Section I, Next Section
Chapter One ~ Disappearance Posted on Sunday, 1 August 1999
Author's Note: This isn't going to be a long one -- it is a sequel to my previous story "The Captain and The Rock Star". If you haven't read "The Captain and The Rock Star", you probably won't understand the history amongst the characters here. So here is a shameless plug for that story and hope you enjoy Alexa and Jonathon's latest adventure! Cassie M
Alexa Matthews looked into the full-length mirror with narrowed eyes. Her would be brother-in-law, Ben Wentworth, was reflected there alongside her, his expression as dark as her own.
"What do you mean, he's lost?" She asked grimly.
"That's all I know right now. The Center says a black box came from the craft Jonathon was operating and that the last few minutes were indicative of a crash. I have some audio snippets we can listen to."
Deftly, Alexa hopped off the stool she was perched on, ignoring the protests of the seamstress who was trying to make last minute adjustments to her wedding dress. It was a year after Jonathon had rescued her from a failed attempt at time travel. A year ago she had stolen a craft from the Center for Time Exploration, and landed in the middle of Regency England. She had muddled her way through life there until Jonathon had come and rescued her. And now, a week before their wedding, she was listening to his brother say he was living the same trouble all over again.
Jonathon's work as a civilian attaché for the United Nations was precarious enough without the frequent trips around the time span. But the UN and the Center were continually embroiled in a political struggle for control over the technology, and Jonathon's expertise was increasingly in demand as more people tried to escape the difficulties of their lives by disappearing into the past. Jonathon's successful capture of delinquent time travelers was unmatched and more and more he was asked to take on these secret missions. Alexa, being barred from all such activities, was often left at home to wonder and worry.
Hitching up the mounds of silk and lace that trailed and tangled on her legs, Alexa led Ben to the private recording studio on her estate. While in the beginning, Alexa had relished the notoriety of her escapade and the resulting fame and wealth it brought, she was increasingly aware that her public life was overcrowding her private one. Now her mansion, and the ability to record her music within it, was a protection against an avaricious and insatiably curious audience.
"What is the Center doing about getting Jon back?" She asked as they wended their way to the studio.
"Not a thing, now. Apparently, they've tried to send a couple of their nitwits to rescue Jon and gotten tangled up in the times. Made mush out of each attempt." Ben was a little out of breath by the time they entered the studio.
Expertly, Alexa took the audio disk from him and began to play it. She shut her eyes in fearful remembrance as the disk began to play collision alerts and various beeps and buzzers. Interposed between each clang and click was Jonathon's tense voice, calling a mayday to the Center and struggling to identify his crash site. Her entire body felt frozen as the recording faded abruptly into sizzling static. Ben reached over to turn it off, throwing them into sudden silence. He laid a gentle hand on her cheek, wiping away the tears that unknowingly coursed there.
"He has to be okay, Ben," Alexa whispered. "He has to."
"I think he is. The Center reports that they didn't find any indication that he was injured or dead. They think he crashed right where he was supposed to land and is carrying out his mission. And probably waiting for a ride home."
Alexa sniffed, comforted by Ben's words but hardly convinced. "It would be just like Jonathon to go on without waiting for the rescue party to arrive. But you said the Center wasn't doing anything."
"They've bungled enough of the timeline to erase a couple of families off the timeline. Apparently one of their operatives got a girl pregnant and well…" Ben shrugged and gave a rather rakish grin.
"Don't smile like that," Alexa retorted. "Poor girl…her life is ruined."
"Actually, no…he brought her back here and married her. Other than a bit of culture shock, she seems to be adjusting. Seems she rather likes this automated life than that of a scullery maid. In any case, they've been ordered to cease and desist until a properly trained substitute can be found. That's where we come in." Seeing he had her attention, Ben leaned forward and continued. "It seems that Jonathon's landed in 1811."
Alexa's jaw dropped open. "But that's only three years before I got stuck…"
"That's right," Ben grinned. "That makes you the resident expert on Regency culture and behavior."
Her head swam with the possibilities. "No way they're letting me near the Center again. They've got that permanent injunction against me."
Ben leaned back, "As your lawyer I have to tell you that nothing is permanent. In fact, the United Nations has asked me, unofficially of course, to challenge the injunction."
"What for?"
"To send you to look for Jon."
Alexa couldn't have been more stunned. "Would they really let me?"
"There's a good chance. They need someone who has lived in that time and not messed it up. You are the only person who fits that description. There really isn't any time to waste. The longer Jon stays over there, the greater the chance for disruption."
"I'm surprised they're willing to trust me."
"Well, they'd be sending a special agent with you. Just in case…"
"Just in case I mess up again, right?" Alexa said with grim humor. "When do I get to go?"
"First we gotta see the judge tomorrow and get a ruling. Then, we plan." Ben took a small piece of lace between his fingers. "You're going to make a beautiful bride, Alexa. And we're going to make sure the groom makes it to the church on time."
Later that night, as Alexa lay sleepless on her very empty bed, she began to wonder if Jonathon was deliberately staying away. They had argued terribly before he left. He hated all the wedding preparations that left her frazzled and petrified. A crowd of reporters and paparazzi had pushed Sammi, her manager, into getting them into the wedding. Jonathon, who had never envisioned anything beyond friends and family, was disgusted by the crass commercialism of their wedding.
"You don't know half the people on the guest list, Alexa!" He had hollered.
"I do know them…they're in the business." Alexa had defended weakly.
"And what about this?" He pointed to a cordoned off area on the floor plans. "A press section? What do we need that for? Are you going to be giving interviews between I do's? Haven't you had enough of the flashbulbs and questions and attention yet?"
"Of course I have, you know that!" Alexa was annoyed by the suggestion. She had spent nearly a month arguing with Sammi over the arrangement. She had wanted a small wedding as well with Jonathon's large family and her few friends in attendance. But Sammi had reminded her that everything she did was now front page news -- and what was dubbed the most romantic wedding of the century was a cream of all scoops.
"Alexa, if you don't give in to select members of the press, you're going to have helicopters and night vision goggles and lord knows what other equipment circling the church. Try saying, "I do," over the sound of a propeller and see how private and how romantic that is. Trust me. We pick the best of the news hounds and make them promise to leave you alone during the honeymoon. This little nibble will keep the wolves at bay."
In the end, Alexa had agreed. But Jonathon was furious with her concession and adamant in his belief that subconsciously Alexa wanted the press to be present at every function. He had slammed out of the house in a fury and left for his mission. And she hadn't had a chance to patch things up before hearing of his disappearance.
It's a good thing we're making this official, Alexa thought as she contemplated the upcoming court appearance. If this is how he's planning to wiggle out of marrying me, he's got a lesson coming to him. And I plan to give it to him.
The headline declaring Alexa's nuptials a bust hit the newsstands the very next morning. Beautiful Rock Star Fights To Keep Her Man blared across the front page of even the more respectable of publications. Alexa fought to keep her countenance, as the press attention became even more oppressive. There was no where she could go without a microphone pressed against her face and a question shouted above the ever increasing din of the crowds around her. Her stoic silence over the matter only encouraged the snide innuendoes that Jonathon had meant to leave her and that the pending court appearance was merely a publicity stunt. Even Ben was besieged by reporters and gossipmongers, so much so that he sent his family away to give them some privacy and he moved into the mansion.
Finally the day came for them to present their case. Alexa smiled warily at the judge sitting before her. It was the same man who had given her the benefit of the doubt the first time around -- with the proviso that she never repeat her adventure again. And here she was, ready to ask him permission to do just that. He had a look on his face at the sight of her that made Ben nervous -- like he was exasperated at the sight of her but not altogether surprised.
"I thought I said I never wanted to see you in my courtroom again!" He nearly bellowed at Alexa. "Let me guess. You want to do a concert series in Ho Chi Minh during the Vietnam War Era?"
"No your honor," Alexa said softly. "My fiancée is missing and I want to go find him."
"Why me?" The judge muttered. He read through the appeal Ben had filed and raised his eyebrows. "You have the agreement of the UN?"
"Yes your honor," Ben replied. "This is at their unofficial request. My client is uniquely qualified to find him."
"You client is uniquely talented in disappearing where…and when…she doesn't belong." He slanted a narrow eyed look at Alexa. "What makes you think I am going to let you do this? What motivation could I possibly have to let you do this?"
"I just want to bring my fiancé home." Alexa replied. "We're supposed to be married in less than a week."
"That's not what the papers have been saying."
