Woodiwiss, Kathleen E - Ashes in the Wind by Woodiwiss Kathleen E

Author:Woodiwiss, Kathleen E [Woodiwiss, Kathleen E]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-12-10T12:13:30+00:00

Chapter 25

AT times Jacques DuBonné was a lender of money at high interest rates. He expended very little risk since, for his investment, he was careful to command property of much higher value as security. It was in this capacity as usurer that one bright September morn he entered a merchant’s shop across the street from Angus Craighugh’s store and sought out the owner.

“You are far behind in your payments, monsieur. Jacques DuBonné does not have great patience in the matter of moneys. Either you pay your debt, or you will lose your shop. Do you understand?”

“It’s obvious that you’ve intended this very thing from the beginning,” the merchant accused. “I have seen you come and go over there, and I would say that you’ve supplied Angus Craighugh with money and merchandise so he could lower his prices and gain all my customers. You’d do that for the uncle of that thieving and murdering Alaina MacGaren, and where I am an honest man in a bit of difficulty, you take advantage of my plight.”

“Pardon, monsieur. What was it you say?”

“I said that you’ve planned this from the first!”

“Non! Non! I mean about this Alaina MacGaren.”

The merchant glared in heated ire. “Anybody who knows him can tell you that Angus Craighugh is the uncle of that traitorous bitch!”

Jacques leisurely straightened his tall hat on his head and tapped the handle of his ornate walking stick against the man’s chest. “You have until tomorrow evening to satisfy your debt, monsieur. I would not waste another moment if you hope to keep your shop.”

The Frenchman strolled from the shop, cast a long and thoughtful glance toward the Craighugh store, then climbed into his landau. Sometimes a man profited from biding his time.

A light mist was settling upon the city, turning the trees and houses along the way into indistinct shadows as Saul and Alaina wended their way home in the gathering shrouds of dusk. At the Craighugh house, Alaina ran to the back door, while the black man drove the buckboard into the carriage house. As she entered the kitchen, Dulcie glanced around from her work and announced: “Miz Leala’s in de parlor, chile. And dere’s a gen’man with her. Ah doan know what he’s here for, but he done come all de way from Minnesotee, and he been sent by Mistah Cole.”

Alaina smoothed her damp hair. “I guess everyone neglected to tell you, Dulcie. I’m about to follow in Roberta’s footsteps.”

“Huh?” The woman looked at her suspiciously, raising her brows.

“I’m going to marry Doctor Latimer.”

Dulcie gaped in awe, then slowly whispered, “Lawsy! Ain’t dat a wonder!”

“A wonder,” Alaina mumbled disconcertedly. Despite herself, she had been counting the days past, wondering if each would be the one that heralded her Yankee rescuer. September was already full upon them, and no word of his intended arrival had been received. She took a long, steadying breath. “I’d better see why the man is here.”

Alaina passed through the house, her footsteps echoing in the hall. At

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