Looking a little worse for wear, Tobias appeared mid-morning. Waiting for a ship from Exeter to arrive and take them to Rotterdam, he and Sir Leander were in town for at least a couple of days, and his master allowed Tobias some free time till then. Quashing my surprise, I accepted Tobias’s offer of help happily, and asked him to carry the sacks Master Perkyn had delivered earlier into the brewery. I also had him stoking the fire and even allowed him to stir the mash while Adam poured the heated water into the tun and, after he’d done that, to rake the grain. After a while, I wandered over to the malthouse door and, wiping my hands on the apron, leaned against the doorframe. Watching my brother in his bare feet with his sleeves rolled and his hose hitched, I noted his broad shoulders and flushed cheeks.
‘Where’s Sir Leander?’
Focussed on hefting the sprouting grain, Tobias didn’t answer immediately. ‘Not sure. We had some unexpected visitors early this morning and he left the house in a hurry. Didn’t say where he was going, but I suspect it was to the docks.’
Grateful the man hadn’t thought to accompany his squire again, I threw myself into my tasks.
Before lunch, another three barrels of ale were filled and shifted to where the temperature was more constant. I was enjoying a drink of small ale, thinking how much having one set of additional hands helped, when Iris burst through the brewhouse door.
‘Mistress, mistress, I’m sorry, I couldn’t stop —’ Before she had the rest out, she was pushed to one side. In her stead stood Hiske. Discarding the mourning attire we still wore, she was clothed in a dress of the highest fashion. A deep blue with long, cutaway sleeves and a matching hood, it shed years from her. A furred cape was tied under her chin and a small purse dangled from a gloved wrist. Married life evidently agreed with her, she looked better than I ever recalled.
‘Ja,’ she said, her eyes sweeping the room, her face screwed up in displeasure as she took in my patched kirtle, stained apron and unruly hair. ‘I always suspected you’d find your level.’
Adam drew himself upright, looking to me for instructions. Anger radiated from him. Squatting in front of the kiln, Tobias was but a silhouette; Hiske hadn’t spied him.
Stifling my dismay, I placed my cup down on the table and wiped my hands on the apron around my waist.
‘Cousin Hiske,’ I said. I made no move to welcome her. ‘I didn’t expect to see you.’
‘Well, I didn’t expect to find myself here.’ With a loud sniff, she came down the steps and into the brewhouse, tut-tutting the entire way. ‘What would your father say, Anneke Sheldrake, if he could see the depths to which you’ve stooped? You, who dared turn up your nose at my offer and chose instead to become a common brewster. I can inform you now, your brother is most unhappy.’
‘There’s nothing common about brewing, Cousin Hiske, as well you know. Not only did Mistress Margery Kempe from Bishop’s Lynn run a brewery, but Mother’s family have a long and respectable history —’
‘Respectable?’ She gave a mocking laugh. ‘You always had a way of colouring things in such favourable hues. I was only saying to your brother yesterday that I think you’ll find your father was determined to erase that particular brand of respectability from your past. He was always so ashamed that your mother’s roots were so … so …’
‘Attached to yours?’ finished Tobias, sauntering from the shadows.
Hiske recoiled. ‘M… Master Tobias … I didn’t … I wasn’t …’
‘I can guarantee, cousin,’ continued Tobias, ignoring her stammers, ‘that when Father sought your services, he neither believed he was sheltering a thief nor someone who would exploit my sister’s grief for her own ends.’ He shook his head and stood, legs apart, studying our cousin. Pride filled my heart.
Hiske’s eyes widened and she took a step back. ‘Master Tobias … Tobias … Forgive me. I didn’t expect —’
‘To see me here? That’s evident.’ Tobias threw the rag upon which he was cleaning his hands to one side, narrowly missing the mash tun and came to stand by me. Together we faced the woman who’d been my torment ever since Mother died.
‘Just as I didn’t expect to see you, once I saw the state you left the house in, never mind my siblings. It’s only my sister’s sense of family obligation, an awareness of the humiliation your crime would bring upon the family, that prevented her calling the sheriff. Peculiar you didn’t mention what occurred during our delightful chat yesterday.’
