'It must have been a torment, Miss Abigail.'
'I felt certain that they intended to kill me.'
'But they didn't - thank God!' said Emily. 'We've got you back at last. You must try to forget all the horrible things that happened.'
'How can I do that when Captain Rawson is in such jeopardy?' cried Abigail. 'He surrendered to those villainous men in order to set me free but it's not a freedom I can ever enjoy.'
'I can see that.'
'He saved my life, Emily, and I made him lose his!'
Overwhelmed by fear and remorse, Abigail burst into tears and collapsed into Emily's capacious arms. Soothing her as best she could, her maid let her cry her fill then found a clean handkerchief with which to stem her tears. Only when she had recovered something of her composure did Abigail feel able to report to Marlborough, taking Emily with her in case she lost her control once again.
Marlborough was alone in his quarters, leafing through some despatches. After giving Abigail an effusive welcome, he offered her his chair and perched solicitously beside her as she told her tale. Emily hovered in the background, interested to hear how many of the details she had been told were kept from Marlborough because her mistress was too embarrassed to divulge them. Though her voice trembled, Abigail maintained her poise.
When it was all over, Marlborough told her his decision.
'You'll begin your journey home tomorrow,' he told her.
'Tomorrow?' she said in alarm. 'But I need to stay here in case Captain Rawson is released.'
'There's no question of your remaining with us, Abigail. I've already delayed your escort long enough. Reports have come in that Marshal Tallard and his army are on their way here. If you do not leave soon,' he pointed out, 'you may find the road north blocked by French soldiers. The decision has been taken.'
'What if Captain Rawson comes back and I'm not here?'
'He'll be relieved that you're safely out of harm's way.'
'But I have to see him - I have to apologise to him.'
'There'll be no time to listen to any apologies,' he said. 'If he does manage to return - and we all pray for that outcome - then he will immediately join us as we besiege Rain. He is here, like the rest of us, to fight a war. That will take all our energies.'
There was an authority in his voice that deterred her from further argument. Marlborough did not criticise her in any way but she knew that she was viewed as a distraction. The fact that she was leaving only served to exacerbate her feelings of guilt. While she would be riding off to safety, Daniel Rawson was in peril of his life. It was as if she were deserting him and the thought sickened her.
'I'll see you before you go,' said Marlborough, rising to his feet to indicate that it was time for her to leave. 'I'm sorry that your stay with us has been so troublesome. An army on the march has little to offer in the way of comfort to a young lady such as yourself.'
'I care little for that, Your Grace,' she said, getting up. 'I was happy enough with the accommodation you kindly provided.'
'You'll be even happier when you reach home.'
Abigail stifled a reply. As long as she was unaware of Daniel's fate, she knew that she would never be happy. She glanced at Emily who was patently delighted that they would be returning to England again even though she was uncertain of the welcome they might receive from the family. Abigail had to concede defeat.
'You must think very badly of me, Your Grace,' she said.
He shook his head. 'I think very highly of you, Abigail.'
'Eve been a nuisance to you and to Captain Rawson.'
'If that's the case,' he said courteously, 'then you've been a very charming nuisance. But I'm glad that I'm able to write to Sir Nicholas to tell him that his daughter is on her way home.'
He crossed to the tent flap and pulled it back for her. After a brief farewell, she went out with Emily at her heels. Walking back through the camp, Abigail tried to accustom herself to the notion that she would soon be leaving it. She remembered her last fleeting contact with the man who had offered his life in return for hers. Over and over again, she kept asking the same question.
'Where are you, Daniel?'
Daniel Rawson knew where they were going. Having crossed the Danube by means of a pontoon bridge held by the French, the three of them continued south. Their destination was Augsburg, the city to which the Elector of Bavaria and Marshal Marsin had fled after the Confederate victory at Donauworth. Among those who had been compelled to retreat with them was General Armand Salignac whose pride had been badly wounded by the experience. Daniel would therefore be handed over as a prisoner of war to a man who wanted him for personal as well as for military reasons. He was not looking forward to the encounter.
