The Adventurer's Bride

by June Francis

  ‘So what are your thoughts on this painting, Jane?’ asked a voice behind her.

  Jane turned and gazed up at Nicholas with such relief in her eyes that he could not help but guess that she was really pleased to see him.

  ‘You have been so long in coming,’ she said weakly. ‘I was getting worried. Besides, see that man the other end of the hall? I swear it is Tomas Vives.’

  ‘You could be right,’ he said in a low voice, then added loudly, ‘I beg your forgiveness, Mistress Caldwell, for keeping you waiting, but the king had much to say to me.’

  She felt a start of shock that he should address her so, but instead of reminding him that she had changed her name, she accepted his apology, believing he must have his reasons.

  ‘I have much to tell you and you are not going to like it. I must leave this place and travel to Italy.’

  ‘What? But—but you made me a promise!’ cried Jane, further taken aback.

  ‘When the king commands, this subject must obey,’ said Nicholas, rather pompously. ‘I will escort you to my brother’s house and will arrange for a boat to ferry you to Oxford.’

  He hustled her from the disguising hall and hurried her along a passage. ‘I can’t believe you are doing this,’ she said. ‘Unless—has the king threatened you?’

  ‘His Grace has ordered me to Rome and I must leave immediately,’ he bellowed.

  She could not understand why he had to talk so loudly. It was almost as if he wanted people to know about it. ‘Could you not have told him that your spying days are over?’ she asked, a tremor in her voice.

  ‘He knows of the connection between my grandmother and his grandfather. I had no choice but to agree to do what he asked of me.’

  Jane forced back the angry words that threatened to choke her. ‘For what purpose?’

  Nicholas hesitated. ‘I shouldn’t tell you, but he has seen a way that this likeness of mine to his Grace might serve him in getting his heart’s desire. I can tell you no more, only think on those matters you know of him and whose residence is in Rome and you might come up with an answer. As it is I must get ready to leave—and you must, too, for you must return to the children.’

  ‘Of course,’ said Jane in a dull voice. ‘The children.’ She thought if it were not for them, then perhaps he would have taken her with him. As it was, it seemed that the future she had envisaged might never materialise. Who was to say that the king and cardinal might not find other missions for Nicholas to go on? That is, if he came back alive from this one. Fear clutched her belly and she felt sick.

  Suddenly she heard scuffling behind her and a man’s cry. She made to turn round, but Nicholas forced her onwards and said, ‘Don’t be so sad, Jane. This mission might not take as long as you fear. With fair winds and Our Lady and Saint Christopher on our side, we will soon be together again.’

  She thought he sounded more cheerful than he had any right to be and at the back of her mind was the thought that he might be glad to be off on his travels again, having missed the excitement of new faces and new places more than he was prepared to admit.

  * * *

  Once back at the house, Nicholas wasted no time taking his farewell of Jane, having told her that he had arranged for a boat to ferry her to the centre of London where she was to stay at the Raventons’ house next to the print works on Paternoster Row before taking ship to Oxford.

  Jane felt bewildered, thinking they had still not had that talk he had promised her. It seemed that he had forgotten and she did not want to be the one to remind him. ‘What of Pip?’ she asked. ‘I thought he would be returning to Oxford to be with Rebecca?’

  ‘He will leave on the morrow and has decided to travel on horseback.’

  She wondered why they could not have gone together. It would have made sense, but she felt that she could not question her husband’s orders. Then he kissed her with a passion that she had not expected and was gone before she could say the words that were in her heart.

  * * *

  ‘So do you think the plan will work, Nick?’ asked Philip, who had been busy during his brother’s absence from the palace.

  Nicholas gave a twisted smile at his younger brother’s disguised reflection alongside that of his own. ‘As long as Vives doesn’t escape before Constable Treadwell returns and no one who knows him gets a close look at you. You certainly look like a Spaniard, swarthy and raven-haired. Don’t attempt to practise singing like Vives, though,’ he warned, ‘or you might break this mirror and I can tell you that it came from Venice and cost almost the same as the ship I hired from our brother to take Jane to London.’ He had wanted her out of the way in case anything went wrong. He began to don the garments Philip suggested he wear before telling his brother to take care.

