Sea of Fire (33 page)

“And, he will be.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“I’m hoping that when Adam sees me, it will trigger a memory, notion, anything to help him come to his senses.” He reached for the teapot and filled her cup. “Now stop worrying. Adam may not even be at the ruins. He could choose tomorrow eve to sleep on the
Aurora.
In either case, you’ll stay from sight unless I come for you. Do you understand?” He poured himself some tea and set the pot back in the middle of the table.

“Aye,” she answered, but didn’t like the idea. Perhaps she’d think of a better plan by tomorrow eve. The idea cheered her up. “Aye,” she said again and in a much, much better frame of mind. “I understand. Totally.”

Chapter Twenty-four

It had been late evening when Elizabeth returned from Christian’s, yet when she had checked Hannah, to her relief, the woman had still been asleep.

Some hours later, she had practiced her calligraphy to help relax, until she, too, had called it a night. Meanwhile, Hannah had slept on.

Now, with the first light of a new day, she heard her governess fumbling about downstairs. No doubt, she was baking and doing other chores before she returned to her sister. None of it was necessary; however, Hannah was set in her ways and would feel less guilt leaving Elizabeth if all was left in order. Little did Hannah know, it was best for her to be gone.

Elizabeth indulged herself and lounged in bed. She lay with the back of her head to the pillow, staring up at the canopy above her. It was safe and cozy in her bedchamber. Soon she would have to venture from her comfortable nest. She’d promised Christian before she’d left him yesterday that she would turn over the coins to Roderick. Her heart wasn’t in it, and it was curious to her why Roderick had not come for them. He was a devious one though. He probably had planned some wicked scheme and was waiting for the perfect moment, to surprise her with it. At least it would give her the chance to visit Charlotte afterwards. Her friend had asked her to come practice. The more she
kept herself occupied, the less she would think about this eve’s activities. God in Heaven, she hoped she’d be as brave as she’d acted in front of Christian.

She stretched and scooted from the bed. If her mind continued to race along these lines, she had best perform her morning ablutions and dress for the day.

Still, controlling her thoughts was easier said than done. Her mind raced along the same vein. This time she chose the secret room at the Sword and Shield Inn. Christian told her the men he hired to watch the mews entrance had nothing unusual to report to him thus far. She wondered if Adam had used the secret room only for their one-time meeting. She’d suggest it to Christian.

A few vigorous brush strokes to her hair before she arranged the curls atop her head, and a pinch to either cheek for color, put an end to her morning toilette. She selected a royal blue and cream-colored day gown with matching house slippers from the wardrobe closet. A few minutes later she left her cozy domicile and descended the staircase to the ground floor.

Hannah appeared the same moment Elizabeth rounded the staircase for the kitchen. “Good morning, Bethy. I’m so sorry I slept away the time I had to spend with ye.”

“Don’t be. You needed the sleep.” She raised her nose towards the ceiling and sniffed. “What are you making?”

“Eggs the way you like them. Boiled and cut in slices with sauce poured over them with triangles of toast on the side. I’ve also made some bread to last ye a while. If me sister continues to improve, I’ll be back in a few days.”

“You’re so good to me, Hannah.” She hugged the woman. “Let’s eat.”

“Do ye mind helping yourself? I was just coming to tell you I’m leaving.” Hannah’s eyebrows furrowed in concern.

Elizabeth was relieved, but didn’t show it. Earlier, she had tried not to think of what she would do if Hannah
had changed her mind and decided not to return to her sister.

“Stop worrying about me. Go to your sister.” ‘ ‘Tis a bad time. I do worry about Mr. Corry and why we’ve heard nothing. I worry about you being alone. You need me now.”

“Your sister needs you more. Besides, when you see she is better, you’ll return. I’ve handled your absence thus far, haven’t I?” Elizabeth crossed her arms in front of her.

“Aye. Ye have. I’ll get me belongings.”

Elizabeth waited in the passageway until Hannah returned. The woman walked towards the back door. Elizabeth had given up years ago encouraging the woman to use the front entry. Only when Hannah accompanied her did she do so.

“Farewell, Hannah.”

The woman hugged her tight. “Take care. I’ll return soon. Don’t fret. I’ll keep ye and Edward in my prayers.”

