by Kris Tualla
“No. But the other times were fleeting.” Avery closed her eyes. “I am afraid I will lose this particular battle.”
Jakob jumped up and rang the servants’ bell. Jacinda appeared moments later.
“Lady Averia is ill.” Jakob lifted Avery from her seat. “I shall carry her to her chambers.”
Jacinda nodded and followed after him.
“What did you eat?” he asked Avery.
Avery was limp in his arms. “Smoked fish. Eggs. Orange juice. Toasted bread.”
Jakob pressed his lips to her ears. “Esteban?”
Avery groaned. “Do you think…?”
Jakob held her against his chest and named the most likely food to be tampered with, though depending on the poison of choice it might have been any of the victuals. “I think you should avoid orange juice.”
Avery’s pale face blanched even further. “I am frightened.”
Jakob looked down into her wet eyes, ringed in bluish-purple. “I shall have a word with your cook and her assistant. I will insist that they deliver your meals to you themselves, and that no one else has access to your food. Ever.”
She swallowed as if she was about to puke and nodded. “I mentioned something to them before. But nothing had happened at that point.”
“And I will assure it does not happen again.”
Once in her room, Jacinda took over Avery’s care. Yet when he turned to leave, Avery stopped him. “Jakob, wait.”
While Jacinda slipped out of the room to gather supplies, Jakob approached Avery’s bed, wary of what she might say or ask of him.
She gripped his hand. “Thank you for offering to speak with Georgette.”
Jakob squeezed hers. “I told you that I will protect you. Was she working here nine years ago?”
“No.” Avery rolled her head on her pillow and blinked slowly. “There is something else, Jakob. Your words to the agent have saved me.”
“A little bit of smoke to obscure the truth,” he offered. “My concern is for you, Avery. I still love you.”
Her brow puckered weakly. “You said once that you did not.”
Jakob chuckled at that. “No, I said I will not be so foolish as to love anyone else, ever again. You really should pay my words more heed.” Jakob shook his head and changed the subject to one less fraught. “What did the agent say?”
Avery turned her face away from him. “He was impressed.”
“He should have been. The furnishings here are stunning. Did he give you a figure?”
Avery nodded. “I had hoped to raise twenty-five or thirty thousand maravedis, but my valuation was incorrect. I am still not used to converting from pounds sterling.”
Jakob’s brow lowered. “How much did he offer you?”
Avery faced him again. “Forty-five thousand.”
Jakob laughed. “That is marvelous news!”
Her soft voice was colored with sarcasm. “Such marvelous news, that when added to the savings in staff salaries, I will have less than half of the total I need for just one of the ships.”
“When you see the original contract, you will know for certain,” Jakob reminded her. “Your situation might be better than expected. Did you accept his offer?”
“Not yet. I told him there were two other agents coming.”
Jakob touched her cheek with the back of his fingers. “As wise as you are beautiful.”
Avery took his hand, turned it over, and kissed the palm as the chamber’s outer door opened.
“I shall leave you in Jacinda’s capable care.” Jakob bowed. “And I shall pray for your restored health, my lady.”
When he left the chamber, he went in search of the kitchen.
Chapter Fifteen
December 16, 1518
Jakob received a note from Avery a day later, soon after breaking his fast. Today is my birthday, the missive announced, and I do not wish to sup alone. Will you and Percy please join me at eight this evening?
Jakob blew a relieved sigh and crossed himself. Thank the Lord above, the lady was recovered. For a moment he wondered if dining in Esteban’s lair was wise. Certainly the majordomo would not be stupid enough to poison an entire dinner party. Jakob only had to keep a watchful eye on what was served to Avery and trust that Georgette understood the severity of her mistress’s situation.
If he remembered correctly, Avery was thirty-five today, and Queen Catherine was now thirty-three. Chances for Henry to have his male heir were diminishing with his aging wife.
Avery, on the other hand, claimed to be at ease with her childless state. Jakob knew that if he did eventually marry her, he would never have children. Since he never expected to marry again in the first place, remaining childless was not worrisome to him.
As he carried the note to Bethington’s chamber, he pressed down his excitement at the thought of seeing Avery again. Playing this waiting game with her was difficult, when all he wished to do was gather her up in his arms and take her to his bed, never to leave.
Avery haunted most of Jakob’s dreams, and those dreams were not in any way chaste.
“Have supper with Lady Avery? That sounds… delightful.” Percy’s hesitation was marked. “But why am I to be included, I wonder.”
Jakob snorted. “So no one present is tempted, I would wager.”
The English knight’s eyes rounded. “Do you believe she desires you once more?”
“Yes.” Jakob dragged his fingers through his hair. “But the time is not right for me to pursue her further as yet.”
“Not with the Order convening in two weeks.” Percy wagged his head. “Heaven only knows what that will be like.”
Jakob leaned back in his chair. “What do you believe it will be like?”
Percy shrugged. “I would expect that, after Henry’s Treaty of London, there will be heated discussions concerning the Ottomans.”
