by June Francis
Mackillin came and stood beside her. ‘It’s a fine view,’ said Cicely, his arm brushing her shoulder. She was aware of that thrill she felt whenever he touched her and marvelled at it. To try and get it out of her mind, she said, ‘Have you ever been to Ireland?’
‘Once or twice to the north of the island.’
‘Father said that except for the trade in cattle and horses it has naught to recommend it. That it rains a lot and so there’s plenty of bogs and the mist is inclined to linger past noon and that’s why legends of monsters and magic come from there. I admit I would still like to go and see for myself,’ she said softly.
He glanced at her, noticing that the breeze had brought colour to her cheeks. She looked even lovelier than the first time he had met her.
‘Perhaps one day Diccon could take you there,’ he suggested, his eyes darkening. ‘Edward, whom he follows, has lands in the south of Ireland. If the Yorkists win this struggle, then no doubt Diccon will be rewarded.’
She paled. ‘Whoever wins the coming battle, I fear many men will die. Shall we go on now?’
He nodded, wishing he had not mentioned Diccon’s name.
It was early evening when they turned off the road in the direction of Merebury. A couple of men were ploughing a field and watched Mackillin, Jack and Cicely as they passed. In the near distance could be seen a sandstone house and outbuildings. As they drew closer, Mackillin commented on the number of horses out in the fields.
‘Remember, we told you that Owain breeds horses and sells them,’ said Cicely. ‘I do hope he’s here,’ she added fervently.
Dogs began to bark and the front door of the house opened and a woman appeared. From a barn two men came hurrying out. She was armed with a stave and one of the men held a bow and was fixing an arrow to the string; the other carried a pitchfork.
Cicely recognised her stepsister and called out, ‘Kate, it’s me, Cissie. Jack is with me and also a friend of Father’s, Lord Mackillin.’
Kate, flaxen-haired and wearing a green gown, lowered her stave and indicated to the bowman to hold his fire. ‘Cissie, is that really you?’ she said, approaching the riders. ‘I did not look to see you here until late spring, but you are always welcome.’ She looked Mackillin up and down as if she could not quite accept he was of noble birth. ‘A lord and a friend of Nat’s, you say?’
He smiled faintly, seeing a woman of maybe twenty-seven summers. She was not as pretty as Cicely, but there was something appealing about her wide-set eyes and dainty nose. He could tell she was still on her guard despite Cicely’s introduction of him.
‘What brings you here, my lord?’ she asked.
‘Cissie and Jack needed an escort and I volunteered, Mistress ap Rowan,’ he answered. ‘Is your husband here?’
Cicely slid from her horse and went over to Kate. ‘We bring sad tidings about Father,’ she said, her voice breaking. ‘He is dead.’
The stave slipped from Kate’s fingers and she held out her arms to her stepsister. ‘Oh, my dear Cissie!’ Kate’s eyes filled with tears and she engulfed her in an embrace.
Mackillin turned away, moved by such naked emotion, and caught Jack’s gaze on him. His face was tight with pain. Instantly Mackillin dismounted, and stood by in case the youth needed help to dismount but Jack managed to get down unaided.
‘Shall we leave the women to comfort each other?’ murmured Mackillin. ‘If one of these men could show us the stables, we can see to the horses.’
‘I can do that, Mackillin,’ said Jack. But despite his offer one of the men came over to them. Jack greeted him like a friend and spoke of their journey whilst Mackillin removed the baggage. The man said he would see to the horses, so his lordship, noticing the two women had gone inside the house, followed them.
By the time he entered the hall Cicely and Kate were sitting over by the fireplace. A young woman sat on a settle with a boy and a girl, one each side of her, and a smaller child on her lap. The elder two appeared to be listening intently to what she was saying, but the youngest was wriggling as if it wanted to be up and about.
‘The ap Rowan children,’ said Jack, coming up behind Mackillin. ‘I wonder where Owain is?’
Kate must have heard the question because her head turned and she looked in their direction. ‘There you are, Jack…and my lord. Come over and warm yourself by the fire. Cissie has been telling me what happened in Bruges.’ She stretched out a hand towards his lordship. ‘I see we have much to thank you for, Mackillin.’
