To Sleep No More

by Deryn Lake

  With a sob, Edward opened the door of Stream Farm and the two men went inside.

  *

  Lieutenant Jekyll sat at table in the Barracks, eating a late but excellent supper. Before he had left his post locked in with Kit Jarvis, he had seen to it personally that the smuggler was tied by ropes to a heavy oaken chair, and it had been first Jekyll, and then Rogers, who had personally checked that the great bolts on the door were all shot home. Only then did they feel safe in leaving their prisoner, to eat their first meal of the day.

  To start with conversation had been sparse, as they fell like wolves upon ham, black pudding, sausages, pies and pickles. But now, generously imbibing a vintage port, Rogers said, ‘And where is Mayfield’s gallant Riding Officer, I ask? There has been no sign of him since the prisoner was brought in. What can the fellow be doing?’

  Jekyll, in an unusually expansive and generous mood, answered urbanely, ‘Be fair, Rogers. He was given the task of tracking down Jacob Challice. We specifically told him to leave the smugglers to us.’

  ‘Nonetheless,’ said Rogers truculently, ‘on hearing that we had brought Jarvis in, the least he could do was call and offer congratulations.’

  ‘Perhaps he is not in the village. He has probably followed Challice’s trail to London.’

  ‘Well I don’t like it,’ Rogers mumbled on, ‘I think the fellow is lacking in devotion to duty, so I do.’

  It was at this point that a corporal entered the room and said, ‘Lieutenant Grey to see you, Sir,’ and even before Jekyll’s cry of ‘Come in, come in,’ had left his lips, Nicholas was standing in the doorway.

  ‘So you’re here!’ said Rogers abruptly.

  ‘Yes, as soon as I heard,’ answered Grey, taking the seat to which Jekyll had waved him. ‘Well done. He must have been a difficult fish to land.’

  ‘And you,’ Rogers went on unpleasantly. ‘Was your quest concluded? Do you have Challice under arrest?’

  ‘I’m afraid not, Sir. I followed him as far as the City and there his trail grew cold. It is my opinion that Challice has returned to Norfolk.’

  ‘Really?’ said Rogers caustically. ‘How interesting!’

  Grey lost colour and Jekyll thought how ill he looked, strained and not at all the handsome sensitive man he had been when first they met.

  ‘You seem exhausted,’ he said, half wondering at himself that he was being so kind. ‘I suggest you go home and have a good night’s sleep, for tomorrow we shall need your help.’

  ‘Tomorrow?’ Grey repeated blankly.

  ‘We are taking Jarvis to Horsham under armed guard. We must have every outrider we can get. It is my opinion that the smugglers, under the leadership of young Edward, will try to rescue him.’

  ‘What do you want me to do?’

  ‘Be here at daybreak. We shall ride then.’ Jekyll’s tone altered and, briefly, Nicholas had a sense of sympathy with him. ‘We must get him this time. He has cocked a snoot at all of us for so long. Surely it is the time for the tide to turn.’

  ‘I will do all I can to help,’ said Grey, his mobile features haggard. ‘Would you prefer that I spent the night here in order to be on call?’

  Jekyll paused — and fate hung in the balance for a moment. Then he said, ‘No, there’s little room and you look as if you need some rest. But be here early. I want Jarvis safely behind bars before the heat of the day comes up.’

  Lieutenant Grey stood up, and once again Jekyll thought he looked fit to drop. ‘Go on, lad. Go on,’ he said gruffly. ‘We’ll see you at first light. Don’t be late.’

  Nicholas gave a fleeting smile and left the room, pausing only to put on his cloak before he stepped out into a night that had, at last, grown mercifully cool.

  ‘How much more,’ he thought, ‘must I endure of this charade?’

  The sudden sound of cartwheels coming towards him, faint yet somehow persistent, sent Nicholas scurrying into the shadow of a vast horsechestnut-tree. Afterwards he knew that it was providence that made him hide there like a conspirator, watching as the cart halted before the door of the Barracks and a woman slowly climbed out.

  The light from the lantern hanging outside the door fell fully on her face, and Nicholas gasped silently. It was Lizzie Pearce, in her hand one of the posters offering a reward for information leading to the capture of Jacob Challice, dead or alive.