Alexa felt her face flush with mortification and all around her pictures were snapped. "I know what the papers are saying…and what they aren't. But I also know that my Jonathon wouldn't turn tail and run. If he was leaving me, I'd be the first to know."
"How do I know you didn't prearrange this with him?" The Judge said again. "I imagine all this press attention must be tiring. Why not skip away to a time when none of it could take place?"
"Because a wedding is just as much for our families as it is for ourselves. Sir, I have a house, a career, friends and family. My life is one hundred percent different from where it was last year. I want to stay here. And both of us wanted to share our moment with those we loved. If Jonathon wasn't missing…I wouldn't have any desire to go near the Center."
"HAH!" The judge replied.
Alexa turned a brave face to the judge, aware of the murmurs and rumors beginning to form behind her. "I am aware of what the scandal sheets are saying. But I have no reason to believe that my Jonathon is doing anything other than trying to get back to me. There are a great many people who love a tragedy and would like nothing more than to see us split up. But I'm afraid I plan on disappointing them yet again." Alexa mustered the mischievous grin that had graced her last album cover. "And if he tries to tell me any differently when I find him, I will beat him black and blue." She heard the appreciative laughter behind her and knew Jonathon and her status as one of the world's most romantic celebrity couples was set for at least another year. She gave an inward sigh at the thought of the attention it would give her and how that would grate on Jonathon's nerves.
The judge gave her an understanding grin. "I suppose that means you expect me to suspend the injunction against you, Miss Matthews. Despite my misgivings, you do seem uniquely qualified and terribly determined. The lack of rebuttal from the Center makes it quite clear that they have no strong objections. As long as the UN sends a trained agent with you, I have at least some hope that this will work out." He waved away the agitated protests of the Center's lawyer. "Besides, neither my daughter nor my wife would ever speak to me again if I denied your request."
Chapter Two ~ Introduction
If Alexa had counted on Sammi's support, she was dead wrong.
"Why the hell do you have to go tearing off to get him?" Sammi complained. "He got himself stuck, he can get himself unstuck. Let the UN agent go alone. That's what they're trained for, isn't it?"
"I am going to pretend I never heard you say that," Alexa ground out furiously as she packed. "Despite what you think, Jonathon needs my help. And I will not abandon my husband."
"He's not your husband yet. And don't pretend I don't know about half the fights you two have been having lately."
"We fight. Sure we do. But that doesn't mean we give up on each other or walk away when it gets too tough. If you had ever looked past your nose long enough to fall in love yourself, you might have a clue what I mean."
Sammi actually looked stunned and hurt by the accusation. "I beg your pardon." She said stiffly. "I was trying to keep you safe. Not hurt Jonathon."
Alexa looked at her friend and manager, seeing the pale cheeks and pinched expression with a measure of guilt. "Sammi, I have to go. It will kill me to sit here and wait. Even if it wasn't Jonathon who went missing, you know that I am the best person to get this done. The fact that it is Jonathon makes it all the more important that I go!"
Sammi grimaced to hide her emotional reaction as best she could. "Just don't go missing again. I haven't got any other clients."
Sammi's protective streak made a mockery of her cold words as she accompanied Alexa and Ben to the center. There was a small group of people standing inside an empty hanger, around a familiar craft that was to take her back to 1811. Alexa felt the apprehension build in her stomach, knowing the difficulties ahead of her better than anyone.
"Miss Matthews," A Center official said crisply, coming forward with an outstretched hand. He let them over to the rest of the men, who parted until a single man stood at the center. "Welcome. Let me introduce you to the agent who will be accompanying you. This is Agent Joaquin Henriquez."
"Jack," The man drawled with a slight accent, taking off his sunglasses to reveal deep brown eyes that sparkled as they raked up and down her tightly clad figure. His grin was white against his tanned skin
"Jack?" Alexa's eyes inadvertently widened at the sight of him. "Be nimble, Jack be quick?" She quipped nervously. He was dressed all in black, with pants and shirt that molded around a body that lived in the gym. His dark hair was wetted down and pulled back into a tight ponytail. He laughed at her, his eyes still moving up and down her body in assessment and obvious appreciation. "Excuse me," she said sarcastically. "My face is a little higher than that." His eyes glided back up and clashed with hers, revealing humor without a single apology.
"Ready to go?" He murmured instead. Alexa raised her eyebrows and nodded, turning her back on him to say good-bye to her friends.
"Oh my God," Sammi whispered into her ear. "Let me go instead of you, Alexa…Jonathon will thank me for it. Hell, I will name my first child after you -- even if it's a boy."
"I second Sammi," Ben whispered in her other ear. "Jonathon will kill me if I send you into the unknown with Mr. Hormones over there."
Alexa frowned at them both. "I can handle his hormones. All I care about is getting Jonathon home."
"Alexa…" Ben started. She stopped whatever he was about to say with a single look. "Don't tell Jon I knew about him." Ben jerked his head in Jack's direction. "Or I am a dead man. Patty will be a widow and my children will not have a father."
Alexa laughed and gave him a sisterly kiss on the cheek. "Don't be ridiculous, Ben. Patty's young and adorable. She'd remarry in no time."
Everyone was ushered out as Jack and Alexa climbed into the craft and fired up. She sat in the passenger seat silent, trying to control the fear that welled as the powerful machine started up. Jack handled the controls with ease and confidence…settling the clock to their chosen destination. The craft shuddered and lifted and with a soft explosion, everything around them dissolved. Alexa gritted her teeth as Ben and Sammi disappeared into the darkness they were hurtling through.
"What's the matter, babe," Jack said, his voice rumbling in his throat. "Don't trust my driving?"
"Post traumatic stress," Alexa said through her teeth. "Or so I'm told. And don't call me babe." The haze around them began to clear and before them was a large stone house surrounded by dense foliage. It was a beautiful house, old and majestic, but nothing compared to Kellynch Hall. "Where are we going?"
"Netherfield Hall," Jack said. "The last coordinates we got were here. I think your sweetheart has assumed Frederick Wentworth's identity again. It's smart if he did because the real Freddy is out to sea and can't have a problem with it."
Alexa wondered what the obstinate captain would have to say about the nickname Freddy. Somehow she doubted Captain Crabapple would like it. She watched him land the craft behind some high bushes, far from the house, where they would be well hidden. The craft powered down and grew silent.
"Now what?" She asked.
"Now we turned into two other people." He pointed a thumb at the cargo bay where a couple of changing rooms had been set up. It wasn't more than a corner covered by a curtain, but it was enough to get into the clothes Alexa had selected for them. She frowned at the corset, disgusted at the need to wear one again. Alexa shimmied out of her clothes, unable to resist peeking at the glossy panel overhead. His back was turned to her but she could see Jack as he changed his own clothes, unable to stop watching the intriguing bits of hard muscle and flesh that were revealed.
So that tan does go all the way down, she thought with a wicked grin. He gave a sudden glance up over his head and she had the uncomfortable thought that there must be a comparable glossy panel over his head. What am I doing? She berated herself, trying not to think of what Jack could see as she hurried into her muslin dress. I'm here to find Jonathon. Not ogle the help! "Who are we supposed to be?" She asked aloud, trying to distract him.
"I am keeping my name and I have a letter of introduction for a Mr. Bingley. I am going to be the son of a friend of his father's…or something like that. A Spanish merchant with a heavy purse." Alexa heard the clinking of coins and was glad for the money. It would make their investigation easier.
"Who am I supposed to be?" She asked as she struggled to tie the laces on her boots.
"My wife."
"What?" Alexa roared, pushing aside the curtain that separated them. "Why your wife?"
He suddenly grabbed her hand and pressed it against his cheek. "See? You're too fair to be my sister. This is the only way the two of us could travel without causing too much fuss." His skin was warm and dry against her fingers…and softer than she imagined his lifestyle would allow it to be. His hand was still twined around her wrist, sending tingles all the way down to her elbow. Quickly, she jerked her hand away and tucked it behind the folds of her dress.
He grinned again, too aware of the energy charging between them. "Are you ready? Let's get going." He picked up a suitcase with a spare change of clothes for them both. "We're like the wind, babe."
Whatever that was supposed to mean. Alexa thought and followed him out into the afternoon air.
Chapter Three ~ A Savage Society, Part 1
It was a long, muddy walk to the main house. A year of living comfortably had taken its toll on her as she huffed and puffed all the way up the dirt path. Jack hadn't even broken into a sweat and he was carrying their luggage. She was a mess by the time they got to the door.
"Your breasts glisten quite spectacularly in that dress. Thank you Jonathon for landing in the Regency era!"
