“What of Captain Elliot?” Meg prodded. “Can you work so closely with him?”
“We understand each other.”
“I hope so, Amelia. I hope so.”
Chapter 6
The next morning, Philip rose early. He had not spoken to Lady Amelia again the night before, but Waverley had sent him a note telling him they were spending two days in Paris and then he would be invited to the fortress. He had to give Lady Amelia credit for that much, at least.
What he could not reconcile, however, was what Waverley had said about her having a tendre for him and her behaviour last night. She had seemed as though she would rather he go to the devil than court her.
He poured a cup of coffee and found himself looking into it, trying to decide what approach to take with her.
“Your coffee will grow cold if you keep staring at it,” a familiar voice warned. Turning at once, Philip sped to the doorway, and gathering his sister in his arms, spun her around.
She laughed. “Put me down before I lose my stomach!”
Philip set her down and then held her at arm’s length. “Let me look at you, Mrs. Fielding.” She had his same ebony hair and bright blue eyes. They looked like twins.
“So, you have heard, then?”
“I would have been there, Addy. I did not know.”
“I did not know you were alive at the time, either,” she reprimanded.
He took her hand, led her to a chair and handed her into it.
“We have much to catch up on. Would you care for some coffee?”
“No, I think some tea would do better,” she replied, patting her stomach.
“So soon?”
“We have been married a few months already, you know.” She smiled, clearly thinking of her new husband.
“I am glad to see you happy, and I will be equally glad to be an uncle.”
He rang for some tea, and then sat down beside her in some chairs placed on the veranda overlooking the gardens.
“I tried to send word, Addy. For a while, it was safer to have people think me dead.”
“And now?”
“Wellington has a different plan for me.”
“When will you come home, Philip?”
“I cannot say. There is still enough of a threat that I am needed here.”
Adelaide looked away, but not before Philip saw tears pooling in her eyes. He reached over and squeezed her hand.
“Forgive me. I am more emotional these days, but it does not change the fact that you are the only family I have left. When I thought I had lost you...”
“You have Fielding. I am grateful you found such an honourable man; and you have created a new life to shower your love upon.”
“What you say is true, but do not belittle the bond we share,” she argued.
“Never would I. However, I will not ever be able to lead a life of domestic bliss such as you and Fielding have. I am not a rich man of great property. I am but a soldier.”
“Robert and I wanted to speak with you about that. I was supposed to wait for him. He thinks I will make a mull of it.”
“No. I will not accept charity, much though I appreciate the offer.”
“Will you not even hear what it is?” She was clearly hurt. “It is not charity!”
He looked away, clenching his jaw. His father had always provided for them, and he had never desired what so many of his peers had because of the happiness and love in their home, which most of his friends did not have. His home was where his schoolmates wished to visit during holidays. Yet there were times when he was reminded of what he could not have now, and so he engrossed himself in serving his country.
“At the very least, know that the money you had intended for me upon your death is still in the bank. It is untouched and will remain so by my husband and myself. It has grown into rather a substantial sum, I believe.”
“I had forgotten about that. I expect that means the estate sold well, if there is a goodly competence?”
“No, it means the funds were invested wisely. The estate is still there for you. Robert has been overseeing its care, and there are tenants residing there until you should wish to return to it.”
Philip ought to be angry that his wishes had not been honoured, but instead he felt some measure of relief he had something to go back to, even if it was not a grand property. It was still his home.
“Thank you, Addy. That was all intended for you. I did not expect to return.”
“I know why you made those arrangements, but I refused to accept such a bequest then and I still do. I want my children to visit their uncle and see where I grew up.”
He felt his throat grow tight and was forced to change the subject before he became a sobbing fool.
“How long do you intend to stay in Paris?”
She smiled at him as though she knew what he was doing. “Only a few days. Robert has business to tend to in England, but he would not deny me seeing you in the flesh.”
“Good man. Where is he?” He looked around.
“In the library, giving us time alone.”
“Then let me go and greet my new brother.” He helped his sister up from her chair, and they walked down the hall to the library.
When they entered the room, several others were already there. Tobin was speaking, reporting that a large entourage had left La Glacier’s house early that morning.
“I did not expect a crowd at such an hour,” Philip remarked once the assembled stopped their discussions and turned their attention upon him.
Captain Frome, Tobin, Waverley and Fielding were there. They all stood up at Adelaide’s presence. Fielding came forward to take his wife’s arm and shake his new brother’s hand.
“Welcome to the family,” Philip greeted. “Adelaide seems happy and therefore I am happy, not that she would have accepted my objections, mind you.”
“You are alive and that is all that matters, now,” Fielding replied.
“You are not about to harangue me for allowing her to believe I was dead?” Philip asked, surprised.
“I am certain she has already done that.” He chuckled.
Adelaide sat down and the men followed. “I briefly mentioned our plan, husband, but did not have the opportunity to finish explaining,” she said, casting a quelling look at her brother.
“Then you arrive with perfect timing,” Fielding said. “I was beginning to explain it to these gentlemen.”
