Sea of Fire

  She smiled up at him a moment, gave him a quick peck on the cheek and exited the carriage. He followed her a few steps towards the hospital entry. Abruptly, she spun around. In an impish manner she poked at his chest and said, “I do believe you care a wee bit for me.”

  He gave a hearty laugh, and mumbled, “More than you think, Sister Friar.”

  “What did you say?”

  “As I’d care for anyone,” he answered and guided her forward to a waiting attendant.

  * * * *

  Though Elizabeth could not ascertain whether Turner’s appearance on the wharf was a coincidence, she was sure she had not been followed home from the hospital and prayed Christian hadn’t been either. Hurriedly, she changed into a day gown. Roderick might not be pleased with her for bringing him the coins, but Christian was right. It was better to get them out of her hands.

  She stuck the pouches into her reticule and headed for the front entryway. The missive from Turner, which she had earlier placed in the porcelain dish, caught her attention. She grabbed the paper and held it up to the light to see if she could read any words through it. The parchment was too thick. She ran her finger over the seal. This was addressed to her father. It would be wrong to open it. She set it back in the dish and took several steps towards the door before she paused and returned to the dish. What if it was something important? Perhaps the note would indicate who this Turner man was and what he wanted with her father.

  Without further hesitation, she tore open the missive and read the poorly penned lettering.

  Most Honorable Edward Corry,

  Since you have solicited my services, I have called on several occasions to personally inform you what I have learned regarding your request. I was distressed to hear of your serious and most recent illness and hesitate to give you news that may not aid in speeding your recovery. I trust your daughter and doctor to be the best judge as to when you should receive this. Consequently, I will proceed with the details of my findings.

  You had asked me to do some research into the flooding of spurious coins in the Dublin area. I have followed through on the clues you have given me, which have proven fruitful. To cut to the quick, there is a gentleman by the name of Adam Traynor who, from all indications, is the leader of this team of deceivers and cheaters. This man undoubtedly has accomplices. How many is unknown though I can tell you I suspect a local silversmith and several friars. The silversmith has had several meetings with one of the friars and for the most part in different locations. I have seen the silversmith with Traynor on only one occasion—at the abandoned ruins of Cullenmore Abbey on the northern outskirts of the city. I will give you additional details when we meet face to face.

  I assure you, these forgers are totally unaware of my observance of their activities. As you initially requested, I will cease my inquiries and take no further action until your notification.

  I remain, respectfully yours,

  T.K. Turner

  She folded the missive and stuck it in the pocket of her gown. She rubbed her hands together to help control their shaking. She sat on the staircase in the entryway, stood, and sat again. Relief, despair, hope, worry—a number of emotions—fought with each other at once for expression. Turner did not actually suspect her or Christian, which was a relief. The fact that another person knew about Adam’s illicit activities would trouble Christian and complicate matters. For his sake, this caused her to despair, but almost as quickly, she was hopeful that this nightmare would soon come to an end. Finally, a wave of worry washed over her and stayed.

  Any action taken would need to be done with extreme caution. No mistakes. Her father’s life depended upon it. She shook her head.

  Being a magistrate was not enough for her father. Not surprisingly, his dabbling had gotten him involved in the search for counterfeiters in Dublin. Little had he known, nor she, that it would lead them to Adam. In fact, if she were a gambler, she’d bet heavily that Turner’s revelation about Adam would have taken her father aback. These clues, whatever they might have been, that her father had given Turner, had clearly aided in the man’s achieving the end results. He had found Adam where she and Christian had not.

  How would Christian respond to the news? She was certain he would want to go to the ruins, and if so, she’d be there beside him.

  She stood, gathered her reticule with the pouches and left her town house. She walked as far as the pavement near the street when a noddy halted in front of her. She wondered at her good fortune of obtaining a vehicle so quickly, until the person in the noddy alighted and greeted her.

  “Bethy. Ye’re the best sight I’ve seen in days.” Hannah held out her arms. “Give a hug here.”

