His Runaway Maiden (17 page)

‘It aches a little, but otherwise I am well,’ she answered, warmed by his solicitude.

‘Good.’ He took her hand and nursed it in his own. ‘I beg your forgiveness for having spent so little time with you since returning to London.’

Rosamund assured him that she understood why he was so occupied. ‘But while you were out we had a visit from the Earl of Derby. He told us news that will be of interest to you.’

His expression sharpened. ‘Tell me!’

‘Edward’s barge was seen being rowed away yesterday afternoon. No one thought to report it immediately because the Queen was making her departure to the Tower for her lying-in.’

Alex’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. ‘This is indeed good news. The wagon that left Fustian’s house yesterday was taken to a warehouse close to a wharf the other side of London Bridge. It would not surprise me if today we were to discover Fustian’s barge tied up at a quayside close by.’

‘You think you will find Edward there?’

‘Possibly,’ he answered, ‘but it could be that we only find his mother and McDonald. It is likely that Fustian sent the message yesterday and no doubt they have passed on the news to him that not only has Bridget McDonald escaped their charge, but that they’ve had a visit from the Baron Dalsland.’

‘But where would they go in a barge? Surely it is not made for sea travel? They would need a real sailing ship for such a journey.’

‘That is true, but I deem that it is most likely their intention to leave London by sea,’ said Alex, ‘despite the risk of serious storms at this time of year.’

‘But you will be paying a visit to the barge?’ said Rosamund.

‘Certainly, but you need not fear that I am fool enough to walk into a trap of Fustian’s making again. He would have to use exceptional bait to lure me this time. So do not disobey me, Rosamund, and remain within these walls,’ he said strongly.

Rosamund grimaced. ‘I did so want to visit St Paul’s to pray for the Queen’s safe delivery. I had even thought that I might see Bridget McDonald there. Surely she will want to pray for deliverance from her enemies and the safe return of her father.’

For a moment Alex was silent, and then he said, ‘I will escort you there. I can understand your frustration in having to stay here when you are anxious to discover if she really does know Harry’s whereabouts.’

‘Indeed!’ Rosamund’s face lit up. ‘I will go and fetch my cloak.’

As she fastened the ties on the plain brown cloak, one of the ties came loose. Knowing that she had no time to sew it back on, she took Harry’s silver brooch and used that to pin it together. Then she joined her husband and hurried from the house.

For a while they walked in silence and then Rosamund said hesitantly, ‘A thought has occurred to me, regarding your search for Bridget McDonald.’

Alex gazed into her rosy face. ‘I am listening,’ he said gravely.

‘If she were to have even a single penny on her person, she would be able to purchase some used clothes. I am thinking of male garb. Dressed as a youth, she would be able to enter taverns and saunter along the quayside without too much fear of being spotted. She could ask questions of mariners as to whether they have seen her father’s ship in a far-flung port—or even a harbour in these islands of ours.’

Alex stilled. ‘Now why did I not consider her taking such measures?’

Rosamund smiled. ‘Because you have never been a woman in desperate need.’

‘There is that, of course,’ he said drily. ‘I will speak to Walther and ask him if Maud has had an auburn-haired Scottish lass for a customer.’

‘Perhaps it would be best if you did that immediately,’ said Rosamund. ‘I will go to St Paul’s alone.’

‘No,’ said Alex firmly.

‘Then I will not go! There is no time to waste.’

‘I will escort you back to the house and then visit Maud myself, and if her answer is as you suggest, then I will scour the taverns and the waterfront,’ said, his eyes alight with determination.

Rosamund opened her mouth to ask,
could she not come with him?,
but already he was dragging her by the hand through the crowded streets.

There came a moment when Rosamund’s arm was tugged from Alex’s and she lost contact with him. She looked for him and became aware that she was the focus of a pair of curious hazel eyes. The hooded figure drew closer and briefly touched the brooch at her throat. Instantly Rosamund covered the silver cross of Thor’s hammer.

‘That is a rare gift,’ said the youth.

‘It belongs to my brother,’ responded Rosamund.

The youth backed off as Alex appeared, looking anxious. ‘What happened to you? I feared that Fustian had—’

‘I’m safe,’ she reassured him, ‘although, a moment ago, I thought I was in danger of having Harry’s brooch stolen.’

‘You were not hurt? Who did this?’

Rosamund turned to where she had last seen the youth, but he was no longer there. Alex wasted no time escorting
her back to Lady Elizabeth’s mansion. He did not linger, but left immediately. Rosamund retired to her bedchamber, for she wanted to be alone so she could ponder on the events of that day and spend some time in prayer. Then she lay on her bed and fell asleep.

