“You should be wary. As to Maggie, it is a fine thing that my cousin has a good woman to warm his bed.” Bran pushed me into a doorway as a man approached us. “Stay here.” He pulled out a knife. “You there, if you think to bother the lady, is it worth your life?” He waved the knife in front of him when a man stepped too close. “I will slit you from gut to gullet if you so much as take another step this way, do you hear me?”
“Stow your gab, mate. Can you take three of us?” With a gesture, the first was joined by two more burly men, all of them with knives or cudgels. They pushed in, making Bran draw blood as he leaped toward the leader.
“Shit, the man weren’t bluffing. Take ‘em, boys.” The wounded ruffian clutched his bleeding arm and backed up while his friends moved in. Suddenly there was a growl and an enormous dark brown dog stood between me and the thieves. The creature snarled, his teeth longer than my fingers and gleaming in the sunlight.
“What the devil!” Screams filled the air as the huge animal lunged, tearing into the nearest thief’s leg. Blood spurted then the man yelled and dropped his knife to grab the wound. Other people on the street panicked, screeching and running for their lives.
“Thieves!” I screamed. “Help! And a wild dog. Mercy!” I pressed against the door to stay well out of his way as Bran leaped again, his howls and snarls sounding as if he would tear the men limb from limb. When there was a gunshot, I shrieked too, terrified that someone had managed to hit Bran. Soldiers on horseback had entered the other end of the street and now rode toward us. How was Bran going to get out of this? He couldn’t just change back in front of all these witnesses.
“Run, Bran, run! I’ll be all right.” I reached down and jerked on his tail, hoping no one noticed that I wasn’t afraid of this wild creature. He turned and glanced at me, golden eyes shining. They were surrounded by tangled dark brown fur, but they were Bran’s eyes. Then he looked back at the riders coming down the street toward us, the crowd parting before them. The one in front waved a pistol. His first shot had obviously missed. Did he have another one? “Go!”
Bran took off, around the corner and out of sight down a narrow alley. The soldiers couldn’t follow on horseback and quickly dismounted. The would-be thieves had run away at the first sign of soldiers, taking their wounded with them.
“Mistress, are you all right?” The leader made his bow. “Captain Marcus Danforth, at your service. I cannot believe that creature was loose on the streets.”
“Where could he have come from?” I covered my face and pretended to sob. When I finally looked up, the captain’s hand was on my shoulder.
“Mistress. Are you hurt?”
I sniffled into my handkerchief. “I was terrified but am not hurt thanks to your timely arrival, sir.”
“I supposed it could be someone’s lost pet gone wild or escaped from a bear baiting. He seemed quite vicious.” The captain gestured and his men ran down the alley. “We will kill it if we can catch it.”
“There were thieves, trying to steal my purse. Did you see them?” I pointed at blood on the ground. Surely Bran would be able to change back before they would get a chance to shoot at him. “They were following me. The creature actually saved me from them. He might be someone’s pet. A guardian, trained to attack. I’ve heard--”
“Unlikely.” The captain dismissed such fanciful thoughts instantly. “You should not be out without an escort, mistress.” He looked me over, then his eyes widened. “You did not come from inside that house, did you?”
“What?” I glanced behind me and gasped, jumping away from the door clearly marked with a red X. “Oh, no! Of course not. Does that mean…”
“Plague, mistress. It would be wise for you to stay inside your own home from now on. We have heard reports of illness reaching this part of town. Do you live near here?”
Just then Bran came running up. “There you are, mistress. I have been looking for you. Are you all right?”
“Are you her servant?” The leader looked him over disapprovingly. “This lady should not have been left unattended. She was almost mauled by a wild dog.”
“What? While I was sent to fetch your cloak?” Bran held out a dark cloak. “The mistress was chilled. She asked me to go home and get her warm cloak. I was gone but a moment.”
“Long enough for her to be in danger from a dangerous beast and the plague.” The man swept his hand toward the door behind me. “Take her home and lock the door. It is not safe to be abroad these days. She says thieves were stalking her as well. Do your job, man, or she should replace you.”