She scuttled out the door.

Elizabeth watched until she vanished from her line of vision. She slammed the door shut. Prayers indeed, she thought. Not only would she need Hannah’s invocation, but all of Dublin’s as well.

Less than an hour later, Elizabeth entered Roderick’s Silversmith Shop. The instant the bell tinkled on the door, Roderick appeared from the back room.

“Elizabeth, dear Elizabeth,” he said, and gently slapped his hands to his cheeks. “Your intuition is amazing. I was going to give you a call later today.”

“I brought you the two pouches of coins.” She reached into her reticule and started to place both bags on the counter.

Roderick intervened. “Give them to me and quickly.”

She did and waited while he shoved them under the counter, out of sight.

“You must not be so carefree to flash these pouches around for all to see.”

“I only see you and me, Roderick.”

“Don’t get flippant, Elizabeth. You know what I mean.” His eyes narrowed and he only half-smiled. “I want you to go to the bank. Take one of these pouches of shillings and exchange them for guineas.”

“You know guineas are not plentiful these days. England aye, but not here in Dublin.” She fidgeted with the drawstring of her reticule. “Won’t I look suspect? I’d rather exchange them for crown pieces.”

“I want guineas. You’ll get me guineas.”

Though he didn’t say it, the tone in his voice suggested an
or else.
“I’ll do my best,” she said.

“Wonderful!” He retrieved one of the pouches from under the counter. “I knew you’d agree.” He waved his hand in his silly fashion and tossed the bag at her.

One day, she vowed, she would call the man a toad to his face. Perhaps, even this eve. She prayed that Adam would come to his senses and Christian would have some control over him.

She plopped the pouch into her reticule and headed for the door.

Roderick said, “I’d like the guineas today.”

“Not today, Roderick, please.”

“Today,” he said and smiled.

She took in a deep breath. “Shall I come to the shop or the house?”

“Come wherever I am,” he said and laughed.

Where her patience came from, she did not know, but she exercised every constraint to keep from smacking him in the face with her fist. “I’ll find you,” she answered and left the shop.

This time she knew better than to rush to the bank with the spurious coins. Roderick wanted guineas and he’d get them, only she’d use legitimate coins. Fortunately, her father had had the foresight to establish her own account. She’d draw from it and ask for the gold pieces. First, she needed to see Charlotte.

She walked the short distance to her house though the air turned cold and the grey clouds threatened to spill snowflakes. She was ready for these days of unpredictable weather to end. Surely, warmer weather and spring had to be here any day. April was around the corner.

Charlotte’s maid answered her knock on the door and let her inside. “Good day, Miss Elizabeth,” Francie said. “Go on upstairs. You’re just in time.” The maid pointed to the box of pens she carried under her arm. “Charlotte’s in her room, using her own fancy quill pens.”

Elizabeth smiled, and said, “Thank you, Francie.”

She headed up the stairs, knowing she’d not be able to stay and practice with Charlotte. Roderick had seen to that. But, she could visit for a while. It also occurred to her that it might be wise to let someone know her whereabouts this eve.

When she reached the top landing, Charlotte squealed. “I’m so glad you came. I’ve missed you.” She jumped from her chair and approached Elizabeth. “I’m working on ornamental letters. Particularly the external line of the O. I want you to see it” She held up the parchment for Elizabeth.

“It’s quite good and a perfect circle, as it should be,” Elizabeth told Charlotte. “I do believe you’ve mastered it.”

“Do you think so, Elizabeth?” Charlotte clasped her hands before her in an excited manner.

“Aye, I do.”

“Sit,” Charlotte ordered Elizabeth to another chair beside her at the worktable. “Any news of your father?”

“Actually, there is news, but I must ask for your confidence.” Elizabeth watched Charlotte closely. She wanted someone to know where she would be that eve in case the
evening was a disaster. She wanted someone whose help she could depend upon if need be.

“You know I’ll not tell a soul. Whatever have you learned?” Charlotte gave Elizabeth her full attention.

“I’ve learned where my father is. I’m going to the place tonight. He’s either at the ruins of the Cullenmore Abbey north of Dublin, or the ship,
Aurora.”

