Garland of Straw (Roundheads & Cavaliers Book 2)

by Stella Riley

  He shot her an acute glance, then did as she asked. And, as soon as she knelt beside him, he tilted up her chin and said softly, ‘It’s all right. Stop worrying.’

  ‘How can I? It’s not all right, is it? You’re safe now – but for how long? For if it isn’t Ellis – who is it?’

  ‘I don’t know. But I promise you I’ll find out.’

  ‘If it’s the last thing you do?’ she said on something suspiciously like a sob. And, when he didn’t answer, ‘I’m sorry – I’m sorry. You’ve been through enough without me having hysterics all over you as well.’

  He smiled a little.

  ‘I’d certainly rather you didn’t. But, at need, I daresay I can cope with it.’

  She shook her head and set about dressing his arm. Phoebe came up with a glass of wine and the news that Ellis had gone, then stayed to talk excitedly about the fight. Sophia brought him a plate of food and murmured distressfully about the damage to the dovecot. Venetia finished bandaging his arm and watched him trying to eat and drink one-handed whilst simultaneously responding to two different conversations. Amusement crept in and her nerves started to settle.

  Gabriel tolerated it as long as he could and then his patience snapped. Standing up, he said, ‘Phoebe – take your uncle and go home. It will be dark before you get there as it is. Sophy – do what you like about the blasted dovecot. For myself, I don’t care if the ugly thing crumbles into dust. In fact, all I want right now is some privacy.’ And, grasping Venetia’s hand, he strode off in the direction of the stairs, taking her with him.

  He paused at the top and met the laughter in her eyes.

  ‘It’s not funny. Neither is this constant shuttling between your room and mine. But since yours is equipped with both lock and bolt, we’d better go there. Get rid of your maid and I’ll join you in just minute.’

  A fire was burning in the hearth but no candles had been lit as yet and Jane was not in evidence. Venetia peered at herself in the mirror and attempted to tidy her hair. Then Gabriel came in, having washed away the blood and sweat and replaced his filthy shirt with a clean one. Wordlessly, he barred the door and turned the key in the lock; and then, smiling, drew Venetia into his arms.

  By the time his mouth finally left hers, the alarms of the day had receded and she had only one thought in mind. But Gabriel appeared to have other ideas for, instead of continuing what he’d begun, he sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her down beside him, saying, ‘Before Ellis interrupted us, you did me the honour of telling me that you love me. You may recall, however, that I didn’t return the compliment.’

  His eyes contained an expression she did not recognise and a tiny tremor made its way down her back. As lightly as she was able, she said, ‘No. But it isn’t obligatory.’

  ‘I’m glad you realise that.’ He paused, still holding her gaze. ‘You think I’m here with you now because I want your body – and you’re right. I do. In truth, I’ve never wanted any woman a tithe as much as I do you or found a fraction of the joy we bring to each other. But, important as that is, it’s by no means all. For I value your courage, your beauty and your mind … and everything you feel for me, I also feel for you.’

  Half-believing him but suddenly afraid, Venetia said raggedly, ‘You can’t. How can you? Do you think I’ve forgotten the unforgivable things I said to you or the terrible way I behaved?’

  ‘None of that matters.’ Gabriel gathered her back into his arms. ‘If it did, how could you want me near you after I accused you of adultery and almost took you as carelessly as bloody Ellis?’

  ‘You didn’t at all! And even if you had, you’d reason enough.’

  ‘No. I was jealous and angry and hurt - and too stubborn to admit it. But not any more.’ His fingers twined themselves in her hair. ‘I love you. Do you believe me … or must we spend the rest of the night arguing about it?’

  Inexplicably, the warmth of certainty flooded through her veins and she slid her arms about his neck.

  ‘I believe you. But I wouldn’t mind a little extra convincing.’

  ‘I know that,’ grinned Gabriel. ‘If it was left to you, we’d never do any talking at all.’

  It was several minutes before Venetia found the breath to reply and by then she was lying half-naked against his chest.

  ‘I don’t notice you objecting,’ she said.

  Silence. Then, ‘No,’ agreed Gabriel, peeling away her shift, ‘And you won’t.’

