Devilʼs Brew: The Janna Chronicles 5

by Felicity Pulman

  Janna’s usual welcoming smile, as she noticed a new customer, turned into a broad grin and a shout of delight when she recognized Ulf. The relic seller had come into the tavern, sat down, and deposited his heavy pack beside his stool before she noticed him, and his cry of delight echoed her own.

  “Janna! I thought I’d never see you again!” He jumped up to embrace her, and they exchanged delighted hugs. He pushed her away then, and studied her closely.

  “I looked for you everywhere on that last terrible day,” he said. “Mistress Sybil said you’d run away, that you’d left the night before. She thought you were being chased, although she wasn’t sure why. I feared the worst when I couldn’t find you afterward. What happened to you?”

  “I ran to the cathedral and found sanctuary there.” Janna held up her hand as his lips framed a question. “It’s a long story,” she said quickly, “and I’ll tell you about it some other time. I stayed in the cathedral until it was safe to come out, but when we heard what was happening outside I feared the worst for you!” She shivered at the memory. “However did you manage to escape?”

  “With difficulty.” Ulf grimaced. “As soon as I realized that the earl’s army was in full flight, I hid in that small copse by the water meadows until nightfall. After I’d given up searching for you, I went south by way of hedgerows and fields, putting as much distance as I could between me and those murderous whoresons. Seeing it was the London militia causing the destruction here, I decided that London was probably the safest place for me to be through the winter. So I went there by roundabout ways, and that’s where I’ve been until now. I called in to the tavern in the hope of hearing news of you, lass.” He beamed at Janna. “I tell you, I felt sick at heart when I couldn’t find you. I’m right pleased to see you safe.”

  “And I to see you,” Janna assured him. She looked about in sudden concern. “Where’s Brutus?”

  “Outside.” Ulf grinned at her. “There’s such a maddle in here, I thought he’d have all the tables and stools knocked over if I brought him in. I’ve left him tied up with the horses.”

  “Poor Brutus. I’ll give you some bread and gravy to take out to him to make up for it.” Janna gestured at a stool. “Sit down, and I’ll pour you some ale. No charge! And I’ll come back for a few words as soon as I have a moment to spare.”

  Smiling broadly, she filled a mug and brought it to him, then set about serving the other customers who were flocking in, attracted by the sight of the green bush and the sound of the ringing bell. There were more customers than usual this day, for summer was at its height and the days were hot and long. It took her and Sybil some time to get to everyone, fill their mugs, take their orders, and bring trenchers of food to their tables. Janna looked around, content. The tavern was busy, the customers were happy, and now Ulf had come back. All it needed to make everything perfect was for her father to walk in!

  Automatically, Janna’s gaze flicked to the door. But if her father came, how would she know him? Would she feel some unconscious affinity to this man, her closest kin? She studied the crowd, testing her reaction to every man of middle age, anyone who might fit her father’s description. But no-one caught her eye, nor did she feel any frisson of connection.

  She glanced at Ulf, and felt a surge of hope. She had another pair of eyes to help her keep watch now. If her father, or his steward, came to rebuild the estate, they would be waiting for him.

  *

  It seemed that good fortune continued to smile on Janna. As she looked up from serving a customer a few days later, she saw Hugh coming through the door of the tavern. Light-headed with relief, she hurried to meet him. “What a pleasure to see you, my lord!” she said, and then noticed the boy following behind Hugh. “And your cousin with you!” She cast an anxious glance around for Godric.

  “Janna!” Hamo had grown taller since Janna had last seen him, but he was still young enough to throw his arms around her in uninhibited delight. She hugged him in return, all the while conscious of her ale-splashed apron and homespun tunic. But Hamo seemed unconcerned, his face beaming with joy at the sight of her.

  “I am pleased to see you too, Johanna,” Hugh said, his own face relaxing into a relieved smile. “I’ve been worried about you since the last time we met. Please believe me, I tried to prevent…but I couldn’t…er…” He shot a concerned glance at Hamo, and Janna at once understood.

