A Captive Heart (12 page)

Chapter Thirty-One

Tamsin woke early after the restless night. She remembered that special moment when Adam had left the coach and his warm lips had kissed her cheek so tenderly. Was it only days ago? How could he betray his father, his family and all their friends by joining the Parliamentarians? Would she never understand him?

Her
heart was fighting with her wish for him to leave soon. She couldn’t bear to say goodbye to him again, yet it was vital that he left for all their sakes and his own safety.

‘You
must leave then?’ Tamsin said well aware that her aunt was watching them closely through the parlour windows as he made his farewell to her outside.

‘Tamsin.’
He chuckled and said, ‘You know by choice that you would not wish me to stay on here a moment longer.’

‘The longer you stay the more dangerous it becomes, Adam,’ she said noting that his eyes which searched her face gave little away of his true feelings. She knew it was hard to keep him from reading her thoughts. ‘Perhaps, if only I could trust you, Adam,’ she said shaking her head.

‘I came here first and foremost to see you once again.’ The look that she saw in his eyes told her that he spoke the truth. ‘I have thought long and often about you since I left the coach the other day.’ He smiled. Was he remembering that kiss too?

‘You
have, sir?’

He pulled on his leather gloves and his green eyes resembled dark tarn pools when they met her own. ‘I appreciate full well that I have you and Reuben and Martha to thank for my life and freedom. I promise you here and now that I do not purposefully seek to endanger your life and home here. Or that of anyone else that you love, Tamsin.’

She
tilted her small chin sharply. ‘How can I believe you when you lie so easily to everyone you meet, Adam?’

He
shook his dark head. ‘This is the truth that I speak now.’ He frowned to further strengthen this. ‘But I must warn you Tamsin, even if I wished it, I cannot hold back the tide of war for you or the battles that will be fought here soon.’ He heard the soft gasp of alarm that followed these words. ‘Nor can I promise you that your beloved Treganna will be kept safe from the Parliamentarians.’

He mounted his horse and looked down at her gravely. ‘I shall miss you, Tamsin Trevenian. Dare I ask that you think of me sometimes in the days yet to come as often as I shall you?’

His
husky voice gave away what he was feeling for her and her heart lurched and beat all the faster. She closed her eyes, felt them fill up with tears, and she quickly shook them away. She drew in her breath sharply. How could she prepare her aunt for the inevitable? Unless they could stand off their enemies and defend Treganna they would be left defenceless here.

She
felt her temper rise, and colour fired and burned her cheeks as she studied him carefully before giving him her answer. ‘I shall think of you. But I cannot promise that it will give me any pleasure to do so, sir.’

A
distant roll of thunder rumbled in the distance. The thickening clouds overhead were dark and heavy. She held out her hand as large drops of rain began to fall. ‘I think that it is time for you to leave.’

He
nodded and drew his short cloak in around his shoulders. ‘I must go. Before the storm sets in here.’

She
nodded. ‘Shall you travel on to Bristol? Or was that merely said to cover your movements elsewhere?’

He
laughed harshly. ‘You are learning fast, Tamsin.’

‘I
have had a good tutor in the art of deception, sir.’

He
shook his head and the rain drops pattered on his face and feathered hat. ‘I cannot tell you my plans. Since we first met I have wished so much that life could be changed for us both.’ He leant closer over the saddle to look deep into her eyes. ‘I do not ever regret our meeting in Piper Hole or that kiss...’

She
shook her head. ‘And we both know that it can never be, sir. I have no wish to see you ever again.’

These
words were to lie heavy in her heart as she tried in vain to forget him.

*

Tamsin watched Adam’s horse cantering out of sight into the gathering storm and was overwhelmed by mixed feelings of both relief and sadness to see him go. He most probably relished the bad weather as he would not be so easily followed. She wished she could call him back. Wished she could withdraw that lie she had told him.

The
heavy rain drops fell fast and plenty. She felt desperately miserable as she ran indoors to escape the storm. How could she help her feelings for him running away willy-nilly with her common sense? She knew she ought to hate him, but how could she? Her life would be empty without him but it would be impossible with him.

She couldn’t keep her feelings entirely from Aunt Phoebe who hastened to cheer and reassure her. ‘He’ll be back. He will not forget you, Tamsin.’ This was accompanied by a gentle pat on her cheek. ‘If I’m not much mistaken he will wish to declare his feelings for you before long. I saw it in his eyes last night. As did everyone else.’

