His Runaway Maiden (11 page)

‘Damn!’ Alex threw down his own napkin and went after her, but she was already out of sight. She must have run like the wind, he thought. He had no idea of the whereabouts of her bedchamber, but was determined to reassure her of his affection and his determination to stay alive before they left for Richmond. He could so easily imagine the atmosphere between them on the journey if he did not put matters right.

He tried several vacant bedchambers on the first floor before he reached one that was locked. From inside came the sound of pacing feet and a voice muttering, ‘If I am widowed, what good is it if Godmother leaves her money to me? Edward will find some way to get at me and the money. I might as well be dead now.’

‘Rosamund, open this door,’ commanded Alex, worried by what he had overheard. ‘We must talk.’

There was a long silence before she answered him. ‘We have talked enough. It is obvious to me that you do not know how to handle a wife.’

‘That is most likely true because I have never had a wife before,’ said Alex patiently. ‘But there could be that in our future that would make us both happy. Tell me, Rosamund, have you ever slept with a man?’

‘Who have you in mind besides yourself?’ She laughed a mite hysterically. ‘If you suspect that Joshua and I might have had a youthful liaison, then you are mistaken. Joshua never laid a finger on me, unlike that cur, Edward.’

Alex felt a familiar anger at her mention of Edward. ‘Unlock the door, Rosamund,’ he said in a gentle tone. ‘We cannot waste time arguing like this if we are to go to Richmond.’

He heard a bolt being drawn, and the door swung open. He noticed the tearstains on her face before she turned away and picked up her baggage. He experienced a rush of compassion and wanted to protect her not only from other men’s angry attentions, but his own.

‘Give that here,’ he said.

She handed the bag to him. ‘Are you going to beat me when we get to Richmond?’

Alex dropped the baggage and kicked the door shut behind him. He seized her by the arms and drew her against him. ‘How can you believe that I would beat you?’

‘A husband owns his wife. He is free to do with her what he wills,’ she said on a sob. ‘Edward beats Marion and he would have done the same to me if Father had not forbidden it.’

Alex had difficulty controlling his rage, thinking she was in a real muddle, but knew it would be a terrible mistake for her to see his anger explode. ‘Rosamund,
Rosamund,’ he whispered against her ear. ‘I would not treat you so cruelly. When I hold you in my arms like this, I want to make love to you, not beat you.’ He nudged up her jaw with his chin and covered her lips with his own and kissed her gently. He wanted her, but was certain that whilst she was in such an emotional state that matters between them could go badly wrong. ‘But now is not the time,’ he said softly, releasing her and reaching for her baggage. ‘I will meet you downstairs.’

Rosamund was mollified, but she would have preferred him to go on holding her and speaking in that gentle, caring voice. ‘You will not forget to ask Lady Elizabeth for the missive you are to hand to the controller of the royal household?’ she reminded him.

‘I had forgotten,’ he said wryly. ‘I can see it is going to be useful having a wife. Thank you.’

He left her alone to collect herself and returned to the bedchamber that had been allotted to him last night. He put on his hat and cloak and picked up his gauntlets and saddlebags and went downstairs.

After saddling up his horse and fastening on the pillion seat, he led his steed to the front of the house and went inside in search of Rosamund and Lady Elizabeth.

Her ladyship was not in her bedchamber, but he found her in the parlour eating bread and honey. He half-expected to be asked why he had taken so long preparing for the journey. Instead, she simply handed him a sealed parchment and wished him a safe journey. He thanked her, but paused to ask whether she knew that one of her guards had worked as a woodcutter on Appleby Manor.

‘No, I did not know that,’ she said, showing interest. ‘I
presume you are talking about the man that my captain of the guard hired while I was staying at Lathom House.’

‘Aye. Joshua Wood. It has occurred to me that you have a man here who would recognise Rosamund’s stepfamily on sight.’

‘What are you suggesting?’

‘If he is the man Rosamund believes him to be, then he will have their measure and warn us if he should discover anything that could be a threat to us.’

She nodded. ‘I will send for him as soon as you and Rosamund have left for Richmond and speak to him. I pray God that we all have a safe journey.’ She offered him her hand.

He raised it to his lips and kissed it.

As he turned away, Rosamund entered the parlour. He thought she appeared much calmer. ‘So you both are here,’ she said. ‘I have come to say farewell for the moment, Godmother. I look forward to seeing you at Richmond.’