  “I managed to evade them and reach sanctuary in the cathedral, my lord. I stayed there throughout the…trouble. But what happened to you? And to Godric? Is he safe too?”

  “Quite safe, yes. He chased after…er…and I found out later that he’d tackled him and knocked him out, so we knew you’d got away. Godric told me later that he’d lost sight of you once he’d brought…er…down, but he stayed on in Winchestre for several days, avoiding the king’s troops while he searched for you. It was only after he found no sign of you that he finally came to join us at Tuiforde. We supposed you’d realized from my warning what was about to happen and that you’d managed to flee Winchestre in time. For my part, I knew the earl’s retreat would turn into a hopeless rout. Being concerned for Hamo’s safety should the fighting spread, I left under cover of darkness and travelled across fields and roundabout ways to Sire Geoffrey’s estate.” Hugh’s air of bravado couldn’t quite hide the shame lurking underneath, although Janna understood perfectly why he’d acted as he did. She wondered also how things stood now between Hugh and his betrothed.

  “Have you been staying there ever since?” she asked.

  “No.” Hugh shook his head. “As soon as it was safe to do so, we took Hamo home to his mother. And delighted she was to see him too! I thought I’d never hear the end of her scolding, taking him into danger as I had.”

  “Mama worries too much,” Hamo piped up.

  Hugh ruffled his hair affectionately. “Yes, she does,” he agreed. “But with good reason, on this occasion.”

  “I thought it was Dame Alice’s own suggestion that you go courting and that Hamo accompany you.”

  “So it was. But I got the blame for not bringing him home as soon as the troubles started.”

  “And I was only allowed to come back here with Hugh because I gave Mama no peace until she agreed to give me leave.” Hamo grinned broadly at Janna, looking mightily pleased with himself. “Even then, Hugh had to promise Mama that Winchestre was safe again before I was allowed to come.”

  “Is that true, my lord? What news is there of the empress and the king?” Janna had assumed things were quiet because there was nothing to tell. Curious, she looked to Hugh for an answer.

  “The empress and her supporters are safely holed up in the castle at Oxeneford awaiting the earl’s return from Normandy and Anjou, but the king has recovered his health and is busy securing all ports against Robert of Gloucestre. It seems that no-one will be going anywhere for quite some time. God willing, the people of Winchestre may have their fair in peace this year.”

  Janna was surprised by the joy Hugh’s words brought her. Peace, however fragile it might be, was something they all coveted.

  “I thought you’d know all this. I thought you heard everything in here,” Hugh teased.

  Janna smiled openly. “Good news is always welcome,” she said. But there was a more pressing question she needed to ask. “Is Godric here with you?”

  “No. I decided, in view of his good service to me, that I would appoint him my steward. As such, it’s his responsibility to see to the harvesting while I’m here. He wanted to come back with me, but he understands where his duty lies.”

  “Godric’s your steward?” Janna was delighted that he’d risen so high in Hugh’s esteem. She wondered if Godric and Cecily were wed by now, but found she didn’t have the courage to ask the question.

  “Indeed. Godric might be lowborn, but I’ve never had any reason to regret his appointment. He’s strict but fair, and everyone likes him. And he keeps a careful watch over everything. Above all, I trust him to tell me the tru
th. I know he’ll serve me well once I…once we…”

  It was the opening for which Janna had been waiting. “Are you betrothed to Sire Geoffrey’s daughter now, my lord? Are you wed yet?”

  “No, not yet!” Hamo answered for his cousin. “She’s keen but you’re not, are you, Hugh?”

  Janna closed her eyes and wished she could disappear. She’d never have asked the question if she’d realized that Hamo would embarrass Hugh like this.

  There was a short silence. She risked opening one eye, and became aware that Hugh was subjecting her to a keen scrutiny. She flushed uncomfortably under his gaze and looked away. Was that regret she could read in his expression? Was he still having second thoughts about his future plans?

  “I’m afraid Hamo has the truth of it,” Hugh confessed. “We are not yet wed, but Eleanor and I have come to an agreement at last, and her father has consented to the match. She is a good woman, and she loves me and will make me a good wife.”

