A Promise to Keep (Out of Time Book 2)

by Loretta Livingstone

  “Well, it isn’t exactly a lie, is it? I mean Dad would want to get me out secretly if he knew where I was and what had happened. So you aren’t exactly lying.”

  “I fear I am stretching the truth until it’s almost unrecognisable, but what else can I do?” Hildegarde held her hands out in exasperation. “As for John – we will make shift somehow. We have our Lord’s protection and that of our habits.”

  Hildegarde turned to Giles, who had been standing near the door watching them with an indefinable expression. “Sir Giles,” she caught his eye and corrected herself, “well, Giles, then. Are you clear about your part in this?”

  “As I see it, my part is to allow Roh…I mean Shannon and Father Dominic to accompany us, then, a short way after we pass the tree, to leave Isabella and my household to continue to Oakley. I escort them to the woods near the tree, take the mule they will be riding and return to my mesnie.

  “It seems, the pilgrim sold the mule to me when he had no further use for it. I believe I shall donate it to the abbey. No one will question me, I assure you. I sometimes have a look about me which discourages questions – do you not recall, Abbess? And certainly, no one will connect this rather stout and devout pilgrim with the flighty young woman who accompanied us when we set out to the castle.” He flashed a grin. “In truth, I doubt I would myself.”

  Hildegarde took Shannon into an embrace. “You see, Shannon. Try not to worry, my dear. At any rate, you can do nothing about what happens here. Now, I must go to Prime. I will not come to see you off; it will be safer if I distance myself.”

  Shannon’s face fell, and Hildegarde kissed her on the cheek. “It has been a delight to come to know you, child; I’m afraid this is goodbye though, for you must not come again. You do know that, do you not?”

  A tear glinted at the corner of her eye, and Shannon gave a sniff and mopped her own eyes. “I’ll miss you so much.”

  “As I will miss you. But, Shannon, how blessed we are to have even met this once.”

  “I suppose.” She gave another sniff and threw her arms around Hildegarde, then Giles, who stood helplessly for a moment before putting one arm about her, patting her shoulder.

  “Now, I must go. Make haste, and be very quiet until you reach the courtyard. There should be enough confusion there for you to go unnoticed. Even so, it would be better if you do not speak, lest any should recognise your voice.” Hildegarde opened the door and left, casting one backward glance over her shoulder, raising her hand in a tiny wave, before moving noiselessly down the corridor to the cloisters.

  At the same time, a very stout pilgrim came plodding over from the opposite direction. Giles turned a snort of laughter into something resembling a sneeze. Father Dominic, already inclined to plumpness, had clearly rolled his habit up beneath the tunic he now wore. An enormous girth topped hose and boots, and he was girded with a belt which his ‘belly’ overhung in rolls. A pilgrim hat with badges on completed the ensemble, casting a shadow over his face. Even had it been light, he would have been unrecognisable. He placed a finger to his lips when Giles sneezed and looked around surreptitiously.

  He’s like Secret Squirrel, thought Shannon, biting her lip hard in her attempt not to laugh.

  With various vague hand signals, he indicated they should leave. He put an arm around Shannon, helping her to her feet, and he and Giles crossed their hands to make a seat for her. She perched gingerly and placed her arms around their necks, balancing her crutch across her lap as they made their way as quietly as possible to the courtyard where men, maids and horses milled in increasing confusion.

  Giles set her back on her feet, and she leaned heavily on the crutch with Father Dominic on her other side, helping to take her weight.

  Isabella, already mounted, was in the midst of the chaos, directing and redirecting, changing her mind and making as much difficulty as possible. As she caught Giles amazed expression, she gave a roguish wink, so fleeting he nearly missed it.

  Giles was more than amazed; he was impressed. He had not known she had it in her, and the wink nearly threw him into a gust of laughter. He controlled himself with difficulty, led a mule over to Father Dominic, then cast himself into the deception, arguing with Isabella, redirecting his men and generally adding to the near riot that was taking place. Certainly, all attention would be on them. No one would notice the fat pilgrim and his stout wife.