"Shut up," she huffed as she looked around for a ledge to sit on. She settled for a low railway. "Now what?"
"Now I do some talking. Just play along."
However exasperating Jack could be, he was a great actor. With an exaggerated accent, he wormed his way into the house, asking for the housekeeper and the mistress with a combination of charm and good looks that turned all female heads his way. He smiled at them all in his turn and Alexa watched the poor girls blush and giggle at his attention. She barely controlled the urge to roll her eyes every time a new girl came into the foyer to ogle him.
Finally a heavyset woman came to them, "May I help you?" She introduced herself as Mrs. Hastings, the housekeeper. Alexa watched Jack try to the charm the woman and only succeed in annoying her. The Bingley family and their guests had left several months ago, well before Christmas, and Jack was disappointed. The news however, heartened Alexa.
"Mrs. Hastings," she said softly, appealing to the woman's motherly side. "Would it be possible to rest for a day in Netherfield. My husband and I have been traveling for so long and all we have is what is in that suitcase. We are well able to pay you for your hospitality if need be."
The woman flushed, "I wouldn't dream of asking any friend of the master's to pay. I am only sorry you missed the family."
The house was too ornate for Alexa's taste, but it was well furnished as befitted a wealthy family. Jack was looking doubtfully at the miniature furniture, reminding Alexa of how small these people actually were in comparison. Already Alexa felt like a giant in Liliput. Jack smiled at her in appreciation as they were quickly led to two bedrooms. Jack looked disappointed at the separate chambers, so much so that Alexa chuckled aloud. A tray of sandwiches and tea was quickly produced for them. Mrs. Hastings sent her staff scurrying to bring hot water for their baths. Jack was looking around with interest obviously awed by the size of the rooms they were given.
"Mrs. Hastings," Alexa began. "We are interested in another friend of Mr. Bingley. A mutual acquaintance of ours named Captain Wentworth."
"Oh yes, mum," Mrs. Hastings replied as she poured another hot cup of tea. "Captain Wentworth was a favorite of both the master and Mr. Darcy."
Alexa's heart began to beat faster. "Did he leave with them as well?"
"Why mum, I don't know. He didn't stay at Netherfield, but in town close to the army barracks. Rumor has it that he was quite popular with the Longbourn ladies." Alexa waited until Jack was unwillingly led off for his bath before pumping the woman for the gossip. She tried to keep a pleasant expression plastered on her face as Mrs. Hastings described how beautiful the Bennet women were, especially the eldest two, and how many rumors were circulating about his interest in Elizabeth Bennet. She could feel her teeth grinding as Jonathon's antics came to light.
I'll kill him. She thought later as she soaked in the tub.
"What could possibly put that expression on your face?" Jack said as he entered the room. Alexa gasped and grabbed a long towel, submerging it under the water so it provided some meager protection from his wandering gaze.
"Get out of here, Jack!" Instead he made himself comfortable on a nearby velvet armchair. He was wearing a very thin robe and apparently nothing underneath. Alexa blushed and turned away, irritated that this man managed to ruin her calm at every turn.
"You know, when Mrs. Hastings told me someone would be in to help bathe me, I never expected the footman."
Alexa adjusted the sodden towel and prayed that the suds would stay full. "This isn't a harem. And neither is it appropriate for you to be in here, so please leave!"
"We're married remember?"
"We aren't and you know it!"
"Keep your voice down," he said in a suddenly deadly voice. "This is one of the only times we are going to be alone so be quiet and pay attention. What did Mrs. Hastings tell you after I left?"
Alexa gritted her teeth, uncomfortable in the rapidly cooling water. "Jonathon might still be in town. It seems he's been romancing some local woman."
"If he is, it's a cover." Jack's brows raised at Alexa's angry snort. "I've worked with Wentworth before and he's nothing but single-minded when he's on a mission. He wouldn't look at a woman."
"You forget…I met him on one of his missions remember?"
"You were his mission…and that has nothing to do with the orders he got from the UN. Have a little faith in the man. You are supposed to marry him."
"Why are you so sure?"
He came close and ran a hand down her cheek. "He'd have to be insane to run from marrying you. Every man in the world is jealous of him."
"Even you?"
"Especially me." Jack smiled into her eyes. "Now you have a job to do. If he's still here we'll find him -- but we need time. You get to convince Mrs. Hastings that we need to stay a few days. Until we get the information we need."
"She doesn't think too much of you, does she?" Alexa teased.
"She will -- it's just a matter of time. " He dipped an impertinent finger in the water, popping a well-placed bubble. "Better get out -- you're looking a little…cold." With a laugh as she crossed her arms protectively, he left her to finish her bath.
Mrs. Hastings was in her bedroom when Alexa finally made her way. "You are English, aren't you?" Alexa shrugged noncommittally. "Of course, you've taken the country of your husband." The woman sent her a sly look. "How does a young English woman end up with a rogue like him?"
Alexa smiled. "I am glad there is one woman in this house who isn't impressed by him."
"Twenty years with a man just like him will teach a woman a lesson or two."
Getting an extended invitation from the gentle housekeeper was easier than Alexa expected. The woman was looking at her meager number of clothes with obvious dismay. "Whatever happened to your clothes?"
"Stolen." Alexa said off the cuff. "We stopped at an inn and before we knew it…poof."
"Poof?" The woman's eyes widened. "That's terrible. I hope the ruffians have been apprehended."
Alexa almost grinned at the woman's speech. "Afraid not." Seeing she had the woman's sympathy, Alexa began to lay it on thick. "They took my clothes, my jewelry. Thank goodness my husband," she choked a little over the word, "always keeps his purse close." Alexa accepted her assistance in dressing as they continued to chat about dresses and local dressmakers.
"It will take at least a week to get you and the mister all you need."
"We couldn't possibly impose upon you for that long." Alexa demurred and took up a hairbrush. "We're expected in London. And we must pay our respect to Mr. Bingley and his family. It is what my husband's father wished."
"You can't go to London with just the clothes on your back regardless of what is in your husband's purse. Miss Bingley would turn her nose up at the very idea, regardless of whether it was her father's wish or not. She's not one to forgive a lack of status."
Alexa heard the bitterness in the other woman's voice. "Have you served the Bingleys for very long?"
"Aye. Raised them like they were my own. Charlie was always a sweet boy. And it's a good thing he was sent away from those other two. Caroline and Louisa were always wanting more than they deserved. Always taking away from others what they thought they were owed. I'd be careful of them when you meet them." The woman blushed suddenly. "Forgive me, my tongue gets away with me sometimes."
"Not at all. I thank you, Mrs. Hastings," Alexa said, taking the other woman's hand in her own. "It's been a long time since someone has been this kind to us." She hated lying to the woman and tried to keep Jonathon's face in front of her. For him, she would do anything.
They managed a single day of meeting with seamstresses and tailors before the town became aware of them. Alexa took the money purse away from Jack when it became clear he hadn't a single idea what the going rates were. He was overpaying everyone and gaining quite a reputation for being wealthy. Of course, that meant the neighbors were starting to call.
The first was Sir William Lucas, who struck dumb at the sight of Jack. "Welcome…errr…ummm…" he began.
Jack grinned with his strange mix of pirate and Latin lover, sticking out a friendly hand. "You must be the welcoming party."
Alexa cleared her throat as Sir William's mouth opened and closed in a vain attempt at a reply. "Forgive my husband, Sir Lucas. We have grown so used to the casual, familiar ways of Spain. We quite forget that England is much more formal."
"Nonsense!" The older man declared. "We do not stand on ceremony here in our little country corner. And we do love a new addition to our small circle. You are friends of Mr. Bingley?"
"My father and his were business associates," Jack said smoothly, offering the man a glass of wine. He took a seat next to Alexa and patted her hand with deceptive intimacy. "It was my father's last wish that we make his acquaintance and deliver to him a token of their friendship." Jack gave a sigh worthy of an academy award and Alexa fought the urge to smirk. "Upon our arrival, the news of the senior Mr. Bingley's passing has made it imperative that we offer our friendship to his son and daughters." Jack's head tilted proudly. "It is the way of my culture."
"Naturally." Sir William replied, though his shifting eyes told Alexa that the man was more excited to be in the company of such wealthy people than any appreciation of filial loyalty. "Mr. Bingley is a capitol fellow. I dare say you will get on famously."
"We are only sorry we missed him," Alexa said.
