June Francis

by Convenient Wife Rebel Lady

  ‘I don’t remember doing so, although it’s possible my father took us there when we were small.’

  ‘You must visit Chester some time. If I were to choose a day that I could live over again, then it would be in that fair city.’

  Jack knew he should resist asking her why, but found himself doing so.

  ‘Because I spent such a happy time there. It was during the season of the mystery plays. Despite his being so young, Joshua seemed to find great delight in them. Perhaps it was the colour and the movement.’ There was a catch in her voice.

  ‘You still miss him very much?’

  ‘I do! Once upon a time I could not even speak his name. Now I am beginning to believe that we should talk about those lost to us. It helps bring them alive again.’

  Anna’s words touched a chord deep inside Jack. Yet he could not talk about his son and Monique to her. She would consider him utterly immoral. He thought of his twin and how he had wrung a promise out of him to seriously consider making a sensible marriage such as his own when he returned. He had suggested Jack’s house in Kingston-on-Hull needed extending and had offered to keep an eye on the building work whilst Jack was away. To keep his twin from asking too many questions about his reasons for making a trip to France so soon after his return, he had taken up Matt’s offer and agreed to such work being done.

  ‘You must have seen mystery and morality plays on your travels, Jack,’ said Anna, rousing him from his reverie. ‘Is there one you favour?’

  ‘Is there one you do?’ he parried.

  Her breath warmed his neck and a thrill ran down his spine. Her closeness was having its effect on him. As was the smile in her voice when she replied with the words, ‘The Adoration of the Magi! The Vintners’ Guild finance the play every year. We were able to watch it from the Rows. In case you don’t know, these are raised covered shopping walkways and they give an excellent view over the street.’

  ‘I have visited the Shrine of the Three Kings in the cathedral at Cologne. Many pilgrims visit there for it is well worth seeing,’ said Jack.

  ‘I remember your mentioning Cologne when we were on the ship. I think I would like to go there one day,’ said Anna. ‘Disappointingly, the plays in Chester were cancelled this year, no doubt due to the guilds having to donate money for the king’s war. I had to give four pounds to pay an archer’s wages for six months.’

  The reminder of Edward’s war brought a frown to Jack’s face. He wondered if the English army were still camped outside Amiens’s walls or whether a battle had taken place. If so, it could make it more difficult for him to discover the whereabouts of the Comte de Briand. Little point in worrying about that now, he decided, for they had yet to find Raoul.

  By mid-afternoon they had arrived at a large open space outside the walls of Rennes. ‘This is the Place des Lices. I remember seeing a tournament here when I was with my father,’ said Jack. ‘Do you wish to rest for a short while or go on? We still have a few miles to go before reaching Vitré.’

  ‘Let us go on,’ said Anna.

  Jack nodded, and so they continued with their journey. Both were weary by the time the turrets of the chateau of Vitré came in view. Jack pointed it out, wondering how soon he and Anna would have to part.

  As for Anna, she was filled with apprehension. What if she had wasted Jack’s time and Raoul was not here? Would Jack feel compelled to escort her to Calais when he was impatient to begin his search for Monique? Surely she could not allow him to do so when she had already taken up far too much of his time?

  ‘If we don’t find Raoul, I will stay at a religious lodging house in the city and ask for advice in making a pilgrimage,’ she said firmly. ‘Then you will be able to go about your own business, Jack.’

  ‘Don’t let’s talk about that until it is necessary to do so,’ he said roughly. It was obvious to him that now they had almost reached their destination she was regretting her gentle words to him and wanted to be rid of his ugly face.

  So with the thought of finding Raoul very much in their minds, they came to the end of their journey. The sun was setting as they passed through a gateway flanked by two large towers into the town of Vitré. As the horse plodded along a street called the Rue d’Embas, Anna’s nerves threatened to get the better of her. What was she doing here? Raoul might be her blood brother, but she did not know him! Surely Jack must consider her a foolish woman to have distracted him from his main business in France, just to meet with a stranger? She scarcely noticed that some of the buildings were built in the Gothic style, while others were typical of the timber-framed houses she had seen in Dinan. Instead her emotions were in a whirl and she no longer knew what she wanted.

