A Traitor's Touch

by Helen Dickson

  ‘We shall have refreshments and discuss what I see lurking in the depths of those eyes of yours.’

  Simon waited for Henry to make the opening gambit. But it seemed his expectations would come to naught for Henry volunteered nothing of himself. ‘Since we are to eat together, we might as well get better acquainted,’ he said in an attempt to draw the lad out of himself. ‘My name’s Simon Tremain. I already know you are called Henry. Your family name eludes me?’

  Henrietta met his gaze and immediately the shutters came down over her eyes and her expression became guarded. She had the uneasy thought that her companion was like a tall, predatory hawk and that she was a small, disadvantaged animal about to be pounced on. ‘That’s because I didn’t tell you,’ she retorted, not wishing to become too familiar with an active Jacobite whose sympathies were akin to those of her father.

  He, too, had been a Jacobite agent, and his scheming and conspiracies against King George had led him to the gallows, leaving his wife and Henrietta to carry the burden of that crime of treason. Nothing would ever lessen the deep bitterness she felt towards the Jacobites. It was a bitterness that burned inside her with an all-consuming intensity. Henrietta didn’t like talking about herself, especially not with strangers. Andrew Brody was a name remembered and still talked about by many.

  Simon’s curiosity increased. He arched a brow and peered at his companion, shrugging casually. ‘Just curious.’

  ‘You ask too many questions.’

  ‘It’s a habit of mine. You do have one, don’t you?’

  When Henry made no further comment Simon did not pursue it. But with this in mind he looked again at the lad and felt drawn to him. He sat erect, his small chin in his heart-shaped face raised, and Simon could see him putting up a valiant fight for control—a fight he won. Despite his ragged garb he looked incongruously like a proud young prince, his eyes sparkling like twin jewels. Simon’s granite features softened and his eyes warmed, as if he understood how humiliated the lad felt on being brought low by a situation that had obviously driven him from his home.

  ‘I ask your pardon, Henry. It was not my intention to intrude on your privacy. Being a private person myself, I respect it in others, so you can relax. You were serious when you said you were going to Scotland? To your uncle, I believe you said.’

  Henrietta nodded.

  ‘Where in Scotland does he live?’

  ‘Some miles from Inverness. It’s—quite inhospitable, I believe.’

  ‘I believe it is.’

  They fell silent when the landlady arrived at their table, skilfully balancing a huge tray on one hand. She placed the steaming plates of eggs and ham and wedges of warm bread and butter and freshly made succulent fruit tarts before them, telling them to enjoy their meal. Unable to override the demands of hunger before the landlady had retreated from their table, Henrietta began munching on the bread, savouring the delicious taste. Simon watched her in amusement until the object of his scrutiny became aware of his attention. Suddenly abashed, she slowed down. Simon laughed, then turned his interest to his own breakfast.

  Henrietta hadn’t eaten since dinner time the previous day and ate heartily at first, but once her hunger was satisfied, she ate slowly while her companion consumed his portions more leisurely, savouring each taste fully. She felt much better after the meal and, with warmth and nourishment having restored some measure of elasticity to muscles chilled and stiffened by hours on horseback, a gentle drowsiness crept over her and slowly her eyelids began to droop.

  When Simon had finished his meal, he wiped his mouth on a napkin and once more fixed his attention on the youth. His head had fallen forward and his eyes were closed. Clearly the long ride was beginning to take its toll. He frowned. The more they were together, the more curious he became about his young companion. He’d already decided that he was a young person of no ordinary cleverness and intelligence. He noted that he ate much too daintily for a street urchin and there was a refined quality to his speech and in his manner that did not tie in with his outward appearance. His breeches and shirt were of poor quality, the breeches having seen much service, and his hair and face were clearly in need of soap and water. Yet his boots and cloak were of good quality and he had also noted that his horse was no ordinary nag, but a valuable blood horse, clearly out of the stables of a gentleman.

  ‘What—or whom—are you running away from?’ he asked suddenly.

