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Chapter 26
The next morning, Marshall stood by the front parlor window when he noticed a golden carriage stop in front of Dryden’s home. He watched as the driver slid down and opened the door. Elisabeth Anne stepped out in a green silk dress, carrying a parasol. She was alone.
Marshall went over and opened the door as she reached for the knocker.
“I take it you have no servant,” she told him in perfect English.
The captain’s surprise brought a smile to her lips.
“Our resident scholar is a pious and poor man,” Marshall finally stated. “But the house is clean. If you’re looking for Dryden, I’m afraid he’s out for a while.”
Elisabeth laughed as she handed him her silk shawl. Curiosity built in the man as Marshall led her to the study. Leiras stood when she walked in. He offered her a seat, then looked at Marshall, who shrugged. The monk went to the table and brought over a decanter with several goblets on a wooden tray.
“To what do we owe this honor, Duchess Gabriel di Villafranca?” the angel asked in French.
“I see you remember my title,” she replied in English. “I thought I should come by about your conversation with my husband yesterday.”
Marshall handed the glass to the woman.
“Thank you, Captain Blackbane. Your manner has improved.” Her amused smile bothered him.
He hesitated, then shook his head.
“I’m afraid that you’re mistaken. My name is William Marshall from Amsterdam.”
Elisabeth ran the tip of her index finger around the rim of the glass, then looked up at him.
“A woman doesn’t forget a pirate who boards her ship returning from Rome. I recognized those cruel eyes and your stance when you entered my home. You make quite an impression when you kill my personal escort in front of me. His blood remained on my dress during the trip to Tunis.”
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