'She will have taken it out of harm's way and left us to celebrate together. I can hardly credit that my memory and sight have returned so suddenly. One would have thought there would have been some signs before yesterday.'
'We shall put it down to the hand of God, and thank him for it.' She scrambled off his lap. 'If you are going in search of your compatriot then I shall come with you. I know these hills, I am able to use a pistol and a knife if necessary.'
He was about to tell her in no uncertain terms to do nothing of the kind but then reconsidered. 'Very well, you may accompany me.' He fixed her with the stare he used on his subordinates. 'You will be under my command and follow my orders to the letter. Is that understood?'
She giggled and saluted – well, made a passable attempt at one. 'Yes, sir. Breakfast should be ready by now and I am sharp-set.' She paused as the most hideous noise interrupted them. 'What on earth is that?'
'I think it's Zorro announcing his return. Would your mother object if I let him in?'
'As long as he stops howling she won't care where he goes.'
*
Both Perry and her mother refused to allow Sofia to spend another night across the square. 'I can't see that it makes any difference. I am a fallen woman and my reputation is non-existent. Isn't this like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted?'
Her future husband exchanged a knowing look with her parent before answering. 'I should never have allowed you to stay in the first place – I shall not make the same mistake again. Another thing, do you have any gowns you might wear? I had not understood just how unseemly breeches and boots are for a young lady.'
She poked her tongue out at him and he laughed. 'I shall have a rummage about in my closet and see what I might find, but I am not promising anything. I shall wear a dress for our wedding ceremony. I insist that you have something new as well.'
'God knows where I shall find garments that fit me in this town. Now I can see I shall venture around the place and look for a tailor. I shall have to purchase everything on credit.'
'You have not visited the marketplace, the church, or any of the shops. Your knowledge of this place has been limited by your disability. We have everything we need here and what we don't we buy from the next town.'
'Now that they know they have an aristocrat in their midst I can assure you they will be only too happy to sell you things with or without payment.'
'I must go. I thank you for the delicious breakfast, ma'am, and would like you both to dine with me tonight.'
'Thank you, that would be delightful. Sofia will be dressed appropriately for the occasion.'
Sofia followed him to the front door but was pushed aside by the dog when she tried to embrace him. 'I can see how it's going to be in future. Zorro is a jealous guardian. Shall we be taking him back with us to England when we eventually go?'
'More to the point, sweetheart, is whether I shall be allowed to keep him when I'm back with my regiment.'
'He will have to make do with me when you are busy fighting for King and Country.' She embraced the dog and he licked her face which was not a pleasant experience. 'Enough of that, I've no wish to be slobbered over by an animal who has just been eating raw rabbit for his breakfast.'
The dog wasn't wearing the harness and she wondered if he was aware that his master could now see and didn't need to be led about the place. Perry cupped her face and kissed her hard and she regretted the fact that they were not to spend another night together until they were married.
She opened the front door and he marched away his dog prancing about him yelping and barking in excitement. The animal obviously understood Perry was no longer blind which was a miracle in itself. Having Zorro for company when her husband was on active service would be both a comfort and an entertainment.
She decided to remain indoors and avoid the speculative and disapproving looks she would encounter if she went out. For all her bravado, she too regretted her impulsive decision to seduce Perry. Everything was happening so quickly. Three days ago he didn't know who he was and had been blind – now he was a lord and could see and she was no longer an innocent.
Dinner wasn't eaten as early as in England for here nobody sat down until late. This gave her ample time to find something suitable to wear, press it, and also wash her hair. She had been careless of her appearance when he couldn't see her, now everything was different.
'Mama, upon what have we been living these past months? I cannot believe that papa's funds and the money you have earned from your sewing have been sufficient.'
'People are generous here, unlike at home. You treat their ailments for nothing and you might not have been aware of it but they repay this kindness with gifts of food and fuel. Also, the fact that you have accompanied them several times when they have been on raids has made you one of them. Nobody goes hungry here whilst there is food to be had.'
'Mama, will you marry Don Pablo when I leave?'
'I will indeed, we might not be giddy and heedless like you and Perry but nevertheless we are still deeply attached to each other. I shall have position in the town married to him, will live in comfort, if not luxury. I shall miss you dreadfully of course, but when this dreadful war is over perhaps I shall be able to make an extended stay with you in England.'
'I shall write to my grandmother telling her I am about to be married to the brother of the Duke of Silchester. That should make her happy.'
'You will do no such thing, my girl. If you intend to leave with Perry even if you are not married, it's best not to tell her anything.'
'I shall be guided by you, Mama. I'm going to find something to wear tonight. It is so long since I have worn a gown but I am not sure I have anything the moths haven't eaten.'
'Come with me, my love, I have something to show you upstairs.'