On waking, Rosamund swilled her face with cold water and then wandered over to the window and gazed out, hoping to catch sight of Alex approaching the house. There was no sign of him, but she stayed there, watching and hoping. Suddenly she saw movement close to the perimeter wall. Instantly, her heart seemed to climb into her throat and she drew back behind the curtain. Her pulse was racing because she feared that, despite all Alex’s determination to protect her from her stepbrother, Edward could reach her even here and steal her away from her husband.

She peered around the curtain, but there was no sign of anyone. Were her eyes playing tricks on her? Then, as she watched, a figure appeared from out of the trees. She was relieved to see that it was much too small and slight to be her stepbrother. It moved cautiously away from the trees and then suddenly stopped and dived into the shrubbery. Could it be a burglar out to steal Lady Elizabeth’s jewellery?

Anger and curiosity overcame Rosamund’s fear and she left her bedchamber. Outside the door in the passageway there was a chest. Just as she had hoped, there was a lighted lantern and several unlit candles on top of it. She lit a candle and went downstairs. All was quiet, except for voices and clattering coming from the kitchen. She slid silently past it and out of a door at the far end. There was only the slightest breeze, but it blew out the candle.

She stood a moment, letting her eyes become accustomed to the starlight and then she made for the trees close to the perimeter wall. She had not gone far when, sensing someone behind her, she turned. The blow caught her on the side of her face. A rag was stuffed into her mouth and a sack pulled over her head. She was heaved on to someone’s shoulder and carried away.

R
osamund woke. Her head throbbed and her eyelids fluttered open on to pitch darkness. Panic spiralled inside her and she kicked out, only to discover that she was enclosed in the confines of some coarse material. Only one person could have done this to her and that must be Edward. She clawed at the sacking in an attempt to find a break in the fabric so she could pick at it and make a hole.

‘Keep still, Rosie,’ said a hated familiar voice. ‘You are wasting your time.’

‘Where are you taking me?’ Her heart thudded in her chest and she hugged herself in an attempt to stop herself from trembling.

‘Wouldn’t you like to know? If you stay quiet and listen, then you might be able to deduce where you are,’ said Edward.

Wherever I am, I am in danger from you!
she thought. Nevertheless, she remained still and listened. Gradually, she became aware of rocking and the muffled sound of what she presumed were oars propelling them through water.

‘Hazard a guess,’ he said.

‘You are taking me to your barge,’ she said breathlessly.

‘Now that is a good guess, but wrong.’ He laughed and the noise terrified her because it was so similar to the sound that haunted her nightmares.

Rosamund told herself that she must not show fear. ‘I don’t believe you. My husband will soon realise it is you who has abducted me and then you’ll be sorry.’

‘Not if he’s dead he won’t,’ said Edward. ‘He destroyed all my plans and this time he won’t be coming back from the dead.’ She felt as if ice encased her heart and her mouth went dry and she was unable to speak. ‘Lost your tongue?’ asked Edward with another of those insane giggles.

‘I wish Ingrid had killed you instead of William,’ she managed to say.

‘What do you mean, Ingrid killed him? It was the Baron who did so.’ There was no laughter in his voice this time.

Rosamund smiled in the darkness. ‘Is that what she told you?’

He was silent for a long time and she wished she knew what he was thinking. No doubt he was plotting something evil to happen to Ingrid now.

‘No matter,’ he said abruptly. ‘The Baron really has proved himself a nuisance. I tried to get rid of him once before, but, just like Harry, he refused to die. I wish I knew where your brother is, but irritatingly I don’t. He sailed away, not knowing his father had recognised him, leaving a farewell note to the Baron, saying he did not want to lose his friendship because of Ingrid. Your fool of a father came to me and told me he had seen a man he believed to be Harry. He had no idea that Mother was behind his disappearance, but had this notion that someone had rescued
Harry from the river where he had received a bang on the head and lost his memory.’

‘So you decided you had to get rid of Father?’

‘What else could I do? He was going to give all that would have come to me to Harry. I couldn’t have that now, could I?’

She heard the sound of liquid splashing about and then of swallowing. Was he drinking and getting soundly drunk?

‘Of course, I still hoped that Harry’s ship would founder somewhere and he’d end up at the bottom of the sea, but I couldn’t guarantee that happening. Also, your father told me that he’d spoken to the Baron, so he had to be silenced, as well. He still needs silencing, because Harry might just return. I regret I’ll have to close your mouth for good, too. But first we will enjoy ourselves together, Rosie. At least I will find great pleasure in our times together. You might not. What do you say?’

She remained silent.

‘Perhaps it’s best you save your voice for screaming. I do believe we’re here.’

