His Runaway Maiden (15 page)

The company dispersed and Rosamund noticed that Lord Bude was amongst them. She turned a strained face towards her husband. ‘What a terrible scene! Edward was determined to try to convince those here that we were in the wrong.’

Alex said grimly, ‘I should not have lost my temper. He was right about us having no proof.’

‘It is too late for regrets now,’ said Lady Elizabeth.

Alex removed his mask and his expression was stern. ‘Aye. We’ll need to be even more on our guard than before. Unfortunately, I must leave you both for a while. I will return in time for the performance. If I am late, I will meet you in the antechamber outside the hall.’ He reached for his cloak. ‘You should be safe enough here in the palace. Just make certain you lock the door of the apartment. There is someone I must see.’

‘Who is this person?’ asked Rosamund.

‘Your friend, Master Wood. I have need of him here.’ He hurried away.

‘Come, my dear,’ said her godmother. ‘We will return to the apartment and change out of our costumes and have some food and wine. There is still much I have to do—but what a scene, as you said. I only pray that your stepbrother did not guess what you were going to say and does not warn his fellow conspirators and they escape.’

Rosamund said guiltily, ‘I hope so, too. I should have been more discreet.’

‘It is difficult to show discretion in the heat of the moment, what with him accusing the Baron not only of dishonesty, but murder.’

‘I did not believe it for a moment,’ said Rosamund stoutly.

‘I should think not,’ said Lady Elizabeth. ‘But it would be helpful if Harry returned in the next few days.’

Rosamund could not agree more. She desperately needed to see her brother—he was the only one who could prove that Edward’s story was a complete fabrication.

They dined simply at midday on bread and smoked fish and a glass of wine and still Alex had not returned. Lady Elizabeth had written several messages and gave them to Rosamund to deliver. She wasted no time in doing so, but was delayed on several occasions by the recipients not being in their chambers and having to go in search of them. Several times she was stopped and asked by people mulling around in different parts of the palace and gardens about the altercation between her husband and stepbrother. She marvelled at how swiftly the news
had spread and was expecting when she returned to the apartment to discover that the King wished to speak to them.

But when she unlocked the door of the apartment it was to find her godmother sitting all alone, having already changed into her costume. She appeared to be dozing in a chair. Rosamund asked if she was feeling well. She mumbled a reply, but seemed a little groggy. ‘Are you certain you can perform the dance, Godmother?’ she asked.

Again the reply was indistinct, but Lady Elizabeth managed to heave herself to her feet. Rosamund turned to enter hers and Alex’s bedchamber to put on her own costume. She heard a smothered giggle, then felt a blow to the back of the head and crumpled to the floor.

Alex arrived at the antechamber, out of breath with running from the stables to reach there in time. He could hear the musicians playing the introductory music and was aware of an uneasy murmur from the masked dancers. He looked about him for Rosamund and Lady Elizabeth; realising they were not there, he was filled with a sense of foreboding. Their late arrival would have been unusual if this had been just a rehearsal, but to perform before the royal family, their honoured guests and the whole court, meant something must have gone wrong. ‘I’ll go and see what has delayed them,’ he said.

He was about to leave the antechamber when two black-and-silver clad figures entered the room. He noticed that Lady Elizabeth’s wig was askew, but felt a rush of relief at their appearance. She signalled to the other dancers to go
on ahead and beckoned Alex over to her. He smiled at the woman by her side. She fluttered her fingers at him as she passed him by. Only then did he realise that she was too tall for his wife; besides, Rosamund had never made such a gesture to him.

He sprang forward and dragged the veil from her head to reveal blonde hair. Ingrid! He should never have left Rosamund and felt heartsick, wondering what Fustian had done to her.

Ingrid wrenched herself out of his grasp and then he heard a woman call, ‘Beware! Behind you, Baron!’

Alex turned and would have received the full force of the knife in his chest if Lady Elizabeth’s maid had not rushed forward and gripped his assailant’s arm with both hands and rested her whole weight on it.

The other dancers had stopped in their tracks at the sound of Hannah’s voice and were now witnesses to the altercation happening before them as Alex grappled with the figure who at first glance had appeared to be Lady Elizabeth. The red wig had slipped and Alex was curious to know the identity of his attacker. Brown eyes widened in alarm behind the mask and then suddenly a strangled gasp issued from the painted lips and the eyes widened in shock.

