Summer of the Moon Flower (The de Vargas Family)

by Seaton, Annie

  A strange interlude, a pleasant kiss and she would not see him again.

  There was much to do and much to plan and she would put the handsome earl out of her thoughts.

  The journey was pleasant and the sky was clear as they approached the manor house. The dirigible passed over Castle Lorcathian, the home of her sister’s arch enemy, Duke Lorca. It would not be surprising to her if he had somehow been involved in the conveying in the recent misinformation conveyed to Captain Thoreau in his capacity as Sheriff of Cornwall.

  Sofia stood and looked down at the sloping green grass at the cliff top. She smiled—Indigo’s holiday biomes were in the distance and there was a welcoming party gathered on the lawn. Although perhaps gathered was not the correct term. The four boys raced around and Indigo’s voice floated up to her as she called the boys back from the edge of the cliff.

  To no avail.

  Sofia watched with mounting horror as a toy dirigible inflated at the edge of the cliff and Ruan, the youngest, egged on by his older brothers, grabbed the trailing ladder as it ascended. His little feet left the ground and his screams of delight reached their airship as he climbed higher and higher above the cliffs.

  “You bring your brother down immediately, Jago Thoreau.” Indigo’s cross voice carried up to Sofia. “Right this instant.”

  Sofia craned forward and followed the direction in which Mr. Grimoult was pointing. Jago held some sort of device in his hand and was pointing it at the toy dirigible. As he lifted it, the small airship rose and when it was lowered, Ruan’s feet almost touched the ground.

  “Last chance, young man. Bring him down or you will not be going to Austria with your Aunt Sofia.”

  “Oh, Mama.” The shrill young voices floated in the air as the small toy plummeted to the ground. “You spoil all our fun.”

  Mr. Grimoult chuckled. “Young Jago and Jory built that airship and the device which allows it to be controlled from the ground. They have inherited the scientific mind of their mother, their aunt and their grandfather. God rest his soul.”

  “And the other two boys?” Sofia asked.

  “Kit and Ruan do play with their older brothers, but much to their father’s delight they are far less adventurous and prefer their studies to creating chaos,” he replied.

  With a final whoosh of steam, Mr. Grimoult maneuvered the airship onto the landing pad. When it was secured, Sofia descended the ladder to the ground and into her sister’s waiting arms.

  “Oh, look how elegant you are,” Indigo exclaimed. “You make me look like a country matron.”

  Her husband, Zane stepped across and kissed Sofia on both cheeks. “You are a country matron, my dear.” He laughed when Indigo glared at him. The four boys lined up to receive a kiss from their aunt and managed to contain their excitement for a few moments. Indigo looped her arm through Sofia’s. “Come, Mrs. Grimoult has prepared your favorite refreshments. We have much to discuss.”

  Much later that evening, Indigo, Zane and Sofia retired to the viewing room on the top level of the manor. Sofia placed her hands on top of the ear muffs as they rode up in the directional perambulator. The squeaks, grinds and the humming of the perambulator as it ascended were not masked by the ear muffs.

  “God’s truth, Indigo. You need to maintain your equipment. There is no need for that noise.”

  Indigo smirked as she gestured for her sister to enter the viewing room. At first, Sofia’s attention was taken by the spectacular view through the glass walls of the circular room. The sun was setting over the Celtic Sea and the sky was shot with all hues of gold and purple. Indigo cleared her throat and her impatience was conveyed to her sister. Sofia turned and gasped as she surveyed the new equipment in the room.

  “No wonder you cannot afford to replace your perambulator,” she said as she walked around touching the analytical engines filling one entire wall.

  “And look at this.” Indigo’s excitement was contagious and Sofia smiled. “We now have a new communication device which allows us to speak to you anywhere in the world…and in any time.” She handed her sister a small brass device. “If you place this within your clothing as you walk the Alps with the boys, you will be able to contact us at any time.”

  “Amazing,” Sofia replied. “It may come in very useful. Where did you source that?”

