When I opened my eyes, Karel was gone. But I knew if it wasn’t him making an appearance, it would be Saskia, Louisa, Will, or even Westel. I didn’t resent their visits. On the contrary, I drew comfort from them — often, a cold comfort. The only exception was Westel, who roused nothing but hatred, guilt and apprehension … but he was my penance; I deserved to feel all those things and, sweet Mother Mary knew, so much more as well. As for the others, there was some succour in knowing they’d not yet abandoned me … abandoned us.
The faint wail of a hungry babe disturbed my reverie and, throwing a shawl around my shoulders, I cast a final look around the room that had been my haven. It was the place in which my life had changed in so many ways and I would leave it with no small regret.
But we’d imposed upon Alyson long enough. In order to make any headway, I must move. With a huff of amusement, I took a step towards the door.
‘See, that wasn’t so hard, was it?’ I wrenched it open and strode into the corridor.
I stood in the solar of The Swanne, a beautifully appointed room on the first floor of the bathhouse where Alyson conducted business and received only her most special and private of guests. Betje was beside me. My heart was heavy as I explained to Alyson I was travelling to London to seek accommodation. She wasn’t making it any easier, sitting in a high-backed chair, her face indifferent, her lips pursed. As she turned to regard me, a wicked twinkle gleamed in her eye, as if she carried some secret.
‘Alyson,’ I reached for her hand, which remained limp and sorry in mine. ‘You’ve already been so welcoming, so generous. If not for you, well, I doubt the twins and I would have survived —’
‘For God’s sakes, Anna,’ she said with a harrumph of disgust, extracting her fingers with force. I backed away. ‘Don’t go maudlin on me. Not you!’
Putting down the mazer from which she’d been enjoying a small ale, Alyson heaved herself out of the chair, walked around the table and came slowly, inexorably towards me. She wore her favourite scarlet tunic; her kirtle was of the best fabric. Yet, for all her finery, she appeared tired, distracted.
‘What if I told you, you don’t need to go to London — not today, not any day.’
‘Pardon?’
‘What if I said, since you be so willing to give it away,’ she flung an arm out, ‘I’ll take your coin and provide you with what you need.’
‘Forgive me, Alyson, are you suggesting I remain here?’
Alyson rolled her eyes. Betje giggled. ‘Aye, she’s quick all right, your sister, ain’t she?’ Lunging forward she grabbed my shoulders and gave them a shake. ‘Of course that’s what I’m suggesting, you daft beauty.’ Releasing me, she paced across the solar. ‘I know this is a bathhouse and not the kind of establishment in which you ever thought to be living, or raising children in, but you have called it home the last few weeks, and I thought you might like to continue to do so.’
I stared at her in disbelief. ‘Why didn’t you say something before? Why wait until I’m on the cusp of finding somewhere else?’
The door opened and Adam entered. Alyson shot him a questioning look. Nodding brusquely, he smiled.
A delighted look spread across her features. ‘Good.’
‘Adam?’ I turned to him, questions brimming.
‘It ain’t his fault,’ said Alyson quickly. ‘If you’re going to blame anyone, blame me.’
‘For what?’
‘For waiting till now to let you know that not only can you live here, you can brew as well.’
‘Brew? But where? How —?’
‘That’s right, Mistress Anna,’ said Adam, the words tumbling out of his mouth. ‘At Goody Alyson’s bidding, I’ve spoken to a miller and he’s agreed to supply us with grain, good stock too, and malt the barley as well. His price is reasonable and he’s a fine reputation. I’ve also managed to get two mash tuns — they’ll need some work, but Master Batayle of The Star swears by them; said a cooper can repair them in an afternoon.’ He beamed at me.
Stunned, I sat down quickly. My heart hammered and my knees quivered. ‘Go on.’ I knew a business deal being struck when I heard one.