I offered the soldier a shy smile and a flutter of my lashes. “You are very kind, Captain. A hero to come to my aid.” I allowed Bran to lay the cloak over my shoulders then turned and pretended to berate him. “You took too long. What were you doing? Flirting with the housemaid again? The captain is right. When I tell the master how I was almost killed this day, it will be a wonder if you are not turned off without a reference.” I flounced off toward home. “Are you coming?” I sniffed in Bran’s direction. We were playing roles and I knew he was as eager to get away from the soldiers as I was.
“Yes, mistress.” Bran hung his head, hurrying after me.
As soon as we were out of sight, I sagged against a wall. “What a day. Bran, you saved me.” I plucked at the cloak. “Where did you get this?”
“Stole it. Shopkeepers need to look sharp.” Bran grinned. “How did you like my mastiff, Mistress Gloriana?”
“Very handsome and fierce. You certainly scared those thieves away.” I took a shaky breath. He hadn’t hesitated to leap to my defense. I knew it was what shape-shifters were paid to do but it had still made my heart stop. “You risked your life for me. I won’t forget it. You lost the dinner you were buying when you came to my aid. Can I pay you back?”
“No, indeed. It was fun. Though I’m sure you won’t believe that.” He gestured toward home. “I will walk you to your door now. Fergus should never have let you go out alone. We have proof of that. What Campbell will say when he finds out about this day, I would hate to hear.”
“If he didn’t read my thoughts like an open book, I wouldn’t tell him.” I sighed and pulled the key out of my pocket when we got to the door to our tunnel. “You can go now and thank you.”
“No, I want to have a word with my cousin. I saw that red X on the door where we were standing. Plague. It is time to leave London. Past time. There’s been talk when we’re at court of going soon. I want to hear what Fergus knows.” Bran took the key and opened the door, escorting me with a hand on my elbow.
“Surely I cannot fall ill with the plague just from standing in front of the door.” No one who lived in London could take the threat of plague lightly though. “Can a shifter or vampire even catch it?”
“Not vampires. They are like dead things, as I’m sure you’ve been told. But shifters? We are living beings, mistress. So, yes, Fergus and I may fall ill, but it’s a rare happening. Diseases are not likely to kill us, not like a sword or bullet can. It is how we live so long.” Bran knocked on our door. When Fergus threw it open, he bowed. “I have brought your lady back to you safely. We had a near miss.”
“Gloriana! What’s this?” Fergus looked back at Maggie. She was eating her steak and kidney pie as if her stomach had finally settled.
“I’ll tell you all about it. Later. Well?” I glanced at Maggie. “What do you have to tell me, Fergus?”
“I am going to be a father.” Fergus’s chest swelled. “What do you think about that, cousin?”
“I think we had best get you both out of London as soon as may be.” Bran cast a worried look at Maggie. “But that’s good news. Aye, fantastic news.” He hugged Fergus, pounding him on the back, then walked around to kiss Maggie on the cheek. “Call the banns. You won’t be making the child a bastard and that’s that.”
“I don’t take orders from you, cousin. But that’s what I think and Maggie has agreed to become my wife. Now why do we have to leave London?�
� Fergus glared at him.
“Plague. Mistress Gloriana and I were close enough to touch it just today.” Bran glanced at me. “It’s coming closer and you don’t want your lady at risk. Nor your bairn.”
Fergus sat down at the table and picked up Maggie’s hand. “No, I do not.”
“Fergus, I have never been out of London.” Maggie looked pale again.
“I have a fine house in the Highlands, Maggie mine. And money put aside. The plague will not reach us there. Can you trust me to see to your health and that of the babe?” He put his arm around her.
“Everything will be strange there.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Will Gloriana come with us?”
Fergus exchanged looks with Bran. “That will be up to Jeremiah, love. I have no say in his affairs. Nor do I have a say in exactly when we leave this blighted town. There is a rumor that the king wants to hie off to his castle in Edinburgh by the end of this week. That should get us moving.”
