Beginning, Section II, Next Section
Nearly two hours later, Jack and Alexa bade farewell. They were invited to dinner the next night and accepted, grateful for the continuance of their only lead. Once in the carriage, Jack let out a deep sigh. "Well, that was tough."
"Really? I though it was relatively easy." Alexa replied. "Caroline Bingley could have been much worse."
"We're going to have to watch her. She sees a little too much."
"Most people who protect what little they have often do."
They rode in silence for some time. "Are we going to have to bring a bottle of wine or something at dinner tomorrow?"
Alexa pursed her lips. "Not wine, no. Something more exotic. Let me think about it."
But it wasn't gifts she thought about that night as she lay alone under the sheets. It was Jonathon. Every day that passed pushed him farther and farther away from her and the future they had planned together. She was angry with him, and terrified for him. Regardless of Jack's assurances, she knew Jonathon, and he was not acting like a man eager to go home and marry her. And as she curled within the sheets, she felt the spreading of a familiar well of loneliness she had hoped would never return. Warm tears began to fall as Alexa for the first time considered her future if Jonathon left her.
As she surveyed her face the next morning, Alexa was determined that Jack would not see her misery. He was being as kind as he could be. Between making passes at me anyway. It was still early in the morning, the sun had not yet broken through the London winter haze. And a mischievous thought germinated. It's time for a little playful payback. Ignoring the cold, she padded barefoot to the connecting door between her room and Jack's.
He was lying face down on the bed, snoring softly in deep sleep. Alexa grinned, took a deep breath and with a running start, jumped on the mattress. Jack shot straight up with a growl, his hair standing up in curls all around his head. Alexa laughed as he tried to blink himself awake. He groaned and lay back down again, ignoring her completely.
"Oh no, you don't," Alexa said. She shoved herself under the covers to stay warm. "I want to talk to you about what we are bringing to the Bingley's tonight. I think you should buy some special Spanish cigars and Port for the men. I can bring some lace and silk for the women. Except Georgiana. She's a musician, I'll bet. Did you see the way she drums her fingers? Those were piano chords." She poked him on the shoulder. "Jack? Have you heard a word I've said?"
"Shut up," Jack groaned and wound an arm about her waist, pulling her down flat on the bed. His arm was tight around her waist and she could feel the warmth of him seeping through the tent-like nightgown she wore. She turned her head to look at him, dark against the white linen of the sheets. His face was relaxed and guileless, making him look younger. It would help if I was less attracted to him, Alexa thought. Ben and Sammi were right to worry. And what would Jonathon think if he knew I deliberately put myself here.
But the thought of Jonathon made her angry. Jack reacted immediately to the tension in her body, snuggling closer until his breath caressed her neck. Alexa knew she should leave but couldn't summon the mental commands to make her limbs move. Gods, but it feels good to be held tight by a man again. Without consciously willing herself to, her fingers worked it's way up the muscle and bone weight around her, feeling the softness of the burnished skin that held it all together, all the way up until her fingers touched the hair by Jack's nape.
The weight around her waist became an arm again and his hand developed a purpose. His fingers spread underneath her, pulling her so close she couldn't breathe. His breath on her neck solidified into lips that began to explore. It felt wonderful to be held, stroked, loved but as the lips pressed hers, forcing them open in a deep kiss only one thought remained.
This wasn't Jonathon and could never replace him.
What am I doing? Alexa thought with sudden panic. She pushed against the shoulder that held her down, suddenly aware that the leg between hers was unclothed under the sheets. "Jack, stop. JACK!" She pushed a little harder with arms and legs, trying to untangle herself from him and put as much space between them. "I said STOP JACK!"
He rolled away from her with a muffled curse and Alexa bolted from the bed, straight through the connecting door back into her room. Her breath was coming hard and shame burned bright red color on her face. The thought of how close she came frightened her. Jonathon deserves better than me. He deserves someone who can be faithful to him.
Drawing a robe tightly around her, Alexa went to sit by the window, hoping the cool glass would ease the heat of her cheeks and perhaps some of the shame.
"I'm not going apologize for what happened," Jack growled from the connecting door.
"I didn't expect you to." Alexa said without looking at him. "I'm the one who owes you an apology." She turned to face him, relieved that he was dressed from head to toe. "I was trying to replace Jonathon with you. That wasn't fair."
His eyes narrowed. "I haven't made a secret that I'm attracted to you. And being thrown together like this…well, it presents opportunities. But I never force myself on any woman and I damn well won't start now."
"I know." Alexa replied. "It was my mistake. I spent all last night wondering if Jonathon has any intention of going through with our wedding. It was the first time I wondered if I was going to have to start all over again. I got scared. But that doesn't excuse what happened just now." She stared at him intently. "You deserve better than to be used as a substitute. And he deserves someone who…who won't betray him."
Jack sighed and came closer. "Now don't go all dramatic -- it wasn't all that bad, was it? Nothing happened." He winced at her sharp look. "Nothing really. You're just feeling a little insecure. How about I make you a promise? I'll behave myself until we find him. Then you can ask him yourself. Now mind you, I think you're exaggerating it all and a week after we get back you'll be happily walking down the aisle. But if, for any reason, he loses his mind and backs out, I will beat him black and blue." Alexa gave a short laugh. He took her chin with his fingers, forcing her to look at him. "Now I want you to make a promise to me. If for any reason, you reconsider marrying Wentworth. Consider me."
Alexa held her breath as her eyes widened. He's serious, she thought with alarm. She wondered if he was going to kiss her again and hoped fervently that he wouldn't. The last kiss had forced her to realize that there was no substitute for Jonathon Wentworth. His absence from her life would not change that. "I can't promise you that." His eyes fluttered down, masking his reaction. "I love him, Jack. I never lied to you about that. And that won't change because he doesn't want me anymore."
They both thought it was prudent to part for most of the day. Jack was off to see innkeepers at the East End of London, for any trace of LeBlue or Jonathon. Alexa went in search of Spanish lace and silk for the women and the right piano piece for Georgiana. It was relatively easy to purchase quality cigars and Port for the men. She had just sent the butler home with the purchases when she bumped into Wickham.
"Oh! You startled me, Mr. Wickham!" Alexa smiled at him. "Still conducting your business?"
"Yes, ma'am. The more important the business, the longer the stay." He began to walk with her. "May I ask how your acquaintance goes with the Bingley family?"
Alexa shot him what she hoped was a sarcastic look. "Miss Bingley would have qualified for the inquisition."
He laughed. "Surely not as bad as all that!"
"She is under the impression that she knows all people of quality and rank. My husband comes from a line of Spanish nobility and yet she turns her nose at him."
"I have met your husband, ma'am. I doubt he cares very much if he has her good opinion. And surely Mr. Bingley is easy to please?"
"He is indeed. Quite an amiable man and such an easy temper considering what a virago his sister is." Alexa replied artlessly. "And I met your Mr. Darcy. I can see what you mean about him. He holds himself very highly I think."
Mr. Wickham beamed at her but his words were surprisingly tame. "His father was a good man. I will not speak ill of the son while the father's memory is with me."
You already have you moron. Alexa smiled at him serenely. With studied casualness, she asked, "Are you free for tea, Mr. Wickham? I would very much like your company. My husband is unfortunately engaged elsewhere." She knew just how it sounded and saw the answering gleam in the man's eyes.
