Felicia's Spirits

by Marie Higgins

  Immediately, she found two vendors who had children nearby. Stopping at one of the flower carts, Felicia pretended to be looking at the flowers, but instead, she kept a close eye on the two children.

  Not knowing how much time had passed, she noticed one of the children walking up to the owner of the cart, whining about something. The man snapped at the girl, sending her back to stand against the wall.

  Felicia sighed. Well, that wasn’t anyone who worked for Mortimer. She switched her gaze to the other girl... who was gone.

  Gasping, Felicia turned and ran her gaze over the crowd in the marketplace. Not far ahead, she spotted a girl in pigtails. Her hair wasn’t very clean, and neither were her clothes, but she followed not far behind a wealthy gentleman who held onto a walking stick.

  Felicia slowed her steps, not wanting to appear as though she was following them. The man stopped at a few shops, but thankfully, he didn’t stay long. Each time he stopped, the girl would also stop, leaning against a wall. During these few minutes, the girl pretended to look at her dirty fingers, or her worn-out shoes, or the rips in her dress. Felicia was relieved when the girl didn’t notice her watching.

  At the edge of town, the man stopped again at a shop, Felicia knew that the man would soon head back to his home. She needed to say something to the girl before the man came back out. After all, she didn’t want to stop the girl from doing her job, Felicia just wanted to ask her a few questions.

  She hurried toward the girl, who continued to look at her dress. When Felicia stopped in front of her, the girl turned her big, brown eyes up at Felicia.

  “I know what you’re doing,” Felicia said softly, “and I won’t stop you. All I want you to do is nod for yes, or shake your head for no.” She paused before adding, “Do you understand.”

  The girl nodded.

  “Are you working for Mortimer?”

  The girl’s eyes widened that much more, and the color left her face. The girl didn’t need to acknowledge, because that reaction told Felicia what she wanted to know. But the girl gave a hesitant nod, anyway.

  “I used to work for him, that’s how I know,” Felicia said softly.

  She turned to leave, but the girl grasped Felicia’s dress, stopping her.

  “Do ye wants me to give him a message?”

  “No.” She turned to leave again, but the girl tugged on Felicia’s dress again.

  “Miss? Can I ask ye a question now?”

  Felicia nodded.

  “If I keep working for him, will I wear pretty dresses like you do?”

  Felicia’s heart wrenched. Mortimer’s payment was the only way she and her mother were able to live, but it still took a few years before they could afford nice clothes and a better place to live.

  She smiled. “Eventually. Just do the best you can and don’t make him mad.”

  The girl nodded and returned the smile.

  Felicia walked away, heading toward home. So, Mortimer was in Italy, in this town. How coincidental. Sebastian seemed to think Mortimer had something to do with her mother’s kidnapping. Was Bash correct? Her mother would have refused working for Mortimer, mainly because she was in retirement, but knowing Mortimer’s temper and how he didn’t like it when people told him no, Felicia wondered if that would have made him kidnap the older woman.

  The more pieces she put together, the more everything made sense now. If Mortimer had her mother, how could Felicia find out where he was staying? If only she could follow the girl after she was finished following the wealthy gentleman. But if she was going to do that, she’d have to find servants’ clothes. She’d be too conspicuous wearing these expensive gowns.

  She hurried home, hoping Bash would be there, but he wasn’t. Her heart twisted with confused emotions. It was hard to forget about her feelings for him – the ones she’d had four years ago. But she must. Her spirit friends had warned her a few times already to stay away from him because he was dangerous. So then why did that make her want to be near him even more?

  Indeed, she was a rebellious woman, and she made her own decisions.

  SEBASTIAN STOOD NEXT to an Italian Count, sipping his punch as he watched the invited guests at the Count’s party mingle with one another. Sebastian had been invited, only because he had made friends with the Count’s wife earlier in the day when he stopped an imp from stealing the woman’s wrist purse – which of course, wasn’t on her wrist. It appeared Capri’s marketplace was just as unlawful as London’s.