  ‘The same with you,’ said Philip seriously. ‘Don’t forget I’ll not be far behind you if any of Vives’s other kin were to attempt a surprise attack. It shouldn’t take you long to reach the disguising hall and we should have plenty of witnesses to the confrontation before your audience with the king.’

  Nicholas nodded and left, praying that all would go smoothly.

  The interior of the disguising hall looked more or less as it had done earlier when Jane was there. Perhaps a few more people were gathered, inspecting the decorations and watching and listening to the rehearsals for the entertainment that would take place in the not-too-distant future. Nicholas recognised scarcely any of the faces, but they looked at him as if uncertain whether he was who he appeared to be. A couple even bowed, although it was well known by those closest to the king that there were occasions when Henry enjoyed pretending to be an ordinary man to test them. Just like some of them, Nicholas inspected Master Holbein’s work and was aware of the exact moment when his brother entered the hall.

  He did not have to wait long before becoming aware that Philip was storming towards him. His brother halted a few feet away from him and let out a flood of Spanish. Nicholas looked down his nose at him and responded haughtily in the same tongue. The next moment Philip had drawn a sword. There was a concerted gasp from those who had turned in their direction as Nicholas drew his sword. The next moment the brothers were involved in some rather nifty swordplay. They had arranged for Philip to bring the fight to a swift conclusion by making it appear that he had stabbed his opponent in the side and then he would flee before any of those watching could call the guards.

  Nicholas was surprised at how well the plan worked. As he clutched his side and squeezed the rag he held that had been soaked in red paint, so that it appeared that he was bleeding, he waved away those who would have helped him. He roared at them to go after his assailant. Hopefully Philip would have no trouble making his escape.

  Two of his actors, disguised as guards, now came to Nicholas’s aid and helped him from the hall. Speedily they made their way to the players’ lodgings where they bound up Nicholas’s so-called wounds. As they were doing so, Philip entered, minus his disguise.

  ‘Well, that part worked,’ he said, grinning. ‘Now let’s see if you can fool the king.’

  Nicholas sat down and submitted himself to his brother’s skilful hand. Hopefully he would have no trouble making him appear pale and gaunt. His aim was to convince the king that he had been mistaken for his Grace and an attempt had been made on his life. What with the break-in at the shipyard and the deliberate vandalism of the king’s ship, Henry’s advisors should be able to convince him that he had serious enemies who had almost taken Nicholas’s life. Hopefully the king would then give him leave to return home to his wife and children.

  As for his attacker, he had vanished—and Tomas Vives would never be seen again in England.

  * * *

  The following day Jane was waiting at Blackfriars quay for the boat to arrive that would take her to Oxford. She was in company with a large man with a dog, who was in the employment of Sir Gawain. Apparently they were to guard her with their lives. This should have made her feel not only safe, but pleased that her husband and
friends were being so protective of her. Instead, she was feeling low-spirited despite the fine weather and that she had now done with the curse until next month. For the past twenty-four hours or more she had puzzled over Nicholas’s behaviour and had eventually come to the conclusion that he had intended Tomas Vives to know that the king wished Nicholas to go to Rome, although that did not make sense to her. The Spaniard wanted him dead so why let him know of his movements? Could it be to set a trap?

  Her bodyguard tapped her on the shoulder and she saw a ship approaching, its sail billowing in the breeze. Could this be the one she had been told to watch out for? As it drew nearer she saw that it bore the name Saint Mary. There appeared to be only one other passenger going aboard and he was clad in a black friar’s habit.

