Sir James asked Harry how much he owed for the horses. They were to leave them at Grantham to be collected, for it was expected they could hire more horses there. Harry named a modest sum, and Sir James took a handful of gold out of his pocket.
'There is also what you have provided for us,' he said, holding several coins out to Harry, but the man shook his head vehemently.
'I would do as much for any Royalist,' he said, 'had I the chance, and I'll be offended if you insist on offering payment.'
Sir James did not make the mistake of arguing, and left just the sum for the hire of the horses. He and Lysbeth mounted and set off, turning to wave at their good friends, until a bend in the lane took them out of view.
They were able to hire more horses at Grantham, and made good progress for the next few days. They found accommodation at inns along the way. Occasionally they met small troops of Parliamentarians, but little notice was taken of them, apart from many admiring looks at Lysbeth, and their fears gradually receded, though they took care not to draw attention to themselves when the soldiers were around.
Lysbcth was heartily glad of Sir James's protection, for she now realised full well that without him she would have been subject to unpleasant advances by the soldiers.
After a quiet journey they arrived at the Wades' house in the middle of the afternoon. As they rode through the gates, Lysbeth stared round at the damage which had been caused by the Parliamentarians, and wondered that more of it had not been set to rights.
'It must have been worse than I thought,' she commented to Sir James, 'for Uncle John would never have left it in this state unless there were more urgent things to do.'
They went on along the drive, now overgrown with weeds, and rode round the side of the house into the stableyard. It was ominously quiet. There was no sound from the stables, where normally the stamping and whickering of the horses were continuous. There was no one about. With a puzzled glance at Sir James, Lysbeth dismounted and ran across to the door which led into the kitchen. She lifted the latch and pushed, for normally in the daytime this door was unbarred, but this time it did not give to her push. She moved to peer in at the windows, and came back to Sir James shaking her head.
'There can be no one in. There is no fire, and everything is tidied away, as it would not be if people were working here '
'Mayhap your uncle has returned to Lincolnshire.'
'That would be odd. Why are there no servants here? And surely there has been time for him to set the house to rights and bring Aunt Mary home? It does not look uninhabitable. And the kitchen is clean and tidy. Someone has been here since the troopers. But why are they not here now?'
'Let us ride to the village and enquire. Many of the servants must have lived there.'
'Yes, that is best.' Lysbeth mounted again quickly, and they retraced their steps down the drive.
In the village, Lysbeth made for the inn, and after handing their horses to the ostler, she led the way into the parlour, where the landlord greeted her with pleasure and surprise.
'Why, Mistress Lysbeth, what brings you here?'
'Good day, Jarvis,' she answered. 'Where is my uncle? Do you know what has happened? Why is the house deserted?'
'Mistress, did you not know?'
'Know what? I have been away. I have had no news,' she explained. 'What is the matter?'
' 'Twas your aunt. The shock of what happened to the house caused her to be ill.'
'Ill?' Lysbeth asked, in sudden apprehension, and instinctively held out her hand to Sir James, who clasped it firmly.
'She is not seriously ill,' the landlord said quickly, realising Lysbeth's fears, 'but your uncle has shut the house and taken her to his daughter's house. She intends to stay there for some months.'
'But the house? Is my uncle leaving it like that?'
'No. He had been busy, and he has made arrangements for repairs to be set in motion, but he left with your aunt only three days ago, and preferred to be here to supervise the work himself, so he sent everyone away for a few days, till he returns.'
'A few days! Know you exactly when?'
'No, Mistress Lysbeth. He said it would depend on how your aunt did, as he would not leave her if she became worse.'
Lysbeth looked at Sir James in some dismay. 'What shall I do?'
'We can think of that tomorrow,' he said to her, then turned to the landlord. 'Can you give us rooms for the night?'
The man nodded.
'Then bring us wine while they are being prepared. Have you a private room?'
'Aye, Sir. This way, if you please.'
He led the way upstairs to a small room overlooking the road, and Lysbeth thankfully took off her cloak and sat down. ' I cannot ask you to escort me all the way to my cousin's,' she said worriedly.