  He was still on two missions – one, to find the jewel thief, and two, to find Felicia’s mother. Sebastian needed to mingle amongst those in high society if he was going to overhear anything of importance. So far, his eavesdropping had proved advantageous. He’d overheard three ladies chatting about their jewelry being stolen just in this past week... all in the same night, no less.

  He was certain the police had handled this already, but Sebastian was itching to get inside these homes and to conduct his own thorough investigation.

  From the doorway of the grand room, a woman sashayed inside, catching his notice. His heart did a silly flip inside of his chest as he couldn’t take his eyes off Felicia – Lady Adler. Indeed, he had never seen a more beautiful woman in all of his life.

  Tonight she wore a lavender gown that had a white corset-looking piece across her bosom that was decorated with three large lavender bows lining horizontally below one another, and then smaller white bows attached to the buttons the rest of the way down. The stunning gown made her bosom look fuller and her waist thinner. The heart-shaped bodice showed more cleavage than he wanted other men to see. The urge came over him to offer her his coat so she didn’t have her chest on display. He resisted. He had no right to feel so obsessive. No right at all.

  Her hair was pulled away from her face while lazy ringlets hung on her neck and shoulders. Around her neck rested a string of elegant pearls. She was literally stunning, and from the slack jaws of the other gentlemen standing around him, it appeared their thoughts were aligned with Sebastian’s. He was certain they would try to get an introduction soon and write their names on her dance card, too. Well, since he already knew her, he’d do it first.

  He pulled away from the wall and made his way toward Felicia, placing his empty cup on the refreshment table. A few people had stopped to greet Felicia, and she smiled sweetly. Strange to think he could read her expressions so well. Outwardly, she tried to show everyone that she was happy to be here, but he knew her smile to be artificial. Usually when she smiled with feeling behind it, her blue eyes twinkled.

  For a brief moment, he could see her smiling up at him four years ago. Her eyes had twinkled quite often. He’d been nothing but an assignment to her, and yet... why had she enjoyed his company so much?

  Her gaze lifted and met his as he drew near. Her expression changed to one of relief, and when she smiled... her eyes looked like sparkling diamonds. His heart skipped a beat. Why couldn’t he stop thinking this way about her? She’d only break his heart – again.

  “Mr. Harrington,” she said, breaking away from some of her male admirers. “It is good to see you at tonight’s function.”

  “I was just thinking the same thing, Lady Adler.” He bowed slightly and she curtsied.

  “You look rather dashing tonight.” Her gaze ran over his attire – black coat, matching pants, white shirt, cravat, and waist-coat.

  “Oh, this old thing.” He flipped a hand in the air. “However, you, my lovely Lady Adler... nobody can take their eyes off you.” He stepped closer and his gaze dipped to her heart-shaped bodice. “I hope you brought a shawl,” he added in a lower tone.

  “Whatever for?”

  He arched an eyebrow. “To keep every man’s gaze from devouring your bosom, my dear.”

  She chuckled and shook her head. “Mr. Harrington,” her voice lowered, “I fear I don’t know what you mean. My bodice is not cut any lower than most of the women at this party.”

  “There, you are wrong.” He leaned closer to her
ear and whispered, “Most women at this party cannot hold a candle to your um... bosom.”

  Laughing, she pulled back and met his gaze. “I would hope not. I’d think having a candle that close to my flesh would burn my skin.”

  A grin stretched across his face. She’d always been able to make him smile like a fool and laugh like a bigger fool. “You are so right, my dear. Having burned flesh would not be a good thing, especially at this party since there would be several men standing in line to assist as your physician by rubbing cream on your burn.”

  A different expression crossed her features. He couldn’t tell if the idea excited her, or if she was just willing to play along with him.

  “Now that, Mr. Harrington, would cause a scandal.”

  “Indeed, and it would have all of their wives ready to drag you to the guillotine.”

  She chuckled. “I don’t believe Italy has a guillotine.”

