Nemesis

by Margit Sandemo

  Jessica said gently, “I think it will be necessary if we’re to live together.”

  “Yes, that is what I’ve come to realise. Oh, Jessica. It’s so difficult!”

  He turned towards her and she drew his head down to hers and put her arm underneath as a cushion. With his arm around her, he whispered, “About eighteen months ago, a man walked up to me as I was sitting at a table, eating. He said the most awful things about one of my closest relatives. First of all, I thought that he was drunk or crazy or sick in some way. He told me that he had a letter that proved what he was talking about.”

  Jessica was taken aback when she felt a warm tear drop on her neck. Gently and tenderly, she caressed Tancred’s dark hair, which she had always liked so much.

  “The man said that he needed money. Otherwise he’d tell everybody what it said in the letter. It would be a huge scandal, a tragedy.”

  “Did you get to see the letter?”

  “Only from a distance. I saw that the handwriting matched.”

  “He may have been a fraud.”

  “That’s what I said a thousand times. But he threatened to publicise it. He threatened to go to my mum with it. And that mustn’t happen!”

  “So it has to do with your Dad then?”

  Tancred breathed quickly. “Yes, at first what the man asserted was so outrageously stupid that I laughed in his face. But since then I’ve learned that this sort of thing does exist.”

  Jessica waited without having any idea what would come but Tancred did not seem to be able to say any more.

  “What’s the man’s name?”

  “Hans Barth. He said that he’d wasted his best years in prison – whereas my Dad walked free. Now he wanted something in return for his suffering. He wanted my Dad to pay for it. Through me.”

  Tancred squeezed Jessica’s hand tightly.

  “Tancred, what did he say about your Dad?” asked Jessica in a low voice.

  She heard that he was struggling with his tears. That was bound to be very embarrassing for a man like him. So, she tried to be as discreet and gentle as possible. She realised the great amount of pressure under which he had been living. Now that he had finally dared to confide in someone, the reaction was bound to be enormous.

  “He said ... oh, God, I can’t say it!”

  “You know I won’t pass it on to anybody. You know that I love you.”

  She was not afraid of saying it now. She knew that she had his love and that he needed hers. She felt such a strong sense of tenderness towards him that it seemed it would engulf her.

  Tancred took a deep breath and then said, choking, “He maintained that he’d been ... my Dad’s lover.”

  Jessica’s jaw dropped. She had been prepared to hear many things: criminal acts, plots against the King, adultery ...

  But this!

  When she had regained her composure she stuttered, “My first impulse was to laugh. Just as you did. But you’re serious aren’t you?”

  Tancred wiped his nose. “Absolutely serious.”

  “But it’s quite unfathomable! It sounds completely absurd!”

  “Yes, but there are men who take other men as their lovers. My friends swear that it’s a fact.”

  “Have you discussed this with them?”

  “Of course not about my Dad. I’ve just listened to their conversations and asked questions.”

  “No!” said Jessica emphatically. “No, I can’t believe it!”

  Tancred sighed. “I thought so. I should have kept quiet. Forget it!”

  “No, no, just give me some time ...”

  She was unable to say another word. She was confused for a long time, unable to gather her thoughts.

  Finally she said, “I still don’t understand. Your Dad? But he has two children. And he worships your Mum. Even a child can see that!”

  “Exactly, so I think the man is telling a lie, but I’m not sure. You understand that I can’t go to my parents with this don’t you? Say that my Dad ... No, this is just impossible. I can’t hurt them. Besides, the subject is so awful that I can’t bring myself to say it out loud to them – or to Dad alone. I’ve tried to raise the subject a thousand times, and I just can’t bring myself to speak about it.”

  “So you’ve paid the money?”

  “With everything that I own. That devil keeps on promising me the letter next time ... and the next time, and the next. Now I know that I’ll never receive it. Of course, I challenged him to a duel for insulting my Dad’s honour. But he just laughed. He wouldn’t fight a duel.”

  “When are you to meet him again?”

  “Tomorrow evening. And I have nothing to give him. If only I had the courage to kill him!”

  “No,” said Jessica, horrified. She leaned over the edge of the bed and got hold of her purse as she wiped away a tear discreetly. Now she had to be the strong one. “How much does he want?”

  “Always as much as he can get.”

  “Is 10 rix-dollar enough? That’s all I have.”

  “No, Jessica.”

  “Just to quieten him this time. Until we think of something.”

  “Aren’t you shocked?”

  “Maybe more resolute than shocked. Although – obviously, I’m shaken! But you’ve finally confided in me and I’ve promised to help you. So I’m trying to keep my cool. But your Dad? The most masculine man I know? No, Tancred, it must be fraud.”

  “If only that were the case!”

  “We need to get hold of the letter,” she said.

  “That will be impossible. I know it will!”

  “What if we hit him and grab the letter while he’s unconscious?”

  “How? He always makes sure that I’m not alone with him.”

  “What does he look like?”

  “He appears to be in his late forties. But very haggard. Big bags under his eyes and almost no teeth left. But he’s trying to maintain an ostentatious style and I’m sure he was handsome once.”

