Love's Ransom (13 page)

‘I’ll tell you what we’ll do,’ Zander decided in desperation. ‘The merchants are beginning to display their wares. Walter and I will take you to see them now. You will get the best choice and we will buy whatever material you desire. You must choose some for Anna too. That would please her, wouldn’t it Walter, and raise the poor girl’s spirits.’

‘It would indeed,’ Walter agreed truthfully, for it had hurt him to see his lovely young wife so downcast when he had to leave her at home.’

‘We must go at once then, before we are called to attend the court.’ Both men already knew they would be late, and frowned upon. Hopefully they would be forgiven if they kept Isabella safe and explained to Sir William later. Isabella agreed reluctantly, but first she had to make sure everything was under control in the kitchens. ‘Now I must fetch my reticule and some coins,’ she said at last.

‘No!’ Zander almost shouted in his hurry to get away. ‘I have money enough. I will pay and Walter and Henry can pay me back later.’

Both Isabella and Nell would have liked to linger at every stall but Isabella sensed Zander’s impatience. He had bought her a beautiful silver bracelet as a gift, as well as several lengths of silk and fine cotton, some dark blue velvet for a new cloak and a length of woolen material to make a warm winter cloak for Nell. He had even bought a small silver broach for Nell. Walter had chosen materials for Anna with Isabella’s help. At last they set off up the hill away from the noise and bustle.

Anna burst into tears when she saw them. She hugged Isabella tightly when she heard they had come to spend the day with her.

‘I don’t know why I’m crying when I’m so happy to see you,’ she said, wiping her eyes and summoning a smile.

‘Walter has brought you some new materials, Anna.’ Zander said. ‘They are tied in a parcel on my horse. Come with me and show me where to put them while Walter shows Isabella and Nell the new puppies.’ He gave Walter a look, conveying his wish to speak to Anna alone.

Outside he begged Anna to keep Isabella and Nell with her until he returned to collect them. ‘Even if you have to lock them in and keep them overnight.’

Anna remembered Sam and she was shocked when she heard about his trek across the marshes to warn them of Neb Truddle’s plan to capture Isabella and take her away.

‘On no account allow them to leave until I come for them and please don’t tell her the reason until this is over and we have dealt with this devil.’

‘I promise to take care of Isabella, Zander, and thank you for bringing her to me today. I was feeling so out of spirits. Do you suppose our mothers felt like this when they were producing babies?’

‘I don’t know about that, Anna,’ Zander said with a chuckle. ‘I thank God I shall never need to find out.’

‘Men are very fortunate,’ Anna said sharply, then more softly, ‘but you and Walter are very brave and I know you will protect us.’

‘We shall do our best,’ Zander agreed, but he was frowning and Anna knew he was anxious, especially when he added, ‘Send your boy for Walter’s father if you are concerned about anything, Anna. He has a small band of men here under his command. I would explain to him but we are already late. The proceedings will have begun.’

***

Since he was a boy Neb Truddle had attended truce days with his father or his friends. He had seen plenty of hangings, and twice been lucky to escape that fate himself. When he parted from Snodd he made himself familiar with the layout of all the cottages and tracks around the Moyenstane Tower. As Snodd had warned the tower itself was well protected by its surrounding walls, but the iron studded doors stood open today and there were people wandering everywhere. Once inside the courtyard he discovered the wattle fence and the walled garden as Snodd had described. It was still within the impregnable walls of the courtyard though.

Neb had soon gathered that Snodd held a grudge against Isabella and her husband so he trusted his advice. He would mingle with the crowds and enter boldly through the main entrance during the day, but he would need to make the shortest and quickest exit once he had captured Isabella. However well he bound and gagged her he knew her too well to believe she might faint, as most women would. He might even need to knock her senseless to keep her silent until he got her back to his horse. His eyes gleamed at the prospect. It was her fighting spirit which had first attracted him. The thought of possessing her fired his blood. He bought some cheese and dark bread. Then he saw some fruit and nuts and decided they would tempt Isabella to eat, for he had no intention of taking her straight home. He knew a fairly safe cave where he could keep her until she obeyed him and he could be sure she would not run back to her brother at Braidlands. He made his way back to his horse. He knew the lie of the land now so he decided to rest a while and keep out of sight then move the animal nearer to the back of Moyenstane Tower ready to escape and get as far away as possible before dawn.

