‘I will, sir.’ He grinned cheerfully. Seemingly, I reflected, at least there had been no grim news to trouble the servants… I started for the house, then paused.
‘What tidings?’ I asked. ‘Has anything occurred in my absence?’
‘Tidings?’ He scratched his head. ‘No… well, one of the mares lost a shoe. I meant to get the farrier in…’
But seeing me walk off, he ceased his prattle.
I entered the house and found everything serene; not the homecoming I had feared. Was this to the good, or not? Stiff from riding, sweaty and dusty, I made my way to the kitchens. Here at least, there was activity: two or three wenches started at sight of me and bobbed quickly. Finally Henry appeared, a look of surprise on his face.
‘Welcome back, Master Justice. We didn’t know when you would come, so…’
‘I’m thirsty,’ I told him. ‘Will you get me a drink? And would someone run and tell Mistress Hester I’m here?’
One of the maids went out at once, whereupon I slumped down at the big table, cluttered with bowls and knives and vegetables to be chopped. I needed to wash and change my attire… likely I stank, I realised. When Henry brought me a mug of ale, I drank it down in one gulp.
‘Any news, while I’ve been gone?’ I asked.
‘Nothing of any moment, sir. I’ve some trout and a goose for supper, if you will… and a tansy pudding, and-’
‘Excellent,’ I said, without interest. I got to my feet and moved towards the door, just as the maid came hurrying back.
‘Mistress Hester awaits you, sir… she’s most happy that you’re returned safe.’
I nodded and went out. Still in my boots, I tramped towards my private closet, whereupon Hester appeared at once. I halted, searching her expression, but saw only a smile of welcome. We embraced warmly, and for longer than was our habit. But when I released her, her face was grave.
‘There’s a letter from George,’ she said quietly. ‘It came more than a week ago… I didn’t dare to open it.’
I drew a breath and followed her into the room. There were papers on my table, bills requiring attention. But Hester had been discreet: the letter from George was shut in my iron coffer, away from the eyes of any servant who might come in to sweep the floor. I brought it forth, and we both sat down. Whereupon I opened it hastily, unfolded it and read.
‘Well?’ Even Hester could barely contain her impatience. ‘What has he to say?’
I did not answer, but read the whole letter again before lowering it… and shook my head.
‘Nothing good,’ I said, my spirits sinking. ‘He has tried his utmost to petition the King, as I knew he would. Badgering courtiers and secretaries… he even rode into Surrey to waylay the Royal Progress, but was unable to gain audience. All he could discover was that the King appears set on purchasing Thirldon. Needless to add, nobody has any inclination to try and persuade him otherwise.’
I looked aside, a great weariness upon me; just then I could have cursed James Stuart and his preening favourite Buckingham to the very devil. Then footsteps sounded outside, and Childers entered.
‘Master Justice…’ he managed a smile. ‘What a relief to see you returned. Not having much news, we feared…’ But seeing my expression he stopped short, his eyes going to the letter. Then he faced Hester, who merely shook her head.
And thereafter the three of us were silent, taking in the stark reality in our own ways: as I had feared all along, Thirldon must be given up. It was merely a matter of when.
***
The days that followed were suffused with gloom; I know no other way to put it. While I spent much of the time in my closet dealing with correspondence, Hester went about her business of managing the house. But our despondency grew difficult to conceal: quite soon, we both knew I must call the entire household together and tell them what would happen.Childers, meanwhile, appeared his usual dour self, which attracted no attention at all.
But I knew what a burden he bore, and it seared my heart. The Sabbath came and went, and I knew he prayed fervently for some change of fortune; being a sceptic, I held out no such hope. On the following day, accepting that I could delay no longer, I was taking a turn in the garden before dinner when a horseman arrived. Suspecting the worst, I hurried to the courtyard to find Childers speaking with the messenger, who had dismounted.
‘It bears the royal seal,’ Childers said, somewhat hoarsely. He pointed to an important-looking packet, which the horseman had produced from inside his coat. As I approached, the man made his bow and held it forth. He was indeed wearing royal livery.
‘It comes from Windsor, sir,’ he said, ‘where His Majesty has retired after his Progress. I was ordered to make haste, and deliver it into your own hands.’
I exchanged a glance with Childers, then took the packet. Yet, being almost certain of what its contents were, I was loth to open it. Delaying shamelessly, I bade the messenger go to the kitchens and relay my instruction, that he be given food and drink. But the man shook his head.
‘I would first see you open it, sir – you, and no other. Those are my orders.’
‘Indeed?’ Now as tense as Childers was, I hesitated further, but it was no use. There in the courtyard I broke the seal, unfolded the paper and read… and read again, blinking… then looked up.
‘Master Justice?’ Childers looked aghast; naturally he assumed all was lost, until:
‘It’s good tidings,’ I said, somewhat shakily. ‘Indeed, it’s surprisingly good tidings… as welcome as they are unforeseen. We’ll go indoors…’ I turned to the messenger, and drew a breath.
‘Take your dinner now,’ I urged him. ‘And when you’re ready to leave, I’ll have a reply ready for you to carry.’
He bowed again, and when Childers pointed the way, walked off. I turned to go into the house, but felt a tug on my sleeve.
‘Sir, I’m all a-quiver. What’s the message? Tell me now!’
In truth, I was still taking it in. Only minutes ago, I had feared my world was soon to collapse; now, however… I took a breath, and faced him.
‘It seems I am to be knighted,’ I said. ‘The King bids me come to Windsor - and bring my wife.’ And when the other stared, I made haste to reassure him.
‘As for Thirldon, you may take heart – as may we all. By His Majesty’s good grace and favour, in reward for certain services rendered in the matter of… I’ll not quote the entire passage. In short, he’ll make other plans with regard to my estate, which he gives me leave to enjoy in perpetuity.’