Even in the dim light of the brewhouse, I could see Hiske’s cheeks colour. Her eyes shifted from side to side and she swallowed.
‘I merely took what I was owed —’ she began.
‘You took whatever you wanted, Cousin Hiske,’ I corrected, emboldened. ‘Waiting until there was no-one present who could call you to account.’
Blustering, Hiske tried to find words and failed.
‘And for the record, there’s nothing common or otherwise about my sister, my mother or our family,’ said Tobias. ‘Furthermore, Anneke has my support in this — as well as Lord Rainford’s. I ask that if you can’t respect the Sheldrake name, you at least respect that.’
Something flickered across Hiske’s face. Ribbons of ice unfurled in my stomach. Did she know about Tobias’s parentage? Would she say something? Could Hiske be that cruel? I held my breath.
Regaining her composure, Cousin Hiske sniffed. ‘Whether or not someone is perceived as common is not something that you or I decide, Tobias Sheldrake. About the family or ourselves. That’s a verdict the court of the townsfolk will proffer and which, as I warned your sister, you too may yet suffer.’
I understood then, God be praised, Hiske didn’t know.
Tired of her negativity, I wanted Hiske and her spiteful insinuations gone. ‘Why are you here, Cousin Hiske?’
Peering into the mash tun, Hiske chose her words. ‘I couldn’t credit it when, at mass this morning, the talk outside St Stephen’s was not of Martinmas, but of the new brewer. They were saying how men flocked to her house like bees to pollen, how they remained drinking until well into the night, abandoning hearth, home and families — and on Martinmas — unable to resist the unnatural temptations this flame-haired siren offered. I didn’t need to be told. I knew exactly whom they were discussing. I simply couldn’t believe you’d be so foolish as to destroy all your prospects; ruin your father’s reputation as well as your own so readily. I had to come and see for myself.’ She looked me up and down with a calculated deliberateness, her upper lip curled. ‘The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree —’
‘Don’t!’ I strode towards her, fury propelling me. Hiske butted up against the wall. ‘Don’t you dare, Hiske Jabben.’ I glared at her, furious. ‘You’ll not denigrate my mother’s name ever again with your sly words and poisonous tongue. Thank the dear Lord I don’t have to put up with them or you any more.’
‘Oh, as much as I’m loathe to disappoint you, cousin, I’m afraid that’s not true,’ said Hiske. ‘And, for the record,’ she sneered. ‘It’s Mistress Makejoy.’
‘What do you mean?’ My fingernails dug into my palm. Sweat trickled down my back.
‘I mean that, you’d best get accustomed to my presence. Under orders from Lord Rainford —’ she looked at Tobias, ‘my husband is checking your books as we speak, so both Master Makejoy and I will be frequent —’
‘He’s in the office? Alone?’ Without waiting for further explanations, I pushed past Hiske, who stood sniggering, and ran through the garden into the kitchen. Deep in frantic conversation, Blanche and Iris broke apart as I entered. ‘I know, I know!’ I said, holding up a hand. I darted down the passageway that joined the kitchen to the hall, bolted through the hall and into the corridor. I had a vague impression of laden sacks in the corner near the shop door, what looked like bolts of fabric, and other goods bulging from the opening, as well as some objects on the floor besides, but didn’t pay too much attention. Not when there were raised voices coming from Father’s office.
‘— He’s not
here, but I am — and I’m ordering you to hand it over.’ There was a dull thump and a squeak. ‘Is that clear?’ Sir Leander sounded like a man close to losing his temper.
Pushing the door slightly, a very gratifying scene met my gaze. Master Makejoy was pinned to the far wall of the room, the ledger that I’d been using to record our expenses and income dangling from one hand while the other was covering the top of Leander Rainford’s, which was attached to his throat. A pot of ink had been knocked over; a quill snapped in two lay on the floor. I gasped and then opened the door wide, letting the men know there was a witness.
Tobias, Blanche, Iris and Adam gathered behind me. Tobias inhaled sharply.
‘Sir Leander, I beg you, please …’ Master Makejoy’s voice cracked. He raised the ledger. ‘Take it, dear sweet Lord, take it.’
