'What was I thinking? I have been blinded by my own stupidity. Thank God you had the sense to speak what I should have realised for myself. This is a fool's errand. Sofia, my love, will you ever forgive me?'
She buried her head in his shoulder but didn't answer. Beau gestured to the other two that they move away to allow the young couple some privacy. He sent up a prayer of thankfulness that he had spoken out and not let this mission go any further. Now they could turn around and start making the long journey to Oporto and then back to England and Silchester Court.
Gallivanting about the place was all very well when the weather was warm. winter came early here and soon the snow would start. They needed to be well away from the hills before that happened. At least on the plains it would be warm and there would be hostelries to stay in overnight. If he never slept on the ground again he would be a happy man.
*
Sofia rarely cried, but the relief that Perry had finally seen the folly of this mission was overwhelming. Beau should have spoken up sooner and saved them all a deal of discomfort and worry. The same thing had niggled at the back of her mind, that they shouldn't be risking their lives for someone they didn't know, but she had kept these thoughts at bay until they had been spoken aloud.
'Hush, sweetheart, I can't bear to hear you cry. I should be horsewhipped for bringing you into danger. I should have been taking you on your honeymoon, spoiling you, not asking you to risk being violated in the worst possible way – and why? Your life is far more precious to me than his ever could be and it took my brother to bring me to my senses.'
She sniffed and wiped her nose on his jacket before looking up at him. 'My love, until last night you had no idea any of us would be in such danger. You would have come to the same conclusion…'
'I don't think that I would, that is what terrifies me. Good God, I helped you to sew the knives in your skirt. I should have understood the enormity of what I was asking you to do then, and not have had to be told by my brother.'
'It doesn't matter now, I shan't hold it against you. The French will be driven from the hills very soon and I'm sure that your man will find a way to escape when that happens.'
'I should never have come here, we should have set out straightaway for England.'
'Actually, the longer we are wandering about the countryside the better I shall like it. I am rather dreading having to become Lady Peregrine. I don't feel that I shall be very good at it.'
He kissed her fiercely and she responded. His horse prevented things from progressing by attempting to sink his teeth into her husband's shoulder. Perry swore at the animal and Billy put his ears back and had another go, equally unsuccessfully.
With a light heart she was tossed into the saddle and the four of them began the long, slow journey to her new life. It wasn't until they stopped for luncheon that she had another opportunity to speak to him.
'Darling girl, we shall be remaining in Salamanca for a few weeks. It is a beautiful city and was liberated from the French some months ago and should now be recovering from the occupation. Neither of us have sufficient garments, we shall have fresh ones made when we get there. I intend to take you to the grandest ball I can find and you must wear your wedding dress for me.'
'I think that your brother wishes to return as speedily as possible…'
'He will be perfectly content to remain in Salamanca if we can find luxurious accommodation for our stay. I shall also hire a carriage so you can travel in style. If we are to have a trunk full of new clothes then we can hardly continue on horseback.' He pushed a strand of hair from her eyes. 'I intend to be the best husband I can, I shall spoil you, give into your most extravagant demands. I love you, sweetheart.'
Somehow she hid her dismay; he believed he was giving her something she really wanted. The thought of being obliged to travel several hundred miles in a closed carriage filled her with horror. She was equally unhappy about the thought of being pampered and spoilt – she just wasn't that sort of girl. 'And I shall be the best wife that I can. I love you too and cannot wait to reach Salamanca so I can be your true wife.'
It took them almost two weeks to reach this city. Zorro and herself were the only members of the group that were disappointed to see it. She would have liked the journey to continue for several weeks more but everyone else in their small party, including the equines, seemed relieved to be there. Jenkins had gone ahead the day before to find them the best lodgings he could.
He met them at the city gates. 'I've rented a grand house for you, your grace, cost a fair bit, mind, but I reckon it's worth every penny. Follow me and I'll take you there.'
Everywhere Sofia looked there was another wonder to behold. The magnificent buildings glowed orange in the sunlight, the ravages of the battles that had taken place a few months ago had mostly been removed.
Elegant women in dark gowns and lace headdresses glided about the place followed by their servants carrying baskets full of interesting items. The gentlemen, their black hair oiled back, walked together in their black suits and snowy white shirts.
'ThePlaza Mayoris no more than a hundred yards from the house that I rented, my lord. I've never seen the like, and I've travelled most places on the continent,' Jenkins said.
The house proved to be everything he had said and more. The occupiers had perished in the battle and the owners were delighted to have rich English aristocracy stay there at an exorbitant rent. It was fully staffed and was the most luxurious building she had ever set foot in.
The major-domo conducted them to their apartments. Beau had been given the most palatial, as was only right as he was the Duke of Silchester, but the accommodation she and Perry had was almost as wonderful.
'The first thing I want is a bath. I shall send for hot water immediately.'
'No need to do that, sweetheart, see here, we have a joint sitting room and matching bedchambers and dressing rooms. There is already a bath ready and waiting for each of us.'
He kissed her hard and her pulse skittered. Would he suggest they tumble into bed before they went downstairs? She had thought she could stay away from him, possibly have the marriage annulled, but that was foolish thinking. He was her husband and she his wife, they had promised they would be the best they could be and she, for one, would not go back on her word.
Her ability to converse in their native tongue with the two maids allocated to her made things so much easier. Whilst she luxuriated in the rose-scented water the girls had unpacked the saddle bags and one of them had run off to press her three gowns.
Her fingers were wrinkled by the time she stepped out into the waiting, warmed towels. She could hear male voices from the sitting room so guessed that Beau had joined her husband. She was tardy, but had no intention of hurrying, she was far too relaxed after her long immersion in the water.
Her hair still had to be redressed and that would take some time as there was so much of it. Without thinking she raised her voice. 'Perry, I shall be another half an hour, I will join you downstairs when I am ready.'
