I turned quickly to see the figure of Dan Tait in a greasy jerkin, his face all but covered by his thick beard. As always, he wore a wide-brimmed hat pulled so low, his eyes could barely be seen. He had appeared from behind a tree, and was still lacing his breeches.
‘You should a’ hailed me, sir,’ he said, coming forward. ‘Scared me proper you did, galloping up like that.’
‘I wasn’t galloping, Master Tait,’ I said. ‘And nor do I wish to cross the river, so you needn’t fret about my horse.’
‘So, how can I aid you?’ Planting his feet firmly on the ground, the ferryman regarded me with suspicion.
‘Do you not remember me?’ I asked. ‘You stood before me once, accused of affray. You got off, as I recall.’
‘By the Christ… Justice Belstrang.’ As recognition dawned, Tait grew taut. ‘Well now, the day is full of surprises,’ he said sourly. ‘What do you want with me?’
‘I’d like to talk to you about the finding of Ned Berrit’s body,’ I said, taking a few steps towards him.
‘And what makes you think I’ll talk to you?’ The other answered. ‘You’re not a Justice now, and we’re not in court.’
‘No, we’re not,’ I agreed. ‘And hence, I’m not constrained by any legal niceties.’ I placed my hand on my sword and did my best to look threatening.
‘Is that so?’ Tait scowled. ‘You seem a mite bad-tempered today, sir. The matter is, I’m somewhat busy, so-’
‘You found Berritt,’ I broke in.
‘What if I did?’ Came the retort.
‘I want to know how the body appeared. For you know as well as I do that he didn’t drown – he’d fished this river from boyhood. So, tell me.’
‘How it appeared?’ Tait made a show of pondering. ‘Wet, is how I’d put it. Wet, and bedraggled as a water-rat…’ but seeing my rising impatience, he trailed off. And when I made as if to draw my sword, he flinched.
‘Listen, it wasn’t me saw him first,’ he said. ‘I brought some folk across the water… one of them pointed the body out, tangled in reeds. I told them I’d deal with it, which I did. Hauled it out, then sent word. And that’s the end of it.’
‘I don’t think it is,’ I said, stepping closer to him. ‘You hauled the body out, you say - was that after your customers had gone?’ And when he merely nodded: ‘So you saw Berritt at close quarters. What were his injuries?’
‘Injuries?’ Tait shook his head quickly. ‘I saw none. I’d no desire to look close at him. Likely he was drunk and fell in, somewhere upriver-’
‘You lying rogue.’
Now I did draw my sword - somewhat clumsily I admit, but it served its purpose. Levelling it at Tait’s throat, I leaned forward. ‘You know he would never be so careless,’ I said. ‘And I think you know how he died, so speak!’
A moment passed, in which Tait looked down at my sword, still scowling. ‘You’ve no call for that,’ he said harshly.
‘I’m waiting,’ I told him. ‘But let me help you. Was there blood on his clothing? Or perhaps his neck was broken. I pray you, try and remember.’
And yet, nervous though he was, the man remained defiant. ‘I saw no blood,’ he snapped. ‘He’d been in the river for hours… if the water wasn’t low just now, he’d have been carried away. And how would I know if his neck was broke? I’m no surgeon.’
I paused, allowing my gaze to stray to the river’s bank where his boat was tied… and a notion sprang up.
‘Well, mayhap he did drown.’ Fixing my eyes on Tait’s, I watched him closely. ‘If he’d been knocked senseless first, perhaps, then his hands and feet bound tightly… someone would only need to throw him in, wouldn’t they?’
He gave no reply, but a look flickered across his features; it vanished at once, but I had seen enough. ‘In which case, all you had to do was untie him, get rid of the rope and report a drowning,’ I went on. ‘Hence, what I want to know, Master Tait, is who paid you? Could it be Giles Cobbett?’
‘See now… don’t ask me more, Master Belstrang.’ On a sudden, Tait lowered his gaze. ‘I’m just a waterman… I do my work and stay out of trouble.’
‘Well, it seems you’ve failed in that,’ I told him. ‘I could swear out a warrant accusing you of aiding a murder – or even conspiracy to murder. How would that be?’