  “And your Dad is supposed to have had something to do with him? No, honestly. I can’t take him seriously. I certainly understand your predicament and your despair, though. Where do you usually meet him? At ‘our’ inn?”

  “Yes, he sometimes rents a room there, next to the one we had.”

  Jessica tried to think clearly. “But he was there on the evening when you and I were there. And you weren’t supposed to meet him then?”

  “No, not at all.”

  “So that means that he has other victims, doesn’t it?”

  Tancred thought about it. “Maybe. Why would he go to that remote inn otherwise? Yes, thank you, Jessica – I’ll borrow the 10 rix-dollar from you. Everything seems much better now that I’ve spoken to you. I’m sure you and I can find a way out. If only we can get hold of the letter ...”

  Jessica did not answer. She had already seen a way out but she had no intention of telling him about it.

  “I feel like a beggar because I’m using your money, my beloved. But you’re right. If only we can pacify him tomorrow then we’ll be able to tackle him later on. And you’ll get your money back as soon as I can repay you. If ever I’ve had a debt of honour, it’s now.”

  “All this must have been pure hell for you, Tancred. Firstly, because of that man and secondly, because of the suspicion brought against your Dad. But you can’t seriously believe ...”

  “No, but I didn’t know for sure, and I couldn’t go to Dad. Or much worse – Mum.”

  “No, that I understand.”

  He closed his eyes. “Oh, Jessica, my dearest, everything feels so much better now! I could drop off to sleep on the spot.”

  “Maybe it would be best if we try to sleep now?”

  “Yes. You’ve got no reason to be afraid of me, you know. I’m a man of honour.”

  “I know that,” she
said with a hint of bitterness.

  When they were both in bed – very decently – he said, “Jessica ... now you know. Will you still marry me?”

  “If this is supposed to be a proposal, I must say it doesn’t sound very convincing.”

  He laughed softly. “Beloved Jessica, will you do me the unspeakable joy of marrying me?”

  “Yes, thank you so much, Tancred. Now I want it more than ever.”

  He leaned back on the cushion with a heartfelt sigh.

  “Thank you, my sweetheart!”

  She waited a moment and then she said, “Aren’t you going to give me a kiss to seal it?”

  “Good heavens, Jessica. I wouldn’t dare. There are limits.”

  Jessica smiled like a satisfied cat, but was also slightly annoyed at his noble attitude.

  Chapter 12

  The following morning, Tancred slept very late and Jessica did not want to wake him. She took it as a compliment that he was so relaxed after the confession. True, he had chastised her a bit for not waking him, but it was not meant seriously.

  They arrived at Gabrielshus late in the afternoon. Tancred’s parents were very happy at seeing them again but they wondered what had happened. Tancred told them about Ulfeldt’s flight.

  “This should be reported immediately,” said Alexander. “What exactly do you intend to do, Tancred?”

  Yes, that was the question!

  “I believe they already know about it in Copenhagen,” answered Tancred guardedly. “But if you sent an orderly ...”

  “Wouldn’t you be the right person for that? I suppose you’ll be leaving for the camp as soon as possible if you want to avoid house arrest?”

  “Yes, but I’d like to inform you both that I’ve asked for Jessica’s hand in marriage, and she’s accepted. If this is all right with you?”

  “Oh, Tancred! How wonderful!” said Cecilie. “I thought you’d never pull yourself together!”

  When Tancred had left, Jessica took a deep breath and went in to his parents.

  They received her kindly and all three talked about Tancred and Jessica’s future, about Tancred’s childhood and all his crazy ideas. The mood was very jolly but all the while she could see the sorrow in their eyes that their son had changed so much over this past year.

  Finally, the moment came which Jessica had waited for.

  Cecilie got up. “Now I’ll tell the servants in the kitchen that we want something extra nice to eat and drink. We must celebrate this!”

  As soon as they were alone, Jessica said in a low voice to Alexander, “May I speak to you in private?”

  He looked inquisitively at her. “Certainly. Is it about financial matters? Askinge’s future?”

  “Not exactly.”

  “Let’s go to my study.”

  He limped in front of her, closed the door and offered her a chair.

  “Well?” he smiled. Jessica was scared. So very, very scared. But this had to be done. There was no other way out. She swallowed.

  “Yesterday evening Tancred confessed what’s bothering him.”

  Alexander jumped halfway out of the chair. “What? We must fetch Cecilie.”

  “No, wait. Later maybe. I don’t know.”

  He straightened his back and now looked rather sternly at her.

  She mustered all her courage and said, “This isn’t easy for me and I understand why Tancred hasn’t told you about it. He’s forbidden me to say anything to you, but I’ll do so anyway because it’s the right thing to do.”

  Alexander nodded.

  She swallowed once more. She had made up her mind to go straight to the heart of the matter without any irrelevant talk. “Tancred has been blackmailed for eighteen months. By a man called Hans Barth.”

  She had hoped that Alexander would look questioningly at her – or laugh. But this was not the case. His face turned as white as a sheet.

  “What are you saying?” he whispered. Then the colour in his face returned and he did something that took Jessica by surprise.

  He got up and walked quickly to the door. “Cecilie,” he shouted while he opened it. And then, “Cecilie!”