Alyson continued. ‘Beneath where we are now is a large cellar. It’s a cold old place. Dark with a fair bit of rubbish strewn about — or it did have. Been unused since I bought The Swanne but, over the last few weeks, I’ve had cause to re-examine it and I’ve found it was quite to my liking. It made me think, it did. I’ve had the girls clean it. The chimney hadn’t been cleared since the house was built by the sweep’s reckoning — should have seen the bird carcasses and rat bones.’ She shuddered. ‘Of course, I couldn’t think to what purpose such a large, cold area with a useable hearth,’ she grinned as my eyes widened and mouth dropped, ‘a dusty old kiln and a floor so dry Mistress Verina would feel like she was home again, could be put, until I tasted your beer. After that, I had a few long conversations with Master Adam here, didn’t I?’
Pausing as she strutted about the solar, she smiled at Adam, then me. I couldn’t help but return it.
How had Adam kept such discussions from me? More importantly, why?
‘You’ve a talent, girl, do you know that?’ said Alyson softly.
‘I’ve been told,’ I said. Betje squeezed beside me onto the chair and sought my hand. In the touch of her fingers and the tautness of her slender frame, I could feel the excitement coursing through her. In many ways, it mirrored my own.
‘As for why I haven’t said anything before, I wasn’t sure how to tell you since you were so determined to walk your own path. I respect that, you know I do. You had your heart set on going to London, doing it all yourself, and while I didn’t want to prevent you, I felt I had to warn you …’
‘About what?’
She held up her hand. ‘I’ll get to that. But what was the point of trying to change your mind if I couldn’t offer you an alternative? If I wasn’t certain that London would be more trouble than it was worth? Well, Adam and me had some long talks, did some thinking of our own, we did.’ She flashed him her toothy grin. ‘I had to have something to tempt you with, something to make it worthwhile staying, other than the pleasure of my company.’ She winked. ‘Now he’s done what I asked and found you some mash tuns and a supplier for your grain. That means I can tender you an alternative to London — a good one at that. I can even do better than to offer you a place to live and a place to brew.’
‘What could be better than that?’
Taking a deep breath, she continued. ‘I want to offer you a partnership, Anna de Winter. You heard me. A partnership. I’ll underwrite your initial costs in return for a small rent and a steady supply of ale and beer. I’ll put a roof over your head, your babes, Betje’s, and even old Adam’s. You can use the girls as hucksters when times are quiet and I’ll even throw in Juliana and her wages for good measure. She’s yours to train and use in the brewery. As your business grows, we can discuss more servants. Once you start making a profit, then we’ll have a natter about sharing it. Think about it, Anna … you wouldn’t have to move anywhere except from where you’re sitting and down some stairs.’ She pointed to the floor.
My heart fluttered and enthusiasm began to replace the dread that had taken up residence. A cellar would offer perfect conditions. Cold, dry, likely to have an even temperature most of the year. Depending how large the space, I could divide part into a brewery, the other use for storage. And if there was a good supplier who could malt and mill the grain …
I was sorely tempted. To be able to remain, to start brewing and with such assistance, my first purchases already covered …
‘If only it were so simple, Alyson.’
With a click of frustration, she moved away. I stood and joined her at the window. Immediately below us was the entrance to The Swanne, the busy street, the slow-moving river. Bells tolled and a flock of pigeons rose in a flurry of feathers, wheeling away to the east.
‘It’s only difficult if you make it so, Anna. Like anything in this life.
’
‘But over there …’ I nodded towards London. Spires pushed through the mist, jetties protruded over the water. Patches of sunlight revealed craft being dragged along the river. ‘There’s access to millers, coopers, a reasonable water supply and everything else I need.’
‘What? Didn’t you hear Adam? Southwark’s got these as well.’
‘It’s not just mash tuns, Alyson or grain. I need suppliers, steady trade, access to boats …’ My voice petered out. I swallowed. ‘On a more practical level, I need wood and coal, measures, troughs —’
‘Aye, aye. I hear you. Now, tell me, what else are you going to make into a hurdle you won’t jump?’
I didn’t answer. I didn’t know how.
‘I know what you need, and what we can’t get, well, we can make do until we can.’ She let out a long sigh. ‘Anna, I’ve spoken to a client of mine, Stephen Hamme who, it happens, owns a couple of successful brewhouses in London. Master Hamme told me some things that have me worried. I wanted to warn you …’
‘What did Master Hamme tell you?’