  “Hannah,” Elizabeth said, trying to mask her disappointment. She hugged the woman who was like a mother to her. Hannah’s untimely arrival presented a problem. It was much easier to come and go, with her not around. “Have you returned for good? Is your sister better?”

  “Aye, she’s better, but I promised to return to her tomorrow eve. I was worried about you and Edward. What has happened since I’ve been gone?”

  What could Elizabeth say that would not alarm the woman? “Unfortunately, nothing has transpired while you have been gone. I still wait to hear word.” She lied, and continued, “Mr. Clark and Mr. Anderson came to visit.”

  “Oh, dear,” Hannah said. A worry line creased her forehead.

  “Don’t fret.” Elizabeth gave a quick pat to Hannah’s arm. “For now, they think he’s resting in the country until he recovers. I told them I’d let them know when Father could have company.”

  “I was afraid we’d start getting callers,” Hannah said as the two entered the town house. “Let’s try not to worry none. No news is said to be good news, but do you think it’s time for you to inform the authorities.”

  “No!” she snapped, startling Hannah. “What I mean is, let’s wait a while longer, then we’ll come to a decision. All right?”

  “Aye, Bethy, but not much longer,” Hannah said and left to take her belongings to her bedchamber.

  When she returned, she asked, “Have you been well, cracker?”

  Elizabeth smiled. Despite the delay in her plans, it was good to have Hannah home. “I’m fine,” she answered.

  “Grand,” Hannah said, “However, I think you’d do better with one of my pastries. I’ll make you some.”

  “That would be lovely,” Elizabeth said, accepting that, for now, she’d not be able to take the pouches to Roderick. Apparently, Hannah had not wondered where she was going. She had been too happy to see Elizabeth to notice, and she would never understand if Elizabeth left the moment Hannah returned. For today anyway, her plans had changed. As for Christian, he’d have to wait for her news.

  Chapter Twenty-two

  “Hannah,” Christian said with surprise when the woman opened the door to him. “You’ve returned. How is your sister?”

  “Better,” she replied. “Have ye come with good news?”

  “Nay. Only to see Elizabeth.”

  She motioned him inside. “So, the two of ye have become inseparable, have ye, kind of like the head and tail of a coin,” Hannah said, and eyed him curiously.

  “We do have a common goal,” Christian replied, amused at how ironically she had compared their relationship to a coin.

  “Aye,” she said. Next in a whisper, “Has Bethy been managing all right? I know she’d not let on otherwise.”

  “Christian? When did you get here?” Elizabeth strolled into the room and stopped in midstride. “What were the two of you talking about in such hushed tones?”

  “Ye caught me,” Hannah answered. “I was expressing my concern for you.”

  “Nothing more. Honest,” he added.

  He hoped Hannah would give them some time alone. He was anxious to hear what Roderick had said to Elizabeth when she’d brought him the coins, but he also wanted to tell her the interesting tidbit he had learned about Turner.

  “Well, there’s no need.
I told you I am quite fine, considering the circumstances.” Quickly, she changed the topic. “Hannah made some wonderful pastries. I was coming to tell her they have cooled enough to eat. Won’t you join us?”

  “My taste buds have been watering since I first entered and smelled something delicious baking.” He smiled at her.

  “Do I understand that to mean you will join us?” Elizabeth said.

  “Lead the way.” He made a gesture for them to precede him.

  “I’ll get some tea,” Hannah said. “Ye two go into the dining room. I’ll not have ye eating in me kitchen like last time.”

  As soon as Hannah was out of earshot, he touched Elizabeth’s elbow and led her to the dining room. “We won’t have much time to talk. How did it go with Roderick?”

  “I haven’t delivered the coins yet. Hannah showed up as I was leaving.” She seated herself at the table. When he plopped down in the chair next to her, she hurriedly spoke. “Never mind the coins for now. I know where Adam is.”

  “What? You know where he is?” He leaned towards her. “How did you learn this? Hurry, tell me before Hannah returns.”