  Suddenly Jack turned to her and there was a gleam in his eyes. ‘What is it?’ she asked.

  ‘Raoul is here!’

  ‘Where?’ cried Anna, gazing frantically about her.

  Jack did not answer, but dismounted and told her to stay with the horse. She watched in trepidation as he crossed the street to where two men were deep in conversation. She noticed that one had a rich auburn hair and handsome face. He was well built and wore the clothes of a prosperous merchant. Was that Raoul? How she wished that she had with her one of her finer gowns. Her heart was thumping as she watched Jack approach the man. He looked up and his face broke into a smile. He spoke, but she did not catch his words, nor did she hear what Jack said in reply. The next moment they were hugging and the man kissed Jack on both cheeks. He must be Raoul, she decided with mixed feelings. His appearance was admirable and he looked so grand, she felt certain he would not wish to have aught to do with his father’s English bastard daughter.

  Jack pointed in her direction and she knew the moment had come. She must not make Jack ashamed of her. Taking a deep breath, she managed to climb down from the horse unaided and, stiff from spending so long on horseback, walked jerkily over to the two men.

  Jack caught hold of her hand and drew her forward. ‘Raoul, let me introduce you to Lady Anna Fenwick,’ he said in English. ‘Anna, this is my friend, the Comte d’Azay.’

  She and Raoul stared at each other and she wondered if he could see that likeness to his cousin that Jack had noticed. ‘So you are Anna.’ He surprised her by speaking in attractively accented English and taking her hand and clasping it between his own. ‘I thought I would never get to meet you, but I am happy to do so. Jack tells me that you came in search of me.’

  His words startled her. He sounded as if he already knew about her. Just what had Jack told him? ‘I am glad to meet you, too, and pleased that you speak such good English.’ She flushed beneath the warmth in his eyes and noted that they were the same colour as her own. ‘I must ask what you mean by saying that you thought you’d never get to meet me?’

  ‘It is a long story and best told when we are comfortably ensconced in my house with a goblet of excellent wine and good food,’ said Raoul firmly. ‘I brought back with me a wife when I went to England six years ago and she will be glad to have another English lady for company.’

  ‘You’re married, Raoul!’ exclaimed Jack. ‘Who is this fortunate woman?’

  Raoul smiled. ‘Margaret is the daughter of a vintner I met in London. Maman had been berating me for some time about not having found myself a wife. But she did not expect me to bring one from England. I speak good English now, oui?’

  ‘Aye,’ said Jack, smiling faintly. ‘How is your mother?’

  ‘Alas, Maman died four years ago. It was a great grief to me at the time. But she saw her first grandson born and died content.’ He beamed at them. ‘So now you must come and meet my wife.’

  ‘I’ll be delighted to do so,’ said Anna, amazed by what Raoul had told them. ‘I hope our unexpected arrival will not interfere with her supper arrangements too much.’

  ‘Margaret is a competent chatelaine and so you must not worry,’ said Raoul, with a ready smile.

  Jack fetched the horse and the three of them walked along the street together. Now they had found
Raoul, there was no excuse to prevent him leaving Anna with him and keeping his vow. Even so he felt depressed and had to force himself to speak and act naturally of their journey.

  They had not gone far when they came to an archway at the side of a large house. Raoul led them along a covered passageway, which opened out into a large courtyard. Anna gazed about her at outhouses and a garden where a fountain played. Everything felt alien and she could not stop thinking that soon she and Jack would part. Maybe she would never see him again. Perhaps Monique would want him to live here in France and, if he loved her then he would do what she wished. As for Anna herself, she was realising more and more that she did not belong here.

  Dusk had fallen and the courtyard appeared deserted. Raoul shouted a name and a man came out of the stable. Jack lifted their saddlebags from his horse and the man took charge of the animal. Jack glanced at Anna. ‘Are you happy now we have found Raoul?’

  ‘Of course I am,’ she lied, pinning a smile on her face.

  ‘Good,’ he said, with a sharp nod.

  Raoul led the way across the yard and through the garden to a door at the back of the house. Once indoors, they could hear voices. He smiled. ‘That is Margaret. She is in the kitchen, arranging supper. I will tell her of your arrival.’ He turned to Jack. ‘You remember the way to the parlour?’

