by Kris Tualla
Jakob could not help asking, “Have you not eaten today?”
Avery blushed. “Not since breaking my fast. I had a rather busy day.”
“Please eat.” Jakob chuckled. “We can talk when your belly no longer interrupts.”
Avery’s blush deepened, but she lifted her spoon and made quick work of the soup. The next courses followed, served at a nearly silent table. Though Jakob made a few attempts at starting light conversation, he gave up when Avery gave no more that single word answers or non-committal shrugs.
He did notice that her hands shook a bit.
When she set her implements down beside her nearly cleaned plate, he pushed his own plate aside. He refilled her glass, and his own, before making another attempt at conversation.
“Are you ready to tell me what occupied your day?”
Avery grasped the goblet and swallowed a draught before answering him. “Yes.”
Jakob casually leaned back in his chair. “I am quite curious, I must admit. I have seldom seen you in such a state.”
“That is because I made some decisions this morning, after you left.” She lifted her glass in a toast to herself. “And then, I made everything happen.”
Jakob tried not to let his consternation show. “What did you make happen, Avery?”
She gave him a satisfied look. “I redeemed the ships. Both of them.”
Jakob straightened. “Did you receive funds from Catherine?”
Avery shook her head. “No. Not yet.”
“Then how?”
Avery sucked a breath as if to bolster her courage against any dissent. “I traded the deed for Paolo’s palazzo for both finished ships.”
Jakob’s jaw fell slack.
“I had Paolo’s lawyer, Señor Garcia, draw up the contract before I visited Señor Peña—”
“Who?”
“The shipbuilder.”
Jakob nodded and motioned for her to continue.
Avery shot him an irritated look before doing so. “I introduced myself, explained that Esteban had forged the contracts and stolen the money.”
“I assume he had no idea?”
“None.” One side of Avery’s mouth lifted. “And when I mentioned the discounted price, he became truly worried.”
Jakob snorted. “I wager he did.”
“So when I offered the deed to the palazzo, he was more than happy to accept.”
“Does Esteban know?”
Avery lifted her wine goblet with an impish grin. “Not yet.”
Jakob laughed. “I would pay to see that conversation.”
“I won’t charge you.” Avery sipped her wine, still grinning. “But there is more to tell.”
Jakob folded his arms. “I am already very impressed by your decision, Avery. That took quite a bit of courage.”
“Thank you. And, yes it did. However—” She pointed her glass at him. “It left me with two new situations to contend with. The first being, I know absolutely nothing about running a trade business.”
The solution smacked Jakob solidly in the chest. “But Señor Salazar does.”
“He does. And when I declined his marriage proposal, and offered him a strictly business partnership, he eventually accepted.” She held up a quelling hand. “And before you ask, I will receive a two-thirds percentage of the profits until the three hundred thousand maravedis are repaid to me.”
Jakob was impressed once more. “And then, I assume, the partnership becomes equitable.”
Avery nodded. “Essentially, yes. And he is required to show his logs to my accountant and deposit the funds every quarter into my bank here in Barcelona.”
Her expression brightened and she wagged a finger in the air. “Oh—and I used a portion of the money I saved to pay off all of the smaller debts. The remainder, plus the money from Catherine, will be used to hire a crew and purchase the first shipment to be sold.”
Jakob stared at Avery, stunned by her keen business acumen. “When did you figure all of these things out?”
She blushed again and her demeanor sobered. Her gaze dropped to her unfinished food. “After you announced that you were leaving Spain.”
“This morning.”
“Yes.”
*****
Avery lifted her gaze back to Jakob’s. What she saw in his expression could only be called esteemed awe. “I assume you approve thus far?” she ventured.
“Approve?” Jakob chuffed. “I know very few men who could have thought this through so quickly.” He leaned closer. “You continue to amaze me, Avery. Every day.”
Avery realized he was going to kiss her. She leaned forward as well, and their mouths met over the scattered debris of their supper. Only one piece of the puzzle remained—and it was the most harrowing.
With a sigh, she broke away from their wine-flavored kiss and looked into Jakob’s beautiful blue eyes. “I said there were two situations to contend with.”
“Yes. You no longer have a home.” Jakob’s expression was unreadable. “Will you return to Catherine’s court in England, then?”
Here it was, the pivotal moment. Avery took another fortifying gulp of her wine.
“I might. But that depends on the answer to my next question.”
Jakob’s eyes narrowed. “What question, Avery?”
She reached for one of his large hands, finding it warm and heavy. Her pulse roared in her ears and her chest was tight. She looked into his eyes, surprised to find unashamed encouragement there.
He knew what she was going to ask him.
She began to cry, sudden sobs making it hard for her to speak.
Jakob squeezed her hand. “Go on, my love.”
His countenance was blurry through her tears. “Why are you making me ask?” she croaked.
“Because I only ask once.” He grinned. “Now, it is your turn.”
Avery punched his arm with her free hand. “Are you going to marry me, Jakob Hansen, or not?”
He laughed. “Ask me nicely.”
Avery glared at him. “Jakob Petter Hansen, would you do me the honor of becoming my husband?” she ground out.
