Page 84 of A Castaway in Cornwall
“Don’t know him. Sounds like another frog to me.”
François scowled. “He’s a British officer stationed on Jersey.”
“Come with us, and we’ll investigate yer claim.”
François threw up his hands in protest. “What about Carnell? He is not here legally. He’s an escaped prisoner of war. Worse, a thief. You find Capitaine Carnell, and there will be a grand reward for you.”
“I don’t suppose you know where he is?” the tall officer asked.
“Non.But watch her house”—he jerked a thumb toward Laura—“and you are sure to find him.”
“I told you, he’s gone,” Laura said.
“Oh, he’ll be back. You saved his life, after all.”
“I may have helped, but I am not his keeper.”
François smirked, the expression emphasizing the scar on his cheek. “You underestimate your charms,mademoiselle.”
“We have been looking for him without success,” the tall officer admitted.
“I shall help you,” François said. “I know just what he looks like.”
“We shall see. For now, come with us.” Gesturing with the gun, the men led LaRoche away, to Laura’s relief, though she feared the militia would now redouble their efforts to find Alexander. She prayed she had not just doomed him to recapture... or death.
Half-buried in the loose sand of the east shore of the estuary stands the ancient church of St. Enodoc.
—BLACK’SGUIDETOTHEDUCHYOFCORNWALL, 1876
Chapter 16
Before returning to the ferry, Laura visited the antique and curiosity dealer in Padstow.
The proprietor’s face lit upon seeing her. “Ah, Miss Callaway. What have you brought in for me today?”
Laura reached into her glove, where she had hidden her treasure, then placed the gold salamander brooch on the counter.
A short while later, errand completed, Laura walked to the milliner’s and all but dragged Eseld from the displays of bonnets, ribbons, and lace. Together, they returned to the harbour to await the ferry.
They reached Black Rock as evening fell, and Uncle Matthew was waiting for them at the ferry landing. There was still no sign or message from Kayna Roskilly. Eseld was quite worried about her friend by this time and pleaded with Matthew to drive to their house.
He eventually relented and turned the horse toward Pentireglaze, though doing so would add a few miles to their journey.
“I do hope she hasn’t fallen ill or something,” Eseld said. “It isn’t like her to not keep her appointments without at least sending word.”
Laura could not blame Eseld for her concern, but she was even more concerned about Alexander. Would he still be at Miss Chegwin’s? She longed to confide in her uncle but thought it best to hold her tongue.
When they reached the Roskillys’ drive, a groom helped Eseld alight, and she hurried into the house while Laura and her uncle waited outside. Eseld returned a few minutes later with Dr. Kent.
“The family is upset,” Perry explained. “There has been a theft. The money raised at the charity ball is missing, as well as a pair of Kayna’s earrings.”
Uncle Matthew’s expression fell. “I am very sorry to hear it.”
“I know you are.” Eseld squeezed his hand. “I am going to stay with Kayna for a while. Her father has gone for the constable.”
Uncle Matthew nodded, eyes troubled. “Kind of you. I’d stay too, but Mrs. Bray is expecting me.”
“I will make sure Eseld gets home safely, sir,” the young man offered.