“I expect you are correct.” Jacob stretched his legs and rubbed his aching right thigh. During his months in England, Henry continually pressed Jakob into a variety of physical challenges which strained the old injury—sometimes to the point where Jakob required opium to numb the pain.
Thankfully, since arriving in Barcelona, he had not been pushed to that point. “And there is Cristóbal Columbo’s new world to discuss. The man himself may be gone, but Europe is still picking over his findings.”
“At the least, we will not have to wait much longer to find out. For now,” Percy stood, “we should go to the market and find a gift for the lady on her birthday.”
December 17, 1518
Though Avery waited in the still-furnished drawing room for Gustavo to arrive, her mind was fixed on Jakob. Yester eve’s supper with the two knights proved very entertaining, especially as Jakob made Percy regale her with amusing stories of his many female conquests since arriving in Barcelona.
The more the Englishman insisted he was an innocent recipient of the ladies’ attentions, the harder she laughed. Jakob goaded his companion until both were red-cheeked and breathless with glee. Avery had never seen Jakob so jovial and she wondered what prompted his unusually happy mood.
When the men arrived, Percy presented her with a bottle of a French white wine. Later, Jakob gave her his gift—a simple braided silver ring. He said it reminded him of the Norse puzzle rings of his home.
Avery stared out the window and spun the ring on her finger. It was neither large, nor expensive, but it was a piece of Jakob. Though he only had the one day to procure it, he still found something of himself for the gift. She was deeply moved by his choice, and was glad that her addition of Percy to the invitation stopped her from expressing her gratitude in a physical manner.
The Englishman’s presence also forestalled any discussion of her unexplained illnesses. Once she voided her body of whatever disrupted it and slept for half the day, she was back to feeling strong once more.
Except for the suspicion that Esteban might be trying to do her harm, of course.
This morning Avery went t
o the kitchen to speak with Georgette and Ana herself. Avery found the cook and her assistant mortified that her food may have been tampered with, and assured Avery that they would personally prepare and deliver all of her meals in the future.
“Sir Hansen made us swear on our crosses,” Ana said.
Jakob.
Just thinking of him flooded her frame with a wash of warm desire. It was becoming very clear to Avery that she must decide what to do with her life before the Order finished its business and Jakob left Spain—and her—forever.
And the crux of that decision rested on the trade ships.
As if summoned by that very thought, Esteban led Gustavo into the drawing room. Gustavo took her hands and gave a little bow.
“Lady Avery, it is always a pleasure to enter your presence, and a sorrow to leave it.”
Her gaze flicked to the rolled leather pouch tucked under one arm, but she dragged her eyes back to meet Señor Salazar’s, forcing herself to be patient.
“And you brighten my day, as always, Gustavo.” She kissed his cheek. “Would you care for refreshment?”
“Yes, thank you. Something light.”
Avery looked past Gustavo to Esteban. “Will you see to it?”
Esteban gave an irritated nod and left the room. He did not close the door behind him.
“Come to the table,” Avery urged, deciding to ignore the open door. “We can take a look at the contract while we wait.”
Gustavo complied, unrolling the packet which held the contract. “I am curious as to what you are looking for.”
There was no reason to hide her intent. “The original cost of the ships.”
“Ah, yes.” Gustavo leaned over the document. “Here it is.”
As Avery stared at the figure, she felt the blood drain from her cheeks.
“Your refreshments, my lady.” Esteban strode into the room with a pitcher of cooled tea and a bowl of olives. “Ana will bring the rest momentarily.”
Avery faced the majordomo, forcing her expression to be deceptively unconcerned. “Thank you.”
Esteban crossed directly to the table where the contract was displayed. He set the tea and olives beside it.
Avery watched his eyes as they moved over the document. They widened briefly before he covered his surprise. Obviously, he recognized what he was looking at.
“That will be all, Esteban.”
The man’s gaze met hers over a clenched jaw. He hesitated a moment, then left her presence without observing any of the expected courtesies.
Gustavo’s brow lowered. “His behavior is unacceptable, Averia.”
Avery tried not to allow her irritation with both men color her tone. “I must keep him close, Gustavo. I cannot risk him redeeming the ships out from under me.”
“Under us.” Gustavo’s expression eased. “Of course, you are correct. I was not thinking.”
Avery formed what she hoped was a smile, all the while wondering how soon she might be able to send a message to Jakob.
December 18, 1518
Avery was not surprised when Jakob was announced; she had desperately hoped he would come to her straight away after reading her message. When he entered the drawing room, his large familiar frame and slight limp made her feel safe.
He held out a note of his own as he approached her. “Maria asked me to deliver this.”
“What is it?”
“The names of two additional agents who might give you bids on your household goods.” Jakob stopped in front of her. “How are you feeling today, Avery?”
She looked up into his soothing blue eyes. “I have recovered physically. But I have not been better in my mind and emotions.”
Jakob slipped his hand around the back of her neck and the warmth of his palm tingled down her spine. He kissed her forehead.
“We shall solve this situation,” he whispered.
Avery’s knees felt wobbly of a sudden and she sank to the couch cushion. “Tell me how. I really do need to know.”
