Alice stopped writing. “Then I will go alone.”
“Alice!”
Alice met her gaze. “I’m sorry, Mother, but Jacko is waiting for me in Spain and I will not fail to arrive. I will go to London the day before we are to depart and confirm I am still invited. If I am not, then I will hire someone to accompany me. Perhaps that man outside.”
“Dear God!” Mrs. Collins pressed her hand to her chest. She would like to believe her daughter was merely jesting, but she knew her girl too well.
Chapter 19
The answer to whether the Hathoways still wished Alice’s companionship came the next day, in person.
Mrs. Collins had barely greeted the couple, before Agnes Hathoway burst in excited agitation. “London is all abuzz with the news of Mr. Carson’s arrest and his attempt to murder you.”
By her friend’s anxious tone, she knew the news had created a scathing scandal, not soon to be forgotten. She tried her best to shield her emotions as she took a seat before her legs gave out.
Mrs. Hathoway rushed to her side and placed a consoling arm about her shoulder. “No one blames you, Victoria, but staying here in the country for a few months would be prudent.”
Just then Alice entered and smiled. “Thomas just informed me you were here.” She kissed each of them on their cheeks and then frowned when her focus turned to her mother. “Is something wrong?”
Mrs. Hathoway laughed with a nervous titter. “No dear. Mr. Hathoway has agreed we should begin our trip at once. So here we are. Hurry upstairs and pack only essentials. You can buy the latest fashions in Cadiz.”
Alice’s mouth fell open, but before she could object to such nonsensical advice, her mother rallied. Gripping her daughter’s arm, she led her to the parlor door. “Go upstairs and pack what you wish. I will entertain the Hathoways.”
“Is something wrong?” Alice asked.
“Nothing we did not anticipate. Mr. Carson’s crimes are now known by all. Now go upstairs and pack.”
Mrs. Collins returned to her guests. The moment she sat down upon the couch, Mrs. Hathoway pounced onto the seat beside her.
“Do not worry about Alice. We will get her married before this gossip can spread. I’ve a clever plan, I have.”
Her husband snorted and rolled his eyes.
The woman scowled in his direction for a second, and then focused on Mrs. Collins. “Mr. H set my mind to it when he observed the reason Alice was not married is because unlike most young ladies, she had not fallen in love with the fantasy of marriage.”
The truth was far darker, but Mrs. Collins nodded all the same.
“So the trick is to satisfy her secret fantasy, and I realized what that was.”
Mrs. Collins waited in a mixture of curiosity and concern. Her friend was far more intelligent than she superficially appeared. What had she divined through observation?
“Alice wants a hero. I saw it in the tests she gave all those young men. She is holding out for a brave man who will come to her rescue. And I have just the way to draw him out.”
***
Alice had no intention of buying all new clothes in Cadiz. That would require her to stay inside for the first three weeks. She paused in her packing. No doubt, that was precisely what Mrs. Hathoway intended. Before she introduced Alice to Spanish society, she would ensure the gossip had not followed them to Spain.
Alice sighed, now regretting she had sent Jacko to Spain in the first place. But she had, so now she must follow. She packed every decent summer gown she owned, her sturdiest walking shoes and her best undergarments.
Thomas had two of the footmen-in-training carry it to the Hathoway’s carriage while she entered the parlor.
“The servants are loading my trunks as we speak.
Her mother stood and faced her with tear-laden eyes. They met in a heartfelt embrace. If not for Jacko, she would call the trip off. Her mother was not strong enough to lose her, even for a month.
“I don’t think I should go.” She could send a servant to call Jacko back.
“But you must!” Mrs. Hathoway exclaimed. “If we do not get you married in the next month, I fear you will never have another chance.”
Her mother broke their embrace, stepped back and nodded in agreement. “Go to Spain, Alice. Find a man with good character and bring him home.”
Mrs. Hathoway frowned at her mother’s words, but Alice could not imagine to what she objected.
Once they were in the carriage and headed to London, Mrs. Hathoway voiced her concerns with clarity.
