Once A Soldier Part 15

The four of them continued their bantering as they reached the river and headed west toward Portugal. Turning serious, Justin said, "The river is swift and could be dangerous here. How much is the flow reduced during the dry months?"

"There's always enough water for small boats to travel through the valley," Sofia replied. "Even in high summer, it's risky to ford the river in the central valley, which is why rebuilding the bridge was so important."

They traveled at a steady pace, with Will taking notes about the more difficult areas of the river. By early afternoon, they moved beyond the cultivated areas of the valley and into pasturelands, where occasional groups of sheep or goats grazed placidly under the relaxed eyes of young herders.

The river became narrower and rougher, but when they stopped for a companionable lunch of bread and cheese and wine, Justin said, "The rapids are challenging, but so far, the river is no worse than some of the upper reaches of the Douro. The riverboat men who sail the 'rabelos,' the wine boats, are very skilled at steering through rough waters."

"Some of the boulders could be s.h.i.+fted to make a smoother channel," Will said thoughtfully.

Athena laughed. "Anything to use your black powder!"

"Very true. Though it won't be worth doing unless the lower reaches of the river can be improved sufficiently." He finished jotting notes about what he saw in the river, the food and wine was packed away, and they continued on their way.

Soon the main road swung away and they continued on the narrow track that followed the riverbank. The track grew rougher and steeper and the increasing number of tumbled boulders gave the landscape an eerie, unnatural look. But the mountain-bred Gabrileno horses were sure-footed and no sections of the track were impa.s.sable.

The track leveled off and to their right the river cut deeper into the mountainside, creating the gorge Sofia had told them about. As the track started to descend, the rim of the gorge was no longer visible because mounds of boulders blocked the view.

The thunder of falling water intensified as they continued. Will pulled his horse in and studied the mounded boulders and loose stones. "From the sounds of the water, we must be right opposite the cataract. I could climb to the top and look down into the gorge."

With visions of the scree s.h.i.+fting under his weight and pitching him into the gorge, Athena suggested, "Why don't we continue along the track? We might find a place with a clear view."

"Athena is right," Sofia said. "My brother told me there is a place where one can look down on the cataract. He . . . he promised to take me there one day." She swallowed hard as she thought of that unfulfilled promise.

After a last longing look at the piled stones, Will said, "In that case we should continue on. If we can't find such a spot, I can always come back here."

"If that's necessary, I'll do the climbing," Justin said. "I weigh several stone less than you and I'm less likely to create a rock slide."

They continued along the track, which wound between more boulders and occasional tough, piney trees. Then the track swung around a particularly ma.s.sive boulder into a small, gra.s.sy clearing-and there was the cataract.

Athena caught her breath at the high, powerful waterfall. Even this far above, particles of cool water brushed her face. She was equally enchanted by the beauty of the plunging waters and dismayed at how very not navigable the river was. "You'll not be getting any rabelos over that!"

Justin studied the gorge and the height of the cataract. "This is like a smaller version of the Valeira Gorge. That was cleared, but it was a very expensive proposition and it took years."

Sofia bit her lip. "There isn't enough money in San Gabriel to undertake such a vast project."

"It would be far too expensive to put in a system of locks, but I think it's possible to build a portage trail around the falls," Will suggested. "If the rabelos can transport casks from San Gabriel to a station above the falls, mules and men could carry the wine to different rabelos on the river below."

"That might work," Justin said, intrigued. "If the river below is navigable until it flows into the Douro, the only really impossible area is the gorge and cataract. We'll have to survey the lower river, but carrying the wine around the falls could be a simple, practical solution that will make it possible to get the Gabrileno wines to market."

"Won't a portage raise the costs significantly?" Athena asked.

"Yes, but I think the quality of Gabrileno wine will persuade people to pay more," Justin said. "There are a goodly number of English aristocrats who pride themselves on how expensive their wine is, as long as the wine is good enough to justify the cost."

