The Duke's Alliance: A Soldier's Bride(29)

'Actually, I'm more interested in how you intend to rescue your man when we will be seriously outnumbered.'

'We have the element of surprise, but far more important, I have two of the best marksmen the army has ever produced. Jenkins and Smith will make this work for us if it comes to a fight.'

'I see that you are wearing that sword again. I thought you returned it.'

'I did, but Don Pablo sent it back. I'm glad that he did, because it might well come in useful.' He released her hand and his smile was sad. 'I have to tell you that my vision is still impaired. I can see well enough looking forward, but nothing at all on either side unless I turn my head. Therefore, you will not be obliged to follow the drum after all.'

'You told me that yesterday when you said you would no longer be a soldier. I wish it were otherwise for both of us as I don't think you will enjoy being a gentleman of leisure any more than I will being a pampered wife with little to do.'

'There is nothing we can do so we must accept what we cannot change. We are to live at Silchester Court with Beau. My twin, Aubrey, will reside in the eastwing when he returns from his gallivanting around the globe and we still take the west. The house is so vast we could go a month and never see each other unless we wished to.'

For a horrible moment she thought he was referring to himself and her. Her shock registered on her face and he laughed out loud causing his magnificent horse to shy. He dealt with the situation whilst continuing the conversation as if nothing untoward was taking place.

'I am, you pea-goose, referring to not being obliged to see anyone apart from ourselves if we do not wish to. I am fond of my family, but have no intention of living in their pockets.'

'You must tell me about all of them. I am looking forward to being part of a big family and having a plethora of brothers and sisters as well as nieces and nephews to mingle with.'

He told her everything she wanted to know and by the end she could almost believe she had met each one of them so vivid were his descriptions and lively his anecdotes.

'We must stop here and rest the horses. I can see fresh water in that small valley and there is sufficient grass to keep them happy.' He swung round in his saddle and pointed. That was all he needed to do for the others to understand.

Jenkins and Smith took care of the beasts, her husband and his brother made themselves comfortable on a flat rock and waited for her to prepare them something to eat. She did so with good grace, she could hardly expect either of them to wait on her.

They moved on an hour later and continued in their leisurely way. Jenkins frequently rode on ahead, or dismounted and scrambled up the nearest hill to check they were alone on the track. Twice they saw a donkey loaded down with panniers travelling along the main route, which occasionally they could see from the little used track they were on.

Their party was now riding single file and in silence. Occasionally she saw an eagle or a hawk diving for prey. She loved the mountains, she was going to miss this wild and beautiful countryside when she was living in flat and boring England.

They didn't make camp until dusk. She was an excellent horsewoman and could spend all day in the saddle without coming to grief. From the winces and groans she heard coming from Smith and Jenkins they were not so lucky. Riflemen travelled with the infantry on foot, they must be less used to riding than the rest of them.

*

Perry had instructed Smith to prepare the meal. Sofia had been willing to feed all of them at lunchtime, but it wasn't fair to ask her to wait on the servants in the evening as well. The fire gave a welcome warmth and soon the smell of roasting meat made his mouth water. Zorro was already earning his keep by fetching them rabbits.

The saddles were used as seats and he was sitting next to her. 'This is an interesting wedding trip, sweetheart, but I promise I shall take you somewhere better once this is over. Is there anywhere you would particularly like to see before we return to England?'

'I would love to go to Seville, Madrid or any Spanish city that is free of the French. I travelled extensively with my father but only in rural areas.'

'I am not sure that will be possible, my love. We need to be at Oporto before bad weather starts or we will not get a ship home. I have no wish to stay here for months.'

She nodded and smiled but he wasn't convinced by this effort. 'I need to see someone who knows more about my eyes. I fear my vision could deteriorate again without the correct treatment.'

Her expression changed to concern. 'Of course we must go home immediately you have located O'Reilly. We have the rest of our lives to travel. I never had a Season. Do you have a house in Town? Perhaps we could spend some time there so I can visit the theatre, museums, and lectures.'

'No balls, parties or routs?'

'I should not say no to any of those, but equally I should not be disappointed if there were none. I'm not like other young ladies, I prefer to be outside not flirting with a gentleman on the dance floor.'

'If ever I catch you flirting with another gentleman there will be hell to pay, madam. However, you may flirt as much as you like with me.'

They continued to exchange pleasantries and then Beau, who had been giving them some privacy, strolled over to sit down beside them. 'My men are not used to spending so many hours in the saddle. I sincerely hope we are close to our destination.'

Perry decided it was time to arrange the rugs on the ground to make a rudimentary bed for them both. It would be much warmer curled up together and he was looking forward to holding her in his arms all night for the second time even if they couldn't make love.