Beginning, Previous Section, Section III, Next Section

Chapter Nine Continued

Posted on Thursday, 9 September 1999

Alexa was buried under a pile of blankets in the darkness of her room when Jack got home. She had her back to the connecting door, unwilling to let him see her misery. Her brain hadn't yet forgotten the scene tonight and heart was still berating her for forcing Jonathon's hand.

"Alexa? You awake?" Jack sounded a little unsteady on his feet. He came to the bed and slid down next to her. "The room is spinning."

Alexa could smell the fumes coming off him despite her tear-swollen sinuses. "You smell like a still." She muttered, drawing the covers higher around her face.

"Yeah, there was some guy getting married there. Kept buying rounds. Bingley's butler had to carry him in!" Jack started giggling. Alexa's eyes watered again at the word marriage. She turned her face back onto the pillow. "What are you doing in bed anyway? I expected you to be waiting up for me. I'm sorry but Wentworth wasn't there. Neither was anyone called Fitzwilliam."

"I'm tired." She said softly.

Jack rolled over to his side. He tugged the blankets off her face and peer through the flickering light of the fireplace. "Hey, what's the matter. This isn't because I didn't find Wentworth, is it?"

"No." Alexa replied but couldn't manage more than that.

"We'll find him," Jack said and snuggled down on the bed. "Alexa, I'm not going to make it to my bed. Don't take this the wrong way."

Within minutes, Jack was snoring softly, still fully dressed and over the covers. Alexa was strangely comforted the heavy arm draped over her, prepared for the moment to pretend it was Jonathon's and that everything would be fine when the sun came up. Yet it was still several hours later before she fell asleep.

Despite the severity of the events surrounding them, Alexa could not, or would not, rouse herself to sufficiently participate in the dealings around her. Suffocating her was the knowledge that Jonathon was lost to her and by her own choice. Anger and fear warred within her, with only a black grief presiding over it all. For three days she mourned silently.

Mr. Chase and Jack kept vigil on the warehouse, leaving Alexa to the care of a very alarmed Mrs. Chase. Sometimes she heard them talking outside her room, discussing her she was sure. But none of them asked to know what had driven her into her bed. On the evening of the third day, Alexa woke to the cold air that hit her as Jack hauled the covers from the bed.

He said nothing as he gathered her up, nightgown and all, and stalked over to the dressing room to dunk her into a tub of cold water. Alexa shrieked, anger rising to the top for once, and let loose a barrage of foul language that only made him laugh. Mrs. Chase, who was hiding in a corner with a towel and some soap, blushed to the roots of her hair in mortification. Jack dismissed her with a wave of his hand, taking some shampoo and dumping it on Alexa's wet hair. He scrubbed briskly, commenting on how dirty she had gotten of late. Alexa fought him until some of the lather stung her eyes. The pain didn't subside, even after Jack hurriedly rinsed the soap off her hair and eyes. Alexa began to sob, large heaving breaths that made her shoulders shake. Jack took her into his arms awkwardly, pillowing her wet head on his shoulder as she finally poured out her grief.

"Are you ready to tell me what happened?" Jack whispered as Alexa subsided into painful hiccups.

"Nothing."

Jack pushed her off him and arched an eyebrow. "I know Wentworth came to see you while I was at White's. And that you've taken up the vocation of a corpse ever since. So don't try that one on me. What did your fiancee say to you to get you this upset?"

"He's not my fiancee...at least not anymore."

Jack's jaw dropped open. "He broke it off?"

"I did." Alexa reached for the bar of soap with a sigh. "Let me finish my bath -- and then we'll talk."

He was in her room waiting, sitting on her bed that had been fitted with new sheets. She was feeling rather sheepish over her behavior, and embarrassed that she had been sitting in a cold tub with just a nightgown on. But one look at his expression told her he hadn't even noticed that. He was worried about her, following her with his eyes as she sat on a chair opposite him, now dressed quite primly, and rubbed her hair dry with a towel.

"What happened?" He asked quietly.

"He kept trying to send me home."

"Not unreasonable considering what we're facing."

"He's not planning on coming back, Jack." Alexa said softly. "And he lied about his ship. Says it didn't crash."

"That's impossible. If anything was salvageable about the craft the black box would have stayed with it."

"I know."

"But that still doesn't tell me why..." His voice drifted off. "Is there someone else?"

"I don't know. I don't think so." Alexa replied as she stared into the fire. "Jack? Is this mission a one way trip?"

Jack's long silence was telling. "It could be."

"So Jonathon is willing to go as far as dying to stop LeBlue." Jack nodded. "Are you?"

He blanched a little. "If I have to. Look, Alexa...this isn't a game. This man is dealing with weapons more powerful than anything that exists today. People kill for that kind of leverage. Countries go to war. Governments engage in espionage and cover up anything and anyone that gets in the way. Wentworth is trying to protect you."

"I'm already in too deep," Alexa said and sent a swift, sharp glance toward Jack. "So don't you start getting noble on me."

"Wasn't planning on it," Jack replied. "As much as I hate it, right now you are the only link with LeBlue. And sending you back means we lose precious time getting back to Netherfield. But Wentworth isn't going to like it that you're still here."

Alexa began viciously untangling her hair with a brush. "He no longer has a say in it. The wedding is off and so is any other kind of relationship."

"You don't mean that."

"Don't I?" Alexa said and the very calmness of her voice send visible shivers down both their frames. "He came here to do a job, knowing it was a one way trip. And what did he expect me to do? Stay at home, waiting for any sign or any word, wondering the worst and living a half life in hope that he would return." Her eyes returned to Jack's pinched expression. "I'm not the kind of woman who sits at home and waits for her lover. I'm selfish -- I want a piece of everything in his life. And I'm willing to share a piece of everything in mine. Jonathon has proven he can't understand that. So what chance do we have together?"

"I'm sure there's more to it than that." Jack said although it was clear he understood her sentiments. "Haven't you ever heard of the benefit of the doubt? He has to have a better explanation than this."

"He had his chance. He blew it."

"You're angry. And you have a right to be." Jack conceded at her sharp look. "But if he means well and he's doing this because he loves you, how can that be wrong?"

"Because he never gave me a choice." Alexa whispered. "Have you ever been married?" Jack shook his head slowly. "Neither have I. But I know what I want. I want someone who won't treat me like a child." Her voice broke over the last words.

Jack reached forward and took her hand in his warm one. They sat silently for several long minutes until Alexa had recovered her composure. "So now what?" He asked.

"We finish with LeBlue and go home."

"And Wentworth?"

"He comes home too." Alexa sighed. "I'm not going to lie to you Jack. I love Jonathon. I love his family. There is no way on this earth that I am going to let him disappear without a trace. I am going to do everything possible to bring him back in one piece."

"And when you both get home?" He whispered. "What then?"

Alexa began staring at the fireplace again. "Then I put a very expensive wedding dress up for sale."

The next day, Alexa was once again in her boy's disguise and watching the warehouse entrance anxiously. "I don't like this, Mr. Chase. Jack's been in there too long. The carts have come and gone and he hasn't come out yet."

"Master Jack was quite clear that we await him here."

"What if he's hurt and can't come out?" Alexa replied. "No, we have to find out." She scrambled out and entered the pub beside the warehouse.

Moving quickly through the milling crowd with her head down, she ascended to the second floor, hearing the scrape of Mr. Chase's boots behind her. They walked past the rooms where various and sundry misdeeds were taking place to the very end of the hall. Alexa looked behind her as she sat on the sill, and seeing them quite alone, swung her legs out to the ledge. There was a large gap between the buildings and Alexa could see the street below. Crabwalking along the edge, she went toward a large tree near the back of the building. Taking a deep breath and hoping her arms didn't give way, Alexa threw herself into the air, her fingers scrambling to grab and hold onto the thick branch closest to her. She heard Mr. Chase's hiss from behind her but refused to acknowledge him. She was scared enough without looking into his face.

The muscles of her arms shook with the effort of supporting her body as she climbed up the tree toward the warehouse roof. Don't look down. Don't look down. She kept commanding herself, between prayers and promises to God that she would go to the gym faithfully if she made it safely to the roof. When the edge of that building came within her sights, Alexa was ready to cry with relief. Jack had left a window open, from his entrance and she eased her way in easily, trying to drop noiselessly onto the woodenly shelves. She could hear the coarse laughter of men below her and took of her shoes to stay quiet as she crept about for a closer look.

LeBlue was pacing about angrily, screaming at his workers to get the last of the crates onto the arriving carts. Alexa continued to circle the perimeter of the warehouse and gasped when she got a look into the lit center. Jack was sitting on a chair, tied and gagged, and unconscious. He was slumped to one side and she could see the bruise on his temple. And there was a rapidly spreading pool of blood staining his shirt.

