Chapter Thirty-Seven
As New Year’s Eve dawned, the Castle was shrouded in mist.
“Great stuff,” cried Sir Thomas, bounding up the hill to the main courtyard, as he greeted Sir William. “Perfect day for haunting, wouldn’t you think?”
“I do, Thomas, and I think we may as well make the most of the last day of the year. Let’s end the year’s haunting with a good day of things.”
“Agreed entirely – I’ll gather some of the usual suspects from amongst the soldiers, get out and about in the crowds. Given the cold today, I’ll wager a fair few stay in the museums and displays, rather than spending too much time wandering around outside. We can do something entertaining indoors.”
Plans afoot, the two men turned together back down the way Sir Thomas had come, heading to the foot of the Castle, as Queen Mary and Lady Glamis made their way out of the Crown Jewels display.
“It’s always nice to go and spend some time in there before it gets too busy, Janet,” said Mary, as she tutted up at the sky. “I do hope this lifts before the celebrations this evening. I don’t want to see another celebration cancelled due to bad weather; it sets the whole year off badly.”
“The forecast looked promising, Your Grace; I don’t think we need to worry. At least this mist means it is not too windy – that’s always good news for the fireworks.” Janet had always made a point of finding a weather forecast, once they became available, either reading over somebody’s shoulder, or finding an abandoned newspaper. It was the ghosts’ only real source of world news, after all.
The two women made their way out to the battlements, watching for the first few visitors of the day to start making their way through the main gate, spreading outwards amongst the various attractions within the walls. A small shriek from the Lang Stairs indicated Sir Thomas’ start to the day; he was clearly not limiting his haunting to the living, as Jessie and Clara stormed up towards the two noblewomen.
“Oh dear, shall we make ourselves scarce? I think I am in the mood for some people-watching today, Janet. Shall we enjoy the hauntings from afar? Or would you prefer to take part?”
“Afar, I think, Your Grace. On a day like this, with such poor visibility, they are bound to start working on my scaffold, and frankly, who can blame them? It is the perfect day for it.”
Sure enough, within the hour, as the two women watched from the battlements, the young soldiers began their routine of banging hammer on wood, hidden below the walls of the Esplanade. Keen to avoid ruining their fun, Janet and Mary slipped by them unseen, out of the Castle and across the open space to the top of the Mile. Security was already being put in place for the evening.
“I’d propose haunting them, even a little, but it seems unfair – they cannot be the most popular people today, searching bags and confiscating things. Shall we let them be?” Mary asked Janet, as the fences were installed, with bag-search and ticket-checking points already set up.
“I think so – more fun to focus on the partygoers this evening, especially once they get a couple of drinks inside them,” said Janet, smiling at the early-risers, already wandering the Mile, keen to get started on their own celebrations. Most of the ghosts were only just starting to rise, most seemingly planning an easy day ahead of the planned partying that evening.
The two women also shared a quiet day, watching the crowds gather and parties of people find each other in the streets, heading in and out of various bars and restaurants. The celebrations started as soon as places were open, and there was a generally happy feel about the place. It was impossible to tell whether the odd shriek here and there was a result of joy or a ghost. Janet and Queen Mary suspected the former, with most ghosts having settled into a similar pattern of people-watching and planning for the evening’s party.
Groups had been planning their activities for the evening as soon as the plan had been announced, establishing who would go where, with whom and at what time. Several of the younger soldiers had managed to get themselves guaranteed a date for the evening, and the nobles had worked out the best place to be, to see the fireworks, hear the music, and not be disturbed by the raucous partygoers who had been descending on Edinburgh for several days. Whether Edinburgh was ready for them or not, the ghosts were ready for Edinburgh.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Watching the festivities begin from the battlements, Queen Mary smiled down on everyone, the living and the dead, getting into the party spirit. Drinks were flowing freely amongst the partygoers, dancing in the streets to a clash of music flowing out of every bar, club or stand. The main stage was lit up, the band playing their hearts out, as friends and strangers danced, all intermingled on the ultimate night for Scottish celebrations. Even better, the early haze had lifted, and it was a crisp, clear and still night, perfect for the promised fireworks.
