'You must excuse us, Master Steel. We are very informal here. My infirmity makes it difficult for me to move and in the colder months Katherine allows me to break my fast in here.'
'An excellent plan, sir.'
The old man turned his head to gaze at the fire for a few moments before speaking again.
'My man tells me the Stuart Pretender is marching on Newcastle.'
'I believe that is so.'
'And Marshal Wade is waiting for them.' He stopped, one gnarled hand tapping restlessly on the table. 'My son is a hothead, Master Steel. I fear if the rebels pass this way there will be no stopping him. Yesterday when I tried to counsel him he stormed out. He thinks me a gutless old fool because I will not support an uprising.'
John did not know how to answer, and after a moment the old man spoke again, sitting forward and saying urgently, 'If they do come this way, Master Steel, save Katherine. I am an old man and cannot protect her. Henry is so besotted with the cause he will not even think of his sister, and Warenford, well, I believe he is playing his own games. You are my only hope, Master Steel: promise me you will take her away from here and keep her safe.'
Amos Ellingham was staring at John, waiting for an answer. The cloud that had descended on John's spirits the night before grew even blacker. He was not sure that he could extricate himself from the coming trouble, yet here was an old man trusting him to save his daughter, and God knows there was nothing John wanted more that to see Katherine safe and happy. He could hear the lady's light step in the passageway and knew he must respond, and quickly.
'You have my word, sir.'
Twenty minutes later John headed for the stables, where he had sent Matthew to saddle up their horses. It was still sleeting, and he pulled his hat lower to keep it from his face. He had just reached the yard when Henry Ellingham rode in with Lord Warenford beside him. John stepped aside and waited, pulling on his gloves while he watched the earl dismount from his showy black hunter.
'Master Steel.' Lord Warenford's lip curled slightly in contempt as he murmured the name. 'My felicitations upon your recovery. Henry was just telling me that you are staying here. He tells me Master Ellingham invited you.' The earl's cold gaze never wavered from his face. 'I thought you were scarcely acquainted.'
John allowed himself a little smile. 'True, but we found we have a common interest.'
Was it imagination, John wondered, or was there a look of relief in the earl's dark eyes?
'And was it this … common interest that brought you back to Sleaton?'
'In part, although my last visit here left me with a desire to paint the shoreline. I have made several preparatory sketches. The prospect from the high ground is very fine.' He glanced upwards and was rewarded by chill flakes of snow landing on his face. 'In good weather, of course.'
This time there was no mistaking the earl's sneer and Henry Ellingham, standing at his shoulder, sniggered.
'Hardly a fitting pursuit for a gentleman in these turbulent times.'
John inclined his head but declined to comment. Matthew had brought the horses out and he walked over to the mounting block, swinging himself easily into the saddle. The earl hissed something at Henry, who looked up.
'Oh, are you riding out, Master Steel? Where can you be going, so early?'
'What? Oh, I am off to Alnwick. To - er - purchase some more pencils!'
'His lordship seemed mighty interested in you,' remarked Matthew when they were clear of the yard.
'Despite the unfortunate occurrence at our last meeting he still thinks I might be useful to him.' John's lip curled. 'My rich Durham connections, you see.'
'Can you not use that to our advantage?'
'I would rather the Crewes knew nothing of my being here, but we may need those connections to buy our way out of this tangle,' was the curt response. John kicked his horse to a canter. 'Come along, let's see if we can track down Thropton.'
The sleet turned to snow as they travelled inland but they made good time to Alnwick, which was swarming with military men. Matthew's enquiries soon produced results and they were directed to a large inn that buzzed with activity. They entered the taproom, which had been commandeered by the officers. A long table had been moved to the centre of the room and covered in maps. John soon spotted Captain Thropton with his black hair and luxurious whiskers, ogling a blushing serving wench who was filling his tankard from one of the barrels lined up against the wall. The entrance of two non-military gentleman caused a brief lull in the conversation, but as soon as the good captain recognised John he hailed him merrily, and commanded the maid to fill up two more tankards.