"I like the idea of creating jobs for Gabrilenos," Sofia said thoughtfully. "Many of the men who will be returning from war will want work beyond cultivating fields and vineyards. But boats and mules and men must be paid for before we can earn any money from our wines."

"Might it be possible to raise foreign funds to invest in this?" Athena asked. "Form the Alcantara Wine Company. Will and Justin must know Englishmen who would consider investing in it."

"I know men who might be interested," Will agreed. "Justin?"

"Once I transport samples down the mountain so San Gabriel wines can be tasted, I know I'll find investors," Justin said. "I'll put in money myself. I think it will be a decent investment."

Sofia gave Justin a dazzling smile. The connection between the two was so strong, Athena could feel it. It hurt to know that her little sister of the heart had found love with a man worthy of her, yet they could never marry.

Might San Gabriel accept a royal consort who was a Protestant Scottish merchant? Impossible to imagine. Sofia needed a husband with wealth and rank and influence beyond anything Justin had. Her marriage prospects had been a subject of Gabrileno speculation for years.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Will saying, "I think it's time to set up camp for the night. This is a decent location. There's good grazing gra.s.s, a spring for watering horses and people, and boulders to protect us from the wind. There are also enough trees scattered among the boulders that firewood shouldn't be a problem."

"I'm ready to call it a day," Sofia said. "I haven't spent this long in the saddle for months."

"But you ladies haven't slowed us down at all," Justin said as he dismounted and helped Sofia from her horse. "You're both bruising riders."

"Today, more bruised than bruising," Sofia said teasingly as she came down into his arms.

Athena swung from her horse. "I haven't camped on the trail like this since we traveled up from Porto five years ago. It will feel odd sleeping under the stars again."

"At least it doesn't look like rain!" Sofia removed her hat and brushed back the dark tendrils that had escaped from her neatly bound hair. "Remember how wet the journey from Porto was? We looked like drowned rabbits by the time we arrived home. I never wanted to see another tent in my life!"

"Neither did I," Athena said fervently as she removed saddlebags and saddle. "Yet here I am, camping again and without even a tent!"

Will dismounted and began tending his horse with the ease of long practice. "Where did the two of you stay when you hid in the hills from Baudin?"

"A high-country cave," Athena said. "We had a good view of the valley, and there was a spring inside, so we had water."

"We shared the cave with our horses so we wouldn't be seen," Sofia added. "Have you ever slept with horses in tight quarters?"

"Actually, I have," Will admitted. "It's not my favorite situation. But worse for you because of the suddenness of the invasion."

Athena tried not to remember the helplessness, confusion, and sheer terror they'd felt in those days. They'd been on the verge of riding over the mountains into Spain when the French had moved out, traveling on the main eastbound road. "We spent much of our time talking about what, if anything, we could do. Without success."

Expression compa.s.sionate, Justin asked, "Did you consider riding off for help?"

"Where would we go? And who would help us?" Sofia replied starkly. "San Gabriel is so isolated. It's a long ride to the nearest towns, and anyone we found would surely have been worrying about their own survival. After Baudin and his brutes left to rejoin the main French Army, I fell on my knees and gave thanks to the Blessed Mother for their departure."

"We were worried they might stay," Athena said in a low voice. "A pleasant valley with a strong castle and good wine. A soldier's paradise."

"Luckily, the French Army's loyalty to Napoleon is strong," Will said gravely. "If they'd dug in here, they would have been very hard to dislodge."

They shared a glance, and she knew that he was thinking of their early discussion about the possibility of a well-organized guerilla band deciding to move in. She had been having nightmares about such an invasion.

They had done all they could to prepare for an attack and the Gabrileno army would be home soon, so she told herself to stop worrying. Worry wouldn't help and it shouldn't be allowed to interfere with this brief holiday. "When the horses are taken care of, will someone gather firewood? I'll start on our dinner."

"What's on the menu?" Will asked with interest.

"Wait and see," Athena said as she untied one of her saddlebags. "But wine will be served with our meal."

"Now you've spoiled the surprise!" Sofia said with mock dismay. As the others laughed, she continued, "I'll gather firewood. Justin, will you help me?"