  Her hair tumbled about her, a faint flush stained her skin and her eyes grew dark and slumberous. He found these first signs of her arousal piercingly erotic and lingered to enjoy them. Her breathing grew fast and erratic, pulses hammered against his fingers and tiny tremors rocked her body. Involuntary sounds escaped her throat and her hands pleaded with him. Slowly, seductively and keeping himself under rigid control, Gabriel gave her everything she sought and more. And when she was clinging to him, half-sobbing and writhing helplessly against him, he entered the molten silk of her … and was lost.

  Later, languorously entwined in the firelight, they exchanged murmured endearments and small, foolish jokes. And, later still, Gabriel forced himself to say gently, ‘You know I’ll have to leave you for a time, don’t you?’

  A chill struck Venetia’s skin and she shivered.

  ‘I know you believe you must and I understand why. But surely there’s no point? Ellis was your only suspect. So how can you possibly know where to look?’

  ‘I can’t. But sooner or later, whoever it is will try again. And next time, I’ll be ready for them.’

  She pulled herself up on one elbow to look at him.

  ‘You mean you’re prepared to use your life as bait?’

  ‘I don’t have a choice.’

  ‘You do!’ Her eyes were stark with fright. ‘You can stay here. As Sophy says, these attacks only happen in London. If you stay at home, you’ll be safe.’

  Gabriel reached up to touch her cheek.

  ‘Sweetheart, no. Firstly, I have to do this for Wat. It’s not merely a matter of revenge or even justice. It’s the only way I can repay even the smallest part of what I owe him. Secondly, if I stay here and do nothing, we’ll spend our lives worrying about what’s around the next corner. And just because nothing has happened here yet, doesn’t necessarily mean that it won’t.’

  Despite the flawless logic of it, Venetia sought for ways to stop him going. Consequently, though she had meant to wait a while longer before telling him about the baby, she said tensely, ‘There’s something you should know before you decide.’

  His hand stilled against the curve of her hip. ‘Oh?’

  ‘Yes.’ Drawing a deep breath, she opened her mouth – only to be distracted by the clatter of hooves in the courtyard, immediately followed by a distant, thunderous hammering.

  ‘Damn,’ sighed Gabriel. ‘What now?’

  The hammering persisted and then was abruptly replaced by a staccato voice and the tramp of feet. Gabriel frowned and swung himself out of bed, reaching for the tinder and swiftly lighting a candle.

  ‘It sounds like half a troop of Horse. And Sophy’s let them in.’

  ‘But it’s the middle of the night!’

  ‘No. It’s probably no more than eight or nine o’clock,’ he replied, crossing the room in search of his clothes. And then, in response to the sound of booted feet running smartly up the stairs, ‘Christ. What in Hades do they think they’re doing?’

  There were voices outside and someone rapped on the door with a pistol-butt.

  ‘Colonel Brandon? Open up!’

  Colonel Brandon pulled on his breeches and unlocked the door in a manner which boded ill for whoever was on the other side of it – and was immediately pushed back into the room, an officer and three helmeted troopers crowding after him.

  Venetia sat up, clutching the sheet to her chin.

  ‘Colonel Brandon?’ said the officer.

  ‘Yes,’ snapped Gabriel. ‘And who the hell are you?’

  ‘Major N
athaniel Horton of Commissary-General Ireton’s regiment. And it is my duty to inform you that —’

  ‘It’s your duty to salute a superior officer! Unless Henry doesn’t insist on such formalities?’

  A hint of dull colour invading his face, the Major clicked his heels and stood ramrod straight. ‘Sir!’

  ‘That’s better. And now you can take yourself and your men out of my wife’s bedchamber. I’ll receive both your apologies and your explanations downstairs presently.’

  His colour deepening and carefully avoiding the collective gaze of his troopers, Major Horton said uncomfortably, ‘I’m sorry, Colonel. I can’t do that. My orders were to – to secure your person.’

  Venetia’s stomach plummeted and there was a sudden unpleasant silence. Then, his tone crisp as ever but completely expressionless, Gabriel said, ‘You’re arresting me?’

  ‘Yes, sir.’

  ‘On what charge?’

  The Major pulled a document from his pocket.

  ‘Being absent without leave; countermanding orders; taking advantage of your position to liberate justly imprisoned Delinquents; conspiracy to defraud; collusion with Royalist agents,’ he muttered rapidly. ‘It’s all here, Colonel. See for yourself.’