Tamsin
shook her head. ‘You are vastly mistaken, Aunt. He seeks me out merely as a friend and marriage is an impossibility between us with a war raging without end.’

‘No,
my dear. I know what I saw. I am delighted for both of you.’

‘This
is not the time to be thinking of marriage, Aunt. How many young men have perished on both sides?’

She
stopped then as she saw the effect of her words on her Aunt’s face and remembered too late to withdraw it.

‘Forgive
me that was remiss of me, Aunt.’

‘My
dear.’ Her aunt put down her empty cup, and taking Tamsin’s hand in hers gently and squeezed it. ‘Your cousin Jago would not wish his early death to stop you from loving and marrying Adam. Did he not enjoy every blessed moment of his young life. You should know that, my dear.’

She
sighed. ‘I had high hopes once that you two might marry. He was so fond of you except...’ She sighed again. ‘You were of course first cousins.’

‘Aunt
Phoebe ... He was the dearest kindest boy I’ve ever known.’

‘Well
then, dear girl. Do not let this dreadful war ruin your young life or Adam’s. I am sure that Richard will most heartily approve of him. He is a young man to be proud of as a son in law. You shall have the finest silk gown and you shall be married at Treganna.’

Lady Phoebe
continued in this fashion for the rest of that day.

Alas,
poor Aunt Phoebe, Richard Trevenian would not approve of the match. He knew the truth by now and what they had done to deceive him. He must feel badly betrayed by his daughter. What she had done to get Adam, a Parliamentarian spy, away from Tresco could have her executed too for treason, and Martha and Reuben, for aiding and abetting her. He must think her foolish to believe what Adam Carey had said to persuade her to do this.

Where
was Adam really going? Did he intend reporting all he knew about them in Treganna? Was it possible that he had guessed that Prince Charles was hidden and protected there here?

Only
Aunt Phoebe, Martha and Edward Whittle knew where the Prince’s secret chamber was situated in the house. It was best that was kept secret even from the most trusted servants so they could not betray him unwittingly to those who would.

Their
Royal guest was due to leave soon. It would only increase some curious talk thereabouts if the elderly Royalists didn’t seek to leave Treganna soon. Gossip would buzz and harm could be done.

Edward
Whittle had left Treganna already to warn the Phoenix lying off Helford Passage that Charles and his companions would be coming on board. Charles would leave Treganna as quietly as he had come, without ceremony, after he’d said his farewells to them.

Chapter Thirty-Two

As the storm eased off Adam, sheltering in a convenient farm barn, had his good share of doubts as he stretched out on the straw that made up his bed for the night. He had not been deceived for a moment by the relaxed congenial atmosphere at Treganna. He had noticed the frequent disturbed looks that Tamsin had cast at her Aunt and tried to hide when he mentioned the Helford Passage in conversation.

Only two days before he had picked up news from a tavern in Bodmin that a young man resembling Charles Stuart had been seen travelling south in the company of two older Royalist gentlemen and that they were more than likely making their way down to Falmouth where Pendennis castle would be Prince Charles’s next stop before sailing over to the Scillies.

It
was only too obvious that Treganna had given him shelter. And he was probably still there. Adam would have liked to have met him. He smiled as he ate an apple and dwelt on how bravely Tamsin had played her part in the excellent charade put on especially for his benefit and the other guests at the dinner.

He
had personally enjoyed it. It was dangerous but fun. He had been in Tamsin’s company and that had meant more then to him than anything else, even his own safety. It could be the last occasion they would share at Treganna. He shook his head and sighed. Let her go on believing the worst. For both their sakes it had to be this way.

He
frowned. Did she really dislike him so much? He hoped it was not so. She had desperately tried to drive him away by telling him she didn’t care a jot about him. Was she as good at lying as she believed him to be?

Although
the landlord of the Jamaica Inn on Bodmin had been careful not to give away anything to Adam when he took refreshment there the previous day, he was sure that he had missed meeting up with the heir to the throne only by hour or so perhaps. The Cornish were still loyal to their prince.