  The master mariner greeted her and a member of the crew took her baggage and helped her aboard. They were followed by the clergyman. The master offered to show her to her quarters and one of the crew wasted no time casting off. She thought it strange that she and the friar were the only two passengers sailing for Oxford. Once inside the cabin she was astounded by its size. The master left her alone and closed the door after him.

  The ridiculous thought came into her mind that she was being abducted and she felt impelled to try the door. It opened without difficulty and now she felt foolish. She closed it again and, tired out by the trauma of the last few days, decided to rest. The bunk was of a fair size and she sat down and eased off her shoes and lay down. She closed her eyes and listened to the swish of the water as the ship forged through the waves. Where was Nicholas now? Would he cross the channel to France, then go overland on horseback, or would he go by ship down the coast, past Portugal and Spain and through the Straits of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean and sail east towards Italy?

  There came a knock on the door.

  ‘Who is it?’ she asked.

  The door opened and a familiar voice said, ‘May I come in?’

  Jane shot up on the bunk. ‘Nicholas!’ she cried, scarcely able to believe it was him.

  ‘The very same,’ said the figure in the black habit, smiling as he locked the door behind him and approached the bunk.

  ‘What are you doing here?’ she asked, bewildered.

  ‘I made you a promise which I had every intention of keeping,’ he said.

  ‘Oh!’ She did not know what to say, for she was deeply touched and tears clogged her throat.

  ‘Is that all you have to say?’ he teased.

  She cleared her throat. ‘Why are you in disguise?’

  Nicholas dragged off the habit and flung it on the floor. ‘It saved me pretending to be wounded when making my way to London.’ He sat alongside her on the bunk.

  ‘Why should you pretend to be wounded?’

  Nicholas explained and she listened without interruption and admiration. Only when he had finished did she say, ‘You took a terrible risk, both of you. I do not doubt the king would have had your heads if he knew you played such a jape on him.’

  Nicholas nodded. ‘Fortunately he accepted that I couldn’t travel wounded after apparently being mistaken for him. Also there was also the fact that Tomas Vives appears to have disappeared and could have gone to join his Emperor with the Almighty only knows what information about Henry’s plans.’

  Jane thought about that and said, ‘I am not going to ask where Tomas Vives really disappeared to.’

  ‘No, best you don’t,’ he said, placing his arm around her waist. ‘Instead, I shall tell you where this ship is heading.’

  Jane stared at him. ‘It’s not going to Oxford?’

  He shook his head. ‘No, we are sailing to Bristol by the route you suggested.’

  ‘But you said it could be dangerous?’

  ‘You once told me that life is dangerous and one has to take risks but the weather is set fair and the master of this ship is very experienced.’

  ‘But what about the children?’

  ‘By the time we reach Bristol, they will have arrived there. Pip and Rebecca will arrange everything with Tabitha and Ned’s help.’

  ‘And Dorothea, you must not forget Matilda’s wet nurse,’ reminded Jane.

  ‘As if I would, but I also remind myself that my daughter is too young to enjoy all the sights to be seen when we reach Bristol,’ he said. ‘Still, I cannot wait to show James and the girls the bore wave and then there are the sledges.’

  ‘Sledges?’

  ‘Aye, due to Bristol being a centre for the wine trade there are many cellars there. The weight of wagons would prove too heavy and so the wine is transported by sledge. In winter the children will have fun riding on them.’ He smiled. ‘So just relax and enjoy the journey, and if there is aught else you feel you need to ask me do not hesitate.’

  ‘There is a matter I am troubled about,’ she said, a tremor in her voice as she gazed at him. ‘Is this really what you want? To build ships and never go travelling again?’

  He looked thoughtful. ‘I never wanted to be a shipbuilder, but now I know I can find satisfaction in using the skills my father insisted on my learning. He was disappointed when I received my inheritance and took to travelling. I think he would be pleased that I’m now following in his footsteps, like Christopher.’