“But you can’t be wandering the streets alone at night You know it’s not safe.” Charlotte touched Elizabeth’s arm. Her face showed much concern.

“I’m not going alone. A friend is coming.” She intentionally refrained from telling Charlotte that Christian was going to accompany her. As far as Elizabeth knew, Charlotte still was unaware Christian was Adam’s brother. Now was not the time to enlighten her, nor did she feel like explanations.

“Oh, Elizabeth, I fear for you. What do you hope to gain?”

“I hope to free my father, but if the worst happens ...”

“Don’t say it. Be assured that if I don’t hear from you by tomorrow morn, I’ll contact the authorities.” She leaned forward to where Elizabeth sat next to her and gave her a brief hug.

“You’re a dear friend,” Elizabeth said.

“You’d do the same for me,” Charlotte answered.

Elizabeth would, and next moment she wondered, once more, how Charlotte could have such a treacherous brother. If Charlotte ever found out, she’d be hurt tremendously.

“I can’t stay,” Elizabeth said.

“Not even for a short time? We can practice the narrow letters. It’s not even midday,” Charlotte said and pouted. “I’ll be bored to tears. Walter said he had business to attend to this eve, so I’ll be utterly alone.”

“I’m sorry Charlotte, but all I can think of is this eve.”

Elizabeth stood. She had never removed her cloak. “Wish me well.”

“God speed,” Charlotte offered. She followed Elizabeth down the stairs to the door.

Elizabeth opened the door and stepped outside into a barrage of enormous snowflakes. She turned to her friend, “I’ll send word as soon as I can,” she told Charlotte and left.

In the short time she was at Charlotte’s the sky opened up and covered the ground with a thin layer of snow. If the intensity kept up, several inches would blanket the earth before nightfall and make travel more difficult. No matter. She was prepared for whatever lay ahead.

She pulled her cloak more securely around her and headed for the bank. Periodically, she’d glance down the road for a carriage or noddy to hire, but she was not as fortunate this time. Consequently, she was not paying attention to her surroundings when a gang of children raced towards her. Before she knew what was happening, they grabbed her reticule and ran. She raced after them as best she could on the slippery pavement, but their youth and skill in thievery gave them the advantage. Between the snow which blurred her visibility and the children’s speed, they were soon out of sight.

The only items of importance were her quill pens, which she had shoved inside their case into her bag before she left Charlotte’s. She carried little money of her own on her. Ironically, the thieving children would get a sack full of spurious coins. Unbeknownst to them, once they presented them for purchase, they could get picked up for counterfeiting if the shopkeeper or person who received the coins was astute enough to tell the difference.

Since she hadn’t planned to use Roderick’s coins anyway, there was no real problem. Just delays. It was the loss of the quill pens that distressed her. The children would
have no use for them. They’d end up tossed aside, and it infuriated her.

Now, she’d have no choice but to return home. Angrily, she walked ahead with her head down against the blowing snow. She failed to see the constable who walked towards her until he was almost on top of her. Amazingly enough, he carried her reticule.

“Sir, that is my bag.” She pointed to the object with relief, thinking only of the return of her precious quill pens.

The constable stopped and carefully watched her.

She said, “A gang of children no more than five minutes ago stole it from me. How did you get it?”

“I was nearly run down by the guttersnipes. The lad who stole the bag fell and dropped it. I managed to grab it, but missed by inches wringing the skinny lad’s neck,” the stout man answered. His cheeks were rosy and his uniform was covered in snow, indicating he had been patrolling the streets for a while.

“No offense, miss, but I need some proof this here belongs to ye. More times than not, it is the parents of these street urchins who send them out begging. You could be playing the part of a lady.” He held the reticule firmly against his chest with both arms as if for added protection.
‘
‘Tis a heavy bugger,” he said.

“I tell no lie,” she said in surprise. How could the man doubt her? “If you look inside, you will find a box with quill pens, several lace handkerchiefs with the initial
E
in the corner, and ...”

It was at that point, she remembered the pouches. They would be hard to miss when the constable examined the contents of her bag. Would he question their authenticity? Or, would he be suspicious of such a large amount in her possession? Would he think she’d stolen the coins?