I paused, then added: ‘What a generous monarch… good grace and favour. Do you mark that?’ And a smile came upon me then, as relief seemed to fill the very air about us. Childers, however, was almost speechless.
‘Bring your wife?’ He echoed vaguely. ‘How will that fadge?’
‘Come inside,’ I said. ‘And summon Mistress Hester, if you will. I suspect we’ll all need a strong drink.’
And at last, the tension seemed to drain from Childers, as if seeping into the very cobbles beneath his feet. A smile appeared; he heaved a sigh, then nodded. As we began to walk, he paused and lifted his face to the sky.
‘The Great Comet disappeared some days ago,’ he said. ‘I did think that our troubles might pass with it, though in truth I was losing hope. But I was wrong… and I swear, I’ll never lose hope again as long as I’m alive.’
Whereupon I patted his arm, and led the way indoors.
TWENTY-ONE
My plans were soon in train to ride to Windsor, where I would become Sir Robert Belstrang. It was a time of joy, even as October arrived with wind and showers of rain. And on a sudden there seemed a great deal to do: letters to write, people to inform, and not least a new suit of clothes to be ordered. In some haste, I called my tailor out from Worcester and spent a fraught hour or two agreeing styles as well as terms, with Hester in attendance. By the time the man had gone I was irritable, but calmed myself with a cup of Rhenish in my parlour.
And here
at last, I made my proposal.
It had been on my mind for days, ever since the King had kindly invited me to bring my wife with me on the day of ceremony. Several other men were to be knighted along with me: the usual practice. How many of them had chosen to purchase their titles, of course, I could not know – again, a common practice. Hence, I confess to a degree of satisfaction in knowing that I had earned my reward, for services to the Crown. Clearly, Sir Samuel Sandys had been as good as his word and spoken well of me, with regard to what had occurred down in the Forest of Dean, and at Bristol and thereafter.
I had emerged from a nightmare: one filled with danger and devilry - or merely plain greed and deception. Such comprise the daily fare of magistrates, and I suspect they always will… but I digress. I must come to the last part of my tale, which warms my heart as I relate it.
There was never any doubt as to whether Hester would agree to becoming the future Lady Belstrang. She had never touched upon the topic, being most loyal to her late mistress; yet in my heart, I knew Margaret would have been glad. When I finally spoke to her alone, she accepted with good grace. She made no remark about the years she had waited to be asked – nor about the gossip that had swirled about us both during that time.
And so, in the end it was a matter of relief to us both. Moreover, although we knew our wedding must wait a while, I insisted upon her accompanying me to Windsor as my bride-to-be. Let tongues wag as they may, the future Sir Robert said. Meanwhile, the news was soon out at Thirldon, and not a soul was displeased - or even surprised very much. Whatever had been said behind closed doors, I chose not to think on.
But there is one matter of great importance yet to relate. On the very evening before our leaving to take the long ride to Windsor – the best part of a hundred miles, a journey we would break at Oxford – I received a letter from Ombersley, a few miles away. Knowing it to be from the Sir Samuel Sandys, I half-expected to be summoned as a witness in a trial, perhaps that of Francis Mountford.
But I was mistaken.
We were at supper - Hester, Childers and I – when the message was brought by my servant Lockyer. In some irritation at being distracted from a meal of celebration, I took a fortifying drink before opening it. Yet, when I finally perused the elegantly-written letter, I was confounded.
‘Nothing unfortunate I hope, Master Justice?’ Childers enquired warily. His resolve to be of better cheer these days, I might say, had proved as fleeting as I expected. With raised eyebrows, I dropped the letter on the table and met his gaze.
‘Not at all,’ I replied. ‘Indeed, I might say it’s most fortunate, save that fortune has played but a small part in it.’ And when both he and Hester waited in anticipation, I laid it forth.
‘You know that Matthew Standish left Worcester somewhat precipitately,’ I said. ‘Hence, I am invited to return to the magistrate’s bench in his place… temporarily, of course. It seems there’s been correspondence between the Chief Justice and the High Sheriff, as well as the Council… but no matter. Sandys is clear enough: his wish is that I remain in the post for as long as I choose. In short, until I become infirm or start falling asleep in court… you may speculate at will.’
I looked up, and found both of them gazing at me as if struck dumb.
‘By heavens, what wondrous news…’ Childers was the first to find voice. Shaking his head, he lifted his cup and called for a toast: to the man who would once again be Justice Bestrang.
‘Justice Sir Robert,’ Hester corrected. ‘Soon to be, anyway.’ But she too lifted her silver cup, and threw me a smile that spoke a great deal.
‘And what good timing,’ she added, as we all drank. ‘After all that’s passed of late, I was beginning to fear that your weakness for throwing yourself into other people’s troubles was becoming a habit, if not a compulsion. In truth, being an ex-magistrate has proved more tiresome – and more dangerous - than being a serving one. Would you not agree, sir?’
‘Perhaps,’ I replied. But as the truth sank home, I found myself somewhat lost for words. Childers’ phrase was yet in my mind: I would once again be Justice Belstrang.
Later - some weeks later – I would make another decision: that I would set the tale of the past three years down on paper: a sort of private chronicle, if you will, of events that had begun with my Year of Astonishment. But just then, with the prospect of a long ride on the morrow, I was content to experience a feeling of deep calm, and to drain my cup.
Outside, the wind was getting up; but inside Thirldon a good fire burned, and a warm glow stole over me. Further toasts were proposed: I might even have said God save the King, but restrained myself without too much difficulty.
And now at last, I am done.
Deliverance: A Justice Belstrang Mystery Page 18