Rosamund fought her fear, wondering where
here
was—no doubt she would soon find out. Wherever it was, she was determined to fight Edward to her last breath, even as she prayed that somehow Alex would find her.

She heard another man’s voice and the next moment she was lifted and dragged over something hard. She suspected it was wood. When she heard the creak of ropes and was emptied out of the sack as if she was a hunk of meat, the smell of the sea came to her on the breeze. She looked up and saw a mast with a furled sail and stars twinkling in a midnight-blue sky.
He was going to take her out to sea!
Then waves of fear swept over her and she almost gave up hope of Alex ever finding her.

‘Take the boat over to the barge where Ranald McDonald and my mother will be waiting. I expect you to return within the hour with the news that the Baron is dead.’

Rosamund struggled upright, having no intention of being forced to go where she did not want to. Almost immediately she collapsed on to the deck because her feet were so cold that they could not hold her. She cursed Edward.

‘Devil take you, Rosie, do you have to swear? Remember you are a Baroness, and show some dignity.’ Edward seized her by her hair and dragged her along the deck. She fought all the way, gritting her teeth as she dug her fingernails into the planking. He lifted her head and thrust his face into hers. ‘When are you going to learn it does not pay for you to resist me?’

‘Is it not time you learnt that my wife is always going to resist your evil intent?’ said the voice that Rosamund had begun to believe she might never hear again.

The curse died on Edward’s lips as Alex plucked him by the back of his cloak and heaved him upright. He spun him round and smashed his fist into Edward’s face. The strength from the blow sent Edward skidding across the deck.

Rosamund heard the hiss of her stepbrother’s breath escaping as he crashed into the side of the ship. She let out a yell of pure joy. Alex bent over her and lifted her upright. Her fingers clutched his doublet and her lips found his and they kissed briefly but passionately. Then he set her aside and faced Edward, who had managed to struggle to his feet.

Rosamund caught the glint of starlight on the blade in his hand and cried out, ‘Beware, Alex, he is armed.’

‘Aye, love,’ he murmured, before moving gracefully as a dancer towards their enemy.

She wanted to join in the fight and clenched her fists and looked about her for a weapon, but could see none. The men warily circled each other and now she could see that Alex had his own blade. Then they were grappling with each other and moments later one of the weapons came sliding along the deck towards her. She bent and picked it up and realised it was Harry’s short-sword. How had it come here? Alex must have had it. A despairing cry escaped her and she ran across the deck. As she reached the two men, she heard a gurgling sound and then one staggered back and collapsed at her feet.

Fear clutched her heart, but it lasted only a moment because she realised that the man before her on his knees was her stepbrother. There was an expression of disbelief on his face as his fingers clung to the hilt of the dagger in his chest. She did not hesitate, but placed a foot on his shoulder and pushed him over on to his back.

‘At last you have paid for the death of my father,’ she said.

Edward made a strangled sound and then his eyes glazed over.

Rosamund looked up and saw Alex standing close by and she dropped Harry’s short-sword and threw herself into her husband’s arms. ‘How did you find me?’ she whispered against his shoulder.

‘You were seen being carried off,’ he replied, hugging her close.

‘By Joshua?’

‘No! He was with me. Besides, if he had seen what happened, then he would have confronted Fustian and his
fellow conspirator. Your saviour was much smaller and she used her wits to the best advantage.’

‘She?’

Alex held Rosamund a little away from him so he could see her face. ‘Aye. I suppose I will have to become accustomed to having a clever wife around.’

A voice came out of the shadows. ‘Baron Dalsland, have you forgotten about me?’

He did not reply, but Rosamund stared at the slight figure standing there. ‘Who are you?’ she asked, even though she sensed that they had already met.

‘Bridget McDonald.’ She came forward. ‘I never knew Black Harry had a sister until a few hours ago.’

‘You’re that youth who admired Harry’s brooch!’ Rosamund held out a hand to her.

Bridget clasped it firmly and smiled ruefully. ‘Indeed I am. You can have no idea how I felt when I saw you wearing the cross of Thor’s hammer. The last time I saw it was when Black Harry and my father set sail for the New World.’

Rosamund gasped. ‘My brother’s aim was to cross the Great Ocean? I don’t want to believe it. It is such a dangerous journey to make.’

‘Oh, it’s true enough,’ said Bridget, her eyes glinting. ‘I wanted to go with them, but Black Harry put his foot down and said he wouldn’t allow it.’

‘What did your father say?’ asked Rosamund, fascinated by this insight into her brother’s life.

Bridget said indignantly, ‘When I would have argued with your brother, my father took me aside and said, “You don’t mess about with Black Harry. He knows what is right for you!” I was furious because in the past I sailed
with my father many times and I resented your brother parting us.’

