His Runaway Maiden

by June Francis

  ‘I am not sure if it was Ingrid,’ he replied.

  Rosamund was baffled. ‘But why?’

  ‘What happened about the dance?’ ask Lady Elizabeth fretfully.

  ‘It is taking place now, so you are not to worry,’ said Hannah.

  ‘I should have been there,’ she said, tears rolling down her cheeks. ‘I want my potion,’ she added.

  Alex turned to Joshua, who had bundled Ingrid into the armoire. ‘Edward must not be allowed to escape.’ He held out his hand for the armoire key and pocketed it. ‘Go and tell the captain of the King’s guard what has taken place and ask him to organise a search.’

  Joshua nodded and hurried out.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Rosamund said, ‘I am so glad that Joshua and Hannah arrived when they did.’

  ‘I beg pardon,’ said Alex, frowning. ‘I should never have left you.’

  ‘I am not blaming you for what happened,’ said Rosamund sincerely. ‘You were not to know that he managed to get a key to the door.’

  ‘Even so, I should not have been away so long, but I convinced myself that you would be safe in here with the door locked.’

  ‘Begging your pardon, Baron,’ said Hannah, ‘but it was one of Master Fustian’s men who is to blame. I was fetching something for her ladyship when I was grabbed from behind and mishandled disgracefully and my key was taken from me. He locked me in a cupboard, but I yelled and yelled and eventually Joshua came along and let me out.’

  ‘We have much for which to thank that young man. Unlike that young madam in the armoire,’ said Lady Elizabeth, rolling her eyes. ‘Can’t someone stop her from caterwauling? She should be locked in a dungeon and the key thrown away.’

  ‘I will speak to her and see what she has to say,’ said said Alex, taking the key from his pocket. ‘Hannah, make her ladyship’s potion and fetch us some food and wine, if you please?’

  ‘Aye, Baron.’ Hannah went to do his bidding.

  Rosamund turned her attention on her husband as he opened the door of the armoire. Ingrid fell into his arms and clung to him. Instantly Rosamund sprang to her feet, enraged. But before she could ask Ingrid to unhand her husband, Alex disentangled himself and held Ingrid at arm’s length.

  ‘You will behave yourself,’ he said sternly.

  ‘Alex, how can you speak to me in such a way?’ she said in a silky voice. ‘I saved your life.’

  ‘How did you do that?’ he asked, frowning down at her.

  ‘I killed him for you.’ Ingrid bent her head and rubbed her cheek against his arm.

  ‘Stop that,’ he ordered, releasing her abruptly. ‘You have admitted to murder and you could be strung on a gibbet and hung by your neck until you are dead.’

  Ingrid gasped and put a hand to her throat. ‘You would not let them do this to me? You once loved me, Alex, and I loved you in return. If it had not been for Harry—’

  ‘So you say, but I no longer love you, Ingrid, that’s if it was love I ever felt for you,’ said Alex frankly. ‘Right now I am more interested in what you have to tell me about Edward Fustian’s plans.’

  Her expression altered and she said sulkily, ‘We are no longer lovers and he does not take me into his confidence.’

  He stared at her pitilessly. ‘You must consider me a fool. You would not have had access to the dance costumes and arrived at the antechamber with Edward’s brother if you were not party to his plans.’

  Ingrid tilted her chin and said, ‘You must release me and then I will tell you.’

  Rosamund held her breath. Would Alex free Ingrid despite his having said that he had never loved her?

  ‘I can make no promises,’ said Alex, ‘but if you know anything about the plot to ruin the peace pact between England and Scotland, then it is possible that the King might agree to putting you in the care of the nuns at Syon House.’

  Ingrid’s shoulders slumped. ‘I would rather tell you how Harry deceived me that day you both disappeared. He said that he would meet me, but did not come. Later I received a message saying that he had gone away to leave the way open for you and I to marry.’

  Alex did not know if she was telling the truth or not. He swore beneath his breath. ‘I can see we are not going to get anywhere until you get this off your chest. Do you know where he went?’

  ‘I thought he had returned to fighting pirates in the northern seas, but recently I met a girl, half-Irish, half-Scottish, who believed differently,’ said Ingrid.

