The Duke's Alliance: A Soldier's Bride(10)

Papa was respectable, but he was not aristocracy, not grand enough. Her grandmother, Lady Amanda Appleby, had only been able to re-establish contact after the earl had passed away. Although her papa had never been welcome under her roof, Grandmama had showed an interest in herself and would have paid for her debut, had they had not been stranded in Spain.

It was quite possible her grandmother was not even aware that they were still alive as otherwise why hadn't she sent out a search party? Sofia's lips curved at the idea. Once they had crossed into French territory they might as well have been on the other side of the world – only the foolhardiest, or most courageous, of gentlemen would venture into enemy territory.

If she had remained in England she would no doubt have married a worthy man, selected for her by her grandmother, and spent the rest of her life doing her watercolours, embroidery and taking food parcels to deserving villagers. On balance, despite the privations of her present life, she would rather be in Spain and have the freedom that she did than be cloistered and pampered in England. Just sometimes she wished she had a pretty gown to wear and a handsome gentleman to dance with at a grand party.

Her mother greeted her with enthusiasm. 'Sofia, there has been much excitement this afternoon. Juan gave Perry a large dog in the hope that it would guide him around the place and prevent him from tripping over things.'

'I take it from your expression that it has been successful.'

'It has, my love, but even more exciting is the fact that he is starting to recover his memory. God willing, he will one day get back his sight as well.'

Sofia hoped she sounded suitably pleased but inside she was devastated. When the man she loved knew who he was he would wish to return to his family and would be lost to her. If he recovered his sight then he would continue with whatever had brought him here.

'Here are the herbs we need, Mama. Please excuse me, I wish to speak to Don Pablo.'

She hurried across the square pausing occasionally to speak to those she met and arrived at the large house occupied by the most important person in the town. His house was larger than all the others, and better equipped than the cottage she and her mother occupied.

He was sitting at the rear of his house, on the veranda, drinking a mug of cider. This too was produced locally and she much preferred it to the wine.

'Don Pablo, could you spare me a few moments? There is something I must ask you.'

'Come and sit with me, little one, whatever is bothering you will not get worse because you rest for a minute. Pour yourself a drink and tell me what you have been doing these past few days as I've scarcely seen you.'

She did as he suggested and they exchanged pleasantries for a while before she returned to the reason she had come. 'I am certain that Perry was a spy. He could only have been in this remote area if he was coming to meet someone. Have you heard from any of your compatriots if they were expecting a person to come from Wellington's army, but who failed to arrive?'

'I haven't been in contact with neighbouring groups since he arrived here. However, I have sent word with the peddlers that came through here last month. Word will get back to us eventually.' He put down his stone mug and looked closely at her. 'You do not want him to leave, do you? I see your eyes light up when you look at him – you never look at my son in this way. You must not marry Carlos out of duty, little one, you must follow your heart.'

She choked on her cider and by the time she had finished spluttering and coughing they were joined by his wife and two daughters who had come to see what all the fuss was about.

'Thank you for the drink, Don Pablo, and for your wise words.'

The sun was setting, it did so quickly here, and would be dark shortly. She had still not decided if she would go through with her outrageous scheme. Perhaps if she spoke to Perry, congratulated him on his new companion, she would have a clearer view of the way forward.

She saw Juan outside the house. 'Is Perry in, I wish to see his hound? Everyone is talking of nothing else.'

'I've no idea where he is, he went towards the horses an hour ago. I was about to go and look for him.'

'I'll go.'

*

Perry gave the horse his head and attempted to relax in the saddle and trust his safety to his two companions. Marron whickered, increased his pace to a brisk canter and he was finally able to breathe normally. His keen hearing picked up the sounds of the town. He was back without mishap.

It took him longer to remove the saddle and bridle than it usually did as his hands were shaking. He lifted the bar, the gelding trotted through and Perry dropped the wooden pole back. 'There, mission accomplished. Come along, Zorro, I need a drink and I expect you do too.' There was a stream that ran through the meadow and more than enough grass to feed his horse, so it was only the dog he had to take care of.

'Perry, I've come to meet your friend. I'm surprised I've not seen him about the place before, he is certainly memorable. Where did he come from?'

Sofia was at his side fussing and fondling the animal who was quivering with pleasure and his long tail was slapping against his leg. 'I didn't think to ask. Juan gave him to me – shall we go and ask him together? Zorro, take me home.'

The beast ignored his command as he was enjoying the attention he was getting from her. He repeated the command more sharply and this time the animal reacted. His head came up and his tail dropped and he set off in what Perry hoped was the right direction.