Jakob sat beside her, his body turned toward hers. “The amount due on the ships has been lowered to one hundred and fifty thousand maravedis, each.”
That was odd. “How do you know this?”
“Percy made another visit to the shipbuilder, acting as the duke, to determine whether there were any additional enquiries.”
Her heart tripped. “And were there? Other than Gustavo, of course.”
A puzzling shadow passed over Jakob’s brow. “No.”
Avery sighed her relief. “At the least the price will not go higher. But I am surprised that he lowered it, considering that two men are interested.”
Jakob stood and crossed to the sideboard. “Did Georgette or Ana deliver the ale?”
“Yes. And Ana said she took it from the cask herself.”
Jakob nodded and poured himself a glass. “Would you care for some?”
“No, thank you.” Avery bit her lower lip, pondering Jakob’s discovery. “The amount due is still substantial. Three hundred thousand maravedis is thirty-six thousand pounds.”
Jakob returned to her side, stein in hand. “May I give you my opinion?”
She smiled softly. “Of course, Jakob. You are the only person in Spain whom I trust to give me sound counsel.”
He set the mug on the low table. “If I were in your position, I would try and find some way to pay one half of the total. Then I would solicit two or three investors to pay the other half.”
“So I retain control over the ships and receive half of the revenue.” That made sense.
Jakob met her gaze. “How much cash do you have to hand?”
Avery felt her cheeks warming. “About six thousand pounds. That is the entire extent of the ‘fortune’ that Paolo and Esteban have left me.”
“And how much can you raise with the sale of the furnishings and the savings in salaries?”
“Seven thousand pounds.” She lifted one shoulder, and held up the note still in her hand. “Unless one of these men offers more.”
Jakob nodded. “You will need to keep some in reserve to run your household, but I believe you can safely invest nine thousand pounds at that point.”
His suggestion was safe and sensible. “I believe I can manage that.”
“Next, you must write to Catherine and ask her to loan you the other nine thousand pounds, which will pay the balance due for one ship.”
Avery’s shoulders fell. “Considering her state of mind, I would hate to do that.”
Jakob took her hand. “She loves you, Avery, and will loan you the money without question, you know this. And you should be able to pay her back with the first sailings.”
She stared at her hand lying in his grip and the vision secured her unsteady emotions. “Is there no other way?”
“Not that I can discern.”
Avery nodded, resolved to her situation. “I shall write to her today.”
“When the money arrives, you should take Señores Garcia and Montenegro with you to the shipbuilder. They must write up a new contract, listing you as one-half owner of the pair of ships.”
“To protect my investment, of course. Then Gustavo might invest the other half.” She frowned. “Would Esteban have an opportunity to intervene?”
“Only if he raised the thirty-six thousand pounds before you hear from Catherine.” Jakob flashed a derisive expression. “I do not foresee that happening.”
“But it could.” Avery tapped her chin. “I shall need to divert his attentions.”
Jakob sipped his ale, and then asked, “How well do you trust Maria?”
“With my life,” Avery stated without hesitating. “Why?”
“Using the servants as a way to spread rumors can be very effective.” Jakob leaned forward. “Suppose Maria let it be known that you hoped to redeem the ships, but have no resources at hand.”
As embarrassing as the suggestion was, such knowledge would ease Esteban’s immediate concerns and buy her the time she needed. “Is there a chance th
at their employers might hear of this?”
“While there is always that chance, I do doubt it. They would have to be asked directly before speaking of it.”
Avery’s expression grew firmly resolute. “Then I suppose this is the wise solution.”
“I will speak with Maria when I return to the palazzo.” Jakob took another gulp from his stein before adding, “There is one other consideration.”
“Yes?”
“Señor Salazar.”
Avery stiffened. “What about him?”
“How much does he plan to invest?”
She briefly glanced away from Jakob’s intense gaze before she answered. “He has not mentioned a figure.”
Surprisingly, Jakob appeared to expect that answer. “I do not believe you should discuss the specifics of the ships’ finances with him until you have made the payment and procured a new contract.”
“Because you do not trust him.” Avery narrowed her eyes. “Is that because you are jealous?”
Instead of bristling as she expected, Jakob took her jaw between his strong fingers and kissed her. His lips were warm, his tongue teasing. Avery closed her eyes and relished the unanticipated moment.
The realization of how much she missed any sort of physical intimacy with this man skittered through her frame the way a fuse sizzles toward a rocket; the explosion of emotion which followed nearly dropped her to the ground
When the kiss ended and she opened her eyes, he was staring at her with an intensity that seared her to the bone. “I have no reason to be jealous, Avery.”
He words startled her. “Are you that uncaring?”
Jakob chuckled. “Not at all, my love. I am that confident.”
This time, she kissed him.
*****
December 19, 1518
Dearest friend ~
The news of your loss has cut me to the heart. I, too, wish that I could be at your side, to offer what scant comfort I might at the loss of the babe, and to hold you up under the burden of your husband’s infidelity. I shall continue to pray my rosary for you daily and without ceasing. May it be that God will see your pain, and intervene on your behalf.