  During the confusion, Father Dominic took the opportunity to slip, unnoticed, through the gates. Sister Berthe eyed them as though trying to think who they might be, but Giles had been watching. Reacting instantly, he deliberately nudged Troubadour into the path of two of his squires, which made them drop the coffer they were carrying.

  Berthe, still scrutinising the pilgrim and his wife, was distracted by his roar of fury, and Isabella berated the squires in a raised voice such as Giles had never heard before. It did his heart good, this feeling of complicity. He regarded Isabella with deepening respect, bordering on awe. She caught his look and gave him a wicked grin – another first. Until now, she had smiled often, sometimes even laughed; this grin was full of mischief, and something more – partnership.

  His heart lighter than it had ever been, he indicated they should allow the chaos to fade and get underway, and she nodded. Somehow, within minutes, the upheaval had been calmed, the wain and pack-ponies reloaded, and order reigned, as Giles and Isabella, riding shoulder to shoulder, headed their entourage away from the abbey with ne’er a glance behind them.

  As they neared the bridge, they spied Shannon and Father Dominic plodding slowly ahead of them. Isabella made a small choking sound, instantly quelled, and raised a delicate eyebrow at Giles, eyes brimming with humour. He murmured something beneath his breath which brought another little snort of laughter from her and called, “Good pilgrims, which way do you ride? Do you wish to join us and accept our protection on your journey?”

  Father Dominic, who was turning out to be a consummate actor, answered him in meek, grateful tones, “Aye, lord, that we would. My thanks for your kindness.” And halting the mule, waited until they were past, pulling in to the rear of the group. Isabella inclined her head towards them, nodding graciously, every inch the fine lady, and Father Dominic touched the brim of his hat respectfully.

  For a while, Shannon did not speak at all. Neither did Father Dominic. In truth, their silence gave them even more the resemblance of a long-married couple.

  Shannon clenched her jaw and tried to ignore the pain the jogging was causing her ankle. Soon, oh soon, she’d be home and safe. To her surprise, Giles dropped back to join them, saying, “Have you pilgrimmed far?”

  Father Dominic replied with enthusiasm. “Yes, my lord, to Walsingham, Saint Albans, and Holywell and many others betwixt and between.” His voice had taken on a rougher edge, the priestly inflection quite gone.

  “You must have seen much of interest.”

  “Aye, sire, that we have.” And, in the same rough tone which sounded nothing like his normal voice, the priest started to tell the story of his travels. Shannon was astounded. These were, in essence, the same stories he had told her, yet they sounded completely different. He never missed a beat, yet there was nothing in them to make anyone who had spoken to him as priest recognise him from the tales he now narrated. It was cleverly done, and she mentally applauded him, whilst thinking how much Hildegarde would have appreciated his acting skills. Not a lie did he tell, yet none of his truths sounded as they had at the abbey.

  As they passed the woods, the clearing where the tree stood came into view, and she readied herself for turning off, expecting Father Dominic to leave the group. To her horror, they did not. She tensed; he must have got it wrong. Leaning forward, she said under her breath, “Father, the tree – it’s over there. We need to go back.”

  Shannon had expected him to quietly turn back and was shocked when he called aloud, “No matter, Wife, do not concern yourself.” She was mortified when one of the squires riding ahead of them gave a snigger.r />
  She sat bolt upright, rigid with apprehension. What was happening? Tugging at his arm, she was further abashed when he admonished her in belligerent, coarse tones, calling her a shrew. He turned then and whispered, “Just trust me. We have it all worked out.” Silenced, she could do no more than wait.

  The company continued their journey, and Shannon, feeling desperate to get home now, almost ground her teeth with impatience. What was happening? Why didn’t they turn?

  They covered a few more miles, with Shannon constantly looking over her shoulder in fear of pursuit, until, at last, Father Dominic called out, “My thanks, my lord, for your company this far. Our way lies in a different direction now.”

  He touched his hat in respect again, and Giles said loudly enough to carry down the line, “Do you have far to go?”

  “Nay, lord, only a few miles.”