  Rosamund drew closer to them and watched her intently. ‘What was her name and what did she know about Harry?’ she asked.

  Ingrid spared her a scornful look and addressed Alex. ‘She would not reveal any information despite the fact that I followed Edward’s mother’s instructions to persuade her.’

  Rosamund drew in her breath sharply.

  Alex glanced at her and their eyes met and he said softly, ‘She will pay for her wickedness.’

  Rosamund nodded and returned to the settle. Alex faced Ingrid once more. ‘What is this girl’s name?’

  ‘Bridget McDonald. Her father is a sea captain and kin to Edward. These McDonalds proliferate,’ she muttered. ‘There are several of them involved in a plot to destroy the King of Scotland.’

  Now we are coming to the heart of it, thought Alex.

  ‘And how are they to do that?’ asked Lady Elizabeth, suddenly seeming to come to life.

  Ingrid glanced at her. ‘What is this information worth to you?’

  Elizabeth’s mouth tightened. ‘And what is your neck worth to you, madam? You will answer me!’

  A muscle in Ingrid’s throat convulsed and she swallowed. ‘They believe the best way to do this is by waylaying the new Queen of Scotland’s entourage once it has crossed the border. They will kill her before she can give James children of mixed English and Scottish blood, so joining the two royal houses together. They will also steal what they can and murder the rest of her entourage.’

  Alex sent an admiring look Rosamund’s way.

  ‘This Bridget,’ said Rosamund. ‘Will we find her at my stepbrother’s house in London?’

  Ingrid nodded. ‘I think she will thank me when she knows I have killed William. His mother and her uncle were arranging a match between them in the hope of getting their hands on the fortune they believe her father has hidden away.’

  ‘Thank you, Ingrid,’ said Alex.

  He turned to Rosamund and Lady Elizabeth. ‘I will leave for London immediately.’

  ‘Take me with you,’ said Ingrid. ‘I can help you. They trust me.’

  ‘But do we trust you?’ said Rosamund in a honeyed voice. ‘I think not.’

  She glanced at her husband to see what he thought of what Ingrid had said, but he had left the room for their bedchamber. He reappeared a few moments later dressed for riding.

  ‘You will release me before you go?’ asked Ingrid eagerly.

  ‘Certainly not,’ said Lady Elizabeth with a sniff.

  Ingrid cursed her, but was silenced by a banging on the door. A voice shouted that it was the Earl of Derby and they must open up. Lady Elizabeth told Alex to let him in. This he did, stepping aside to allow the elderly Earl and two guardsmen into the chamber.

  ‘I hope you can give me a thorough explanation about what is going on, Beth?’ The earl’s rheumy eyes gazed into her face before looking at the others in the room. ‘I have to inform you that so far Master Fustian has not been found, but the search goes on.’

  ‘A word in your ear, my lord, if you please?’ said Alex.

  ‘And you are?’

  ‘Baron Dalsland.’

  ‘Ahhh!’

  There followed a whispered conversation, after which the guards were ordered to take the prisoner away and lock her up. Ingrid struggled and told Alex that he was an ungrateful dog and that she would put a curse on him.

  ‘It is very difficult trying to keep that woman quiet,’ said Lady Elizabeth. ‘Perhaps she should have her tongue ripped out.’

 
‘Godmother!’ Rosamund could not help but be shocked by the remark, despite her own antipathy towards Ingrid.

  ‘That would be a foolishness, Beth, if we want to discover if she has any more information that would help us.’ The Earl sat down and asked Lady Elizabeth to tell him her story.

  She began her tale and, as Rosamund listened, she grew hopeful that she and Alex would be heeded when they recited their part in the events that had taken place. It came to her turn and she had began to relate what had happened when her voice suddenly faltered.

  ‘What is it, my dear?’ asked Lady Elizabeth.

  ‘I was just thinking how close we all came to death.’

  Alex broke in that point. ‘My wife is extremely upset by all that has happened, my lord. I would take her away from the palace back to London immediately.’

  ‘She has done well so far,’ said Earl Derby, his brows bristling. ‘And the King will most likely want to hear your story himself, Baron. You cannot leave just yet.’