“Aye. I heard the same and Master MacDonald already has me packing.” Bran smiled at me, his eyes soft. “It was a pleasure to be of service to ye, Mistress Gloriana. Mayhap we’ll meet again. Now I’d best be going. It’s close to sunset and we both have masters to please.” Bran bowed to me and to Maggie. “We have a big family, Mistress Margaret. You will make friends in Scotland, I guarantee it. I hope to be the first one.” He nodded to me. “Mistress Gloriana, who knows what the future will bring? You were quite clever today. Tell Fergus how we outwitted the soldiers.” And with a wink he left.
“Soldiers. I don’t like the sound of that.” Fergus got up and fixed me a plate with an apple tart on it. “You should eat one of these. As you see, Maggie has found her appetite. Please sit and tell your tale. How is it Bran brought you home when you were supposed to stand next to our own door?”
I sat and ate a few bites while I told him everything. The mastiff appearing brought a gasp from Maggie, but she clearly didn’t understand that it had been Bran in another form. Obviously her lover hadn’t told her his secret yet. Of course he was reluctant. She was so happy to be carrying his child. As for Fergus? He wasn’t happy with me. In his opinion I’d wandered off and could have been hurt or worse. The plague being nearby was his biggest worry. No one would be going out in a crowd from now on. Our shopping trips were over.
“Bran says you and he can also catch the plague, Fergus.” I glanced at Maggie. She had more interest in reaching for one of the apple tarts for herself than in our conversation.
“Aye, it’s true. I will be very careful who I buy our meals from as I go out.” He frowned. “When Jeremiah wakes, we will need to talk. The sooner we get out of London, the better. If it was up to me, Gloriana, I would take you along.” He shook his head. “But that is not my decision. If you have to stay behind…”
“Then I will be left with money for a safe place.” I put on a brave face. “Jeremiah promised me that. Perhaps I can stay here. If you could find a strong man I could hire to help me, I wouldn’t even have to go out for food until the danger of plague passes.”
“I could make some inquiries.” Fergus was clearly not happy. “You should really try to find a new protector, Gloriana. The next time you go to court, look around. Surely there is a kind man who would take care of you as you deserve.” He stood. “A woman like you shouldn’t be alone. It’s not safe.”
I knew he was right. A woman living alone would not last long in this town. I had seen how dangerous the streets were just today. When my money ran out that’s where I would be. If I didn’t die from the plague first. Find a new protector? I loved Jeremiah and he claimed to love me. If he truly did, could he just abandon me here? Pass me on to another man? The thought of him with another woman made me want to snatch one of the knives Fergus was so carefully cleaning for his master as we sat around the table. First I’d stick the wench who thought to take my place. Then—
“Gloriana. You look ready to do murder.” Jeremiah’s hand on my shoulder gave me a start. I’d been so lost in my gloomy thoughts I hadn’t heard the creak of Jeremiah’s door opening. Obviously the sun had set. Fergus jumped to his feet, determined it seemed to talk about the future. I was up just as fast and threw my arms around my lover.
“It’s nothing.” I glanced at Fergus, daring him to interrupt me. “Jeremiah, do you have to go out tonight?”
“Aye. It is the king’s order.” He smiled down at me and my heart turned over. “What is it? You look upset.”
“Later. We can talk when you come home. Let me prepare a bath for you. Would you like that?” I tugged him toward the room with the tub. “Fergus, hot water, if you please.” I issued the order with a raised eyebrow. “There will be time enough to discuss things later.”
“Of course.” Fergus took a kettle off the hob and brought it into the small bathing chamber. Soon Jeremiah was relaxing in the bath.
I shut the door and pulled off my dress. Fergus had found us a larger bathing tub and I climbed in with Jeremiah.
“I hope you don’t mind if I join you.” I sat across from him, letting my toes climb his stomach.
“Not at all.” He frowned. “But I can see you are worried about something. Tell me or I’ll read it in your mind.”
“There is plague close by. I know you cannot catch it, but the rest of us here can.” I sighed and reached for the soap, rubbing it over my breasts. “Of course I am worried about it.”
“How do you know this?” He leaned closer.
“I saw a door marked with an X and almost fell into it. It is mere steps from our own tunnel.” I used a cloth to wipe away the soap. “Fergus has commanded Maggie and me to stay inside for now. But I will go mad if I am trapped here.” I looked at Jeremiah through my lashes. “Can you understand that?”