He shrugged deprecatingly. ‘I only wish I could have saved Nat’s life and spared Jack an injured arm.’
Kate turned to her stepbrother. ‘Cissie mentioned how much pain it causes you.’
‘It’s improving,’ Jack said. ‘Naught to make a fuss about.’
‘Good. You said you wish to see Owain. Unfortunately he’s not here.’
‘Is he at Rowan Manor?’ asked Jack.
‘He sent word to me ten days ago that he and Hal were having to deliver horses to my Stanley kinsmen at Nether Alderley. They are to join the queen’s host as it travels south.’
Mackillin and Cicely exchanged glances. ‘I presume then that you know of the battle that took place near Wakefield,’ said Mackillin.
‘Aye,’ said Kate. ‘My kinsman Sir Thomas informed me of it. Fortunately Owain has promised me by all we hold sacred that he will return home once he has fulfilled his obligation to Sir Thomas by supplying him with a dozen war horses. He will not fight. The horses will be his contribution to Henry’s cause.’
‘That must be of a great relief to you. When do you expect him?’
‘He’s bound to stay at Rowan Manor a few days before returning to Merebury, so hopefully next week. If your need to speak to him is urgent, then I would advise you to spend the night here and in the morning ride to Rowan. If you set out early you will reach there the next day.’
He thanked her with a smile. ‘We will do as you say.’
‘What of Diccon?’ asked Cicely. ‘Where is he?’
There was a wary expression on Kate’s face. ‘Later, Cissie. Let the news he is safe suffice. Now take your ease, all of you. If you will excuse me, I will order refreshments,’ she added and hurried away.
Chapter Eight
Jack drew closer to the fire and Mackillin walked over to Cicely. He was unable to resist saying, ‘So his sister has had word from Diccon or possibly she has seen him.’
Cicely said lightly, ‘Better that she should hear from him than both of us worry.’
‘Do you think he is here now?’ murmured Mackillin. ‘The way Mistress ap Rowan armed herself when she heard riders at her door causes me to wonder if she was expecting trouble.’
‘Perhaps you should ask her if you are worried,’ suggested Cicely.
‘My interest in Master Fletcher is purely on your behalf,’ he said, resting a hand on the back of her chair, and lowered his head so his mouth hovered near her ear. ‘For her to know he is safe makes me wonder if he is in the vicinity. Maybe she has concealed him somewhere, because this area is a Lancastrian stronghold.’
‘Diccon grew up here, so I doubt if anyone would betray him. At least, I hope not,’ she murmured, wondering if it was possible that she would soon see Diccon. She felt a lift of the heart at the thought of setting eyes on him, but wondered what his feelings would be once he knew that she had been escorted here by a Scottish reiver.
Before she could think any more on the matter, the door opened and Kate entered, accompanied by a couple of serving men carrying trays. They placed them on the table and she dismissed them and poured the wine herself. Mackillin and Cicely strolled over to the table and she handed them a cup each. ‘It’s a rioja from Spain. Nat had it delivered only last year. I find it hard to believe that we will never see him again in this world.’ Kate’s face was sad.
‘Nat had a gift for friendship,’ said Mackillin, a faint smile of reminiscence playing about his well-formed mouth.
‘He was a kind man and made
my mother very happy.’ Kate’s voice quivered.
‘She made him happy, too,’ said Cicely.
‘And we were very fond of her,’ said Jack, helping himself to a drink. ‘This despite her calling Matt and me imps of Satan,’ he added with a wry smile.
‘Let us drink a toast to Nat’s memory,’ said Mackillin, raising his cup. ‘May he always live in our hearts.’
The others echoed his sentiments.
Cicely took a deep draught of the red wine and, when she felt more in control of her emotions, said, ‘Please, Kate, tell me—is Diccon hiding somewhere near about?’
Startled, Kate spilt drops of wine on her green gown. She made a distressed sound. ‘Now look what you made me do, Cissie.’
‘I beg pardon. It’s just that Mackillin wondered…’
‘Then wonder no longer, lord,’ interrupted Kate, darting him a frowning look from her fine eyes. ‘Diccon was here and he did consider making the journey north, but made no mention of definitely doing so.’
