The Thornless Rose (11 page)

He squinted at the next mark, but the ink was smeared, and he couldn’t make out the year. 2013? 2014? Again, he counted. This Anne was around thirty years of age, if she were truly born in 1984.

Agitated, even terrified, he admitted to himself, Norfolk pulled a ring of braided leather from his breast pocket and began to pace. He stroked the hide, weaving it between his fingers, trying to calm his nerves, trying to think clearly. If all this were real, how would he be able to get control over a being who wielded such awesome powers?

This was no trick, he decided. She had not tried to promote her magic at a fair or show, but sought to hide her truth. She was a part of an evil society and quite possibly from the future. What were her intentions in coming here? Were there more out there like her, in Norfolk or London? How could he stop her, or better still...

How might he use her?

His thoughts turned away from fear, toward opportunity.
After all
, he mused,
if this Anne came from the future, then she has knowledge beyond all understanding
. Knowledge of the future—his future—and, more importantly, of Queen Elizabeth’s future! If he could gain such an understanding of what was to come, then the opportunities for himself and his heir would be boundless.

After all, as the only duke of the realm and Elizabeth’s cousin, mine own rights in this regard naturally take precedence over any other’s claim
.

Finally, determined to act, he stuffed the hide back into his pocket and opened the door. “Percy!”

“Ah, sir,” he said, hurrying forward. “What do you require, my lord?”

“Have my horse readied immediately, and another with a women’s saddle and lead, no bridle. Tell Geoff Bly to saddle his mount, too. I have need of him. And whilst I’m gone, see to it the strong room in the cellar is made ready.”

“The strong room? Are we to have a prisoner brought here?” Percy took up his gold chain and fingered it fretfully.

“Do not ask questions, man. I do not keep thee on staff to ask me questions. Do as I say, now!” Norfolk watched Percy scurry away, then gathered the witch’s things and hid them in his lockbox. After strapping on his broadsword, pulling on his boots, and grabbing his cloak and hat, he shut the door and turned the key.

He bounded down the stairs and outside, whistling.

Chapter Twelve

When Anne woke, she became dimly aware of muffled sounds and distant voices. Pain crept in, slowly at first, then with relentless strength. She touched her tender jaw, feeling here and there some sticky spots. Blood? Probing carefully with her tongue, she was relieved to find she still had all of her teeth.

Groaning, she opened her eyes, catching blurry images and slender shafts of light. She tried to get up, but her cape was twisted about her. She shifted, escaping the coil of fabric.

Anne rubbed her eyes and glanced around the windowless room, wondering where she was. The light filtered through cracks in a rough-planked door. She could barely make out barrels and boxes.

Wobbly, she stepped to the door and peeped through a crack, but couldn’t see anything. She tried the latch, carefully working it, but it didn’t budge. Pressing her ear to the door, she strained to hear any snippets of conversation.

“Fear not,” a man said. “He jes wants us t’ keep her here fer a bit. He’s runnin’ quick-like t’ tell his lordship abou’ her.”

“If he takes too long,” the woman’s voice was low, throaty, “I’ll have t’ put her t’ work t’ pay fer her keep. I’ve got t’ cover me costs, same as anyone, an’ she’ll fetch a fair price, if she’s fresh as a flower.”

“Aye, she ain’t filth.”

The ache in Anne’s jaw started up again, coming in sharp spasms. She needed to find a way out, but she could only lean against the door and wait for the pain to subside.

Suddenly, hinges creaked in the next room, then, boots pounded across the floor.

“Where’s the wench, Nell?” another man asked. “His lordship’ll be by this eve t’ have a taste.”

Anne sucked in her breath, pain forgotten. She banged on the door and screamed, “I’m in here, you sonofabitch! Let me out!”

Silence. Then chairs scraped on the floor.

Oh, shit, shit, shit!
Her gaze darted around in desperation. She grabbed her leather bag and held it before her like a weapon.

A key clanked in the lock and the door burst open. The light blinded Anne, and she blinked at two dark figures in the doorway, one holding an oversize knife.