Jakob rose to his feet and pulled her to hers. Then he laid one hand on each of her wet cheeks and tilted her face up to his.
“Lady Averia Galaviz de Mendoza, I did not believe you would ever ask me.”
She still needed his answer. “Is that a yes?”
Jakob looked at her as if she was a spectre from a dream, now come to life. “Yes, Avery. I will marry you. And I will be very glad to do so.”
Then he kissed her for so long, and so well, that Avery nearly forgot how to breathe.
February 26, 1519
Avery climbed into her bed after the third bell of the morning was long past. She and Jakob had talked, kissed, and touched for hours, until she must either fall asleep in his arms, or return to her own bed. Truthfully, if she did not have Esteban to confront, she might have stayed the night with her future husband, all convention thrown aside.
“Dress me well, Zurina,” she said. “I have important business once again.”
“Yes, my lady.” Zurina tied Avery’s underskirts over her panier.
Avery caught the maid’s expression in the silvered glass. “Do not worry, Zurina. All will be well.”
The woman did not appear to be convinced. “As you say, my lady.”
Once suitably attired and coiffed, Avery collected yesterday’s signed contracts. “Please ask Esteban to join me in the small drawing room immediately. And then inform the rest of the staff that I wish to see them there one half of an hour later.”
“Of course.” Zurina dipped a small curtsy and went to do as asked.
Jacinda stepped into the doorway. “Sir Hansen has arrived, my lady.”
“Thank you, Jacinda.” Just the mention of his name made Avery’s heart stutter with joy. “Please have him join me in the small drawing room.”
Once she was alone, Avery took a moment to recheck her appearance and review how she pla
nned to present her news to her staff. She had managed to do the best for them that she could. All but one of them, of course.
Satisfied that she was fully prepared, Avery walked past the remnants of her breakfast and out of her chambers, anticipation over her interview with Esteban lightening her step. She could not wait to see his face when she told him what she had done.
And then she would swiftly send him packing.
When she entered the drawing room, Jakob turned toward her and smiled the biggest smile she had ever witnessed on the stoic Nordic knight. She grinned so widely in return, that her cheeks hurt.
He held out a hand. “Are you real, Avery? Or do I imagine such beauty?”
“Sir Hansen, you are a shameless seducer of women.” Avery took his hand. She allowed him to pull her close and gave him a comparatively chaste kiss.
“Woman,” he corrected, looking down into her eyes. “Only one has truly claimed my heart.”
Avery stepped away and handed Jakob the contracts. “We should be prepared for Esteban. Remember, I will inform him of what has transpired.”
“And I am here as your witness and protector.” Jakob gave a small bow. “It is my great honor, my love.”
Avery wagged a warning finger. “None of that language. Not yet.”
Footsteps on the tiles outside heralded Esteban’s arrival. When he saw that Jakob was present, his expression darkened.
“You wished to see me?” He did not acknowledge the knight’s presence.
“Yes, Esteban. I have some important news to tell you.” Avery waved at a chair. “You might want to sit down.”
“I prefer to stand.”
“As you wish.” Avery sat in the largest chair. Jakob stood several feet to her right, his gaze pinned on the majordomo.
Avery lifted her chin, relishing the moment. “The first thing I need to tell you, is that I no longer own this palazzo.”
A flicker of surprise moved over Esteban’s brow. “You have sold the house? To whom?”
“Not sold exactly. Traded.” Without moving her eyes from Esteban, Avery extended her right arm, and Jakob handed her the ship builder’s contract.
She handed it off to the majordomo. “I believe you are quite well acquainted with Señor Juan-Pablo Peña, are you not?”
Esteban paled and reached for the contract. “What have you done?”
Avery pointed at the document. “It is all there. I simply traded the palazzo for the two trade ships, which my husband’s money has funded.”
Esteban glared at her. “This is not legal. Paolo died, leaving me the sole owner.”
Avery lifted one brow “So, you admit what you have done?”
“We invested together,” Esteban declared.
“Is that so?” Avery glanced at Jakob; the Norseman was clearly enjoying the fraught scene. “And how much of the money was yours, Esteban?”
“My contribution was managerial. I was to operate the trade business.” He jabbed a finger in her direction. “I have a contract, as well!”
“Yes, I know.” Avery waved a dismissive hand. “I also know how far short you fell in completing the payment. Were you not aware that Señor Peña was trying to find buyers for the ships?”
Esteban’s expression shifted to one of disdain. “Of course. That is why I am soliciting investors.”
“Such as Thomas Windsor, the Welsh duke?”
The majordomo was clearly not expecting that. “A—among others.”
Avery looked at Jakob. “Tell him.”
“With pleasure, my lady.” Jakob’s glee was barely contained. “Thomas Windsor, the Welsh duke, is in actuality Sir Percival Bethington, knight of King Henry the Eighth, his representative at the Order of the Golden Fleece, and my traveling companion and housemate.”
Esteban’s gaze bounced between the two. “Why did he—”
Avery enjoyed watching the man squirm. “Because once I discovered what you had done, I needed someone to adequately discern the situation. What better ruse than an interested buyer?”