  “Firing squad?”

  She nodded. “Possibly.”

  “Then I’ll substitute guillotine with firing squad.” He shrugged. “However, that would only mean that I would have to come to your rescue and save that lovely neck of yours.”

  “Only my neck is lovely?”

  Inwardly, he groaned. Dare he confess that he’d always found her beautiful? “Of course not, my dear.”

  Taking her fan, she tapped it against his chest. “Let me guess, Mr. Harrington, you would come to rescue me, riding up on a white horse wearing shining armor while holding a sword?”

  The picture of him doing that very thing flashed through his head. He didn’t look half bad... “Definitely. If I could find a suit like that, anyway.”

  “Oh, Bash,” she whispered. “I enjoy how you make me laugh.”

  “And I enjoy hearing it.” After he’d said it, he wished he hadn’t. But he could tell by the look of her soft gaze how much she liked his confession. He cleared his throat, hoping to douse that feeling of desire from sneaking into his blood. “Did you discover anything today?” he asked in a low voice.

  In seconds, the look of pleasure on her face was replaced with seriousness. “Actually, I did.”

  More people entered the party, making the grand room harder to maneuver around without bumping into someone. He held out his arm. “Then, shall we take a walk outside so we can discuss this in more detail?”

  She slid her hand on his arm. “Indeed, we shall.”

  He led them toward one of the glass side doors, bumping into people as they went. Some had stopped to chat with Felicia, but she quickly ended the conversation and moved along with him.

  Finally, they made it to the door. He opened it and motioned for her to enter, and then followed behind. The cooler air was refreshing. A light wind touched his face, making him more relaxed.

  He placed his hand over hers which was still resting on his arm, leading them away from the house. “What kind of things did you discover today?”

  She moved closer to him. Her gaze darted around them before she met his stare.

  “Mortimer is in Capri.” Her voice was low.

  He paused momentarily in his journey. “Are you certain?”

  “Yes. I talked with a girl who was doing the very thing I had first done for Mortimer when I worked for him. The girl told me he was in this town.”

  “Where?”

  “I don’t know. Mortimer never gives away his location.”

  “Let’s hope the girl doesn’t say anything to him.”

  She nodded. “That’s what I hope, as well. Because tomorrow, I’m going to follow the girl in hopes of finding Mortimer.”

  Sebastian’s mind spun with thoughts. None of them he liked because it would put her in danger. “I don’t know. This man is very clever. We must not dismiss that when we plan how to find your mother.”

  “But if he doesn’t know I’m here—”

  Sebastian placed a finger on her mouth, stopping her from saying more. “He knows you’re here.”

  “Are you certain?”

  The warmth from her breath caressed his finger. Trickles of pleasure spread through him, so he quickly dropped his hand. “Yes. I am quite certain he was the one who took your mother, so that’s why he knows you’re here.”

  “What should we do? Wait for him to contact me?”

  “I’m surprised he hasn’t tried to contact you already.” Sebastian ran his gaze around the yard, taking in the bushes and trees, and especially the shadows farther away from the outdoor patio lanterns.

  Sighing, she rubbed her forehead. “I just want this over. I want my mother back.”

  “Yes, I know.” He patted her shoulder.

  “I don’t know how much more I can handle.”

  Slowly, he moved his knuckles to her cheek and softly stroked her skin. “You’re strong, Felicia. You’ll make it, I’m certain.”

  The corners of her mouth lifted slightly. “Thank you for your vote of confidence. I wish I had it.”

  His focus dropped to her mouth, and then down her neck. His touch followed. Her breathing changed, becoming shakier. He ran his fingers along the pearls circling her neck. It was hard to keep his focus there instead dropping it to her chest.

  “Felicia?”

  “Yes.”

  “Was Lord Alder wealthy?”

  “Yes, I suppose he was. Why?”