"It would be my pleasure, ma'am."
"Three o'clock then," Alexa smiled at him. "Don't be late."
When Jack came home at half past two, Alexa almost panicked. "What are you doing here?"
"I live here."
"Well you have to get out," Alexa said. "Wickham is coming for tea. He thinks I'm going to seduce him."
"WHAT?"
Alexa rolled her eyes, "I'm not really going to do it, Jack. Just make that business proposition we talked about. So get out of here!"
"No way," Jack grinned. "I'll stay out of the way and he won't even know I'm here. But no way am I leaving now!"
"Suit yourself," Alexa grumbled as they wasted precious time. "Just don't make me nervous."
Jack laughed his way to the second floor. Alexa had counted on him being out and wondered why his presence hampered her ability to lie convincingly. This whole escapade has been one big lie, why should this be any different?
Wickham was deplorably prompt and dressed like a dandy. He really thinks that I am a booty call! Alexa tried not to laugh as he handed her a bunch of roses. "Errrr…thank you, Mr. Wickham. These were not necessary."
"Not at all, madam. Roses are only a dim reflection of your beauty."
Whatever, Don Juan. Alexa poured some tea in a cup and watched him stand over her. Does he think I'd just strip off my clothes and get on with it? "Sit down Mr. Wickham, first I have some questions for you." He looked as alarmed as any man who thought he was about to be asked for absolute devotion. "I have watched you for a long time, Sir. And I think you are the perfect person to help me with my problem."
He leaned forward with what was supposed to be a rakish look. "Oh?"
"I am not used to being at someone else's whim, Mr. Wickham. Before my marriage, I ran almost every aspect of my father's estate." She handed him a cup. "While I respect and esteem my husband, I find his insistence on female servility tiresome. Women are every bit as capable as men, Mr. Wickham. I miss doing business with the world."
It began to dawn on Wickham that she wasn't about to begin the kind of tryst he had been hoping for. That's right, you dim bulb, Alexa thought as his gaze went from rakish to assessing. Get your brain out of your pants.
"I'm afraid I do not follow you, madam."
"This is a man's world, Mr. Wickham. It takes extraordinary circumstances to allow a woman to deal openly with a world of transactions. I am not satisfied with shopping -- I prefer bigger game for bigger rewards." She offered him some scones which he refused. There was a creak at the door and Alexa shifted on her chair to mimic the sound. She had a sneaking suspicion that Jack had his ear pressed to a nearby wall. "In other words, I require you assistance."
"I will anything in my power to help you."
Yes you will. Alexa smiled brilliantly at him. "I have money of my own, Mr. Wickham. And I am looking to invest but I need someone discreet…and well connected…to make the transactions for me. This person will be well compensated for their efforts, provided they remain…silent…on the agreements I make with them." Alexa saw the flame of interest in her companion. "My agent will earn 10 percent of any successful transaction. Are you this man, Mr. Wickham?"
He smiled. "I would be honored. How much money are you looking to invest?"
"Five hundred pounds," she heard his swift intake of breath and saw him do the math in his head, "to begin with. If I like our partnership, I will risk more. I am interested in a very long partnership and the results could be quite profitable. Are the stakes too high for you, sir?"
"No! Certainly not. I know of…several ventures that would benefit from…"
"Put it in writing Mr. Wickham. However secretive our arrangements might be, I am a thorough business woman. I want proposals that include costs and profit margins, a detailed description of the venture, and a thorough investigation of the proposed market. I am a demanding client, Mr. Wickham, but I also have deep pockets and you will be well rewarded for your work."
He seemed startled by her knowledge. Alexa silently thanked Sammi for pestering her till she understood the financial part of her career. A small smile began to dawn over his face as his mind raced over the possibilities.
"Do we have a deal, Mr. Wickham?"
"We do indeed, madam."
"Good," she said, spreading some clotted cream over a muffin. "I am looking forward to your suggestions."
Half an hour later she watched Wickham stride away from the townhouse with satisfaction. He was more eager than she had anticipated…but getting to the big game was going to take some work. Alexa sensed more than heard when Jack crept up behind her as she stood by the window.
"Lady, you are good." He said. "Are you sure you didn't go to spy school or anything?"
"Nope. I just work in the entertainment industry. Our schemes make yours look like child's play."
Chapter Seven – Getting Down to Business
Several days and Bingley dinners later, Jack and Alexa were no closer to finding either Jonathon or LeBlue. The strain of the search was starting to wear on them, making them argue with great frequency.
They were sitting in a private parlour, surrounded by papers Wickham left with their disapproving butler. None of their staff knew of Jack's involvement in the scheme and expressed their doubts in Alexa through silent disapproval.
"This stuff is junk, Alexa" Jack growled. He tossed yet another sheet of paper on the laden table. "Silly inventions, bogus businesses, personal investments…he'd try to sell you a piece of the moon if he thought you'd buy it. I think I even saw a proposal for a whorehouse!"
"Maybe he's just testing me." Alexa said with a tired sigh. She had been so sure Wickham would lead them somewhere, and used to relying on intuition, had pursued the lead. Jack's obvious scorn for the results was making her doubt the one thing that had always guided her decisions. She could feel a headache starting between her eyes and desperately wished for a painkiller.
"Maybe you're barking up the wrong tree." Jack said. "I'm going back to the East side. There's a lead on LeBlue I want to check out."
Hearing his stomps fade into the street noise, Alexa tried to work the kinks out of her neck. Within minutes of Jack's leaving however, an unexpected visitor was announced.
"Mr. Wickham to see you, madam," The butler announced with severity. Wickham strode in with his best smile, obviously expecting a warm welcome. He smiled even wider at the papers strewn over the desk.
"I see that I have come at the right time." He purred.
Alexa gave him a hard look then dismissed him with her eyes. "Bring in some tea," she instructed the butler, who bowed in acknowledgment. She continued to stare at Wickham until he squirmed, purposely not offering him a seat. "Mr. Wickham, I am disappointed. Perhaps I misjudged your talents."
His eyes shifted nervously, but the smile seemed bolted onto his face. "Whatever do you mean, madam?"
Alexa languidly reached forward and sorted through the paper, finally holding one up. "Did you really think I would invest in a house of ill repute?" She asked derisively. "I ask for champagne and you deliver cheap beer." She tossed the paper down as was rewarded by his pale, frowning expression. "If you are in over your head, tell me now and we shall speak of this matter no more!"
"Madam, I am sure I can be of service. I chose these ventures with a great deal of care."
"Yes, no doubt to spare my delicate feminine sensitivities." Alexa sniffed. "If I want to be coddled I would simply remain as I am with my husband."
"But there are things that a man may invest in…"
Alexa slammed her hand down on the table in a genuine fit of temper. "Shall I tell you in detail what I think of the difference between a man's sensibilities and a woman's? However much freedom you enjoy as a man, I guarantee you that your life would not be half so comfortable except for the countless women who toiled and served and, yes Sir, made critical decisions toward daily things so that men like you would find life so effortless."
Alexa took a calming breath as the butler came in with the tea tray. She poured herself a cup, deliberately ignoring Wickham. "Your mistake, Mr. Wickham, is one that most men make. You underestimate women -- in all things, I would imagine. And I will not do business with someone with so little respect for my intelligence and tenacity."