  “Turner ...”

  “Never mind him. Where is Adam?”

  “Turner ...”

  “Just tell me where Adam is before Hannah gets here,” he ordered impatiently, surprising even himself for he usually could wait endlessly and have it pay off for him.

  “If you’d let me finish, I would,” she snapped back at him.

  “Now who is being hush-hush?” Hannah uttered as she entered the room carrying the tea and pastries.

  “Damn it.” He mumbled under his breath at Elizabeth.

  He had deserved the scowl she bestowed on him. Still, it was going to be difficult, waiting and wondering like a child anxious to open a gift, what Elizabeth was about to tell him.

  “Stay and join us, Hannah,” Elizabeth urged even as she gave him a smug look.

  Bloody hell, he mentally cursed. Elizabeth was intentionally asking Hannah to join them. She intended to prolong his curiosity about Adam. Consequently, he could only be polite and offer the same. “Do, Hannah. After all, you made the pastries. You ought to enjoy the fruits of your labor.”

  “Since ye both insist. I will. Let me get another plate and cup.” She scurried from the room.

  “You’re not being very nice, Elizabeth,” he seized the opportunity to speak out as soon as Hannah was gone.

  “Me? You were rude and bossy. You deserved to be kept in suspense.”

  She was right, but he had a good excuse. “How would you have responded? It’s been months since my brother disappeared, and you now tell me you know where he is. Forgive me if in my anticipation, I was remiss with common courtesies. Quit trifling with me, woman! Where is he?”

  “I’m not trifling with you. Your tongue wags endlessly, never giving me a moment to tell you. Be quiet and listen.” She glanced beyond him to make sure Hannah was not about to reenter the room. “Adam favors dividing his time between the ruins of Cullenmore Abbey north of Dublin or the ship, Aurora, in the bay.”

  He wanted to ask her more, but Hannah returned.

  “Ye did not have to wait for me,” Hannah said, attempting to serve.

  “Of course, we’d wait. Let me.” Elizabeth poured the steaming tea into each of their cups. She placed a pastry on a plate and handed it to him and next Hannah.

  When the three were almost finished with their sweets, Hannah spoke up. “I told Bethy she should contact the authorities. It’s been too long now. I fear for Mr. Edward. What do you think?” She addressed him.

  “As much as I’d like to get to the bottom of this and find my brother, you must consider Elizabeth’s father’s situation. We can’t take the chance people are who they appear to be. They might be playing both sides of the law. Edward’s life is at stake.”

  Elizabeth flashed him a look of relief and mouthed a thank-you.

  “I suppose ye’re right, but it’s driving me crazy that we’re so helpless.” Hannah wiped her mouth.

  Elizabeth chose the moment to talk of other matters. “How are you feeling, Hannah? Have you managed to get any rest at all while seeing to your sister?”

  “I slept fitfully in a chair by her side. It wasn’t until the fever broke that I retired to a soft warm bed,” she said and smiled from Elizabeth to him. “Never mind me, though. I’ve heard a frightening tale from neighbors who came to call on me sister. The marketplace was all a buzz with it.”

  He glanced at Elizabeth, who clung to Hannah’s every word whether it was for true interest or desire to keep the subject off of Edward.

  “Don’t stop now. What did you hear?” Elizabeth anxiously asked.

  “The fishermen and seamen have told a tale of this strange red glow that can be seen on the darkest of nights miles from shore into the Irish Sea. ‘Tis supposed to be a bad sign if ye see it. Several people have up and died the very next day, having witnessed it.”

  Elizabeth’s face paled.

  “Perhaps this was not a good tale to share with us,” he said to Hannah, as he watched Elizabeth.

  “I’m sorry,” Hannah said. She rose from her chair and took the few steps around the table to where Elizabeth sat and gave her a hug. “You’ve never been as superstitious as most or meself. I only meant to humor ye.”