  Gabriel took the warrant and scanned it. Then, impaling Nathaniel Horton on a razor-sharp stare, ‘It says “as a result of information received”. From whom?’

  ‘I don’t know, sir. It wasn’t necessary that I should.’

  ‘No.’ Gabriel drew a long, thoughtful breath. ‘No. I suppose not.’ He directed a brief glance at Venetia, sitting white-faced amidst the disordered bed, and then turned back to the Major. ‘Very well. I won’t offer any resistance. So you may now wait outside the door while I have a few minutes alone with my wife.’

  Major Horton hesitated and then concluded that there was probably no harm in it.

  ‘Five minutes, then,’ he said. And herded his men out.

  Gabriel waited until the door was shut before returning to the bed.

  Venetia clung to him, willing herself not to cry and said, ‘It’s starting again, isn’t it?’

  ‘It certainly looks that way.’

  ‘Where will they take you?’

  ‘I don’t know. Hopefully, to the Tower.’ She stared at him and he smiled crookedly. ‘Eden is there. Or he was. And he’ll be able to make some enquiries for me. He’ll also tell Jack what’s happened – and Jack will tell Sam Radford. And, before you know it, Free-born John will be getting up petitions on my behalf.’

  Venetia didn’t laugh. ‘God help us, then.’

  ‘Don’t.’ Gabriel hugged her close. ‘It’s not as bad as it seems, you know. The charges sound impressive but, given my previously unblemished record, they’re unlikely to result in anything other than a dishonourable dismissal – which, since I’d intended to resign anyway, is hardly a tragedy. So stop upsetting yourself and tell me whatever it was you were going to say before our friends arrived.’

  She pressed her face against the hard warmth of his shoulder and, because he already had enough to worry about, lied.

  ‘It was nothing. I was just grasping at any straw that might keep you here. It hardly matters now.’

  ‘You’re sure?’ There was another knock at the door and his muscles tensed. ‘We haven’t much time.’

  ‘I’m sure.’ Venetia lifted her head to look up at him. ‘I love you so much. And I’m scared silly.’

  ‘I know.’ His kiss was lingering and edged with desperation. Then he tore himself from her and stood up. ‘I’ll have to go and dress. Will you … will you come downstairs?’

  She tried to smile. ‘Need you ask?’

  By the time Gabriel descended the stairs, correctly attired in full uniform and escorted by Major Horton, Venetia had thrown on her night-rail and chamber-robe and was standing beside Sophia under the appreciative eyes of twenty or so troopers. Gabriel smiled at her and murmured, ‘You’re doing wonders for my reputation. But do you think Henry has sent enough men to hold me?’

  ‘It’s marginal,’ she replied. ‘My only regret is that he didn’t come himself.’

  ‘I daresay. But it’s probably just as well. Under present circumstances, whacking the Commissary-General with a warming-pan wouldn’t necessarily be a help.’

  Major Horton gave an apologetic cough and Sophia promptly told him to be patient or she’d box his ears. Gabriel turned to her, laughing a little, and let her hug him. Then, kissing her cheek, he said, ‘You’re a wonderful woman, Sophy. Look after Venetia for me, won’t you?’

  ‘You know I will. You just take care of yourself.’

  ‘I always do.’ The grey eyes returned to Venetia and his arms closed hard about her. Against her mouth, he breathed, ‘I love you. This is more an inconvenience than a danger – and it will pass. Don’t worry.’

  Her throat ached with unshed tears but she forced herself neither to weep nor cling and, when he stepped back from her, even managed a smile. Gabriel held her eyes for a moment more. Then he turned and strode away to the door, leaving his captors to scurry after him.

  The door slammed shut and Venetia collapsed abruptly on the foot of the stairs, her hands pressed over her mouth. Knowing better than to offer fatuous words of comfort, Sophia sat down beside her and said, ‘Cry, my dear. And then, later, we can think what’s best to be done.’

  Painful, wracking sobs tore Venetia’s body and she gasped, ‘I’m going to London.’

  ‘Of course,’ agreed Sophia calmly. ‘When do we leave?’

  Drenched violet eyes rose to her face. ‘We?’