She broke out into a cold sweat. LeBlue would not hesitate to finish Jack off and it was up to her and Mr. Chase to keep him from succeeding. She turned to see Mr. Chase's wide eyes coming to the same conclusion. There was a movement across from her and she found herself staring across the space into Jonathon's furious gaze.

Her heart racing, she knew he would be quite scathing when the opportunity for conversation presented itself. But she needed him right now. Jack's life depended in them.

They watched LeBlue order the final crates loaded and then Jack was alone with him and a fierce looking man.

"And wha' do we do with thi' un?"

LeBlue peered closely into Jack's face. "Wake him."

Alexa had to press a hand on her face to stop the scream when the man broke off a piece of glass from a window and cut Jack on the thigh. Jack's shout of pain echoes through the building.

"Who else is here with you, Henriquez?" LeBlue asked. Jack was breathing heavily, refusing to answer the question.

"I've heard tell of thi' un," the other man said gruffly. "Word about is that he has a missus."

"Really? The last time I heard, this man was far from interested in matrimony."

"They've been the talk o'the town, guv. Hobnobbin with moneyed folk."

"Have you really taken the plunge?" LeBlue screamed into his ear. Jack winced and tried to turn his head away. LeBlue caught him in a tight grip around the jaw. "I know you. You like that lone wolf image that makes women swoon. I don't know what woman you've convinced to take your miserable hide, but I hope for her sake she doesn't come looking for you. My friend here would have a great deal of fun cutting her up -- after he was done with her of course. Your fatal mistake is my win."

"Go to hell," Jack replied.

LeBlue laughed. "Maybe. But you'll be waiting for me there first." He put on his gloves with the delicacy of a gentleman. Alexa watched in horrified fascination as he tucked his coat securely about him and gave the instructions, "Kill him."

"Wha' about the missus?"

"Take a look around and if you find her...well, far be it for me to tell you what to do around a woman."

The other man grinned with delight. He watched LeBlue walk out into the harsh sunlight and turned with a glint of appraisal in his eyes. Jack stared fearlessly back at him, his mouth set in a grim, determined line. "Now, shall we do thi' slow or fast? Wha' am I preferring thi' evenin'?"

Jonathon caught Alexa's eye as the man began to circle Jack's chair. He motioned for her to stay put, which made her narrow her eyes in mutinous reply. But she nodded her head and sent Mr. Chase to assist Jonathon. Mr. Chase, while a naturally nervous man, had gone through a transformation at the sight of Jack's abuse. There was a strange light in his eyes that spoke of his loyalty to his master and his willingness to do what it takes to save him.

Jonathon and Chase began a slow, silent climb down from the rafters. Alexa watched in fear, wondering how the rickety boards were holding the weight of both men and anxiously watching out for Jack. The man took another couple of quick swipes at Jack, drawing more blood -- but not fatally. He was determined to toy with his captive.

Mr. Chase slipped slightly on a beam, the minute sound loudly banging through the empty room. Everyone in the room froze. Jack looked up, directly at her and blanched until she slipped back into the shadows. Jonathon and Chase were only halfway down, precariously perched between the beams that held the shelves suspended. They were vulnerable, out in the open where they could be seen and unable to do more than hold on or plunge several bone crunching feet to the ground.

"Now wha' was that?" The man murmurred as he squinted into the shadows, just feet from Jonathon and Chase. "Maybe the boss was wrong and you ain't alone."

Alexa looked left and right seeing a staircase tucked to one side. She needed to give them a distraction. But having come into this barren place with nothing, she couldn't think of a way to draw the man's attentions away from Jonathon and Chase. Save one.

Her heartbeat was deafening her. Summoning every last scrap of courage, she noisily stepped forward and leaned over the rail. The man whirled back with a speed that belied his bulk. His eyes narrowed as they took her in.

"Well, well, well...wha' do we 'ave 'ere."

She swallowed, forcing some bravado into her voice. "Is that anyway to talk to your benefactress?"

In her peripheral vision, she could see Jonathon renew his climb with furious vigor. Every movement was angry and she was well aware it was mostly directed at her.

The man was completely focused on her now and approaching fast. "You ain't supposed to be here boy."

With shaking legs, Alexa began the slow descent to the ground floor, hoping she was the picture of calm nonchalance. "Boy?" She gave a shaky laugh. "Come now. Surely your eyesight isn't that bad?" She took the pins out of her hair, letting the curls come tumbling down. She took several more steps down, grinning as the man came to a shocked halt halfway to her. She took off her coat, knowing the lawn shirt wouldn't hide her femininity at all. As she laid the coat down on the steps, she saw a small piece of paper with an address scratched out on it. It looked like a shipping order. Surreptitiously, she slipped it into her pocket.

The man leered at her. "You must be the missus, then."

"Quite right." She replied as she reached the ground floor. Jonathon and Chase were also at ground level, both creeping toward Jack. "But I am more than that. How exactly do you think Mr. LeBlue financed this entire experiment?"

The man hesitated for a moment. "We was told the lady didn't want to be known."

"And so I didn't. That doesn't mean I won't try to guarantee my investment. My husband and I are quite particular in whom we entrust our money."

He frowned in confusion. "But the boss said he knew 'im." He jerked his head backward toward Jack who was now being released from the rope that tied him. Alexa felt her blood freeze, wondering how the man hadn't seen the movement behind him. Jack slumped weakly against Chase. Jonathon had spared the men a single look and then proceeded to approach her with grim determination.

Alexa tsk tsked with a solemn shake of her head. "If LeBlue needed me to give him the money -- that makes me the boss, doesn't it? Really, sir, you should be more particular in how you address me."

The man's eyes raked her from head to toe, leering even more. "Mum, it occurs that with yer man tied up, yer needed to be a little more particular toward me."

"Oh?" Alexa said with raised eyebrows. Jonathon came to a standstill behind the man.

"Seeing as we're nearly alone..."

Alexa grinned widely. "You mean, except for him..." she pointed over the man's shoulder.

He twisted around in reflex and Jonathon's fist connected with a crunch on his jaw. The man fell, but he was only dazed. He quickly recovered, taking up the glass shard and using it like a switchblade. Jonathon pushed Alexa away roughly, sending her tumbling to the ground as the man charged at her. The glass embedded itself in his arm, tearing into his skin with a vicious stab. With a snarl, Jonathon grabbed the man's throat and ran against one wall, slamming the other man's body against it. The man slumped slightly as the breath was knocked out of him. Jonathon pulled the glass from his arm and began to beat the man with bare fists. Alexa was shocked at the display. Jonathon had been many things with her -- gentle, teasing, infuriating, even maddening. But she had never seen this terrifying violence before.

"Jonathon!" She screamed before he killed the man with his fists. "Jonathon, stop! Please!" She ran to him, trying to pull him off the man. Jonathon froze under her hands. Breathing rapidly, he stepped back, allowing the man to fall to the floor. Alexa still had her arms about his waist from behind, drawing him farther and farther back from the bleeding man.

"You idiot!" He yelled at her. "Why couldn't you stay hidden? Why must you always go against what I tell you?"

Alexa let him go with a disgusted push. "I see…I was supposed to let him see you. Maybe even kill you."

"That wouldn't have happened!"

"You see into the future now?" Alexa scoffed. "Stop arguing, Jonathon. I did what had to be done. And it's time you see that you can't prevent my involvement."

"He was going to kill you," Jonathon whispered, as if to himself. He suddenly turned around and grabbed her tightly, muttering something about getting her away from danger. Alexa let herself be held, still stunned by the uncontrolled fury Jonathon had displayed. This man, who had shared her life for nearly two years now, was becoming more and more of a stranger to her.

A discreet throat clearing reminded them they weren't alone. Mr. Chase, with an exceedingly disapproving expression, held a semi-conscious Jack propped on his shoulder. "He's lost a good bit of blood, madam. He needs a doctor."

"We have to get him home," Alexa replied, stepping completely out of Jonathon's reach, reminding herself that she no longer belonged there. He also walked away from her, the emotion between them too much for either to bear.

Jack looked up and smiled weakly at her. Alexa took one step toward him and froze at the inhuman roar that echoed about the walls. The man, who had lain forgotten on the floor, had renewed his attack -- screaming his rage as he barreled toward Alexa. Jonathon began to run, but he was too far. In slow motion, Alexa took a breath she was sure was her last and watched the man descending on her with fists ready. There was an ear splitting thunder just before he reached her. Alexa watched in morbid fascination as the man's eyes widened and he crumpled sideways at an unseen impact. His eyes remained opened as he lay still, a pool of blood spreading under him. Alexa stood silently just inches from the body, every muscle beginning to shake uncontrollably. Slowly, painfully, her gaze turned to Jack, who was still standing with an arm outstretched. A smoking, very modern gun in his hand and Mr. Chase's horrified gaze was fixed on it.