Wickham gaped at her in surprise and there was a glimmer of anger and consternation in his eyes that was quickly suppressed. Alexa allowed her satisfaction to show on her face. She wanted his pride damaged and his confidence nettled. She wanted him to have to prove something to her. The silence between them stretched, broken only by the clatter of her cup as she sipped her tea leisurely.
"You pain me with these words, madam," Wickham finally forced out. "I did the best I could with the sum you named. My other contacts demand…more…"
Alexa gave him a critical once over. "More money, you mean?"
"Yes madam," he continued with greater vigor. "For investments of true consequence and financial gain, the initial sum is at least double."
"One thousand pounds?" Alexa said incredulously. "Have you ever even seen that much money in your lifetime?" He flushed and made some mutter about Pemberley that she ignored. "What guarantee do I have that this isn't some elaborate scheme to part me from my money?"
"You have the word of an officer and a gentleman, madam."
Gentleman? That's a good one. Alexa controlled the urge to laugh in his face. He was turning around nicely. "And what guarantee do I have that this investment actually exists?"
Wickham flushed. "The venture of which I speak is…volatile in nature…and quite political. If your involvement were discovered…"
"I employ a broker, such as I had expected of you, so that my financial speculations are never discovered. If someone needed such a large sum to fund his enterprise, I hardly think he would be picky about where it comes from…" Alexa paused for effect. " or even curious about who his investor may be."
Wickham considered this for a moment. "There is one of which I would speak to you. A delicate matter…for the gentleman in question is French and quite eccentric."
Alexa felt the adrenaline surge through her. "I adore eccentrics. Tell me."
"He is an inventor of sorts, though many of his plans seem like fantasy."
"For example?"
"A flying machine!" Wickham laughed as if expecting her to join him. "Hundreds of people in a metal machine with two wings. Something that heavy will never get off the ground!"
"Oh but what an adventure such a discovery would be." Alexa said softly and with interest. "But I cannot see anything political about it. Nor particularly French."
Wickham began to look uncomfortable. "Madam, as an officer in his majesty's army, it is imperative that I stay…discreet."
Alexa leaned forward with interest. "Whatever demons or morals you wrestle with are not my concern. I am not interested in this silly war with the French. I am Spanish, as is my husband. I care not for the petty quarrels between bored monarchs."
Wickham smiled then, genuinely and with a great deal of surprise. Apparently he was finally convinced that she was more like him than he previously realized. "No more than I, surely. My employment in the military is purely out of necessity and not the vocation of a lifetime."
"Understandable. So…if I am to give you a second chance to earn a great deal of money, what am I to consider?"
Wickham leaned forward to whisper. "This man, my contact, has plans for weapons I have never seen before. Things of such power and magnitude that the balance of power would shift to whomever owned it."
Alexa controlled the shiver that raced down her spine. This was it! "And does he have an affiliation?"
"No thank God!" Wickham said with sincere relief. "While I do not seek to participate in the details of politics, I have enough feeling to wish no harm to England."
You're just willing to sell it to the highest bidder. She thought with scorn. "Of course," she said aloud. "As well you should." She leaned back in her chair and thought deeply. If this was LeBlue, then the game she was setting in motion would be dangerous. And it will lead me to Jonathon. She looked up into Wickham's waiting, hopeful face. "Very well, Mr. Wickham. One thousand pounds. Get me the details to review. Tomorrow."
He nearly danced around the room in relief and excitement. Alexa forced herself to sit calmly though every molecule in her body wanted to run out and find Jack. Wickham rattled on about great riches and making a mark in the world. She listened silently, her disgust with him growing with every word. Finally he came to his senses and bade good-bye.
As he walked to the door, Alexa said one last thing. "Never underestimate me again, Mr. Wickham."
Jack found her sitting in the same parlour several hours later. The butler had brusquely informed him of Wickham's visit and he came rushing into the room to find out what had happened. Alexa smiled at him serenely and said a single word. "Bullseye."
Chapter Seven Continued...
Wickham's enthusiasm was apparent when a thick roll of papers arrived at the door that evening. The butler made a point of delivering them at the dinner table – eliciting a sardonic raised eyebrow from Jack and a scowl from Alexa.
Jack waited until they were alone before whispering, "Is that it?"
Alexa scanned the documents. "I think so. Look at these!" She handed over what looked like badly drawn schematics. "Please tell me that isn't what I think it is!" But the blood draining from Jack's face was answer enough.
"This is bad…really, really bad…" Jack muttered. "Grenades, automatic rifles, and bombs. This will change the face of warfare way before its time."
"Wickham doesn't list the name of his investor – saying he wants to keep his connections secret to protect me." Alexa said. "But he does say he is meeting him tomorrow at the Horse and Crown at 2 o'clock." Alexa peered over the papers at Jack. "Would LeBlue recognize you?"
"Yes, and so would Wickham. There aren't too many Spaniards about these parts." Jack's eyes narrowed. "And don't even think about it. He would recognize you as well. Don't forget, he's from our time and your face has been splattered across countless magazines and internet sites."
Alexa's lips twisted into a grim grin. "As a woman, it has. But not as a man."
Those delectable eyebrows rose even higher. "What are you getting at?"
"I mean breeches and a coat – I'm tall enough to pull it off. It's not as if I'm about to introduce myself. Just sit close enough to listen."
"No way. Too dangerous."
"Jack – we have to get close enough to find out what is going on!"
"We have to find another way. You aren't trained for this! You could get hurt!"
"I could get run over by a runaway carriage." A secret grin widened on her face. "Or hit may head by jumping off a wall. Don't bother me with 'what-ifs' – we haven't got the time to waste."
Jack continued to scowl at her. "I don't like it."
"It has to be done, Jack. This is an opportunity we're not going to get again." They resumed eating in silence. Alexa was thinking furiously for there was a part of her that was terrified of facing LeBlue alone. "What if I take someone with me?"
"I've already told you, I would be conspicuous."
"Yes, but Mr. Chase wouldn't." She said, referring to the butler. "And he's already aware of my secret dealings with Wickham. In fact," she said slyly. "I think he is trying to bring it out into the open."
"We can't tell him the truth."
"No, I just have to tell him enough to come along. And that you know."
Jack's eyes lit up with interest. "And if I know, I can be waiting close by!"
Even better. Alexa thought. "And I could get word to you quickly."
His gaze was deep and steady. "I still don't like it."
Alexa grinned again. "Then it's a good thing I'm not asking for your permission!"
Alexa made sure she was alone after dinner. Jack was off to White's with Bingley for the evening, trying to find word of Jonathon, and Alexa was prepped for a heart to heart with her cautious butler.
"You sent for me, madam?"
Alexa turned from the fire and smiled at the man, amused when it was not returned. "I wished to speak to you in private." She gestured to a chair and Mr. Chase sat at the edge warily. "Are you and your family comfortable in my employ?"
"Exceedingly, madam. My wife and I are very happy to work for you."
"Then you find my husband and I are liberal in our dealings with you?"
"Yes, mum."
"And fair? For fairness is important to us."
"Very much so."
"The only thing we ask for in return in loyalty…and discretion."
"You have my pledge for both, mum. For myself and my family." Mr. Chase shifted in his seat. "May I ask if anything is wrong, mum?"
"Not wrong, per se," Alexa said. "But I am aware of your disapproval of my dealings with Mr. Wickham, Mr. Chase."
His gaze dropped to the floor. "It is not my place to make judgments on your decisions, madam."