"It will be my great pleasure, your royal highness." Justin pulled a small hand axe from his saddlebag in preparation. "You locate, I'll chop."

"I shall make you carry the wood. You are warned!" Sofia said as she marched off between a pair of tall boulders.

The muted roar of the nearby waterfall covered Athena's voice as she watched Sofia and Justin disappear into the maze of boulders. "I'm not being a very good chaperone."

"Neither will cross the line," Will said quietly. "But they deserve some time alone."

"That was my thought," Athena said, remembering the sweetness of first love. Sofia deserved that even if she and Justin didn't have a future. "If we're lucky, they may even remember to bring back some firewood."

Will grinned. "There's some kindling over by that boulder. I'll get a small fire started. Maybe we can have some good English tea before dinner and wine?"

"You're a mind reader," she replied. "Or perhaps just English. There is indeed tea."

As she pulled food and cooking utensils from her saddlebags, a chuckling Will moved across the clearing to collect the kindling. Her gaze followed him. She loved watching him move. He was all smooth, efficient power, both purposeful and relaxed. And she would never, ever tire of admiring those broad shoulders.

She gave a small, private smile as she pulled out the packet of tea leaves. Even if they didn't speak or touch, it was satisfying to breathe the same air.

Chapter 23.

Sofia. Justin's fond gaze rested on her elegantly curved form as she led the way through the maze of boulders. He'd wondered how a princess would deal with trail conditions, but Sofia was obviously having a wonderful time. Not only was she a splendid rider, but she demanded no special treatment. That was rare in well-bred young ladies, much less princesses. Though admittedly, he hadn't met any other princesses.

He was glad to see that the stiffness that had been between Will and Athena was gone. There was a different kind of tension that both kept firmly tamped down. He saw no sign that Athena Markham was inclined to accept Will, which was regrettable, but he did understand her reservations about an unequal marriage that would take her into the heart of the British aristocracy.

His own family was regarded as vulgar nouveau riche in some circles. They laughed about it among themselves. The Ballards had worked hard, with energy and intelligence, and they had a fortune to rival that of most aristocrats, but they took pride in being hardheaded Scottish merchants. They could afford to laugh at aristocratic arrogance because they had success and, even more important, loving family bonds.

Athena Markham had none of that, and he suspected she carried more than her share of hidden scars. If he could wave a magic wand to heal those scars and bring her and Will together, he'd do it in a heartbeat, because they seemed so well suited.

He smiled wryly. At least he and Will would be able to commiserate with each other about the loss of the women they loved. Because Justin did love Sofia, and knew he always would. Neither of them had said a word or made an improper touch, yet when she was near, he felt . . . happy. More whole.

"That dead tree can supply all the wood we need." Sofia pointed at the gray skeleton of one of the scrubby trees that grew among the boulders. "I trust your axe is sharp?"

"Like me, the axe is ready to serve." With a couple of swift chops, Justin severed a branch. "Nicely seasoned, too. Not many people come this way looking for firewood."

Sofia gathered fallen branches as Justin chopped more from the tree, then cut them to manageable lengths. When they had a good-sized pile, he straightened and brushed bits of wood from his hands and clothing. "That's enough wood to last all night. I'll have to make two or three trips to get it all back to our campsite."

"I'll help." Sofia stared at him, her dark eyes huge and shy. "Justin?"

"Yes, my princess?" he asked, puzzled.

"Will you kiss me?"

He felt as if she'd clubbed him with a heavy branch. After swallowing hard, he said, "There is nothing I would like better, but is this wise?"

"No. But it is necessary." Sofia bit her lip before continuing to speak. "If I was not who and what I am, our situation would be very different. But San Gabriel must come first. My marriage prospects are being discussed all over the country, and no one less than the son of a high-ranking Spanish or Portuguese n.o.bleman is being considered. When Colonel da Silva returns home, a short list will be chosen and negotiations will begin to find the best and most appropriate royal consort for the queen of San Gabriel."

His heart tightened. "So soon?"