  ‘James’s father wanted him to be a stonemason,’ murmured Jane, ‘but if you’d rather he worked in the shipyard when he’s older, I’m sure he’ll settle for that.’ She felt Nicholas stiffen. ‘What is it?’ she asked. ‘Have I said something that displeases you?’

  He shook his head and smiled. ‘Not so long ago I thought Godar was James’s father and I cannot tell you how much that pained me, for I am extremely fond of the lad.’

  She turned in his arm and stared at him. ‘But he’s far too young to be so!’

  ‘I realised that only after I left you in Witney. I wasn’t thinking sensibly at the time.’ He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it.

  She said ruefully, ‘I should have told you that I miscarried shortly after I wed Simon, but I was too overwrought that evening.’

  ‘So there was no need for you to have married Caldwell after all.’

  She sighed. ‘At the time it seemed the only way to save me from disgrace. It was my brother’s idea. I did not like deceiving Simon and afterward I did tell him the truth. He forgave me—perhaps because it proved I was not barren. He was desperate for a son and I have to say that I would not be without my dear James and Simon. Besides, we might not be here if it were not for my asking you to be Simon’s godfather.’

  ‘I accept there could be some truth in that,’ said Nicholas, smiling down at her. ‘The same goes for my Matilda.’

  Jane sighed. ‘I wish she were my daughter.’

  ‘I can’t say how much I appreciate your saying that, Jane.’ He kissed her.

  A delicious shiver went through her and she was overwhelmingly aware of the strength in his arm. ‘You are no longer in pain?’ she asked when he lifted his mouth from hers.

  ‘No, my shoulder has almost healed. What about you? What of the curse?’

  ‘It is over for this month, I am pleased to say.’

  ‘Really?’ he teased, drawing her gown off her shoulders and down to her waist and lifting her to her feet.

  ‘Really,’ she echoed.

  He pressed his lips against the hollow at the base of her throat before covering her mouth in a passionate kiss.

  Her gown slithered to the floor and she kicked it away and began to undress him, dragging out his shirt and unfastening the ties that held up his hose, then that went the way of her gown and then her chemise. Now they were chest to breast and she twined her arms around his neck. She gasped as he placed his hands beneath her bottom and lifted her up. Instinctively her legs fastened about his waist and he carried her over to the bunk. They fell on it, but remained in a tangle of limbs. Their rising passion carried them away on a tide of hot, delicious excitement that seemed to have a life of its own.

  Then unexpectedly he felt her pull away. ‘
What is it?’ he asked gently, seeing tears in her eyes. ‘Why do you cry?’ He licked the tears from her eyelashes.

  ‘Because on our wedding night you withdrew from me. Tell me why?’

  ‘I did not wish to see you suffer the pain of childbirth or to lose you giving birth,’ he said simply. ‘How would the children and I cope without you?’

  ‘But I want to give you a son,’ said Jane, clinging to him. ‘I can see him—building ships to your design. He will make the name of Hurst shipbuilders even more famous than they are now. It is wrong in me, I know, but part of me rejoices that Louise did not give you a son, but a beautiful daughter. I might not be lovely like Louise, but I have given birth to two healthy sons and survived. I do not see why I should not do so again.’

  ‘If that is your desire, Jane, then I pray God that it will be so. As for not being lovely, you will always be so in my eyes, my love.’

  His love! thought Jane, her spirits soaring, scattering any doubts that might have still lingered about his feelings towards her. ‘Then so be it, my dearest husband, whom I love more than the whole world,’ she said huskily, surrendering herself to the pleasure that was to come.

  * * * * *

  Author’s Note

  On 6th May 1527, the Sack of Rome took place, which resulted in a massacre of a large number of its citizens and the papal guards by the unpaid and out-of-control army of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. The pope, Clement VII, managed to escape, but was later captured and had to pay a large ransom for his life. Ever afterwards he had to steer clear of conflict with Charles V and not do anything that displeased him. This meant that he would certainly not allow Henry VIII the annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. The rest is history.

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Historical.