‘The man must be a fool if he thinks he will not be seen.’
‘He plans tae wait until the men are watching the hanging, and the women are dancing. Snodd said most o’ the men would be too drunk to give chase by nightfall. No one would notice if the Mistress had gone.’
‘That’s true.’ Zander agreed. It was audacious but the man had planned well and Isabella often went early to her bedchamber after a long day. He cursed the duties he was expected to carry out, when all he wanted was to keep Isabella safe.
‘You have done well, Duncan.’ He took out his leather pouch and gave the boy several coins. He gasped and stared at Zander.
‘This is more’n Snodd pays me for working six moons.’
‘Take it to your mother or hide it safely. If Snodd sees it he will take it from you and want to know where you got it.’
‘Aye, I’ll hide it, Sir.’ His face paled. ‘I must get back. He’ll whip me if he knows I left the bellows.’ Zander frowned at the prospect.
‘You’re a brave laddie, Duncan. If you get into trouble, or lose your job with Snodd, come to me. Meanwhile listen and keep watch.’
Zander mounted his horse and rode on, deep in thought as he pondered how he could keep Isabella safe without telling her that Neb Truddle was here. He didn’t want to alarm her, but there were so many strangers milling everywhere.
As he returned to the Tower to break his fast he ran into Walter.
‘Anna is down in spirits,’ Walter declared. ‘She wanted to come down to see the merchants and watch the entertainers but strange smells or tastes still make her sickly and I can’t be with her while we are on duty at the trials. I have forbidden her to leave the house.’
‘Walter, my friend! You have given me a solution!’ Zander announced, giving Walter a hearty slap on the back.
‘A solution?’ Walter asked, bewildered. Zander explained about Sam’s arrival and his warning about Neb Truddle.
‘He means to harm Isabella. He plans to carry her off. I will take her to Anna’s, away from the crowds. I’ll ask Anna to keep her there.’
‘You’ll be lucky!’ Walter groaned. ‘I already asked Isabella to keep Anna company but she wants to buy materials for her baby, and afterwards for herself. All the women are excited.’
‘I must get her away from here. I need to know she is safe while we are at the court meetings. You must help me.’
‘How can I do that? Women can be stubborn, Zander.’
‘Look! There’s Isabella on her way from the kitchens. Come and help me.’
Isabella was looking forward to wandering around the stalls and entertainers and seeing the merchants displaying their wares. Nell was as excited as a child. This was a rare occasion.
‘We women never get to see the merchants and choose our own materials,’ Isabella explained when Zander tried to persuade her to spend the day with Anna. ‘We shall never see another truce day. I am looking forward to seeing everything. Well everything except the hangings,’ she added with a shudder. ‘I promised Sir William I would make sure there was plenty of good food for the Warden and his men and those appointed to judge.’
‘You don’t understand Isabella,’ Zander pleaded desperately. ‘The Douglas Clan have made many enemies through reiving in the past. Border people have long memories. As Sir William’s daughter-in-law, and soon to be the mother of his grandchild, you could be in danger. Please let me take you and Nell to Anna’s house. She needs you.’ He nudged Walter in the ribs.
‘Zander is right, Isabella. Anna would truly value your company and your friendship today and Nell would love Glossie’s three puppies, wouldn’t you Nell?’ Nell had no money to spend but she was torn between her longing to see everything and share the day’s excitement or seeing the puppies. Her loyalty was to her beloved mistress, so she hung her head in silence and scuffed her toe in the dust.
‘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.
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