‘Come closer, my dear,’ wheezed Lady Elizabeth. ‘I would kiss you farewell.’

Rosamund did as asked and was aware of her godmother’s close scrutiny as she kissed her cheek. ‘Have faith, my dear,’ said Lady Elizabeth. ‘Now go and enjoy each other’s company.’

Rosamund thanked her and followed in Alex’s wake. When they arrived at the gates, Rosamund was disappointed not to see Joshua on guard, but she made no mention of him. However, they had not travelled far when Alex said, ‘I spoke to Lady Elizabeth about Joshua Wood.’

‘What did you say to her?’ She could not conceal her apprehension.

‘I told her that you trusted him and that he could be
useful. If Fustian were to return here or his mother or brother, he would recognise them and know what to do.’

Relief flooded her being. ‘Thank you. I beg pardon for misjudging you.’

‘I have misjudged you on several occasions, so I ask your forgiveness.’

‘It is important that we trust each other,’ she said awkwardly.

Alex nodded, considering being more open with her. Sooner rather than later he would need to tell her that he was the bastard son of a Scottish earl—he was not looking forward to doing so.

D
espite having visited London once before, Rosamund had never travelled as far as Westminster and she was determined to enjoy the experience despite her worry over Edward’s threat. Her husband, on the other hand, seemed unconcerned about what her stepbrother might do and also appeared to know exactly where he was going and who lived where. He pointed out the riverside residences of the bishops of Exeter, Bath and Wells, as well as the palaces of the prelates of Carlisle, Durham and Norwich.

‘One expects a king to live in a palace. But there is something amiss with the church, whose task it is to preach a gospel of self-sacrifice and love for the poor and needy, when its leaders are living in such luxury,’ said Rosamund. ‘I don’t suppose you will agree with me.’

‘Why should I not?’ asked Alex. ‘It is true that as we near Westminster you will see the hospital of St Mary Rouncel-well, but then comes the Archbishop of York’s manor. There should certainly be more provision for the homeless, sick, elderly and poor and I believe change is coming.’

Rosamund was glad that they saw eye to eye on what she considered an important matter, but was curious to know more. ‘What do you mean by change? Is it that you believe the rich and proud will repent of their ways? I find that difficult to believe.’

‘Some will, but it is those who are educated and can read and want change that will foment it. Holy writ is being printed in such great numbers that there will be those who will speak out against the church and demand reform.’

‘It has already begun,’ said Rosamund with a stir of excitement. ‘I remember Joshua’s father talking about the hedge priests that his grandfather had told of to his father. They wandered the country preaching equality for all men and an end to war. They had read the gospels for themselves and paid a terrible price for saying the church was corrupt. Many were burnt alive.’ She shuddered.

Alex was surprised that his wife knew of such horrors and should be willing to talk about them. ‘From what I have learnt from history, it is that change nearly always involves bloodshed,’ he said. ‘I doubt if even a king could reform the church without rebellion and suffering. Shall we speak of other matters? I would that you were not made unhappy with such thoughts.’

‘You would have me blind to the truth?’ she asked.

‘No. But we have talked enough of such a disturbing subject,’ he said firmly.

Rosamund was silent for a while, but felt rejuvenated by their conversation so far. ‘Tell me, have you ever been to Richmond before?’ she asked.

‘I have not been inside the palace, but I have seen it from a distance. It is similar in design to Lathom House.’

‘Is there a reason for the palace’s similarity?’

‘I have forgotten who told me that the King so admired Lathom House that, after the Palace of Sheen was severely damaged by fire six years ago, he decided to have a new one built to a similar design. He renamed it Richmond because he and his father were once Earls of Richmond.’

‘I presume they were named after the Richmond in Yorkshire,’ said Rosamund. ‘I am glad I will be able to compare the two buildings for myself.’

He nodded. ‘Look, there is the ferryman. Fortunately the boat is on this side of the river, so there will be no delay in his taking us across to the other side.’

It was as he said and soon they were set ashore on the south bank of the Thames. Here was St Thomas’s Hospital, as well as Bermondsey Palace whose lands stretched as far as Lambeth. They took the road to Putney and rode in silence for a while, busy with their own thoughts.

Rosamund determined not to think too far into the future because that meant worrying about what steps Edward would try to take to punish her and destroy her husband. Of course, she should not be underestimating the Baron and remembered thinking that here was a man strong enough to deal with her stepfamily. She really should have more faith in him.

