Believe in Me

by Ella Quinn

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Augusta gripped the rail as if her life depended upon it. As indeed it did if she wanted to remain standing. Whether it had been the landlady’s comment about her marrying Phinn or her discovery that she loved him, Augusta did not know. Yet an awareness of him had burst over her, even worse than when she danced with him. His body seemed larger and warmer, and his scent of pure male and a hint of a spice that must be in his soap, more intoxicating. His silver eyes were more alluring. He had always been good-looking—especially in court dress—but she had never before thought him the most handsome gentleman she had ever seen. Still, she could no more act on her newly heightened senses than she could jump over the side of the boat.

  If she released the rail, her knees would betray her, then she would start to fall. Phinn would catch her in his strong arms, she would hang on to him and want to kiss him. Naturally, he would want to kiss her—she had seen him look at her lips—and everyone would see them and all her hopes for a love match and university would be ruined.

  Augusta was thankful her gloves hid how tightly she clung to the rail. Why could he not find somewhere else to be? It would be very helpful if she could manage to become ill until they reached Vienna, recover enough to do whatever she had to there, then fall ill again until they reached Trieste. Thus enabling her to avoid him for most of the duration of the journey. Yet, no matter how much she wished that would happen, it was extremely unrealistic. If she were that ill, it was unlikely her family would agree to continue the passage.

  Augusta took a deep breath and let it out. In addition to her studies, she had had years of practice hiding her feelings when necessary. Those lessons would be useful now. The only problem was, Phinn knew her too well. He always noticed when she was not minding what was being said. Based on that, she could only assume he would recognize when she was attempting to hide something from him. Drat it all. Why did men—or love, for that matter—have to be so difficult?

  “There you are.” Prue came up to the rail on Augusta’s other side. “I believe I will enjoy this much better than a sea passage.”

  “We were just saying how lovely and calm it is,” Phinn responded. “Augusta will be able to read without becoming sick.”

  She cut him a look, and he gave her a boyish grin. What was she going to do about him? “I am looking forward to that. I was able to purchase some books in Hungarian and Slovenian.”

  He looked at her in surprise. “I didn’t know there was one Slovenian language.”

  Wrinkling her nose, she shrugged. “There has been one standard language since the last century. Although parts of the northwest are heavily Germanic. In the south Italian is spoken. Along the borders of Hungary and Croatia, the dialects include those languages as well. I know a little of the Croatian dialects, so if need be, I am sure I will be able to make out what is being said.”

  Prue’s eyes had grown wide. “Were you able to practice speaking either Hungarian or Croatian?”

  “And Slovenian. When Prince Esterházy discovered I wished to learn the language, he had one of his secretaries tutor me in Slovenian. I read to improve my vocabulary. I was only able to learn school-taught Slovenian, and a little of the southern dialect. Charlie”—she glanced at Phinn—“Stanwood, my brother on the Carpenter side, found another student who agreed to tutor me in Croatian when they were on a school holiday. Although there is no standard Croatian, there used to be, and books were written using it.”

  Phinn studied her as if he had found something new. “That means that you know Croatian, have read the books on the combined language, and are now able to pick out the parts that are not Croatian but another dialect.”

  “Yes. The only difficulty is that some of the pronunciations are different and I have not heard them. Unfortunately, I doubt I will be able to study the others. Dalmatia is not at all close to where we will be.” She brought up the route in her mind. “Although at some point, even if we stay with the original plan of traveling through Zagreb, we must pass through Slovenia to reach Trieste. I hope I shall be able to practice as we travel.”

  “One would think I would be used to you by now, Augusta, but you continue to amaze me. I have never known such a polyglot.” Prue quietly gazed out over the river for a while, before saying, “When we arrive in Vienna and continue on from there, it might be more beneficial if you did not let people know about all your language skills.”

  Augusta could not believe what her cousin had just said. Why would anyone give up an opportunity to learn? “I do not understand.”