The ghosts had taken the lead from the living, with all classes and eras of spirits chatting, fully visible, but their clothes hidden under the thickest cloaks they had been able to beg, borrow or steal from residents of the Mile less keen on the festivities, or ‘acquire’ from any number of shops. Mary was suddenly aware of somebody by her side. Janet slipped her arm through the monarch’s arm, squeezing gently.
“Ah, Janet, it is a beautiful sight, is it not? I cannot think why we don’t head out into the crowds more often,” said Mary, instantly regretting asking. Of course she knew why; there had been far too many drunken accidents in the years gone by, that it had been decided, for the safety of the living, that ghostly appearances and alcohol should be mixed only with the greatest care. As Mary had thought regarding her own Progress, she enjoyed being friends with other ghosts, but not being responsible for creating new ones.
Reaching for her companion’s arm in the crook of her elbow, she turned away to make a start down to the main esplanade and out to the parties. “We should make sure we get down there well before midnight, shouldn’t we? You will want to find Sir William, I am sure?”
Despite herself, Janet blushed. “We have arranged to meet by the museum, where we were for the festival, so we can get a good view of the fireworks for midnight. You are welcome to join us; I believe Sir Thomas is going to be there, and some of the other nobles.” Janet rambled, keen for her rendezvous not to sound as clandestine as some would have made it out to be.
“Oh, Janet, do you need me to be your chaperone?” said Mary, laughing with fondness at her friend. “Although, I do believe Sir William is an honourable man, whatever others may say…” She let her sentence trail away, teasingly, as Janet, as predicted, immediately opened her mouth to protest.
“What others might say? What others? What are they saying?”
“Janet, Janet, Janet, be calm – people with an affection for another are far too easy to tease. I have heard nothing, I do believe he is genuinely an honourable man; he was in life, and he has been nothing but loyal and kind in death.”
Janet dared a sideways glance at Queen Mary and narrowed her eyes. “You tease, Your Grace. Surely that is not very admirable in royalty?”
“Not at all, my dear Lady Glamis; rapport with one’s courtiers has always been absolutely critical in maintaining a working relationship with one’s subjects as a whole. You happen to be my closest courtier, and friend, so naturally, I speak most openly with you. Friends tease, after all.”
Janet couldn’t hide her happiness. She knew her position as Edinburgh’s most senior non-royal lady. All the Queens were of a much higher rank, but whenever they were absent, the other ghosts knew to show Janet an equal level of respect. Between them, Janet and Sir William knew the city inside out, and tonight was their night to celebrate with it.
They made their way to the gardens below by the quickest route, directly down the crag on which the Castle stood, and through the run of buildings, coming out at the museum, where Sir William and a number of other nobles had gathered, as planned.
“Your Grace!” he called to her, sweeping both women a deep bow. “We were beginning to fear
you weren’t joining us?”
“Not at all, Sir William, friends; I was simply admiring the concert and festivities from the Castle. I also thought it might do some of our younger crowd more good not to have me loitering over their shoulders as they attempted to have fun.”
Sir William nodded, but suspected Queen Mary’s kindness was as much down to her own keenness to stay out the way of any trouble which may have ensued. Now, however, with the party in full swing, he could see that she was ready to join in the festivities as much as anyone else. Her foot was already tapping along to the music, as Janet swayed back and forth at her side, engaging Sir Thomas in conversation, one eye kept firmly on the surrounding crowd.
“The bands have been particularly good this year,” he said, leaning closer as the music somehow increased even further in volume. Posters across the city had been telling them who was performing for the last couple of weeks, but the majority of the ghosts had had to claim ignorance. Still, the crowds were enjoying them, and they were definitely lively enough to keep things going. Happily, the weather had indeed stayed calm, and there had been no risk of cancellation.