  ‘Aye, but—’ began Alex.

  Lady Elizabeth placed a hand on the Earl’s arm. ‘Have pity, Thomas, my poor goddaughter is confused and worn out with all that has taken place. She is with child and it would be terrible indeed if she were to lose the babe due to the deeds of murderous, thieving traitors. Besides, I am ill and I would have my goddaughter accompany me home by barge as soon as possible.’

  ‘Is this true, Baroness, that you are with child?’ asked the Earl.

  How could Rosamund deny it? She would be seen to be accusing her godmother of lying.

  ‘Of course it is true,’ said Alex.

  The Earl smiled. ‘My best wishes to you both. I will speak to Henry and no doubt he will agree to allow the Baron and Baroness to leave with you in the morning, Elizabeth. Well done, all of you. I am certain it won’t be long before we have Master Fustian under lock and key.’

  The door closed behind him.

  Rosamund looked at Alex and saw that he was looking frustrated. ‘What is it?’ she asked.

  ‘I must leave now if I am to arrive in London before news reaches your stepmother that William is dead and that Edward faces ruin.’

  ‘But you cannot,’ said Rosamund, going over to him. ‘You heard what the Earl of Derby said.’

  ‘I know, but if she hears the news before I get there, then she and her kinsman and possibly Edward could take Bridget McDonald and go into hiding. I must leave now,’ he said firmly. ‘She is the only one who might be able to tell us where Harry is.’

  ‘I understand that, but you would leave me behind?’ said Rosamund with a sinking heart.

  His face was grave. ‘It will not be an easy journey and I will not risk your safety.’

  ‘We have ridden together through the darkness before.’

  ‘But not when you were with child,’ he said, against her ear.

  ‘It is not true that I am with child,’ she whispered. ‘I told you, I have never lain with another man.’

  ‘No. But you have lain with your husband. You could now be carrying our child. You must keep him or her safe. God willing I will see you when you arrive in London tomorrow.’

  His hand was on the door when Lady Elizabeth said, ‘You take a risk, Baron, disobeying Derby. What if the King sends for you this evening?’

  ‘I am certain you and Rosamund will be able to vouch for my good intentions,’ said Alex.

  He was through the door when Rosamund called, ‘Wait! You would travel alone? What if Edward has escaped the palace with some of his men and they waylay you?’

  Alex did not hesitate. ‘I should imagine his men have already been put under guard. But I will not go alone. If it makes you happier, I will take Joshua with me, with your permission, Lady Elizabeth?’

  ‘Of course.’ Her chest wheezed as she sighed. ‘You are quite mad, Baron, just like your grandfather. I was extremely fond of him, you know? May God be with you.’

  Alex smiled, blew a kiss at his wife and closed the door behind him.

  Lady Elizabeth exchanged glances with her goddaughter. ‘I think it is going to be a long night, my dear.’

  Rosamund did not deny it.

  It seemed an age before Hannah, accompanied by a couple of servingwomen, brought food and drink. There was a suppressed air of excitement about the maid. But it was not until the food was set on a table and the servingwomen had left that they were to be told her news.

  ‘You will never guess, my lady, what has happened,’ said Hannah.

  ‘I am in no mood for guessing games.’ Lady Elizabeth yawned. ‘I am sleepy, so do not delay, Hannah.’

  The maid hastened to tell her tale. ‘Apparently, the King sent for one of the Scottish knights, but he could not be found, this despite a search of the palace being made. It is said that the King was angry about that, but he was even more so when it was reported that the woman the Baron questioned has also disappeared.’ Her eyes widened with excitement. ‘Rumor has it that she was a nun in disguise, but the truth is that she is a witch. They are saying she cast a spell over the guards and flew over the walls on a broomstick.’

  Lady Elizabeth made an angry noise. ‘Nonsense! Even if the woman were possessed of magic powers, where would she get a broomstick?’

  ‘Easy enough to pick up one of them, my lady,’ said Hannah roundly.

  ‘I do not believe it. Someone must have helped her to escape.’

  Hannah stiffened. ‘I’ll say no more, my lady, except that he and she cannot be found anywhere.’