  “One of the things I discovered was that people will say things they normally would not say when they think another person cannot understand. I have heard that the Austrian court is at least as full of intrigue as the French court. Probably more so. They were not disbanded, as it were.”

  Augusta did not like it, but . . . “You make a good point. I shall play the typical Englishwoman.”

  “A grasp of German, French, and Italian?” Phinn had raised his brows in inquiry.

  “Indeed. I assume that German will carry us a long way.” She would be surprised if it was not spoken in Hungary. Nevertheless, she did not wish to miss the opportunity to use some of her languages. “Perhaps I can use Hungarian at the hotel and restaurants.”

  “Why not?” he said thoughtfully. “We will probably receive better service if you do.”

  Augusta laughed, and the cloud that had been hanging over her dissipated. She liked Phinn far too much not to enjoy his company. As long as she did not act on her love, all would be well.

  Phinn’s heart lightened when Augusta laughed. He’d still keep an eye on her, but her melancholy seemed to have disappeared. He hoped it didn’t return. Never in his life had he felt so helpless. She’d been hurting, and he’d not been able to do anything to help her.

  He offered her his arm. Then remembered Prue and held out his other arm, even though it would be impossible to walk the narrow corridor or deck with two ladies on his arms. “Would you like to see the rest of the boat?”

  Prue chuckled. “I shall decline your escort. There are some things I must see to.”

  “During this passage I would like to begin learning some Hungarian and Slovenian,” Phinn said. “One never knows when it might be useful.”

  Augusta chewed her bottom lip. He’d never seen her do that before. “There is only one problem.” She gave him a guilty look. “I have never actually taught anyone before.”

  “Then I shall be your first student.” Phinn used a cheerfully confident tone. He was not going to let her wiggle out of this. If she was instructing him, they’d spend more time together.

  “Very well.” She sounded unsure of herself. “I shall try.”

  Although he was not as clever as Augusta, Phinn did have a gift for languages, and by the time they docked in Vienna, he had a rudimentary grasp of both Hungarian and Slovenian. Unfortunately, none of the books she’d used mentioned food, and Augusta only knew dishes that would be served at court.

  “We will simply have to learn them.” The captain and his crew were busy tying up the boat. Phinn glanced around. There were a few passenger barges like theirs, but the rest carried goods for sale, and bars lined the opposite side of the street. “I’m not sure Hector will wish to remain on the boat.”

  Augusta glanced around. “I see what you mean. I hope we can find a hotel.”

  The lines released, and once again they were being pushed off. “I’ll be right back.”

  “I am coming with you.” She hurried after him.

  “If you wish.” He took her arm. He was sure there was no danger. Even if there was, she would be safer with him.

  A few moments later they found one of the crew members and addressed him in German. “Why did we leave?”

  “To make sure we had a space in the city,” the man said. Behind them, another passenger barge pushed off as well. “Herr Addison has made reservations for you at the Weißen Rose. It is one of the best hotels in the c
ity.” Phinn and Augusta must have looked confused, for the crewman continued, “It will be easier for you when it is time to depart and for us not to be around all the bars. We will remain at the dock near the hotel until it is time for you to sail to Budapest.”

  “Thank you.” Augusta said nothing until they had returned to the bow. “I had started thinking of the boat as home. It seems strange to leave it.”

  Phinn knew exactly what she meant. “I’ll be glad to be back on her as well. Shall we purchase a guidebook tomorrow and discuss which sights we’ll see?”

  “Yes.” She blew out a breath and her brow cleared for a moment before wrinkling again. “I just hope we do not have to go to court.”

  He almost repeated what he’d said in Munich that had got him in so much trouble, but held his tongue. The chances of them not going to at least a few entertainments was an air castle. The Austrians had been too involved in her quest to attend university. What he would do was stay by her side. People could make of that what they wished. There would be no more strolling off with another gentleman because she was thinking about something else and not paying attention.