Later in the afternoon Neb moved stealthily around the outside of the high courtyard walls. He knew the courts were being held on the north side of the settlement. According to the blacksmith, when the courts finished the crowd would move with them to the tree where the hangings would take place. Neb had seen the malevolent gleam in his piggy eyes at the prospect. Usually he would have shared Snodd’s relish but he was anticipating better sport. He must reach Isabella’s room and wait there until she retired to bed.

It was easy enough to slip by the side of the kitchens. There were only two young maids still working there. They looked little more than children. Usually Neb would have dallied to see what sport he might find but he slipped silently up the dark stone steps to the next floor. He could see into the large living area where were two elderly women were seated in front of a cavernous stone fireplace. One was reclining on a wooden settle snoring. The other appeared to be concentrating on some close sewing. He waited until she bent her head again before he slipped past the entrance and on up the narrow twisting stairway. He guessed it was constructed within the thickness of the tower walls. It would not be easy to carry Isabella down even if she was senseless. He might not have found his way so easily without Snodd’s directions. As he had surmised the next floor was where the sleeping chambers were. They seemed to be deserted. The blacksmith had insisted he had further to climb and an even narrower stone stairway to the top of the tower.

‘I’ve heard there’s a wee room where her maid sleeps. Her mistress’s room is beyond it. Master Henry must have wanted privacy to take his wife tae bed,’ Snodd had sneered. ‘I reckon he didna ken what tae dae wi a woman. I believe there’s a sort o’ trap door wi’ a ladder leading to the roof. Ye might need it to escape if anybody sees ye. The best archers hide up there behind the turrets and shoot down on any reivers who get close enough.’

‘I’ve no desire to hide behind a turret,’ Neb said with his sly smile. ‘I mean to get to her without her maid knowing. I’ll have my way with her before we leave her chamber. I’ve waited long enough and it will keep her quiet for a while once she knows I’m master.’

‘I wish ye luck wi’ the bitch then. If ye get her oot o’ the way I’ll have young Nell to maself,’ Snodd had muttered,

Neb found his way to Isabella’s bedchamber without incident. The room was not large and there were wooden shutters across the unglazed window so the light was dim. On three sides the stone walls were clad in oak panelling. On the forth side there was a small fireplace with a large basket of logs and peat. The fire was set ready to light and Neb wondered whether one of the women would come to light it before Isabella retired for the night. He looked around for somewhere to hide if that should happen. There were two clothes chests across the far corners of the room. One was quite large and he guessed it would be Isabella’s. He pulled it forward a little and discover he could hide quite well for a short time if he crouched behind it. There were several sheepskin rugs strewn over the floor and Neb claimed one of these to lie on behind the chest. The bed was at the other side of the room, nearer the door and a small table held a candlestick, a bible and another book. He remembered that Isabella could read and even took pleasure in books. His mouth tightened. He would make sure she had no leisure for reading when she belonged to him.

Another table under the window held a jug and basin with a shelf beneath on which Isabella’s hair brush and combs were neatly set out. Beside it was a stool with a lid which covered a container for the lady to relieve herself. Well she would have no such niceties when he got her, he thought with a satisfied smirk. Everything had gone easier than he had expected so he settled down on the sheepskin behind the chest knowing it would probably be several hours before Isabella retired to bed. He wondered where she was now – probably wandering around the merchant’s stalls fingering the fine silks on offer. His first plan had been to lie in wait and snatch her as she wandered around but he doubted if she would be alone and the blacksmith had confirmed this. He had no desire to be caught before he had even laid a finger on her. He frowned. He didn’t look forward to carrying her down all those stairs, but at least they were hidden from view except for a small square on each floor.

Neb realised he must have dozed when he wakened feeling cold and stiff. He wished he had brought some food in with him. He shivered and decided to light the fire. If one of the maids looked in she would see somebody had already lit it and go away again. He opened the shutter to peer out. Beyond the walls of the surrounding yard people were still milling around and he could hear music and dancing. Fires were glowing here and there and people were cooking. He wondered if he dare risk going down and if he would get back again without being seen. He heard a great cheer and knew the hangings were taking place. He was hungry and he thought of all he had missed. His temper did not improve as he waited impatiently for Isabella’s return.

