Once A Soldier Part 24

She reached the front, then stopped dead in her tracks, hardly able to breathe as she recognized the men leading the march. She closed her eyes for a moment, wondering if she was hallucinating, but when she opened them again, the vision hadn't changed. She shrieked, "Pap! Alexandre!" as she raced to the hors.e.m.e.n.

His Royal Majesty King Carlos Miguel Emmanuel de la Alcantara leaped from his mount and swept her up in his arms, tears running down his face. "My little Sofi! G.o.d in heaven, how you've grown!"

Her brother was only an instant behind and he joined in the three-way hug. "No, she hasn't," Alexandre said with a laugh. "She's still tiny, but she looks much bossier."

Sofia stepped back, studying their beloved faces. They looked thin but otherwise healthy enough. "What happened? There was no word, no report of any kind. We were all sure you were dead!"

"It's a long story, but the short version is that your brother was so obnoxious and difficult that General Baudin slammed us into a French dungeon under false names, told the keepers to allow no outside contact of any sort, and left us to rot," her father explained. "The blasted jailor was incorruptible, so we couldn't get any messages out."

"Be fair, sir!" Alexi protested. "You were every bit as obnoxious."

Sofia supposed that both of them had infuriated Baudin-it was an Alcantara talent-but no doubt the general was too cautious to kill royal prisoners outright, since they might prove valuable later. "Were you freed when the emperor abdicated?"

"Not right away." Her father waved at a man sitting quietly on a horse behind him. "This British colonel, Duval, came looking for us. A very persistent man. With Napoleon off the throne, he was eventually able to bully the truth out of enough people to locate us."

Duval inclined his head in acknowledgment. "I expect you would have been released eventually, but sooner is better than later."

Alexi gave an elaborate shudder. "An understatement! I also give thanks that you were able to bring us to Colonel da Silva for the journey across Spain. The colonel is well, Sofi, but he went directly home once we reached the town. He has been talking about his wife and daughter for the last hundred miles."

"Of course," Sofia said. "No need for him to waste a moment before returning to them." All around her, other reunions were taking place as the returning soldiers were hugged by friends and family. The happiness was contagious, and it also created privacy for Sofia and her family.

Her father said, "I'd like to know more about the fleeing French soldiers we met as we headed up the road to San Gabriel. They were exhausted and demoralized and not inclined to talk, and I didn't want to wait for them to become more communicative."

"General Baudin collected six hundred or so French soldiers and promised them a sweet life if they helped him conquer San Gabriel," Sofia said succinctly. "He planned to force me into marriage and take the crown for himself."

Her father, brother, and Duval all stared at her with horror. Duval recovered first. "Obviously, they didn't succeed. What happened? Baudin wasn't with the men."

"He's dead and his invasion was repelled by ambushing his men in the sunken section of the road into San Gabriel. It was led by your Major Masterson, Colonel Duval, and thank G.o.d for him!" Sofia explained. "What did you do with the French soldiers?"

"We captured and disarmed them and left a company of Gabrilenos to guard the captives until we decide what to do," Duval said. "As renegades, they could be shot, but we were all inclined to think that enough blood has been shed."

"If Baudin had been with his men, I'd have cut his liver out with a dull razor!" her father exclaimed, his eyes still furious. "To think he wanted to force you into marriage to gain control of San Gabriel! He died too quickly."

"He is gone, and we can't spare enough food to feed so many captives," Sofia said after a moment's thought. "Escort them back to France and say that they were misled by their renegade leader, General Baudin, and thought they were still fighting under orders."

"See, she's become much bossier," Alexi said. "But it's a good plan."

"I agree," her father said. "Colonel Duval, will you be able to arrange that after you've had a chance to rest?"

"Of course. As you say, it's a good plan," Duval agreed. "Where is my Major Masterson? Surely, he hasn't left for Porto already?"

"He personally took down Baudin and was gravely wounded in the act, but he's now recovering here in the castle," Sofia said. "In fact, he got married last night."

Her father's brows arched. "He fell in love with a local girl?"

"Not exactly. His bride is Athena Markham, and they shall suit very well," Sofia a.s.sured him. Thinking that the general spirit of celebration was a good time to ask for favors, Sofia stated, "She has been a treasure beyond price this year, Pap. I don't know how San Gabriel would have managed without her. Will you make her a contessa?"

