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“Perhaps,” he replied, “but it still does not make sense.”

“Would you like me to help you? I know I can’t read English yet, but I can help tidy up.”

“It would be nice to have company,” he said, and she was happy to know he wanted her around.

“I do not know what we are having for dinner,” she said as they walked into the foyer. “Cook showed me something, but I could not read it, so I just nodded.”

“I’m sure it will be fine, whatever it is. I will let her know to tell you what it is for dinner rather than just showing you the menu.”

“Thank you. I wasn’t sure what to say to her. I’ve never had a cook.”

“If you want to cook a Spanish meal one night just let her know. I am sure she would like to learn.”

“You make it sound like anything I say will be accepted.”

“It should be. You are the lady of the house now.”

“Even if you your mother returns?”

“Of course. It may be difficult for her to let go of some duties, but I am sure, like you, she will adjust.”

“What if she got your letter and was so angry that you married me that she decided to leave?” She saw the look of shock on his face and wished she had not said anything.

“I cannot fathom that would be the reason.” He shook his head. “No. It does not explain my study.”

“Perhaps she was looking for money you may have hidden there? My father used to have a box filled with money under his bed. And when times were tough he would go to it. When he died, Juan used the money for us to live on until his soldier money came in.”

“I had no such box. However, my mother knew where I kept emergency money, and it was not in my study.” He stopped. “I should check to see if it is still there. Wait here.”

Elena watched as he ran up the stairs. She knew he was worried sick about his mother and sister, and she wished she could help him more, but inside she also knew something was not quite right about this situation. When he came back down the stairs, he was breathing hard.

“It is still there,” he said. “I still think that they left in a hurry and the only reason they would do that is if they were in some kind of danger.”

“Or they thought they had no other choice.”

“What will I do if they are not at my aunt’s? Where do I begin to look for them?” he asked as he sat on the bottom step and put his head in his hands.

Elena sat next to him and put her arm around him. How was she to comfort him? Nothing she could do would stop him worrying. She was concerned for his mother and sister, and she had never met them. They were a part of him, and she loved him, so she would love them too. If that meant sharing his worry, then so be it.

*

Elena was beside him, holding him.

“I do not know what to do,” he said and she could hear the despair in his voice. “It is like I have been punched in the gut. Everything was supposed to be put to rights once we arrived.”

“What will you do?”

“If I do not hear from my aunt in a few days, I’m going to ride there himself. I…I just cannot stay here and do nothing.”

“Then that is what you must do.” Let’s go upstairs and wash for dinner. After dinner, we will go into your study and fix it and maybe we will find some clues.”

He kissed her and whispered, “I love you so much, and I am so glad you came here with me. I would be lost without you. You are my true north.”

Her heart nearly broke her ribs, it was beating so fast within her chest. She knew he loved her. He had told her many times before, but this time he said he was glad she had sacrificed everything she knew to be with him. She realized how lost she would be without him too. Had she stayed in Spain, what would her life be? Aimless, lonely, and full of regrets, she was sure. Now she wondered how she had ever thought of not following him wherever he went.

“I will always be on your side. You know this. We will find out where they are and bring them home. Of this, I am sure.”

He looked up at her and said, “Why am I so lucky?”