  “And you have.” Elizabeth patted Hannah’s arm in reassurance. “This is all nonsense. You can’t help but get the all-overs thinking on it, though.”

  Hannah returned to her chair. The color had returned to Elizabeth’s cheeks to confirm what she told Hannah. Still, he sensed she was more superstitious than she wanted Hannah to believe.

  “I’m sure if there is any truth in a red glow in the Irish Sea, there’s a good explanation for it.” He stood. “Thank you for your hospitality. I must leave.” He started for the entryway.

  “Nay. You can’t go,” Elizabeth said in a distraught voice and instantly corrected herself when Hannah sputtered.

  She stood and wrung her hands. “I mean ... we haven’t visited so long. It’s not even dark outside.”

  He knew if he were to stay until Hannah left the room again, Elizabeth would want to know his plans regarding Adam. He wasn’t quite sure, but she wasn’t going to be part of them, and he wasn’t going to argue over it.

  “I’ll come visit again. I’ve got other business matters.” He started for the entryway again. He heard her follow him.

  “It can wait.”

  “Elizabeth!” Hannah was clearly appalled at her boldness. “What has come over you?” She stepped lively to Elizabeth’s side.

  “Forgive me,” Elizabeth said unashamedly. There was naught she could do short of force to stop him from leaving. “Hannah is right, of course.”

  He inwardly smiled and avoided eye contact with Elizabeth. She was going to be furious when they next met, but she’d get over it especially if he found Adam and her father.

  “Good day, ladies.” He bowed and left.

  The door no sooner shut when Hannah made to speak. Elizabeth motioned her to silence. “I know what you’re going to say, so don’t say it. Let’s just continue our visit.” She told Hannah in a nice way and looped her arm through the stocky woman’s.

  “Ye like the step to his stride, don’t ye?” Hannah stated.

  Elizabeth laughed at her governess’s way with words. The woman’s forthrightness never failed to surprise her. She thought to deny Hannah. Instead, she said, “We have a common goal.”

  It was all she cared to admit to Hannah. Her heart was another matter. How could she have let herself succumb to Christian’s charms? Hadn’t one brother used her and left her?

  Between her musings, she heard Hannah mumble, but she paid no attention to the woman. Elizabeth believed Christian cared for her, but he didn’t love her. Adam would always come first. Hadn’t he said, “Adam is my brother, for God’s sake?” Family was family.

  “You haven’t heard a word I said.” Hannah withdrew her arm f
rom within Elizabeth’s to place her hands on her hips.

  “I’ve a feeling I’m not going to like what you say.”

  They reentered the dining room and took their earlier seats.

  “You’re not,” Hannah agreed.

  “Then don’t say.”

  “Very well,” Hannah quickly answered.

  Elizabeth was astonished. Never was Hannah so agreeable as when Elizabeth knew the woman wanted to lecture her. “You better speak your mind. You’ll not rest easy until you do.”

  “Nay. Another time. Let’s talk of other matters.”

  Though Hannah was brusque with her, she did not appear to have hurt feelings. No doubt whatever words of wisdom Hannah meant to impart would surface at another time. “Aye, on to other matters,” Elizabeth said, knowing it was going to be difficult to be patient with the woman.

  Christian had slipped out nicely, and he would surely confront Adam as soon as possible. She wanted to be at Christian’s side when he did. If she was resourceful or fortunate enough, she’d find a way.

  * * * *

  Christian checked the time on his pocket watch. It was so dark and dreary outside he wondered if the hour was later than he thought. Nay. Almost suppertime. He snapped the timepiece shut and shoved it back into his waistcoat. The cold air nipped at him through his overcoat as if to warn him that the clouds that threatened overhead would dump snow rather than rain. The snow would brighten the night and increase visibility. Hell. He and Bloomfield would need every advantage this eve—as soon as he told the man, that is.

  He was certain his new friend would want to accompany him to the ruins. From his position on the pavement near the street, he focused on Bloomfield’s front door. The man should be at home he decided and started up the walk.