She allowed her mind to drift into imagining what it would be like travelling to Sweden to begin a completely different life in a foreign country. She would need to learn Swedish if she was not to be solely dependent on this rich, well-travelled husband with an estate and a business to oversee. This Baron whom she had known less than two weeks. It was a daunting prospect. And what about Harry?
What if he did not return to England by the time the Baron decided they should visit his homeland? Perhaps she should discuss that with him when the time came.

She glanced at Alex. ‘You said earlier that you have seen Richmond Palace from a distance. For what reason did you travel upstream away from the sea, and the business affairs that might interest you there?’

Alex wished that Rosamund had not asked that question. He sensed that she would know if he prevaricated and he had a growing conviction that his wife could match his grandmother for intelligence and courage. She was no mad girl, but a woman who thought deeply about important matters.

‘I have some knowledge of the area due to having travelled by boat as far as Thistleworth,’ he said.

‘What is at Thistleworth?’ she asked.

‘Syon House. It is an abbey of the Bridgettine Order and but a league or so from Richmond.’

‘I have not heard of that Order before,’ said Rosamund, her interest roused. ‘I would hear more.’

‘It was founded by St Birgetta of Sweden and is open to both men and women.’ He did not add that it was there that he and Harry had taken Ingrid last year. She had told them that she was one of the saint’s true descendants, despite Birgetta’s line having died out with the death of her granddaughter, Lady Ingeborg Knutsdotter, the Abbess of Vadstena. He remembered Ingrid staying at the convent, saying it was a place she liked to retreat to when possible.

‘Is Birgetta the Swedish name for Bridget?’ asked Rosamund, rousing him from his thoughts.

‘Aye.’

Rosamund was reminded of the girl destined to marry William. ‘I wonder if my stepbrother’s intended bride travelled to London in Lady Monica’s train,’ she said. ‘Her name is Bridget McDonald.’

‘It could be useful meeting her,’ said Alex. ‘But first we need to have our thoughts fixed on events at Richmond.’

Rosamund felt her stomach tighten with nerves at the thought of performing in front of the royal family and their guests.

‘What if I am still expected to dance with Lord Bude?’ she asked.

‘Then you will do so and see what you can glean from him,’ said Alex. ‘It is surprising how much information a person can drop when they are not thinking about what they are saying.’

Rosamund said, ‘You want me to act as one of your spies?’

‘I would rather you had naught to do with him, but it would be useful to know what is in his mind,’ he replied.

Rosamund nodded. Then she forgot all about Lord Bude—suddenly she caught her first sighting of Richmond Palace. She gasped in admiration.

‘What a fairy-tale place. It looks far grander than Lathom House. See how its white stone walls gleam in the sun and how its towers are capped with pepper-pot domes and cupolas. I can easily imagine a damsel in distress imprisoned by her cruel father calling down to a brave knight to rescue her. Is there a moat?’

Alex laughed. ‘I didn’t realise you could be such a romantic. I have heard there is the remains of one, although a bridge now links that part of the palace to the fountain courtyard. You’ll gather from its name that it has a water
fountain, which it was once described to me as a pleasure to listen to on a hot day. Apparently the courtyard is flanked by a great hall and a chapel.’

Rosamund said, ‘One presumes that the proxy marriage ceremony between the Princess Margaret and the King of Scotland will take place in the chapel?’

‘One would think so, but according to Lady Elizabeth the event will be in the royal apartments that are separated from those housing the officials and guests.’

‘It is a huge place. I should imagine several large kitchens will be needed, as well as huge butteries, wine cellars and everything else that is necessary to tend the needs of such a huge household,’ said Rosamund, her eyes wide with the wonder of it all. ‘And what of the gardens? I used to escape to the herb garden whenever possible at Appleby.’

‘I believe there are very special gardens here. A large one encircled by two-story galleries, open at ground level and enclosed above. There the court can walk and play indoors when the weather is foul. During fine weather there are flower beds to admire and there is also a tennis court.’

A memory surfaced of Harry and Josh hitting a ball back and forth over a rope stretched between two trees. ‘I remember my father telling Harry and me that King Henry discovered a liking for the game in his youth whilst exiled in France.’

‘I have played it on occasions, but more for the honour of winning than purely to wager money on a game of chance.’ Alex remembered a perspiring Harry determined to trounce him and win the favour of Ingrid, who was watching on the sidelines.

‘You have painted a fascinating picture of the palace for
me. You must have listened well to all that was told you,’ said Rosamund lightly.