He blinked. "I suppose I could. She has been a great blessing to San Gabriel and the Alcantaras. I'll draw up the formal paperwork when things have settled down a bit."

"Thank you!" Now for the really great favor. Sofia glanced over her shoulder and saw Justin, quietly waiting with a warm smile for her happiness. She beckoned him forward and took his hand. "Now I would like you to meet my affianced husband, Justin Ballard of Scotland and Porto."

Her father's expression turned briefly thunderous. Then curiosity displaced anger. "Ballard Port?"

"Yes, your highness." Justin bowed respectfully. "I brought supplies up from Porto at Major Masterson's request. While here, we did a survey along the river valley, and I believe we have found a way to transport your superb wines to Porto for export."

"Have you now!" Carlos's eyes gleamed. "Speaking of which, I must have some Gabrileno wine instantly. Only then will I know I am really home. Mr. Ballard, we must talk later at greater length. Now, let us go inside. I am anxious to see my home and Uncle Alfonso. Is he still among us, Sofia?"

"Yes, he never believed that you were dead." Sofia took Justin's arm and prepared to climb the steps that led into the castle.

She paused as a different note sounded in the crowd. "She's here! She's here!" a woman cried ecstatically. "The Queen of Heaven has returned!" Other voices took up the cry. "The Queen of Heaven has returned!"

"I beg your pardon?" Alexi said, bemused. "A divine visitation? I didn't think the Blessed Mother was that interested in our return!"

"The sacred statue was stolen from the church by Baudin's men," Sofia explained as she climbed up two steps to get a better view of what was happening. "Yes, yes! The statue is brought through the gates in a donkey cart!"

She plunged back into the crowd. People were falling on their knees and crossing themselves as the ancient, beloved statue approached. And to Sofia's bemus.e.m.e.nt, the cart was being driven by Jean Marie Paget and another man, who wore what looked like a French uniform with the distinctive blue coat removed.

Justin was right behind Sofia. When the cart stopped, he said, "I'm glad to see you, Jean Marie! How did you find the statue?"

"It was a miracle," the Frenchman explained as he and his companion climbed from the cart and then carefully lifted the statue to the ground.

"A miracle indeed," Sofia said reverently as she crossed herself. Others in the crowd approached to touch the statue, their expressions awed.

Carved of wood and hundreds of years old, the graceful image of the Holy Mother was almost six feet tall and she wore an expression of serene love and compa.s.sion. Her jeweled gold crown had been stolen, but otherwise the holy image was undamaged. The crown could be replaced.

Interested in more worldly details, Justin asked, "How did you find the statue? Surely, Baudin's men haven't carried her clear across Spain twice!"

"I went up to the site of the battle to help translate for the injured and serve in whatever other way I could," Jean Marie explained. "One of the prisoners was my friend Claude Fontaine, who had been knocked unconscious but was not badly hurt." He gestured to the other young man, who bowed deeply.

"Your royal highness, sir," Claude said nervously. "I was part of Baudin's force that came through your country last year. The statue was stolen because of the jewels, but halfway over the mountains, the general said it was too heavy, he would take the jewels and burn the statue."

When Sofia gasped in horror, Claude continued, "I am a good Catholic and felt the same way, your highness. To burn the Blessed Mother would have been sacrilege! So I and another man hid her in a cave not far from the road. Ever since, I have been troubled by the knowledge that she was there alone, stolen from those who love her. So when I saw Jean Marie, I told him of the statue and begged that he rescue her so she could come home."

Taking up the story, Jean Marie said, "I found Captain Oliviera and asked him for permission to release Claude so he could lead me to the cave where Our Lady waited. He agreed and even gave us a cart to bring the statue back."

"You have done a great service for San Gabriel, Jean Marie," Sofia said warmly.

Jean Marie glanced at his friend. "Claude would like to ask for the same sanctuary you offered me, your highness."

Claude bobbed his head. "Your country is very beautiful and I feel that the Blessed Mother led me back here."

Sofia smiled. "Then welcome to your new home, Claude Fontaine." She took Justin's arm, thinking that truly, it was a day of miracles.