  ‘Well, of course. I love him too, you know.’

  Venetia’s mouth quivered and she curled tight against Sophia’s shoulder. She said chokingly, ‘I’m pregnant, Sophy. I’m pregnant and he doesn’t know. Who can hate him this much. Who?’

  ~ ~ ~

  THE INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN

  January to March, 1649

  Said Algernon Sidney, ‘The King can be tried by no Court; and no man can be tried by this Court.’

  ‘I tell you,’ replied Cromwell, ‘we will cut off his head with the Crown upon it.’

  ONE

  Setting off thirty-six hours after Gabriel and travelling in the ancient family coach over roads made mercifully hard by a succession of frosts, Venetia and Sophia arrived in Cheapside on Monday, January 8th. The first Eden Maxwell knew of their coming was when he walked in at supper-time to find them wearily ensconced in the parlour; and, not having previously supposed that Gabriel’s wife cared enough to travel even two miles for his sake let alone two hundred, he said blankly, ‘My God. Where did you spring from?’

  ‘Yorkshire,’ replied Venetia tersely. ‘Where’s Gabriel?’

  ‘In the Beauchamp Tower.’

  ‘You’ve seen him?’

  ‘Every day since he came,’ said Eden, slowly absorbing the shadows under her eyes and the way her hands wouldn’t stay still. ‘He’s well enough – and as comfortably-housed as one can be in there.’

  A tiny, shivering breath ran through Venetia’s frame and Sophia reached out to grasp her fingers, saying, ‘There – you see? He’s not chained to a damp wall or being starved to death. Major Maxwell wouldn’t permit it.’

  ‘Hardly!’ Eden turned away to pour wine. ‘But though I’m aware of its advantages, I can’t say that I find acting as my friend’s gaoler particularly enjoyable.’

  Venetia accepted the glass he offered her and, meeting his eyes, said, ‘What do you know about this business?’

  ‘Not as much as I’d like. Someone laid information – presumably about Francis and Colonel Ambrose – but, for obvious reasons, Ireton isn’t about to give me any details. And though he hasn’t attempted to remove me from my post, I suspect he’s keeping a very close eye on me.’ He shrugged wryly and sat down. ‘I’d willingly admit my share of the guilt if it would help but Gabriel says I’m more use to him as things are. In which he probably has a point. Certainly, I can do very little about the
other charges – except to explain precisely why he went off as he did. And naturally, I’ve already done that.’

  Venetia nodded slowly and Sophia said, ‘Gabriel seemed to think that the whole indictment would amount to nothing worse than a court-martial followed by dismissal. Do you think that?’

  Eden’s face tightened fractionally and he took his time about answering.

  ‘I don’t know. They searched the house, you see.’

  Venetia’s brows contracted. ‘So?’

  ‘So they found twenty-five counterfeit sovereigns at the back of a drawer in your bedchamber.’

  She lost what little colour she had and stared back at him so oddly that he thought she was going to faint. Then she said stonily, ‘Does Gabriel know?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Then he’ll have guessed where they came from.’

  ‘Where?’

  ‘Ellis.’ Venetia took a gulp of wine. ‘They came from Ellis. Wat told me they were false and I just – I just pushed them out of sight. I’d forgotten they were there. But Ireton can’t accuse Gabriel of coining. He can’t!’

  ‘He’s not accusing him of it – or not yet, anyway. He’s merely said that the matter requires proper investigation,’ remarked Eden. ‘For what it’s worth, I think he knows how ludicrous such a charge must be in Gabriel’s case. But, just at the moment, it doesn’t suit him to admit it.’

  ‘Why not?’ asked Sophia.

  ‘Because Gabriel has made his feelings about the King’s trial abundantly plain – and any reduction in the opposition is better than none,’ came the cynical reply. Then, meeting Venetia’s shocked gaze, ‘You didn’t know that arrangements for the trial are already under way?’

  She shook her head. ‘Since when?’

  ‘Two days ago. After six years of enacting its legislation through Ordinances, the Commons has passed its first Act of Parliament since the start of the first war – and without the agreement of the Lords, moreover.’

  Venetia did not need to be told that the purged House of Commons was demonstrating both its willingness and its ability to act without reference to either King or peers. She said, ‘And what does this Act say?’