"And yet you do…" Alexa murmured and was rewarded when Mr. Chase flushed and tightened his lips. "There is one lesson I have learned in life and that is that things are never what they seem in the surface. Tell me why you disapprove of Mr. Wickham so violently." She saw the hesitation and sought to reassure the man. "I am asking for your free opinion, Mr. Chase."
"He is untrustworthy, madam."
"In what way?" Alexa took a seat across him. "Please, be frank with me."
"In all ways!" Mr. Chase hovered between discomfort and anger. "He is a man who will steals in gentlemanly ways. And he will smile at you as he picks your pocket clean! He is a fortune hunter, madam, and one that is not so selective in his choices. I also have friends who serve other families in the neighborhood. I have heard of his dealings with their daughters and sisters…I beg your pardon, madam. It is improper to speak of such things."
"I knew the moment I met him that he was a cad." Alexa said and smiled when the man jerked his head up in surprise. "That was the reason I selected him for my task. My husband is aware of my dealings with Mr. Wickham." She managed to surprise him again. "And it is time we took you into our confidence. I am about to test your loyalty, Mr. Chase, for what I am about to tell you cannot leave this room and it must never reach the ears of even your wife."
He paled a little and gulped, obviously figuring out that he had completely misjudged the situation. "You have my word, mum."
"Good," Alexa smiled, trying to alleviate the man's tension. "That means more to me than any assurance." She handed over Wickham's cover letter. "My husband and I have become aware of a very dangerous plan – one that could adversely affect England's ability to protect herself from her enemies. I cannot disclose the details nor why we are involved. In this you must trust that we are on the side of right." The man nodded, as if he hadn't expected otherwise and Alexa briefly wondered how they had managed to secure this man's faith in them so quickly. "We have also become aware that Mr. Wickham is involved with the man who holds this dangerous knowledge. To his credit, I don't think he realizes just how dangerous a game he is playing. Nevertheless, I have retained Mr. Wickham as a sort of middle man in some business dealings. And I am hoping to make the connection with this other man."
"Oh mum!" Mr. Chase murmured with dismay. "Why cannot Mr. Henriquez do this?"
"Because Mr. Henriquez is much more conspicuous. Everyone would recognize a Spaniard asking questions."
"Madam, everyone would remember a gentlewoman asking questions of this nature as well."
"Which brings us to why I need your help." Alexa leaned forward. "Wickham is meeting his contact at the Horse and Crown tomorrow afternoon. And I intend to be there."
"Alone? Oh mum, please reconsider."
Alexa laughed. "You sound like my husband. No sir, I was hoping YOU would accompany me."
"Me?" He said, alarmed and intrigued at the same time.
"Yes," Alexa replied with a grin. "We are only going to eavesdrop, Mr. Chase. Nothing more, I assure you."
"But how will you conceal yourself, mum?"
"By dressing as a man," Alexa replied and laughed when he outright blushed. "I will not ask you to dress as a woman, have no fear. But I do require your help in gathering the appropriate garments. I…ah…am a little small for my husband's clothes."
The man was stunned and thinking furiously. "There is a footman down the street who would be your size madam."
"Good. Pay him whatever is necessary to obtain rough street clothes and shoes. I must be able to move freely." Alexa stood up, signaling the end of the conversation. "I thank you for your help, Mr. Chase. You will be doing your country a great deal of service. We will speak again tomorrow to plan."
"Yes, mum."
"And do not worry, Mr. Chase. My husband and I are seasoned professionals in this game." Alexa hated to lie, but wanted to put the man's mind at ease.
Mr. Chase was not relieved until Jack had freely joined the planning session the next morning. He had secured a costume for Alexa, rough and well worn, and was surprised by Alexa's delight with it. Mrs. Chase was confused by the appearance of the garment but was distracted by her nervous husband. Jack, however, was impressed with the man's quick thinking and his obvious loyalty. Alexa controlled the urge to roll her eyes as the two men assured each other of Alexa's protection.
Jack slid a photograph of LeBlue toward Alexa. Their eyes met briefly and in agreement, she handed it to Mr. Chase. His eyes widened at the lifelike quality of the image and turned it sideways to wonder that the thinness of the paper it was on. There were many questions in his eyes, but he did not ask them, the photograph finally convincing him that Alexa and Jack had access to things and information he knew nothing about. If anything, he began to feel the excitement of adventure. They agreed that Jack would await word from a pub down the street and that Mr. Chase would be the one to identify LeBlue. As the hour grew closer, Alexa left them to change.
It was rather nice to be out of a corset and dress, although the rough, cheap fabric made her itch. The shoes pinched a little, but were bearable. Her face was completely devoid of make-up, save the eyeliner she had dotted over her upper lip as if she were trying to grow a mustache. No one staring at her closely would have believed it, but at a distance, it was disguise enough. Her hair was slicked back and knotted at the end to look shorter, the edges hidden under her high collar. She was mostly dressed when Jack knocked and came in.
"Can I help?" He grinned rakishly. "Oh, you have most of your clothes on already!" He stared at the white shirt she wore. "How did you manage to hide…those?" He said, pointing to her chest.
Alexa sent him a knowing look that would have shriveled a lesser man. "Does that really matter? And no, I am not going to show you." She tugged at the waist of the breeches. "These are a little loose."
"That's a good thing. We men have something you don't."
Alexa grinned. "I considered wearing a sock. But it seems I needn't bother."
Jack rolled his eyes heavenward. "Is that another one of your entertainment secrets?"
Alexa donned the coat that effectively concealed all the worst flaws. "Honey, that one ain't no secret. Almost every guy considered a sexpot has done it."
Jack gaped, "You're kidding?"
"Know that model for Kalman's? The one in the billboards?" Jack nodded. "He does it."
"He models underwear!"
"So?" Alexa grinned at the shock on Jack's face. "You know, Jack? Underneath all that innuendo, you're more of a prude than I gave you credit for." And she sauntered off to meet Mr. Chase.
They arrived at the Horse and Crown on time. Mr. Chase spotted LeBlue almost immediately as he impatiently waited at a table. Chase slipped the barmaid a whole shilling for the table right behind, the one with a high wooden back and a half curtain. Alexa settled with her back to LeBlue, within hearing distance but happy to be out of sight. Mr. Chase looked nervous enough to be sick and he was taking such large gulps of the warm ale in front of him that Alexa hoped he wouldn't get drunk. Not that she didn't sympathize with him…her stomach was turning over every couple of seconds – and it wasn't because she hated warm ale.
She leaned back into the shadows with her arms crossed, listening to LeBlue impatiently drum his fingers. Wickham was late, which annoyed Alexa, treating this dangerous man with the same lackadaisical disinterest as he did everyone else.
"You've kept me waiting long enough, Mr. Wickham," LeBlue finally growled. His voice was only faintly accented, much less than Jack's, and deeper than she had imagined. Alexa had been expecting the whining tone of movie villains.
"I've got someone willing to give you the 700 pounds. So I think, you'd wait for me for a while," Wickham said confidently and with a laugh.
The jerk is skimming off the top! Alexa thought with narrowed eyes. Three hundred extra dollars in his pocket. Does he really think he's going to get away with it?
"Do you have the money?"
"Not right now. But I have my investor's assurances that it will be in your hands soon."
"When?" LeBlue demanded. "I have a ship coming in with the evening tide! I must pay for the supplies!"