  The boat sailed under a long bridge connecting the imperial city of Vienna with Leopoldstadt before docking again. Other passenger boats lined the banks. Hostelries and other businesses and buildings stood outside the walls as if spilling out from the city. A little way down the river, fashionably dressed people ambled along a broad, well-kept path lined with trees. This location was much better than the previous one.

  “There are no pavements.” Augusta’s breath caressed his ear, playing havoc with his senses.

  Phinn studied the street in front of them. Pedestrians and carriages were all over the street. “How odd. We must be careful when walking.”

  The coaches and horses were being taken off the other two barges when Addison came up to them. “We will be ready to go to the hotel soon. The grooms and coachmen are seeing to them.”

  “Where will they be housed?” Phinn had no difficulty with Augusta’s cousin making the decisions regarding the beasts and conveyances.

  “The coaches will be stored in the building three doors down on the right of the gate. We’ll take the horses to the hotel. I’ve been advised to hire a town coach with a local driver.” Addison rubbed his forehead. “I’m told the traffic here is impossible to navigate unless one is trained.”

  “When will you send word to Lord Stewart?” Augusta asked.

  “As soon as we arrive at the inn. I do not wish to be backward in notifying him.”

  She nodded, but said nothing further. Phinn couldn’t blame her. Almost every time she attended entertainments, it was, as far as she was concerned, an unmitigated disaster. A few minutes later, their party had assembled. A wagon and two carriages pulled up in front of them.

  “The hotel is in Leopoldstadt. I have arranged transportation for our baggage, what does not remain on the boat, and our servants,” Addison said. “Jane and I shall walk. Does anyone wish to wait for the coaches to return?”

  “I’d rather take a stroll,” Phinn said. “It will give me an opportunity to see some of the city.”

  Next to him Augusta nodded.

  “I shall walk as well.” Prue turned to her maid and said a few words he couldn’t hear, and the woman scurried off.

  “I’m up for a ramble,” Boman agreed.

  “In that case—” Addison took Tommy from Jane, then steadied her as she stepped up to the gangway and down to the ground.

  Not five minutes later, they arrived at the hotel, which appeared to combine two buildings. Flowers decorated the windows, and tables had been set outside in the front. The coaches were there and men hurried inside with the baggage.

  “Herr Addison?” A man just over medium height came out to greet them in German.

  “I’m Addison.” He handed Tommy back to Jane. “Herr Riegert?”

  “I am.” The landlord nodded. “Please follow me. I will have wine brought for you while your apartments are being prepared.”

  He glanced at the rest of them, and Addison performed the introductions. “I am honored to have you stay with us.”

  They were escorted to a leafy courtyard filled with different-sized tables and chairs, where chilled white wine and bread and cheese were brought to them. Addison murmured something to Herr Riegert and they walked back into the hotel hall.

  Phinn held Augusta’s chair as she gracefully sank into it. “Thank you.” She glanced at him. “Do your legs feel a little strange?”

  “Ah, no. But I remember the sensation. As if you are still on board the boat instead of dry land.”

  “I recall it as well,” Boman said. “The first time we got to land after being on the ship.”

  “It will only happen once.” He grinned at the face she made. “I can promise I have never heard of anyone suffering it more than that.”

  “It did not occur after the channel crossing.” She looked down at her lap as if she could tell her limbs to behave. “How long will it last?”

  Raising one brow and lowering the other, Prue nodded. “I remember feeling like my legs were still on the ship after we arrived in Portugal. It was terribly disconcerting, but by the next morning the feeling was gone.”

  “Augusta, dear,” Jane said. “I think the only ones not suffering are Prue, Phinn, and Boman.”

  “That is a relief. I hope we do not have to go anywhere this evening.”

  She was concerned about looking like a drunken sailor, but Phinn would have kept her steady.

  “How is the wine?” Returning, Addison sat in the chair next to Jane and took their son in his arms before bowing to the little boy’s demands to be let down.