Jonathon was the first to recollect their circumstances. He took the gun and pocketed it then took hold of Jack's other arm. "Alexa, hail a carriage. We have to get out of here before the police arrive."

The mundane task seemed ridiculously easy after the nightmare they had left behind them. The four of them sat without speaking as the carriage bounced. Jack was floating in and out of consciousness, more from the pain of his wounds than any real damage. He had a heafty bruise on one temple that worried Alexa and the deep stab on his thigh was bound with the lining of her coat. Immediately blood soaked through and Alexa pressed a hand on the wound to try and stop the bleeding. But a quick survey of him had revealed only superficial cuts. The blood that had stained his shirt belonged to someone else -- Alexa shuddered and refused to think about it.

She could feel Jonathon's eyes taking in every movement, narrowing at the familiarity of her touch on Jack's body. He was misreading the whole situation, as he always did, and Alexa was in no mood to pacify him.

Mrs. Chase nearly fainted at the sight of Jack's blood but collected enough of her wits to fetch a doctor. Mr. Chase and Jonathon carried Jack to his room where Alexa quickly set to work cleaning each cut.

"You didn't tell me he was here with you." Jonathon ground out.

"Did you really think I'd come alone?" Alexa scoffed, not sparing a glance at him.

"I didn't think you'd come with him!"

"Pardon my interruption, sir." Chase said with gruff impatience. "But where exactly do you expect the master's wife to be except with him?"

"Wife?" Jonathon repeated incredulously. Alexa couldn't help turning to look at him for there was such a strange, strangled pitch to his voice. "WIFE?!"

Mr. Chase scurried out the door at the dismissive flick of Alexa's fingers. There were very few emotions that people who been intensely intimate could hide. Alexa knew all of Jonathon's looks and reactions by heart. There were many she could recognize at a glance. This shaking, boiling, snarling fury was one of them.

"That vein in your forehead is popping out, Jonathon," She said calmly, knowing one of them had to stay controlled in this discussion. It was obvious that Jonathon wasn't going to be the one.

"WIFE!!!!" Jonathon hollered. Alexa saw Jack wince and realized he was only pretending to be asleep. Well, good…she had enough on her hands without trying to stop Jonathon from killing Jack.

"Yes…wife."

"So this is why you broke off our engagement?" Jonathon stared hard at the still form on the bed. "I hope he breaks your heart!"

Alexa rolled her eyes. "Don't be such an ass, Jonathon. We are pretending to be married."

"Does Ben know?" Jonathon interrupted. Alexa hesitated a little too long. "Damn! My brother let you get in a craft to heavens knows where with this gigolo? I'm going to kill him!"

Alexa sincerely hoped Jonathon couldn't see the proud smirk that flashed through Jack's face. "Well, you'd have to go home to do that, won't you?' She responded so softly he almost didn't hear her. He paled a little at her words. "And since you aren't planning on doing that, I suppose Ben is safe."

"I'm not going to debate this with you," Jonathon dismissed grimly. "And I don't see why you have to be his wife."

"Jonathon, use your head! There are only three ways a woman can travel alone with a man: wife, sister, daughter. And Jack and I are never going to look related. So deal with it."

Jonathon ground his teeth, the sound loud in the silence of the room. The doctor came and sewed up the deep cut, leaving a little laudanum for the pain, and advising Alexa to keep Jack off his feel for at least a week or two. Jonathon pressed himself against a far wall, his eyes missing nothing and his anger abating not a whit.

"I told you to go home," he finally said when they were alone again with a sleeping Jack.

"Yes you did. And I ignored you."

"Alexa, listen to me…"

"No, you listen!" Alexa said as she pointed a stiff finger in his direction. "You gave up the right to tell me anything several days ago. I am here to finish what I started. And you are officially absolved of all responsibility for me. Now go away, Jonathon. I have to care for my husband," she finished with a sarcastic sneer.

There was a flash of pain beneath his stern exterior. Alexa told herself not to waver and looked away before she saw anything else to weaken her resolve. She rang for Mr. Chase and instructed him to escort Jonathon out of the house. Jonathon protested and every word he uttered cut her more than she cared to show. She kept her face turned resolutely away until he gave in and left with ill grace and promises to return.

"You are a hard woman, Alexa Matthews," Jack murmured with sleepy humor.

"Don't waste your pity on him. He would have strangled you if you had even twitched."

"I know." Jack laughed tiredly. "Thanks for not giving me away."

"Someone had to hide that irritating smirk of yours." Alexa replied. "So you like the title gigolo, huh?"

"I use it on my business cards."

Alexa rummaged through the bag Jack kept hidden. "Tell me you have a first aid kit here."

She gave him an antibiotic and a painkiller from his secret stash and settled on a chair as he began drifting off to sleep. There was a rustle in her pocket and she reached in and felt the paper within. It was indeed a shipping order for one of the crates and Alexa began to smile. Then she rang Mr. Chase to ask him about a place in Kent named Rosings Park.

Chapter Ten

Posted on Sunday, 26 September 1999

The carriage bounced along the road to Kent. Alexa had preferred waiting till the end of the week to travel to the house Mr. Chase had leased for them near Rosings Park. But Jack had insisted he was able to bear the agony of the trip for it was critical to discover LeBlue's activities. Jack gritted his teeth against the pain as the carriage wheel hit another hole in the road. His leg was extended straight out, resting on a trunk between the seats. Alexa winced with him as a trickle of sweat dripped from his forehead.

"I knew this was a bad idea." She murmured. "We could have waited another day."

"And let Wentworth have all the fun?" Jack said, pretending that the entire trip wasn't hurting him. "Hardly."

Alexa studied her fingers. "I don't think you need to worry about that."

Jack's gaze sharpened on her face. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that he's probably not going to be there."

Jack struggled with his injured leg to sit up straight. "You didn't tell him about LeBlue going to Kent?"

"We aren't exactly on speaking terms."

"Have you forgotten how to write notes?" Jack said. "What are you trying to do?"

"A moment ago you were complaining that he'd be stealing your thunder. Now you actually want him there?"

"A moment ago, I was comfortable that you and I had some professional backup."

Alexa grinned. "Jonathon would have your hide for relegating him to backup. He thinks this is his case."

"I stand corrected." Jack grinned. "So when are you planning to tell him?"

Alexa nestled back with a sigh and closed her eyes. "When we swing around to London and pick him up before heading home."

"You're awfully confident."

"Shhh," Alexa said softly. "I'm trying to sleep."

Mr. Chase was continually surprising his employers with his contacts and creativity. On a mere few days notice, he had secured a comfortable house near the town of Sevenoaks and arranged for the transfer of the entire household. Alexa smiled at the quaint cottage -- larger than the London townhouse -- but quite picturesque as it nestled in the green of the country. Alexa looked out a parlour window, grimly surveying the quiet wilderness and wondering where LeBlue was hiding.

"Chase," Jack's tired voice called from a far couch. "What are the neighbors like?"

"The town is quite cheerful, sir, if provincial." Alexa smiled to herself at the delicate city sniff in the butler's tone. "From my inquiries, it seems the primary family is the widow of a local earl, a Lady Catherine De Bourgh."

"Sounds like a tyrant." Alexa murmured.

"A veritable one by all accounts, ma'am. She has one daughter…a pale, sickly creature, quite dominated by her mother."

"Poor thing." Alexa said. "Anyone else?"

"The only other significant persons are the Reverend and his new wife, though rumor has it that the Reverend is quite in Lady Catherine's pocket. Though there is talk about the guests they are to receive in the next day or so." Mr. Chase handed a brandy to Jack.

"No word of LeBlue?" Jack asked after a sip.

"None, sir. But it seems that town folk are used to the comings and goings of strangers. Kent has become rather popular with tourists of late. No one has recognized one as Mr. LeBlue."

Alexa turned to face the men. "Are there other properties in the area. Remote, out of the way manors like this one?"

"There could be any number, ma'am." Chase replied with a sigh. "But I would be careful in your inquiries. Nothing excites a local more than gossip."

Jack and Alexa exchanged glances as Chase left them alone. Her breath left her in a frustrated sigh. "Now what? How do we find LeBlue if we can't ask questions?"

Jack was thinking deeply. "We let him come to us." He met Alexa's startled gaze. "It's too late to pretend with him that we're here for any other reason than stop whatever plan he's got going. So let's be visible. He won't be able to stay away."

Alexa decided that their best introduction into Kent society lay with an introduction to Lady Catherine De Bourgh. She hustled a limping Jack into Sunday services and smiled at their luck as the service began. "Jack!" She hissed. "Look. It's Mr. Collins!"

"Oh GOD!"

"Shhhh…I'm sure I can get us an introduction to Lady Catherine." Alexa sent her best smile toward Charlotte Collins, who blushed prettily and smiled back in recognition …and a little melancholy. She's lonely. Alexa thought suddenly and felt an answering ping in her heart, which missed Jonathon terribly.