“I love your mother dearly. We have been friends from the nursery. However, in this matter, she fails to see your tenuous position. Your father has been charged with murder, and as his child—”
Alice’s anger surged and she fought to contain it. “Mr. Carson is not my father. Mother married him when I was five years old.”
Mrs. Hathoway paused. “Yes, that’s true.” She then sighed. “But what does it matter when all of society thinks of you as his daughter?”
Alice’s fury intensified. “Perhaps I can carry a sign.”
Mr. Hathoway chuckled.
“Mr. H, this is not a subject of mirth. Alice’s ability to find a husband is gravely injured by Mr. Carson’s behavior.” She then turned her focus on Alice. “We will call you Alice Collins and not Carson. Hopefully, that will insulate you from harm in a place so remote as Cadiz.”
Alice stared out the window. While her stepfather had always referred to her as his daughter, she had always called herself Collins! She bore many scars on her back for her refusal to do otherwise.
She breathed in and calmed her anger. She dare not insult the Hathoways. If her mother was to ever return to society, it would be through this busybody’s aid.
The woman patted her arm. “Now dear, given your situation, you must lower your expectations. Accept the first offer if at all possible, for you may never get another. And request a speedy wedding.”
Alice nodded. As long as the first offer was Jacko’s, she intended to do just that.
***
The sea voyage took a full day and left Mrs. Hathoway very ill. Alice would never have wished such a violent sickness on the woman, but at least it stopped her lectures of desperation. For that she was grateful.
It took both her husband and Alice’s assistance to lead the poor woman from the ship and onto the sweltering Port of Cadiz.
Mr. Hathoway left them sitting in the sun on their luggage as he went in search of a carriage. Alice stared longingly at the shaded sidewalks to each side. Why on earth had he left them here? Especially, with his wife so ill. If only they could rest in the shade, she was certain they would both fare better.
She bit her lower lip trying to figure out how to do this on her own. While she was capable of assisting Mrs. Hathoway to the shade, she saw no bench to sit upon once they arrived. She also feared someone might abscond with their luggage before she could return and move it.
She stared at the bustling port. Perhaps she could find some honest looking fellow who spoke English. Most of the men were sailors and she did not like their looks at all.
Finally, she spied a clean dressed young man who probably worked at a local shop. His mind seemed occupied with heavy responsibilities, thus he did not notice her until she stepped directly in front of him.
“Excuse me, but could you help me move our belongings to the shade.”
The young man seemed shocked by her sudden appearance. Upon recovering, he smiled but he shook his head while replying in Spanish.
She suspected he was apologizing for not speaking English. She pointed to the luggage and then to the sidewalk.
The young man tilted his head and shook his head.
She pantomimed pulling on the side of the luggage. The young man stared over her shoulder and motioned someone to come.
***
Finished with the tedious final fitting on a ridiculous amount of clothes, Jacko stepped outside the tailor’s shop and searched for C
arlos. He saw the young man speaking to a beautiful young lady who looked exactly like Alice, only it couldn’t be. Alice wasn’t supposed to arrive until next week. He stepped off the walkway and walked closer, expecting the similarity to disappear any moment.
To his amazement, the image of Alice remained, even as Carlos turned to him.
“Can you help this lady? She does not speak Spanish.”
***
“Yes, assistance. That’s what you need. And hopefully they speak English.”
Alice turned to evaluate this new help and gasped upon recognition, almost stumbling back onto Mrs. Hathoway’s lap. She would have if his firm hand hadn’t gripped her arm.
She smiled up at her true love.
God, he looked delicious in his white suit, dark skin and his hair pulled tight into a clip at the back of his neck.
“Your hopes are answered. I come to help and I do speak English. Jacon Bienora at your service.”
She wanted to throw her arms around his neck and cover his face with kisses. She might have, had he not stepped back once she recovered her feet.
He spoke to the young man, and together they pulled the luggage while she led Mrs. Hathoway into the shade. Once reseated on the luggage, Alice fretted over the woman. “I am worried for her health. She was sick on the ship and she’s so warm now.”
