is the younger son of the Earl of Ellingham and is currently carving out a distinguished career for himself as a member of Wellington’s intelligence staff.’ He paused. ‘His background might be considered among the best in England. Good enough, one would think, to be a fit companion for your goddaughter.’
Seeing Ward’s haughty expression, Albermarle reddened. ‘My goddaughter is also of good family, General. John Huntley has no reason to be ashamed of his connections.’
‘I never meant to imply any such thing, Colonel.’
Recognising the signs of impending wrath on her godfather’s face Sabrina interjected quickly. ‘I am sure you did not, sir.’
Albermarle threw her a swift glance and held his temper. ‘Connections are all very well,’ he went on, ‘but what is the man’s character?’
‘I have never heard anything to his detriment. On the contrary, he has shown himself to be capable and resourceful in the undertaking of his duties.’
‘I am quite sure of that or you would never have chosen him. What concerns me is his moral character. After all, my goddaughter will be alone in his company for weeks. Her reputation…’
‘Will be untarnished,’ said Ward. ‘The proprieties will be observed, sir. Miss Huntley will take her maid, as befits a lady of rank, and our agent will be accompanied by some of his men, in the guise of servants.’ He paused. ‘It goes without saying that arrangements for accommodation will be quite separate.’
‘My goddaughter will have more than just her maid for protection. If she goes at all I insist upon Ramon and Luis attending her as well.’
Forbes raised a quizzical eyebrow. ‘Ramon and Luis?’
‘Partisans, I believe,’ said Ward.
‘Two of my father’s most trusted companions, sir,’ Sabrina explained. ‘They have guided him on numerous expeditions and have accompanied me on every mission I’ve been on. They are most able men.’
Forbes and Ward exchanged another glance. Then the latter nodded.
‘Agreed.’
However, Albermarle wasn’t finished. ‘Apart from the dubious nature of this proposal, Aranjuez is deep in the heart of enemy territory,’ he said. ‘If anything were to go wrong there would be no possibility of outside help. The consequences mean death or imprisonment.’
‘That’s true,’ said the General. ‘It is a risk, albeit a calculated one.’
‘In my view the whole thing is utter madness, but the final decision is not mine.’
Ward turned to Sabrina. ‘Then may we know your mind, madam, or do you wish a little more time to consider?’
Sabrina knew that time would make no difference in this case. The choice was made as soon as he had talked of her father’s freedom.
‘I’ll do it.’
There came a muffled exclamation from Albermarle, but he said nothing.
Ward smiled. ‘Good. It’s a brave decision, Miss Huntley. Believe me, we are most grateful.’
‘Does your agent know about all this?’ she asked.
‘Yes, he was briefed earlier.’
‘What did you offer him?’
For a second he seemed taken aback, as much by the dryness of her tone as by the directness of the question, but he recovered quickly. ‘Promotion to Lieutenant Colonel.’
‘I see.’ An ambitious man, she thought. That knowledge wasn’t particularly reassuring. ‘When do I meet him?’
‘At once,’ replied Ward. He glanced at Forbes. ‘Tell him to come in.’
Sabrina closed her eyes for a moment, willing herself to calm. She must do this thing. There was no other choice. Her father’s liberty was all that mattered. She heard the Major’s footsteps cross the floor and then the sound of the door opening. He spoke briefly to someone outside. Two sets of footsteps returned. She clasped her hands in her lap to keep them still and forced herself to look up. Then her heart leapt towards her throat and she found herself staring into the grey eyes of Major Falconbridge.
Chapter Two
Suddenly it was harder to breathe and her cheeks, so pink before, went pale. Impossible! It couldn’t be he! Of all the men in His Majesty’s army…Sabrina came out of her chair and darted a glance at Ward and then at Forbes but saw nothing in their expressions to contradict it. Dear God, what had she agreed to? The idea of walking the length of the street with this man was unappealing, never mind spending weeks in his company. The temptation to renege on her promise and walk away was almost overpowering. Then she thought of her father and took a deep breath.
If Major Falconbridge had noticed aught amiss it wasn’t evident. Having observed the necessary social courtesies he got straight to the point.
‘I believe that you are to accompany me on this mission, Miss Huntley.’
Somehow she found her voice. ‘Yes, sir.’
‘I take it that you understand exactly what that entails.’
‘I understand.’
‘All the same, I should be grateful if you would afford me an opportunity for private speech later.’
With an effort she kept her tone neutral. ‘As you will, Major.’
In fact, Falconbridge had seen the fleeting expression of dismay when she realised who he was. Under any other circumstances such a meeting would have been most entertaining, but just now he felt no inclination to laugh. For a moment he had expected her to refuse point-blank to enter into the bargain, but then she had seemed to regain her composure. Forbes had apprised him of her situation and he understood now just how much her father meant to her. After their first meeting Falconbridge knew he must be the last man in the world she would ever have chosen to go anywhere with, let alone Aranjuez. He also knew that his memory hadn’t done her justice. From the beginning he had considered her attractive. Seeing her now he realised she was much more than that—spirited, too. However, looks and spirit were only part of it; she had other attributes. Ward had assured him of her linguistic ability in French and Spanish and of her usefulness to them in the past. It still hadn’t stifled his doubts. Yet somehow those documents had to be obtained and brought back for Wellington. Promotion and the release of John Huntley, though highly desirable, were secondary considerations.
His thoughts were interrupted by General Ward. ‘You will complete your briefing today and leave for Aranjuez in the morning.’
Sabrina’s heart lurched. So little time! Then she reflected that it might be better so; if she had more space to consider she might well refuse to go through with it. This man unsettled her too much. Such a mission required clear-headedness and a certain amount of detachment. The knowledge that she was failing in both areas only added to her mortification.
Ward drew the