‘You wouldn’t…’ he swallowed, as the words sank in. ‘See now, I’m a poor man. I can’t afford enemies…’
‘That’s true enough. But I may think again, if you tell me all you know.’ I drew a breath. ‘And I swear, I’m not leaving here until you do.’
‘Sweet Jesus.’ In agitation, Tait shifted on his feet. ‘What if I did tell you things? Not that I’m saying I could, only-’
‘I’ll try and keep your name out of it,’ I said. ‘Though I can’t promise, in such a grave matter as murder.’
‘Listen, I know nothing about any murder!’ He cried. ‘And in God’s name, will you lower your blade? I’m like to shit my breeches!’
I lowered it, but only as far as his stomach. ‘Spill your tale,’ I ordered.
He swallowed, let out a breath, and spoke rapidly.
‘I told you, I’m but a waterman. Someone comes to me, asks me to do him a service now and then, and pays me well, how can I refuse him? Given he’s a man you don’t say no to, I mean. And if he tells me there might be a body showing up, what should I do but drag it from the shallows and report a drowning? It’s not unknown, hereabouts…’
‘Was he trussed up?’ I demanded, cutting him short. ‘And if so, did you untie him?’
He made no answer.
‘This someone, who asks you to do him a service now and then,’ I persisted. ‘If his name was Giles Cobbett, whose land lies within mere walking distance from here, might I take your silence for an admission?’
Tait did stay silent. Yet my relief at having drawn this from him was at once tinged with unease: this was becoming most serious. How should I deal with the intelligence I now possessed? I took a step back from the rogue and lowered my sword’s tip to the ground… whereupon a notion flew up that made me start. Tait saw it, and shied away by instinct.
‘By the Christ, are you not done with me?’ He demanded.
‘Hear me out first,’ I said. ‘Two weeks ago, Giles Cobbett’s daughter Susanna was found dead at the Witching Pool, over there in Newland.’ I pointed across the river. ‘It’s common knowledge, and you’ll know it as most people do. What most people don’t know is that men – two of them at least - were in the vicinity of the pool that same night. They had no horses, so I think someone took them across the river. Who else knows the water as well as you, and could ferry them over in the dark? Might that be another of the small services your paymaster asked of you, Master Tait? I would like an answer.’
With that I waited, until at last the old rogue sagged.
‘See now - I never took ‘em across,’ He stated, with a muttered oath. ‘I loaned them the boat, it’s true, but I didn’t go. My eyes aren’t so good as they were… besides, they didn’t want me. Said they could find their way and bring the boat back, and all I need do was keep quiet. That’s the truth - I swear it!’
Determined as he was to free himself of blame, I believed him… but there was more. I felt it, even as I saw the beads of sweat that ran down his cheek. It was a warm day, but…
‘Two men,’ I said. ‘And you knew them.’
Morosely, Tait looked at the ground. ‘It was dark… I couldn’t swear to it,’ he muttered.
‘I seem to recall there was a moon that night,’ I said. ‘But no matter. Let me guess: they were in the service of the same man I’ve already named. One of them might have been a certain William Mount - do I hit the mark?’
At that Tait looked up sharply. ‘No,’ he said. ‘And Mount doesn’t serve Cobbett now…’
‘But he used to,’ I finished, with some satisfaction: at last, the question of who had ordered Mount to turn me away from the Witching Pool, and then to give false testimon
y at the inquest into Howell Rhys’s death, was cleared up. ‘So – who were the two who borrowed your boat?’
He would not answer, merely repeating that it had been dark.
‘That won’t do,’ I said, growing impatient again. ‘I need to know who they were. I repeat: it could be a capital crime we speak of. I said I’ll try to spare your name, but-’
‘Damn you, do you mean to send me to my grave?’
Wild-eyed, Tait stared at me. ‘Do you not think he would know who told you?’ He cried. ‘And do you not think he’d carry out his threat, to have me slain? He doesn’t bluff… he’d squash me like a gnat! I’ll not name him, and you can go to hell!’
But he was too late. I had fallen into my magistrate’s ways, and teased out what I needed: that one of the men who had taken his boat and crossed the river that night, was no less a personage than Giles Cobbett himself.
I sheathed my sword and glanced at Leucippus, who was cropping grass peacefully. ‘I won’t ask who the other man was,’ I said. ‘For it scarcely matters.’