'Do not be concerned about that. We will leave it till tomorrow.'
'Perhaps Uncle John will be back soon. I could stay here.'
'That would be unwise.'
'But I have delayed you overmuch already. You wish to rejoin the King.'
'That can wait,' Sir James said calmly. 'It will take His Majesty time to reorganise, and though I flatter myself I am indispensable, mayhap he can do without me for a while.'
'This is most unfortunate.'
At that moment a maidservant entered with wine, and Sir James poured a glass and carried it over to Lysbeth.
'Here, drink this. 'Twill restore your spirits.'
She smiled at him wanly, then drank the wine and sat silently, puzzling over this new dilemma. Sir James excused himself and went down to talk to the landlord and learn more of the situation regarding Mr and Mistress Wade, and also the political situation, and the whereabouts of the various troops.
While he was questioning the man, who was able to give him little information, there was the sound of another arrival in the yard, and soon a young man, dressed in Parliamentary uniform, walked into the taproom where they were.
*
'Good day, Jarvis,' he said cheerfully, and bowed to Sir James, who had discarded his rustic clothes and purchased some more suited to a gentleman.
'Good day to you, Sir.'
'Why, good day, Mr Bridges. We did not expect you back so soon.'
'I had some unexpected leave, and decided to come here before travelling home. How is Mistress Wade?'
The landlord shook his head. 'She was worse than when you were last here. I have been telling this gentleman, who has also been inquiring for them, Mr Wade took his good lady down to his daughter's in Oxfordshire, and we know not when he will return.'
Mr Bridges looked somewhat put out at this intelligence.
'Oh, 'tis a pity. But I will put up here for the night.'
'Aye, Sir.'
The landlord turned away and shouted orders through a doorway leading into the kitchen, then he came back towards Tom.
'Mistress Lysbeth has just arrived with this gentleman,' he volunteered. 'She is puzzled as to what to do.'
'Lysbeth?' Tom queried in surprise. 'With you, Sir? May I ask how she comes to be in your company?'
Sir James narrowed his eyes at the haughty tone in Tom's voice. 'And what is it to you, Sir?'
'Mistress Lysbeth is an old friend of mine. My father's lands are close to those of her family. I have known her since she was born.'
Sir James's face relaxed. 'I cannot claim that pleasure,' he smiled at the other man. 'I am Sir James Howard. I have known Arthur well for some years. Did you know he had been killed at Naseby?'
Tom shook his head.
'He was mortally wounded in Prince Rupert's charge, and died a few hours later.'
'And Lysbeth?' Tom looked at him narrowly.
'I promised Arthur to escort Lysbeth here if aught happened to him.'
'It is three weeks since Naseby,' Tom interrupted quickly.
'Aye.' Sir James smiled slightly. 'I was wounded too, and could not travel immediately. Besides, we had to hide from your comrades.'
Tom nodded, accepting
this matter of factly.
'Poor Lysbeth, she is all alone now. But you may safely resign her care to me. I thank you, on behalf of her aunt and uncle, as well as for myself, for your care of her, Sir.'
Sir James raised his eyebrows. 'You propose to escort her to Oxfordshire?'
Tom shook his head slowly. 'I think not. Her aunt is not fit to take charge of her. I will take her to my mother. 'Tis nearer, and she will be back in her own country. Besides, there are other reasons – ' He paused in confusion, and blushed. Sir James, who suddenly guessed at what was in his mind, decided to take pity on him, for he looked young and vulnerable.
'We will ask her. Come up to our parlour.' Sir James turned and led the way out of the room and up the stairs, and Tom, eagerly enough, followed him and was hard on his heels when he stepped into the room he had hired for Lysbeth.
She was sitting where he had left her, and scarcely looked up when the door opened, but when Tom spoke she came to her feet with a startled yet glad cry.
'Lysbeth ! I am sorry your homecoming is so strange.'
'Tom! Why, what do you here? Oh, Tom!'