Cicely was disappointed and asked, ‘Where has he been all this time?’
Kate bid them be seated and joined them by the fire. ‘He spent Christmas at Ludlow Castle in the company of Edward of York and those young men who have pledged their allegiance to his cause.’
Cicely frowned. ‘It is as we feared. Still, he surely could have asked to be excused for Christmas? He must have known Father would have tried to be home for the festive season.’
‘I asked him almost the same question because Rowan is only two days’ journey from Ludlow and we were spending the festive season there,’ said Kate, ‘but he did not give me an answer that I found satisfactory. He chases a dream and it worries me that it will cost him his life.’
Cicely paled and her throat tightened with fear for him and she took a sip of her wine to ease it. Mackillin looked at her with concern and was angry with Diccon. ‘He must know what he is doing and will have trained with his comrades-in-arms. As for Edward…whilst in Calais he asked many questions of veteran soldiers guarding the port and its surrounding area. No doubt he knows what he is about.’
Cicely’s expression lightened. ‘My thanks, Mackillin, you have reminded me about what Father said about Edward being more aware than the king that trade overseas has been difficult for English merchants. It was of concern to Father that the king took so little interest and seemed to regard merchants only as a means to borrow money.’
Jack nodded. ‘He spoke to me of it, but his loyalty was still with the king.’ He turned his blue eyes to his lordship as if for affirmation.
Mackillin nodded. ‘Once Nat’s allegiance was given, it was for life.’
Cicely turned to Kate and murmured, ‘Did Diccon give you a message for me?’
‘He sent his love to you all.’
Cicely was aware of Mackillin looking in her direction and felt her humiliation was complete. It hurt that Diccon had not spoken of her specifically. Had he changed his mind about wishing to marry her? She had to get out of here and be alone. ‘I wonder, Kate, if you could show me where I’m sleeping and if I could have some hot water? I’m filthy after the journey.’
‘Of course, Cissie.’ Kate smiled and rose to her feet. ‘I thought you might like to share my bed, seeing as how Owain is away. We’ll be able to talk and it’ll be warmer than sleeping alone at this time of year.’
‘Of course.’
Kate turned to his lordship. ‘If you have finished your wine, Mackillin, I could show you to a bedchamber at the same time.’
He thanked her and drained his drinking vessel, wondering if her reason for having Cicely sleep with her was to make certain she was safe from him. No doubt she, too, was puzzled by Nat’s choice of a Border reiver for a friend. He watched her speak to Jack, who smiled and nodded before she turned to him and Cicely. ‘If you’ll follow me, my lord.’
The three adults went upstairs together and Mackillin was shown into the best guest bedchamber. ‘I’ve already given orders for hot water to be brought up, so hopefully all is ready for you,’ said Kate, gazing up at him. ‘Supper will be served within the hour, if that suits your lordship?’
‘I look forward to breaking bread with you,’ he said, inclining his head. With a brief glance in Cicely’s direction, he closed the door.
Kate linked her arm through her stepsister’s and hurried her along the passage. ‘I have not told you all about Diccon. He was still here two hours ago, but we quarrelled and he stormed out. I accused him of sadly neglecting you and the twins since our mother’s death. I told him that he should stop following Edward and visit you. Then he told me something that amazed me.’ She paused and said with concern, ‘Tell me it is not true, Cissie, that you and he made a secret pact to marry? It will not do, you know. I am aware that you have worshipped him since you first set eyes on him, but your father spoke to Owain and I only a year ago, when I mentioned your feelings towards my half-brother, and he said that he would never countenance such a match.’
Cicely came to a halt and faced her. ‘Do I not know this? Father told me exactly what he thought of the notion. Still, I love Diccon and want to wed him.’
Kate squeezed Cicely’s arm and said quietly, ‘But is it the kind of love a woman feels for a man? How do you see your life with him? Would you face danger to be at his side, knowing that you would rather die than live without him?’
‘I have never thought of our married life being like that,’ said Cicely honestly. ‘I only dreamed of his living with us at Milburn and of us all being happy together as a family. I like children and I presumed they would come after we wed.’