'Well, well, Master Steel. How d'ee do, my good sir?' The captain came over and put a hand on John's shoulder. 'You'll take a bumper with me, eh? What brings you to Alnwick in such weather?'
'We are in search of news, Captain, and perhaps to proffer -'
The captain cut him short, turning to his fellow officers and introducing John to one and all in a booming voice.
'A real gentleman, sirs, and one who is not too proud to share his bread with a Riding Officer!' He thumped John on the back while his fellow officers looked on with grinning good humour. 'So, you've come to find out what's afoot, hey?' said Thropton, becoming serious. 'Well, I can tell 'ee it's bad, sirs, very bad! The rebels are even now at Carlisle. We have just learned that the city has surrendered.'
'Carlisle!' exclaimed John. 'I thought – '
'Aye, so did we all, until yesterday. Fooled us good and proper, 'e did, damn him. Marshall Wade put all his efforts into protecting Newcastle to deny the rebels using the eastern route to London. There is no doubt the Pretender has caught us on the wrong foot.'
'I had heard they were proceeding south through Wooler.'
'Aye, so did Wade, sir,' said the captain, tapping his nose. 'But no. That was a feint, designed to throw us off the scent. Charles Edward Stuart is even now preparing to ride triumphant into the city, and there is precious little Wade can do to stop him, with this snow making the roads all but impassable.' The captain scowled at the floor for a long moment before looking up. 'So, Master Steel, what did you wish to tell me?'
John was thinking quickly.
'Oh, merely the rumours we had heard that the Pretender had demanded billets for his men at Wooler. But it seems you know that already.'
'Aye, we are well aware of the Stuart's little game now. But don't you fret, sir. We have plans to make this area safe. We will be watching all the roads, everyone will require a permit to move more than a mile from their home. There will be no rebel movements across the county without we know of 'em, you mark my words. Only the birds will be able to get in and out.'
'I am mighty relieved to hear it, Captain.' John raised his tankard and after another ten minutes he took his leave, leading a bewildered Matthew back to the marketplace.
'Why did you not tell him? What about the swords?'
'I think we may still be able to save the day,' muttered John, throwing a coin to the urchin who was holding his horse. 'The rebels are not coming east, therefore Warenford will have to go to them. And you heard what the estimable captain said, all the roads are being watched.'
'So what will you do now? What has changed?'
'Originally, I thought we would have to take the swords away from the Keep. Now I realise that they are safest where they are!'
It was dark by the time they reached the Manor gates again and the sky was clearing, but even this close to the sea a smattering of snow had settled over the land. At the stables Gordon ran out to meet them and John and Matthew hurried indoors, where Morwick informed him that it wanted but half an hour until dinner. John changed out of his wet riding clothes and into the satin knee breeches, embroidered waistcoat and green velvet frockcoat suitable for a gentleman to wear at dinner. Then he allowed Matthew to re-tie his fair hair and slip the ribbon of his quizzing glass over his head, and once John had gone on his way, the servant retired to the nether regions of the house to enjoy his
own meal in the homely kitchen.
John strode through the dark, echoing hallway to the parlour, where the family gathered each evening. Here he found Master Ellingham in his usual chair beside the fire, with Katherine sitting pale and silent at his feet. Henry stood before the hearth, warming himself. John schooled his face to a smile and walked slowly into the room, as if he had not a care in the world.
'Dear me, am I very late? My apologies if I have kept you waiting,' He murmured, bowing to his host. 'The journey back took longer than I thought.'
'No need to worry, Master Steel, you are in good time. Indeed, you are well within time, because we have set dinner back tonight,' declared Henry, in jovial mood. 'It is something of a celebration, you see. My sister is about to become Lady Warenford!
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
It seemed to John that a roaring silence followed Henry's words. He cleared his throat.
'That is news indeed.'