‘How long is it since you last saw them?’ asked Rosamund.

Before Bridget could reply, Alex drew his wife close to him once more. ‘The rest would be better told indoors. You will catch a chill if we linger here any longer.’

Rosamund stayed him with a hand to his chest and looked up into his rugged face. ‘During all the days I spent on horseback with you, did I ever catch a chill?’ she demanded. ‘I need to know the rest about Harry now—’ She looked at Bridget. ‘But first, am I correct in presuming that you were the figure I saw in the garden earlier?’

Bridget nodded. ‘I followed you home. Of course, I had recognised the Baron, but I was not sure whether I could trust him. To cut a long story short, I have since decided that I can trust you both,’ she added with aplomb.

‘I deem I can tell my wife the rest of your story later, Mistress McDonald,’ said Alex firmly. ‘Despite her protestations, I find standing on this deck exceeding chilly. Let’s away to Lady Elizabeth’s and a warm fire and a hot drink.’

This time neither of the women argued with him. Rosamund picked up her brother’s short-sword and thrust it through her girdle. Alex spoke to one of his accomplices and left him to deal with Edward’s body. Then he helped the two women into a boat and rowed them across the river. On the way, he told Rosamund how he, Joshua and Walther and several other accomplices had raided Edward’s barge and discovered not only Lady Appleby and her kinsman aboard the vessel, but also Lord Bude and Ingrid.

‘Bude and Ingrid were willing to talk for the price of their freedom,’ he said.

‘You mean you let them go?’ asked Rosamund, astonished.

Alex said gruffly, ‘They left empty-handed.’

‘What do you mean, empty-handed?’

‘Lady Elizabeth has not yet realised it, but a burglary took place at her mansion whilst we were at Richmond. It was Bude who provided the gang of thieves with the information concerning the layout of her house and the kind of valuables she owned. Fortunately she had taken her most precious jewels with her to Richmond, but amongst the booty I found Harry’s short-sword. I thought you’d be happy to have it returned to you.’

‘That was exceedingly generous of you,’ said Rosa-und, smiling now. ‘I almost had an apoplexy when it came sliding across the deck to me. I thought Edward had stabbed you.’

He shook his head at her in reproof. ‘You should really learn to trust me more.’

‘I do now,’ she said with a twinkle.

He grinned. ‘Good. When I allowed Bude and Ingrid to escape, I believed at the time that I had no choice if I was to discover where Fustian was taking you. As it was, Mistress McDonald had seen you being abducted and had followed as best she could. But she had no boat, so she decided to seek me out.’

‘But how did she find you so quickly?’

‘It was pure chance or fate, call it what you will,’ said Alex. ‘Walther spotted Bridget, recognised the youth’s clothes that you had worn when he first set eyes on you and realised that Maud must have sold them to her. He told Joshua, who swiftly had the message relayed to me. So all’s well that ends well.’

Rosamund wondered whether he felt he owed Ingrid a kind gesture for misjudging her six months ago. It was probably best if she, herself, put the Danish woman out of her thoughts and concentrated instead on thinking about what she and Alex would have to say to each other once they were alone.

When they arrived back at Lady Elizabeth’s mansion, it was to learn that her ladyship had retired for the night. Rosamund took it upon herself to direct one of the servants to prepare a bedchamber for Bridget. Over cups of mulled wine the young Scottish woman told the rest of her story.

‘It was six months ago since
Thor’s Hammer
set sail. My father had lost his own ship in a battle with Irish pirates, along with his treasure. Fortunately, we escaped with our lives. Still, when he met Black Harry and they recalled the days they had spent together in Harry’s youth, Father declared himself ripe for an adventure that would regain him his lost fortune, but honestly this time. So they set sail and I have not heard from them since.’

‘But they could be dead,’ burst out Rosamund.

The corners of Bridget’s mouth drooped and her shoulders slumped. ‘I know,’ she said forlornly. ‘Yet my instincts tell me that they are still alive. Besides, what I knew of Christopher Columbus’s voyage across the great ocean to the New Indies convinced me that they should be on their way home by now. Working on that supposition, I decided to make enquiries amongst the mariners to be found in the taverns and boats down by the river. Anyway, when I saw you wearing Black Harry’s amulet, or one I thought similar to it, I went
in search again of a mariner who told me that he had seen
Thor’s Hammer
in the harbour of Ilha da Madeira.’

‘Where is that?’ asked Rosamund, her hope of finding her brother renewed.

‘It is an island off the coast of Africa and I am determined to go there,’ said Bridget firmly. ‘Somehow I will find the money and a captain who will take me there.’