  ‘I think I’ll be able to find it,’ he drawled.

  ‘Make yourselves comfortable and I will join you shortly.’ Raoul left them and went in the direction that presumably led to the kitchen.

  Jack said, ‘This way, Anna.’

  ‘What did you tell him about me, Jack?’ she asked, hurrying alongside him.

  He frowned. ‘I didn’t mention his father, if that’s what concerns you. Yet as soon as I mentioned your name, he seemed to recognise it and said that it would be a pleasure to meet you.’

  Anna was bemused. ‘But where would he have heard my name? Surely not in Wales or London?’

  ‘Your husband had no contacts in London?’

  Her brow knitted. ‘I can’t remember him ever mentioning anyone. He certainly never visited there during the time we were married.’

  Jack gazed down into her shadowy face. ‘Don’t fret yourself about it. It’s obvious he intends speaking about it later.’ He stopped in front of a door and opened it. A fire burned on the hearth and there were several candelabras with lighted candles placed strategically about the room. Furniture glowed richly in the candlelight and he suggested that Anna sit down by the fire. ‘You must be tired,’ he said, feeling concern, for he sensed that she was not as happy as she had said.

  ‘Tired and apprehensive,’ she said with a light laugh, glad of the cushions beneath and behind her as she settled herself comfortably in a chair. ‘But I’ve achieved what I wanted, haven’t I? And all thanks to you, Jack. Although, what if, as soon as Raoul knows the nature of my visit, he becomes angry and tells me to leave? What should I do then?’ she asked, looking up at Jack.

  He hastened to reassure her. ‘Raoul would not be so impolite. He has invited you here and, while you are under his roof, he will treat you with every courtesy. That is the kind of man he is.’

  Jack’s words should have eased some of the tension within her, but she could not relax. ‘He does seem to be a kind man. Is he like his father, d’you think?’

  Jack placed the saddlebags in a corner before sitting opposite her. ‘How am I to know?’

  She sighed. ‘I do not wish to cause him any embarrassment.’

  ‘Of course you don’t.’ He rested his head against the back of his chair and closed his eyes. ‘You might as well sit back and take your ease, Anna. Stop worrying. After our disturbed night and the long journey we’ve had today, you can at least look forward to a good night’s sleep.’

  Anna thought that was unlikely, knowing that Jack would be leaving her soon. His casual mention of last night also reinforced the fact that he had no memory of kissing her at all. None of it should matter to her, but she knew it did.

  The door opened and Raoul entered. ‘Margaret will be along soon,’ he said. ‘She is having bedchambers prepared for you and I have asked one of the servants to bring some wine.’

  Anna thanked him.

  ‘It is my pleasure,’ he said, sitting on a settle a few feet from her and gazing into her face. ‘No doubt you are curious to how I came to know your name?’

  ‘I certainly am,’ she answered politely.

  He placed his hands on his thighs and leaned towards her. ‘You are acquainted with a knight called Sir Richard Fletcher, I think?’

  Jack started. Anna glanced at him and then Raoul. ‘You mean Kate’s half-brother Diccon?’

  Raoul nodded. ‘I believe he is also Jack’s stepbrother and he lives in London as part of the King’s household.’

  ‘So that’s how you heard my name,’ murmured Anna. ‘Such a simple explanation. Yet what a coincidence your meeting Diccon.’

  ‘It was no coincidence,’ said Raoul, his expression suddenly grave. ‘I went there in search of him. Sir Richard was a witness in an investigation involving the murder of a knight called Sir Roger Miles.’

  ‘I don’t recognise that name,’ she said, her brow puckering.

  ‘No doubt that is because he was killed before you were born, Anna,’ said Jack, his eyes intent on her face. He had a feeling that he knew what was coming. She would be hurt, but he doubted she would be put off by anything less than the truth.

  Raoul darted him a thoughtful look. ‘You must have been only a boy at the time, Jack. I was told it was hushed up and never mentioned in the family. In particular I was informed that Anna must never be told about it.’

  A chill ran down her spine and she was filled with a sense of foreboding. ‘I presume Diccon told you that, but why must it be kept from me? Was—was it to do with my mother?’