Charlotte was the first to approach them after the long winded service, with the requisite Collins simpering. "Mr. and Mrs. Henriquez! Oh what are you doing here in Kent!"

"We wanted some quiet after the bustle of London, Mrs. Collins. We are to leave sooner than not and there is still so much of England for my husband to see."

"Are you injured, Mr. Henriquez?"

"Only a trifle," Jack said gallantly. "My clumsiness I am afraid."

"I am sure your wife is taking a great deal of care of you."

"Yes, she is."

"My dear!" Mr. Collins hurried to their side. "Lady Catherine has been wondering where you are! Why are you not at the door waiting for her?"

"My dear," Charlotte blushed. "Look who has come to Kent."

"My goodness!" Mr. Collins simpered and extended a sweating hand toward Jack. "My heart is overwhelmed with the pleasure and the honor of your exalted presence Mr. Henriquez...or do you have a more royal title as befitting your relation to the Spanish crown?"

"Mr. Henriquez suits me just fine, Mr. Collins," Jack said with laughter in his voice and a discreet wiping of his hand on his coat. "But your patroness awaits."

"So she does!" Mr. Collins' eyes widened. "May I present you?"

Jack met Alexa's eyes with a satisfied grin. "It would be our honor." Collins led them to a huge and ornately bedecked woman who was snapping her fan open and closed with impatience. There were two other women with them, one pale and wan -- Lady Anne, presumably, -- the other obviously her companion by the hovering she did over the sickly young woman.

"I am most displeased, Mr. and Mrs. Collins. I am unaccustomed to waiting at my own parish!"

"A thousand pardons, I was only…"

"Who is that?" Lady Catherine interrupted with a point at Alexa and Jack.

"May I present Mr. and Mrs. Joaquin Henriquez? This is Lady Catherine De Bough of Rosings Park." Charlotte introduced with admirable composure.

"A pleasure, madam." Jack said and there was a look in his eye that made Alexa struggle not to laugh. Jack was determined to flirt with this dragon of a female till she ate out of his hand. He laid a soft kiss on her hand that made her first blink then narrow her eyes.

"Indeed," she said. "And how came you to Kent?"

"By carriage," Jack replied with a twinkle before Alexa could open her mouth. "We escaped London just in time, I think, and have heard of the beauties of the gardens in Kent."

"It is undoubtedly your reputation as a hostess and paragon of the community…" Mr. Collins started.

"Yes, yes, yes," Lady Catherine said with a snap of her fan. "And this is your wife, I suppose? Have you a tongue, madam?"

"Enough for ten men, I am told." Alexa said with raised eyebrows and a deep curtsey. The rebellious part of her soul would have preferred kicking the arrogance out of the lady's shins, despite the ruckus it would cause.

Jack seemed to sense Alexa's pique and began chatting about his relatives and the business he was conducting in England. Anne De Bourgh could not take her eyes off him and stood gaping unattractively. Lady Catherine was similarly entertained, firing question after question until her curiosity was appeased.

"You will come to tea on Thursday." She decreed. "We are receiving some relatives of Mrs. Collins. I dare say your wife may find something to say to others her age."

Alexa pressed her lips together, trying to control her temper. She slid her arm through the crook of Jack's and dug her nails in so he winced. "I dare say I am looking forward to seeing old friends."

"Oh?" Lady Catherine said with a piercing gaze. "You are acquainted with Mrs. Collins' family?"

"My husband and I spent some time in Hertfordshire. We were in attendance at Mr. and Mrs. Collins wedding…she made a beautiful bride."

"The wedding is only the beginning of the marriage…"

"As I well know, madam." Alexa had finally had enough. She turned to Charlotte who was agog at Alexa's nerve and trying not to grin. "It is a true pleasure to see you again. May I call on you?"

"It would be a delight."

"Until Thursday, then madam. We are looking forward to seeing the famous Rosings Park."

Jack burst out laughing the moment the carriage door closed. Alexa had to draw down the window shade in case anyone turned to look at the source of booming laughter. And then she started giggling herself.

"I can't believe you were flirting with her." Alexa said. "You won't be satisfied until every woman has been conquered."

Jack looked at her from beneath his dark lashes. "Everyone?"

Alexa raised the shade to look out the window and ignore him.

The next day, Alexa made her way to see Charlotte alone. Jack and Mr. Chase had made plans to explore the town and see who would make a good source of information at the local pub. Although she had never been more than acquaintances with Charlotte, she could see the woman desperately needed a friend. Alexa could not understand the desperation that must have driven the woman to marry Mr. Collins, for nothing in her life had ever been out of her control. But to live with the consequence everyday of her life must have been maddening. Alexa wickedly reflected that it was rude of Mr. Collins to be so healthy as to expect a long life.

"Mrs. Collins, it is good to see you. And you have a wonderful home."

"I am so glad you have come today. And thank you, though I caution you not to mention the house to my husband. He is likely to show you the shelves in the closets."

"Really? That's very …innovative."

"Hmmmm…one of Lady Catherine's adjustments to our lives."

"Do she often make adjustments?"

"She is quite attentive."

Alexa smiled at the wry tone. "Well, I hope you and I can make each other happy while I am here. Perhaps you can teach of laugh at her high and mighty."

Charlotte smiled. "I cannot wait."

Jack was exhausted when he returned home that afternoon. His leg was aching and healing very slowly. Alexa got him settled and slipped him another painkiller from his pack. "You need to take things a little easier, Jack. Your stitches are still too new."

"You nag like we've been married for years."

Alexa flicked the bandage and watched him wince. "What did you find out?"

"Nothing so far. There was a large shipment through the town not long ago -- but it changed horses at Sevenoaks and nothing more." Jack gave a weak, sleepy smile. "Don't worry, we'll find him."

But Thursday rolled around and still they hadn't word of LeBlue. Alexa was starting to wonder if they had put too much stock into the slip of paper from the warehouse. And Alexa was procrastinating every way she knew how when it came time for tea at Rosings Park. Jack was hollering up and down the hallways for her to hurry up.

"I don't know why you're in such a danged rush to get there," Alexa grumbled as she finally met him by the front door. "You have a thing for older women or what?"

"Oh yeah," Jack grinned. "Condescension turns me on."

"You are one sick puppy."

The day didn't improve when Alexa got a look at the visitors who came with the Collins'. "Well…hello Miss Bennet!"

Chapter Ten ~ Part Two

Posted on Sunday, 26 September 1999

Elizabeth Bennet didn't look any more pleased to see Alexa. Their last confession to each other in an attempt to be friends only served to make them uncomfortable with each other.

"Mr. and Mrs. Henriquez." Elizabeth said with a strained smile. "How very nice to see you again. What brings you to this part of the country?"

"We are continuing our tour of England." Alexa said smoothly. "And Kent seems like a quiet place for some recovery."

"Are you hurt, Mr. Henriquez?"

Jack drew himself up proudly. "I am somewhat out of practice in sword fighting."

Elizabeth looked confused. "I had not realized the points were sharpened. Not for practice in any case."

"Perhaps it was a duel," Maria Lucas said with dreamy eyes.

"Nonsense!" Lady Catherine replied. "No gentleman duels!"

"Certainly not, Lady Catherine, for dueling is such a lowly pursuit…" Mr. Collins pressed a hand over his lips as his patroness waved him to silence.

"Nothing so romantic, I am afraid." Jack said. "I merely challenged a stronger opponent."

"My husband finds pleasure is pushing the boundaries," Alexa said dryly. She slanted a teasing glance at Jack's flushed face. "And occasionally pays the price for his daring."

"Ridiculous to take such chances!" Lady Catherine bellowed. "You ought to know better!"

"A man must be a man, is that not so Sir William?" Jack smiled as the portly man stammered an in consequential reply.

Alexa saw the small grin appear on both Charlotte and Elizabeth's faces.

"Miss Bennet, do you have brothers and sisters?"

"Aye, ma'am. I have four sisters and no brothers."

"And are they out?"

"Yes, ma'am. All of them."

"WHAT? All five out before the eldest are married?"

A mischievous gleam appeared in Elizabeth's eye. "Why must the younger suffer from want of society because the elder are not inclined to marry? No ma'am, I think it would be unfair to deprive my sisters when they so love company."

Alexa bit her lip to forestall the giggles. Lady Catherine's cheeks tinged with color and her lips whitened into a narrow line. "I must agree with you Miss Bennet. As long as the younger have proper guidance, there can be no harm in dancing and music."

"I say! You give your opinions too easily for ones so young! Women in my day were not so eager to speak what they know little of!" Mr. Collins blanched at the displeasure of his patroness and turned accusing eyes on his cousin and his wife. He did not dare reprove Alexa herself. "How old are you Miss Bennet?"