  Zane smiled. “Mr. Grimoult and I developed it. When we were in the Amazon, ten years ago, the chronometer which allowed us to stay in touch with the submarine gave me an idea. It has taken a long time, however it is now refined and can be used with little trouble and with little knowledge. We have a device for you to travel with to—”

  Indigo grabbed her arm and interrupted her husband. “We have had some worrying news and wish to stay in touch with you at all times when you are sourcing the moon flowers.”

  Sofia looked from her sister to her brother-in-law. “What sort of news?”

  “It has come to our attention the information which we conveyed to you, about the passenger on the train coming into Westbahnof, was given to my man by a colleague of Duke Lorca. We traced the message and it emanated from Scotland. A small town called Kilmarnock.”

  Sofia narrowed her gaze. “Scotland, you say? How coincidental.”

  “And the worrying thing is, there is a chapter there in Castle Dean who have links to the Knights Templar,” Zane continued. “So it is essential you take the utmost care in the Alps. You are being observed.”

  “Would you rather I travel alone?” Sofia asked. “And leave the boys here?”

  “We have considered that, but it will be a good cover for you and they are looking forward to it. As a precaution, Mr. Grimoult will travel with you.” Indigo held her gaze. “I expect you will have more bother from the boy’s high jinks than—”

  “Sofia, what did you mean by the Scottish coincidence.” Zane interrupted his wife, concern lacing his voice.

  “No…it is nothing. I recently had a Scottish client in the salon. Not long after the incident at the station.”

  “And you don’t think it was related?” Indigo moved across to the analytical engine.”What was her name?”

  Sofia shook her head. “No matter. It was purely coincidental. This was an earl from the Little Rothmore…and an acquaintance.”

  Indigo quickly tapped a few keys and pulled up a map.”Hmm. Little Rothmore is only thirty miles distant from Kilmarnock.”

  “No, Indigo. It was purely a coincidence.”

  “Sofia, you are way too trusting. There is no such thing as coincidence.”

  Sofia’s temper began to rise and warmth suffused her face. She knew her older sister had little time for her couturier business and undervalued her intelligence. She bit back the retort on her tongue and decided not to mention there was chance she may hear from Dougal again, or perhaps even cross paths with him in the Alps.

  “Come, I am in need of an early night. I am quite exhausted from my time in Paris,” she said, keeping her voice light. “You must tell me all about your holiday biomes and about any interesting guests you have had.”

  Indigo looked back at her and obviously thought it better not to pursue her questioning. Sofia groaned and reached for the ear muffs as they headed toward the perambulator.

  Chapter 8

  “Aunt Sofia!” The shrill, combined voices of her nephews rang out over the whistle of the steam train as it pulled into Salzburg station. “We’re almost there. Is this the mountains? Where’s the snow?”

  Mr. Grimoult smiled at her and reached across to grab the shirts of the two boys who were leaning out the train window before they fell out.

  “We have a short trip in a steam carriage and then we will be at the mountains,” Sofia replied patiently. “Although we will not see much snow until we walk the alpine paths.” She reached up and adjusted the light gold chain around her neck and tucked the black jewel inside her blouse. Zane had embedded the device onto the back of a black stone and it resembled an elegant piece of jewelry rather than a chronometric
communication device. She had already used it to transmit news of their safe arrival to Indigo.

  “Come, we have arrived.” With a flurry of leg and arms, Sofia managed to catch the hands of the two boys while Mr. Grimoult struggled along behind them with the luggage. She was enjoying the company of her two nephews and had delighted in their intelligent conversations with her on the train journey. They had a far deeper understanding of the world than she would have expected at their age.

  The steam carriage Mr. Grimoult had booked to convey them to Schladming was waiting for them on the paved road outside the station. The boys laughed with delight as the driver took their luggage from Mr. Grimoult. The carriage was painted with cow bells and when it started, the musical sound of bells rang across the still morning air covering the hissing of the steam.

