Page 187 of Storm of Bells
UnexpectedGuest
‘Cap…CaptainCarter?’
‘Miss Linton!’ He leapt out of the carriage.‘How fortunate to meet you here!’
‘Yes,’ came an ice-cold whisper from behindme. ‘How fortunate.’
I, however, was unable to turn at the moment.I could only stare. ‘Captain Carter? Is it truly you?’
The man in front of me did wear a captain’suniform, and he looked very much like Captain James Carter, but hisface was a lot more tanned than I remembered, and there was arather roguish scar over his right eye. Only when he parted hislips and smirked was I sure. It was him.
‘You made it!’ I exclaimed. ‘You actuallymade it! I never thought my invitation would actually reach you intime?’
‘Invitation?’
The voice from behind me had sunk from low toarctic temperatures. I felt my ears turn red, and quickly clearedmy throat.
‘It was Adaira’s idea!’ I whispered,instantly.
‘Traitor!’ he hissed.
Bad Lilly! Bad Lilly! Sacrificing a friend?How could you?
Well, she was his sister. He wouldn’t killher. Probably.
‘Miss Linton!’ Pulling open the carriagedoor, Captain Carter lifted me into the open and hugged me, tight.‘I’m so happy to see you again!’
Whereas whether or not he’ll kill thecaptain after this is still open for debate.
Beside me, a heavy thud sounded. When Iglanced up, I saw Karim, who had leapt down from the box and wasnow standing only a foot or two away, arms crossed, a thunderousexpression on his face. Quickly, I slipped out of Captain Carter’sarms, before he lost them to a sharp sabre.
‘So…you’re getting married?’ Holding me bythe shoulders, he pushed me away far enough to look at me.‘Congratulations!’
I studied him in return. There was not a hintof a grudge on his face, no jealousy or play-acting. He truly meantthis, as a friend. Which probably was the reason why he had beenpermitted to keep breathing so far.
‘And to you, too, Sir.’ Reaching up, CaptainCarter held his hand out to Rikkard Ambrose. ‘That is one treasureof a woman you have found there.’
Mr Rikkard Ambrose stared down at thecaptain’s hand for a long moment as if it were the tail of askunk—then reached out and squeezed, hard. ‘Indeed. And I shallnever let go.’
‘Yes,’ the captain wheezed. ‘I can seethat.’
‘Oy, guv!’ At the call, we turned towards thecoachman on top the captain’s rented carriage. ‘Can I go? I’ve bindrivin’ ‘round this place for hours now. Since ye and dese ladiesand gents are goin’ the same way anyway…’
‘Oh yes.’ Smiling up at the man, I waved himoff. ‘By all means, head home. Captain Carter will be coming withus.’
‘He willwhat?’Beside me, Mr RikkardAmbrose started growing icicles out of his eyes.
Leaning over, I whispered, ‘Don’t you wantyour big rival to witness your triumph?’
Suddenly, his eyes weren’t quite so coldanymore. As he took hold of my hand and gazed into my eyes, I sawmy own feelings reflected in his deep, dark eyes. ‘You are toodevious for your own good, Miss Linton.’
‘I know,’ I whispered and sneaked a kiss ontohis cheek.
‘Gee-up!’ Behind me, the coachman snapped hiswhip and, turning his coach, sent the horses running down the road.Soon, all that was left was a cloud of dust in the distance.Clapping my hands, I turned to our own coachman, who was looking atour new passenger as if he’d like to snap his spine in two. Ormaybe three. Or four.
‘Very well.’ Clapping my hands, I beamed ateveryone. ‘Let’s go. We have a wedding to attend, after all. Shallwe have a nice, enjoyable drive?’
Icy silence was my only answer.