  “I’m just wondering why you’re not showing off expensive jewels around your neck, but instead, you settled on wearing a pearl necklace tonight.” He lifted his hand slightly and rubbed his forefinger and thumb under her earlobe. “Not even matching earbobs for tonight’s event.” His met her wide-eyed gaze. “Tell me, Felicia, why aren’t you adorned in beautiful jewelry as a wealthy widow should be?”

  Color left her cheeks and her body stiffened. Was he out of line for asking something so personal? And yet, his investigative mind wouldn’t let this issue rest until he knew the truth.

  NINE

  Felicia didn’t know what made her heart hammer faster at this moment. Was it Bash’s gentle touch that really shouldn’t be going in that direction. Or was it his question that was really none of his business? And yet, he’d always had a way of making her breathless. She needed to remain strong and remind herself that he didn’t have any feelings for her. He didn’t trust her, and really, she was having a hard time trusting him. Especially right now.

  If she didn’t tell him the truth, he’d know. Not only that, but if she did tell him the truth, maybe he’d start believing her again. Right now, that was most important.

  Frowning, she sighed. “Lord Adler had many collectors call in debts he’d owed them after he died. Because I wanted to keep my clothes and the house, the next thing to give them was my jewelry.” She shrugged. “The only jewelry I own now is the pieces I had before I married him.”

  His gaze narrowed and his smile disappeared. “He was in debt that much?”

  She nodded. “Yes. I couldn’t believe it, either.”

  “Have you paid off his debts?”

  “Those that I know about. But what I fear is that someone will show up at my doorstep one day, demanding to be paid off. What if I don’t have the money?”

  “Then you sell his paintings.”

  She arched an eyebrow. “How do you know about the paintings?”

  “Because I’ve seen them. Have you forgotten that I’ve been in your house a few times?”

  “No, I haven’t forgotten, but I’m surprised that you know their worth.”

  He shrugged. “I don’t, actually. I just figured they would cost quite a bit of money. They resemble the paintings we saw in that Devonshire museum.”

  A slight smile crossed her face and her eyes widened, but mere seconds later, she lost the expression as she lowered her gaze. He held his breath. Apparently, the first time they kissed had meant something to her. Why else would she act that way when he mentioned the museum?

  “I hesitate to sell those paintings,” she muttered.

  “Why?”

  “Because they
mean so much to me.” Hesitantly, she lifted her eyes. “I suppose if I had to sell them, I would, but that would be the last thing I’d sell.”

  Sebastian had the urge to inquire to why she felt so strongly about paintings – wondering if it had anything to do with their past – but he decided against asking her. If her reason didn’t involve their past at all, he’d feel like a fool. That was something he didn’t want to feel like, especially in front of her.

  He nodded. “I understand.”

  He turned and continued strolling along the lit path of the gardens. The scent of flowers drifted around them, reminding him of Felicia. She always smelled like flowers.

  Silence grew between them as they walked around the side of the house and to a small gate. Below was a cliff leading into the sea. Suspended in the sky was the large moon. The water appeared still this evening, but so very lovely. He had to admit that although he missed his homeland, Italy did have some breathtaking sights, especially the one standing right next to him.

  She released his arm and walked closer to the gate. He stood behind her, admiring the gentle curves of her body, and the way her lazy ringlet hair swept over her shoulders. She’d been born to be a seductress, even if she wasn’t purposely trying to be one.

  “I have an odd question for you,” she said softly.

  “What is that?” He wanted to touch her hair, to feel the silkiness glide through his fingers, but he refrained.

  “Forgive me for bringing up the past, but I really must know...” She inhaled deeply. “Did you try to meet me at the museum that night we’d planned to go out to supper?”

  His heart flipped with excitement, knowing that she was thinking about their past, and yet remembering the pain he’d experienced from her rejection left a bitter taste in his mouth.

  “I did, but mainly because part of me didn’t want to believe you had set me up. Part of me wanted you to be there at the museum, because then I would have known you had feelings for me.”

  She turned slightly, looking at him. “Mortimer had sent me far away by then.”