"We have the pleasure of your company for a while yet, shall we not?" Sir William asked. "I am hosting an assembly tomorrow night. It would be my pleasure if you would be my guests. My wife and family are looking forward to making your acquaintance."
"As we are theirs," Alexa smoothly replied. "As well as the famous Bennets."
The call was short and followed by many other men from the neighborhood. But by early evening, Alexa and Jack were waving away the last of their visitors. He had one arm about her shoulders as they watched the last carriage drive off.
"We're going to have to get a carriage of our own," Jack said. "If we're going to move freely from place to place."
"Mmmmm…" Alexa agreed. "Never mind the fact that we are hateful people lying our heads off to a bunch of nice people."
"Even the Beautiful Bennets?"
Alexa glared at him and shrugged his arm off her shoulders. "I can't wait to get a look at this Elizabeth Bennet."
"Oooohhh…nice claws." He replied with a laugh as she trudged off into the house.
Chapter Three, Part Two
Alexa made sure that they made a grand entrance into the assembly. It wasn't easy considering it was January and snowing rather heartily outside. But the large hall was lit brightly and warmly with candles and fires. They were resplendently dressed and the awed hush that descended upon their entrance was quite flattering. She bestowed her best smile over the assembled crowed, searching for a face that would attracted Jonathon's attention. Her hand was warmly ensconced in Jack's arm as they walked toward a beaming Sir William.
"Welcome! Welcome!" He gushed in delight. "Let me introduce you!" And he began a round of names that made Alexa's head spin. Jack seemed to have no problem dropping into easy conversation with most people and Alexa looked around at the young women dancing. There were two particular young ladies who flirted with officers and danced like wild things around the room. A third young woman was caterwauling at the pianoforte, to the merriment of many people. Alexa winced as the girl missed a note and wondered where she got her guts to perform so badly in front of so many people.
There was one woman who met her eyes quite boldly from across the room, her smile playing about her lips almost defiantly. She was quite pretty, dark and small and slim, with eyes that saw everything in amusement. That is Elizabeth Bennet. Alexa surmised immediately. She has a look about her that would intrigue Jonathon. She stood with an older woman who shared a resemblance to her that was unmistakable.
"Sir William," Alexa purred. "Is that Mrs. Bennet?"
"Why, you have a good eye! And her daughter Elizabeth with her. Shall I introduce you?"
Alexa ignored the warning in Jack's eyes as they made their way to the women at the other end of the room. Elizabeth curtseyed very prettily, though her eyes were slightly mocking. Mrs. Bennet pointed out her other daughters, the two dancing nincompoops and the wailing pianist. "But my eldest, Jane, is in London. No doubt still pining for that Mr. Bingley!"
"Mama!" Elizabeth said sharply. "Senora Henriquez is a friend of the Bingley's. I am sure she would not appreciate such slights."
"All the more reason!" Mrs. Bennet insisted. "You will speak on Jane's behalf will you not?"
"Mama!" Elizabeth reprimanded, making Alexa wonder which of them was indeed the parent in their relationship. "We cannot impose on Senora Henriquez's kindness in such a way. I am sure she has more to discuss with her friends than the Bennets of Longbourn."
"On the contrary, I have yet to make their acquaintance so I can quite anticipate long silences. And I have a rather long history of assisting erstwhile lovers."
"You are too kind!" Mrs. Bennet said as she whipped out a handkerchief and dabbed the corners of her eyes. "You don't know how I have suffered for my daughter's hopes. My sister Phillips will be so pleased as well? May I introduce you?" Without waiting for Alexa's response, Mrs. Bennet hurried off to find her sister."
"I pray you will not intervene in my sister's affairs," Elizabeth said tightly. "It was a suggestion best left unsaid."
"Not at all," Alexa countered smoothly. "I believe in getting help where one can. If I find Mr. Bingley has indeed wronged your sister, and there is some small way I can mend the breach, please be assured that I will."
Elizabeth inclined her head but there was a hardness in her eyes. "My sister is the soul of discretion. She would not want her innermost feeling revealed. Especially by those who do not know her."
Alexa's eyebrows raised. "Is that aimed at me or your mother, I wonder?"
Elizabeth only smiled tightly and accepted a dance with an officer. Alexa watched her walk away, hearing a gong in her head that signaled the end of round one. She maneuvered a space next to Elizabeth Bennet as dinner was called. The other woman looked somewhat surprised but not altogether disappointed. She seemed bored by the people around her.
"I meant no offense in offering to assist your sister," Alexa started, aware she had to befriend the woman if she was to gain any information from her. "The tales of Caroline Bingley have already reached me and I couldn't help the sneaking sympathy that your sister may not have had any allies in Netherfield."
"That is true enough."
Alexa smiled. "You didn't care for her I take it?" Elizabeth took a discreet sip of wine rather than replying. "Well then…forewarned is forearmed."
"Miss Bingley will be quite nice to you." Elizabeth commented. "You have a healthy pocket book."
Alexa's gaze narrowed on the younger woman. "Is it all wealthy people you abhor, Miss Bennet? Or am I just the lucky recipient? We are not all unapproachable. And I have found that pride has little to do with the contents, or lack thereof, of one's pocket book." Elizabeth had the grace to blush as the verbal arrow hit home.
A tense silence descended between them. Alexa made easy small talk with the gentlemen around her, ignoring Elizabeth as much as possible until their little moment passed. Feeling quite in control, she turned back to her unwilling companion.
"Miss Bennet, rumor has it that you are acquainted with another friend of mine." Elizabeth's eyes question her as she said, "Captain Frederick Wentworth." Alexa was ready to punch the other woman as a small, knowing smirk appeared on her mouth. There was something too intimate for comfort in the look. "I see he has made quite an impression on you." Alexa said with deceptive mildness. "He has that effect on a number of impressionable young women. Take my advice as an old married woman. Never trust a man in uniform."
"Our soldiers are men of honor."
"Our soldiers are second sons and impoverished men who need a profession. They marry for connection and money when opportunity knocks and prefer more temporary liaisons when money and connection are non-existent."
"Surely you cannot be speaking of Captain Wentworth!" Elizabeth protested. "He was quite gentlemanly in all manners. If you are indeed his friend, why would you cast aspersions on his character?"
"Because I am a woman first and I have been alive a little longer than you." Alexa gave her a look that conveyed what kind of relationship she shared with Captain Wentworth.
The eyes that watched her grew absolutely cold. "I understand you perfectly, madam. I pray you will excuse me." Elizabeth left her meal cooling on her plate and wended her way to the punch bowl.
There was a slight movement behind her and suddenly Alexa felt Jack's breath in her ear. "Try not to annihilate the girl, my darling. At least not before you get any information out of her."
But Alexa was having too good a time talking with the men who seemed to float between her and Elizabeth. If they spoke to Elizabeth Bennet for five minutes, she made sure they stayed at her side for ten. Elizabeth played the game with her, laughing and chatting with flashing eyes and wary glances. Alexa was feeling a little tipsy by the end of the night and still without a word of Jonathon.
There was little she could discuss with Jack during dinner as people hovered about the constantly. Alexa was impatient for news of Jonathon, but Jack was enjoying the novelty of being waited on and adored. To her surprise and everyone else's, he invited a small party to Netherfield for after party drinks and merriment. Enough of the officers followed them and stayed till the wee hours. She left him in disgust as soon as they arrived at the stately house and hoped he wouldn't compromise any of the women before they left. There was a mountain of pillows on the comfortable bed and with the sound of a crackling fire, Alexa fell asleep.
She awoke comfortably snuggled in Jonathon's arms. "Mmmmmmm…" she murmured and then heard a strange sound. Birds? There aren't any birds close to my bedroom. She sprang straight up, her curly hair tangled and falling all over her face. And that isn't Jonathon!
"Gorgeous…" came the sleepy voice from the pillows. "Wentworth is a lucky man indeed."
She blinked at him for a moment, her eyes slowly adjusting to the light filtering through the curtains around the four poster bed. There was some movement at the doorway and Mrs. Hastings came in, humming softly as she threw open the curtains. She turned to the bed and let out a large gasp as she saw Alexa with sleep tumbled hair and a nightgown that was half off her shoulders and a bare-chested Jack irrepressibly grinning as he flexed his muscles and cradled the back of his head in his hands. She mumbled an apology and hurried out of the room.
Alexa managed to summon a smile in response to Jack's chuckle, and shifting a bit, delivered a hard kick to his hip that tumbled him from the bed. She was relieved to see he was wearing sleeping trousers at least. And maybe a shade disappointed as well. "You are really starting to tick me off."