Sir William glanced at the clock they had managed to smuggle down to the museum with them; less than half an hour to midnight, and the start of a new year. He hoped it would be peaceful, but he suspected with a Royal Progress in Queen Mary’s mind, there would be plenty to keep him and the others he relied upon occupied.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
As the final twenty minutes of the year began to tick away, the party seemed to become even more joyful, and certainly noisier. The small party from the museum made their way out into the surrounding crowd, mingling in and amongst the celebrating groups of locals and tourists alike. In full visibility and form, there were no fears of sending shivers through the living, so weaving in and out of the partygoers proved no obstacle. Mary smiled as she saw Janet ‘accidentally’ stumble as she passed between two slightly rowdier groups, and fall against Sir William. Janet glanced up at him, smiling apologetically from under her thick lashes, as he instinctively put his arm around her waist to steady her. As they moved forward, he found no reason to remove it.
Turning to Sir Thomas, Mary found him also watching the surely soon-to-be couple, then caught the eye of the Queen, and nodded.
“Won’t be long, do you think?” He offered her the crook of his elbow to support her through the party, as they made their way as close as they could to the gates of the party.
“I shouldn’t think so, dear Thomas. Perhaps around a quarter of an hour,” she replied, nodding to the clock he was carrying.
Sir Thomas chuckled. “We don’t get too many romances, do we, Your Grace? I mean, a few of the young soldiers, and a couple of the young lasses seem to hit it off, but nothing within our own little circle.”
“My dear man, is that some sort of proposition?” Mary darted a sideways glance at him, making her tone clear in her smirk.
Blushing, Sir Thomas shook his head. “Madame, I would not dare to insult your status. Besides, although you are clearly the only woman in Edinburgh worth pursuing, I am still hopeful that my Isobel will turn up one day. You never know – she might just be struggling to find me.”
“Then perhaps you should stay in one place, Thomas, and stop rushing about the country. Or is that why? You are still looking for her? Stay here awhile, let her come to you. “
“After your Progress, you mean?”
“Well, naturally after my Progress. I was hoping that you and Sir William would take the lead in logistics and security, but now I suspect Kirkcaldy will have other distractions, so I will need you right there by my side. But we can put the word out as we travel, ensure folk know that you will subsequently be staying here in the capital. If she is out there, she will surely find out, and come here once she hears the news.”
Sir Thomas nodded. “Yes, perhaps more sensible than my plan of the last six hundred years. I’m not the type to sit around and wait, you see. I’m a man of action.”
“Never fear, Sir Thomas, I am sure there will be plenty of action in Edinburgh to keep you occupied. We can put you permanently in charge of Greyfriars Kirkyard, for one thing.”
“I said action, Your Grace, not trouble!” He laughed, and led the Queen carefully through the final throngs of people to get a better view of the fireworks which were about to be released. Sir William and Janet were just to their side, her head now resting contentedly on his shoulder as they chatted about previous displays. “Of course, if you were to issue a direct order, I couldn’t refuse, but, well…”
“Perhaps the odd glance around now and then, as a compromise?”
“Agreed. I shall take up rooms at the Castle somewhere, catch up with Argyle more often, even your good friend St Margaret.”
They continued their chatter until the crowd’s buzz somehow grew louder still, as murmurs of a countdown began to spread.
“Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one – Happy New Year!”
Somehow, Edinburgh managed to count and shout in a singular voice, living and dead alike, all excited about the hope and peace a new year could bring. Thoughts of fresh starts, new beginnings, and of course, resolutions, would be flooding through the minds of the crowd. First, though, there was one more tradition to ensure was given full gusto. Miraculously, the ramshackle groups, haphazardly spread throughout the streets and gardens formed themselves into lines and circles, arms crossed, singing as one to Auld Lang Syne.