Nine

Isabella and Anna had spent a pleasant day together. Anna’s sickness had abated after they had eaten a midday meal. She longed to suggest they venture down to join the throng but she remembered Zander’s warning. Why would any man want to risk his life capturing Isabella when she was married to Henry? Even if he succeeded he must know her father and his men would find him and have him hung, but Zander had been certain Isabella was in danger.

‘Anna dear, I would love to have one of these puppies for my own when they are old enough to leave their mother,’ Isabella said, interrupting her friend’s thoughts. ‘They are all so beautiful,’ she sighed, fondling the silky black ears of the puppy on her lap. Nell looked up at her. Her eyes shining with hope. Isabella remembered the young maid was little more than a child, although she was proving such a good worker. She had played with the puppies most of the day, along with Anna’s young maid, Jeannie Sharp and her brother, Billy. Walter had employed the boy to run messages and help in the stables. Like Nell they were orphans and they were grateful to Walter and his wife for giving them a warm place to sleep, with work and food.

As the shadows lengthened Isabella grew restless. ‘What can be keeping Zander and Walter so long?’ she asked for the umpteenth time. ‘I think Nell and I should begin to walk back before darkness falls completely. Already I can see the glow of fires in the distance.’

‘I have heard my father say the truce days sometimes go on until dawn,’ Anna said hurriedly. ‘Walter and Zander will be on duty in case there is trouble. Sometimes men wrestle for fun, but some fight in earnest I believe.’ She was relieved to see Walter’s father walking the short distance from the watch tower down to her house. She knew Isabella would not argue with him for he was older and a wise and gentle man, except when men tried to cheat him.

Isabella tried to hide her frustration when Mr Nixon gravely agreed with Anna and suggested that she and Nell should stay overnight.

‘It would be dark before you reach home and I would not like to think of any woman meeting with Jud Snodd in the dark, especially if the man has been quaffing ale all day, which seems very likely.’ Isabella felt Nell shudder beside her and looked down into the girl’s pleading face.

‘Very well, we will stay tonight and leave as soon as it is light in the morning,’ she agreed, to Anna’s relief. ‘Though I am sure we are being a trouble to you,’ she added, looking at Anna’s pale face.

‘I will help Jeannie make a bed for you,’ Nell volunteered eagerly, ‘and she says I can share her bed if we stay. Please, Mistress Douglas?’

‘It seems I am outnumbered,’ Isabella said. ‘But to be truthful I do not relish the long walk home now that darkness is falling. Jud Snodd is a vengeful man if we should meet him.’

***

Zander and Walter were tired and hungry by the time the courts ended and the hanging of three men had been carried out to the satisfaction of Warden Herries and Warden Douglas.

‘Before you leave, Walter I must find out whether the man Truddle has made his way to Isabella’s rooms as Duncan said he intended. She has an independent spirit and I fear she may not stay with Anna overnight. I would not like her to be captured where she expects to be safe.’

‘I canna believe any man would be so crazy, or take such a risk as to enter Moyenstane Tower, even less hide in a lady’s chamber. Perhaps you would have been wiser to be honest with Isabella and tell her the reason for your concerns.’

‘I didna want to worry her in her condition.’

‘Isabella is tougher than you think. I am more concerned for Anna and her continuing sickness.’

‘Come then, you must make haste to get home but first let us see what we can discover. We don’t want to warn the man if he is hiding. Aah, there is Lizzie!’ He hurried towards the elderly figure returning from the direction of the privy.

‘Mistress Isabella has not returned yet,’ she greeted him before he could speak. ‘I wouldna care for her and young Nell to meet Snodd in the dark. He’ll likely have had his fill o’ drink…’

‘I hope Isabella is staying with Anna until I go to bring her home. Tell me Lizzie,’ he lowered his voice, reminding her of the little boy who used to share his secrets with her as she tucked him up in bed. ‘Have you seen a stranger hanging around here?’ he asked. She stared at him then laughed aloud.

‘Fie on ye, Master Alexander, ‘We’ve seen nothing but strangers today.’

‘He is lean and ugly with a large nose? I’m told he is sly, slick as a rat.’ Lizzie realised Zander was serious, and anxious. She frowned.