He rubbing his hip briskly, making a sour face at her. "You do this to Wentworth?"
Pushing the hair off her face, she leaned over the edge of her bed with a sarcastic smile. "He's invited to my bed. You aren't." His wide-eyed stare made her aware of the way her nightgown has gaped in front. Immediately she pressed it close to her skin and sat up. "You'd better decide if this partnership is going to work, Jack. I've put up with a lot from you already…but if you think I am here for any other reason than Jonathon…"
He waved his hands in the air defensively. "I didn't mean to fall asleep here. I came in to talk to you and you were passed out. I climbed in to wake you up…and found out I was more tired than I realized."
She frowned at him. "You didn't do anything perverted like stare at me while I slept…or …"
"No!" He nearly bellowed. She watched in fascination as his ears turned a bright shade of red. "I am not a pervert."
"You could have fooled me." Alexa huffed. She straightened her clothing, the voluminous folds of the nightgown stiffly obeying her fingers.
"That has to be the ugliest thing I have ever seen a woman wear to bed." Jack said. "Of course, most of the time, when I see a woman in bed, she isn't wearing anything."
Alexa rolled her eyes. "Did you really have something to talk about or do you just want to brag?"
Jack levered himself back on the bed with a cautious look at her. "Don't kick me again. That hurt." He fluffed some pillows and leaned back. "So what did you think of Elizabeth Bennet?"
"She likes her own opinions way too much." She caught Jack's grin. "Don't look at me like that. You saw how she flirted and teased every man in the room."
"You were doing the same thing." Jack replied. "I didn't see you short of men around you all night. Sir William kept telling me to go rescue you."
"It's different for a single woman to prance around…"
"Than a married one?" Jack said. "Let me tell you something. Men are men…this century or any other. They see a married woman flirting the way you were…and they just figure you know what you're talking about."
"I was not flirting!"
"Yes you were. You and Elizabeth Bennet declared war over who could win the attention of the most men at that party."
"Don't be ridiculous!" Alexa dismissed. "Why would I even bother?"
"Because you two are more alike than you know. And somewhere in that sneaky mind of yours, you want to make sure that if it comes down to a competition for that idiot sweetheart of yours, you want to make sure you can trounce her."
"Are you done playing Freud?" Alexa hissed. "Because I want to get out of this tent."
"While you were snoring the night away, I heard that Wentworth's been staying at an inn in town. The Cow and The Chicken…or something like that. It was two animals as far as I can remember." Jack rubbed the stubble on his chin tiredly. "I was three sheets to the wind last night. They don't make scotch like that any more. And those soldiers can drink like pissed fish."
"Just as long as you didn't knock anybody up." Alexa replied. "All we need is a bunch of tanned babies being born nine months from now."
"I do have a reputation to maintain."
Not in this century you don't. So are we going into town?"
"As soon as you're dressed." Jack rolled off the bed. "Why are you even here if you're questioning Wentworth's fidelity?"
"I'm not," she replied defensively. "Just deciding what kind of tattoo I should put on his forehead."
The innkeeper where Jonathon has stayed was surprisingly honest, having refused a coin for his troubles, and well informed about his resident. "Captain Wentworth didn't stay more than a day or two after the Bingleys left, sir." He said. "I think he has an invitation to join them in London."
"Did he say why he was here?" Alexa asked.
The man shrugged. "Why does anyone visit Meryton, mum? I suppose he knew some of the families. Got quite close to the Bennets, I hear."
"He didn't get to know anyone else?" Jack asked as Alexa ground her teeth.
"No sir, though he did ask several people about man."
"Who?"
"Can't remember the name. It was French. Armin?"
"Armand?"
"Yes sir, that's it. Armand LeBlue. Strange name. Never heard of the man."
Jack pressed a coin into his hand and took Alexa outside to the carriage with a tight grip. His lips were pressed tightly together as the carriage rumbled back to Netherfield. Alexa watched him warily.
"Who is Armand LeBlue?"
Jack's eyes focused on her. "He's trouble. A terrorist of first magnitude."
"And Jonathon's chasing him?" Alexa began to feel the first tendrils of cold fear grip her.
"Yeah." Jack replied. "And now, so are we."
Chapter Four ~ Digging Deeper
Posted on Thursday, 12 August 1999
It was mid February before Jack and Alexa were able to leave for London. She had begged Jack for hours that the craft would be a quicker and more comfortable ride, but he refused to even consider it, thinking it would be harder to hide the machine in London than in the country. And with the roads snowed in and impassable, they waited. The waiting chafed Alexa's conscience and she spent many a snowy day looking out the window and wondering where her fiancée could be and if he was taking care of himself. They managed to attend some of the dinners with local families and a couple at the Bennet home. Alexa and Elizabeth had grudgingly come to a truce, though an uncomfortable one. Mrs. Bennet, though mostly amusing to watch, did not improve with further acquaintance. Elizabeth was alternately angered and embarrassed by her mother's loud and tactless comments. And she spurned any sympathy Alexa attempted to offer.
The highlight of the month was Charlotte Lucas' wedding. Alexa had seen many brides who were terrified, nauseous, and even pregnant. She had never seen one as resigned as this woman. The groom squiggled and squirmed throughout the ceremony, simpering at his bride and once in a while interrupting the minister to interject suggestions on the vows read and various other commentary. It's like a car accident, Alexa thought as Jack gaped at the scene before them. No matter how painful, you just gotta stop and watch.
Later at the breakfast reception, Alexa intercepted the sadness in Elizabeth's eyes as she stood apart from everyone in the room. Cautiously and without her usual rancor, she approached her.
"Are you all right?" Alexa asked, handing the younger woman a glass of punch. Elizabeth nodded and took a grateful sip of the liquid. Alexa followed her line of vision to where Mr. and Mrs. Collins were accepting the congratulations of the Meryton matrons. "It is hard to lose a friend. Especially to such a man." Alexa murmured. "Is it true you turned him down before Charlotte accepted him?"
"Yes." Elizabeth's gaze flickered over her warily. "I suppose you think me imprudent."
"Actually, it was the smartest thing you could have done." Alexa replied. "I would have had to kill him in his sleep if I married him."
"I doubt you would have married him, no matter what the inducement."
"I am only glad your parents didn't try to force you." Alexa replied.
"Like they forced you to marry?"
Alexa was startled by the question. "Why would you ask me that?"
"Well…did you marry your husband for love?" Elizabeth challenged. "I am determined that only the deepest of affections will induce me to matrimony."
"Is there any other reason?" Alexa hedged. "But no, they did not force me. Both my parents…passed away long ago."
The news arrested Elizabeth. "I am sorry."
Alexa looked out toward Mrs. Bennet who was loudly exclaiming that if Charlotte was interested in Elizabeth's leavings, she was welcome to her. Elizabeth blushed in mortification.
Alexa laid a hand on Elizabeth's arm. "I understand how she makes you feel. My mother used to mortify me." Her hand involuntarily tightened. "But I would trade anything for one more minute with her. You don't know how lucky you are."
Elizabeth seemed speechless for a moment. "Does this mean we are becoming friends?" She asked.
"I hope so," Alexa said with forced lightness. "I do not like having enemies."
"Neither do I." Elizabeth seemed to hesitate. "Pardon me…if I may ask." She took a deep breath. "Do you love your husband?"
Alexa knew the younger woman was keen enough to spot a lie. She turned her face away with a sigh and looked at Jack. He was handsome in his blue coat and breeches, the dark gleam of his eyes and the long line of his throat strong as he threw his head back in a laugh. He gave a small half turn and caught her glance. His eyebrows rose in question as his teeth flashed white in an intimate smile he reserved just for her. Alexa felt her lips curl upwards in response. Her smile seemed to startle him and make him flush.
"I like him," Alexa finally said to Elizabeth. "And I find him incredibly attractive." She turned to look at Elizabeth. The younger woman was blushing again at having witnessed such a personal moment between people of opposite sexes.
"The whole town talks of you two," Elizabeth ventured, "of how…free you both are with each other."
"What do you mean?"
"There seems so much laughter in your marriage…so much affection…" Elizabeth seemed to stumble over her words, unable to ask what she really wanted to. "It is the kind of marriage many women would want for themselves."
Any woman in this room would want to marry Jack; Alexa smiled with another look across the room at her pseudo-husband as he stood head and shoulders taller and more vibrant than anyone in the room. "I believe the word you are searching for is passion. Chemistry."
"How can you do it to him?"
"Do what?" Alexa said in confusion.