  Giles cantered back to Isabella, and in the same loud voice said, “My love, I’ll give these good people an escort to their village. I am eager to hear more tales of their pilgrimage.” Ignoring the startled glances from his household, he leaned over his mount, kissed Isabella on the mouth, winked at her then, wheeling Troubadour around, called, “Guy, Miles, Fulke, I trust you to see my lady safe to Oakley. I’ll rejoin you as soon as I am able.”

  Shannon managed to catch Isabella’s eye and saw a slim, white hand raised so briefly in farewell that, if she’d blinked, she’d have missed it. Then, the two mounts were turned and moved off to the west, following a path which led away from the river but, to Shannon’s frustration, still not towards the beech tree.

  Father Dominic sensed her anxiety and turned his head slightly, not murmuring now, for they were out of hearing. “Patience, Shannon. This is merely a ruse. We will turn back shortly.”

  He felt the tension drain from her as she slumped slightly in the saddle. Poor child, this must be hard on her nerves as well as her ankle; he would not try to guess which was troubling her most but instead, conversed with Giles as if this was the most normal thing in the world for him to be doing.

  As they rode, Giles looked at Shannon with an unreadable expression. “Shannon, I only wish we could give you shelter at our manor, wish there was time for us to get to know you as our kin; however, you might not be safe there. Your mother will tell you, John and I love each other not. If he could do me an ill turn, he would. As it is, I have a hold over him, yet if he connected you with me…” he tailed off with a sigh, then gazed at her as though trying to imprint her on his memory. “Know that Isabella and I will speak often of you and forever be in wonderment that we should have spent even this short time with you.

  “Will you tell your mother about your time with us? About Isabella? I think she might wish to know.” He chuckled. “Or mayhap I overestimate my importance to her.”

  Shannon hurried to reassure him. “Oh, no. I’m sure she does think of you often, only…”

  He gave her a shrewd look. “Only you do not wish her to know you disobeyed her?”

  “Mmm. Sorry. Maybe one day, if I ever get up enough courage to confess, then I’ll tell her all about you, Isabella and Dickon. I think she’d like to know.”

  “And Shannon, I should be angry with you for your disobedience to your mother. As a grandsire, of sorts, I have the right.” He tried to pull a stern face but failed, and she giggled. “Lass, I admit, this is one gift horse whose mouth I shall not examine. It’s too much of a miracle, and now we have you away safely, no real harm is done. Although,” and his voice took on a harder note, “do not ever think of trying this trick again, for you may not come out intact if you do. Neither I nor the Abbess, or even the good father here, may be around to save you next time.”

  Shannon grinned, and he scowled at her. “I mean it, Shannon. Give me your promise now. For, had you come to injury or death, how would your mother feel? And we would have to risk ourselves to get word to her, for we could not leave her unknowing of your fate.”

  Shannon squirmed. He was right. “I promise, then. To be honest, I think I’ve had enough of your century now. I’ve had fun, and it’s been exciting, but really, I can’t see me doing it again.” Then, she laughed. “Is that good enough, Grandad?”

  He laughed with her, then said, “Mind your manners, Mistress,” his light tone belying the gruff words.

  Shannon swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked back tears. The time for the final parting was near, and then she’d never see any of them again.

  Father Dominic cleared his throat. “Sir Giles, I think we are sufficiently far away to return to this tree now. I do not know exactly in which direction it lies; will you take the lead, my lord?”

  “Gladly, Father. Shannon, I know your ankle is likely feeling sore, but the Abbess has told me horses are not used often in your time. If you are unlikely to ride again, should you like to gallop? I promise you, it will feel exhilarating. And it will cut down the length of time we take.”

  Shannon considered. Her ankle did hurt, but she hadn’t enjoyed her previous gallop; she’d been too afraid. Like most girls, she’d gone through the ‘I want a pony’ period when she was young. It might be fun. “Go on, then.”

  Giles and Father Dominic kicked their mounts, which responded instantly. Oh, it felt as though she was flying. It hurt her ankle like crazy, and she knew she shouldn’t, but Giles was right. It was exhilarating. They galloped for a short while before dropping back into a walk. It was enough. Her ankle was agony, but she wouldn’t have missed it for the world. As a way of ending her adventure, it was pretty amazing.

