The Merchant of Dreams (Night's Masque, #2)(102)

They bade farewell to Zancani and the players, though only Benetto seemed sorry to see them go, then Coby changed back into her familiar male garb. Now that it came to leaving, she felt surprisingly regretful. True, Zancani had been a dreadful lecher, and having to wear female clothes only served to confirm how much she hated being treated like a weak and useless woman, but being part of a theatrical company again had brought back so many happy memories. Even performing on stage had been less terrifying than she had imagined. She almost wished she could go back to her old job when they returned to England, but that was not very likely. With a heavy heart she joined Sandy and Gabriel in the gondola for the journey back to the embassy. Whatever happened when they left Venice, she would have to give something up.

CHAPTER XXVIII

"Ah, just the young fellow I wanted to see!"

Coby froze at the foot of the attic stairs. Raleigh was the last person she wanted to see right now. However she forced a polite smile and a bow.

"How may I help you, Sir Walter?"

Raleigh leant on the newel post, the sudden movement making the pearl pendant in his earlobe swing wildly. Coby was reminded of Mal's similar earring, and she swallowed past the lump in her throat. Now was not the time to break down in tears.

"I'm told you're a dab hand with all things mechanical," Raleigh said. "Is that true?"

"Well, I'm certainly interested…"

"Excellent, excellent. Then you can help me choose a gift for Northumberland."

"Me, my lord?"

"Certainly you. I know a little about astronomy and navigation, of course, but these new-fangled mechanical devices are beyond my ken." He took her by the arm and led her back through the antechamber. "Did you know that there are clocks so small, one can wear them on a bracelet, so you know the time wherever you are?"

"Really?" She was intrigued despite herself. "Have you seen such a device, sir?"

"More than one," Raleigh replied, looking pleased with himself. "So, will you accompany me to Quirin's shop this afternoon, and give me the benefit of your wisdom?"

"I would be honoured, my lord."

"Excellent. Be ready in an hour; I have engaged Berowne's boatman to take us there."

Ned took the stairs up to the attic two at a time. As he had expected Gabriel was back in their room, labouring away over his manuscript in the light from the little window overlooking the canal.

"You'll ruin your eyesight," Ned said, resting his chin on Gabe's shoulder and slipping his arms around his waist.

Gabriel put his pen down and got to his feet, turning to face Ned but still in his embrace.

"If I lose my sight, you can be my amanuensis," he murmured in Ned's ear. "As long as I can touch you and hear your voice, I will be content."

"You say the prettiest things," Ned replied, struggling to rein in his desire as Gabriel nibbled round the edge of his ear and down the side of his neck. "I have to go out. Sorry."

Gabriel pulled away, an expression of mock surprise on his delicate features.

"What's this? Ned Faulkner, turning down an afternoon of exquisite f*ckery? Methinks thou hast been bewitched, love, or I am in a nightmare."

Ned sighed. "Believe me, Angel, I'd gladly stay here with you. But someone has to accompany Sandy on this hunt of his, and I seem to have drawn the short straw. Besides, you have a play to finish before we get back to England."

"True enough. I can't wait to see the look on Shakespeare's face." His smile faded. "Or perhaps I shall sell it to Henslowe under a false name and see how it fares, before laying claim to it."

"Is it not going well?"

"Not well at all." Gabriel waved a hand at the pile of paper. Most of the lines were crossed out, written over and crossed out again. "Setting up all these obstacles and misunderstandings is easy enough, it's the resolving of them that's the tricky part."

"Sounds like real life." He pulled Gabriel close and kissed him. "I'm sure you'll work it all out in the end."

"You're probably right."

"Of course I'm right. Now, back to work!"

He released Gabriel and gave him a parting slap on the arse, then retreated before he could change his mind. Business first, pleasure later.

"It will not be easy to find my brother in a such a crowded city," Sandy said. "Especially when neither of us can speak the language."

"We can try the Mermaid again," Ned said. "Though after last time…"

"Who is this mermaid? I thought they were just stories."

"It's not a who, it's a what," Ned sighed. "A tavern, not far from the Doge's Palace. I think I can find my way there again."

"Very well. Take me to it."

Ned set off down Salizada San Pantalon, tracing the one familiar route that he knew would bring them to the ferry stop near San Toma. Although he was meant to be leading the way, Sandy often pulled ahead, his long strides eating up the ground.

"Slow down," Ned hissed, when Sandy paused to give way to a man pushing a barrow-load of vegetables. "We're no help to Mal if we lose anyone trying to follow us."

"You are right. I have waited many years for this; another hour or two makes little difference."