His companions were in a hurry. They had stalked him long enough and were now eager to collect their reward before returning to France. Charles Catto dictated the pace. They rode for a few hours, stopped to feed and water the horses, allowed themselves a rest then pushed on hard. Darkness slowed them but they continued on their way through the night, pausing at regular intervals to eat rations they had bought at an inn. Daniel was not offered food and the closest he came to a drink was when Frédéric Seurel poured water jokingly over his head. As it ran down his face, Daniel was grateful to catch some drops on his tongue.
They were not held up by French or Bavarian patrols. Catto had documents that guaranteed them safe passage. Augsburg was situated at the confluence of the Rivers Lech and Wertach, occupying a prime strategic position. When the city finally came into view, Daniel could see why the retreating army had chosen to stay there. Surrounded by a high wall, Augsburg had impressive outer ramparts and defensive ditches. During the Thirty Years War in the previous century, the city had been invaded by marauding Swedes and had lost half its entire population. To ensure that it was never stricken in such a way again, its citizens had strengthened its fortifications so that it was almost impregnable. The Confederate army lacked guns heavy enough even to attempt an assault.
Though the meeting with Salignac was at the forefront of his mind, Daniel did not ignore the opportunity to gather information about the enemy. On entering the city, he took note of the troops and their deployment, paying especial attention to the artillery mounted on the walls. French and Bavarian uniforms were everywhere. In spite of his humiliation at Donauworth, it was evident that the Elector had not yet been persuaded by Marlborough to change sides. Safe inside the solidity of Augsburg, the Elector was standing by his allies.
General Salignac's quarters were in an upstairs room in a large house. When the visitors arrived, he was involved in a discussion with some senior officers but, on learning that his wife's lover had been captured, he dismissed them summarily. Catto and Seurel held an arm apiece as they dragged Daniel into the room. Salignac's face had tightened and veins stood out like whipcord on his brow. Fire was dancing in his eyes as he glared at the prisoner.
Without warning, he raised a hand and slapped Daniel hard across both cheeks time after time. Held firmly by the others, all that Daniel could do was to take the punishment. His cheeks were stinging and his head reeling. The final slap was the hardest of all. Seurel tried to ingratiate himself. Standing behind Daniel, he put an arm around his throat and applied pressure.
'Would you like me to snap his neck?' he asked.
'No,' said Salignac. 'That would be too easy a death. Leave go'
'Yes, sir.' Disappointed, Seurel released his hold.
'We thought he might be able to tell you what you need to know about the Confederate army,' explained Catto. 'That's why I decided to bring him alive. Captain Rawson has Marlborough's ear.'
'I'll send the Duke of Marlborough both of the captain's ears - along with other parts of his anatomy.' Salignac's threat made Seurel cackle. 'So what have you to say for yourself, Captain Rawson?'
'I can only observe that your wife was mistaken,' said Daniel.
Salignac grabbed him by the throat. 'Don't you dare talk to me about her!' h
e howled.
'Many others have made the same comment about you,' Daniel continued, speaking with difficulty until Salignac relaxed his grip. 'You have a reputation for being a fine soldier, General Salignac - a fine soldier and a true gentleman.'
'That reputation has been well-earned.'
'Not by striking a defenceless man when his hands are tied.'
No,' said the other, taking a couple of steps back, 'perhaps not.' He snapped his fingers and both Catto and Seurel stood away from their prisoner. 'Given the circumstances, there's a much more honourable way to settle this.'
'Would you like me to torture him first?' volunteered Seurel. 'To see what he can tell you about the Duke of Marlborough's plans.'
'We already know his plans,' said Salignac testily. 'He's on his way to lay siege to Rain at this very moment. We have reliable spies in his camp. They don't need to resort to Captain Rawson's methods.'
'We are at war, General Salignac,' argued Daniel. 'Any methods are deemed acceptable when it comes to securing intelligence.'
'They are not deemed acceptable by me.'