"With three younger sisters grown, I could hardly wish to own it."

"Nonsense! You cannot be more than twenty!"

Alexa could see the displeasure in Elizabeth for having been easily found out. "I am not one and twenty," she acceded.

"As I suspected. And you Mrs. Henriquez?"

Alexa refused to be bullied. "Madam, I am a married woman of the world. I am nearly thirty and even you must acknowledge that it is experience and not merely age that provides opinions."

Lady Catherine sniffed disdainfully but could not answer. A tense silence followed broken only by the clatter to cups on saucers as people reflected into their own teacups. Jack finally broke the silence.

"Your ladyship must be quite familiar with your neighbors."

"I make it a point to know all who reside in Kent."

"Then we cannot be the only new residents."

Lady Catherine pursed her lips. "I have heard tell of new residents at Hever Castle to the east. But I cannot imagine the Bullen family renting their seat to strangers. But there are cottages enough in the back of the property -- perhaps there are new people there. You are close to Sevenoaks, are you not? Yes, Hever Castle is not ten miles from your house. Though I am sure no one there is worth your notice, sir!"

"Mere curiosity, madam. I have heard tell of other newcomers to the area and wondered if the Bullen's had returned."

"I think not. They prefer London, though one wonders why. They have quite a history." Lady Catherine leaned forward in the closest thing to gossip she ever indulged in. "The Bullens, you know, were once known as the Boleyns."

"As in Henry the VIII's Anne Boleyn?" Alexa asked in astonishment.

"The very one," Lady Catherine replied and preened under the astonishment of her guests. "So you see, I would not be so quick to abandon it if I owned such grounds."

Alexa and Jack were silent on the journey home. "Do you think LeBlue could be hiding out at Hever Castle?"

"It would be ideal. Large rooms, dark history, people leave the place well enough alone, I hear. It would appeal to his twisted sense of humor."

"The home of Anne Boleyn." Alexa murmured. "Morbid, isn't it?"

"Yes."

Jack and Chase set up a series of watches on the castle grounds. There was certainly a great deal of activities in the buildings behind the castle, but it was unclear whether these were ground keepers and staff or if LeBlue had indeed begun weapons production at the castle. Lord Bullen's cousin was occasionally seen to frequent the grounds. But the family itself never came to the property.

"Something about the younger Bullen bothers me," Jack said to Alexa one night. "If LeBlue is there, this young lord is a part of whatever is going on."

Still, the better part of three weeks passed without a shred of proof that anything unusual was happening at the castle. Jack and Chase prevented her from even going near the castle or participate in the surveillance. Alexa spent much of her time wandering the lanes alone or with Charlotte and Elizabeth. She was grateful for the company of both women, for as silent days passed, Alexa began to realize that this gnawing emptiness would become a permanent fixture in her life even when she returned home. Without Jonathon to fill that part of her soul, she would always be lonely.

She was walking along a dirt path with Elizabeth, Charlotte and Maria one afternoon…only half listening to their chatter of friends back home. Sir William Lucas had already gone home to his wife and his absence made the ladies more comfortable in their time with each other. They had walked maybe a half hour when a wheezing and huffing sounded behind them. The four women turned to see a beet red Collins sweating his way up the lane toward them. He had his hat in his hand, waving it over his head as if trying to clear a flock of birds from a beach.

"My dear! We are to have callers! Mr. Darcy has come to see his aunt, Lady Catherine! And he brings with him his cousin! The younger son of the Earl of Matlock! Make haste!"

Charlotte's brows drew together. "When my dear?"

"They are coming up the lane even now! Make haste!" Maria began to run at the urgency in her brother-in-law's voice, but neither Charlotte nor Elizabeth did more than turn around to leisurely wend their way back. "Wife, please!" Collins begged anxiously. "Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Captain Wentworth are not men to be kept waiting!"

"Captain Wentworth?" Alexa asked with a sharpness that earned a knowing look from Elizabeth Bennet. "He is here too?"

"Yes, as a guest of both gentlemen." Mr. Collins, upset at their lack of urgency, sped back to the house behind Maria.

Elizabeth patted Alexa's arm discreetly and took Charlotte's arm as they continued walking.

"This must be because of you, Lizzy," Charlotte was saying. "Mr. Darcy would not rush to see me."

"I sincerely doubt that," Elizabeth replied with a laugh. "Perhaps he wants another chance to seek a blemish in me."

Alexa had to force her legs to move, stiffly placing foot after foot ahead of her, her heart warring between excitement and fear at seeing Jonathon.

Chapter Eleven

Posted on Thursday, 28 October 1999

There was no surprise in Jonathon's eyes when Alexa walked into the room. There was anger, and relief, even love…but he had clearly known of her presence before seeing her. He gave a gentlemanly bow but stood back from the rest of the room to watch her intently.

Colonel Fitzwilliam was a jovial, genteel man, who surprised Alexa by being Mr. Darcy's cousin. There was nothing in his conversation or manner to suggest a reason for Jonathon's close supervision. Elizabeth Bennet took an instant liking to the dashing officer, chatting with him as if they had known each other all their lives. Alexa met Charlotte's assessing eyes and they both turned toward Darcy who was starting at Elizabeth with enough passion to scorch through the wooden foundations of the house. There was definitely more than a trace of jealousy as he struggled to enter the conversation his cousin easily conducted with the woman but Darcy only ended up walking away tongue-tied.

Alexa couldn't sustain eye contact with Jonathon. There was too much feeling to hide, too much of longing and wanting emanating from them both. He still hadn't accepted their broken engagement, she could see that in every burning look he sent her way. Despite her resolve not to accept less than an equal partnership, Alexa's soul cheered her lover's steadfastness even as her mind scoffed at his hardheadedness.

It was a long quarter hour as the gentlemen visited. Charlotte offered tea and was refused by Darcy, who was clearly in command of the entire entourage. Fitzwilliam parted from Elizabeth with obvious reluctance and promised to visit again soon. Mr. Collins was practically cheering with the success of the visit and spoke long and flowery tomes to his guests as they left. Alexa resisted the urge to press back against a wall as Jonathon stepped up close to say good-bye. He took her hand and surreptitiously ran a finger down her palm, making her shiver slightly. He kissed it and let go with a secret smile she had only ever seen in the most private of moments. Then he was gone.

Elizabeth Bennet was staring at her with a mixture of concern and disapproval. And Alexa remembered that, to these people at least, she was married to another man. Jonathon's sudden appearance had left Alexa feeling battered and she took her own leave as soon as an opportunity presented itself.

The one thing she never managed to get used to was the bumping ride of the carriage, so Alexa decided to walk the last half-mile to the cottage. She took her time, trying to sort out her mind and feelings so that she could the others waiting for her. She walked slowly, her breath calming as she inhaled the early evening scent of flowers. Spring was just around the corner and after the long winter they had endured, Alexa was looking forward to the countryside's shift from gray skies to blue sunny days.

She entered the house silently, taking the back door and smiling at Mrs. Chase who was preparing the evening meal.

"Will your guest be staying for dinner, mum?" Mrs. Chase asked.

A shiver of apprehension raced up Alexa's spine. "What guest?"

"Captain Wentworth, mum."

"He's here? Where?"

"In the parlor with the master…" Mrs. Chase began to look worried. "Perhaps I shouldn't have told…"

"Not at all. Yes, prepare enough for a guest." Alexa said absentmindedly, her thoughts and feelings already across the house where Jonathon sat. With wobbly knees, she made her way there, wondering if she would be forgiven for bolting back out to the rectory but unable to do more than peek into the room.

Jack and Jonathon were chatting as if they were best friends. Mr. Chase was with them as well, pouring brandy into heated balloon glasses, and answering the odd question about the village and LeBlue's connections therein. The creak of the hinges alerted them to her presence and with some difficulty, Jack got up and smilingly ushered her in.

"It's about time you got home," Jack said, his familiar tone making Jonathon's expression tighten. "I was about to send a search party out for you."

Alexa's lips quirked, a mixture of nerves and humor in the taut smile. "As you can see, I'm fine. I just wanted to walk the last bit of the way. I hate riding in that death trap on wheels."

Jonathon didn't say anything, merely stared grimly at her from across the room. Unintimidated by his glare, Alexa returned the look with one of her own. Their brief gentle moment at the rectory parlor was gone. Even Mr. Chase shifted in the tension of the room.

"You didn't waste any time getting here, I see." Alexa said.

"No thanks to you," Jonathon replied. "I am in Kent as a guest of Colonel Fitzwilliam."

"Pure luck then, hmmm?"

"Eh…" Jack cleared his throat. "Not quite." He grinned at Alexa's arched eyebrows. "I sent a note along. We need to work together on this one."

"In that case," Alexa said smoothly. "I hope you're planning on staying for dinner."