  Lady Elizabeth waved her away and, affronted, the maid walked stiff-legged from the room.

  ‘Flying broomsticks,’ muttered Lady Elizabeth, reaching for a chicken leg.

  ‘I have heard that belladonna mixed with certain spices and oil can give one the feeling of flying,’ said Rosamund in a careful voice. ‘A supposed witch could have some mandrake ointment to hand. It can kill if not used with caution.’

  ‘What are you saying, my dear?’ Lady Elizabeth glanced across at her. ‘You are not eating.’

  ‘I seem to have lost my appetite.’ She was thinking a terrible thought about Alex adopting a Scottish accent and helping his erstwhile lover to escape. Surely it was madness to even harbour such a notion? This was what love did to one. It filled a person with such anxiety concerning the loss of the object of that love.

  ‘I am rather of the mind that the Scottish knight could be Sir Andrew Kennedy. Maybe he freed her, or perhaps it was Master Fustian? We do not know.’

  ‘I have thought of someone else who might have helped her,’ said Rosamund. ‘Lord Bude. Perhaps he is able to adopt an excellent Scottish accent. If it is him, then maybe they will flee the country.’

  ‘It has not been proved that Lord Bude has committed any error yet,’ said Lady Elizabeth. ‘This is purely conjecture, my dear. If our Scottish knight is a Kennedy, then he will not be concerned about the Ingrid woman. He will head for the border. If it is Fustian, he would be wiser to avoid London. Myself, I believe the Ingrid woman seduced one of the guards to let her go. Now, eat some of this excellent chicken and then it is bed for us if we are to return to London in the morning.’

  Rosamund could see the sense in Lady Elizabeth’s words. Much better to believe Edward would head north to Appleby and then on to Scotland. She helped herself to chicken and ham and forced herself to eat. If she was already carrying Alex’s child, then it must be fed. The coming night would seem long, but dawn would come and hopefully bring with it a bright tomorrow.

  The following morning, after a brief conversation with the Earl of Derby and the King, Lady Elizabeth and Rosamund were allowed to leave for London. A mist hung over the river and Rosamund was glad of her warm cloak as she boarded the barge. All her doubts and fears had resurfaced as she woke from a nightmare of her husband having played her false. Fortunately, the tide was with them, and by midday they had passed the Palace of Westminster. Soon she would know if dreams had any substance, but, God willing, Alex would be at her godmother’s mansion to welcome
them with good news.

  Believing there was no time to delay, a weary Alex left Joshua at Lady Elizabeth’s mansion to tend to their horses. His mount had thrown a shoe and this had slowed them down, so that they had arrived in London much later than hoped. As Alex made his way through the foggy streets of London to Cheapside, he could only hope that Walther had ensured a watch was still being kept on Fustian’s house. On reaching the area, Alex did not immediately approach the house, but looked about him for Walther or one of his men. There were few people about, but he had not been standing on the corner for long when Walther approached him.

  ‘I did not expect to see you back in London so soon,’ said Walther in their own tongue.

  Alex explained what had taken place the evening before and his friend let out a low whistle. ‘I have been here several hours and have seen no sign of Master Fustian or of anyone going in or out. But I do know that Mistress Fustian left yesterday afternoon with her two daughters.’

  ‘So Bridget McDonald could still be inside with her uncle and Lady Appleby,’ said Alex. ‘You will stay here and continue to keep watch. I will try to gain entry. Have you someone watching the back of the house?’

  Walther nodded. ‘If you need a helping hand, there will be more than two of us as I am expecting another man to take over my watch.’

  Alex thanked him and then crossed the street and knocked on the door. A voice from within enquired who was there.

  ‘I have news from Richmond and wish to speak to Mistress Fustian,’ he answered.

  The door opened and immediately he recognised the woman whom Mistress Fustian had addressed as Lady Monica. She had green eyes that slanted like that of a cat and wrinkles at the corners of her mouth. She was dressed in a russet woollen gown and her hair was concealed beneath a veil. Anger threatened to overcome him, faced as he was with the woman who had caused Rosamund so much suffering. It was with difficulty that he managed to rein in his temper and adopt a vague expression. ‘You are not Mistress Fustian.’