As they followed her father, brother, and Colonel Duval into the castle, Justin said under his breath, "I'm your affianced husband?"

Suddenly worried, she said, "Are you not? We had discussed marriage. Do you not wish that anymore?"

"Of course I do!" Justin grinned. "But I think we need to make sure our stories match before your father interrogates me. I'm hoping that he will consider an alliance with the Ballard shipping empire to be worthy of his only daughter."

"He will," Sofia said confidently. "You saw his interest when you said you had found a route for exporting our wines. San Gabriel must become more involved with the world beyond our borders." Her brow furrowed. "Because I thought marriage impossible, I haven't considered how we would live. Where we would live. What might I expect?" She pulled Justin into the alcove below the steps that led up to the family floor so they could talk in private. "I wish to see more of the world, but . . . but I can't imagine leaving San Gabriel forever."

"You won't have to," Justin a.s.sured her. "We would travel regularly. To Edinburgh, to meet my family. Homes in London and Porto. And we would come here, because there will be strong business reasons, as well as family ones. Do you think you will like that? I hope so!"

A slow smile spread over her face as she contemplated her future. "I will love such a life! Most of all because you will be at my side."

"Mi querida!" Justin pulled her into a kiss that lifted her toes from the floor.

She kissed him back, and for the first time she released the full force of her love. By the time the kiss ended, they were both reeling. "We'd better go upstairs," Justin said huskily. "Or we risk behaving very badly!"

"We had best marry quickly!" Sofia agreed as she took his arm. They were halfway up the stairs when she said in a low voice, "I had become used to the idea that I would ascend to the throne next year. Now that has changed again. But I think I would have served my country well, wouldn't I?"

"You would," Justin agreed instantly. "You would have been remembered as Queen Sofia the Great and Wise. But you will still serve your country, querida." He raised her hand and kissed her fingers. "We will serve San Gabriel together."

Chapter 35.

"How does it feel to be back in England?" Will asked.

Athena couldn't tear herself away from the window of the carriage that was taking them through the countryside to London after their early-morning disembarkation. "Wonderful. Strange. Green!"

He laughed. "Definitely green. Our reward for enduring English rain."

She settled back in the seat and took Will's hand. Life had changed so much in the last weeks, not least because she and Sofia were both married women now. After grilling Justin Ballard on his family, wealth, and business prospects, King Carlos had given his blessing to his daughter's marriage. The wedding had followed quickly because Athena and Will would be leaving when he recovered enough to travel, and Sofia said it was unthinkable that she marry without Athena by her side.

A royal wedding was just what San Gabriel needed to celebrate the end of the wars and the return of the king and prince, so it had been a very grand affair. Sofia and Justin had both blazed with happiness.

During the feast that followed, Uncle Carlos summoned Athena to the head of the royal table and made her a contessa and a hero of San Gabriel, complete with impressively sealed letters of patent and a bejeweled badge of rank that hung from a gold chain. She could wear it on grand occasions.

Carlos had made the presentation with laughter, but also sincere thanks for her services to his kingdom. He'd added that the t.i.tle could be pa.s.sed down through the female line, as well as the male. Athena suspected Sofia's hand in that.

When she returned to her seat, Will grinned and said, "I've always wanted to kiss a countess." And then he had done so, to the cheers of the other wedding guests.

The wedding of Tom Murphy and Maria Cristina Oliviera had been smaller but equally joyous. Tom had bought a handsome villa on the edge of the town, and had carried his bride over the threshold with hoots and laughter.

They were both fine weddings, but as Athena told Will that night, neither could match the drama of marrying a man on his deathbed. After which he'd taken her to their bed and proved how thoroughly he'd recovered.

The thought made Athena blush and turn her gaze out the window again. Though she'd learned she wasn't with child yet, her female intuition said it wouldn't be long.

She'd never been happier in her life. With Will, she had pa.s.sion and trust and a deep intimacy that belonged to the two of them alone. With him beside her, she could face anything. "What time do you think we'll reach your brother's house?"

"Just as the midday meal is served, I hope," Will said cheerfully. "Arriving in time for meals is an old joke between us."

She saw the fondness on his face and squeezed his hand. "You are going to like being in the same country with your brother, aren't you?"

"Enormously. And he'll be glad not to have to worry about me so much." Will slid his arm around her shoulders. "We have hours to go. Why not take a nice nap against me?"