‘Now you mention it there was such a man but he didna come tae the kitchens looking for food with the men frae the court. He seemed to be searching…’

‘I think he might have been trying to find a way inside without being seen.’

‘You mean he’s a thief?’

‘I think he means to harm Mistress Douglas, Lizzie, but please do not mention this. He is evil.’

‘I see! When I was sewing before the fire I thought a shadow passed by the door. After I finished my thread I climbed the stairs to the bed chambers. There was no one there. Perhaps I imagined it.’

‘Did you go up to Isabella’s chamber?’

‘No, my old legs are weary enough after all the excitement and extra work the truce day has brought.’ She stopped and stared at Zander, her eyes widening. ‘Surely no man would dare venture up there? But I saw smoke coming frae the chimney o’ Mistress Isabella’s chamber as I was coming back frae the privy. I wondered who had lit the fire when Nell is not here.’

‘Maybe he’s feeling cold up there if he’s had a long wait,’ Zander muttered. ‘Thank you Lizzie. Now can you do me one more favour?’ He drew her towards Walter. ‘Can you find a nightgown big enough to cover Walter and his clothes? He could remove his doublet…’

‘What? What plan are you hatching, Zander?’ Walters demanded indignantly.

‘Hush, hush my friend. Oh and can you get a nightcap, Lizzie?’ He turned to Walter. ‘You’re smaller than I am. If you feign a yawn or two and climb straight into bed I hope Truddle will not realise who you are in the dim light from the fire. If he really is there you must scream like a woman. I shall come to your aid.’

‘So I am to be a scapegoat?’ Walter scowled at him. ‘And you will act my hero! Well I can deal with any rogue who is stupid enough to hide in a lady’s chamber, if there is such a man.’

‘We have to be sure, and we don’t want to give him warning.’

‘I’m ravenous.’ Walter said grumpily. ‘I have not eaten since morning so your plan had better work. What if the man has hidden outside?’

‘I will get a bowl of broth for both of us while Lizzie finds the things we need. Will you go upstairs with Walter, Lizzie and try to speak like a young maid to her mistress. Truddle does not know you or Nell so he will not recognize your voice.

Both Zander and Walter felt better when they had eaten. They made their way up the first flight of stairs to find Lizzie.

‘Remember you must not speak, only yawn or whisper,’ Zander warned. ‘Give me time to get to the other side of the garden and back again before you enter Nell’s wee chamber, then I shall be ready to join you when you need me. Hide your dagger but take it with you. If he is there he will be armed.’

‘But where are you going to hide?’

‘Never fear my friend, I shall not let you down,’ Zander said grimly. ‘If we are wrong and the man is not in Isabella’s room then whistle a jaunty tune, but be sure to search inside her clothes chest for it is big enough to hide a man.’

‘How do you know that?’ Walter asked, raising one eyebrow.

Zander did not reply but set off in the direction of the narrow path beyond the garden. He saw Malcolm on the way and remembered the young man knew of Sam’s visit across the marshes, even if he didn’t know the warning he brought.

‘Mac I would like you to do one more task before you join the revelry.’

‘Very good, Master Zander.’

‘There may be a horse tethered somewhere beside the burn behind the tower. It may be hidden but it must have a long lead to allow it to reach the water. Will you search and if you find such an animal bring it into the stables? Remove any harness and panniers please. Store them safely and tell me tomorrow. You will be rewarded if you find such an animal. I believe the owner will have left it ready for a swift flight.’ The young man grinned and hurried away towards the burn, well away from the path Zander needed to take to reach the hidden entrance to the stairway leading to Isabella’s room.

Meanwhile Lizzie had difficulty stifling her laughter as she helped Walter into the voluminous nightgown belonging to Eliza, who was in charge of the kitchens and by far the largest woman at Moyenstane Tower. She reached up on her toes to pull the night cap over his dark curls and he glowered when he saw her amusement.

‘I don’t believe a stranger would dare come up here. The plan is crazy,’ he muttered. ‘But if he is I’ll make him pay for this,’ he whispered in Lizzie’s ear.

‘Don’t forget to blow out the candle as ye enter the room,’ she whispered back. Walter nodded and feigned several noisy yawns.