  Sofia nodded with satisfaction; they certainly looked like a family on holiday and she was glad the boys were accompanying her.

  The owners of the Schladming Inn welcomed Sofia with affection. She was a regular visitor and had been staying there for many years. It had been several months since her last visit and Herr Schwandt fussed around her.

  “ As you haf the children, we haf given you the large cabin.” He assisted Mr. Grimoult with their bags and Sofia grabbed the collars of the two boys as they went flying down the path past her.

  “Just one moment, you pair,” she cautioned. “We need to have a little discussion.”

  She tucked her arms through theirs, one child on either side and walked up the grassy incline behind their cabin. As they crested the hill, a panoramic view met them. Snow capped mountains rose from the low fields where cattle grazed and the ever present tinkle of cow bells drifted across to them. In the distance, two small figures walked out of the narrow green valley that passed between the two highest peaks.

  Sofia pointed to the edge of the fields where the cattle grazed, to a line of tall conifers edging the lower slopes of the mountain. “That is the limit of your explorations when you are by yourselves. You can roam the fields and explore the valley, but you are to go no higher than the tree line.” She was met by a chorus of protest. “When Mr. Grimoult or I are with you, we will climb into the snow.”

  Jory and Jago agreed, albeit reluctantly, and headed to the small shed at the front of the inn where Herr Schwandt had invited them to see the woodcarver at work. Sofia stood and breathed in the alpine air. It was a pleasure to be away from the noise and grime of the city and she decided to rest for a couple of days before they trekked to the snow level. The two hikers moved closer and crossed the grass fields below her. They paused to examine the cattle before disappearing into the trees at the bottom of the hill.

  Sofia’s heart thudded in her chest.

  It couldn’t be.

  Both men wore kilts, although they were too far away for her to see the tartan. She closed her eyes and swallowed. In one breath she hoped it was Dougal…yet in the next, she knew if it was him, it was too much of a coincidence and he couldn’t be trusted.

  Sofia opened her eyes and sighed as the Earl of Rothmore and his manservant broke from the tree line and walked up the grassy hill toward her. Feelings warred within her and she didn’t know if it was joy…or sadness…or fear.

  Chapter 9

  When Dougal stepped from the trees and looked at the lone figure on the top of the hill, excitement filled his chest.

  She was here.

  Sofia stood at the top of the hill above them. Her bright scarlet dress contrasted with the soft blue of the sky and her hair was bound in coils on either side of her face. She raised a hand and waved and he knew in that moment, he would do anything to protect her. He had not been able to get her from his thoughts since he had left her in Vienna a week ago and had given much consideration to the method of ensuring her safety. Together with Edward, he had hatched a plan and they had been in the mountains taking readings for the inclinator journey. It had to be three days hence and after noon for the co-ordinates to be suitable for their destination.

  As he watched, two young boys joined her at the top of the hill and she reached down and put her arms around each of their shoulders before pointing down the hill.

  Damnation, who the dickens was that?

  He groaned and turned to Edward. “I believe we may have an impediment…or two to our plan.”

  Edward nodded. “I see.”

  They reached the top of the hill to the excited voices of the two young boys and Dougal smiled at Sofia. “I was hoping the Madame de Vargas, Herr Schwandt mentioned, was you, Sofia.” He bent over, took her hand and kissed it gently, pleased to see the flush in her cheeks.

  “A wonderful coincidence, Dougal.” She smiled at him but her voice was cold.

  An astute woman.

  “And who have we here?” He turned to the two boys.

  “I’m Jory Thoreau.” The one on the left one spoke first, followed quickly by the identical boy on the right.

  “And I’m Jago.”

  “Boys,” Sofia said. “This is the Earl of Rothmore, an acquaintance of mine.” She inclined her head to Edward. “How do you do, I am Sofia de Vargas.”The young man blushed and stumbled over his reply. “Ah…Edward of Kilmarnock.”

  Sofia’s eyes narrowed and Dougal sensed her withdrawal.