  Just then a large, light brown Great Dane rose from a cushion at the far end of the courtyard and ambled over.

  “She looks almost just like Daisy.” Augusta’s tone was hushed, as if she was afraid of disturbing the dog.

  Standing next to her, Tommy, who had most likely spent a fair amount of time around the massive dogs, toddled forward a few steps with his arms out.

  “Not Daisy.” Before anyone could move, he’d flung his arms around the Dane’s neck and received a slobbery kiss for his trouble. “Good dog.” Leaning back, he looked the animal in her eyes. “What’s your name?”

  “Minerva.” Herr Riegert strolled forward. “She belonged to a German count. He left her in our keeping but, unfortunately, died before he reached his next destination.” He glanced at Tommy, who had plopped down at the dog’s feet. Minerva, apparently being careful not to step on the child, leaned up against Augusta, who stroked the dog, giving the beast an occasional hug. Phinn was definitely jealous. “We have been waiting until she, the dog, took more than a passing liking to someone.”

  Using two fingers, Addison rubbed from the bridge of his nose to the top of his forehead, then, leaned his elbow on the chair arm, covering his face from his mouth to his jaw. “Let us see how this progresses.”

  “She is extremely well trained,” the landlord added. Clearly praying they’d take the Dane.

  “How old is she?” Augusta continued to pat the dog.

  “Two years. We have her papers.” There was a hopeful tone in Herr Riegert’s voice.

  “I would say she is extraordinarily well behaved.” She raised one brow. “Could she, perhaps, be closer to three years of age?”

  He shrugged. “I must look at her documents again. The count said she was two.”

  “How long has he been gone?” Augusta queried.

  She had not stopped touching the dog, and Phinn knew they were adding that Great Dane to their party.

  “Six months.” Herr Riegert stilled. Minerva reached down and licked Tommy’s head before granting the same honor to Augusta’s cheek. She glanced at Hector. “If she wishes to remain with us, we will take her.”

  Addison’s hand moved from covering the bottom part of his face to covering from his brows to his nose. Pinching the bridge of her nose, Jane chuckled lightly, a
nd the dog buried her large head into Augusta’s bosom, gazing up at her.

  Phinn stifled a sigh. Hopefully, the dog would like him as much as she liked Augusta. If not, all his hopes and dreams were lost.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  A sense of calm flowed through Augusta as she stroked Minerva. This was one of the things Augusta had missed most, a dog. She could not remember not having a Great Dane in the house. When her father died, Duke had become Matt’s dog instead of the family pet. She knew the Dane still loved the rest of them, but Duke seemed to sense that Matt needed him more. Was that the reason this Dane had come to her? Could the dog sense her need to be loved?

  Leaning down, she nuzzled Minerva’s large head, whispering, “I hope you stay with me.”

  From the corner of her eye, Augusta saw Jane pat Hector on his back. “Think of it this way. She knows how to care for a dog, and the Dane will be able to wait until we dock at night to go ashore.”

  “She can sleep with me.” Augusta knew she had complicated their travel, but how could she resist? It was as if Minerva had been waiting for her.

  “I’ll help with the dog duties,” Phinn said. He leaned behind her and patted Minerva. “I was raised with dogs.”

  “All we need now is a Chartreux and it will be as if we had never left home.” Jane smiled brightly.

  “A Chartreux?” Herr Riegert asked.

  “It is an old breed of French cat known for its gray fur and yellow eyes.” Augusta was positive the cat could not be found here.

  The landlord furrowed his brow. “I shall inquire.”

  He bowed, then turned and strode inside.

  She stared at the retreating landlord. “Do you think he can find a Chartreux?”

  “I have no idea, my dear.” Jane shrugged. “Vienna is an international city, and the Habsburg Empire is vast.” She gazed at the dog for a moment. “To be honest, I would be surprised if Herr Riegert was unable to find a kitten.”