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“I need one more favor.”
“You want a dress for your woman to wear to the wedding?”
“How did you know?”
“I am not in this position for being stupid.”
“I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for me over this last six months. I will be sure to mention you in my report. I suspect you will be compensated generously.”
Carlos simply nodded; he knew how these things went. The Prince Regent would ensure he was duly repaid.
As Thomas went upstairs, he thought about what Carlos had said. What if Elena were pregnant? Was he in love with her? He knew he cared deeply for her, but was it love?
When he entered the room at the end of the hall, it was to find Elena, fully dressed, sitting by the window. She smiled when he approached her and put out her hand to him to draw him closer. Her hair had been pinned up, and her dress was clean and pressed. The scent of the lavender soap was there faintly. He suddenly saw how very young she was. He’d never even thought about her age as she had seemed so capable, and it didn’t really play a role in his planning or emotions.
“Do you know what is going on out there in the square. There is a lot of commotion. At first I thought there was a festival, but I cannot think of any held during this time of year.”
“Carlos’s son is getting married tomorrow. They are getting ready for the party.”
“A wedding. Carlos is happy about this marriage?”
“Not exactly, but it seems the bride is with child so…”
She jumped up and headed across the room to her bag. “Oh, I should make her some tea mix for morning sickness.”
“I am not sure her state is known amongst the general population.”
She paused, and he could see the realization on her face. “I see. Perhaps you can give it to Carlos to pass on then.”
Elena was determined to help the young bride, whom she had never met, because that was the kind of woman she was, always wanting to help others. “I am sure she would be very grateful.”
When she smiled and started to unpack her supplies, he admired the generous nature of the woman who had saved his life, and now he saw why she might have done it. She just could not help doing it. To have left him there would have been against everything that she was.
“We are invited, you know. It will be good to enjoy ourselves for one day.”
“No. I can’t go.”
“Why not?”
“Well because I will be a stranger to them. I have no right to be there.”
“Carlos invited us. I am sure the bride and groom will not mind.”
“I have nothing to wear.”
“It’s all been taken care of.”
“But…”
“Let someone else worry over the details for once. Make your tea for the bride and leave the rest to me.”
“How will you know if it will even fit me?”
“There was more to laundry day than just washing your clothes.”
“Just how long have you been planning this?”
“Carlos asked the girls in anticipation of inviting us. I had nothing to do with it really. It will be a surprise for both of us.”