Jacko nodded in agreement. “Let us move her to the tailor’s shop. There she can have cool water to lower her temperature.”
Alice was relieved to discover the tailor’s shop was only one door down, because the heat was getting to her as well.
When the tailor came from the backroom, she feared he’d send them out, but after a rapid conversation in Spanish with Jacko, he disappeared in the back.
Jacko knelt down beside her and studied Mrs. Hathoway. “Where is her husband?”
“He went to find a carriage.” She noticed Jacko’s jaws clench but he said nothing. She knew he was angered at a fool who would leave two women unprotected for so long. While Alice did not mind being abandoned, she did resent being left in the hot sun.
The tailor returned with cold water and mandarin slices.
Alice smiled at the man and then looked at Jacko. “Can you thank him for me?”
“Sr. Gomez understands a little English.” Jacko stood up. “I should go find your companion’s husband. What is his name?”
“Mr. Hathoway. Sanders Hathoway. He is wearing a dark blue wool suit, grey hair, and a bright red silk tie.”
Jacko smiled at the last item.
She knew he loved red silk. She grabbed his hand and squeezed it tight, hoping to communicate all the love she could not yet openly show.
“Please go look. I fear something has happened to him,” Alice whispered so Mrs. Hathoway would not hear.
Jacko raised Alice’s hand to his lips and kissed the knuckles. “I am yours to command, Miss…”
“Alice Collins… Alice.”
He smiled. “I will return with the gentleman, Miss Collins.”
The moment he left, Mrs. Hathoway made a remarkable recovery. She sat up straight and patted Alice on the back. “Well done, my dear. You have always been your best in a crisis. I only feared I might truly die of heat before you realized we needed help.”
Alice’s mouth fell open. “You sat out there hoping I would find a gentleman kind enough to help us?”
Mrs. Hathoway chuckled. “Mr. H. said it would never work, but I knew better. You’ve always had a soft spot for the heroic type. How better to find one, then to be a damsel in distress?”
In disbelief, Alice shook her head.
Mrs. Hathoway lifted a small orange slice and popped it into her mouth. “And what a handsome one.” She then looked at the tailor. “You, sir. What do you know of this Jacon Bienora?”
The tailor glowed with pride. “He is rich much. Good man. Much good.”
“Is he married?”
“No, not married.” The tailor smiled at Alice. “He like you. I see it in his eyes. You make him a nice wife, now, yes?”
Alice laughed. How she wished to say yes. “Well, I think very well of him so far.”
The door jingled and Jacko returned with the ‘missing’ Mr. Hathoway. Alice caught his wink to his wife as he entered. “Looked all over for a carriage and it turns out the barns are just on the corner.”
He knelt down by his wife. “Well, you look better now.”
Mrs. Hathoway raised her glass of water. “Cold water, have some.”
Mr. Hathoway drank the remainder of the glass and then turned to Sr. Gomez. “Thank you, sir for providing respite for my wife and friend.” He then held his hand to Jacko. “I owe you a great debt of gratitude. Allow me to repay you with an invitation to dinner.”
Jacko smiled. “Where are you staying?”
“The Le Quardo,” he turned to his wife. “Is this right?”
She nodded.
Mr. Gomez shook his head and spoke frantically to Jacko.
Jacko coughed to cover his response and looked at Mr. Hathoway with intensity. “Le Quarto has changed management and is no longer a suitable establishment.”
Mr. Hathoway pulled the handkerchief from his pocket and patted his forehead. “Oh dear. Well, I suppose we must find new rooms. Can you suggest someplace, sir?”
Jacko nodded. “I know of a very fine place with rooms that do not overheat in the day. May I invite you to my home in San Fernando? It is but an hour away and has a very fine dinosaur bed presently being excavated, if you are interested in such.”
Alice almost laughed at Mr. Hathoway’s excitement. If he had a tail, it would be wagging.
Mr. Hathoway turned to his wife. “Will that suit you my dear?”
Mrs. Hathoway smiled at Jacko. “We would love to stay with you, Señor Bienora.
Jacko looked at Alice with sparkling seductive eyes. “And you Miss Collins? Will this suit you?”