'Aye, it is,' agreed Henry, 'Warenford was keen to have the matter settled. He wants to give my sister the protection of his name.'
John was aware of Katherine's anguished look, but did not meet her eye. A quick glance showed him Amos Ellingham sitting inert and silent in his chair. Only Henry seemed alive, striding about in front of the fire, declaiming on the glorious event to come.
'Warenford rode over specially today – of course you saw him, did you not, Steel, before you left for Alnwick? He has arranged everything for Tuesday next. He was already planning a ball for that night, but now all the great families of the county have been summoned – yes, I think summoned is the right word! – to the Keep to celebrate the nuptials of Lord Warenford and my sister. And do not think you are neglected, Steel, Lord Warenford was most insistent that you join us.'
'And where is the ceremony to be held?'
'At the church, in Sleaton,' muttered Katherine. 'He has already spoken to Parson Applewood.'
They moved into the dining room, where Henry continued to speculate on the lavish preparations for the wedding until at last Amos dropped his knife with a clatter and suggested that his son should find another topic of conversation.
'What was that? Oh, very well then, Father.' Henry tried to conceal his displeasure at this public set down, but after a moment he forced himself to turn to John. 'How was your trip to Alnwick, Master Steel? I thought the snow might have deterred you.'
'Not at all. Buying more sketching materials, don't you know.'
'I should like to see your sketchbooks, Master Steel.' Katherine spoke with difficulty, and the troubled look she cast at John tore at his heart.
'Of course, Mistress. They are at your disposal. I will fetch them for you after dinner.'
'Excellent,' declared Henry. 'I am sure we should all like to see if you are any good.' He added, grinning. 'If you are, Mr Steel, then perhaps you might like to make sketches of m'sister's wedding.'
Katherine ignored her brother and kept her attention fixed upon her plate, but she tasted none of the food she had selected. To sit here listening to Henry gloating, without any opportunity of explaining the situation to John, was pure torture. She had suggested looking at his sketchbooks in the hope that there would be an opportunity for a private word, but even that now seemed unlikely. When the covers were removed, she reminded her father that the doctor had advised he should retire as soon as dinner was finished. Thankfully he made no objection, and she accompanied him to his room, where she saw him safely delivered into the tender care of his valet, Hadston. As she left the bedchamber she saw Matthew Deane, and on impulse she stopped him.
'I pray you will give a message to your master for me.' Having been silent most of the evening, Katherine thought her voice sounded harsh and uneven. 'Tell him, tell him I shall be in the parlour at midnight.'
She blushed scarlet as the young man stared at her, and fled to the seclusion of her room.
Her maid, Annie, cast suspicious glances at Katherine's flushed countenance and could not be persuaded to leave until she had seen her mistress safely tucked up in her bed. Katherine did not snuff her candle but lay back against the pillows, staring at the familiar shadows of the room and praying she would not fall asleep before the appointed hour. Minutes dragged by. She heard Henry come up the stairs. He was singing as he passed her door and Katherine thought that she had never heard him so cheerful before.
Gradually all sounds ceased within the house, apart from the occasional creak as the old building settled into the night. Frost patterned the windows, gleaming silver in the moonlight and the silence was broken only by the occasional scream of a vixen. Katherine put a fresh candle in her holder and squinted at the bracket clock. Nearly midnight. She climbed out of bed and reached for her wrap. Then, pulling an old shawl about her shoulders she crept out of her room and down the stairs, remembering to avoid the creaky tread near the bottom.
The parlour felt welcoming, for the fire had been banked up so that the room would be warm for her father the next morning. She used her own candle to light several others in their sconces while she waited for John to arrive. It was not long before she heard the squeak of a stair and moments later John appeared in the doorway. Katherine gave him a strained smile.
'Thank you for coming. I had to see you, to explain.'
John put down his candle and turned towards her, his arms wide. She went into them as if it was the most natural thing in the world, but once enfolded in that safe haven she could not hold back her tears. He held her close, resting his cheek against her hair.