"I'm twenty-four. It's time I married and began a family, because it isn't right that the direct line of the Royal House of Alcantara has dwindled down to me." She raised her chin, her gaze defiant. "I shall do my duty, but I want one kiss with you to . . . to cherish through the long years and nights ahead."

Awed that she shared his feelings, he said, "I want to kiss you too much, meu anjo, my angel. Perhaps it's best if you kiss me instead."

She nodded and stepped shyly forward. He was no more than average height, but her pet.i.te frame made her seem rare and fragile. Having seen her ride, he knew that she wasn't fragile at all, but rare she was. So very rare.

She placed her hands lightly on his shoulders and studied his face intensely, as if to memorize his features and this moment. Then she rose on tiptoes and touched her mouth to his. Her lips were exquisitely soft.

Unable to resist, he clasped his hands on her waist below her short jacket, holding her in kissing distance. She was ripe with life and sensuality; her mouth sweet as strawberries. Knowing they must not allow the mood to intensify dangerously, he murmured, "We both smell of horse."

Instead of being insulted, she laughed. "Since both of us do, I didn't even notice." Then she leaned forward into another kiss, and this time her lips parted against his.

Their tongues touched and desire jolted through him. "Meu anjo," he whispered again between nibbling kisses across her lips, her satin smooth cheek, her delicious little ear. "My bonnie, bonnie la.s.s."

She whispered endearments back, moving closer and closer so that she was pressed against him. His hands moved of their own volition, shaping the curves of her waist and hips. She was exquisite, perfect, and, for this brief moment, his.

Realizing how close he was to losing control, he hid his face against her sleek dark hair and enfolded her in his arms, inhaling her scent, feeling her heart beat against his. She sighed and relaxed against him, her arms going around his chest.

"You know I'd marry you if I could, don't you?" he whispered.

"I know." After a long silence, she said hesitantly, "I've wondered if this is what the English call 'calf love' and if it would last. I've not had the opportunity to meet many interesting, attractive men. You're the only one I've met that I wished I could marry."

She was seven or eight years younger than he was, and though in some ways, she was wise beyond her years, in others she was an innocent. "I can't speak for the depth of your feelings, meu anjo," he said, choosing his words carefully. "For your sake, I hope what you feel is infatuation that will pa.s.s and that fate grants you a husband you can love completely and forever."

"I've hoped for that, too," she said wryly. "But princesses are seldom so lucky."

"Then I shall pray you have good luck." He moved back, still holding her but able to look down into her dark eyes and exquisite features. "But for me . . . I've had the usual experiences for a man of my station. That has included calf love and brief infatuation. But I've felt nothing like what I feel for you. I believe it's the forever sort of love." In fact, he was sure of it.

Tears glinted in her eyes. "My hope for you is that you marry for love and have strong, beautiful children."

He brushed a kiss on her hair. "I hope that, too, my princess. But you will always be in my heart."

"And you in mine." She closed her eyes for a moment, then stepped away, her expression composed. "I've considered making you a count of San Gabriel to make you more eligible," she said teasingly. "Uncle Alfonso would agree to such a charter if I asked him."

"Lord Ballard of Porto?" Justin chuckled. "I suspect that no one would be persuaded that would make me a suitable consort. My father is likely to be made a baron soon for his services to Britain-in other words, running several successful businesses-but that is even less likely to impress anyone in San Gabriel."

"British t.i.tles don't count, I fear. Only ancient Iberian t.i.tles will do," Sofia said with a smile. "Now we must return to the campsite before Athena sends a search party."

"Agreed." He bent and scooped up a large armload of firewood.

Sofia added more pieces, then lifted a smaller load for herself. "One more trip after this should suffice."

They retraced their steps. Carrying a pile of firewood made holding hands impossible, which was just as well.

When they reached the camp, Athena glanced up from a small fire. "Good timing. I was about to run out of firewood."

"About the same amount of wood is waiting to be brought here." Justin released his load in a pile by Athena, then transferred Sofia's kindling to the pile.