Alex felt his body go slack in his grasp and blood welled between his fingers as he lowered him to the floor. Only then did he see the knife sticking out of his attacker’s back. He glanced over at Ingrid, who had backed away towards the door. Had she killed him? If so, for what reason? Alex had been convinced she would like to see him dead. He bent over the man on the floor and removed the mask.

To his amazement the dead man was not Edward Fustian, but a complete stranger. Alex glanced around him. ‘Does anyone recognise this man?’

‘He’s Master William Fustian,’ said Hannah. ‘Joshua and I came just in time to prevent his brother from carrying off the Baroness. I left the two men fighting. She told me I must go like the wind and warn you.’

‘Thank you, Hannah,’ said Alex, presuming that his wife was unharmed if she was able to give orders. But he must return to Lady Elizabeth’s apartment to make certain and help Joshua in his struggle with Edward. But first—

He gazed about him for Ingrid, but she was no longer there and he realised she must have slipped out of the antechamber whilst he was distracted. But before he could make a move a courtier appeared. ‘The King wants to know what is the delay,’ he said.

‘Master Edward Fustian’s brother tried to kill the Baron,’ said Lord Bude, ‘but he in turn was killed in the struggle. I saw what happened with my own eyes.’ He pointed a finger. ‘See! He dressed up as Lady Elizabeth.’

The troupe gazed down at the sprawling figure on the floor and one of the ladies shuddered and another asked, ‘Where is the real Lady Elizabeth?’

Hannah said, ‘Baron, we must go! I had no time to see what had happened to my lady and she might be hurt.’

‘What are we going to do about the dance?’ asked one of the lords.

‘You will have to perform without us,’ said Alex.

‘But that means there will only be six of us,’ said a lady in dismay.

‘Just do your best,’ he said impatiently. ‘I am sure the
King and Queen will understand once they know what has happened. You must tell the Earl of Derby what took place and that I will wait upon him after I have discovered what has happening to Lady Elizabeth.’ He hurried from the antechamber, followed by Hannah.

As the door of the apartment came into sight Alex could see Joshua holding a struggling Ingrid captive. ‘Where’s Edward Fustian?’ demanded Alex.

‘I am sorry, Baron, but he escaped,’ said Joshua, ‘but Mistress Rosamund is safe, if a little dizzy from a blow on the head.’

Alex swore beneath his breath. ‘Bring her into the apartment.’ He entered the chamber and at first could see no sign of his wife and then he noticed her over by an armoire. ‘What are you doing?’ he said more sharply than he meant and hurried over to her. ‘You should be resting.’

‘I believe Godmother is in here,’ replied Rosamund, steadying herself by resting a hand on the side of the armoire.

Alex gazed into her face and was relieved to see that she appeared to be little the worse for her ordeal. Then, hearing a low moan coming from the armoire, he unlocked the door and flung it open.

‘Praise St Jude that you have come,’ wheezed a bald Lady Elizabeth, stretching out a trembling hand. ‘I thought I was going to die in here.’

Alex helped her out. She was unsteady on her feet and he half-carried the old lady over to a chair and ordered Hannah to find a blanket to wrap around her shivering form. She hurried to do his bidding and he returned to Rosamund and swung her up into his arms and carried her
over to the settle. Only when he had seen to her comfort did he deign to give Ingrid some attention.

‘Lock her in the armoire, Joshua,’ he said tersely, ‘until I have time to question her.’

Ingrid spewed forth a string of words in her own tongue, which caused him to respond with a short sharp sentence that silenced her. Then he faced Lady Elizabeth and Rosamund. ‘What happened to William?’ asked Rosamund before he could speak.

‘He’s dead.’

Rosamund stared at him in disbelief. ‘Did you kill him?’

‘No,’ replied Alex, kneeling in front of her and chafing her hand. ‘Are you sure you are all right?’

‘Aye. I don’t think I was unconscious for long.’ Her fingers clung to his and she added, ‘If you did not kill William, then who did?’

‘I am not sure if it was Ingrid,’ he replied.

Rosamund was baffled. ‘But why?’

‘What happened about the dance?’ ask Lady Elizabeth fretfully.

‘It is taking place now, so you are not to worry,’ said Hannah.

‘I should have been there,’ she said, tears rolling down her cheeks. ‘I want my potion,’ she added.