The majordomo’s face flushed alarmingly. “You will not succeed at this. Señor Garcia will put a stop to this.”
Avery pointed at the contract. “Señor Garcia wrote that contract, accompanied me yesterday when I visited Señor Peña, and witnessed the legal signatures. I am afraid I have already succeeded.”
“Those ships are mine!” he shouted.
Avery leapt to her feet, finally free to express her fury. “You paid for them with my husband’s money! And once Señor Peña was informed that you were only the majordomo, and had embezzled the money from your ill employer, he was quite happy to make this trade.”
Esteban blanched, silent for the moment and shaking visibly.
“Not only that,” Avery pointed at the contract, “but he plans to lease this house and will keep the staff employed for now.”
Avery thought Esteban seemed relieved, and she enjoyed the moment before delivering the final blow. “All except for one member, of course.”
Esteban’s eyes fell to the document and began frantically scanning it.
Avery saved him the trouble. “It seems he does not wish to have a thief in his employ.”
Esteban threw the contract on the ground and stepped toward her. Jakob was between them in a blink.
“Step back.” His threatening tone left no doubt that he would use force if necessary.
The majordomo hesitated, sneering up at the knight before conceding.
“You have one hour to pack your belongings and leave this house.” Avery nodded toward Jakob. “Sir Hansen will assist you.”
“I do not require assistance,” Esteban growled.
Avery shrugged. “Truly there is not much left to steal. But even so, Sir Hansen will assure that nothing of mine accidently ends up in your trunks.”
Esteban spat on the carpet.
Jakob smashed his fist deep into the man’s belly.
Esteban dropped to his knees and doubled over, gasping for breath.
Jakob squatted beside the wheezing man. “Do not show such disrespect again.”
He stood, grabbed the back of Esteban’s tunic, and yanked him upright. “You now have fifty-eight minutes.”
Jakob gave Avery an encouraging glance, and shoved the former servant toward the door. She picked up the contract and followed.
The six remaining servants waited outside, staring in shock as Jakob manhandled their superior out of their sight. They turned as one to face Avery, wide-eyed and concerned.
“Please come in.” Avery returned to her chair, but this time she remained standing. Once the six stood in a semi-circle in front of her, she smiled reassuringly.
“This is what has transpired: Esteban stole hundreds of thousands of maravedis from Paolo Mendoza and forged his signature on a contract, making himself a full partner in the building of two trade ships. However, Paolo died before the ships were completely paid for.”
Unsettled glances bounced among the servants.
For simplicity’s sake Avery intentionally shortened her story. “Once I discovered this, I met with the shipbuilder, explained the situation, and offered him the deed to this palazzo in exchange for the ships. He agreed.”
Someone groaned softly. The cook’s assistant Ana began to cry.
Avery held up a hand. “You are not being released. He intends to lease the house, with a staff in place.”
“So we may stay?” Antonio asked.
“You may.” Avery grinned and tipped her head toward the door. “All but one of you, of course.”
Maribel the laundress snickered. “I never did like him.”
Avery looked at her lady’s maid. “Zurina, because it is likely that anyone who leases this property will have their own lady’s maid, I would like you to assume Esteban’s position for now.”
The woman was clearly surprised—and pleased. “Thank you, my lady. But, if I may ask…”
“Where am I going?” Avery’s pensive gaze moved to the door. �
��I do not know where, Zurina. I only know with whom.”
Chapter Twenty
Jakob laid two necklaces and a pair of earrings on the table. “Are these yours?”
“This necklace is not.” Avery fingered the fresh-water pearls. “But considering all that Esteban took from me, I have no qualms about taking this from him.”
Jakob kissed her forehead. “He is waiting outside the gate. I shall inform him that he is free to go. And, I shall instruct Antonio to secure a locksmith and have the gate lock changed today.”
“Thank you, Jakob. I appreciate your help.”
Avery watched his back as he left, wondering when and where they would marry. Preferably here, in Barcelona, before beginning their journey.
“The banns must be posted for three weeks,” Jakob pointed out when she broached the subject over their midday meal. “We could not be married before that.”
She set her spoon down. “Are you worried about your father dying before you arrive?”
Jakob shook his head. “If God wants my father to talk to me, He will not take him beforehand. Either that, or he has already passed, in which case three weeks will not make a difference.”
“I am glad to hear you say that, because I would hate to send you off before me.”
Jakob gave her a puzzled look. “Why would you remain behind?”
“The money from Catherine. I need to be here to accept it and pay Gustavo.”
Jakob took a considering sip of ale. “Then this is what I believe we shall do…” He raised one finger. “Visit the priest today and have the banns posted.”
A second finger joined the first. “We shall set our wedding for three weeks from today.”
A third finger rose. “And, we will begin our travels two days later. The Order will certainly have adjourned by then, if what I have been told proves true.”
“And the money?”
Jakob took hold of her hand. “If the money has not arrived from Catherine by then, it is likely not coming.”
Sadly, Avery had to agree. “I must give Gustavo all the money I have left, so he can pay for the crew and merchandise.”