'Then we must agree to differ.'
'I agree to nothing!' snapped the other. 'Take him out!'
'Where are we going, General Salignac?' asked Catto.
'We'll find a place where we won't be interrupted. Since the captain taunts me about my lack of civilised behaviour, I intend to cut him to pieces in the most civilised way.' He reached for his sword. 'He and I will fight a duel.'
The courtyard was situated in a quiet corner near the edge of the city. Though soldiers occasionally marched past on the road nearby, it was a relatively peaceful spot. Daniel Rawson was in an awkward situation. Since his hands had been tied behind his back for so long, his wrists had been chafed and his arms subject to cramp. He was tired from the long ride. General Salignac was older and slower but those disadvantages were negated by Daniel's stiffness.
The real problem for Daniel lay in the choice of his adversary's seconds. Charles Catto and Frédéric Seurel were not merely there to act in an official capacity. If, by any chance, the general faltered, they would step in to kill Daniel in his place. The duel was a fight against three men. Other factors favoured Salignac. Having spent his career in a cavalry regiment, he was very proficient with a sword, whether using it to cut and slash in battle or indulging in the subtleties of fencing practice. While the general would use his own sword, Daniel would have to manage with a weapon borrowed from Catto. From the start, it seemed like an unequal contest.
Daniel was given no time to stretch his arms and flex his muscles. As soon as his bonds were cut, a sword was thrust into his hand and he was forced to defend himself. General Saliganc dispensed with the formalities of a duel. Once Daniel was armed, his opponent rushed at him with his sword flailing. All that Daniel could do was to parry, duck and retreat. It went on for minutes. The clash of blades sent sparks into the air. Encouraged by the two bystanders, Salignac built on his early advantage, pressing Daniel back before going down on one knee for a vicious thrust that was only partially deflected. The point cut through Daniel's shirt and drew blood from his left arm.
'A hit, a hit!' yelled Seurel, relishing the injury.
'Take him whenever you wish, general,' urged Catto.
Salignac renewed his attack but it lacked the venom of his first assault. He was palpably tiring. In the heat of the noonday sun, he was also starting to sweat profusely. Daniel drew comfort at last. Instead of simply offering a defence, he was able to show off his swordsmanship a little, flicking his wrist to great advantage and using his superior balance to weave and feint. When his counter-thrust removed a button from the general's coat, he saw the man's face turn crimson with rage. Gathering all of his energy, Salignac fought so hard that Daniel was pushed back yet again. When his shoulders met a wall, he realised that he could go no further.
Pausing to get his breath back, Salignac kept him pinned against the brickwork. He was so confident that he could kill Daniel with a single thrust that he took time to choose his spot. When he was ready, he feinted twice to draw Daniel's blade out of the way then let out a cry of triumph as his arm went at full stretch in a bid to pierce the heart. Daniel was too quick for him. Twisting sideways, he moved his body out of the way so that the point of the general's sword met the wall with murderous force, jarring his arm so painfully that he dropped the weapon to the ground.
It was Daniel's turn to abandon the niceties. Taking the general by the collar, he swung him round at speed and hurled him straight at Catto, knocking both men violently to the ground. Seurel had his dagger out at once and darted forward. Before he could be stabbed in the back, however, Daniel swung round in a flash and lifted his sword up, running it deep into the Frenchmen's stomach and leaving him impaled in agony.
Seizing his opportunity, Daniel took to his heels.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
He had never run so fast in all his life. Darting out of the courtyard, Daniel Rawson sped along a lane before zigzagging his way through a series of narrow alleys. He knew that pursuit would be immediate and that he would have dozens of soldiers on his tail. When he came out into a wide road, therefore, he slowed to walking pace so that he could mingle with the crowd. Anyone hurtling wildly along the thoroughfare would be identified at once as a fugitive. His only hope lay in blending with the people who thronged the main streets. It was market day and he was carried along by the mass of bodies converging on an array of stalls, hand-carts and wagons covering an entire square.