Alex turned to Joshua, who had bundled Ingrid into the armoire. ‘Edward must not be allowed to escape.’ He held out his hand for the armoire key and pocketed it. ‘Go and tell the captain of the King’s guard what has taken place and ask him to organise a search.’

Joshua nodded and hurried out.

R
osamund said, ‘I am so glad that Joshua and Hannah arrived when they did.’

‘I beg pardon,’ said Alex, frowning. ‘I should never have left you.’

‘I am not blaming you for what happened,’ said Rosamund sincerely. ‘You were not to know that he managed to get a key to the door.’

‘Even so, I should not have been away so long, but I convinced myself that you would be safe in here with the door locked.’

‘Begging your pardon, Baron,’ said Hannah, ‘but it was one of Master Fustian’s men who is to blame. I was fetching something for her ladyship when I was grabbed from behind and mishandled disgracefully and my key was taken from me. He locked me in a cupboard, but I yelled and yelled and eventually Joshua came along and let me out.’

‘We have much for which to thank that young man. Unlike that young madam in the armoire,’ said Lady Eliza
beth, rolling her eyes. ‘Can’t someone stop her from caterwauling? She should be locked in a dungeon and the key thrown away.’

‘I will speak to her and see what she has to say,’ said said Alex, taking the key from his pocket. ‘Hannah, make her ladyship’s potion and fetch us some food and wine, if you please?’

‘Aye, Baron.’ Hannah went to do his bidding.

Rosamund turned her attention on her husband as he opened the door of the armoire. Ingrid fell into his arms and clung to him. Instantly Rosamund sprang to her feet, enraged. But before she could ask Ingrid to unhand her husband, Alex disentangled himself and held Ingrid at arm’s length.

‘You will behave yourself,’ he said sternly.

‘Alex, how can you speak to me in such a way?’ she said in a silky voice. ‘I saved your life.’

‘How did you do that?’ he asked, frowning down at her.

‘I killed him for you.’ Ingrid bent her head and rubbed her cheek against his arm.

‘Stop that,’ he ordered, releasing her abruptly. ‘You have admitted to murder and you could be strung on a gibbet and hung by your neck until you are dead.’

Ingrid gasped and put a hand to her throat. ‘You would not let them do this to me? You once loved me, Alex, and I loved you in return. If it had not been for Harry—’

‘So you say, but I no longer love you, Ingrid, that’s if it was love I ever felt for you,’ said Alex frankly. ‘Right now I am more interested in what you have to tell me about Edward Fustian’s plans.’

Her expression altered and she said sulkily, ‘We are no longer lovers and he does not take me into his confidence.’

He stared at her pitilessly. ‘You must consider me a fool. You would not have had access to the dance costumes and arrived at the antechamber with Edward’s brother if you were not party to his plans.’

Ingrid tilted her chin and said, ‘You must release me and then I will tell you.’

Rosamund held her breath. Would Alex free Ingrid despite his having said that he had never loved her?

‘I can make no promises,’ said Alex, ‘but if you know anything about the plot to ruin the peace pact between England and Scotland, then it is possible that the King might agree to putting you in the care of the nuns at Syon House.’

Ingrid’s shoulders slumped. ‘I would rather tell you how Harry deceived me that day you both disappeared. He said that he would meet me, but did not come. Later I received a message saying that he had gone away to leave the way open for you and I to marry.’

Alex did not know if she was telling the truth or not. He swore beneath his breath. ‘I can see we are not going to get anywhere until you get this off your chest. Do you know where he went?’

‘I thought he had returned to fighting pirates in the northern seas, but recently I met a girl, half-Irish, half-Scottish, who believed differently,’ said Ingrid.

Rosamund drew closer to them and watched her intently. ‘What was her name and what did she know about Harry?’ she asked.

Ingrid spared her a scornful look and addressed Alex. ‘She would not reveal any information despite the fact that I followed Edward’s mother’s instructions to persuade her.’

Rosamund drew in her breath sharply.

Alex glanced at her and their eyes met and he said softly, ‘She will pay for her wickedness.’

Rosamund nodded and returned to the settle. Alex faced Ingrid once more. ‘What is this girl’s name?’

‘Bridget McDonald. Her father is a sea captain and kin to Edward. These McDonalds proliferate,’ she muttered. ‘There are several of them involved in a plot to destroy the King of Scotland.’

Now we are coming to the heart of it
, thought Alex.

‘And how are they to do that?’ asked Lady Elizabeth, suddenly seeming to come to life.