Tait threw me a baleful look; but I was already on my way, with renewed purpose.
SIXTEEN
At Thirldon that evening I called Childers to my private chamber after supper, and told him all that I had learned. I knew it would dismay him, but the time was passed for indecision. I would write a letter, I told him, containing a full account of my discoveries. In the event of anything happening to me, this was to be copied and sent to men of rank: Sir Samuel Sandys, the High Sheriff of Worcester, and Sir Edward Coke, the Chief Justice in London - even to Justice Standish. I was about to say more, but seeing the look on my steward’s face, I invited him to speak.
‘This sounds so doleful, sir. What do you fear might happen to you? Or should I ask, what is it you propose to do?’
I did not answer immediately. Since leaving Dan Tait at the riverside, I had turned the matter over to the exclusion of all else, only to end up dissatisfied. For as yet, I had no firm evidence to accuse Giles Cobbett of anything, though in my heart I felt sure he was involved in the deaths of both Howell Rhys and Ned Berritt, at the least. A man like Dan Tait was not a good witness, and might even change his story. I thought briefly of others, like Humphreys, who would always defend Cobbett. I thought of Agnes Mason, awaiting likely execution – and finally I thought of the one whose death had begun this whole chain of events: Susanna Cobbett, whose own father had crossed the river with another man on that fateful night. Beyond that I had only vague suspicions, but I arrived at one conclusion: I saw no other course than to go to Ebbfield again, confront Cobbett and demand he respond to my questions, or face the consequences.
I drew a breath and told Childers. I expected an outburst, but he surprised me.
‘You will not go there alone.’
It was not a question. I met his gaze, my impulse being to reprimand him. But his concern was clearly for me above all else; then, when had it not been?
‘I suppose not,’ I said finally. ‘I should take witnesses-’
‘Like me,’ Childers broke in. ‘And an escort – a small one, perhaps, but made up of stout Thirldon men.’
‘I had thought to ask Doctor Boyd to accompany me,’ I said, still taken aback. ‘But I hesitate to involve him in-’
‘Anything that might turn unpleasant?’ Childers suggested. ‘That would seem wise.’
‘I confess to surprise, if not amazement, at your change of heart,’ I said, to which he let out a sigh.
‘You have often let your own heart rule your head, sir… I saw it from when you were a youth. And since justice is your spur, what can I do but serve you?’
He fell silent, until I gave way to a smile. ‘You don’t think we’re both somewhat old for such an escapade, then?’
‘Likely we are,’ he replied. ‘But age doesn’t seem to stop you from bustling about the shire, getting embroiled in other people’s troubles. And I can still wear a sword as well as you. Have you forgotten how your father arranged for me to have the rank of gentleman?’
‘I have not.’
‘So, when do you intend to set out for Ebbfield?’
‘In the morning about nine of the clock,’ I answered. ‘And I pray you, say nothing to Mistress Hester.’
***
The sun was already warm, it being one of those days in May which heralds the coming summer. My party rode at a steady pace into Worcester, then out again on to the Tewkesbury road. It consisted of Childers and myself, my groom Elkins, my manservant Lockyer who had once been a soldier, and the two gardeners, the stoutest men at Thirldon. Six of us in all: enough to furnish an escort, yet not enough to appear a threat. Apart from Childers and I, the others knew little of my intent save that I required protection, which was enough. It gave me a measure of pride to have them at my back.
Nothing was said as we approached Ebbfield and crossed the moat. At the gatehouse I slowed Leucippus to a walk, the other men doing the same. But when we passed under the arch, we found activity in the courtyard. There were people about, and someone busy saddling a horse, but this was no hunting party as on the last occasion I was here. It looked more like a scene of disarray, with raised voices, mainly those of women. As we drew rein, Childers at my side, everyone turned to look at us, and a familiar figure hastened forward: the ageing servant I had encountered on the day of the funeral, whose name I now recalled was Matthew.
‘Justice Belstrang, sir…’ he made a hurried bow. ‘Are you come to help us? For God knows, we are sorely in need of it.’
In surprise, I gazed down at him. ‘Why, what has occurred?’
