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need to keep them in sight. He did want to
know more about the Englishwoman. What was special about today that she chose
to accompany them? Perhaps it was due to the dog, for she picked up the animal
when they arrived at Meraux’s house and touched each of the children lightly on
the shoulder.
    She waited until they
disappeared inside before turning to retrace her steps. Feeling like an idiot— what
the devil was he doing following these people around? —Westcott trailed
behind them, not giving up the chase until they turned into the open-air
market. However much he wanted to simply knock on the door of the villa and ask
what they had to do with those children, he doubted it would be well received.
Better to make some inquiries first. Although most of his holdings were in
Lisbon, he kept a small house here and knew where to go for information.
Reluctant to give up entirely, he sauntered into the market, hoping for one
more look at the lady who so roused his curiosity. It should be safe enough,
since they had no idea who he was or of his interest, but to his
disappointment, she was lost in the crowds.

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Five
     
    Far from being lost in the
crowd, Anne stood in the shadowy protection of an awning-covered fruit stall.
Bill had noticed the stranger several days ago. Both curious and apprehensive,
she had come along today to see for herself. Why would someone be
following the children? Or was it someone the Major had sent to spy on them? If
so, the man was not very accomplished in skulking around and avoiding
attention.
    Anne had deliberately stayed
away from Meraux’s house in fear of disturbing the tenuous agreement she had
reached with the Frenchman. After the period he initially decreed had ended,
she had been successful in persuading him to allow the children to come each
day, care for the dog, and receive music lessons.
    She shrank back as the
stranger drew nearer and turned enough to the side that her face was obscured,
but she could still see him. Eyes, deep set in a strong-featured face, brown
hair overlong, and a supple form that slipped easily through the throng. A hard
man, she sensed for some reason, and wished she had been able to determine the
colour of his eyes.
    Anne waited until she was
sure he was gone before searching out Maggie, who loitered a short distance
away. Bill planned to turn the tables and follow the stranger.
    “I hope Bill is careful,”
Anne said fretfully to Maggie as they walked home.
    “You worry too much. Mr.
Fenton is not one to be careless. He won’t be seen but whether he can get any
information is another thing,” Maggie said sharply. She unlocked the door,
stepped inside, and dropped her basket on the bench outside the house.
    Anne freed Bonnie to run
around the courtyard and sank into a chair. “I can’t help it,” she said, wrinkling
her nose. “Our position here is so precarious. I’ve gotten nowhere in helping
the children and money is getting to be a serious problem. I never expected to
be marooned here this long.”
    Maggie’s expression softened
and she rested her hand on Anne’s for a moment. “You are helping the children,
just by being a friend. They get easier around you every day, and I’ve never
seen anyone enjoy music like Danielle does.”
    Anne brightened and smiled a
little. It was true. Along with her guitar, she had brought her flutes
and a recorder, and Danielle had taken to the flute with extraordinary
interest. Guy toyed with the recorder, more interested in Bonnie, but paid
enough attention to satisfy Meraux when questioned, although the Frenchman
appeared to have very little interest in the child. He paid more attention to
Danielle, Anne surmised from what the girl had let drop. But whether it was a
healthy interest or something else…. She let the thought slide away. She had
enough trouble at hand without allowing her imagination to run wild.
    “She is a pleasure to
teach.” Anne squeezed Maggie’s hand and stood.