  All at once Henrietta’s eyes snapped open and she sat up with a start, wide awake on the instant. ‘Who said I was running away?’

  ‘You did—on the heath?’

  After a moment and lowering her eyes, Henrietta nodded. ‘I am obliged to go to Scotland.’

  ‘And it’s a matter of life or death, if I remember correctly.’ She nodded. ‘Like to tell me about it?’ he said, ignoring what he had said about intruding on her privacy.

  She shook her head. ‘I’d rather not talk about it.’ If he were to find out her true identity she wouldn’t be able to deal with the repercussions, and after her unpleasant encounter with those youths, she realised she had a better chance of reaching Scotland with this man to protect her—if he could be persuaded to take her with him.

  ‘And your parents?’

  ‘A hint of tears brightened the light green eyes as she spoke. ‘Both my parents are dead.’

  Simon felt a pang of pity for the lad. ‘I’m sorry.’

  The sympathy in his voice made her study him. He had a warmth of manner which made her feel as if she had known him a long time, and she decided she liked him. ‘Don’t be. It was a long time ago.’

  ‘But you still miss them.’ She nodded. ‘Well, you’d best eat up if we’re to reach Scotland.’

  Henrietta’s eyes shot to his. ‘Are you saying that you’ll let me travel with you?’

  Simon’s mouth softened into a lazy smile. He amused him, this youth. Simon smiled at the confidence he displayed in front of him. It flowed out of him. As he met the green eyes he saw the eagerness there. ‘I’m thinking about it. But if you lag behind I won’t think twice about abandoning you. Is that clear?’

  At once, Henrietta felt her spirits revive. Now that he’d agreed to let her travel with him, hope and courage returned and she was able to fight with all her strength against the insidious counsels of despair. The prospect of being alone with him made her shudder, but, she reasoned, the protection of such a man while ever she was on the road would be invaluable. She refused to think this man might do her harm.

  ‘Thank you. I am grateful,’ she said, remembering her manners, unable to conceal her excitement. ‘I will not dawdle. I cannot afford to. I can ride as well as the next—man. I could even act as your squire—or whatever term you care to use—and do it well. I will not be a burden. But if you think you’ve got something to fear from a defenceless youth, well, sir, you’d just better not hire me. And how do you know I’m not a thief who will rob you blind when I get the chance?’

  Simon laughed aloud at the youth’s audacity. ‘Call it intuition. I like your spirit. I trust you, Henry.’ He’d already come to the conclusion that the lad was as blunt and honest a youth as he’d met in a long time—and twice as unkempt. He was also beginning to think Henry could be completely exasperating, yet there was something about him that was likeable, too.

  ‘I expect you’ll be suggesting wages next.’

  Her eyes brightened. ‘We could discuss it. How much will you pay me?’

  ‘Nothing. Meals all found along the way. Take it or leave it.’

  ‘I’ll take it—and I’ll pay for my own bed. I like my privacy and have a penchant for sleeping in my own room.’

  Simon’s lips quirked. ‘I don’t snore, if that’s what you’re afraid of.’

  ‘Never crossed my mind. As I said, I prefer my own room.’

  ‘That’s settled, then,’
Simon said, half-amused. ‘But you’d better be worth it. I can only hope you know what you’re in for. It’s only fair to warn you that it’s going to be a long haul to Scotland and many things could happen that you may not like. However,’ he said on a more serious note, ‘I find I must place one stricture on the pact.’

  Henrietta glanced at him obliquely. ‘And that is?’

  ‘That until we reach Scotland you will speak to no one of what you overheard on the heath.’

  ‘I thought I’d already given you my word on that.’

  He nodded. ‘I just wanted to make sure.’

  Henrietta nodded, drawn to him by his sheer physical presence. For a moment she felt her resistance waver, but then she rebuked herself, bringing her mind to a grinding halt. For her peace of mind she must not let him get beneath her guard. She was grateful to him for agreeing to let her travel with him, but how long could she hope to hide her identity behind the guise of a grubby youth?

  ‘And while we’re at it,’ he went on, ‘have you not thought of cleaning yourself up?’