‘You do not know my brother well if you think he would settle for a domestic life at Milburn. Diccon’s ambition is such that if he survives the next battle and Edward is victorious, then he will want to spend more time at court than at home to get what he wants.’ Kate’s blue eyes were worried. ‘Mingling in royal circles is dangerous. You would be lonely and never have a moment’s peace and that is not the life your father wanted for you.’
Cicely gasped. ‘How could Father speak of my wanting a life without worry? Did he care about my mother when he went on his travels? Was not his life as a merchant venturer just as dangerous as the one you speak of for Diccon?’
‘Aye. But your mother and father did not marry for love. When he married my mother, he gave up travelling for her sake.’
Cicely knew this to be true. ‘He was lost after she died and that is why he could not settle at home,’ she said sadly. ‘You’re right. They truly loved each other, just as you and Owain love each other.’
Kate’s face softened. ‘Aye. Love changes all. Life is uncertain and it can be short. Loving someone means you want to spend as much time together as one can. When children come along it is not always possible. When Owain is away as he is now, my heart longs for him.’ She put a hand to her breast. ‘It is like a constant pain. Has your heart ached for my brother in such a way?’
Cicely could not honestly say that her longing for Diccon was an actual pain. ‘I need time to think. I need to see him.’
‘Of course you do,’ said Kate, biting her lower lip. ‘Perhaps I should not have said all I have, but I want the best for both of you and I fear that you both might settle for second best. Owain believed that Nat had someone else in mind for you to marry.’
Cicely decided to tell her about Nat’s last words. ‘Father offered me to Mackillin with his dying breath, but he refused his offer.’
Kate’s eyes widened. ‘You surprise me. I must say—Scottish or not—Mackillin is a fine figure of a man. Your father must have known him for some time. Did Mackillin tell you he turned you down?’
‘No. Jack told Matt and he let it slip. Mackillin did not wish me to know of it.’
‘Did he say why he refused your father’s offer?’
‘Of course not. But most likely he wants a Scottish bride.’ Cicely’s voice was terse. She walked on.
No more was said until they had reached Kate’s b
edchamber and she opened the door and they went inside ‘Tell me more about how you came to be here with Mackillin,’ said Kate.
Cicely did not immediately answer because she was pondering what Kate had said about love, thinking that she would prefer to spend her life at the side of her husband and face danger with him than to be expected to sit at home with her sewing or be about her household tasks. She walked across the candlelit room and sank onto the bed and eased off her boots.
‘I set off alone. Jack caught up with me and then Mackillin found us both. There’s a horrible toad of a man called Husthwaite. He forged Father’s will and was determined to force me into marriage. Mackillin saved me from that fate and knocked him down. Then he escaped and Mackillin feared for us. Because he saved Jack’s life he feels responsible for him. He has kissed me and I enjoyed it very much. I have wondered how this can be if I truly love Diccon.’
Kate stared at her hard. ‘He acts like a man who has a fancy for you and cares about your safety.’
Cicely rubbed the small of her back, which ached after having been in the saddle for so long. ‘Perhaps. Although it cannot be the kind of love you speak of which makes a man want to marry a maid even if it’s not sensible and he believes her to love another.’
Kate said softly, ‘Perhaps his feelings go deeper than you think and he’s fighting against them. Maybe he questions if he has made the right decision in not accepting your father’s offer. I suggest for the moment you put all thought of suitors out of your mind. Rest. You may have your pick of what is in my chest and armoire if you wish to change your raiment. I must oversee supper.’ She opened the door and left her alone.
Cicely tried to do as Kate had said and stop thinking about the two men. She slipped off the bed and removed her garments and washed all over. Then she delved into Kate’s chest and found some clean undergarments and put them on before going over to the large armoire and opening the door. She searched through the gowns and surcoats there and eventually drew out a simple dark blue gown of woollen cloth. If she had not been in mourning, she might have been tempted by a gown made from fabric from a roll that she remembered her father shipping over from a mercer in Italy. The silk weavers in places such as Florence and Genoa had copied those fabrics originally made and brought overland from the Orient. It was a vivid green and she had one similar at home.