"That shouldn't sound appealing when we've been cooped up together on a small packet ship for days, yet oddly, it does." She stretched her legs out and settled down so that her head was on his shoulder and her arm draped across his waist. "Though if we get bored, there is something that I've always wanted to try in a carriage."

Will gave a shout of laughter. "Now that I've recovered from my wounds, you've developed a wicked imagination." He kissed her temple. "Wickedly good."

She dozed off, smiling. She had good reason to fear London's society, but Will she trusted for anything.

"We're almost there." Will pointed at the grand building ahead on the right. "That's Damian's. The club is busiest in the evening, but some members gamble through the night and a fair number come by for a midday meal and a hand or two of cards."

"Impressive! You'll have to take me inside while we're in London." Athena gave him a teasing glance. "Or is that one of those things that women shouldn't do?"

"Mac will be delighted to take you for a tour. Damian's makes a point of being a safe, respectable place for women to visit. A bit fast, but appealingly so. Mac's wife has a lovely little perfume boutique for the customers and she does very well with it, too."

"She's a perfumer?"

"Yes, it's been a tradition among the women of her family for generations." The carriage rumbled to a stop in front of the house just beyond the club. "Here's Mac's house. I hope they're in residence. If they aren't at their country place, he'll probably be over at Damian's."

The guard opened the pa.s.senger door and let down the steps. Will exited, then offered his hand to Athena. She didn't need help to get out of a carriage, but she loved his little courtesies. Plus, it was an opportunity to touch her husband, and she would never have too many of those.

She took Will's arm and they were moving toward the entrance to the house when a portly, fashionable, and clearly foxed older man emerged from Damian's. He glanced around as if trying to get his bearings.

His gaze locked on Athena. "Lady Wh.o.r.e!" he cried with delight as he walked unsteadily toward her. "So glad you're back in London! I heard a rumor that you'd died, but d.a.m.n me if I'm not happy to see you again!"

Athena froze as solid as if ice water had been poured over her. She'd barely set foot on a London street and already her worst fear had been thrown in her face. She wanted to run. Or hide. Or vomit.

As she struggled to breathe, Will barked, "Sir!" in a voice that would terrify even the most hardened soldier.

He laid a warm, protective palm on the small of Athena's back and continued, "You quite mistake the matter. My wife is the Contessa de la Alcantara and I a.s.sume you did not intend to offer her insult. Did you?" His tone promised that any insult would be followed by swift and painful consequences.

The drunk's eyes widened and he stammered, "N-no, no, not at all!" He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. "A mistake, made a mistake. My sincere apologies, my lady. Contessa."

He bowed so deeply that he almost toppled over. "It's just that you have such a look of a woman I remember, d.a.m.n me if you don't." He straightened and blinked at her. "You're much younger, though, and now I see your features aren't hers. But her height and grace and presence . . . !"

He looked wistful with memory. "Very sorry to have upset you, but I was so delighted to see you. Her. Hoped you were her. Most beautiful woman I ever saw, and the most charming." Muttering to himself, he moved away.

Will wrapped an arm around Athena's shoulders. "Please don't faint here. It will be much more comfortable to do inside."

Shaking and grateful for Will's support, Athena slid her arm around his waist and together they resumed walking toward the entrance of his brother's house. "I don't know if that incident was a sign that I should leave London forever," she said in a shaky voice, "or that it means that things can only get better."

"The latter," he said rea.s.suringly. "That fellow was a horrid introduction to your homeland. But remember that he was delighted and complimentary about your mother's beauty and charm, so it wasn't all bad."

"You're very good at finding silver linings, my lord," she said wryly as they climbed the steps and Will wielded the heavy knocker. Collecting her shaken nerves, she added, "I'll try to see his words as a compliment."

The door was opened by a rugged-looking male servant. He smiled with unprofessional enthusiasm and announced in a stentorian voice, "Lord Masterson! Welcome home!" He stood aside and made a grand gesture for them to enter.

The entryway was well proportioned and elegantly furnished, though a strange statue of a man with an elephant head lent a touch of the exotic. Before Athena could study the stone image more closely, the door at the opposite end of the foyer swung open and a man bounded through. "Will, finally!"