Lysbeth ran across the room to him and clasped his hands, and stood there looking at him, the pleasure at the meeting most obvious in her face. Tom smiled down at her.
' 'Tis all right now. I am going to relieve Sir James of his guardianship. I am going to take you to my home. Mother will welcome you, and 'twould be better than bothering your aunt at such a time.'
'Tom, is she really ill?'
'Jarvis says she is worse than when I last saw her, and she was far from well then.'
'Perhaps I ought to go to her. I could help to nurse her. Tom, would you escort me there?'
'Methinks she would worry more about you if you were there. If she knows you are with my mother there will be nought for her to be concerned about.'
Lysbeth nodded slowly. 'Mayhap you are right. Tom, can we start tomorrow?'
Tom nodded, and she released his hands and turned towards Sir James, who had seated himself some distance away.
'Is this not fortunate?' she asked. 'Now you can be relieved of my care, and Tom will look after me. Are you not pleased?' He was frowning. 'But, Sir James, I thought it irked you to look after me? You did not wish it, and were merely carrying out your promise to Arthur. Now that Tom is here all is different. I am in safe hands. I have known Tom for ever.'
Sir James smiled suddenly. 'If that is what you wish, Lysbeth, then so be it. I would have escorted you willingly to your aunt, but if you both think this other plan is better, then I will agree to it.'
Lysbeth smiled brilliantly at him, and turned back to Tom, asking anxiously after mutual friends. They tried when they remembered to include Sir James in the conversation, but most of the time they were exchanging news or reminiscing about their childhood. Sir James watched thoughtfully, and unobtrusively studied Tom. He was a large handsome man, already with a hint of pompousness, but this could be due to his youth and inexperience. He was obviously very attracted to Lysbeth, and she seemed delighted to be with him. Sir James wondered how, if they married, they would deal together.
On the following morning, they broke fast together early, as Tom intended to do the major part of the journey in the first day. Lysbeth was very quiet this morning, and Sir James and Tom conversed sporadically, both avoiding the topic of the war, and both unable to think of many other subjects of conversation. When they had finished, Tom went out to the stables to see to the horses, and Sir James turned to Lysbeth.
'I feel disturbed our journey should end so. I have not delivered you to your aunt. It is well, you think? Do you wish me to accompany you further? I will gladly come with you to this young man's home, if you wish.'
'I shall be safe enough with Tom,' she said, smiling at him.
'I can see that,' Sir James answered. 'Well, 'tis goodbye. I thank you, Lysbeth, for your help and companionship.'
'And you too. It has been such a strange time, since the battle.' She held out her hands to him. 'Something I will remember always. Now I wish you well.'
'And I you.'
'Mayhap we shall meet again sometime.'
'If you are with a Parliamentary family, methinks that is unlikely, but who knows? Fate plays some strange tricks.'
He held her hands tightly, and pulled her close to him so that he was looking deep into her eyes. 'Goodbye, Lysbeth. Fare well.'
She tried to smile, but it was a very trembling attempt, and she suddenly dropped her eyes in confusion, and pulled her hands away from his grasp. He released her immediately, and she busied herself with fastening her cloak. Fortunately at that moment Tom returned, and they all went down to the stableyard, where Tom helped Lysbeth to mount before he sprang on to his own horse.
'My thanks to you, Sir James. Though we are on opposite sides, I wish you well.'
Sir James inclined his head. 'My good wishes also, Mr Bridges,' he replied, and stood there waving as they clattered out of the yard.
He moved to the entrance and watched them as they cantered along the road until a bend hid them from sight. Then he slowly made his way back into the inn, paid his reckoning and set off himself towards Wales, where he had last heard of the King.
*
Chapter 12
The journey into Lancashire was uneventful, and Lysbeth and Tom completed it quickly. Lysbeth told Tom much about her adventures since the battle of Naseby, but for some reason she could not fully explain to herself, she dwelt but lightly on the time she and Sir James had been alone together. She had noticed Tom's tendency to frown whenever Sir James was mentioned, and she avoided talking of him as much as possible. Reaching Tom's home, she was welcomed effusively by his parents.