‘All I want to do is sleep,’ he muttered through the last one as he opened the door and blew out the candle. He hurried to the bed and pulled the covers up to his chin, while his eyes became accustomed to the dim light from the fire.

Neb Truddle couldn’t believe his luck when Isabella came to her room alone. Walter heard a scuffling noise coming from the far corner and peered across the room. There was a la
rge oak chest across the corner. Until now he hadn’t believed any man would risk entering Moyenstane Tower, even less climbing to the very top and hiding in Isabella’s bedchamber. Discovery would mean certain death. Sir William was ruthless with any man who tried to cross him, or his family.

‘Hello,’ he called in a wavering whisper, hoping he sounded like a frightened female. ‘Is-is anyone there?’

Neb was tugging off his lower garments in the confined space, eager in his anticipation of a pleasure he had long awaited. He vaulted over the chest and jumped straight onto the bed, taking Walter by surprise and knocking the breath from him as the man sought to clamp one hand over his mouth to stifle any screams. His other groped viciously beneath the voluminous nightdress. Walter had caught the merest glimpse of the man’s erect penis as he pounced on the bed. Now in a fury of indignation he grabbed at it and twisted hard. Truddle gave a scream of pain and shock and tried to draw back.

‘You bitch!’ he muttered, struggling to free himself without suffering more pain. ‘You’ll pay for this! You…’

‘And you will pay with your life,’ Zander’s deep voice threatened from behind him.

‘Oh my God!’ Truddle groaned in shock. ‘He said there was magic about! ’tis true! Ye’re all witches!’ He was sure the man must have been spirited out of the air. There had been no one else hiding in the room. The door had not opened. He trembled in fear now and glanced towards the window, half believing Zander must have flown in, but the shutters were still closed. Walter was surprised at Zander’s sudden appearance in response to Truddle’s scream. In the years ahead he would re-live this night and understand many things. Right now he was torn between laughter at the man’s predicament and wanting to deal with the evil devil as he deserved. He had no doubt now that he had meant to harm Isabella in the vilest possible way. He gave Truddle’s now shrunken penis a last disgusted twist before he rolled off the bed and stood tall and straight, pulling off the voluminous nightgown and the ludicrous nightcap.

‘What you are doing here?’ Zander demanded quietly. Truddle heard the steel in his voice and saw the firelight glint on the blade of a knife as it was raised towards his throat.

‘She’s my woman,’ he whined, almost sobbing with fear and frustration.

‘Do you mean Mistress Douglas, my cousin’s wife?’

‘Yes, damn you, yes!’ Neb tried to turn round to face the taller of the two men. He had been tricked. ‘Damn that lousy, lying blacksmith,’ he muttered..

‘What has Snodd to do with this?’ Zander demanded.

‘Only he knew! He helped me plan. But he warned me about witchcraft…’

‘Enough of this prattle,’ Walter snapped coming around the bed, remembering how the man had tried to grab hold of him, and knowing how he would have made Isabella suffer. ‘He meant to steal another man’s wife. He must be castrated!’

‘No! No, not that!’ screamed Neb as Walter lunged towards him, pretending to grab hold of him again.

‘There is still time to see him hang before dawn,’ Zander drawled, ‘but I think Sir William will order him to be tortured first when he hears he had planned to take away his daughter-in-law and her unborn child.’

‘Why not begin now,’ Walter said, with a wink at Zander as he drew his own dagger and waved it around in the firelight. He was beginning to enjoy this escapade after all. ‘We must bind his hands then you can hold him down while I have the privilege of wielding the knife. He had intended doing vile things to me.’

‘I didna! Not to you. I didna!’

‘You thought I was Isabella,’ Walter said. His eyes narrowing now as he peered closely into Neb’s face, ‘and you intended to torture her,’ He shook his head taunting Neb until his blood ran cold with fear. His eyes darted to the window. The shutters were closed but they were not barred. Taking Walter and Zander by surprise he darted across, yanked them open and dived headfirst through the opening. He had forgotten how high he had climbed within the walls of Moyenstane Tower. The windows were narrow for easier defence in times of attack. Now Neb Truddle hung there, head and shoulders staring down at the ground far below, while his naked buttocks were stuck inside. Zander and Walter could not help laughing at the sight.