The Queen of Diamonds

by Moore, Juliet

  He shook his head, looking almost exasperated. "Why didn't you listen to me?"

  "I'm sorry."

  "You should be sorry. You know what I went through tonight to find you?"

  She started to cry then, big fat drops rolling down her cheeks. "I didn't want to do this to you, but it's happened anyway. I didn't want to be a burden on you."

  "Then maybe you should have listened to me."

  "I thought it was safe."

  "You were wrong. Who do you think knows more about this town? Me or a woman who's been here about a month?"

  "You," she said and realized she couldn't meet his eyes. "My parents are the only family I have. They left me with my aunt and uncle, who always treated me like I didn't belong. And now Marcus has abandoned me too. I thought I had finally found where I was meant to be, who I was meant to be with. But I was wrong about that too. Just like my parents, my husband doesn't want me, either."

  "Now, hold on, Catherine. We still don't know the details about what happened to him. This could all be innocent on his part."

  "No, I don't believe that anymore. Only a fool would."

  He looked at her silently for a few moments. A range of emotions flitted by his face. Then, his voice deep, he said, "I shouldn't be kicking you when you are down. After what you've just been through, I'm a jerk to be so hard on you. I'm sorry."

  She stared back at him, surprised at his emotion. "It's all right. I'm fine."

  "But you spent the entire night in this hole. You must have been out of your mind-"

  "Harrison," she said, gripping the sides of his face with her dusty hands. "You found me. It's over."

  "But it's not over," he said, gazing fervently at her. "It's only just beginning. They won't leave you alone now that they've set their sights on you."

  He was right and she didn't know what to say to make him feel better. Or to make herself feel better. There was nothing to be said, only plans to be made. The most important thing at that moment was that she had made it through the night. He had found her. He had rescued her. Again. She caressed his cheek, delighting at the feel of his coarse stubble. She felt traitorous to think it, but Marcus had only ever been able to grow peach fuzz on his cheeks. He had a boyishness to him that had been appealing to her, but she was finding herself much more attracted to Harrison's manly appearance. Everything about him was more masculine, from his facial hair to his muscular physique and tall stature.

  "I'm so glad I found you, Catherine."

  Hearing her name escape his lips sent shivers down her spine. Her eyelids felt heavy and she reflexively pouted her lips.

  Harrison leaned forwards and pressed his lips against hers. It was a forceful, passionate kiss, and she pushed back into him. Then his arms went around her tightly and he deepened the kiss. Catherine reveled in every movement he made. She threw her arms around his neck and took what she'd been wanting for two weeks. It all came to a head in those seconds and she realized how much she had wanted it. No matter how many times she'd denied to herself, not even wanting to sin mentally, it had been waiting there for her, hiding and waiting for the right moment to spring. Now that he had made that move, the thing that could never be taken back, she felt powerless to resist him.

  His tongue teased her own in a delicious way that she'd never experienced and she felt her entire body heat up. She let him press her backwards into the wall of the hole. The makeshift walls, that had been haphazardly dug, collapsed a bit, sending a rainfall of dirt down upon their heads. He broke the kiss and pulled her away from the walls and into the center of the claim. This, of course, meant he had to open his eyes and it was like he could suddenly see again. The expression on his face seemed to reveal that he realized what he was doing and maybe thought better of it. "Come on, let's get out of this place."

  "Yes," she said, scrambling to her feet. "Let's get a wagon and set off for Cape Town as soon as it's light."

  "I meant that we need to get out of this hole." He was looking at her sadly.

  "Oh, of course," she said, brushing off her skirt as though it would have any impact on her appearance. Her dress was torn up at the hem and she was covered in dirt. Looking down at the mess of her dress reminded her of the worst part of last night. "They found the diamond. I've ruined everything with my foolishness."

  "Don't worry. We'll figure something out."

  "How can you be so calm?" She used his help to get out of the hole using the rope he'd brought along. "I appreciate you trying to help me. I know you don't have to."

  "No, I suppose I don't. Let's get home and get you cleaned up. Maybe you'd like to get a room at the hotel. You can freshen up and get a good night's rest."

  "I'm not going to dip into your pockets any more than I have to."

  "I can't imagine what it might have been like for you. You weren't made for this."

  She had the typical urge to argue with him for assuming such things, but there was no use. He was right. She wasn't made for this at all.

  "So, please, Catherine, let me take you."

  She shook her head. A tear escaped, clearing a path down her dirty cheek. "I don't want to go. I don't want to be alone."

  He nodded and didn't say another word as they made their way back home.

  She walked beside him, still tingling all over from the way he'd kissed her. She couldn't stop thinking about it, even though she had more important things to consider. The way he'd made her feel, even in a horrible hole after a night spent in terror, was like she could conquer anything. In his arms, she felt as though no problem were insurmountable. It was in stark contrast to Marcus's presence in her life, even the short time he was there.

  It was hard to look at him. She wasn't sure if the fact he pretended nothing was amiss made things worse or if it made things easier.

  When they got home and he shut the door, she fell onto her pallet without the energy to even change her clothing. The tears returned at once. "What are we going to do? No money, no husband, no future."