Ingrid glanced at her. ‘What is this information worth to you?’

Elizabeth’s mouth tightened. ‘And what is your neck worth to you, madam? You will answer me!’

A muscle in Ingrid’s throat convulsed and she swallowed. ‘They believe the best way to do this is by waylaying the new Queen of Scotland’s entourage once it has crossed the border. They will kill her before she can give James children of mixed English and Scottish blood, so joining the two royal houses together. They will also steal what they can and murder the rest of her entourage.’

Alex sent an admiring look Rosamund’s way.

‘This Bridget,’ said Rosamund. ‘Will we find her at my stepbrother’s house in London?’

Ingrid nodded. ‘I think she will thank me when she knows I have killed William. His mother and her uncle were arranging a match between them in the hope of getting their hands on the fortune they believe her father has hidden away.’

‘Thank you, Ingrid,’ said Alex.

He turned to Rosamund and Lady Elizabeth. ‘I will leave for London immediately.’

‘Take me with you,’ said Ingrid. ‘I can help you. They trust me.’

‘But do we trust you?’ said Rosamund in a honeyed voice. ‘I think not.’

She glanced at her husband to see what he thought of what Ingrid had said, but he had left the room for their bedchamber. He reappeared a few moments later dressed for riding.

‘You will release me before you go?’ asked Ingrid eagerly.

‘Certainly not,’ said Lady Elizabeth with a sniff.

Ingrid cursed her, but was silenced by a banging on the door. A voice shouted that it was the Earl of Derby and they must open up. Lady Elizabeth told Alex to let him in. This he did, stepping aside to allow the elderly Earl and two guardsmen into the chamber.

‘I hope you can give me a thorough explanation about what is going on, Beth?’ The earl’s rheumy eyes gazed into her face before looking at the others in the room. ‘I have to inform you that so far Master Fustian has not been found, but the search goes on.’

‘A word in your ear, my lord, if you please?’ said Alex.

‘And you are?’

‘Baron Dalsland.’

‘Ahhh!’

There followed a whispered conversation, after which the guards were ordered to take the prisoner away and lock her up. Ingrid struggled and told Alex that he was an ungrateful dog and that she would put a curse on him.

‘It is very difficult trying to keep that woman quiet,’ said
Lady Elizabeth. ‘Perhaps she should have her tongue ripped out.’

‘Godmother!’ Rosamund could not help but be shocked by the remark, despite her own antipathy towards Ingrid.

‘That would be a foolishness, Beth, if we want to discover if she has any more information that would help us.’ The Earl sat down and asked Lady Elizabeth to tell him her story.

She began her tale and, as Rosamund listened, she grew hopeful that she and Alex would be heeded when they recited their part in the events that had taken place. It came to her turn and she had began to relate what had happened when her voice suddenly faltered.

‘What is it, my dear?’ asked Lady Elizabeth.

‘I was just thinking how close we all came to death.’

Alex broke in that point. ‘My wife is extremely upset by all that has happened, my lord. I would take her away from the palace back to London immediately.’

‘She has done well so far,’ said Earl Derby, his brows bristling. ‘And the King will most likely want to hear your story himself, Baron. You cannot leave just yet.’

‘Aye, but—’ began Alex.

Lady Elizabeth placed a hand on the Earl’s arm. ‘Have pity, Thomas, my poor goddaughter is confused and worn out with all that has taken place. She is with child and it would be terrible indeed if she were to lose the babe due to the deeds of murderous, thieving traitors. Besides, I am ill and I would have my goddaughter accompany me home by barge as soon as possible.’

‘Is this true, Baroness, that you are with child?’ asked the Earl.

How could Rosamund deny it? She would be seen to be accusing her godmother of lying.

‘Of course it is true,’ said Alex.

The Earl smiled. ‘My best wishes to you both. I will speak to Henry and no doubt he will agree to allow the Baron and Baroness to leave with you in the morning, Elizabeth. Well done, all of you. I am certain it won’t be long before we have Master Fustian under lock and key.’

The door closed behind him.

Rosamund looked at Alex and saw that he was looking frustrated. ‘What is it?’ she asked.

‘I must leave now if I am to arrive in London before news reaches your stepmother that William is dead and that Edward faces ruin.’

‘But you cannot,’ said Rosamund, going over to him. ‘You heard what the Earl of Derby said.’