Daniel knew that General Salignac would not fight a duel with him for the second time. He would be baying for Daniel's blood and castigating himself for failing to kill the prisoner when he had the opportunity. The search would be thorough and the quarry would face certain death if caught. Daniel needed a hiding place. Escaping from Augsburg would be difficult in broad daylight so he had to lie low somewhere in the city until nightfall. The market offered all kinds of possibilities. When he heard the sounds of a chase somewhere behind him, he kept his head down and lengthened his stride until he was able to plunge in gratefully among the jostling hordes, buying, selling and haggling in the marketplace.
As soon as he could, he ducked under a wagon, crawled along the ground and came out behind a line of stalls. Piles of goods were stacked haphazardly and there was a multitude of empty wooden boxes, baskets and sacks left on the ground by vendors. Above the pandemonium of the market, Daniel could hear soldiers' voices rising in volume as they got nearer. The hunt was on in earnest. Since he was not allowed the luxury of time, he was forced to make an instant decision. Carpets were being sold on one of the stalls and, in case it was needed, an additional supply of them had been stacked upright at the rear. Daniel tucked himself in behind the carpets, unfurling the edge of one of them a little so that he was completely concealed. It was only a temporary refuge but it gave him chance to rest and to reflect on what had happened.
General Salignac had evidently discovered his wife's adultery and he was so obsessed with revenge that he had hired assassins to track down and murder her lover. One of them, Frédéric Seurel, had now met his own death and it gave Daniel great satisfaction to know that he had killed the man who had so callously beheaded Lieutenant Hopwood. His satisfaction was marred by his fears for Berenice Salignac. A brief acquaintance with her husband had been enough to show him that the man was cruel and vindictive. He felt a stab of guilt at having left her in compromising circumstances and he prayed that she had not suffered too much on his behalf. Daniel had been deeply fond of Berenice and would have been drawn to her even if she had not been the neglected wife of a French general.
All thought of her was abruptly suspended when he heard soldiers, yelling above the tumult and demanding to know if anyone had seen a man fleeing down the road. There were loud complaints from the crowd as the troops forced a way through to conduct their search. Daniel risked a peep out of his hiding place and caught sight of bayonets glinting in the sun. They were being used to probe u
nder tables, into stalls, into piles of hay and anywhere else where a fugitive might conceivably lurk. Slowed down by the sheer number of people, the soldiers were nevertheless methodical and painstaking. It would not be long before they explored the area behind the stalls.
Shrinking back behind the carpets, Daniel turned sideways so that he presented less of a target for an intrusive bayonet. Protests in the square grew louder still as more soldiers joined in the search and elbowed people roughly aside. Daniel braced himself. Hearing orders being barked in German, he knew that Bavarian soldiers were leading the search. The tramp of feet and the guttural commands got closer and closer. Daniel picked out a snatch of conversation.
'He won't get far,' said one soldier.
'All the gates will have been closed by now,' said another.
'He's trapped in the city and everyone's looking for him.'
'We'll roast him alive when we catch him.'
'He can have my bayonet up his arse.'
At the moment he made the threat, the soldier thrust his bayonet into the stack of carpets and missed Daniel by less than an inch. Before the man could repeat the exercise, the carpet dealer rushed around in a panic from the front of the stall and begged him not to damage any more of his ware. When the soldier relented and moved on, Daniel dared to breathe properly again. Had it made contact, the bayonet would have ripped him apart and the dealer would never have been able to sell a carpet that was sliced open and soaked with blood. The hunt continued but it was slowly moving away from Daniel. For the time being at least, he was safe.
When news of the victory at Donauworth reached the Imperial capital, there was delight and celebration. Vienna toasted the success of the Confederate army and gave thanks to God for their deliverance from a menacing foe. The tidings were received with more muted enthusiasm in The Hague. While the States-General appreciated the significance of the victory, they were horrified by the high number of casualties in the battle and felt that the captain-general should have protected his troops more carefully instead of sacrificing them to enemy fire.
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