"First I want details. My investor wants to know how much of the profits she is going to get?"
"She?" LeBlue's voice dropped. Alexa had to lean her head back to hear him. "Your investor is a woman?"
"A very wealthy one…and she is relying on me to keep her husband in the dark."
"I want to meet her!"
"Impossible." Wickham replied. Alexa felt the relief wash over her. "She will never agree to that. She was quite adamant that she be kept away from any direct contact. You will have to be satisfied with me."
"I do not like such arrangements."
"You can always turn away the money."
There was a tense silence between the men. Both Alexa and Mr. Chase held their breath as they waited for LeBlue to make his move. "You know I cannot." He finally said. It was a wonder that Wickham didn't quake with fear at the implied threat in the other man's voice. "How much does she know about the plans?"
"She's a woman," Wickham dismissed with a laugh. "What would she understand of your plans? Hell, I barely understand them! She only wants to make money. I'd wager she'll leave her husband the moment her pockets are full. He's a foreigner, you know!"
"Is he?" LeBlue asked. "French?"
"Spanish."
Alexa sucked in a breath, hoping such a revelation would not affect Jack's safety. How many Spaniards could there be in London right now? She shared a worried glance with Mr. Chase.
"And how did you manage to secure a woman's trust, I wonder?" LeBlue asked slyly.
"How do I ever?" Wickham said with innuendo all over his voice. Alexa gritted her teeth in anger and rolled her eyes at the scandalized Mr. Chase. "All that matters is getting the money and quickly. She's ready to pay, but she's got strange ideas about needing details. Give me enough to hurry her up."
"I cannot contact buyers until I have something to demonstrate. The supplies are coming in from an Asian ship. I can stall payment until the morning but no later."
"And then what?"
"Then we find a suitable place for a demonstration."
"Which ship?" LeBlue was silent so long that Wickham sighed. "LeBlue, I'm your partner. You have to trust me."
"I have to do no such thing."
"Then we cannot deal." Wickham's voice had hardened. Another silence stretched between them.
"Very well. The Xui Xiong. Supplies are being delivered to a warehouse I have rented on Saxony street. Bring the money by 10 am. Don't be late, Mr. Wickham. I am not accustomed to waiting for people."
Wickham only laughed as he left. Alexa waited for sounds that LeBlue was leaving and was alarmed when she instead heard another man join him.
"I don't trust 'im, gov." The rough voice of the second man obviously belonged to someone from this time. "Too smooth."
"Follow him," LeBlue commanded softly. There was the scrape of a coin on the table. "I want to know who this investor is."
"Shall I do 'im in?"
"Not yet." LeBlue said with a smile in his voice. "But soon."
Alexa pulled out a pencil and paper from her pocket and began to scribble furiously.
Jack,DO NOT COME HOME. LeBlue is watching the house. Supply ship arriving tonight for delivery tomorrow morning. Will handle Wickham. Take a room at the inn, I will send more details soon. Be safe!
Alexa
She folded the letter with a shaking hand and passed it to Mr. Chase. She signaled him to go and frowned when he hesitated. She nodded that she would await his return and that convinced him to leave. LeBlue was still sitting at the table and it was too risky to walk by and be recognized. Mr. Chase slid out of his side of the booth, the note tucked into his pocket, and leisurely walked out the door. He looked neither left or right and made a good job of pretending disinterest in the other pub patrons.
LeBlue sat for an excruciating fifteen more minutes, ordering another tankard of ale and muttering to himself. Finally he left with a toss of a coin to a barmaid. Alexa let out the breath she had been holding and felt her body grow weak. There was another shuffle at a booth farther down the wall and a large, familiar body rose and began to make his way out of the establishment.
Jonathon! Alexa's mind screamed as he passed her without a glance. A wave of heat passed through her at the sight of him. It was always the same, this feeling of being electrified when she knew he was near. She squirmed in her seat, anxious for Mr. Chase to return. I will lose him if I wait any longer! She awkwardly stood up and hurried after him.
Jonathon was hard to track, slipping in and out of shadows and alleys as he followed LeBlue about a seedy part of town. Alexa was terrified of her surroundings and even more nervous about being spotted by LeBlue. But she gritted her teeth and persevered, using her long legs to stride through the poor, stinking streets of the East Side. Jonathon made a few turns and then disappeared.
Alexa stopped and looked about, unsure which way he had gone. I am so close! I can't lose him now! Indecisively, she looked about the frighteningly dark alley options before her. She took a single step toward one and gasped in terror as a tight grip pulled her back into another and slammed her face first against a rough wall.
"I don't care who you are, boy." She could feel Jonathon's breath against her ear. "But I'd advise you to go home to your mother and stay out of trouble." He had her pressed to the wall with his entire body. She felt the painful cut of stone against her cheek and wished there was a way for her to turn and assure him of who she was. She made one attempt, but he misinterpreted it and wound a tight arm around her neck, cutting off what little air she had. Alexa was completely winded an unable to utter a sound. "Take my advice, lad. Don't make me sorry to have met you."
The pressure eased suddenly and Alexa gasped for air. She whirled around, ignoring the way her head spun at the sudden movement. But she was alone. He was gone. She leaned back against the wall, recognizing that there was little she could do at the moment. Wickham would be expecting to meet with her soon. She needed to get back. And Mr. Chase would be frantic. Slowly, she picked her way back to the Horse and Crown, where Mr. Chase was hopping mad with anxiety, and made her way home.
Chapter Eight
For SusanCEC, because I promised!
Alexa barely had time to change clothes before Wickham arrived. She noticed a small cut on her cheek and a darkening bruise as she wiped off the traces of mustache. No time to cover it up. Maybe I can get Wickham to think Jack hits me. It was unfair to paint Jack in such a light, but it would strengthen Wickham's theory that she was eager to leave her husband.
She took several calming breaths before entering the parlour. Wickham smiled widely as usual but stopped suddenly at the sight of the bruise. "What happened?"
Alexa's blush was quite real. She gingerly touched the sore spot. "A small accident." She gave a nervous laugh. "It should stop me from venturing out of doors for a few days."
Wickham looked vaguely alarmed. "Do you have accidents…often?"
Alexa looked away. "Not on my face, no." She sighed and offered Wickham something to drink and he declined. "How was your meeting?"
"Very good!" Wickham enthused. "He is receiving his supplies tomorrow morning and should be beginning production shortly."
"And when does the return to my investment begin?"
"In a few weeks. My contact assures me that he already has interested buyers."
"And how will he secure the sales?"
"Through a demonstration."
Alexa was quiet for a moment. "Sounds dangerous."
"It is a dangerous venture." Wickham said smoothly. "But I was under the impression that you were looking for some adventure."
"As I am." Alexa countered. "So, he needs the money promptly, does he?"
"If he is to secure his materials, yes. I am to deliver it tomorrow morning."
"Very well. If you would wait for a moment." Alexa went upstairs to where she and Jack had hidden their money. They were lucky that the Center and the UN had estimated costs in modern terms. They had more money than they could ever use in 20 years. But keeping such a sum on hand made her extremely nervous. Especially when they were traveling from one place to another. She briefly considered giving Wickham only 700 pounds and not the full thousand. But she didn't dare risk his suspicions. Neither would she peer out the windows in search of the man she knew was watching the house. Selecting several notes, she rejoined Wickham and handed it over.