'Why, Lysbeth, you poor little thing! How sensible of Tom to bring you here. You must stay a long time. We will look after you. 'Tis better for you to be here than at your aunt's.'
Mistress Bridges fussed round her, and Lysbeth revelled in the comfort of a well-appointed house after her weeks of adventure. She gradually settled into the routine. Tom paid frequent visits home, and life was so placid and uneventful that Lysbeth looked forward eagerly to these visits. She had written to her aunt to let them know where she was, and received back the welcome news that her aunt was regaining her strength, but was glad she was in good hands for the time being. No plans were made for Lysbeth's return to Yorkshire. Her uncle wrote that he was taking the opportunity to have many alterations made to the house, and it would be some months before it would be truly habitable again, so Aunt Mary was staying in Oxfordshire with her daughter for the time. It was assumed by everyone that Lysbeth would remain where she was, and she was content, enjoying riding round her old haunts, though she carefully avoided her own home, having no wish to view the ruins of it.
About a month after Lysbeth had first arrived, Tom came on one of his flying visits. They rode up on to the moors, but as it was a hot sultry day, they rode slowly, and Lysbeth gladly agreed when Tom suggested that they rest under the shade of some trees. Tethering the horses, they sat down on the turf and chatted desultorily about unimportant topics. There were long but companionable silences. Lysbeth was sitting pensively gazing across the valley in front of her when she was startled to feel Tom's hand over her own as it lay on the grass. She turned quickly to look at him.
'Lysbeth, my dear, I have not wished to bother you too soon, but do you remember what I asked some time ago, before the disaster at your uncle's house?'
Lysbeth nodded a little breathlessly.
'Have you thought on't? Could you marry me, dear Lysbeth ?'
'I – forgive me, Tom. So much has happened, I have not thought much on it.'
He looked disappointed. 'I had hoped, but it matters not. Will you consider it now? I love you, Lysbeth, and now you have lost all your family, if you can accept my proposal we could be married speedily, and I would have the right to care for you. I would try to make up to you for the hurts you have suffered.'
She smiled at him som
ewhat tremulously. 'You are kind, Tom. I will think on it, I promise.'
'I shall be here for three more days. Could you possibly decide by then?'
Lysbeth paused, then nodded slowly. Tom picked up the hand that he held imprisoned under his.
'Lysbeth, my dear, please let it be yes. I have loved you for so long.'
Shc looked down in confusion, and he released her hand, beginning to talk after a few moments of other things. They soon returned home, and Tom did not again broach the subject, but Lysbeth thought continuously of it. She liked Tom, she had always found him a pleasant companion, but she felt unsure of herself, and wished there was someone she could confide in. But there was no help available, and on Tom's last day she knew that, in fairness to him, she would have to give him her answer.
All day she worried over it, sometimes deciding she would be very happy with Tom, and at others terrified at the thought of marrying him. By supper-time she had decided what her answer must be, and when Tom drew her out into the garden for a walk after the meal was finished, she was calm. They walked down the path towards the kitchen gardens, and when they were out of sight of the house, behind some trees, Tom stopped and turned towards her.
'Have you an answer, Lysbeth?' he asked anxiously. She looked up at him, and for a moment could not speak, then the worried look in his eyes, the almost pathetic anxiety that her answer should be favourable, suddenly warmed her heart. She nodded.
'Yes, Tom,' she whispered. 'I will marry you.'
He pulled her to him, and putting his arms round her held her closely for a moment.
'Thank you, my dear,' he whispered, and bent his head to kiss her on the lips. Lysbeth closed her eyes, and wondered if she had been right. The kiss lasted a long time, and Lysbeth was breathless when Tom finally released her.
'Let us go and tell my parents,' he said, and she nodded, smiling. Hand in hand, they went back along the path, and walked into the parlour where Tom's parents were sitting.
'Lysbeth has promised to be my wife,' he announced abruptly, beaming round.
Civil Conflict Page 13