  And she’ll bring you a fortune. Janna felt rather sorry for Hugh. “So it is decided, then. My congratulations, sire,” she said. “May I wish you every happiness for the future.”

  Hugh dipped his head in acknowledgment. “And you, Johanna?” he asked, seeming eager to change the subject. “Are you any closer to finding your father?”

  “Not yet, my lord.” Janna suddenly resolved to tell him of her search, and what she hoped to prove at the end of it. Now that Hugh’s future with Eleanor was settled, her news could make no difference to his prospects, and he might even be in a position to help her.

  “Why then do you stay in Winchestre if he is not here?”

  Janna took a deep breath. “I have heard he lives in Normandy, but he has property here, and I hope that he may return to it. The estate was burned to the ground during the siege. His steward and servants fled, so there is no-one to ask what his intentions are. But – But I hope that he will return, for the estate appears to be of a good size, and there may be more than one.” Janna remembered the sheaf of accounts she’d seen. “I believe his steward collected and traded a large amount of wool and other produce on his behalf before the troubles began.”

  Hugh’s lips pursed in a silent whistle. “How do you know all this?”

  “I visited the estate and spoke to his steward. I saw the correspondence and the records of his accounts.” Janna paused for a moment. “And I sent him a letter,” she added.

  Hugh’s eyes widened in surprise. “You can read and write?”

  Janna nodded. “I learned how to do so at the abbey. Sister Ursel taught me.”

  Hugh looked impressed. “So you’ve found out who your father is? Who is he, Johanna?”

  Janna hesitated. “My father is John fitz Henry. He’s one of the old king’s bastards,” she said quietly.

  There was an absolute silence. Janna only realized that they were both holding their breath when the silence was broken by the sudden whoosh of air as Hugh exhaled.

  “How do you know that?”

  Janna thought sadly of Ralph, who had found out the truth, although it was Ulf who’d interpreted it for her. “I had my father’s letter to my mother, with his signature. And also his ring, which shows his initial, J for John, with a lion and a crown. I also had a brooch with an inscription.”

  “Had? Where are they now?”

  “They were stolen.” Janna looked into Hugh’s face, searching for any sign of mockery. But there was none. Only the shock of her announcement was reflected there; shock and a growing puzzlement.

  “But how do you know these came from the son of the old king? True, Henry had many illegitimate children. At least twenty, I believe. How do you know your father was one of them?”

  Janna couldn’t blame Hugh for doubting her, nor could she think of any way to convince him she was speaking the truth. “I didn’t know what the ring and the letter meant, not at first. But I met someone who knew of my father and who told me where to find him.” If only Ralph had lived, perhaps her message would have reached her father much sooner. But it was too late for if only, and for regrets. “I also spoke to the sisters at the convent at Ambresberie,” she said steadily. “My mother lived there for a time. The sisters told me that my mother nursed my father back to health after he was taken ill with a fever while out hunting, and that they fell in love.”

  “Just as you looked after me when I was stabbed at the fair at Wiltune?” There was such warmth and regard in Hugh’s voice and expression that Janna had to look away.

  “Even so, my lord.”

  Hugh was silent for a few moments. Sneaking a sideways glance, Janna saw his hands clenched tight and knew his memories of that time were as unsettling as her own.

  He swallowed hard. “So, was your mother a nun at Ambresberie Abbey?”

  “Not a nun, no. Not really. But she was the infirmarian there.” Janna could understand Hugh’s shock and disbelief. Now that she’d put the situation into words, it was hard even for her to believe the truth of it. “And so I’m waiting here for word of my father. I’m waiting for him to come and see to the rebuilding of his estate so that I can introduce myself to him, for he may never have received my letter or know that he has a daughter. I can only hope, without his ring or the letter to prove my case, that he will believe me.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me any of this before?”