He
laughed, if only they had known that they entertained Captain Adam Carey, one of General Oliver Cromwell’s most valued agents and trusted officers. How would they have treated him then? He grimaced wryly. Not good. Not good at all. Treated as a spy he would have been hanging on the gibbet at the crossroads by now as Tamsin had warned him from the very beginning of their acquaintance.

He
hadn’t lied when he said he’d wanted to see her again. But he prayed that he wouldn’t be there to see Treganna taken over by the Parliamentarians. It had to come any day now. But it would not be any of his doing. If only there was some way to banish everything to come, change everything overnight. He wished that he was the man to do it.

He
toyed with the thought that if she only consented to be his wife he might be able to alleviate some of their troubles, and protect her from any harm that might befall them all at Treganna.

He
would have proposed to her if it could have helped to change her feelings about him but she would only think he did it for his own gain not love. He knew he had little hope of receiving her father’s consent as things were between them. He tossed away the apple core and sighed heavily, by now Richard Trevenian must surely wish to see him hanged.

*

The rest of the day passed by quietly for Tamsin at Treganna. The Prince of Wales prepared for his departure secretly. After a day or so he would be leaving for the Scillies and from there he would be sailing across the channel to France where his the Queen waited eagerly to see her son.

‘I hope to meet your father soon on Tresco, Miss Trevenian,’ Charles Stuart said. ‘I shall give him your love and good wishes and thank him on our behalf for keeping the Scillies safe. Afterwards,’ he said smiling, ‘if things continue to go well, I shall see the Royalists serving on St Mary’s, and God willing, I shall join my own dear mother and brother in Brittany.’

While
he was speaking, Tamsin dwelt on how her father would feel when Charles Stuart came to thank him and to pass on his daughter’s good wishes. She had had no word from him since she had left. Was she forever dammed in his eyes?

She felt her fears rise again for Charles Stuart’s safety as he made his farewells. It was like losing a good friend. Would he ever return to them? It seemed that so far all went well with his withdrawal from the country he loved. But had she betrayed Charles by allowing Adam to stay under the same roof?

Chapter Thirty-Three

In the crowded Exeter tavern, The Nag’s Head, with its tables filled to bursting in all the corners with thirsty, roistering drinkers, a young Royalist gentleman was seated at ease with his older companion in the large open inglenook close by the blazing log fire. He looked up and smiled when Adam Carey with his full tankard of ale in his hand strode briskly towards them across the room and with a low bow took seat.

‘Good
day, to you, sir.’

‘Good
day, Adam.’

‘Your,
Highness.’

‘Good
day, Adam Carey. We have long been expecting you. You have had a good journey so far?’

‘Aye.’ Adam lifted his tankard and drank down some of the ale with a look of pleasure. ‘Good enough, sir.’

‘You have news for me from Cornwall? And our mutual friend? How does he fare today?’

Adam smiled. ‘All’s well so far. He is on his way now to the Scillies by boat from Pendennis. He should make Tresco safely. And afterwards onto Brittany to join his mother, the Queen, God willing. She has been sick of late she has sore need of him right now.’

‘Amen
to that.’

Anyone
casting a look in their direction would notice that two of the men shared a close resemblance to each other despite the silver hair thread of hair through the fair locks of the older man.

‘Tell
me, how do the Trevenians fare? Are they safe for the moment?’

Adam
looked troubled and shook his head. ‘Their future is not good, sir.’

Prince
Rupert said quietly, ‘It does not bear thinking about - they could lose Treganna so soon. My Lord Bevil is sorely pressed with his Majesty now executed.’

The
older man shaking his head said, ‘We are much grieved by this. Our King murdered by the consent of our Parliamentary enemies. Oliver Cromwell and his ilk have much to answer for and he shall be punished for it.’

Adam
sighed, releasing his damp cloak from his weary shoulders, shaking it out before laying it across his knees by the fire. ‘So far all is well with them, Father.’

Philip Carey nodded. ‘So I have heard.’ He groaned. ‘But it cannot be long before Treganna is overrun and taken.’

Adam nodded and said, ‘Helford Fort is not served at full strength. It will be taken it if it remains as it a present.’

‘That is not good to hear.’

‘But
by God’s grace, Charles will reach the Scillies soon now. News of his father’s execution makes it even more important that he reaches Brittany safely on the Phoenix. And with God’s help and a good wind in the sails he shall. What think you, sir?’