'Hush now, love.' He reached into his pocket and produced a snowy white handkerchief. 'Here, dry your eyes.'
'Th-thank you. I beg your pardon, I am not usually such a watering pot.'
He guided her to her father's chair and obliged her to sit down, then he pulled forward a footstool for himself.
'I saw your brother riding into the stable yard with Warenford just as we left this morning. Tell me what has happened.'
'H-Henry must have ridden over to the Keep very early. He had not left word of his intentions and I was not expecting him to bring the earl here today, but I thought it was fortuitous as I could break off the engagement, but I had no opportunity to do so. Henry immediately began to tell me that the wedding was all arranged. Lord Warenford had obtained a licence and agreed with the parson that he would marry us next week. The earl would not be gainsaid. I told him it was too soon, but he says he has waited long enough.' She drew a long, shuddering breath. 'He, he said that only if we were married could he protect my father, that the rebels were already at Carlisle and the government would surely have all known sympathisers imprisoned.' She looked at John, her eyes swimming with tears. 'It would kill him, John. He could not bear to be shut away again. I dared not oppose the earl. He said that news of our marriage would keep my father safe. That he would not allow the soldiers to take him away.'
'You were very right not to argue.' John took her hand and squeezed it. 'I do not believe your father to be in danger from the militia, but it is possible that Warenford could make mischief if it suited his purposes.' He frowned. 'So Warenford has learned that the rebels are coming down the west coast, not the east. I wonder why he is so eager to marry you now, at this time?' A rueful grin curled his lips. 'What a poor courtier I am, my love, to suggest he needs more reason than your sweet self!'
Sitting here with her hands in his comforting grasp, nothing seemed quite so bad, and she managed a watery chuckle before becoming serious again.
'I, too, have been wondering that, because I cannot believe it is only to protect my father.'
'He is planning something. Do you know just who has been invited to the Keep that day?'
'To hear Henry talk you would think it was the king himself coming! Perhaps I can find out for you. I feel much bolder when you are here.'
He pulled her to her feet and into his arms again, kissing her ruthlessly until she thought her very bones would melt under the sheer pleasure of it. When at last he raised his head she leaned against h
im, feeling the rhythmic thud of his heart against her cheek.
'And I am staying,' he murmured into her hair. 'I shall not let you marry Warenford, although for the present perhaps we should let it seem as if you will.' He put his fingers under her chin and made her look at him. 'Will you trust me in this, Kate?'
His blue eyes glinted down at her, warm and comforting. She felt her courage rising.
'Of course.'
He kissed her again. 'You are an angel.'
She smiled. 'Thank you. Now, what can I do to help you recover those swords?'
'You will help me? It could be dangerous.'
'My life is already dangerous, John. Tell me what to do.'
'Find out who is on the guest list. Also, I need to know if the consignment of swords is still in the north tower. They were packed in cases and stacked on the ground floor. If Warenford was going to supply the militia he would have done so by now. Or at least informed them of his intention. That he has said nothing increases my belief he has been stockpiling arms for the rebels. The question is, how is he going to get them across to the west? From what we saw at Alnwick today the government are already blockading the roads. But we have one stroke of luck. The girl, Lily, who works at the Three Tuns. She has a lover at the Keep, and I think we may be able to find out something from her. She is very innocent, and it grieves me to have to use her thus, but if Davis should confide in her – '
Katherine looked up. 'Davis? The earl's steward?'
'Aye. She thinks he is going to marry her.'
'That is impossible. He is already married.' She saw John's look of surprise and nodded. 'His wife is housekeeper at Albrough, Warenford's house in Yorkshire.'
'Then he is deceiving the poor child. It is no wonder he's told her to keep their courtship secret.' He pondered for a few moments, until a sigh escaped Katherine and he hugged her tighter. 'Poor love, you are exhausted. There's nothing more to do tonight, so get thee to bed, sweeting. No, wait. Remind me which stair it is that creaks so.'
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