‘That you wouldn’t be welcome over there.’ She jerked her head towards the city.
I laughed. ‘Alyson, I’m not that naive. A wise woman once said to me that women like us aren’t welcome anywhere. She was right.’
Alyson shook her head. ‘This is more serious than that. Master Hamme said they would hound you out of there faster than the gents here divest their breeches. Oh. My apologies, Miss Betty.’ Her eyes twinkled. ‘But you get my point.’
‘I do.’ I waited for her to continue.
‘In London, the laws are different. I knew that was the case for my type of business, but it’s just as bad for brewers. Why do you think there’re so many setting up over here? Because it’s so scenic? Because it’s so clean?’
Behind me, Adam gave a bark of laughter.
Alyson ignored him. ‘You think you can just stroll over the bridge, move into a suitable house and brew to your heart’s content? I tell you this for naught, Anna, the Mystery of Brewers will see you finished quicker than a pries—’ she caught my eye and, looking at Betje, changed her mind, ‘damn fast, I tell you.’
‘How? If I pay my dues, if the ale-conners pass the brew, they’ll have no cause for complaint. I’m not seeking to wear the livery, I just want a chance.’
‘If. If. If,’ Alyson snorted.
‘That’s all you wanted in Elmham Lenn too, mistress,’ said Adam softly.
I winced. ‘It’s not fair.’ Now I sounded like Tobias, seven years old and being lifted onto a pony and sent to live in another household. I sat back down onto a chair. ‘I don’t understand.’
‘Nay,’ said Alyson, ‘I’m not surprised. But the facts are, despite the friends you have here and what Captain Stoyan once did, you’ll find they’re not enough. They’re never enough. Master Hamme said there’s been a terrible lot of cheating going on of late — false measures being used, ale diluted with all manner of stuff, and it’s been the women responsible.’ Alyson pulled a face. ‘Well, held responsible, methinks. Many from here, from Southwark, as well. Courts are full of brewsters and the coffers full of their fines. A few even get to spend time in the pillory or worse. Ever since His Grace, good King Henry, gave London charter over Southwark, it’s been ruinous for anyone from here — especially if they go over there.’ She raised a finger to prevent my interjection.
‘I know you’re not from here, but in their eyes you will be. You’ll be the Southwark widow and try telling ’em any different. Think they won’t know your story? And I know you don’t engage in such practices as gets those others in trouble. You’re not a cheat, but without a husband to speak for you, or a man of equal standing,’ she cast an apologetic look at Adam which went a long way to demonstrating her estimation of him, ‘you’ll be ripe for accusations and worse. Not just from the ale-conners and justices, but the other brewers. Imagine how much the women are going to love having you setting up in their midst?’ She gave a harrumph and looked at the ceiling, cackling.
‘Oh, Lord. As for the ale-conners … they’ll pretend to assess you the same as the rest, but your brews will be scrutinised in ways others aren’t. You’ll have fines levied so often and for no sensible reason, you’ll have no money to pay the rent let alone the tax. And what about the poll tax once you’ve become a citizen? What about that? In other words, anything and everything you do will attract fees and earn scorn and envy. You’ll be regarded as a slattern, dragged before the courts for offences that a mummer couldn’t invent and arouse local ire for simply existing. It won’t matter what kind of household you run, what kind of business you build, Anna, you’re a woman and a brewer. You’ll be seen as disorderly, as a threat to goodness and godliness— a sinner — and as such you’ll be cast out.’
Holding in a sigh, I suddenly felt weary, worn. Echoes of Westel’s cruel words rang in my mind. ‘I’ve dealt with worse.’
‘In Elmham Lenn, aye. But this is London we’re talking about. This is different. You met Master Fynk, yet he can’t hold a candle to those over the bridge. Not when it comes to pedantry, cruelty or the smug self-satisfaction certain men take in wielding authority — particularly over someone like you. Someone young and beautiful. I know.’
A tremor ran through me.
She began to stride around the room again. ‘And you’ll not be able to brew both ale and beer, have you thought of that, heh? It’ll be one or the other — mark my words.’