Alice felt her cheeks warm as she nodded. Dear Lord, what a state Jacko could put her in!
Chapter 20
Jacko arranged their transportation while the Hathoways and Alice remained with Señor Gomez enjoying fresh fruit and cold water.
Living up to her busybody reputation, Mrs. Hathoway inquired about Jacko’s home.
Señor Gomez’s eyes sparkled. “It is grandest farm in all of Spain. None better, and the hacienda is very beautiful. The place once belonged to King Ferdinand. You never see more beautiful treasures in your life.”
While Mr. and Mrs. Hathoway appeared respectfully impressed, Alice’s mouth fell open in horror. She meant for Jacko to rent a nice home, not a State Treasure.
“Has this place been in Sr. Bienora’s family for many generations?” Mrs. Hathoway asked.
“I think our carriage is ready.”Alice leapt to her feet, hoping to prevent the Hathoways from learning it was only rented.
Mrs. Hathoway gripped her arm. “Sit down, Alice. You do not wish to appear anxious.” Then she nodded at Mr. Gomez to continue.
“Señor Bienora bought it last year from a French marquis whose family obtained it a century ago. Many Spaniards have tried to buy the property, but none be successful until Señor Bienora. He is so charming that even the French like him. All of Cadiz rejoiced when it returned to Spanish hands.”
Alice sat in shock. She knew his reward for saving Lady Anne had made him wealthy, but she had not expected an estate just outside of the city the Hathoways would chose to vacation. What was the likelihood of that?
She smiled, recalling the tarot cards that predicted their love. Evidently, fate was taking no chances. They had been destined to meet here in Cadiz no matter what.
Jacko returned and looked directly at her. “The carriage is ready when you are.”
Señor Gomez pointed to a stack of boxes and chattered excitedly in Spanish. Jacko gathered the items and hurried outside, no doubt to add them to the carriage load.
Alice loved his patience with the excitable tailor. Even if she had never met Jacko before, s
he would have fallen under his enchantment by now. His fine character pulled at her like the strongest of magnets.
Upon returning, his eyes danced with pleasure and admiration as he looked in her direction. “Now, we are truly ready to depart.”
He held out his arm and she took it with both hands. She knew they were under intense scrutiny by the Hathoways, so she dare not apologize for her letter yet. Staring into his dark brown eyes, full of love, she wondered if Dom has misread Jacko entirely. She saw no hint of resentment or pain.
Stepping outside, she noticed the carriage had two very fine horses tied to the rear, and the young man, whom she had initially stopped for help, sat as the carriage driver. How odd she would stop his driver for help…but then the power of the tarot cards and fate were involved.
The Hathoways entered the carriage first, leaving the back bench for her and Jacko. She smiled at the woman’s determination to make a match. Normally, the men would sit on the back facing bench and the ladies on the other.
Once everyone had settled, Jacko called to the driver and the horses pulled out. He then smiled at the couple. “I apologize for the rental carriage, but I did not think you wished to wait two hours before having a bath and changing into cooler clothes.”
Mr. Hathoway pulled at his collar and nodded in agreement.
“You should at least remove the jacket, sir. There is no need for ceremony.”
The man sat up straighter and glanced at Alice and then Jacko. “You would not be offended?”
Her charming gypsy smiled. “Not at all. I just returned from England last week and my wool suit was so unbearable that I purchased someone else’s suit from Señor Gomez just so I wouldn’t die from heat prostration before arriving home on horseback.”
As Mrs. Hathoway assisted her husband in removing his jacket, Alice eyed Jacko carefully. Had he made the story up just to charm Mr. H? If so, he was succeeding.
Jacko’s sultry gaze met hers. When his eyes lowered to her breasts, she felt her cheeks burn‒not with embarrassment, but desire.
She had no idea how she could keep a proper distance from him for a whole month. Forget a month. All that kept her from ripping off his stylish beige suit this instant was her chaperones.
A Right to Love: Romantic Spinoff From The Adventures of Xavier & Vic Book 2.5 Page 20