The woman said, “Come out here, an’ don’t try anythin’ queer, lass. I’ve muscle at every door t’ see me girls don’t slip away unnoticed.”

“Tell him to back off, Nell,” Anne demanded.

“Nell? Knows me name, she does. Been listenin’, she has. Well, don’t jes stand there, Will. Let’s have a look at the giglot.”

“C’mon, Sweet’ns.” Will motioned her forward with the knife.

Anne stepped into the room. Nell was wrinkled and gray, with missing teeth, but dressed in silk and lace, her large breasts bared front and center.

“Well, I’ll be,” Nell said, nodding to the men. They leered at Anne with the same disturbing welcome she’d seen at Southwark.

“See, Will?” the other man asked. “She’s still got her looks, by God. Thou needn’t worry that I brained her too hard-like.”

“Go t’ hell, Jack.”

Anne looked straight into Will’s eyes. “Let me go. I’ve got friends at St. Bart’s. They’ll be looking for me.”

Nell answered for Will. “Aye, fer certs, thou hast plenty o’ friends as wants t’ see thee back home. But mind, thou art a workin’ girl now, or shortly will be.” Eyes narrowed to slits, she gave Anne the once over. “Cocks like fresh cunnie, an’ I’ll force thee on thy back this eve.”

“I’m no whore, bitch.”

Nell’s fists bunched, and Will laughed. “Let her be, Nell,” he said. “Thou hast been called worse. Mayhap we’ll keep her fer ourselves fer a bit o’ swivin’.”

“Nay,” Nell countered. “His lordship hath first pick.”

“No!” Anne swung at Will’s knife with her bag, then charged.

Nell shrieked, “Grab her, men, grab her!”

They immediately tackled Anne, knocking the wind out of her, pain tearing through her body.

“Take her t’ Alice,” Nell ordered, “straight away.”

Kicking and clawing, Anne fought Will and Jack, who wrestled her upstairs.

“Alice,” Nell shouted from below, “get her ready t’ work. Her togs art torn.”

The men dragged Anne down a hallway and then propelled her through a door. She lunged, trying to get back out and away, but the door slammed shut. She banged on it, screaming, “Let me out of here!”

A tall girl with wheat-colored hair and blue eyes grabbed Anne’s wrist. “Shut up, afore Nell goes off her nut.”

Breathing hard, Anne pulled away. “No, listen to me. I need your help. Is there a way out?”

“Ha! If I cared enough t’ help thee, they’d beat me sure, or mayhap even kill me. C’mon, thou art a sorry sight. Lemme see t’ thy poor jaw.”

Anne knew she’d asked too much, too soon, and quickly decided to assess her situation while she gained the girl’s trust.

Alice sat her on a stool, got a washbasin and towel, then worked on her face. “That welt’ll take some time t’ ease up. Here’s a bit o’ pomade with a tint. I’ll jes put some on, t’ cover the bruisin’. We all need it from time t’ time ’round here. Take this,” she said, handing Anne a little tin, “and keep it wi’ thee.”

Anne put the makeup in her bag. “Your name’s Alice, right?”

“Aye, Alice Potter. What’s yourn?”

“Anne.”

“Well, we need t’ do somethin’ ’bout thy togs, Anne.”

As Alice searched through a trunk, Anne glanced at the rumpled bed, the sheets stained with the disgusting remains of her customers’ lusts. Her mind reeled in disgust knowing what would happen if she didn’t get out of here fast.

Alice tossed a plain, homespun skirt to Anne. “The kirtle will be a trifle short, but it should do ’til thou might purchase some new togs.”

Anne frowned. Alice was young enough to be one of her students, too young to be a whore. “Are you here of your own free will?”

“Free will? Art thou one o’ them God-fearin’ fustilugs, needin’ t’ save me from meself?”

“No. I’m not a fusti...er, no. I just wanted to be sure you’re okay with this—not forced, I mean.”

“Nay, ’twere mine own decision. Now try on these things. The kirtle’s plain sewn, but made o’ good wool. I paid a ha’penny fer it jes t’other day.”