Snatching the ledger from his trembling hand, Sir Leander held it over his shoulder without looking around. ‘Mistress Sheldrake? If you please?’ In two steps, I had it safe in my hands. I clutched it tightly.
‘How dare you!’ shrieked another voice and in swept Hiske. ‘Let Master Makejoy go!’ Outrage made her skin blotchy and her eyes flashed.
Taking his time, Sir Leander released Master Makejoy, who found his feet and, doubling over, coughed and then spat into the fireplace. He sank onto a stool, loosening his surcoat at the neck.
Hiske threw her arms around her husband, raising a furious face towards the nobleman. ‘You may be Lord Rainford’s son, but you’ve no right to treat one of his employees that way! Wait till your father hears about this.’
Her voice shook, but I admired her bravery. I didn’t imagine many would confront Sir Leander, let alone threaten him. Looking at the tender way she held Master Makejoy, I wondered if she really did love this strange emaciated man.
‘My mistake. I first thought your husband a thief and set about preventing him taking what I believed was Mistress Sheldrake’s property,’ said Sir Leander with great calm.
Hiske’s eyes became mere slits.
‘The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree,’ said Tobias for my ears alone. I coughed.
‘You attacked me!’ Master Makejoy was hoarse. ‘My heart is pounding fit to burst.’
Hiske made some soothing noises. Behind me, Iris stifled a noise of disgust.
‘Well, it was an honest mistake.’ Sir Leander cocked an eyebrow at me, his meaning clear. ‘The room is dark and, hearing noises, I look in to spy a man I don’t recognise sneaking about. Well, what was I to assume? Speaking of which, there’s a mystery I’m hoping you can help me solve, Makejoy.’
‘My lord?’ Master Makejoy rubbed his throat.
‘Imagine my surprise when Tobias roused me from a very comfortable slumber this morning to inform me there were men outside the house waiting to pick up some property they’d been sold.’
Hiske drew herself up, one hand still attached to Master Makejoy’s shoulder. ‘I can explain, my lord.’
‘Oh, I’m sure you can, Mistress Makejoy, and I look forward to hearing what you have to say.’ Sir Leander rested his elbow upon the mantelpiece, poking the fire with the end of his cane. ‘Especially since the servants were at a loss as to clarify how my father’s private house suddenly became the equivalent of a merchant’s shop — selling everything from quite unique curios, I’m reliably informed, to larger objects such as rugs and tables.’
I gasped. Behind me there were dark mutters.
‘I can explain that, Sir Leander,’ said Master Makejoy weakly.
‘And I would like to hear your account as well, Makejoy. Facts are, I told these men that what they sought to buy were in fact stolen goods and they’d better leave before I sent for the sheriff.’
Master Makejoy groaned and buried his head in his hands. Hiske didn’t move.
The smile left Leander Rainford’s face. ‘What I want to hear from you, Makejoy, or your wife, is how you came to be in possession of such property.’
Hiske flashed a look at me. ‘It’s mine.’
‘Indeed? That’s not what I’ve been led to believe, Mistress Makejoy. In fact, I was given to understand that it was taken unlawfully.’
‘Unlawfully?’ said Hiske. ‘Nee. Not at all. I was merely ensuring I was paid in kind for services rendered. Isn’t that right, Master Makejoy? Especially since it was clear that my cousin Joseph’s estate could no longer guarantee my wages.’ I marvelled that she could meet my eyes, let alone Leander Rainford’s.
Master Makejoy rose unsteadily, tugging his shirtsleeves and faced Sir Leander. ‘That’s right, my lord. Everything Mistress Jabben —’ Hiske elbowed him in the ribs. ‘I mean, Mistress Makejoy, took was to compensate for wages owed while she lived under this roof and served as the Sheldrake children’s guardian. You have to understand, Master Sheldrake promised Mistress J… Makejoy a great deal more than she ever received. So much so, one could argue she came to this country under false pretences. We did nothing illegal.’
‘And one could also argue, Makejoy, that your wife has, how shall I say this? Over-estimated her worth.’