He put his hand on the bills with wide-eyed excitement and tugged, but Alexa kept a firm hand on it for the moment. He looked at her in thinly veiled anxiety.
"This is the true test of our partnership, Mr. Wickham." Alexa said, looking him right in the eye. "I am putting my trust in you."
"I wouldn't betray you for the world, madam." Wickham said softly. "Nor have I the courage to betray our new business partner."
Alexa smiled and let go of the bills. "Call me Alexa, please."
He pocketed the money in a magician-like move. "Only if you call me George."
She poured them both a drink and raised her glass. "To a lucrative partnership." And with a clink, the deal was sealed.
It was well past midnight before Alexa decided to go to her room. She had written a long note to Jack, though Mr. Chase had already gone to bed, trying to tell him enough but keep him safe. It was hard to hit the right tone, for Alexa was feeling much too vulnerable without him in the house. And the encounter with Jonathon had shaken her confidence.
She trudged up the stairs wearily, discouraged to the bone, and quietly entered her room where a fire was blazing.
"It's about time you got here! I've been waiting for hours!"
"Jack!" Alexa breathed and launched herself at him in relief. He laughed and hugged her back. "What are you doing here? My God! Did anyone see you come in?"
"Of course not! I am a professional remember? Chase snuck me in the servant entrance. And that was well after our spy left trailing after Wickham. Have you given him the money?"
"Yes." Alexa settled herself on the bed next to him. "But I'm worried, Jack. What if LeBlue figures out who we are?"
"That was always a calculated risk. We do have a couple of things working for us. He knows my face but not my name. And he's unlikely to recognize Alexa Henriquez rather than Alexa Matthews or Alexa Wentworth. Regardless, I have taken some precautions." Jack replied.
"What precautions?"
"I've located a professional private security group…and they're pretty good considering they have no modern training."
We have henchmen, now? Alexa thought with humor. "How did you find them?"
"Trade secret." He grinned. "Hey, you have yours and I have mine." He touched the purple bruise on her cheek and frowned deeply. "How did this happen?"
"I saw Jonathon!" Alexa said excitedly. "He was in the pub watching LeBlue."
"You followed him, didn't you?" Jack growled. "That was stupid, Alexa! You should have waited for Chase!"
"I would have lost him if I had waited!"
"And Wentworth did this to you?"
"He didn't know it was me." Alexa replied softly. She winced at the disappointment in her voice. "I guess my disguise was too good."
"More likely he had discounted the possibility to seeing you here," Jack replied kindly. He lifted her chin with two fingers, surveying the damage. "Does it hurt?"
"A little. But it will go away in a day or so." She felt his lips against her, softly and quickly. "Jack…"
"Just one to speed the healing." He said quickly and hopped off the bed. "Now get some rest. Tomorrow I have to hide out at a warehouse."
"Are you bringing the hired guns?"
"Not tomorrow. One person is easier to hide than two or three."
"Jack?" She waited for him to turn around a look at her. "You will be careful, won't you?"
"I always am." Jack replied. "Don't worry. You won't be rid of me so easily."
Alexa was furious the next day at the bruise on her face. She didn't quite know how to hide it and couldn't very well go out as a Lady with the monstrosity on her face. Jack found her pique funny, which made her even more mad, and left her in the care of Mr. Chase.
"We can't let him go alone, Mr. Chase." Alexa said as Jack disappeared.
"He doesn't seem prepared to listen to reason, mum." Chase replied. "However, I am." He gave her a significant look.
"Think your wife has a trick for hiding this?" Alexa said pointing to the purple mark on her face.
"She might have an idea or two."
Mrs. Chase clucked over the bruise and muttered about the secret goings on in the house. Her daughters stood agog, watching their mother experiment with various shades of flesh colored glop that matched Alexa's skin tone.
"This stuff is going to come off, right?" Alexa said worriedly, wondering why the word lacquer kept running through her mind. "With soap and water, I mean, and not a chisel."
"Why mum," Mrs. Chase said with a twinkle of mirth in her eye. "Most ladies never want to take it off!"
Alexa knew she was being teased but still couldn't help the shiver of revulsion. "I like my skin to breathe!"
Mrs. Chase laughed at such a notion and continued applying the cake until the bruise was suitably covered. Alexa touched the makeup gingerly, getting the bits that hadn't dried on her fingers and wondering if it looked more like a growth. Maybe the bruise is better, she thought, this stuff is thick. But given the choice to stay home with a bruise or go out with a bump on her cheek – Alexa picked the latter. At least no one would recognize her in her disguise as a young man with a face tumor – hopefully. As long as I don't bump into Wickham who can probably sniff out a female in any gear.
Mr. Chase was becoming resigned to what he considered the unnecessary risks his employers took. Mrs. Chase had her suspicions, help along by the oblique references her husband was giving to their frequent sojourns – and the fact that she had washed the rough clothes Alexa wore as a disguise. Despite their mutual fear and resignation, they were having the time of their lives. Nothing like a little adrenaline to get a heart rate going. Alexa thought as she watched the couple pretend they didn't know what the other one knew.
"Where are we going, mum?" Chase asked as they ventured out the servants quarters.
Alexa looked around, frightened that LeBlue's henchman was still watching the house. "To find a friend. And make sure Jack is all right."
"But he gave specific instructions not to follow him!" Chase replied worriedly. "He said any interference might jeopardize his safety."
Alexa stopped in mid stride. She was about the same height as Chase, a fact that disconcerted him to no end when she looked him straight in the eye…as she was now doing. "Mr. Chase, we aren't going to do the hula in the middle of a top secret meeting. We're going to walk discreetly by and make sure they aren't beating the tar out of my husband!"
"Oh. Okay." He replied with doubt all over his voice. "What's a hula?" But Alexa only rolled her eyes in reply.
They saw less than nothing at the warehouse. Alexa wondered if they even had the right place.
"This isn't where you should be mum," Chase muttered.
"Stop calling me 'mum'!" Alexa hissed. "I'm supposed to be a man!"
Chase looked perplexed. "What should I call you?"
"Matey. Lad. Boy. Heck even 'hey you' would be better."
"Yes, mum…ahhhh hey you."
I'm surrounded by comedians. Alexa thought as Chase snickered. They found an appropriate shadow to hide within and watched the building. Jack had been gone for hours, intending to break into the warehouse before the transactions was to take place and secure a good vantage point. He was somewhat mysterious about his methods, claiming he didn't want Alexa following him…but she had seen the rope and the tiny camera he was taking with him. Whatever he was doing, he was hiding somewhere high and taking pictures for proof.
Alexa stared hard at the bolted doorway, knowing that the critical exchange was happening at the moment and wondered if Jonathon was in there. Her slightly hysterical mind briefly pictured Jack and Jonathon shaking hands while suspended on the rafters.
"I say, Wentworth, you do take me to the most picturesque spots."
The voice was unfamiliar but the statement made Alexa's spine snap ramrod straight. She motioned Chase to remain silent, something the man had no problems doing in his fear.
"Don't be a pansy, Fitzwilliam. Or I'll have something to say about the army." It was Jonathon's laughing reply that made her smile. She had found him again! So what if it was an accident?
"Well, who could you possibly know in this part of town?" The man called Fitzwilliam replied. "Even the bar girls are dangerous out here."