‘I know, but if she hears the news before I get there, then she and her kinsman and possibly Edward could take Bridget McDonald and go into hiding. I must leave now,’ he said firmly. ‘She is the only one who might be able to tell us where Harry is.’

‘I understand that, but you would leave me behind?’ said Rosamund with a sinking heart.

His face was grave. ‘It will not be an easy journey and I will not risk your safety.’

‘We have ridden together through the darkness before.’

‘But not when you were with child,’ he said, against her ear.

‘It is not true that I am with child,’ she whispered. ‘I told you, I have never lain with another man.’

‘No. But you have lain with your husband. You could
now be carrying our child. You must keep him or her safe. God willing I will see you when you arrive in London tomorrow.’

His hand was on the door when Lady Elizabeth said, ‘You take a risk, Baron, disobeying Derby. What if the King sends for you this evening?’

‘I am certain you and Rosamund will be able to vouch for my good intentions,’ said Alex.

He was through the door when Rosamund called, ‘Wait! You would travel alone? What if Edward has escaped the palace with some of his men and they waylay you?’

Alex did not hesitate. ‘I should imagine his men have already been put under guard. But I will not go alone. If it makes you happier, I will take Joshua with me, with your permission, Lady Elizabeth?’

‘Of course.’ Her chest wheezed as she sighed. ‘You are quite mad, Baron, just like your grandfather. I was extremely fond of him, you know? May God be with you.’

Alex smiled, blew a kiss at his wife and closed the door behind him.

Lady Elizabeth exchanged glances with her goddaughter. ‘I think it is going to be a long night, my dear.’

Rosamund did not deny it.

It seemed an age before Hannah, accompanied by a couple of servingwomen, brought food and drink. There was a suppressed air of excitement about the maid. But it was not until the food was set on a table and the servingwomen had left that they were to be told her news.

‘You will never guess, my lady, what has happened,’ said Hannah.

‘I am in no mood for guessing games.’ Lady Elizabeth yawned. ‘I am sleepy, so do not delay, Hannah.’

The maid hastened to tell her tale. ‘Apparently, the King sent for one of the Scottish knights, but he could not be found, this despite a search of the palace being made. It is said that the King was angry about that, but he was even more so when it was reported that the woman the Baron questioned has also disappeared.’ Her eyes widened with excitement. ‘Rumor has it that she was a nun in disguise, but the truth is that she is a witch. They are saying she cast a spell over the guards and flew over the walls on a broomstick.’

Lady Elizabeth made an angry noise. ‘Nonsense! Even if the woman were possessed of magic powers, where would she get a broomstick?’

‘Easy enough to pick up one of them, my lady,’ said Hannah roundly.

‘I do not believe it. Someone must have helped her to escape.’

Hannah stiffened. ‘I’ll say no more, my lady, except that he and she cannot be found anywhere.’

Lady Elizabeth waved her away and, affronted, the maid walked stiff-legged from the room.

‘Flying broomsticks,’ muttered Lady Elizabeth, reaching for a chicken leg.

‘I have heard that belladonna mixed with certain spices and oil can give one the feeling of flying,’ said Rosamund in a careful voice. ‘A supposed witch could have some mandrake ointment to hand. It can kill if not used with caution.’

‘What are you saying, my dear?’ Lady Elizabeth glanced across at her. ‘You are not eating.’

‘I seem to have lost my appetite.’ She was thinking a
terrible thought about Alex adopting a Scottish accent and helping his erstwhile lover to escape. Surely it was madness to even harbour such a notion? This was what love did to one. It filled a person with such anxiety concerning the loss of the object of that love.

‘I am rather of the mind that the Scottish knight could be Sir Andrew Kennedy. Maybe he freed her, or perhaps it was Master Fustian? We do not know.’

‘I have thought of someone else who might have helped her,’ said Rosamund. ‘Lord Bude. Perhaps he is able to adopt an excellent Scottish accent. If it is him, then maybe they will flee the country.’

‘It has not been proved that Lord Bude has committed any error yet,’ said Lady Elizabeth. ‘This is purely conjecture, my dear. If our Scottish knight is a Kennedy, then he will not be concerned about the Ingrid woman. He will head for the border. If it is Fustian, he would be wiser to avoid London. Myself, I believe the Ingrid woman seduced one of the guards to let her go. Now, eat some of this excellent chicken and then it is bed for us if we are to return to London in the morning.’