“Pray tell. What is this madness?” Philip asked as he took a seat near the door.
“As all of you are aware, I dabble in trade, mainly imports and exports.”
The gentlemen inclined their heads.
“Do you perhaps recall Captain Abbott?” Various murmurings of assent greeted the question. “His father, Sir Charles has tobacco plantations in Virginia. He intends to return to England soon and turn his plantations over to his daughter, Elinor. He wishes to establish trustworthy trading partners, and Captain Abbott suggested me.”
“I know the Abbotts. Capital family,” Waverley said.
“It gave me—us,” Fielding looked at Adelaide, “the notion to share this venture with all of you. You would all be partners and share in the profits. You may be involved as little or as much as you wish. Your profit will equal your contribution, naturally.”
“What is the stumbling-block?” Philip asked, knowing no one else probably would.
Fielding shook his head. “There is none. I have extended the same invitation to Matthias, Colin, and Kitty, for her share as Peter’s widow. Since I am but an honorary member of the brethren, Tobin, the offer also extends to you.”
Tobin’s eyes widened with surprise, but he said nothing.
“For now, my business is with Wellington and the army. It is an interesting proposition, however, and one I will consider,” Philip said, not wishing to be driven into a corner. Adelaide had already given him much to consider.
James agreed he would also think on the proposal.
“That is all I can ask. The off
er will always be open.”
Amelia came downstairs early, determined to speak with Captain Elliot. However, when she made it to the breakfast parlour, there was already a large gathering. The surprise must have registered on her face.
“Good morning, Lady Amelia. Soldiers awake at an early hour,” he said as the gentlemen stood for her entrance. Captain Elliot, Waverley, Mr. Fielding, Captain Frome and Tobin were all present around the round table in the square room, richly hued in puce and gold.
“This is early,” she replied and glanced at the clock which indicating five past ten.
The gentlemen laughed as she took a seat and they resumed their places.
“Coffee?” Captain Elliot offered.
“Yes, please.” She smiled at him sweetly. She had resolved, during the sleepless night she had endured, to put aside her absurd infatuation with him and try to see him for who he was. It was not fair for her to hold a grudge against him when she had created his character in her mind. “What have I missed? Adelaide!” she then exclaimed, seeing her friend across the table. “What a lovely surprise. But of course you are here to see your brother.”
“Fielding was kind enough to bring me here.”
“Against my better judgement,” he said, looking at her fondly.
Captain Elliot cleared his throat. “I was thinking of taking a stroll along the Seine, if anyone would care to join me? Lady Amelia?”
“That sounds lovely, thank you. I would also love to see some of the paintings at the Louvre,” she added.
A decided twinkle in his eye, Captain Elliot raised his eyebrows while the other gentlemen groaned and made their excuses.
“I would also love to see the fine arts Paris has to offer, my dear,” Adelaide said to her husband, “and I would not object to trying some of the famous pastries here, either,” she added.
“My son is craving sweetmeats already?” Fielding laughed. “As you wish.”
“Let us meet at noon once it is a bit warmer,” Philip suggested.
Amelia sipped her coffee in silence as the gentlemen, and then the Fielding couple, departed one by one. She was left alone with Captain Elliot, who seemed content to let her drink her coffee in peace. While unexpected, it was a charming trait in a gentleman, she noted to herself.
When she set her cup down, he finally spoke. “Would you like another?”
“Yes, I should, sir, but you need not delay speaking, as you have until the first cup is finished.” She smiled and he smiled back. There was no flirtatiousness, but a genuine look of shared amusement. Perhaps they could carry out this operation as friends. He was a real person, not the fictitious, romantic hero she had made him out to be. She felt ashamed and it must have shown on her face.
“Why the frown?” he asked as he placed another dainty white porcelain cup of coffee in front of her. “I much prefer the smile.”
“It is nothing.” She placed the requested smile on her face and looked up from the coffee. “I was thinking of something silly and realized how wrong I was about a matter connected. It is of no consequence.”
“Very well. Have you made a decision? Waverley told me you have opened the door for an invitation to the fortress for me.”
“I have,” she said, not without a certain amount of pride. “My aunt thinks I am indulging in a flirtation with you. She thinks my mind would be elsewhere if you were not in attendance.”
“Well done, Lady Amelia. Our outing today will help cement that idea, then. Only Wellington, Waverley and your sister know the truth.”
“What of Adelaide? I would not wish to keep anything from her.”
“Nor I, but they must return to England, and the fewer people who know, the better. I will not lie if she asks.”
“What about our outing today?
“It will be exactly as it appears: two friends enjoying a pleasant afternoon together.”
Amelia relaxed. She would be far more comfortable with Adelaide present.
“I will see you at noon,” she said, and finishing her coffee, left the room and made her way upstairs.
When she returned, an open landau was waiting to take them around the city, and Captain Elliot was already waiting when she arrived downstairs.
“Punctual this time, I see. Very well done.” He made a gesture of checking his watch and snapping it shut.