  Henrietta’s jaw clenched with indignation. ‘Show me the way to Scotland and I’ll be grateful. But keep me out of your plans. Untidiness and a little dirt never hurt anyone.’

  The buxom redhead who had caught Simon’s eye earlier came to clear the table, a provocative smile on her lips when her eyes settled on him. ‘Will there be anything else, sir? More ale?’

  ‘No, thank you. The food was good,’ Simon replied, giving her a wink and returning her smile. Getting up from the table, he chuckled softly as the girl picked up the plates and went on her way, her hips swaying seductively from side to side. He glanced at his companion. ‘Tell me, Henry, have you known the love of a maid? Is that what takes you to Scotland?’

  Henrietta’s eyes opened wide with indignation at the very suggestion. ‘No, of course not.’

  ‘No, you are still young. Whatever takes you there is not for the love of a maid.’

  ‘How do you know?’ she asked him, making no further attempt at denial.

  ‘One’s only to look at your eyes, lad. Not a spark of love in them. Take my advice and keep it that way. Women are every man’s downfall and there are too many that are any good for the peace of honest lads like you and me. When I looked into your eyes just now, I saw just one thing. Fear! That’s why I’ve decided to take you to Scotland. I’ve no truck with love. I came to the conclusion a long time ago that it’s a waste of time. But fear! There’s some sense in that. Now come. I’m at your service. I believe,’ he said thoughtfully, ‘that you and I shall deal favourably together.’

  Donning his cloak and ramming his hat down on his head, he set off out of the inn with long, purposeful strides, leaving Henrietta to ponder on his words. After a moment she followed him, still wondering why this man who for all the world resembled a pirate and was capable of instilling fear into even the stoutest heart, should fill her with such instinctive trust.

  * * *

  Hoisting herself into the saddle with an agility that both astounded and impressed Simon, Henrietta gritted her teeth and steeled herself for the ride ahead, refusing to betray her trepidation, for she could only imagine the great distance they would have to travel before they reached their destination.

  Henrietta’s stout-hearted mare matched Simon’s big black gelding stride for stride as they headed north. The road was wide and busy with travellers going north and south, some on foot and some on horseback, and the guards on the back of stagecoaches frequently blew their horns merrily as they went by.

  But as the day drew on the journey began to take its toll of Henrietta. She tried not to let her companion see it, but she was exhausted with fatigue and her inner thighs were so sore that she felt as if she would never ride again. She could hardly remember the girl who would ride almost daily in the park, cantering on her horse. That girl was a lifetime away from her now.

  * * *

  As it grew dark they were approaching a large village which likely meant a good inn, a decent supper and a soft bed. Dismounting carefully, she ruefully rubbed her bruised posterior and wished she could groan her misery out loud and sink her tortured body into a hot tub. Averse to revealing any hint of her waning strength, she managed to drag her stiff and aching limbs forward with a modicum of dignity, which, as Simon observed her discomfort, brought a mocking grin to his lips.

  ‘Sore, are you, lad? Too soft, that’s your trouble. But worry not.’ He chuckled infuriatingly, dismounting and handing the reins to a waiting stable boy. ‘You’ll harden before you reach the Borders,’ he said, offering his wisdom freely.

  ‘Or expire in the process,’ Henrietta mumbled, having no difficulty imagining how pathetic she must look to him.

  ‘If you would allow me to offer my assistance, I have some salve in my bags I could massage—’

  ‘No, I couldn’t possibly!’ Aware of the colour flooding her cheeks, Henrietta shook her head.

  ‘What’s the matter, Henry? Afraid to pull your breeches down in case I confiscate them?’ Simon leisurely raised a questioning eyebrow.

  Irritably Henry gave him a narrow look. ‘No. I’m capable of doctoring myself if need be, that’s all.’

  Simon shrugged nonchalantly. ‘Suit yourself, though I guess when a lad is as soft as you are, he might just as well take to wearing dresses.’

  ‘Will you stop fussing about my looks?’ she retorted crossly. ‘I made the first day without complaint, didn’t I?’