  They travelled in silence now; Shannon was gritting her teeth again, dreading when she had to try and walk. The relief when she saw the beech eased the sadness that she would never see her medieval family again.

  Giles had been watching her closely. He’d suggested the gallop for more reasons than speed alone, for how hard it was to say the final farewell. It had been difficult enough with Marion, and that had been before he knew she was kin. Noticing how close Shannon had been to tears, he had thought to distract her. It seemed to have worked well enough.

  He led the way to the woods and out again to the clearing where he had watched Marion break away and run to the tree, remembering the feeling he had as she started to vanish. And more than that, remembering his brief view of the abbey standing ruined. The horror had stayed with him a long time, though now, he felt only pleasure when he thought of the future, of his family, out of reach yet living.

  When they arrived at the tree, he halted, aware of the same sense of loss he’d had when Marion disappeared that final time. Troubadour snorted as though the emotion of the moment had touched him too, and Giles leaned over, patting him, then dismounted.

  Father Dominic was also dismounting, and Shannon glanced at the ground, doubtful he could assist her as easily as Adam had. She needn’t have worried. Before Father Dominic could aid her, Giles had reached her and was lifting her gently down, taking her weight.

  The priest unhooked her crutch and passed it to her, and she leaned on it gratefully. Father Dominic unbuckled his belt and immediately lost several stone in weight as his habit fell to his feet beneath his tunic. He removed hat and tunic, passing both to Giles, who was struggling to keep a straight face.

  “I’ll give these into your keeping, my lord. When I return to this time, I shall travel to Oakley before I go back to the abbey. It will add colour to my tale if I do not return too early and can account for at least some of my time. I know your brother and doubt not he will accord me a welcome. Might I ask you to bring those,” he indicated the clothes Giles was stuffing into his saddlebags, “to the Abbey next time you pass that way? For even if you are still at Oakley when I arrive, it might be better not to give them to me there.”

  Giles nodded, took Shannon’s hand and kissed her cheek. “Fare you well now, lass. We shall speak of you often.” He turned to the priest. “And, thank you, good Father, for this. You will always find a welcome at Thorneywell, that I promise.”

  Fa
ther Dominic nodded and took Shannon by the arm. “Well, Mistress Shannon, shall we see whether I can pass through this wondrous tree of yours? I cannot imagine what it will feel like.”

  Giles spoke before Shannon could answer. “I remember all too well. It feels like passing through pottage. And, Father, I feel I’d best warn you, lest you are as shocked as I was. The abbey is in ruins in the future.”

  “Ah well, we all come to ruins in the end, do we not. I expect that, in the Heavens, Sparnstow Abbey still stands tall, giving glory to our God.” He eyed Shannon dubiously. “Mistress, do you wish to go into your own time dressed as you are?”

  Shannon started, then laughed. “I’m such a ditz! I’d forgotten what I was wearing. Thank you, Father. Mind you, is it safe to change here?” She thought for a moment. “I know, I’ll get rid of the top layer and this horrible wimple. I think I’d better sit down for that, though. Oh, and by the way, I’m not quite sure whether you’ll pass as a modern priest in that get-up. You might need to become Brother Dominic. Will that be okay?”

  “Indeed, it will be perfectly, er, okay. Do I have the word aright, Mistress?”

  “You’ve got it. Also, don’t call me mistress; It has a different meaning in my world. Shannon will be just fine.”

  She pulled off her hood and veil, then hoicked the top layer of her clothing over her head, revealing the grey undergown beneath. “Um, Father, I mean Brother, will you be shocked if I show my arms? I mean, I’m not sure I can get away with this. It’s a bit, well…”

  “Drab?”

  “And then some.”

  “It’s not something to which I am accustomed, yet I understand it does not mean in your world what it would in mine.”

  Wow! she thought, he’s a quick learner. She looked at Giles. “I suppose you aren’t so easily shocked anyway, being a man of the world and all that?”