At the look on Hiske’s face, I had to turn away. I knew well the false pretences to which Master Makejoy alluded. There was a time when Hiske hoped she’d be the new Mistress Sheldrake. The day I learned this and confronted her, laughing at her temerity, was the day my torment began. Father only ever saw her as a guardian, not as replacement for Mother. His lack of desire to take the relationship further had nothing to do with me, despite what Hiske believed. Cruel as it was, she had over-estimated her worth. Pity for the woman knocked against my heart. But not, God forgive me, for long.
‘So,’ continued Sir Leander, ‘I’ve arranged a discharge on the difference as I see it.’
Master Makejoy reached for Hiske’s hand and gripped it. Her cheeks looked pinched, her lips had disappeared.
‘At first, I thought of notifying Father and seeing what he wished to do. After all, some of it is his property. You might recall that on Master Sheldrake’s death, the house reverted back to his ownership and thus responsibility, at least until new arrangements were made.’ He shot a glance at me. ‘The fact that we’ve now been implicated in a crime by becoming a storehouse for stolen goods will no doubt irritate him. He’ll be more than displeased. Imagine if the sheriff should find out? I wonder who Father might see fit to punish?’
Master Makejoy fell back onto his seat. Hiske visibly paled. ‘Oh, there’s no need to inform his lordship, Sir Leander, or the sheriff.’ He tightened his hold on his wife. ‘You’re right. We could well have over-estimated what my dear Mistress Makejoy was owed.’
‘What have you done with my … with the goods, my lord?’ asked Hiske.
Sir Leander gestured to the door. ‘Some have already found their way back to their rightful home. Tobias, you’ll find that pennant you coveted and some other items of interest in a sack in the hallway.’
‘My lord,’ said Tobias with a huge grin and a wink to me.
‘Mistress Sheldrake, I believe there are some ewers, an unusual bronze mazer, candlesticks, rugs, tapestries, a Bible, book of poems and even some cushions among what was retrieved.’
‘My lord,’ I curtseyed.
So that was what I saw sitting against the wall. I took a deep breath, trying not to reassess Sir Leander. If actions and words maketh the man, as Father Clement preached, why was this one such a contradiction?
‘The larger pieces will arrive later today,’ said Sir Leander, with a reassuring smile at Saskia, who clasped her hands together and smothered a whoop of joy. Behind me, she whispered orders to Iris and Blanche, who scurried down the corridor. From their muffled exclamations and the sound of dragging, the sacks were taken to the hall. I lowered my chin to hide my smile, shaking my head.
Hiske knew better than to speak. There was a moment of uncomfortable silence.
‘I’m glad we’ve reached accord then,’ said Sir Leander finally, offering Hiske the most amiable of grins. ‘Once more, my humblest apologies for the
error, Makejoy; Mistress Makejoy.’ He helped Master Makejoy to his feet, brushing down his jacket. ‘I swear by all that’s holy, I didn’t recognise you, what, with this fine fabric, the white shirt — not a mark upon it. Not like the man I remember at all.’ He glanced at Hiske. ‘Your wife knows how to ensure a stain doesn’t linger to cause comment or draw disapprobation, doesn’t she?’
‘Aye, she does,’ said Master Makejoy, a look of confusion upon his face. Ensuring his surcoat was straight, he smacked his hands together, casting Hiske urgent looks. ‘When your father instructed me to continue to look after the accounts at Holcroft House after Sheldrake’s death, I was under the impression I’d be answering to your brother, that Sir Symond was responsible. I was clearly mistaken.’
Sir Leander’s eyes narrowed. ‘It’s also my understanding that it’s Symond’s role, but since he’s attending the king’s daughter’s betrothal at Westminster, I can substitute for the time being. In these circumstances, we’ll have to agree, one Rainford is as good as the next.’ His lips tightened and a muscle in his cheek began to twitch.
‘Of course, of course, my lord. When you’re ready to depart Elmham Lenn,’ continued Master Makejoy, unaware of the effect his words had, ‘and if you wish me to check the books until your brother is able, you’ve only to ask and I’ll arrange to inspect them — by appointment,’ he added hastily.
‘How long do you think you’ll be staying?’ asked Hiske.
Brewer's Tale, The Page 17