Prince
Rupert nodded and smiled. ‘I hope we shall see Charles again one day seated on the English throne, Adam. None of your good work for us so far shall be wasted. Or go unrewarded I promise you this. The Careys have done much to help the Royal cause. You have done well and at some great risk to yourself, Adam. Your son, sir, will receive his just rewards, Philip.’

‘I
gather you are not especially seen in a good light by Tamsin Trevenian. Although I’ve heard she saved you from your injuries on Tresco,’ Philip Carey said. ‘How do you fare with her now?’

Adam
nodded glumly ‘Aye, she saved me, Father. Helped me escape and find passage across to Falmouth but she hates me for what I stand for in her eyes. She has had little choice since but to support me. But I believe that she does not trust or care a jot for me, sir.’

He
attempted to laugh it off but it did not deceive either of the two men listening to him. They exchanged understanding glances.

Philip
Carey said quietly, ‘I’m sorry, son. You knew what you were taking on for us. You knew it might cost you dear when you decided at great risk to take on the dangerous double role of Cromwell’s agent when it was offered. And you have played your part well enough to fool Cromwell and his officers.’

Adam
sat quiet for moment gazing long into the smouldering logs beside them. He saw once again the torment in Tamsin’s face; both the anger and despair mixed in her eyes as she bid him goodbye. His thoughts were once again with her alone. Yes, it had cost him dear; her love and trust she had now denied to him for ever. He smiled recalling how she had scolded him so soundly.

‘I don’t know, your Highness, how Richard Trevenian will behave if Treganna, Lady Phoebe and his daughter are taken as hostages and in the hands of the Ironsides. I fear for them in the Cromwellian hands. I have to report to Cromwell again soon. He wishes to punish her father for the defeat at Tresco.’

‘I am truly proud of you, Adam,’ Philip said quietly and toasting his son lifted his tankard of ale to his lips.

‘How
so? I have achieved little except hatred in the eyes of those who I would really wish to please...’ This was uttered in dry tones that betrayed his sadness to the two listening.

Philip
Carey quaffed his ale, sighed and shook his head. ‘You have no choice; you are playing a dangerous double game here, my son. You volunteered for it. Did you not?’ Adam laughed softly but he didn’t deny it. ‘Oliver Cromwell is a bad man to cross. You risk your life daily without fighting in battle. You are lucky that Richard’s daughter saved you despite what she believes you to be. What a brave girl she must be for one so young. She risked so much to do it,’ Prince Rupert said.

‘Aye
she did.’ Adam laughed. ‘And I have had little choice but to deceive her even more in the future. Although I confess, Father, that it breaks my heart to do it...’ He paused briefly then he smiled. ‘She believes she has treated her father badly because of me. But my life depends on it lest Cromwell should hear otherwise. He has his eyes and ears everywhere. Most especially here. There are many ears eager to claim the reward offered for Prince Charles.’

He glanced around at the drinkers at the tables around them in the crowded room. His companions affirmed this silently nodding in agreement.

‘The
landlord’s son, Jared, serves me bravely in my regiment,’ Prince Rupert said quietly. ‘The landlord will quickly silence any loose talk here.’

Adam
glanced at the clock on the wall. ‘I cannot stay long, gentleman. Although I am right glad of your good company. I must report back to him ere long. He will wish to hear how the Cornish will welcome their defeat.’

‘I
am presently leaving for Bristol.’ Prince Rupert said. ‘I’m sorry I cannot persuade your father to join me there. I would be far happier if he would do so. You can count on my help any time should you need it, Adam.’

Adam
nodded. ‘I may have cause to call on it in the near future, your Highness. I will take it if needed most gladly. Thank you.’

‘I
must leave here soon too for Oxford and swiftly. God speed you and keep you safe, my son.’

Adam rose and stood by his father. His hand rested gently on Philip’s shoulder for a moment. He smiled. ‘I will most certainly need your prayers in the days to come, Father. Take good loving care of Mother and my sister when you can and give them my love and assurance that all will be well for us again one day...’ He doffed his head to Prince Rupert. ‘May God go with you, your Highness, and you, Father.’

‘And
to you, Adam.’

‘Amen
to that.’ His father said softly. ‘May God go with you till we meet again, son.’