"Perhaps I have gotten the address wrong." Jonathon smoothly countered. Alexa risked a glance around the wall. Jonathon's light words were belied by the intense look he was sending toward the shut warehouse. The man Fitzwilliam was dressed in a red coat, obviously an army officer's uniform, looked to be about 30 and wasn't bad looking – just washed out compared to Jonathon.
Alexa couldn't help ogling her fiancée. It had been so long since she'd seen him and yesterday's near miss had been more torture than she cared to admit. The blue naval coat fit snugly over his shoulders and created a smooth line down his back. Alexa smiled in remembrance of the times she had felt that back under her fingers and the familiar kick of desire hit the pit of her stomach. She snapped to attention as they began to move away.
"Stay here," she said to Chase. "I'll be back."
"Where are you going mu….ah…"
"Following a lead. Wait for me here and watch for Mr. Henriquez." She didn't wait for him to acknowledge her and quickly picked her way after them. Alexa knew she would never be able to fool Jonathon's companion if she got too close, so she followed at what she hoped was a discreet distance.
Jonathon seemed to turn once and catch sight of her in his peripheral vision, his shoulders tensing. Alexa backed away for a moment, not wanting another taste of his terrifying spy persona. But she kept following determinedly. Jonathon was leading the other man through winding streets until they came to a crowded square. Alexa knew this routine, designed to draw a tail out into the open. Jonathon turned around, saying something to make his friend laugh, and sending a narrow eyed look directly at her.
Good, Alexa thought, he sees me. She stared right back at him, deliberately, and slowly grinned. His stern expression faltered a little, growing speculative. She raised her eyebrows in a challenge and sent an impudent wink his way. Seeing his eyes widen with disbelief made her laugh aloud and she quickly turned and scurried into an alleyway, confident he would follow.
And he did, nearly running people down in his hurry to find her. She hid back a little, unable to resist giving back some of the agony his disappearance caused her. She watched him jog into her alleyway, where they were alone, and look about him in confusion.
"Alexa?" He called out in a whisper.
"Are you going to slam me into a wall again?" She replied, still in shadow.
He closed his eyes in remembrance. "God! That was you?" He looked around again. "Come out where I can see you."
She stepped out and smiled at him. She had pictured many scenarios for their reunion and all of them involved a mad dash into each other's arms and a passionate kiss. She looked at him expectantly and found him frowning.
"What's that thing on your face?" He asked.
This was not going right.
Alexa touched the mound of make-up. "I couldn't walk around with a bruise on my face!"
"You have a bruise under that or because of it?" Jonathon said.
"It's make-up!" Alexa replied impatiently.
"And what's that stuff on your lip?"
"That is also make-up," she said with a sour look.
"It looks like a connect the dots puzzle."
"Jonathon!" Alexa snapped. "Are you going to kiss me or not?"
He looked about them and stared at the people walked past the end of the alley. "In public? I can't kiss another guy in public!"
Alexa felt her jaw go slack. "But I'm not a man!"
"They don't know that."
"But you do! Oh forget it!" Alexa said angrily. "Why I even bother with you is beyond me…"
"Which brings up the question…why are you here, anyway?"
"Because I miss having my ribs crushed by corsets!" Alexa retorted. "Why do you think I'm here? I came to find you!"
"I suspect my brother had a hand in getting you here." He grinned for a brief moment, his teeth flashing which against the darkness. "Well you found me. Now go home."
"What?!"
"I mean it, Alexa. Go home." He turned as the sound of his name was called. Fitzwilliam was obviously looking for him.
"I didn't travel 400 years into the past to be dismissed, Jonathon Wentworth," Alexa fumed.
"We're going to have to talk about this later," Jonathon said with a wary look over his shoulder as Fitzwilliam's searching voice came closer. "Where can I find you?"
Impatiently she gave him the address. He whistled in appreciation of the residence, making a soft comment about her funding. Then he strode away without another look or word. Alexa stared after him, irritated and confounded. And terribly hurt at his disinterest. She gingerly stepped out of the alley to watch Jonathon walk away with his friend, willing him to look back at her. He did, once, and frowned. Not exactly the reaction she had hoped for.
Her return to Chase's hiding place was slower and less cautious. It wasn't until he hissed at her that she realized how pathetically obvious she was.
"They threw open the doors about ten minutes ago," he said. "There's been no sign of the master."
"That's probably a good thing," Alexa replied. "If they don't act suspicious, he must be well hidden."
"They're plenty suspicious, if you ask me. I wonder what's in the crates?"
Alexa only tightened her lips in apprehension. "Let's get home. We need to wait for Jack to get back." And Jonathan...if he knows what's good for him!
Chapter Nine, Part 1
Jack showed up an hour after her.
"Are you all right?" Alexa said impatiently.
He stretched his back. "Fine. Just a little sore. I was crouched for hours! I thought my legs weren't going to work when I finally got out of there."
"Did you see the exchange?"
"Seen and recorded," he held up the camera. "And heard the whole thing. They're going to move supplies and operations elsewhere in a few days. LeBlue doesn't like London crowds."
"A little paranoid, is he?"
"I would be too if I was building the world's most powerful weapons." Jack sighed and helped himself to some brandy. "Every country the world is going to want a piece of him. Some will stop at nothing to get it."
"I'm surprised he doesn't plan on ruling the world himself," Alexa commented idly. The sudden shake of Jack's hands startled her. "You don't think that's a possibility, do you?"
"I certainly hope not." Jack said with a sigh. "Besides I don't think that's any more possible to do now than in our time. It doesn't fit LeBlue's profile anyway. He's always been one to hoarde secretly. He likes to manipulate from the background…not be in the spotlight. That's why he wants to leave London."
"And go where? The rest of England is considered country!"
"I don't know. He's keeping pretty quiet about the whole thing. All I know is that we have three days to find out."
"Mr. Henriquez!" Chase came in with a relieved smile. "It is good to see you, sir!"
"Thank you, Mr. Chase." Jack took the envelope offered to him with a frown of confusion.
"From Mr. Bingley, sir."
"Oh no!" Jack groaned. "I forgot I agreed to go back to White's tonight. I'd rather have a long soak and a big dinner!"
Alexa smiled. "You'll get the big dinner at least."
"And a lung full of cigar smoke." Jack replied. "Maybe Wentworth will be there tonight. I half expected him to be hiding out with me."
"I almost forgot!" Alexa replied energetically. "He was there! But outside the warehouse. He was with a man named Fitzwilliam."
"Darcy?"
"Huh?"
"Darcy's first name, remember. It's Fitzwilliam."
Alexa didn't know what to say. "Maybe it's a common name." She shrugged. "This man was an army officer. And blond…not dark."
"It's a weird coincidence." Jack said as he lifted himself off his chair. "I have to change if I'm going to White's. Oh and Bingley's sisters are coming over to see you!"
"WHAT? You're kidding?"
"Nope. So I'd get that stuff off your face."
Alexa sighed and followed him up the stairs. "I don't like them."
"Apparently, they like you."
"They probably like to talk about me after they leave."
"They'll have a lot to talk about when they get a look at that shiner on your face."
"Wickham thinks you smack me around."
"Does he?" Jack grinned as they stood outside their respective bedrooms. "Good. Maybe he'll be a little more careful around here. But don't let the Bingley women think that."
"Of course not," Alexa replied. "To them you have to be a complete gentleman."
"So what are you going to tell them?"