"Wouldn't miss it," Jonathon replied softly.

No one was surprised that dinner was a rather tense affair. It has started out promisingly enough, with some laughter at the expense of Reverend Collins and a sincere sympathy for his wife. But halfway through the meal, nerves frayed and unspoken accusations began to fly about the room.

"So, how did you track LeBlue to Kent?" Jonathon asked as he cut into his plate of food. He grinned at Mr. Chase as that man offered yet another side dish. "I'd wager you found it out, Chase. You strike me as a resourceful fellow."

"I thank you for the compliment, sir. But it was Mrs. Henriquez who found the bill of lading on the floor of the warehouse. The ingenuity is hers, sir, not mine."

There was a slow burn of temper behind Jonathon's eyes as they settled on Alexa. "Really?" He said softly.

The bite Alexa was chewing instantly turned into ash at his sudden venom. Whatever other arguments they had had over the last few weeks, Jonathon was deeply angered and hurt by this betrayal. Jack was studiously concentrating on his food, neither able nor willing to rescue her.

Jonathon waited for Chase to leave them before asking Alexa, "I suppose this is your way of teaching me a lesson in confiding in you."

Alexa shrugged noncommittally and refused to explain herself. All her reasons for withholding the lead now sounded childish and petty in the face of Jonathon's hurt. Instead, she elected to stay silent.

"Why are you staying so close to Fitzwilliam?" Jack asked to break the silence. "What is his connection to LeBlue?"

"I haven't proved there is one yet. Fitzwilliam reports to a General Nelson Waingrow. Does the name ring a bell?"

Jack frowned at the other man, his mind obviously searching his memory for some clue. "No."

"Waingrow is best known for disappearing into France after he is found to be a spy."

Alexa's head shot up instantly. "And Fitzwilliam is the one who finds out?"

"Exactly. Sometime within the next twelve months, Colonel Fitzwilliam will discover a series of communiqués between his commanding officer and the French army. It is his report and quick thinking that prevent England from losing the war altogether."

"Except LeBlue is going to try to stop him."

"Yes. There has already been one attempt on Fitzwilliam's life. We were in a pub when a brawl broke out. Most of it was chairs breaking and punches being thrown but suddenly there was gunfire. Fitzwilliam just barely ducked away from a blast. It ripped his shirt and he counted himself lucky. But I went back to the pub later on and took a look at the walls. There was no gun powder residue anywhere the shot should have embedded itself on the wood panels. Just a precise burned out hole the size of a nail's head."

"Laser," Jack breathed.

"Right again. And we all know there's only one person with that kind of capability and intent."

Alexa shuddered unwillingly as the thought that Jonathon could have just as easily been hit by the shot meant for Fitzwilliam. Jonathon was watching her quietly, seeming to understand the turn her thoughts had taken. She refused to meet his eyes. "Have there been any other attempts?"

"None that I could tell. But he did receive a rather strange invitation. He has been invited to meet with other potential investors in a invitation only venture. Very secretive. Calls itself The Second Son's Club."

"Cute." Jack said. "Why Second Sons?"

"Because they don't inherit anything substantial from their fathers. They have to earn a living."

"And you think LeBlue is behind this invitation?" Jack persisted.

"I have no proof. But it sounds like the kind of thing he would do. And it can't be a coincidence that the first meeting of The Second Son's Club is in the same county as where you think LeBlue is hiding."

Alexa excused herself after dinner, intending only to get away from the accusations in her erstwhile fiancee's every look. She was almost at her bedroom door when she heard a familiar voice calling her name. A hard tug on her arm sent her tumbling toward a back wall and into Jonathon's arms.

His lips were on hers before she could say or even think anything and instinctively, her arms curled around his neck. "You idiot," he said with a savagery that was almost affectionate. "Do you know what it did to me when I visited the townhouse weeks ago and found it deserted? I had no idea where you went!"

"I guess you missed me."

"More than you know." He leaned back to look at her. "Why didn't you tell me where you were going?"

Alexa disentangled herself. "We seem to spend less time speaking than not. You left in such a huff that last time."

"What did you expect after I had heard you were married to Jack?"

"Pretending, Jonathon. Just pretending."

"You could have fooled me. Listening to the two of you talk, you sound like you've been married forever."

"So give us an Academy Award and shut up." Alexa groused.

Jonathon used his large body to press her back against the wall. "There's nothing to it, right?" He whispered and Alexa shivered as his breath tickled her ear. "It's still you and me."

Alexa turned her face away suddenly and pushed him off her. "There's nothing to it."

"Then what's wrong? Why didn't you tell me you were coming to Kent?"

"For the same reason you didn't tell me you had no intentions of coming home to me when you started this mission."

Jonathon growled deep in his throat. "This again?"

"Don't you mean 'still'?"

"I can't believe you're still harping on this, Alexa. Now we're both in the same soup so what does it matter?"

"It doesn't matter than that I don't trust you?"

That startled him. "Why not? Is it so hard to believe that wanted to protect you? Does that warrant losing your trust?"

She reached out to him but drew back when he flinched. "I never doubted your intentions, Jonathon. But I'm not a child. And I don't want to be protected. I can't make you understand what that means if you're going to stick your head in the sand and deliberately mislead me. You never gave me a chance to see your point of view. And I don't want a future wherein I have no say."

"No say?" He echoed bitterly. "As if I had any say in that circus of a wedding you planned for us."

Alexa felt the sting of tears and held her breath until they went away. I am not going to have this argument again. "Well…you don't have to worry about that anymore, do you?"

"I suppose not." Jonathon said, the coldness seeping from his voice to the rest of his body as he walked away from her. "Be careful what you ask for Alexa. You just might get it."

Chapter Twelve ~ Guess Who's Coming To Dinner? Part One

Posted on Wednesday, 3 November 1999

"Are you going to sleep all day?"

Alexa ignored the voice booming from beyond the blanket over her head. She hadn't slept at all that night. She had mourned the finality of Jonathon's parting words and then had grown so virulently angry with him that her mind had gone over every possible hateful word she should have said if only she had been quick-witted enough to think of it. It was only when she heard Jack shuffling in the other room that she had hustled into the bed, pulling the sheets tightly over her head. Now if he would just get a clue and leave her alone.

"Wakey…wakey…" Jack said in his most annoying voice. "Come on, lover boy couldn't have left you that tired."

Alexa frowned darkly under the sheet, glaring through the thick material toward the approximate region of Jack's head.

"Oh it must have been some night to make you like the dead." The blanket was violently pulled off her, catching at the curls of her hair and throwing them over her face. The fury on her face visibly startled him making him instinctively scurry backward.

But not fast enough.

With blind accuracy, Alexa's right hand shot forward and gripped Jack's ear. With steely strength, she slowly guiding his head downward until his ear hovered right over her mouth. "Listen up, Senor Innuendo. One more crack out of you and the ear is history…along with numerous other body parts. Get it?"

"Got it." His voice was pinched.

"Good." She gave a last, brief tug for emphasis.

Jack shot to the foot of the bed with several muttered Spanish curses. Alexa sat up and brushed her hair off her face calmly, impressed with the range of profanity in Jack's vocabulary. She didn't understand a single one of them, but the virulence in his voice gave her a good idea that she was being called several choice things.

"That bloody hurt," Jack finally said, still rubbing his ear.

"Serves you right for coming in like that." Alexa replied and reached for her hairbrush to tame the worst of the tangles. "And not that it's any of your business, but Jonathon left quite early last night."

"You didn't have another argument, did you?" Jack asked. "Oh Alexa, you are one unforgiving woman."

"You think I'm wrong then?"

"I think you're going to have a bend if you expect him to do the same." Jack tapped a finger against the cleft on his chin. "There's a word for that…let's see…contraband…combatant…comparable…"

"Compromise."

"I guess you know the word after all!" Jack said with a grin. "You might want to try it one of these days."

"No longer necessary." Alexa said with more glumness than she cared to display. "I think he's finally understood how serious I am."

"Are you really so serious?" Jack said. "You ready to pick up your life without him in it, then?"

She got a sudden flash of memory. Of her bathroom at home, littered with both Jonathon and her combined belongings. The memory hit with the force of a missile, making her remember the smell of his aftershave with so much clarity that Jonathon should have been standing in the room. Then she tried to picture that room without his thing strewn upon every countertop. The thought made her blanch for she hadn't once considered what it would be like after they got home.

"Hey," Jack said, drawing her outward again. "You're both angry. But I've never seen two people more suited for each other than the two of you. It will work out."

Alexa chewed on her inside cheek and didn't reply. She sighed. "In the meantime, you want me to get up and do what?"

"Go into town with Mrs. Chase. Do some shopping with her for whatever you want. Maybe you can find out what's going on with LeBlue. The men around here have been paid to keep their mouths shut."