  *

  The highwayman lay half awake, lying on his back, his hands beneath his head, looking at all the countless stars beyond the thatch above him.

  ‘On the day after tomorrow,’ he thought, ‘all this unendurable waiting will be over and it will be safe to leave. If only it could be tonight — and Henrietta and Nicholas were with me.’

  He slept a little, dreaming that he wandered in the ruined cottage by the pond beneath Bainden, finding a ring there that had once belonged to Marcus Flaviel. Then a distant thudding brought Jacob back to consciousness, and hurrying down through the heart of Lizzie’s silent and empty home, he realised the banging was on her front door and cautiously went to stand behind it.

  ‘Who’s there?’ he called softly, only to hear Nicholas say, ‘Jacob, for God’s sake let me in. There isn’t a moment to lose. Lizzie has been to see Jekyll.’

  Challice heaved at the locks, shooting them fast again as his friend, gasping and perspiring, stepped inside.

  ‘What has happened? Tell me of it.’

  ‘I was leaving the Barracks and saw Lizzie Pearce as she arrived. She had a reward poster in her hand. She will betray both of us, Jacob — and probably Henrietta as well. You must leave here immediately.’ He paused, and then added a little more slowly, ‘I will bring Henrietta to you tomorrow. Then you must both make at once for Deal.’

  ‘But what about you?’ said Jacob, taking his friend by the arm. ‘What do you intend to do?’

  ‘Lie low somewhere near here. Jekyll and Rogers are bound to come looking for you. It is my intention to draw them away, set a false trail. You and Henrietta must have time at least to get to Rye. Then you can pick up a boat — any boat, fisherman’s, smuggler’s — and go round the coast.’

  ‘But when will you join us?’

  ‘As soon as I can. You can be assured of that, Jacob.’ They embraced each other silently, kissing one another upon the cheek. Then they proceeded to more mundane things, hurriedly packing up Jacob’s few clothes, hiding his worldly goods and money within his saddlebags, and checking that no clues as to his being there were left in that hot and stifling little room.

  ‘Where shall I hide tonight?’ said Jacob, as at last they left the cottage and rode through a vast and enigmatical night.

  ‘In that ruined cottage beneath Bainden. Do you know it?’

  ‘Know it? I’ve just dreamed of it.’

  ‘Then perhaps it is an omen. Go there, Jacob, and tomorrow I will bring Henrietta to you.’

  The highwayman wheeled his horse to look at his friend beneath the canopy of stars. ‘Come to us soon, Nicholas,’ he said. ‘None of us will ever get very far without the other two.’

  Nicholas smiled in the starlight. ‘I’ll come to you whatever happens.’ Then he wheeled his horse. ‘Till death — and beyond,’ he said, and then galloped away into the darkness.

  *

  Jekyll started his journey to Horsham as soon as it was light enough for the men to see their way. There was no question of waiting for Grey to join them now that Lizzie Pearce had told him the truth; in fact the great dilemma that he and John Rogers faced was what to do next. Should they get their prisoner to Horsham and return to arrest Challice and the lieutenant, or should they keep Jarvis in the Barracks and make sure of capturing the other two? In the end, with the fear of a rescue bid at hand, they decided to get Jarvis into the county gaol as quickly as possible and return for the others immediately Kit was under lock and key.

  It was a misty morning, yet in the pale light blue of the sky a milky moon could still be glimpsed, while its brother sun was already a fierce golden ball pro
claiming yet another glorious day.

  The procession rode as before, the cart bearing the manacled Kit still in its midst. This morning, however, Jekyll had taken the precaution of placing two extra men in with him, heavily armed and with orders to shoot the smuggler if they came under fierce attack. And to boost the contingent to full strength, the Jarretts, carrying with them warrants issued by Justices of the Peace, rode beside Rogers at the head.

  The party passed easily through Mayfield and out on to the Horsham road, but it was as they were nearing Cross in Hand that Jekyll suddenly stiffened. He was certain that behind them, muffled by the sound of their own horses’ feet, had come the pounding of hooves.

  ‘Halt, and prepare to defend yourselves,’ he called.

  They closed ranks tightly just as four men — a pitiful little number ranged against that large and well-armed party — came out of the trees. Despite their masks, Edward Jarvis was immediately recognisable by his diamond earring. He seemed almost hell-bent on suicide for he headed straight for Jarrett, shouting wildly as he came.