She shrugged. "I'll think of something. Hopefully, they'll consider themselves too polite to ask. Jack?" She waited until he turned to look at her. "If Jonathon is at White's…"
"I'll bring him back with me." Jack said kindly. "And I won't take no for an answer, I promise."
Alexa scrubbed her face with painful vigor, taking out her anger on her poor cheek. It took a while to get all the hardened glop off her face and she ended up with a very painful bruise to show for it!
Alexa had barely gotten into an afternoon dress when Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst arrived. The three women waved Jack and Charles Bingley away before settling in for what Louisa Hurst called "a long, cozy chat." Mr. Chase was in a sweat, trying to maintain his dignity in front of the visitors and not jump in fear that every knock. Alexa tried to smile at her guests and ignore the exchange of looks at her obvious bruise. She tried her best to seem interested in their conversation, but they were only interested in talking about the latest fashions and how horrible the people around them were. Alexa began to wonder how unforgivable a social sin screaming and tearing her hair out would be. She was willing to find out if it meant getting these women to leave her house.
But Caroline and Louisa had no intention of leaving anytime soon, smiling gaily as Alexa relented and asked for tea to be served. The hour passed slowly and Alexa squirmed and tried to pretend she cared about the same things they did.
The sun was nearly completely set before she heard a rattling outside her windows.
Looking up, she saw Jonathon grinning at her from outside! He gave her a jaunty wave, as if it were the most natural thing in the world for him to be imitating spider man outside a London townhouse.
"Good grief!" Alexa said, jumping up in fear. Mr. Chase nearly dropped the tea tray as he caught sight of Jonathon seemingly levitating outside the townhouse.
"Whatever is the matter?" Caroline asked, startled by the sudden movement. Both she and Louisa turned toward the windows, which were now completely devoid of anything untoward. "Are you afraid of sunsets?"
"Eh…a little…" Alexa hurried to the window. "Is it stuffy in here? Shall I open a window?"
"I am quite comfortable," Louisa simpered.
"Well, the fire is rather large for the size of this room," Caroline said. "Perhaps an open window would ease the air a trifle."
Alexa twisted the handle and pushed it open, peering at Jonathon who was flat against the wall. He was starting to gather a crowd of spectators on the street. "At least you're inconspicuous," she whispered to him. He snickered and pointed upwards with one hand. "Mr. Chase, may I speak with you?"
"Yes, mum?" The poor man was living in fear of the next unusual command given to him.
"I believe there is a merchant coming towards us." Alexa shot Jonathon a significant glance. "Please greet him at the servants entrance." Jonathon sniggered again, but to the oblivious Bingley sisters, it sounded as if Mr. Chase was being disrespectful. With a look of long suffering, the man went to let Jonathon in.
Alexa rubbed her bruise slightly, the grimace on her face stretching it until it hurt.
"My dear, now I understand your complete social absence," Caroline purred as she caught sight of the motion. "However did you manage that?" She pointed at the bruise.
"Ahhhhh….the house is haunted," Alexa replied, miffed at the other woman's amusement. "Candlesticks go flying about in the night toward the unsuspecting."
"That's just silly!" Caroline dismissed.
"Not at all," Alexa replied. "How do you think I got this?" She pointed at her cheek.
"Certainly not from a ghost!"
Just then Alexa saw a hand reach inside from the window and send an unlit candle flying toward them. It landed with a thunk about four steps away from the sofa. Caroline and Louisa stared at it, then each other, then the window behind them. The candlestick with a missing candle was too far away to have been a victim of a gust of wind.
Alexa watched them blanch and exchange meaningful looks. She began pouring three cups of tea. "Don't worry ladies. They rarely ever actually hit anyone. Unless you say something the spirits don't like."
Fifteen minutes later, they were gone. Alexa waved them good-bye until they disappeared down the street and then she took the stairs two steps at a time till she reached her bedroom and locked the door behind her.
Jonathon was standing there…the height and breadth of him dwarfing everything in the room. He had been stroking the bristles of her hairbrush until she barged in. They stared at each other for a long moment, Jonathon taking slow steps toward her. With gentle fingers, he touched her bruise.
"I did this," he whispered. "I am so sorry."
"You didn't know it was me." Her eyes searched his face, seeing the lines of strain and weariness etched deeper than ever before. "You're so tired." She took him into her arms then and just held him, allowing him bury himself against her. "Let me look at you." She pulled away, searching his body with eyes and hands, seeing new bruises and scars. But mostly she touched him to convince herself that he really was here and fine. Her hands ended up in his thick hair that she loved so much. "Where have you been?" She whispered into his ear. "I've been frantic."
"Missed me, did you?" He teased.
"Don't be an idiot," she said gruffly. "Of course I did."
He laughed and picked her up, settling her on his lap as he sat in a large armchair by the fire. She had a dozen questions for him, but the insistent hand he pressed against her neck pulled her face toward his. Alexa's lips parted under pressure from his and the questions melted away in the heat they always generated together.
"Jon," she protested unconvincingly as his lips traveled down her neck. "I want to talk to you."
"What about?"
"About going home!"
He tensed under her, just slightly, but as attuned as she was to his moods, she felt it. "Tell me how you got here." He replied instead.
"Ben got the injunction against me suspended so I could look for you." Alexa said and quickly described her day at court. He laughed heartily at the judge's comments, his hands still roving over her distractedly. "Jonathon, as much as I am enjoying this, we do have planning to do."
"No, we don't. You are going home. Tonight."
Alexa's eyes narrowed as she looked into his suddenly hooded eyes. "We. You mean we are going home."
"I still have work to do."
"LeBlue. I know all about him. I'm here to help." Again, she felt his body tense under hers. "Jon, every muscle in your body is about to tear apart. What is going on?"
He wrapped a hand around her chin. "Stay away from LeBlue. Stay away from me while I am here. Please, Alexa. I don't want to have to worry about you too. Just go home and tell Ben I decided to stay."
Alexa shoved her way out of his arms and stood up. "Stay? Until this whole thing is resolved, right?"
He wouldn't meet her eyes. "Yes."
"Then why can't I wait for you until we can go home together? You crashed your craft, Jon. You won't make it back if I leave you here."
"I didn't crash."
"But they found the black box!"
"The craft wasn't completely destroyed."
Alexa stared hard at his averted face. "You're lying to me." Alexa said softly. "Why?"
He jumped up. "I have to get going." He pulled her tightly into his arms. "Promise me. Stay away from LeBlue and go home. I will see you there."
"Jon!" She followed him out the door and down the stairs. He wasn't listening to her as he practically ran out of the house. "Jon, this is ridiculous. Stop being so mysterious!" She could feel her temper rising at his behavior. He was nearly at the street. "If you walk out that door…I'll call off the wedding." He stopped in midstride and turned to look at her, shocked.
"You don't mean that!"
"Yes, I do." she whispered, her voice shaking in her desperation. "A marriage between us won't work if you can't even stop to talk to me."
"I'm trying to protect you."
"And who's protecting you?" Alexa asked. "It should be me. We're partners, at least we should be. We're in this together, all of it, or none at all."
He looked agonized. "I can't. Please don't make me choose, Alexa."
"I'm only asking you to stay and talk to me."
They stared at each other again. Her heart was racing with fear, silently begging him to come inside and talk to her. His feet were already taking one step after another behind him. "Go home." And he was gone.