Alexa gave him a swift look. "And you're counting on some female gossip to rise above such arrangements? How chauvinistic of you."

"Don't get yourself in a knot. Mrs. Chase suggested it. Says she heard the dressmaker telling her client about the new tenants at Hever Castle. I'm betting that if you throw enough money around, they'll tell you a thing or two." Jack grinned. "I'd go myself but I'd bet the mantuamaker wouldn't be too accommodating."

Alexa couldn't help responding to his light teasing and infectious grin. "Depends what you were offering, I guess. If you were in Garden of Eden, you'd be charming the snake."

He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Have I got an apple to sell you, baby."

Alexa was still grinning as she sat in the dressmaker's shop. There was a plate of uneaten scones at the table next to her and a rapidly cooling cup of tea on her lap. Mrs. Chase was sipping her own cup of tea with barely concealed guilt as she watched her daughters being fitted for a fashionable new dress.

"This is too much, mum," Mrs. Chase murmured for the millionth time in an hour.

"They cannot spend their lives in servant uniforms, Mrs. Chase. And you will be leaving with at least one yourself. No!" Alexa held up a hand to forestall another argument. "I will not listen to any more protests. You and your family have done so much. This is only a small gift for our thanks. Besides," she added with a small smile. "Look how happy your girls are."

The young women were nearly hyperventilating in their glee. They had already traversed the length and breadth of the store, selecting the fabrics and lace they wanted for their dresses. The dressmaker was not terribly pleased to be outfitting servants instead of the mistress. But with Alexa sitting right in the middle of the store with a watchful eye, she had no other recourse than to cater to the young women.

The girls had settled into a giggling measurement taking when Alexa started asking questions.

"I passed a castle on our way here from London." Alexa began casually. "Is that the famous Hever Castle?"

"Aye, mum," the dressmaker said eagerly. "Anne Boleyn's home."

"Is it haunted?" Sally Chase asked with a slight quiver in her young voice.

"So people says. I ain't been there myself."

"I'd be too terrified to walk through the doors." Lauren Chase declared somberly.

"Can't be too bad," Alexa replied. "The Bullen family seem quite comfortable there."

"What do you mean, mum?" The dressmaker paused to look at her curiously. "The Bullens are in town. I've not heard they are back yet."

Alexa faked a confused frown. "But I could have sworn there was a crowd of people moving about the grounds."

"Those are the workers mum. Hever Castle's been let for the season."

"I stayed in a castle once. It was a nasty, drafty place full of unidentifiable sights and sounds. Give me a warm cozy drawing room any day. Who would willingly lease a castle?" Alexa laughed.

"I hear tell it's a French gentleman." The dressmaker said. "Why anyone would rent to the enemy during wartime is beyond me. Let the French exiles go to Spain if they want to hide from Napoleon."

Alexa coughed into her hand significantly. "Has this French man been troublesome?"

"Depends on whom you ask, mum. He has hired every free man in the county for some secret project on the grounds. Made them sign an "x" on some piece of paper that threatens them with terrible things if they talk about the project to anyone."

"They're under contract?" Alexa asked with surprise. "Why not just pay them well?"

"I couldn't say, mum. My Benny thinks he's a wee off his rocker."

"Benny tells you about things then."

"He natters on when he's had a nip or two. But whatever that paper said, it's scared him well enough. I tells him a job is a job. It eases his mind."

Alexa reached out a hand to pat the woman's shoulder. "We must protect our men, mustn't we? Even when they don't know we do it."

"Aye mum."

"Where is everyone?" Demanded a voice from the storefront room. There was a tinkle at the front door and a shuffling. Within minutes, Lady Catherine DeBourgh's presence filled -- and oppressed -- the room. "Well, Mrs. Henriquez. I finally find you. What is the meaning of this? Do you always accompany your servants to dress fittings?"

"Only when I am making a present of the dress, Lady Catherine." Alexa replied calmly and without getting up. "I am honored that you would go to so much trouble to find me."

"I am a woman of action. I am not accustomed to waiting until someone understands their obligations regarding calling on their superiors." Alexa barely repressed a contemptuous snort at the woman's pointed sarcasm. Lady Catherine glared at Mrs. Chase until that woman vacated her chair. With a great fluff of her skirts, Lady Catherine took the seat and began to survey the room with a critical eye. "This shop is full of garish fabrics. You will burn every single bolt and start over," she declared to the dressmaker.

Alexa sent the alarmed dressmaker a reassuring wink. "That would put the poor woman out of business."

"Better no business than bad business." Lady Catherine declared.

"That is the argument of the rich." Alexa replied softly. "People do what they must to survive."

Lady Catherine harrumped regally and ignored her. "Are you going to inquire as to WHY I have been in search of you?"

"I assumed you would tell me regardless of my choice of conversation."

Lady Catherine's eyes narrowed with her displeasure. "You are an impertinent young woman. It is a shock that my nephews even wish to further their acquaintance with you or your husband. But wish it they do and I have arranged for a dinner party tomorrow night. You will come." It was not a request. "I have invited the Collins family and guests as well."

"Misses Bennet and Lucas, you mean?"

"Yes. I dare say Miss Bennet is as impertinent as you. You get along famously I don't doubt." Lady Catherine then stood up. "This room is too cloistered for my taste. My man has left a card at your cottage," she sniffed at the word. "Do not disappoint me, Mrs. Henriquez."

"I wouldn't dream of it, Madam."

The women in the room watched Lady Catherine tromp out of the store and into the waiting carriage with frozen fascination.

"Well if that don't beat all…" Mrs. Chase said, before her hand flew up in astonishment to cover her mouth. "Oh dear, Mr. Chase always tells me to shut it."

Alexa laughed. "You only said what we were all thinking."

"Burn every bolt?" The dressmaker said with a terrified glance about the room. "She'd send me to the poor house without a thought."

"That woman wouldn't know the value of a shilling if it were shoved up her…" Alexa caught herself at the scandalized look of the faces of her companions. "Never mind. At least none of you are going to have to suffer through an entire evening with her holier than thou Pope Catherine."

Chapter Twelve - Part 2

Posted on Monday, 8 November 1999

Dinner at Rosings Park was predictable in all the most unexpected ways. Alexa had anticipated the discomfort of Jonathon's anger…but she hadn't counted on him turning on the charm for Elizabeth Bennet. Darcy did not fail to be jealous of any man who drew near Miss Bennet, but his powers of conversation failed him at every turn and he was forced to sit red faced at the flirting frenzy before him. He was scandalized that Captain Wentworth was in competition with Colonel Fitzwilliam for Elizabeth's every word and laugh. Alexa gritted her teeth throughout the nauseating display, making mental bets with herself that each succeeding laugh would be the one that poured Miss Bennet out of the lovely top half of her dress. And she forced a grim smile onto her face every time her worthless ex-fiancée sent her a triumphant glance.

Alexa tried not to grimace at the strangeness of the people on either side of her at the dinner table. If anyone had bother to ask her, Alexa would have suggested that Anne De Bourgh went about life heavily sedated. Her constant sniffing and nose dabbing was more distracting than even Mr. Collins' endless sniveling suggestiveness on the other side. And it was quite lucky for Mr. Collins that Alexa liked his wife. It was only because of Charlotte Collins that Alexa did not perform a lobotomy on the reverend with her butter knife.

Jack was not unaware of her supreme discomfort. He frequently complimented her, playing the part of the doting husband to the hilt. Alexa was grateful but wished he would stop for it only intensified Jonathon's efforts to engage Miss Bennet in any sort of discourse.

And what of Charlotte and Maria? They were completely out of their depths for two very different reasons. Charlotte could not, in all propriety, betray the slightest bit of emotion that would acknowledge the innate idiocy of her spouse and so she squashed all visible signs of humor, except for the laughter in her eyes. And she was quite occupied analyzing the gentlemen vying for her friend's attention. Maria, on the other hand, was terrified of the company she was keeping and more than half in love with both of the uniformed men in the room.

To say that Lady Catherine was displeased with the activity of the single people in her dining room is an understatement. She was livid that her nephews and their friend would persist in turning the attention to the very unworthy and conniving Elizabeth Bennet. By the time dessert was taken away, she was quite put out.

"Ladies! We shall retire to the parlour!" She announced aggressively. "I believe there are lessons of deportment that the married women of our party must teach."

Elizabeth flushed and tightened her lips in dismay, understanding the reprimand to be aimed directly at her. She glanced at Alexa and Charlotte -- but Alexa could not look at her for fear of revealing how very bitter and jealous the other woman's presence made her. It was Alexa's turning away that made Elizabeth unsure of her own conduct.

Alexa chose to sit by a window as coffee and tea were served to the ladies. The other room, the one where the men sat, was ominously silent save the occasional, "Ummmm…" from Mr. Collins.

