Free Lucy Lane and the Lieutenant by Helen Dickson Page B

her.
    It was disturbing. Did he feel the same? Did he feel anything for her at all? She held her breath, hoping his arm might snake around her waist and draw her to him, that he would say he was sorry for hurting her, that there would be forgiveness and things could go back to the way they were before.
    But he made no move to touch her in any intimate way. And why should he? she asked herself reproachfully. She had, after all, laid down ground rules. And after sending him away without a by your leave four years ago, the thought must be anathema to him.
    And then the lessons were over and it was almost time for them to leave for Portugal.
    ‘When do we leave?’ she asked.
    ‘I’ll let you know.’
    ‘I’ll be ready.’
    * * *
    From her bed where Sarah had tucked her in, reclining on a mountain of pillows, Dora glanced up from her book as her niece, still dressed in her breeches, came in and padded in her stocking feet to the fire. Dora watched anxiously as she collapsed into a chair and rested her feet on the fender. There was a troubled, faraway look in Lucy’s eyes. It had been there for days now.
    ‘Are you all right, Lucy dear?’
    Lucy was staring into the depths of the fire as though her very life depended upon it. She was caught up in her meditation and Aunt Dora’s voice brought her back to the present with a start. ‘I’m sorry. I’m just tired, that’s all.’ She sighed, settling herself against the cushions and suppressing a yawn with the back of her hand. ‘It’s been a long day.’
    ‘You look thoughtful.’
    ‘I was thinking of Portugal. I feel a great deal of uncertainty, I must confess.’
    ‘Ah, yes, but you may find it interesting.’
    ‘I believe I will.’
    ‘Does it worry you—going to a foreign country?’
    ‘Yes, it does—with the war and everything. I suppose it will be strange at first. I shall have to have my wits about me at all times.’
    ‘At least if you encounter any French soldiers you will have no difficulty with the language. You’ll be glad I taught you. You’re very brave to be doing this.’
    ‘Brave? Me? It’s a nice thought, but I haven’t seen it like that. I’m simply doing what Nathan has asked me to do—whatever that may be. I’ll soon be back in England and safe—and richer by five thousand pounds.’
    ‘It’s a great deal of money.’
    ‘Yes. I think we might buy a bigger house.’
    Dora laughed. ‘I am perfectly happy here.’ Her expression became serious. ‘Just come home safe, Lucy. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you. What is Nathan doing out there? Has he told you?’
    ‘He’s involved in matters of a sensitive nature. He hasn’t told me much, only that we’re to rescue a woman and her child who are being held captive in the mountains. He has told me there will be dangers. I’m sure he knows what he’s doing.’
    Dora gave her a thoughtful look. ‘I really do hope so. Is everything all right between you and Nathan, Lucy?’
    Lucy was about to answer in the affirmative, but the words would not come. In any case she never could hide her feelings from her aunt. ‘Not really.’
    ‘Do you want to tell me?’
    ‘I’m not sure I can. I’m not sure I even know myself.’
    ‘Oh dear. That bad?’
    ‘Yes. It feels so strange being with him again with all that is between us.’
    ‘Is it possible that you were mistaken in him—and Katherine?’ Dora asked tentatively.
    Lucy shook her head. ‘The evidence at the time was quite damning.’
    ‘Which I thought very strange. Katherine was always so charming, so friendly with us all.’
    ‘Precisely,’ Lucy agreed. ‘I felt so lost and bewildered at the time, but I know what I saw—heard the rumours—and for a while, before we parted, there was a coldness about him when we were together. There was no mistake.’
    Resting her head on the back of the chair, she closed her eyes. There had always been an element of doubt in Aunt Dora’s mind. She never believed that