“Do not become accustomed to it,” she warned. “I was already dressed for the day. I only needed my bonnet, pelisse and gloves.” She looked around. “Where are Mr. and Mrs. Fielding?”
“Unfortunately, my sister is feeling unwell, but assures me it will pass soon. They will join us at the museum.”
Amelia tried not to show her disappointment. “Are they expecting a happy event, then?”
“Indeed they are.”
“I must proffer my congratulations to them. It appears as if we will both become an aunt and an uncle at about the same time.”
“It seems our families are full of domestic bliss.” He held out his arm. “Shall we? Would you prefer to walk or drive? I ordered the carriage because of Adelaide’s condition, but we may leave it if you wish.”
“I think seeing Paris on foot is more romantic, although I would hardly call the weather pleasant.”
He eyed her suspiciously. “It will certainly offer more opportunity to instruct you.”
“Instruct me? What do I need to know beyond how to eavesdrop? I am already an expert at that,” Amelia said, knowing she was provoking him.
He stopped and abruptly turned her to face him; he looked long and hard into her eyes. She struggled to read what he was thinking in his deep blue eyes, even as her breathing sought to quicken.
After a tense moment, he relaxed and let her go.
“May I ask what you meant by that?” she demanded.
“I had to assure myself,” he said as he took her arm and began to stroll out the gates down the avenue as the wind whipped a spray of leaves across their path.
“Assure yourself of what, pray tell?” she asked, lifting her parasol over her shoulder with a snap.
“That you are not as big a fool as you are trying to convince me.”
“It works on most men,” she replied nonchalantly.
“I imagine it does, but I am trained to detect lies.”
She sighed heavily. “How do you want me to behave?”
“When you are with me, as yourself.”
“You flirted outrageously with me when we first met, but that is not who you really are, either.”
“Touché. I propose a truce: we be only ourselves.”
“No one likes who I really am,” she admitted. “I would never be noticed if I behaved as I wished.”
“That is coming it too strong. People cannot but notice you.”
“What does that mean?” she asked, but he pulled her into a narrow alley before she knew what was happening.
“Pretend to embrace me,” he said, seconds before drawing their faces and bodies close using her parasol as a shield.
Amelia trembled with fear, for she could tell he was protecting her from something. He was discreetly watching the street. She tried to relax, which was no small feat with the strength of her laces; a moment later, he released her and stepped back. He put his finger over his lips and she nodded understanding.
He took her hand and pulled her forward. “Look beneath your bonnet across the street.”
She adjusted her eyes and found what—or rather, who—he was talking about. Her aunt’s man, Lannes, was coming out of a building lined with shops and cafés.
“What am I supposed to see? Something nefarious? I see ma tante’s man.”
“What is he doing?”
“Looking around, maybe for someone,” she answered.
“Precisely.”
She turned her head and found his close beside hers. She considered him questioningly.
“He is following us,” he explained. “He knows he lost us here, so he is waiting for us to re-emerge from one of the shops.”
“Oh, good heavens. Why is he following us? How can you be so certain?”
“‘Why?’ indeed. He has been following us the entire time we have been promenading. He stops when we stop. Come this way.”
He took her hand and led her down another narrow alley towards the river. The thrill of being chased caused her pulse to quicken, and she easily followed at his pace, grateful she had chosen half-boots instead of slippers. He hailed a river boat and hired it for a ride. It was a small craft and the oarsman was wrapped in a woollen coat and scarf tied about his neck with a round felt hat low over his ears and eyes. He handed her down then sat opposite her.
“I doubt he will suspect the river,” Amelia said appreciatively, pulling her pelisse close to shield herself from the cold air off the water.
Captain Elliot appeared distracted, so she took the opportunity to study him. He was still one of the most handsome men she had ever seen, with his ebony hair and blue eyes which matched his sister’s, but there was something different about him now from when she had met him before—some quality of mystery and darkness. She wanted to know what he had been doing and where he had been while he was missing. Now was not the time to ask.
They floated along, past the Tuileries Palace and the Notre Dame, where the river began to turn the boat around the island known as the Ile Saint-Louis, and Captain Elliot spoke.
“Just there is where some of the beheadings of the Revolution took place.” He pointed south of the island, where she could see the beginnings of a square with a pool of water.
She shivered. “It has not been so long since the barbarianism took place.”
“We are all barbarians inside. We only need the right impetus to bring it out.”
“Speak for yourself, sir,” she answered brusquely. “I could not harm a rabbit.”
“Trust me, I am. I have seen it too many times to deny it exists.”
Chapter 7
Philip had not expected to be followed. Was he being followed or was the man watching Lady Amelia? It was not just anyone trailing them; he was La Glacier’s most trusted lieutenant. Were they just suspicious, or did they know? Of course she would expect they were plotting something, because she was herself. One always had to look over one’s shoulder when it came to the enemy. Always keep your enemies closer. It was bound to become a game of cat and mouse between Napoleon and Wellington, even if others were acting on their behalf. The spying had been going on covertly throughout the hostilities; now it would be more open, only beneath the pretence of being social discourse.
Not Forgotten Page 6