In agitation, his hands clasped together, the old man spoke rapidly. ‘The girls, sir – they are gone. Did you not know?’ Seeing I did not, he added: ‘Mistress Jane and Mistress Alison… their beds were found empty this morning. My master has ridden out already, taking every man he could. Even the youngest stable-boy is about to go.’ He blinked, gazing up at me. ‘I thought you were here to join the search.’
His face was drawn with worry - and I was at once confounded, my purpose dashed. I glanced at Childers, who looked dismayed. What was to be done now?
‘Has anyone an inkling as to why they left?’ I asked. An image came to mind of Jane Cobbett sitting her horse, her anxious face… it was a week ago.
‘It seems not, sir.’ Mournfully, Matthew shook his head. ‘Though Mistress Dowling might.’ I followed his gaze, to see the nurse standing among the handful of servants. I knew she had seen me, though she kept her distance.
‘We must help, sir,’ Childers said. ‘Those girls might be in danger. The more riders there are to scour the country the better, don’t you think?’
I could only consent. The other Thirldon men had eased their mounts forward, awaiting instruction. ‘Yet, if Cobbett and his men are already abroad, we need some direction,’ I said. ‘Or we’ll all end up chasing our own tails.’
I dismounted, and handed Leucippus’ reins to Lockyer. ‘I’ll speak with Mistress Dowling,’ I told Matthew.
‘As you wish, sir.’
The old man moved aside. Leaving my companions, I walked across the cobbles. Servants, maids and kitchen wenches moved away as I approached the nurse. There was no performance from her this time, as at the inquest: she looked taut, even nervous.
‘Have you any notion of where they might go, Mistress?’ I asked, without preamble.
She hesitated, then: ‘I have not, sir.’
‘Truly?’ I fixed my eyes upon hers. ‘You, who know your charges better than anyone?’
She shook her head. ‘A prank, perhaps, or a silly game…’
‘Somehow I doubt that,’ I broke in.
‘Well…’ she drew herself to full height. ‘Whatever the case, we achieve nothing by standing here,’ she said frostily. ‘I’m no great horsewoman, or I would go out myself. Whereas you and your guards…’ her face grew hard. ‘For that is how you appear,’ she added. ‘I would wonder at your purpose, had I not more pressing concerns ju
st now.’
‘Then I won’t detain you further,’ I said, reining in my displeasure at her insolence. ‘And should your master return before I do, I pray you tell him that I came to his aid, as I would that of any neighbour in difficulty.’
I turned away – but almost at once, felt a tug on my sleeve.
‘Master Belstrang…’
I looked round sharply, and was struck by the sudden change in her manner. There was more than anxiety in her expression: to my surprise, there was fear.
‘He… I know my master would thank you,’ she said, avoiding my gaze. ‘We want nothing other than the safe return of his daughters, as quickly as can be.’
I waited for her to meet my eye; but when she would not, I gave a brief nod and walked back to my party.
The search lasted the entire day, yet brought no result.
At first, after conferring briefly, we had split up and ridden off in pairs: Childers and myself, Elkins with one of the gardeners, Lockyer with the other. Elkins would go east as far as Norton, Lockyer southwards to Kempsey and beyond, as far as Clevelode. It seemed unlikely that two girls without horses could have got any further. And since it appeared that they had gone during the night, they would have moved slowly. I ordered my people to ride every path, search every copse and hedgerow, every barn and byre, calling at farms along the way. Meanwhile Childers and I would backtrack along the Worcester road, skirting the river bank. If the girls were found they should be taken to Ebbfield, riding double with their finders. To which order, it was Lockyer who had raised a troublesome question.
‘Supposing they don’t want to go home, sir?’
In truth, the thought had already occurred to me. It seemed certain that Cobbett’s daughters had run away, in which case…
‘Bring them to Tait’s Crossing and wait for me,’ I said. ‘We should all meet there, before sunset.’
Whereupon we had parted, though without much hope on my part. I had a notion Jane Cobbett would have expected a search, and taken steps to thwart it.
Thereafter, the day wore on as Childers and I rode up and down, seeking any trace of the missing girls. We stopped at cottages, questioned travellers and drovers, without success. Twice we encountered Cobbett’s mounted servants on the same mission. I spoke to one of them, though his manner was brusque, and he would only say that they had found no sign.
The Witching Pool: A Justice Belstrang Mystery (Justice Belstrang Mysteries Book 2) Page 12