“Nell lets you keep the money you make?”

“Nay, not all. ’Tis her house, an’ she keeps most o’ it, but she’s more generous than most, and gives us a few tuppence each week, enough t’ pay fer me own doctorin’ an’ clothes, and t’ put a bit aside.” She pulled out a corset. “Here, put on me pair o’ bodies. We can adjust it easy enough.”

Anne rose from the stool. “Pair o’ what?” she asked, fumbling with her cape. “Look, this is a waste of time. I need to get out of here.”

Alice stopped short when she saw Anne’s summer dress. “This may be a trade that’s all about gettin’ bare, but thou can’t begin that way. How is it thou came t’ be prancin’ ’round London with a fancy cloak, then nothin’ beneath but a smock?”

“My mother bought me this.” Anne fought back her emotions.

“What’s the matter? Lookee here, if thou wouldst do as told, all wouldst be well,” Alice said. When Anne didn’t respond, she tried another tack. “I know the first day is rough an’ all, but truly tuppyin’ a feller’s not as bad as that. Jes close thine eyes and think o’ something else, an’ afore thou knows it he’s whistlin’ a happy tune an’ lacin’ up his britches. ‘Tweren’t as though thou must entertain him through t’ breakfast.”

“You don’t understand,” Anne replied, “I’m not supposed to be here. This morning I found... I should be safe inside St. Bart’s with Dr. Brandon.”

“Oh, I know the good doctor. He treated me when I thought I had the pox. Art thou in need o’ his services?”

“No, I was kidnapped and brought here against my will!”

Alice looked at her skeptically. “Nah, never heard of kidnappin’ ’round here. Nell’s not the sort t’ go that far t’ get her girls. There’s plenty o’ us abou’, wantin’ t’ work in such a fine house.”

“There’s no mistake. Nell’s part of this.”

“Well, I feel bad for thee, truly. For me, ’twere me own choice t’ do this. I wanted t’ see London town. Some big dreams, I had.” Alice paused. “Mayhap I can get word t’ Dr. Brandon thou art here, but let me see thee proper clothed, first.”

With a glimmer of hope, Anne slipped out of her dress. Alice handed her a loose-fitting smock that hung to mid-calf. Over it, Alice wrapped the corset around Anne’s chest and laced it up tight in the back. Anne instantly wanted to take a deep breath, but the thing held fast, crushing the air out of her lungs.

Alice helped her into a hooped slip. “I apologize fer me farthingale, broken an’ soiled as ’tis. But it’ll have t’ serve as ’tis all I’ve got.”

Next came a skirt and woolen stockings. Last of all, Alice brought out a little box. “’Twere stitched by me mum,” she said quietly. “I wanted t’ keep it apart, special. But thou shalt need a waistcoat, and there’s no one anywhere near thy size ’round here. I’ll lend it t’ thee.” She hesitated. “Unless we can make a trade? I’ve a hankerin’ fer thy cloak.”

Anne glanced at her grandmother’s cape, strewn over the stool, now so dear to her.

“Well, I can see from thy face the partin’ won’t be easy,” Alice said. “’Tis a shame. I could use it t’ work the Strand, get meself fixed up wi’ a fancy gentleman.”

She dropped the vest over Anne’s head, laced it up the front, then stood back, admiring her work. “Thou art a proper giglot now. Thou shalt fetch a good price.”

“No, wait!” Anne protested. “You were going to help me.”

The girl pouted. “An’ didn’t I jes do that with me togs?”

“Please, Alice, you have to...”

The sound of hooves echoed off the cobblestones.

“We’ve a cullie come early, then.” Alice stepped to the window and looked outside. “Ah, cripes! ’Tis his lordship.”

Anne hurried to Alice’s side. A shop sign blocked her view of the lead horseman, yet she saw his huge companion, holding the reins of a riderless steed. She did a double take. There were shackles hanging from the pommel of the empty saddle.