  She heard anger and despair in his voice.

  Tancred’s mother walked quickly through the rooms. “What’s the matter, Alexander?” she shouted. “You sound as if there’s a fire.”

  She entered the room, elegant and youthful as usual.“Tancred has confessed to Jessica. He’s been blackmailed by Hans Barth.”

  Cecilie had to hold onto something. She put her hand to her mouth. “No, oh, no!” she moaned. “Oh, little Tancred!”

  He was still a little boy to her.

  Alexander was like a stricken father in a Greek tragedy. “My son! My son! He’s thrown himself on my son!”

  “Did you know that he was free again, that he’d served his time?”

  “I’d forgotten him completely. But he’s my nemesis,” said Alexander.

  Cecilie collected herself then said, “Now tell us everything, Jessica! We’ll deal with this, don’t worry. It will be Alexander’s word against his, and the advantage is on our side.”

  “No,” said Jessica, who was shocked that they reacted so strongly. “It would seem that this man has a letter from you, Marquis.”

  Cecilie and Alexander looked at one another.

  “A letter?” said Alexander. “But I’ve not written any letter about him.”

  “That’s what I told Tancred,” said Jessica. “I’m sure it’s all fraud. It must be.” Cecilie was on the verge of weeping. This was worse than expected. Alexander did not deny anything and Cecilie knew about everything. Jessica was so confused and sad that all she wanted was to run away and seek protection with Tancred.

  “Are you sure?” said Cecilie to Alexander.

  “Yes, I’m ... No,” he whispered. “No, good God, I did write a letter once.”

  “But Alexander, how could you?”

  He put his hands to his face. “It was at the beginning. I thanked him for his ... compassion and help,” he finished in a whisper.

  Jessica sat there with sad eyes. Cecilie went over to sit next to her.

  “Dear Jessica. You must understand this and you must tell Tancred. His father had some terrible experiences in his childhood, which had a great impact. That’s why he went astray. A substantial law suit resulted from it and Hans Barth and another man were sentenced while Alexander was acquitted – due to perjury on my part. I stood by Alexander then, just as I’ll stand by Tancred now. Do you understand?”

  Jessica bent her head. “I think so. A little.”

  “That pig!” said Alexander. “To attack my dear, noble son. And Tancred is a man of honour. I can well understand why he wouldn’t tell us about his worries. Did he have to pay a lot of money?”

  “All that he owns,” said Jessica. “He had to borrow 10 rix-dollar from me in order to pay the man this evening. We did so in order to have time to think up a plan.”

  “This evening” said Alexander sharply. “Where? And when?”

  Cecilie had already found 10 rix-dollar from a case, which she handed to Jessica.

  “At the inn halfway towards Copenhagen. I don’t know what time.”

  “Now tell us all what Tancred said!” said Alexander. “Verbatim. Every single word, no matter how unpleasant it may be.”

  “Well, first of all I must tell you that neither he nor I believed a word of what the man implied. Tancred had no idea how dangerous the letter was for you. This is what he confided to me ...”

  Then she told them everything she could remember in as much detail as possible – and about the duel, which came to nothing. Alexander looked increasingly stony-faced. When she finished, he got up.

  “I’ll be back soon,” he mumbled.

  They heard him walk upstairs.

 
Cecilie and Jessica looked somewhat helplessly at one another.

  “Is it serious?” asked Jessica.

  “For Alexander? Not really. He was acquitted. But if that letter gets out ... I have no idea what it says or how it can be interpreted.”

  Jessica had wanted to know whether Hans Barth had really been Alexander’s “lover,” but could not bring herself to ask. She feared that the answer would shock her.

  Alexander was away for quite some time.

  “What’s he doing upstairs?” said Cecilie.

  “I thought I heard him on the stairs a moment ago,” said Jessica. “I thought he would come in here ...”

  They stiffened. From the courtyard they could hear a horse’s hooves against the stone. They rushed to the window just in time to see a dark shadow disappear from the courtyard.

  “Oh, God, no!” whispered Cecilie.

  “He’s riding to the inn,” said Jessica.

  Cecilie had already run upstairs, as swiftly as a fifteen-year-old. Jessica stopped at the foot of the stairs. Shortly afterwards, Cecilie appeared there.

  “He’s taken his pistol. And he was furious. No one is to trample on his children!”

  “Oh, dear. What have I done?”

  “You? You’ve acted quite correctly. Tancred couldn’t say anything to us, but you could. It stands to reason. But we must hurry before something irreversible happens.”

  Jessica was ready at once. In a few minutes they were also riding out into the darkness of night. When they reached the inn several hours later, after a ride that made their bodies ache, they dismounted some distance from the buildings and tied the horses to a tree. Then they snuck over to the window of the bar.

  They shaded their eyes with their hands and looked in.

  “None of them are here,” said Cecilie.

  “Come,” whispered Jessica. “I think I know which room the man usually has.”

  “But Tancred said, didn’t he, that they never met in private?”

  “Yes. But we’d better check for Hans. It’s him we’re looking for,” she reminded Cecilie. “And maybe we’ll find the letter.”

  But neither of them seriously believed they would.