Page 31 of The Truth About Myths
The arrow went flying.
Henrique grabbed the bow from Dio's hand. "Damn it, what if you hurt someone? The last time you caught a bayonet—"
A pitiful caterwaul came from the oaks edging the lawn.
Henrique held his breath.
A man staggered out of the woods. He had an arrow protruding from his top hat.
Dio jumped back and crossed himself.
Henrique swore, rushing forward. "Charles? What are you doing here?"
Charles' clothes were in disarray, his eyes red-rimmed. "I need your help. She doesn't allow me to see her."
Henrique pointed at his head. "You have an arrow on your—"
Charles removed the pierced hat and stared at it as if he couldn't decide what was stranger, the hat or the arrow. At least he wasn't hurt, thank God.
"Have you been drinking?"
Henrique examined the other man's preoccupied expression. To be honest, his jaws and nose had lost the bloatedness he sported back in Lisbon. He seemed bewildered but not intoxicated.
"It's Dolores, my lovely Doll. She is so sad... She fears the princess will never allow her to see me. The tyrant kept her under strict surveillance in the palace, but here is worse."
Was Dolly the reason Charles acted like a deranged fool? Henrique exchanged a glance with Dio, whose lips twitched with suppressed mirth.
Charles held his hands together in front of his face. "You have access to the princess. Help us, please."
Henrique frowned, not liking the direction of the conversation. "Help you with what?"
"I need to see Lady Dolores. You could arrange it if you wanted it.” Charles kneeled and grabbed Henrique’s feet. ”I’ll die if you don’t help."
Henrique stepped away from Charles' grubby hands. Who knew what sort of bacteria they carried? While he disagreed with Isabel's way of living, he couldn't throw Dolly into the arms of a profligate like Charles Whitaker. "What are your intentions with this girl?" Henrique gagged over such damning words.
"I love her."
"That does not mean a lot, does it?" Henrique turned to leave.
Charles followed him. "I want to marry Lady Dolores. If you help us, I'll name you my best man."
"And what does the position entail? Should I drop by every week to bring you a fresh stack of cards and a pack of cigars?"
Henrique stared into Charles' earnest gray eyes. He could imagine the princess' panic if she knew a first-order wastrel pursued her precious lady. She would gather her bags and flee.
Of course, she would. And Henrique would be there to pile her trunks atop the coach.
Henrique's lips tugged up in a slow smile as the plan took shape inside his mind. He would love to see Hercules topple him now.
Chapter 11
"I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best."Oscar Wilde
Henriquebracedhisfeeton the yacht's deck and grabbed the railings. The sailing cruise presented endless possibilities. Recline on the silk pillows, savor fresh oysters and chilled champagne, and swim in the Atlantic. Perfect for Henrique's plan. A full day of seeing Dolly and Charles together would be enough to chase Isabel out of Comillas. He breathed in the brine-scented breeze and allowed himself a moment of self-congratulation.
Dio sipped hissangriaand examined the apple bits floating in the white wine. "Delicious stuff. Where was I? Oh yes, he arrives this evening."
"Who?" Henrique's gaze traveled from the golden beach to the palace. Shouldn't Isabel have arrived by now? Most of the guests had already embarked.