“One day, you know, Rabbie really must come along to this – he would surely love it?” Queen Mary shouted to Sir Thomas, struggling to be heard even standing right next to him.
“Get Fergusson on to it – but not McGonagall!” He replied. “And you were right, Madame, a quarter of an hour.” He gestured with his head, unable to extricate his arms from the group around him.
She followed his line of sight, and smiled. Sir William and Janet were finally embracing as midnight struck.
“A quarter of an hour, and a couple of hundred years. Not bad really,” she replied, filled with joy at her friends’ happiness.
This year was going to be a good one.
Chapter Forty
After the controlled and happy chaos of the night before, Queen Mary strolled down the Mile, content with her lot, smiling at the young soldier keeping close track as she wandered along. The previous year had had its ups and downs, but the joy of seeing her father happier and more outgoing, not to mention Boy finally finding his way out of the tunnels for good, easily outweighed the frustration and anger at Darnley’s ridiculous behaviour.
Now, with a fresh year ahead of her, she could start to plan again. There was her Royal Progress to organise, and even if it didn’t happen this year, she still intended, some time soon, to return to France and revisit the palaces of her youth. No doubt she would also endeavour to fit in a trip to London, to meet, and irritate, her charming cousin Elizabeth I.
Suddenly, she was aware of a young ghost sprinting up the street, completely ignoring her, but stopping briefly to tell her guard to “Look out”, before dashing on up the Mile towards the Castle. Aware that not one of the city’s guards would ignore her without due reason, Mary rushed over to her escort, demanding to know what was happening.
“He…he didn’t say anything, Your Grace, just what you heard – to look out. I need back-up, Your Grace. Please, come back to the Castle; I don’t want to be down here on my own.” The panic in his voice was clear, as he kept looking about him, wondered who or what might be about to appear, and what he might have to deal with. “Please, my Lady, come back to the Castle, where we can keep you safe.”
“But safe from what?” she demanded, knowing the poor lad didn’t know the answer. Hearing shouts from further down the Mile, her mind flashed to the one person she knew they would want to keep her away from. “Darnley? He is a pain, but no danger, how could he be?” Her voice wavered as she spoke his name, despite herself. She glanced to and fro, up and down t
he Mile, trying to see where the risk might come from.
“Mary, get to the Castle – Darnley has escaped, and we cannot find him.” Sir William surprised himself by forgetting court etiquette, and shouting at Queen Mary as though she was any other lady he would try to defend. He had rushed down the street as soon as he heard the news.
Mary repeated herself, demanding how Darnley could possibly hurt her. They were both ghosts; surely she could simply vanish and hide from him?
Sir William paused.
“You are right, Your Grace. And yet, I am nervous with him having escaped, after being kept so successfully secured for so long. Please, just go to the Castle, and yes, hide yourself, and go somewhere you do not usually. Please?”
Hearing the desperation in his voice, Mary nodded, and began to float quickly up the Mile, her young escort directly by her side; this was no time to bother about rules. Finding the Castle in disarray, she soon realised how Darnley could have made his escape. No ghost was where they would usually be found at that time, and none were looking as bright as she had felt that morning. Ghosts didn’t suffer hangovers, or struggle through lack of sleep, and yet somehow, after the party of the night before, everything was manic. If the guards at the South Bridge were anything like those currently manning the main gate, then it was clear how Darnley had managed to slip away from them.
Janet was waiting for her, and rushed down. “I’m so sorry we missed you going out this morning, Your Grace, we should have doubled your guard,” she apologised, as the two ladies rushed through the Castle, Mary simply being led by her friend. She pulled up short when she realised where Janet was taking her.
“No, Janet, I cannot.”
“My Lady, it is perfect; everyone knows how you and Margaret cannot get on – I have already put the word out that Margaret has returned to the Castle, but must not be disturbed, especially not by you. It is the last place anyone will look.”
Kindred Spirits: Royal Mile Page 17