  She gathered up the twins and pulled her light cloak across her shoulders. “Come young men, it is almost time for dinner.” Holding her hand out to him, she held his gaze for a moment before speaking. “No doubt we shall see you there, Dougal?”

  Warmth shot up his arm and he ignored it as he replied. “It will be my pleasure, Sofia.”

  Dougal asked Herr Schwandt to set a table for five. He would invite Sofia and the two young lads to join he and Edward for dinner. The elderly innkeeper shook his head. “Nein, we will haf sechs. There is her man as well.”

  Dougal’s chest tightened and he frowned at the old man. “Her man?”

  “Her servant.”

  The relief was profound. When this whole quest was done with, and he and Edward had hastened the demise of the ancient order in Kilmarnock, he had every intention of courting Sofia. The instant he had seen her, when he had entered her salon with that damned automaton, she had bewitched him. He was not looking forward to the events of the next few days, but they must carry out their plan. Her life depended on it. However, now they had the complication of the boys and her manservant to contend with.

  At least the boys would not be left alone when they took Sofia with them.

  * * * *

  The firelight reflected in the crystal wine glasses on the table and brought out the deep warm hues of the timber-lined dining room. Dougal sat back in his chair and sighed, replete from the sumptuous meal provided by Frau Schwandt. Jory and Jago had been escorted to their beds by Mr. Grimoult when they had begun to nod over their dinner. The old retainer had kept them all entertained with tales from his navy days with the boys’ father—Sofia’s brother-in-law. Edward had followed them yawning and now Dougal and Sofia were alone in the dining room; their group were the only guests at the inn tonight.

  A bright shard of light reflected from the unusual jewel sitting between her breasts and he leaned forward. “May I?”

  He reached over and lifted it, and turned it to the light. It was obsidian with intricate gold and silver wire holding it to the chain. He had not seen anything like it before. “It is most unusual. Was it handcrafted for you?”

  Sofia nodded and tucked back into her bodice as soon as he let it go. A high flush on her delicate cheekbones indicated she was not as immune to him as she was pretending to be. She held his gaze.

  “The boys’ father, Zane, tinkers with jewelry making,” she replied. “Speaking of whom, it is time I went to check on the boys.”

  She stood and brushed against his shoulder as she moved around the table, and he smelled the sweet fragrance of her skin. His arm seemed to lift of its own accord to circle her tiny waist and pull her closer to him, but she moved away from him and cross
ed to the doorway. Sofia looked at him, her features warring between a frown and confusion—and if he was correct—desire.

  “Ah,” she breathed. “Dougal, you are not good for my composure.” Her chest rose and fell quickly, and he smiled to himself as she fought the attraction between them. He stood slowly and crossed the room to her. He took her hands between his and lifted them to his lips.

  ‘Will you walk in the moonlight with me, Sofia?”

  She nodded without speaking and he sensed she had come to a decision. Together, they strolled through the garden to the hill where they had spoken earlier in the evening. He kept a firm grip on her hand until they paused at the top of the hill.

  She sighed and turned to him, placing her hands on his chest. “Dougal, will you answer one question for me?” He held her gaze and nodded. “Why are you here? I am asking you to speak the truth. Are you following me?”

  He looked down at her and rested his brow on the top of her head and gently pressed a finger to her throat, touching the pulse beating madly in the alabaster skin. Tonight she wore her hair loose for the first time and he had imagined running his fingers through it all night. Now he grasped it gently and tipped her head back looking down into her eyes. “That is a strange question, Sofia. Why would I be following you?”

  She shivered and he drew her closer.”Do you believe in coincidences?” she asked. Pulling away from him, her eyes flared. “You were less than truthful with me in Vienna and now I want to know the truth.”

  “No, Sofia, I am not following you. I am here to partake of some mountain air, and look at the cattle breed I spoke of that night in the kaffeehäuser. If you remember back, it was you…you, yourself… who recommend this inn to me.”