"How can you look at your husband as you do and betray him with Captain Wentworth?"
How do I look at Jack? Alexa's eyes widened. If only I could tell her the truth. "I am not betraying my husband."
"But you said…"
"Jealousy…and some spite. I am not proud of my conduct toward you that night."
"So you aren't…wouldn't…"
Alexa squirmed under the young woman's direct gaze. If they were to be friends, some honesty was called for. "There's something I need to tell you." Alexa began uncomfortably. "Before I met Jack, I was engaged to J…Captain Wentworth. I love…loved him deeply."
"What happened?"
Alexa looked away, unable to stop the emotion running through her face. "He left me before the wedding."
"That is despicable!"
"No…no…it wasn't like that. We disagreed and fought. And then he was gone."
"And now?"
"Now Jack and I are worried his mission is one of great danger. We are going to help him if possible."
"Do you still love him?"
Alexa looked directly into Elizabeth's eyes. "I will always love him. No matter what happens in both our lives."
Jack waved from across the room and she could see in his face that he had discovered something significant. She bent in a shaky curtsey to Elizabeth and was stopped by the words, "Captain Wentworth was never anything but a friend to me. I am sorry to have made you believe there was more." Alexa smiled shakily and left her for the relative safety of Jack's side.
She slid her hand into his arm and felt his warm hand cover hers. "My darling, let me introduce you to Colonel Foster."
"The pleasure is mine, sir." Alexa curtseyed to the man, seeing his intelligence and experience. She wondered how he ended up married to a silly child. But then why does any older man want a woman half his age? Alexa thought as she glanced at the young woman giggling with Lydia Bennet.
"I have been telling your husband what a lucky man he is to have such a beautiful wife," the Colonel said with a grin.
"Why thank you, Colonel. I have been telling him so for years!"
Jack laughed. "It seems that Colonel Foster is familiar with two of our friends."
"Two?"
"Yes," Foster laughed. "Wentworth was a delightful companion, even for one in the wrong branch of service. I am sorry to have lost his company."
"He is in London now I hear," Alexa said eagerly.
"Aye. Gone after his friend whom I had the chance to meet not too long ago. And Armand LeBlue. What the two of them have in common I cannot imagine for I have never met two more dissimilar men." He looked a little uncomfortable. "You will pardon me, madam, for my bluntness. But with all the unpleasantness of late, I am never too comfortable or friendly with the French."
"Of course," Alexa murmured. "Whatever is Mr. LeBlue doing in England?"
"Research, so he said. I must own many of his theories seemed rather fanciful to me."
"What theories?" Jack asked with studied casualness.
"Methods of warfare…flying machines and smart weapons…never heard anything like it." Alexa felt the muscles in Jack's arm tense under her fingers. She tightened her grip to keep him steady and nodded at the army man to continue. "And the man just laughed at me for my disbelief. Made me uncomfortable. I thought about reporting him to my superiors. But the man was obviously a lunatic. I would have been laughed out of the army."
"LeBlue is given to fits of the imagination. I have often tried to convince him to write a novel for all his dreaming." Jack said, trying to control the stiffness in his voice. "It is good you did not give credence to his ravings."
Colonel Foster seemed relieved by the conversation but Alexa and Jack were more worried than ever. "I have a very bad feeling about this," Jack said. "LeBlue is the smartest person I have ever come across. That also makes him the most dangerous."
Standing next to him as they waved the newlyweds off, Alexa met his gaze. "We have to get to London…fast." Jack nodded his agreement.
Mrs. Hastings was actually sad to see them go. Alexa paid the staff generously for their care and attention and waved good-bye as they climbed into the carriage. It would take them two days to reach London if the roads remained clear.
Alexa closed her eyes as yet another bump on the road jarred her spine. So here they were on the post to London. Alexa could count each vertebra on her spine. And Jack had yet to say a word to her since they started on the road. She stared at his profile as he distractedly looked at the passing scenery. Whoever this Armand LeBlue was, his presence in 1811 was worrying Jack. She shuddered at the idea of Jonathon pursuing someone this dangerous.
"Did you notice a soldier at the party named Wickham?"
"Yes," Alexa replied. "He had eyes for Elizabeth Bennet but was pursuing Mary King all around the room."
Jack smiled faintly, "Yes, he kept talking about her ten thousand pounds." He fingered the folded blanket between them. "He gets a bit chatty when he's drunk. Started telling me some idiotic story about how Mr. Darcy betrayed him and took away the priesthood." Jack chuckled a little bit. "He didn't like my suggestion that real men of courage would have taken up the priesthood and gotten a living for themselves -- like most men of the cloth do."
"Ouch." Alexa smiled. "He did strike me as a con artist."
"As sleazy as they come."
"I wonder why Elizabeth likes him then," Alexa murmured. "She strikes me as much smarter than that. And she hates Darcy. Think she believes this scum bag?"
"Probably. All the other officers do. At least until I burst their bubble about what real men do when faced with a difficult situation."
"Brag, brag, brag," Alexa teased. "Why are you suddenly thinking about Wickham?"
"Because he said something that has been bothering me. He said that we ask as many questions as Wentworth did."
Alexa's glimmering eyes shot to meet his. "Think he knows something?"
Jack shrugged. "If he was just some soldier, I wouldn't think so. But he seems shady enough…"
"To get involved with a terrorist." Alexa followed with widened eyes. "And stupid enough…"
"Not to know what he was really getting into." Jack finished. "And he headed off to London yesterday on some business, according to Denny."
"So when we get there, we start looking for Wickham?"
"Exactly. LeBlue is too wily to be out in the open. Otherwise Wentworth would have gotten him by now."
Alexa felt the prick of tears in her eyes. "Jack…is it possible that Jonathon is…hurt or…or…"
"No," Jack said, wrapping a comforting arm around her. "Wentworth is the best in the business. It takes more to get rid of him than a two bit con artist and a time jumper." He bent and kissed a tear. "We'll find him Alexa, I promise."
Please God, let us get there on time. Let me find my Jonathon safe and well. Alexa thought as she struggled to control her tears.
Chapter Five -- Traipsing about the Town
London was a horrible, stinking place. Alexa felt her stomach heave as they passed the dirtiest parts where people threw refuse out the windows onto the streets and coal fires burned so long that overcoats turned black after five minutes on the street and lungs struggled to breathe in the smoky air. Jack put his arm around her, protecting her from the bustle of begging children and hawking merchants. Their carriage took them into St. James Square where Jack had rented a comfortable apartment for them through Sir William Lucas.
Alexa sighed as the smell of fresh linen and beeswax candles permeated the air. She coughed a little, happy to be out of the streets and dreading the need to get back out there to find Jonathon. The apartments were small but comfortably furnished and it turned out that the servants were a single family, a married couple and their two daughters. Four servants to attend them: a valet/butler, a ladies maid/housekeeper, one cook and an all around cleaning maid. Alexa knew this was their only employment and place to live for the winter and paid them well from the moment she and Jack moved in.
She sighed and wrapped herself in a thick dress after a bath and settled on a window seat, staring out the window at the busy, snowy streets in the hope of seeing Jonathon walk by. A door opened behind her and she smell Jack's cologne in the air.
"Every piece of my body hurts." He complained and handed her a glass of wine. "How are you feeling?"
"Sore."
"And a little lonely, perhaps?"
Alexa smiled at him as the wine began to warm her. "Maybe a little."
He took a seat next to her. "What is bothering you?"
The wine swirled red around the glass in her hand. "What if everyone is right? What if he doesn't want to marry me?" Her voice broke over the last few words.
"Impossible. Wentworth is not a man to simply run away. Don't you believe he would tell you so if he changed his mind?"
She shrugged. "Yes. But he isn't trying to be found either. I know this man is dangerous and must be caught. I don't blame Jonathon for that. But couldn't he have left a message…a clue of some kind? So that he could be found?"
"Perhaps he did." Jack reached into his pocket for a moment and took out a small cufflink from his pocket. The initials JW were engraved in the silver. Alexa gasped and took the small item from him. "I found this at the inn, pushed into the velvet curtains. He left it there deliberately."
"I gave this to him." Alexa said as she stroked the engraved letters. "For his birthday."
"And you will return it to him soon," Jack said softly. "Have faith. He is leaving a trail for us to find him. And when we do, you can ask him yourself to settle your fears." His gentle fingers raised her chin till she looked at him. "Now for a division of strength. Today you rest and write a letter of introduction to Caroline Bingley. See if you can get us an invitation to her home and to Darcy's. I'm off to the slums to ask a few questions. It would be better if you didn't come with me. Those parts are too dangerous for you."