‘I have a great interest in architecture.’ Alex had no intention of being drawn into telling her that it was Ingrid who had somehow managed to get herself invited to Richmond—he did not want his wife dwelling on events in his past that were over and done with. It was true that he had listened avidly to Ingrid’s description of the palace. In the past there had been times when his life had depended on his prior knowledge of a building and he had learnt much that could prove useful.

‘Perhaps you would enjoy a walk along the river before we go inside,’ he suggested. ‘You will get a different view of the palace from there.’

Rosamund agreed and they dismounted. The sun was shining and the snow was beginning to thaw. She was of a mind that the river was a pretty place to take a stroll. His shoulder brushed her arm and she felt a tingle of pleasure at that brief bodily contact. They walked for a while. Then she noticed a barge being rowed upstream.

‘Do you think that craft has come from London?’ she asked.

‘It is possible.’ Alex’s eyes narrowed against the sun as he gazed at the boat. Suddenly he placed an arm around her shoulders and drew her away from the river’s edge. ‘If I am not mistaken, that is your stepbrother leaning over the side!’

Rosamund experienced a cold feeling in the pit of her stomach and was glad of the comfort provided by her husband’s strong arm. ‘What is he doing here? I had thought we could escape him! Surely he could not have been invited?’

‘We shall soon find out if the barge ties up at the royal quayside.’ Alex ushered her over to where their horses cropped the grass beneath the bare branches of a willow tree.

‘What does he have that the King might want?’

‘It is well known that King Henry loves gold and silver. Fustian might have provided the King with a costly gift out of his own purse to present to one of his Scottish guests,’ said Alex. ‘By doing so he wins the King’s favour and is invited to the celebrations, although by taking this step he will have given the King the impression he is a very wealthy man.’

‘Wealth that my father amassed and which really belongs to Harry,’ said Rosamund in a tight voice. ‘At least Edward has to pay heavy taxes on the merchandise he brings into the country.’

‘Only on that which he imports legally,’ said Alex.

Rosamund stared at him. ‘You suspect him of smuggling?’

Alex’s expression was grim. ‘Aye. I also believe that he is probably involved in piracy himself. He could use his ships to attack other ships that sailed out of London. It would not be difficult for him to discover what cargoes they would be carrying and when the ships would leave port. He could have the merchandise smuggled in farther north along the coast. I was lacking a reason as to why he should take such risks, but when you spoke of him wanting to be Lord Mayor of London, that provided me with the information I wanted. All I need is proof.’

‘Just like I need proof that he killed Father. You know what makes what he is doing so much worse?’ She did not wait for Alex’s answer. ‘Not only has he stolen what is my
brother’s, but the motto of the Royal Company of Mercers, of which he is a member, is
Honor Deo!
Honour God! Edward is not a man of honour and deserves to be shunned by that noble company.’

‘Ssshhh! Calm yourself.’ He brushed his lips against hers. ‘It looks like the barge will soon be tying up and its passengers disembarking. I do not want him to see us.’

‘Why? He knows that we already know each other and that I must be aware that Harry is alive, so what is the use of us hiding? He would not dare to try to destroy us in full view of people.’

‘I need to know if he has another purpose in coming here. Maybe to meet one of his mother’s kinsmen. If I am right in my suspicions, then Fustian will not wish the peace pact to go ahead,’ said Alex. ‘It is best if we avoid coming face to face with him for the moment.’

She understood; besides, the less she saw of her stepbrother, the better she would like it. They walked on in silence, leading the horses. A thought suddenly occurred to Rosamund. ‘When do we dance before the royal family?’

‘Not for a couple of days and we will be masked,’ said Alex. ‘There is no need for you to fear Edward. If he were to catch you unawares, remember, I will not be far away.’

‘Of course.’ She was determined not to be frightened of Edward any longer. At that moment she could have said honestly that, with the Baron by her side, she no longer feared her stepbrother. No doubt it would be a different matter if she was to encounter him in a dark passage.

They retraced their steps and, much to their surprise, were fortunate to arrive at the palace at the same time as Lady Elizabeth and her entourage came into sight. She
was being carried in a litter by four strong-looking men and only her eyes betrayed her weariness.

‘So there you both are. I am so glad to see you arrived safely,’ she said. ‘I left within the hour after your departure.’ She stretched out a hand to her goddaughter. ‘So, Rosamund, my dear, what do you think of the King’s palace?’