  Slinging his bag over his shoulder, Simon smiled sardonically. He was becoming used to Henry’s contrariness, but in view of the lad’s youth, he translated it more as bravado. ‘You did, Henry. The challenge will come in the morning when your muscles have stiffened up.’ He glanced sideways at her, a devilish gleam in his eyes. ‘We’ll see how you fare then. Come tomorrow night you might be begging me for that salve.’

  Henrietta wouldn’t ask him for his precious salve no matter how desperate she became. Refusing to let him bait her, she bit back an indignant reply. Looking up at him, she saw his face in the deep dusk and the soft yellow glow of the buttons on his jacket as they reflected the light from the window of the inn. It sometimes surprised her just how handsome he was. Self-consciously she tugged down the brim of her hat and followed him inside. The contrast between them was excruciatingly painful when she allowed herself to forget that he was a man on a mission and she a young woman.

  The inn was, in fact, commodious. Simon procured them two rooms, but before Henrietta had finished her meal, the effects of the warm fire and wholesome food began to take its toll. Her head nodded with weariness and her eyelids drooped. She had not realised until then the depth of her fatigue.

  Relaxed into the corner of the settle across from her, his long booted legs stretched out to the hearth, Simon was not unaware of her exhaustion. Beneath the grime of the road her face was flushed to a soft pink glow and her eyes two sleepy orbs of emerald-green.

  ‘It’s been a long day,’ he said softly. ‘You look done in.’

  ‘Yes, it has. Tomorrow will be no different.’

  ‘Nor the day after that.’

  Simon watched her comb her hair back from her face. Suddenly the lad looked so young, vulnerable and completely innocent, despite his air of bravado.

  Henrietta looked up to see him staring at her, and when their eyes met, he looked away quickly. From that moment on she grew even more aware of his nearness to her. She sneaked a glance at him from under her lashes and saw that his face was flushed. It was the fire, she thought, because he was sitting so close, or perhaps a result of the ale he’d downed so quickly.

  ‘Go to bed and get some rest while you can,’ Simon said sharply. ‘I’ll give you a knock in the morning.’

  Henrietta nodded. Bone-weary, having shied away from Simon’s practical suggestion that they share one room, she went
to bed and was soon drifting into the realms of sleep.

  * * *

  The sun was not yet up when she was cruelly wakened by the sound of someone banging on the door. Shaking the sleep out of her eyes and struggling into her clothes and boots, she opened the door to find her companion standing there.

  ‘It’s late,’ he told her, his manner brisk. He was impatient to be on his way. ‘Come and get some breakfast and then we’ll get going.’

  Mutely Henrietta followed him, aching in every limb from the effects of the long ride the day before. Snatching a quick breakfast, they continued their journey.

  * * *

  The sky was overcast, but it was not raining, and towards noon the sun beat down on them. Henrietta pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and mopped her face and neck, wiping away the dust. She shifted her weight in the saddle to ease her discomfort. The day was just like the one before, and the one before that. Apart from the occasional stop to eat and quench their thirst Simon gave her no respite. Not that she complained, for she was determined to show him she could stand the pace.

  Though it gave her some assurance that he had not yet guessed her secret, she wondered if all he saw was the dirt on her face and ill-fitting clothes, for it was there his criticism thrived. He could not know, of course, the effort she took to smudge her face and hair every morning when he threatened to dunk her in the river and scrub her clean himself. As uncomfortable as she was in her disguise as a boy, she was unable to discard it.

  * * *

  The further north they got the quieter the roads. It was midafternoon and they had paused beside a stream to eat some bread and cheese they had bought at the last village they had passed through. Henrietta had removed her boots and was dangling her feet in the cold water as she ate, scooping water into her hands to drink every now and then.

  When they were back in the saddle Simon broached a subject she would have preferred avoiding. Instead of setting off at a gallop he was silent and thoughtful as he kept his horse’s prancing pace attuned to Henrietta’s steadier gait. Then, thoughtfully, he turned and looked at her.