  "We need money," he said simply.

  "Yes, that is the most pressing need. Without it, I can't even hope to follow Marcus or get to Cape Town."

  "The question is how."

  Thinking it all through made her realize how hopelessly unprepared she and her husband had been when they came to prospect for diamonds. They should have come up with an alternate source of income from the beginning. She thought of something Elsa had said. Some people come to Kimberly to serve other people. Unfortunately, all the things she could think of in that category still required an investment. They couldn't start a business from nothing. Could they get jobs working for someone else?

  Perhaps she could actually find work as a governess in the more affluent part of town, but that wasn't the kind of short-term solution she needed. Of course, Harrison didn't work in the traditional sense. "That's it," she said.

  "What?"

  "We could win the money at cards."

  He shook his head. "If that sort of thing was guaranteed, there would be a rich man sitting in front of you."

  "You said I was a good player."

  "You absolutely are, but even so." Now he was standing, a sparkle in his eyes revealing he wasn't outright dismissing her idea. He was thinking about it. "For one thing, finding a good whist game is getting harder and harder around here. Poker is more popular. Do you play?

  "No. Can I learn?"

  "Well, maybe, but… this is all going to take time. We don't have time."

  "Can we make enough with one good game?"

  "We'll have to find a high-stakes game. I don't know if they'd even let us join."

  "It's worth a try, is it not?"

  A knock on the door startled her out of her reverie.

  Harrison got a questioning look on his face and went close enough to ask, "Who is it?"

  "It's David Abraham."

  Catherine's mouth fell open. "Let him in."

  Harrison unlatched the door and David walked in. Then Trenton appeared on the thr
eshold, hesitating until Harrison acknowledged him. Harrison did, but he didn't look happy. "Did you have anything to do with those thugs who accosted Mrs. Watson last night?"

  Trenton looked down at his feet. "They were my men, but I didn't authorize or expect that behavior from them at all. I'm sorry."

  Catherine shook her head. "I don't believe that for one second. When we played whist against you, you behaved as though you weren't involved in any of this. What were the words you used? Watson is just an insignificant gnat?"

  "I'm truly sorry for my deception. I believe that you are unaware of your husband's whereabouts. Upon thinking about it, it seems if you were important to him in that way, he would have taken you with him."

  "Thanks. That makes me feel so much better. Will you be returning the diamond they stole from me?" She held out her hand.

  "No. That diamond rightfully belongs to me."

  "You can't know that!"

  "I can. Ask anyone about your husband. He didn't spend a day digging in that claim," Trenton said.

  "I don't believe you," she said.

  "That doesn't change reality."

  Catherine looked at Harrison beseechingly.

  Harrison had a look on his face that said it all. "What are you doing here, Trenton?"

  Trenton approached Harrison. "I've come up with a way Mrs. Watson can prove herself. Whatever result, whether she's an accomplice or not, shouldn't matter in the end."

  "Tell me," Harrison said, motioning him backwards.

  David just listened to the exchange, not interrupting or offering anything to the conversation.

  Trenton, probably realizing he wasn't exactly welcome inside, leaned against the doorframe. "How would you like to make some money?"

  This certainly got Catherine's attention. But it wasn't ladylike to jump up and down while saying yes, so she waited for Harrison to answer.

  "What's it to you?" Harrison demanded.

  "I want the hoard of diamonds that Watson stole from me. David admits he can't do it alone. He tried… and failed."

  Catherine gave him a nasty look. She couldn't believe he'd gone after her husband, without even having the courtesy to tell her what was going on. She thought he was a friend.

  David nodded. "Last time, we were an unstoppable team."

  "Well, this is different," Harrison said.

  Trenton looked at Catherine for a moment, then back at Harrison. "I understand that. I think, however, that this is your best bet. I will give you enough money to get Mrs. Watson back to England. Even a little extra."

  "But you want him to catch my husband?"

  "I didn't say that. I want my diamonds back. Look at it this way. If I sent someone else, who knows what would happen to Watson? You are much better off letting your special friend here go after him."

  She frowned, realizing the truth in his words.

  Harrison looked at her. "He's right. It's a way to get to Cape Town without any money."

  "What if we simply can't find Marcus? He left town five days ago. We might not be able to catch up to him or he could be hiding himself very well…"

  Trenton nodded. "That's all very true. I'm hoping the reward will motivate you to succeed."

  Harrison stepped forward and gestured to the door. "We've heard your piece. We'll discuss this privately and get back to you."

  "Fair enough." Trenton tipped his hat to her, then turned around and walked out into the sunlight.

  David followed, but before Harrison could shut the door, he said, "I used to consider Watson a friend. I want this to go as smoothly as possible. You don't want Trenton to send someone else."

  Harrison nodded and shut the door.

  Catherine sighed. "What are we going to do now?"

  "I think this is the only thing we can do. We simply can't afford to get to Cape Town on our own, not to mention pay for your passage home. This is better than gambling and possibly losing everything."

  "I suppose. Wouldn't it be like I'm against Marcus, though?"