Alexa's eyes flashed. "Too dangerous for these women -- not me!"
He laughed. "I was talking more of typhoid than anything else. Unless you want to walk around in the muck?"
Alexa shuddered involuntarily. "No that's okay. You walk around in muck all you want. I'll stay here like a pampered princess."
With a last caress he was gone, leaving Alexa to wonder how they had progressed to this intimate friendship. It was no longer any surprise that people believed they were indeed married for many years. She sighed and turned away from such dangerous thoughts, thinking instead of the letter she was to write to Caroline Bingley.
Inking a pen, she began to write on some fine linen paper:
Esteemed Caroline Bingley,Please forgive the presumption of a stranger. I would not bother you if it were not the express wish of my recently deceased father-in-law, who counted your father as a dear friend of his. While I do not know all the particulars of their friendship (for men inevitably do not remember enough details to suit the female curiosity). My husband's father, Enrique Martin Henriquez, has long been a respected man in his native Madrid. His business interests have ranged all over Spain, Italy and England. It is during his years in England, at least two decades ago, that he met your father. For many years, he has bemoaned the lapse of communication between them and his dying wish was that his son would continue the ties of affection and respect to another generation.
I fervently wish my father-in-law had survived his illness and been able to travel to England with us. As he could not, my husband, Joaquin and I have come in his place. We did not know your father had passed until we set upon England. With both our fathers gone, perhaps we could form a friendship of our own.
My husband and I have taken a house near St. James. Senor Joaquin Carlos Henriquez is often busy with the vast holdings he has inherited from his father. However, it is with his expressed wishes that I write to you. We both hope to make your acquaintance and that of your brother and sister.
Very Truly Yours,
Senora Alexa Matthews Henriquez
Alexa smiled at the note with satisfaction. She had dropped enough hints of wealth to satisfy the snobs of the ton. The exotic feel of Jack's Spanish background would help draw out Miss Bingley's curiosity. If nothing else, they would accomplish a single visit. It was all Jack and Alexa needed to break into that social circle. She sealed the letter and sent it off with the butler. Then she prepared for a short walk.
The shops about the West End were quite specialized for court appearances ad she was aware of many stares at her solitude and the fact that she was an unknown in the register of London society. She stopped for tea at a small shop and was escorted to the back of the room. Alexa was aware of what a social snub it was but relished the relative privacy it gave her.
"Mrs. Henriquez?"
Alexa jumped as the man's voice and shadow materialized into a solid form. "My goodness! Mr. Wickham! I did not expect to see you here."
He looked around at the women who sometimes glanced their way and whispered behind their hands. "This is no place for a woman of your stature."
"I am an unknown in London society." Alexa replied. "But now that I see a friendly face, I am happier." She gestured to a chair. "Will you not join me, for I find myself wanting company."
"It is unusual for a woman to venture out alone."
Alexa's brain started working on a plan to get Wickham's attention. "My husband is a busy man. And I am too active to always wait for his company."
A gleam of interest began to sparkle in Wickham's eyes. "Would your friends the Bingleys and Darcys disapprove?"
She smiled with all the charm she possessed. "Since I have yet to make their acquaintance, I cannot imagine their opinions matter." She deliberately dropped her eyes down to the cloth napkin between her fingers. "As for Mr. Darcy's opinions…after my husband's report on the despicable way he has treated you…" She saw the flicker in his expression and pretended to misunderstand. Leaning over to place a warm hand over his, she exclaimed, "Oh Mr. Wickham…please do not blame my husband for telling me of your misfortune! He was merely preparing me for the kind of man Mr. Darcy is. For it seems inevitable that we meet. And I have always believed forewarned is forearmed."
"Not at all, Mrs. Henriquez." He replied with a gallant smile. "I would not have you fooled by him for a moment. Though I had hoped to spare you the pain of such an acquaintance."
"If he is a personal friend of the Bingley family, I am afraid I will have to bear with his company." Alexa took a last sip of her tea and paid for both their repasts. "Would you escort me home, Mr. Wickham. I do not believe I remember the way."
Wickham was more than eager to walk about the fashionable West End with her. He preened as he strode by her side, nodding to landed gentry and titled people as if he were a second son of nobility. Alexa hid her amusement under a placid expression as her plan continued to formulate. "What brings you so far from Meryton, sir?"
"A haircut."
Alexa raised her eyebrows and took an obvious survey of his hair until he blushed. "Are the barbers of Meryton insufficient?"
He smiled. "I am found out. I have business to attend."
"Is the army not business enough?"
"It will do for the moment…but a man must make his mark on the world. And I have dreams of my own." He declared grandly.
"Ambition is always a good thing…with the proper guidance…and some financial backing," Alexa shot him what she hoped was a significant look and stopped in front of her rented house. "I thank you for your company, Mr. Wickham. I hope to see you again."
"As do I." He pressed a hot kiss on her hand and left. Alexa watched him walk away with a smirk. Yup. Dumb as a doorknob.
Jack trudged in hours later, dirty and cold. "If I have to say 'indeed' and 'capital' one more time I will have to kill myself."
Alexa laughed at him and called for a bath to be run. "What did you find?"
"Not much," Jack admitted. "It's hard to get anyone to talk without bribing them. And once you place a coin in their hands, they'll tell you anything you want. A man answering Wentworth's description was sighted around the clubs at Pall Mall. But I'd need a membership to get in there."
"Perhaps Mr. Bingley will be able to help with that."
"Let's hope so. How did you fare today?"
Handing him a glass of wine, she briefly recounted her day with George Wickham.
"What have you got in mind?" He asked.
"A business partnership…one my husband doesn't know about."
Jack leaned forward with a small smile on his lips. "You think his business involves LeBlue?"
"It can't hurt to find out. I'll need some money." Jack's eyebrows raised. "About 500 pounds."
"Isn't that a lot of money?"
"Enough to make him take me seriously."
"What if he gets suspicious?"
"I will handle Wickham."
Jack's eyes narrowed. "If he leads us to LeBlue, you will step aside. He's not someone you're trained to deal with."
"Happily. Just make sure he leads us to Jonathon."
Alexa woke up the next morning when Jack bounced on her bed. "Must you do that?" She grumbled.
He propped himself on an elbow and drew the covers over him. Alexa shut her eyes tightly, trying not to notice his preference for bare-chested nightwear. "You've gotten a letter."
"From whom?"
"Caroline Bingley." He lifted the sheet off her face and brushed the strands of hair over the pillow with gentle fingers. "Come on sleepyhead, don't you want to know what she says?"
Alexa rolled over on her stomach and pulled the covers tightly. "So open it and read it out loud. It's not like I am going to keep it a secret." She heard a seal being broken and Jack began to read.
My dear Mrs. Henriquez,
May I call you Alexa? For I feel we are already friends. I do remember my father speaking of your father-in-law…
"HAH!" Jack said. "Caught in a lie already! How could she possibly know a man who never existed at this time? What exactly did you say to her."
"Not much," Alexa yawned. "Just that you are fabulously rich and exotic and that we are living in the poshest part of town. Keep reading."
…and have always wanted to meet him and you both of course. My sister Louisa and I would be honored if you and your husband would join us for tea. It would be my pleasure to introduce you to my brother, Charles, who succeeds my father with admirable ease.Sincerely,
Caroline Bingley
"We'd better start getting ready!" Jack said bouncing off the bed.
"Tea isn't until after 3 in the afternoon." Alexa growled. "It can't be too much past sunrise now. Your energy level is inhuman." She turned her back on him and closed her eyes.
And threw them open again as she felt Jack press his entire length against her back and legs and whisper into her ear. "It's only because I'm getting more sleep at night than I usually do."
Alexa gulped, now wide awake. "Insomnia is a terrible thing."
He laughed, the sound rumbling low between them. "Especially when one sleeps alone."
"Well that's why I'm here isn't it?" Ooops, that didn't come out quite right. "To…to rescue Jonathon so I'm no longer alone…"
"What about me? What do I get?"
Alexa steeled her gaze as she rolled her head in his direction. "A medal…if you succeed. Now get out and let me sleep. Especially if we're going to meet Tarantula Bingley this afternoon."
He grinned, completely unrepentant and slid off the bed. "It was worth a shot."
Chapter Six -- The Perfect Society Couple
"What are all those little sandwiches?" Jack muttered. "I thought they were going to feed us. I'm starving."