“Nell Trent, where art thy stablehands?” The charger danced away from the sign, revealing a nobleman decked out in a feathered hat, bejeweled doublet, and polished leather boots. “I’ll not be kept waiting like a common whoremongerer!”

Alice crossed herself. “Sweet Jesus. Norfolk.”

Anne grasped the windowsill. “Oh shit, he’s here for me.”

“Aye, thou art the new cunnie.” Alice glanced at Anne, her expression now grim. “That’s the cruelest man who ever took me. I’ll help thee ’cause I hate him. Looks like he’s aimin’ t’ take thee with him, an’ I don’t guess thou wouldst see the comin’ dawn if he forces thee onto that horse.”

“Please, get me out of here!”

“Aye. C’mon.” Alice ran to the door, checking the hallway. “C’mon, c’mon!”

Anne grabbed her cape and bag as Alice grabbed her, and they raced down the hall.

“Alice,” Nell hollered. “Bring the new girl down straight away! Alice!”

They stopped in front of a door.

“I’ve got t’ try an’ cover for meself,” Alice said, out of breath, “so they don’t kill me outright fer helping thee. There’s a window inside this closet. ’Tis a nasty drop, but thou shalt no’ break anything, least I never have. Now go, whilst I try t’ save me own skin.”

“Alice!” Nell screeched, furious as she stomped up the stairs.

“Go, Anne. God keep thee.” Alice turned and shrieked, “Here, here, Nell, come quick! She’s gettin’ away!”

Anne tapped Alice on the shoulder, then bunched her fist and swung. She connected solidly with the girl’s jaw.

“Cripes!” Eyes rolling back, Alice crumpled to the floor.

“Sorry,” Anne whispered as she scrambled for the window, throwing her things outside before climbing out herself and dropping onto a rooftop. Heart beating wildly, she teetered from one pitched roof to another, changing directions as often as she could and keeping chimneystacks between her and any view from the window.

Wobbly, gasping, she stopped and rested against a chimney. There were unfamiliar spires everywhere, but she saw St. Paul’s clearly, farther away than it had been the night before.

Anne pushed away and glanced back. The Tower of London rose before her in terrible majesty. Along its parapet walked lance-wielding Beefeaters, looking a lot like their modern-day, tourist-friendly counterparts, yet much scarier.

Concentrating and keeping her arms out for balance, she put one foot in front of the other, methodically making her way along the roofline, careful not to be seen. Every so often, she peered over the edge, searching for a low point where she could drop to the ground, but saw nothing that would work.

Keep going
, she ordered herself.
You’ll find something. Keep going.

…

Norfolk stood in the hallway, staring at the fallen Alice, hearing the desperate cries and stupid apologies of Nell, Will, and Jack.

He spun on his heel, oblivious to the faces of the other girls peeking around their doors, furious the time-traveling witch had outwitted him.

As he raced down the stairs, his lips were stretched hard and tight in a mockery of a smile. When he found her, he would extract every last bit of knowledge from her mind. Should she dare to withhold any detail, he’d skin her alive, flay every last ounce of flesh from her bones.

His smile relaxed to one of dark satisfaction as he fingered the hilt of his broadsword.
I’ll skin that Anne Howard. Aye, indeed.

But not before I use her body in every way possible
.

…

As she had done the night before, Anne followed the now familiar spire of St. Paul’s, using it as her guide to Smithfield, St. Bart’s, and Jonathan Brandon.

Unused to the restraints of the corset, Anne felt weak and dizzy. Sitting down to rest in a dark wedge formed by three rooftops coming together at different angles, she tried to summon the strength to go on. It was almost dusk, the light fading fast. Soon, she wouldn’t be able to see where she was going at all.

Shaking noticeably, she reached into her bag for the water bottle and cursed herself for not remembering she’d stashed it at St. Bart’s. Her stomach growled; she hadn’t eaten anything since the partial ice cream cone by the Tate, whole centuries in the future. Then, her fingers came into contact with some stuff at the bottom of her bag, including something rectangular. One of her chocolate bars! In her hurry to hide her things, she’d missed it.