"Well, Miss Bennet, what have you to say for yourself?" Lady Catherine demanded into the silence.

Alexa watched Elizabeth's head lift in determination. "To what end, madam?"

"To that display of feminine wiles! Do not pretend to misunderstand me!"

"I enjoy witty conversation." Elizabeth replied, although there was hesitation in her eyes. "Surely there is nothing wrong with that."

"Impudent girl! Perhaps it is only your station in life that makes the niceties of society completely incomprehensible."

Alexa saw the insulted flush on Elizabeth's cheeks. "Lady Catherine, you make much of very little."

"VERY LITTLE? I did not see you participating in such a display."

"I am an old married woman. But we are young only once. Why cannot a woman enjoy her youth? Marriage will choke her into silence soon enough." Alexa avoided the gratitude in Elizabeth's eyes as she spoke. She did not like the flirtation manner in which Elizabeth conducted herself, but neither could the feminist in her allow a woman's spirit to be squashed under ridiculous rules of behavior.

"Propriety had no age limits…" Lady Catherine began.

"There was nothing improper in their conversation," Alexa interrupted hotly. "And why is it that you insist on holding your male guests blameless. In my experience, there is very little holding men accountable for their actions."

Lady Catherine was nearly purple with rage. "I expected better from you madam! Men hold our societies in their hands!"

"Perhaps," Alexa replied with extreme insouciance. "In that case, they should wash their hands more often."

The men joined them with more speed than was necessary. Alexa felt a touch on her shoulder and turned to find Jonathon looking at her with some of the tenderness of their early relationship. She was startled at his familiarity in front of people who would not understand and shrugged off his hand without a word.

Lady Catherine began to dominate the conversation, speaking only to the men and only allowing Mr. Collins to make the appropriate noises in response. Colonel Fitzwilliam, who had a healthy desire to avoid being the object of his aunt's attention, took the opportunity to entice Elizabeth out of her reverie and to the pianoforte while Lady Catherine was extolling Anne's virtues to Darcy. Darcy was doing his best not to roll his eyes and listen to the banter by the pianoforte.

Jack, with an amused glint in his eye, came to stand next to Alexa, shamelessly taking her hand and kissing it. The caress and tender smile that accompanied it startled Alexa. And again, Jonathon's ever-present gaze turned mocking.

"That was a quick entrance."

"We could hear Lady Catherine laying into Miss Bennet. And you defending her."

"Oh." Alexa replied, feeling the confusion of Jonathon's kindness fade under the realization that he was merely grateful for her defending Elizabeth. "That explains a lot of things."

"Like Wentworth not longer being a jerk?"

"He's perfectly free to do what he wants."

"The question is, are you?"

Alexa turned to look into Jack's face, seeing something there that had been missing since Jonathon's reappearance. "What is all this about?" Alexa murmured when Jack didn't back away or make a joke.

"Let's just say my reason for reticence no longer exists," he said, returning Jonathon's gaze with a cool level one of his own.

"Don't egg him on, Jack." Alexa said softly. "If he wants to be an idiot, let him."

"Nothing I do is for him."

Alexa pondered that statement for a moment but could not come up with a suitable reply. Instead she turned back to stare out the window. Jack brushed gentle fingers through the curls that dangled at her nape, inadvertently sending shivers through her. Jonathon stood up with a clatter of coffee cups and stalked to the other room.

Darcy gazed longingly after him, desperately wanting to leave his aunt's tedious company.

"She plays tolerably." Lady Catherine said, her displeasure with Elizabeth still evident in her voice. "I would have been a true proficient if I had ever learned. Miss Bennet! You will never play very well unless you practice."

Elizabeth dutifully stopped to smile at her hostess. "Yes, ma'am."

"You may come to Rosings as you like and practice on the pianoforte in Mrs. Jenkinson's room. You will be in nobody's way there."

Darcy gave an audible sigh at that comment and heaved himself off the couch to venture close to the piano. Alexa heard the humor in Elizabeth's voice as she thanked Lady Catherine, but could only see that again the three men were standing around Elizabeth as if she were a rare piece of meat.

"Do you mean to frighten me, Mr. Darcy, by standing with such attention? Never mind, my courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me."

Darcy was encouraged by the initiation of conversation. "I will not pretend to understand your reference to intimidation. I believe you would say the very opposite of what is true."

Elizabeth laughed and leaned to confide in Colonel Fitzwilliam. "Your cousin would have you believe that I rarely tell the truth."

"That is a bad show, Darcy."

"That is not what I meant, Miss Bennet."

Elizabeth smiled but ignored him, her fingers again picking out a tune on the keys. "Shall I tell you about the day I met your cousin, Colonel? It was at a ball and we were pitifully short of young men willing to dance. But your cousin chose to dance only four dances and none with any woman with whom he was acquainted with less than a year."

"Ah." Fitzwilliam chimed in with delight at his embarrassed cousin. "Then four dances seems like a large number on such a criteria as his."

Darcy shifted on his feet. Jonathon watched him curiously as if suddenly divining that Darcy's interest in Elizabeth was more serious than previously suspected. "I find I cannot recommend myself to strangers."

Elizabeth hit a few notes as her eyes shot upward to meet Darcy's. There was a very powerful dialog there, and yet Alexa couldn't help feeling that neither of the silent conversationalists was able to accurately divine the other's message. "I do not play this instrument as well as I might." Elizabeth said meaningfully. "But I have always assumed that to be my fault. For I would not take the time to practice."

Darcy stared at her warmly, a sudden smile lighting his eyes and face. It was a startling transformation from the usual reserve that everyone associated with him. Even Elizabeth Bennet was taken aback by the brilliance that was directed at her.

Alexa looked on Colonel Fitzwilliam, to see how he was taking this unexpected development. But there was a sly look on his face that told that he was better acquainted with Darcy's moods and desires than his cousin himself.

"What are you talking about?" Lady Catherine hollered from her chair. "What are you telling Miss Bennet? Come I must have a share in this conversation!"

Darcy rolled his eyes again, eliciting a stifled laugh from Fitzwilliam and the resumption of playing by Elizabeth.

"Alexa plays beautifully as well." Jonathon suddenly said. "And if my memory serves, she sings like an angel."

Elizabeth looked startled. "I would gladly surrender my place if she would play."

"No thank you," Alexa said calmly. "I am enjoying your performance too much. I have not practiced for a very long time."

"Talent does not disappear with inactivity," Darcy said.

"There is a song you used to play…" Jonathon said and his eyes were asking her to play the song she had written for him when they first met. She met his eyes, shocked at his nerve to ask such a thing of her. She shook her head quietly, trying to convey without words that she would never play that song for him again. A shadow passed over his eyes, a belated realization that their relationship was truly dying a slow death. She felt exhaustion hit her then and leaned against the solidity of Jack's body.

"Play something," Jack said, winding an arm about her waist. His hand curved around her hip intimately. Jonathon looked furiously at them.

"Perhaps another time," Alexa demurred. "I find myself rather tired this evening."

Jack looked searchingly at her and saw the truth on her face. "Then perhaps it is time to take our leave."

Alexa didn't argue, she was too eager to leave the combined oppression of Jonathon and Lady Catherine. They bid their hostess farewell and called for their carriage. Alexa ignored all the protests and chose to stand outside, breathing in the last of the cold air as the nights shifted closer to summertime. The months were passing too quickly and with too little result. Alexa had the distinct impression time being wasted.

"Care to tell me what that display of marital affection is all about?"

Alexa wished she could ignore Jonathon's rasp. "No, not really."

She could almost hear him grinding his teeth. "I know nothing is going on between you two." It wasn't phrased as a question, so Alexa made no reply. Jonathon tried again, "Thank you for sticking up for Elizabeth…"

"I did it for her…not for you. So you are under no obligation to thank me." Alexa heard the merciful sound of Jack's footsteps.

"Wentworth," Jack said with forced cheerfulness. "So nice of you to keep my wife company."

"Shut up, Jack." Jonathon replied.

"Some other time." Jack again put his arm around Alexa, pressing her close to his side. Alexa wanted to push away, but couldn't summon the will or the energy.

"We're wasting time," Alexa suddenly said. Both men broke off their war of wills to look at her. "We can't wait for LeBlue to come out of hiding anymore. Half the countryside knows we're here. He'd probably gone to ground. Time to force him out."

"Why all of a sudden?" Jack asked curiously.

"I'm tired of all of this," Alexa said with finality. "I want to go home and get on with my life." She turned and struggled with her skirts to entered the carriage.

Jonathon blanched at her words. He took a step forward and reached out to her but was blocked by Jack. "No thanks. I can get my wife home without your help. Feel free to go back to your flirting game inside."

"Go to hell."

"You know what your problem is, Wentworth? You don't seem to realize that other men might value what you didn't hesitate to throw away."

Continued In Next Section