  "He chose his path. If he is reasonable, he'll understand that he needs to turn over what he stole."

  "And if he doesn't wish to be reasonable?"

  He sighed. "I don't know. With David's men, we will most likely outnumber whomever he's teamed up with. So we will take the diamonds back whether he likes it or not."

  She stared down at the floor, completely torn up inside.

  "He left you. He completely abandoned you. You owe him no allegiance. He is the one who did this."

  "Do you think we should talk about what happened?"

  "Would you like to?" He didn't look at her. It was clear he knew exactly what she was talking about, even though she hadn't specified.

  Catherine thought about that seriously. Would talking about it help anything? She was still married. Marcus had abandoned her, but she was still looking for him. There was no resolution to that and until then, there was nothing to talk about. She was left with her emotions, that electric feeling in her lower half, and fantasies that would probably keep her warm at night for the next month. But there was nothing to talk to Harrison about at that moment. So she shook her head. "No, I suppose I don't."

  "Then we won't."

  She nodded firmly. "You're right. Let's do it. Tell Trenton we agree. When do we leave?"

  "I have a feeling it will be immediately. No time to waste when, as you said, Watson already has the lead on us." He touched her shoulder gently, turning her towards him. "It won't be an easy journey. Do you understand that?"

  "Yes, of course."

  "We will have to do everything at an accelerated pace. Move faster, less time for sleeping and eating-"

  "I know. I'm not looking forward to it, but this is how it has to be. I'm ready. I'm tougher than you think."

  He smiled. "I know you are."

  Chapter Ten

  Harrison was right. As soon as they told Trenton they were taking the deal, he wanted to leave. Catherine packed up what little she had and Harrison packed what he needed for the trip only. Of course, he didn't pack all of his belongings. Catherine watched him do it with a frown. Watched him close the trunk he was leaving at home with a resounding slam, still filled with many personal items. She didn't know why she was filled with sadness at that moment. Did she actually think he'd come with her to England? How foolish of her!

  They followed David to three wagons. She would be riding with him and Harrison, in relative privacy from the hired hands who were joining them in the other two wagons, along with supplies. David showed them the food, rations, water, rifles, fuel, ammo, and many extras. She was surprised at how thorough Trenton was and how dignified. He seemed to be taking good care of the people in his employ. Her husband was clearly on the wrong side.

  Then again, she would never forget the night she spent in that abandoned plot. She looked around hesitantly, making sure none of the men she encountered were the ones who'd attacked her. But she still viewed all of the strange men she saw with caution, knowing any of them could be the same sort of ruffian. They had not needed to treat her like that, even believing she was complicit in the diamond theft.

  With her heart still unsure, they set off before sundown, planning to ride through the night.

  * * *

  Surprisingly, the trip back to Cape Town, at least the first two weeks, was more comfortable than her trip from Cape Town. The conveyances that Trenton sent them in were more comfortable, with less bumping. She gradually got to know all of the men accompanying them and they weren't at all as she'd expected. They seemed honest, just trying to recover stolen property. Property her husband had stolen. At first, she thought she might retain some anonymity, but she soon discovered they all knew exactly who she was. They were all a little uncomfortable around her, not understanding how to handle this unique circumstance any more than she did.

  Then one night, after they'd made camp, David spoke to them all. "I want everyone to pay attention to this."

  The men stopped what they were doing. Harr
ison returned to her side with alacrity, something he always seemed to do when change was in the air.

  David gestured to her. "We will catch up to Watson."

  Most of them nodded. They had been traveling at a record speed. No one with any comfort in mind would ever make the journey so quickly. Even though Watson was technically on the run, he probably didn't have a large enough group to ride through the night as they did. They took shifts between driving the wagons and sleeping. They even, very upsetting to Catherine, ran the mules until they had to be left useless at the nearest farm and new ones purchased. It disgusted her, but her protests were met by deaf ears. David thought she was intentionally trying to delay things.

  She wasn't. She knew that finding her husband was in her best interest. She wasn't a fool.

  David continued, speaking to all assembled. "When we find Watson, I want Catherine to speak to him first."

  Catherine nodded, agreeing with David. They had all switched to using Christian names after a week of traveling. Being in such close quarters didn't lend itself to formality.

  One of the men, known as Samuel, spoke up. "No offense to the miss, but do you really think that is a good idea? Might she tell him how to escape?"

  David shook his head. "Catherine wants to retrieve our diamonds as much as we do. She is looking at a considerable reward, just like the rest of you."

  "She could run off with him," Samuel said. "Then her reward would be even larger, would it not?"

  David chuckled. "I don't think you know this woman very well, if that's what you think. Your worries, whether well-founded or ridiculous, will be assuaged. I assure you that she will only speak to him under supervision."

  "Why all the extra work?" Samuel asked.

  "Because I don't believe any of us wants this to turn violent. Am I right?"

  All of the men, except for Samuel, nodded.

  Catherine looked at Harrison to see if he had noticed.

  Harrison eyed Samuel speculatively without blinking. He hadn't missed a thing. Harrison cleared his throat. "And if your plan doesn't work and Marcus won't surrender the goods?"