"I told you to have some lunch. Those are tea sandwiches. Don't eat four at the same time!"
"Where are the crusts? The crust is my favorite part!" He sighed a little. "I'd kill for raspberry filled doughnut."
"You eat doughnuts with crusts?" There was a shuffle outside the parlour doors. "Shut up, here they come. Try and be a gentleman." Alexa straightened her spine as a troop of people came toward them in the sitting room. It was a very comfortably furnished townhouse -- it was obvious that the Bingley family had a considerable amount of money for people without land or title.
"Mr. and Mrs. Henriquez! Welcome to our home!" The young man introduced himself as Charles Bingley and his eager, jovial welcome reminded Alexa of a puppy. He was dressed fashionably, his kind eyes smiling at them with a hint of melancholy. He quickly introduced the people around him, his sister Louisa, her husband Mr. Hurst, and his friends Fitzwilliam and Georgiana Darcy.
There was a look about the Darcys' that spoke of a very sheltered upbringing, one that did not put them at ease in front of strangers. They were a striking pair, tall, good-looking, and elegant, one as dark as the other was fair. Alexa and Jack exchanged glances as Georgiana took a place at the corner of the room as if she intended to blend in with the walls.
Jack bowed deeply like a perfect gentleman at each introduction, matched charmingly by Alexa's curtsies. Charles shook their hands vigorously and bade them to be comfortable.
"Charles! Do not break them before tea my dear."
Yes, break us after tea. That must be Caroline Bingley, Alexa turned her face toward the sarcastic voice. "Miss Bingley? I thank you for your kind invitation." Miss Bingley was tall compared to most women and apparently favored feathers in her headgear. She wore one plume that seemed to wilt in the heat of the room until it nearly touched her nose. Miss Bingley brushed the offending item brusquely as she took her own careful survey of Alexa and Jack.
Jane Bennet never had a chance, Alexa realized as her spine straightened under the inspection. She was wearing a new dress of chocolate colored velvet -- and extravagance for winter but necessary protection against the harsh weather outside. Her lips involuntarily twisted into a grim smile as every inch of her was assessed. "Do I pass muster, Miss Bingley?"
A flush crept over pale cheeks. "Whatever do you mean, Mrs. Henriquez?"
"You were trying to decide if I share my husband's heritage. I do not. I am English."
"Of course." The woman said with a sniff. "Shall I pour some tea?"
"How did you meet your husband?" Louisa giggled. Georgiana leaned in with interest.
Alexa smiled at the teenager kindly and received a small return and downturned eyes. "He was in England on business and I was introduced to him."
"And where were you living at the time?" Caroline asked sharply.
With fingers crossed behind her back, Alexa lied her tail off, "With my uncle in Somersetshire. Sir Walter Elliot, the Baronet of Kellynch Hall."
The sisters exchanged glances. "You are related to the peerage?"
"Yes."
"It is surprising that you did not marry with the titled."
"Oh but she has," Jack drawled as he took a seat next to her and sent her a smoldering, very Latin glance. "My family is quite close to the monarchy of Spain…within several generations I believe."
Georgiana's mouth dropped open and she gave an excited look toward her brother who smiled indulgently at her. "How did your father meet Mr. Bingley's then?"
Jack smiled at the girl, making her blush to the roots of her hair. "We Spanish believe in Fate. My father was here exploring some lucrative ventures and he was introduced to the senior Mr. Bingley. I believe they were quite similar in taste and temperament."
"I suppose you would say it was fate that gave you our address?" Caroline said caustically. Her brother gaped at her and said "ummmm" a few times.
"Actually, it was Mrs. Hastings." Alexa said casually. "Our inquiries led us to Netherfield Park only to find we had missed you. I am afraid inclement weather kept us in Meryton weeks longer than we expected."
"I hope Mrs. Hastings took care of you."
Alexa smiled at Caroline, understanding the implication that they had freeloaded a month of food and shelter. Even knowing she was playing a part, Alexa resented the implication that she would do anything less than honorable. "We took care of each other -- quite well."
"You stayed in Meryton?" Charles Bingley piped up. "Had you any chance to meet the neighbors? Attend any assemblies?"
"We were quite popular," Jack said with a grin. "I believe every man in the neighborhood came to see us."
"Yes," Charles said eagerly. "They are a cheerful bunch, are they not?"
"Quite energetic," Alexa agreed with a grin.
Caroline, Louisa, and Darcy exchanged worried glances and said nothing to further the conversation. They're hiding something from Charley over there, Alexa thought. I'll bet it's Jane Bennet. The imp in Alexa considered bringing the subject up, but she needed them to stay open and communicative with her…and that meant doing everything possible to be on good terms with Caroline Bingley.
"I confess I found them all a trifle tiresome. Town is so much more lively and cheerful, don't you think, Mrs. Henriquez?"
"I have not been in town for more than a day, but I already agree with you." Alexa replied.
"Very good." Caroline surveyed her fingers as if bored by the conversation. "It is a wonder we have never heard of you before," Caroline said to them. "My father has never spoken of Spanish friends."
Alexa stared at her. She's a snob but she's nobody's fool. She can sniff us out if we aren't careful. "A wonder indeed." She replied calmly. "You must have been very close to your father to have been his confidant." The angry glitter on Caroline's eyes was intriguing and quite revealing. Whatever relationship she had enjoyed with her father, it was not one of equality and personal revelations.
Mr. Bingley cleared his throat carefully, giving Alexa the impression that he was stifling a laugh at his sister's expense. "My father was a singularly secretive man. He had many ventures and holdings that I didn't discover until after his passing. If it weren't for Darcy here, I'd have been hopelessly lost."
"I doubt that, Bingley…you never give yourself enough credit." Darcy demurred.
"I can very well sympathize," Jack said with too much truth in his voice for it to be a lie. "My father died so suddenly, I never had a chance to ask him all I needed to know." Alexa slid her hand over his, reacting instinctively at the real emotion in his voice. Jack looked at their intertwined hands pensively and then smiled into her face with soft eyes.
"Papa was an excellent fellow, was he not Fitzwilliam?" Georgiana said softly into the silence.
"Yes, my dear. He was."
"Singular," coughed Mr. Hurst as he helped himself to yet another glass of wine. He waved away his wife's offer of sandwiches impatiently. "I couldn't stand my old man."
"It is a pity that our fathers could not reunite for themselves." Caroline Bingley said with a sharp look at her sister's husband.
"A pity yes," Alexa replied, her hand still warmly ensconced in Jack's larger paw. "But a grand opportunity for a second generation to carry on."
Louisa was staring at their intertwined hands with sad eyes. "We are of the same age, I believe. I cannot but wonder why we didn't meet in our social circle."
"Because I stole her away quite young," Jack said with a laugh. Alexa knew he was making the most of his exotic reputation and enjoying every embellishment. "I was only supposed to be in England for a month. Yet here was this charming, beautiful young woman, more interested in her music than in society, and I was bewitched. I stayed until I had secured a bride." Alexa laughed at his description, wondering where he had dredged up such an outlandish courtship tale. He grinned at her and to everyone else, it seemed as if they had revealed a juicy secret.
Caroline Bingley looked slightly scandalized. "You did not even come out? My goodness you must have known nothing of the world."
Alexa smiled at her with barely concealed pity. "Coming out in society is only another way to secure a husband. I had found my match…why do I need any of the trappings? As for having knowledge of the world, only time and experience can bring that. Living in the world is the best path to knowledge. Everything else is just contrived."
"Quite right." Darcy replied. "No written word can replace the value of personal experience."
Caroline smiled at the handsome man and fluttered her lashes. "Surely you do not mean for that standard to apply to women as well as men? Surely you would not wish dear Georgiana to traipse about the town in search of adventure."
Darcy raised an eyebrow. "The process of learning is the same for both the sexes. It is not an invitation to bad behavior."
"How then does one decide something is wrong unless they try it?" Alexa asked with a small smile. "By your definition of course."
He started and stared at her as if something had jogged a memory. "I did not seek to define anything, madam. For all endeavors, a healthy sense of caution and practicality must be applied. We mix what we have been taught with what we sense and understand."
"Ah," Alexa said. "One could be paralyzed by indecision with so much thought."
"Mr. Darcy is a man of great understanding," Caroline said quickly. "And no one could call him indecisive. He is the most decisive person I know."
Alexa smiled at Mr. Darcy as Caroline's crush revealed itself. He looked distinctly uncomfortable by the praise. "Perhaps he is a speedier thinker than the rest of us." Was all she could manage with a straight face.