  “I held my peace simply because I can no longer prove my claim. I have no way of knowing whether or not my father will accept me for who I am.” Looking at Hugh’s desolate expression as he struggled to come to terms with her news, and an understanding of his loss, Janna wondered if she’d been a fool not to tell him earlier. Yet she’d given Hugh a chance to speak, to say he would take her out of love, that he would forsake everything just to be with her. And he had not. If she had spoken up before, and won him, she would always have wondered if he valued her only for her prospects. Hugh had chosen – but so had she, for Godric would always come first with her no matter what the future might hold.

  There was no sense in dwelling on what might have been. “And what are your plans, my lord? Do you stay now with Sire Geoffrey until you are wed?”

  Hugh nodded. He still seemed to be in a daze. Janna thought he believed her, and knew well that he was having second thoughts about his betrothed. To take his mind off his dilemma, and because she knew she’d have no peace of mind until she knew the answer to the question that nagged her day and night, she summoned up the courage to ask, “What news of Godric, my lord? And…and Cecily?”

  “They’re both well.” Hugh attempted a shaky smile. “Now that Hamo has come to Sire Geoffrey to live in his household, he no longer requires a nurse, but Cecily begged my aunt to let her stay on at my manor. She’s very much in love with Godric and I know she’ll make a good match for him.”

  “Hugh wants them to wed.” Hamo cast a mischievous glance at Janna. “I heard him tell Godric so.”

  “He asked me if that was a request or an order,” Hugh grumbled. “I’ve told him that the marriage will please my aunt, and please me too. I value his stewardship of my land, and once Eleanor and I are married, she will need a companion. Cecily would be perfect for that position. I’m sure he realizes that the marriage is in his and Cecily’s best interests.”

  It was the way of the world, Janna thought bleakly, that marriages should be made for reasons other than love. Just as Hugh’s future had been decided for him, so had Godric’s. She tried to console herself with the thought that Cecily would make a good wife for Godric. Unbidden, the memory of the passionate kiss she’d shared with him came into her mind. She trembled with suppressed emotion. “May I bring you ale and something to eat, my lord?” she offered. “Or wine?” she added hastily.

  Hugh shook his head and sighed heavily. Janna was tempted to put her arm around him and comfort him as once he had comforted her, yet what she most wanted was to run away and not show her face again until they’d both left the tavern.

  “Can I have some ale too, Janna?” Ha
mo asked.

  Janna turned to the boy with some relief. “Of course you may,” she said, and hurried away to fetch a pitcher and a couple of mugs.

  But the shocks and surprises weren’t over, she discovered, when she returned later with the wooden bowls of stew they had ordered. Hugh cast a quick glance at Hamo. The boy had picked up the spoon and fallen on the food with enthusiasm; he was paying no attention to them, and Hugh took the opportunity to beckon Janna closer.

  “I came in the hope that you’d managed to escape the troubles,” he said in a low voice. “I came to see if you were still here, because I need to give you a warning, Johanna.”

  “A warning?”

  “Mus,” he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. “I believe my uncle has sent him to look for you. And I’m afraid, so far as Mus is concerned, that his vendetta has now become personal. He blames you for his incarceration at Sarisberie, you see.”

  “Yes.” Mus had been sent to work the abbey’s farmland while she was staying there. He had come to kill her, but had made the mistake of trying to ravish her before he did so. She had managed to get the better of him, and he had been taken captive and put in prison, his actions judged according to both his crime and his intention. His overlord, Robert of Babestoche, had bought Mus’s freedom, and now it seemed that he’d sent the man to finish what he’d started. After what had happened, Janna felt quite sure that Mus had a personal interest in carrying out his master’s orders.

  “Thank you for the warning, my lord,” she said in a low voice.

  “Mus knows you had employment here and I am sure he’ll return. I had no trouble finding you, and neither will he, although I shall tell him that I’ve made enquiries and you haven’t been seen since the siege began.” Hugh couldn’t keep the concern out of his voice, a concern that Janna shared.

  “Thank you, my lord. I will take care,” she promised. She should be safe enough in the crowded tavern if Mus came in, she thought, at the same time making a mental note not to venture out into the yard without either Ossie or Wat as an escort.