  ‘Open fire,’ shouted Jekyll, drawing his own weapon and taking aim at a heavily masked man wearing a dark cloak. There was a return burst but the lieutenant saw that he had drawn blood, for the man gave a cry of pain and dropped his pistol.

  From the cart, Kit had started to shout. ‘It’s hopeless Ted. You’re outnumbered. Withdraw. There’s no point in us all getting killed.’

  ‘I can’t leave you,’ came the frantic reply.

  For a second there was something of the old gleam in the smuggler’s wild blue eyes. ‘I’m not done for yet. There’s a long way to go before I dance on the rope. Now be off, while you’ve still the chance.’

  ‘After ’em lads,’ shouted Jekyll as the four rescuers wheeled round and headed back into the protection of the trees. ‘Let’s catch all the bastards if we can.’

  Kit laughed disconcertingly. ‘That you’ll never do, Lieutenant Jekyll. The day won’t come when the Jarvis brothers give in. You’ll be hearing a great deal more about us, mark what I say.’

  ‘Fine words from a cock sparrow,’ answered the lieutenant, starting his party on the move again. ‘Let’s hear your song when you nest in Horsham Gaol.’

  ‘Aye, you’ll hear it,’ said Kit. ‘You’ll hear it well — until the bird finally decides to fly.’

  *

  At ten o’clock the breakfast gong sounded in the palace and the various members of the family appeared to congregate in the breakfast room, with its small tables and posies of freshly picked flowers and golden early sun. George and Philadelphia, who had taken a leisurely stroll in the grounds, were the first to arrive, followed by Thomas, superbly dressed and wearing the very latest style of cravat. Lucy bustled in from interviewing a new housekeeper, and old Squire Baker came in on the arm of a servant, ready for another day of argument.

  They took their seats, and coffee and tea with thick rich cream were brought in. Noticing that there were two people absent — Henrietta and Nizel — Lucy delayed the serving of food, only permitting the toast to be fetched.

  ‘Henrietta has gone riding, I take it?’ she said.

  Philadelphia giggled wildly. ‘I think she is having an affair of the heart, Lucy.’ Despite George’s efforts to hush her, she persisted. ‘As George and I took a turn round the lake this morning we saw her meet Lieutenant Grey. They went off together. It is very romantic, isn’t it?’

  ‘No,’ said Lucy, ‘it is very unsuitable. Oh dear, oh dear.’

  All their heads turned hopefully as the door opened but it was only Nizel, badly out of breath and sweating profusely. Mumbling an apology he took his place at the table.

  Lucy turned to him rather crossly. ‘Where have you been to get into such a state? You are not fit to sit at table with civilised folk.’

  He went crimson. ‘I was miles away painting when I heard the gong. I had to run to get here in time.’

  He went to pick up his knife and Lucy saw him wince in pain. ‘What is the matter with you, Nizel?’ she went on. ‘You are not entirely yourself this morning.’

  ‘I cut my hand while I was out.’

  ‘Well, I shall dress it for you after breakfast. Unless it is very bad, in which case I shall see to it now.’

  ‘Oh no,’ said Nizel. ‘It’s only a flesh wound. It can wait.’

  He picked up his cup with shaking fingers and all the family watched in horror as drops of red blood spilled onto the crisp white tablecloth.

  ‘Oh Nizel!’ said Lucy. ‘Whatever have you been up to?’

  He smiled embarrassedly. ‘Nothing out of the ordinary,’ he answered. ‘I can truly say it was nothing out of the ordinary at all.’

  *

  As they came to the track that led down from Bainden to the little lake with the ruined cottage beside it, Nicholas drew to a halt, and Henrietta reined in as well.

  ‘Why are you stopping?’ she said.

  ‘Because I’m going to leave you here.’

  ‘You’re not coming down to say farewell to Jacob?’

  ‘I took my leave of him last night. And beside, dearest Henrietta, I would rather say goodbye to you while we are alone. Will you dismount for a moment?’

  ‘Of course.’

  He slipped from the saddle and held his arms up for her and she slid into them and remained there, putting her hands behind his neck and drawing him close.

  ‘Why don’t you come with us now?’ she said. ‘I am sure it is dangerous for you to remain.’

