in the confines of the enclosure until an ostler emerged from the stables to come to his aid. Hills sprang immediately from the box and ran inside the inn reappearing just a few minutes later to inform his employer that suitable accommodation was available and would be placed immediately at his disposal.

Issuing orders that they should leave at first light, the duke assisted Jane to alight and with his arm about her shoulders, hurried her into the inn and to the private parlor that Hills had arranged.

The parlor was a low beamed room of average size with a welcoming blaze in the hearth and two settles drawn close enough for travelers to feel its benefit. A long table with several chairs ranged about it stood in the
center, a branch of candles at each end providing the light within the room, its corners remaining in shadow.