‘And will it be any better here?’
Alyson threw back her head and laughed. ‘Of course not! In some ways, it’ll be worse, because since King Henry changed the charter, the laws of London apply here — well, when they’re enforced. But here you’ll have friends.’ She stopped mid-stride. ‘Here, you’ll have us.’
In her face it was clear: You’ll have me.
‘You have a choice, Anna, between dealing with corrupt and over-zealous tasters, as well as jealous brewsters and guild members who don’t give a God’s wink about you, Betje, the twins, or anything other than keeping the guild and law courts happy and profiting from you any way they can,’ she rubbed her thumb and forefinger together, ‘all by yourself — or you can stay here with me and we’ll face ’em together. Brew for The Swanne for starters. Master Hamme reckons if your brew’s as good as what he tasted (aye, he was here the night of the babes’ christening), then you’ll have no trouble selling to the alehouses in Horselydown Lane, or even along the High Street. Happens I know the owner of The Crown, down in Tooley Street, very well.’ She tapped the side of her nose. ‘Reckon we might be able to do some business there. Once some of the nobles or religious houses discover your ale and beer, the orders will fly in.’ Unfolding her arms, she came and knelt at my feet. Taking my hands from my lap, Betje’s twined around one, she held us tightly.
‘What do you say, Anna de Winter? How about we go into business together and show the folk of Southwark, and London as well, how real ale and beer tastes, hey?’
I could not credit what Alyson was saying, the proposition she was making. It was beyond what I had ever dreamed … Was it too good? Did disaster loom around the corner? Not just for me, Betje, the twins and Adam but, if we joined forces, for Alyson, Harry, Master atte Place and The Swanne’s girls? I couldn’t bear the thought that somehow, I was a harbinger of doom. Alyson deserved better. They all did.
‘Anna,’ said Alyson in dismay when I didn’t answer, letting go of my hands and pulling herself up with grunts and groans using the chair next to mine, ‘Why are you being so resistant? Is it because this is a bathhouse? Or is that you fear your true identity will be discovered? That Sir Leander will find you?’
My head, full of ideas, galloping with possibility, was suddenly wiped clean as a child’s slate.
The knowledge and understanding in her steady brown gaze undid me. I glanced at Adam. ‘Nay,’ she said, ‘Adam never breathed a word. You may not remember, but the day the twins were born you spoke of him, Anna. A
great deal. Him and that murderous scoundrel, Westel Calkin. Aye, you weren’t in your right mind, you weren’t aware. That’s why I’ve kept my mouth shut — till now.’
I nodded, unsurprised that even helpless, my heart had conspired against me.
Alyson cocked her head to one side. ‘Would it be so bad if he did?’
I shot her a tired look. It was the question I hadn’t dared to ask myself.
‘I don’t know. Sweet Mother Mary, I don’t know.’
Alyson let out a long sigh. ‘Mayhap that’s as well. I often think if we knew what God intended before it happened, we’d be too afraid to clamber out of bed most mornings.’
Collapsing on the chair next to mine, she reached over and gripped my thigh. ‘Let me put it this way. I’ve shared my bed with five different men as their wife, but I’ve never asked anyone to share my business as partner. I’m asking you, Anna de Winter, I’m asking you.’
A thousand reasons not to accept Alyson leapt through my head. My ears were filled with ‘nays’ and ‘naughts’. I could see Father’s furious visage looming over me, rage burning in his eyes; there was Tobias, shouting; Cousin Hiske and all manner of people from my past letting me know I was finally living up to their low expectations: brewing in a bathhouse. Only Mother’s face, as it drifted before me, tears streaming down her cheeks, offered a small smile of hope. You can make it work, Anneke, you always do.
Nay, Moeder, I don’t. I didn’t.
But this time you will.
I rose, brushing against Alyson as I returned to the window, drawn to gaze across the river towards the bustling city. Watery sunshine struck the grey-brown surface, transforming it into something sparkling and inviting. London too became a patchwork of colour and shadow, smoke and greenery, golden opportunity and dark failure.
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