  ‘Not really. I shall lead Jekyll and Rogers off on a wild goose chase and then, when I have lost them, make straight for Deal. It will give you the head start you need, Henrietta.’

  ‘But you might miss the ship.’

  ‘Then I shall follow on the next. I’ll find you wherever you are.’

  ‘But the American Colonies are vast.’

  ‘Jacob said he would make for Virginia, so I shall also.’

  ‘I don’t like it, my darling. I do not think the three of us should separate.’

  ‘I love you so much that I could never leave you, you must believe that.’

  They embraced, exchanging a kiss that said everything, letting the other know how deeply they felt.

  ‘If only I had been your lover,’ said Nicholas, as they drew apart.

  Henrietta smiled. ‘Perhaps you once were but we can no longer remember.’

  ‘Perhaps. Now go to Jacob. I shall watch to see you meet him safely.’

  He lifted her into the saddle again and once more Henrietta bent to kiss him. ‘You will never leave us, will you?’ she said.

  ‘Never,’ came the whispered reply, as she galloped away.

  *

  At the time when they would normally have sat down to dine, Lieutenant Jekyll and John Rogers had the enormous satisfaction of seeing the gates of Horsham Gaol swing to behind the departing figure of Kit Jarvis.

  ‘Got ’im,’ said Rogers, rubbing his hands.

  ‘Got him indeed. But there’s more work ahead. I suggest we leave at once for Mayfield.’

  ‘Perhaps the birds have already flown the nest.’

  ‘I doubt it. With a price on his head Challice would be very wary of travelling by daylight. I think they’ll make a run for it by night.’

  Rogers pulled at his bottom lip reflectively. ‘What do you reckon to that story of Mother Pearce’s that they’ve got a woman with them?’

  ‘I don’t know. She seemed emphatic that a doxie called on Challice a night or two ago, and that Grey knew her. Rum, isn’t it?’

  ‘Rum as hell,’ answered Rogers. ‘But I’ll say one thing.’

  ‘What’s that?’

  ‘If they’ve got a woman in tow it will slow them down.’

  Grinning at one another, the bounty hunters mounted their horses. ‘Straight to Coggins Mill?’ asked Rogers. ‘Or do we go to the Barracks first?’

  ‘Straight to Coggins Mill. We’ll surround the house as we did with young Jarvis — but this time we
shoot to kill.’

  ‘You think we should finish Challice off?’

  ‘The reward said dead or alive, my dear John. No further comment is necessary I would have thought.’

  Jekyll turned to the weary troop of Grenadiers. ‘All right lads, this is the final push. Two more villains to get into the net — and then it’s leave for the lot of you.’

  There was a feeble cheer as the little cavalcade took off. ‘And what about Grey?’ asked Rogers, as he rode. ‘You’re not going to kill him as well?’

  ‘And get myself into trouble? Indeed no. No, it will be far more fun to see him sent for court martial and transportation.’

  The relentlessly burnished day reached its peak, and by the time the party reached Five Ashes was past its best, the fading light seeming overblown and rather inclined to dust.

  It was then that Jekyll announced that he had changed his mind, that they would go to the Barracks and pick up reinforcements to hide on the banks above the smugglers’ road. Accordingly the group broke left to Fir Toll and, by the time the other dragoons had joined them, the day grew cold and dull as the light began finally to die.

  It was a very strange evening, Jekyll thought, for, as if the villagers knew there was something afoot, nobody stirred along the central thoroughfare. He had never seen Mayfield quite so quiet or quite so deserted and, as the posse turned down Fletching Street, the feeling was endorsed. Not a soul moved anywhere.

  They turned left to Coggins Mill and Jekyll saw his first glimpse of life. A pure white cat with eyes of vivid blue sat in the middle of the track, washing its face with a long skinny paw. It turned to look at them as the group approached, then got up and walked disdainfully away.

  Going down the hill, Jekyll raised his hand to bring his party to a halt.

  ‘This is where we split up,’ he said. ‘I shall go down the smugglers’ road with Mr Rogers. I want six of you lads to surround the house, and the rest of you fan out along the track and the smugglers’ way. Keep yourselves well hidden. If Challice fires at any of you, shoot to kill. If Lieutenant Grey does likewise, only wound. Jenkins, you can call them out.’