“Of course.” He took the cloth from me. “Come here.” He held me against him. “Fergus is right. You need to be kept safe.”
“He wants to leave London.” I said this against Jeremiah’s neck. “I know the king is leaving soon. I expected you would go as well.” I leaned back and looked up at him. “Where does that leave me, Jeremiah?” There, I had finally asked the question. “Am I to stay here and wait for the plague to take me?”
He looked at me for a long moment. What did he see? My true desire? I didn’t try to hide it from him. I let him see my heart and my hope. He finally shook his head and put me away from him, rising from the tub, water streaming from his hard and, to me, beautiful body.
“There’s no time now to talk about this, Gloriana. The decision is too important. Too permanent.” He dried off with a cloth and wrapped another one around his lean hips. I just sat there, watching him and waiting.
“Are you saying..?”
“I’m saying nothing, woman. Leave it alone. We will talk later. I must dress and leave now. Stay inside. Lock the doors. Fergus and I will be back before dawn with time to spare.” He strode from the room to our bedchamber to dress. He would put on his sword and knives and any other weapon he might need as he searched out the king’s enemies. I wasn’t supposed to worry about him. Of course not. He couldn’t be killed and would return as promised. I hoped Fergus would return as well since he always fought at Jeremiah’s side. I got out of the tub, wishing we had a fireplace in the small room. It was cold and I dried quickly, slipping back into my dress. By the time I got to the main room, the men were at the door, ready to leave. Maggie was so worried about Fergus, she was near tears.
“Lass, I will be fine. We will be surrounded by the king’s soldiers and Jeremiah is the finest swordsman you will ever hope to see.” He kissed her and winked at me. “Gloriana, see to it she doesn’t sit and fret. Play cards, then it’s early to bed. She needs her sleep.”
He turned to Jeremiah. “I’m to be a father, Jeremiah. What do you say to that?”
Jeremiah froze. It was almost as if he had been hit in the head by a rock. Then he seemed to shake it off and found a smile. “Well done, Fergus.” He clapped the shifter on the back. “Maggie, you are bloo
ming. Now I know why.” He kissed her cheek and caused her to turn rosy. “Fergus, your family will be happy to hear you may have sired an heir.”
“Aye. But I wouldn’t mind a wee girl to spoil.” Fergus nodded. “So, Maggie, get your rest. We’ll be back and I expect to see you in bed tucked up and sleeping sound.”
“All right, my love.” Maggie smiled as they left.
“Jeremiah!” I ran to the door. “Take care.” I pulled his head down to kiss him. “I know you do, but I needed to say that.”
“We will talk later, I promise.” He pulled me close and kissed me again, his heart in it this time. “There are things you don’t know, Gloriana.” He shook his head. “Fergus is right. Get some sleep. No need to wait up until dawn. I will wake you when I come back.”
And then he was gone, the key turning in the lock once they were outside the door.
“I don’t like that we are locked in. What if there was a fire? We would be trapped.” Maggie pulled out her sewing basket.
“There is an extra key. Jeremiah showed it to me. It is here.” I pulled a stone away from beside the hearth. “See? Under this stone. So don’t worry. We aren’t prisoners. At first I felt like one. But now Jeremiah trusts me to know that I can leave at any time.” I sat across from her. I had a book that I could now read, thanks to days with Fergus helping me learn. “Would you like me to read to you?”
“Oh, please. It will certainly take my mind off the danger our men are in.” Maggie pulled out a shirt with a tear in the sleeve.
I opened my copy of The Merry Wives of Windsor. It was one of Shakespeare’s plays and Jeremiah had bought it for me. We were well into it. I began reading and Maggie was soon laughing, her sewing forgotten.
“I swear, Gloriana, you could be on the stage. You are so much better than Horace ever hoped to be.” She wiped her eyes. “You read with so much feeling. I can see it just as it was at the Globe. There were so many women’s parts. Horace would have made a better Falstaff but he was forced to play Mistress Ford. It was his lot in that company to always be the woman because of his pretty face and soft body. There was no persuading Master Shakespeare of any other type of role for him.”
Real Vampires: When Glory Met Jerry Page 24