  Jack and Raoul exchanged glances. ‘What do you know, mon ami?’ asked Raoul.

  Jack hesitated.

  ‘What is it?’ demanded Anna. ‘Tell me! What is this secret that has been kept from me? How could you be a party to this web of conspiracy after all I have told you about myself, Jack? Speak out honestly now, if you please.’

  ‘I was no party to any conspiracy,’ said Jack sharply. ‘At the time I was but eight or nine summers old when I overheard a conversation between my father and stepmother. If I had listened more carefully, then I might have realised what it was about earlier, but it was just a jumble in my mind and I disregarded it as of no importance at the time.’

  ‘What do you remember?’ she croaked.

  ‘A sense of relief on their part. A murderer had been found and just deserts had been meted out to him. The man responsible for bringing him to justice was one of the family and that was why their relief was so intense. There had been an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this murderer’s death.’

  ‘You seem to remember quite a lot. Yet you mention no names,’ cried Anna, springing to her feet and going over to him. ‘Tell me, Jack, how does this involve me? Was my mother the murderer?’

  He stood up. ‘She was not mentioned. Sit down, Anna! You’re overwrought.’

  She did not sit down, but asked in a bewildered voice, ‘If my mother was not the murderer, then who was? And who in the family killed him?’

  Jack hesitated and then said bluntly, ‘I deem the murderer was the former Comte d’Azay and I know the man who brought him to justice was Owain. I wish you’d left well alone, Anna.’

  Chapter Nine

  The room seemed to shift. Anna did not want to believe it. Surely there must be some mistake?

  ‘Sit down, Anna!’ ordered Jack, worried that she might swoon. He seized her by the arms and forced her into the chair. Then he knelt in front of her and took one of her hands and chafed it.

  ‘It can’t be true,’ she said hoarsely.

  ‘It is,’ said Raoul quietly.

  Jack gazed into her ashen face. ‘But what happened is in the past and you must not l
et it take such a hold on your life that it prevents you from living your life to the full now,’ he insisted.

  ‘But—but Owain killed my father. He deceived me,’ she said in an impassioned whisper.

  ‘I’m sure he kept quiet about it for your own good,’ said Jack.

  ‘How can you be so sure? If only I had known this when Will and Hal accused me of such terrible things…I don’t know what I would have done.’ Tears filled her eyes and overflowed.

  Jack felt helpless in the face of her distress.

  Raoul stood up and strode over to the door. ‘I will fetch Margaret. Women can cope better with tears.’

  He was almost at the door when Anna cried, ‘No! Of your courtesy come back here and tell me what you know of this matter.’ She wiped her eyes with her sleeve. ‘I need to know all.’

  Before he could speak, there came a knock at the door. ‘That will be Georges with our wine,’ said Raoul, opening the door.

  The atmosphere was charged with tension, but the only sound in the room was the crackling of the fire and the glugglug of the wine as the serving-man filled the drinking vessels.

  Once that was done Jack took a goblet and held it out to Anna, ‘Here, drink this,’ he said.

  She took hold of its stem and his fingers covered hers as she tipped the goblet and gulped down the wine. Only when it was empty did she relinquish her hold on the vessel. ‘I will manage now,’ she said with dignity.

  There was relief in his face and he kissed her brow before moving away.

  ‘See, Georges has also brought some special almond wafers,’ said Raoul, smiling at her. ‘You should have some of these.’

  Anna thought if she ate one it would stick in her throat, but he was insistent that she had a couple, so she took them to please him. Jack had now moved and stood behind her chair.

  Raoul placed another log on the fire and then took a sip of wine before saying, ‘I barely knew my father. When I was a boy, he was never home. Maman and I spent most of the time at my grand-père’s house. When I became a man and had business in England and Wales, I was curious enough to want to know how my father died.’ He fixed his eyes on her tear-stained face with a slightly anxious expression. ‘I knew you were my half-sister before Jack brought you here.’ She made an indistinct sound that he acknowledged with a lift of the hand before continuing. ‘When making my enquiries into my father’s death, I discovered that he had conspired with your mother to rob not only her husband, but also to murder Sir Roger Miles.’