His Runaway Maiden

by June Francis

  ‘It could be useful meeting her,’ said Alex. ‘But first we need to have our thoughts fixed on events at Richmond.’

  Rosamund felt her stomach tighten with nerves at the thought of performing in front of the royal family and their guests.

  ‘What if I am still expected to dance with Lord Bude?’ she asked.

  ‘Then you will do so and see what you can glean from him,’ said Alex. ‘It is surprising how much information a person can drop when they are not thinking about what they are saying.’

  Rosamund said, ‘You want me to act as one of your spies?’

  ‘I would rather you had naught to do with him, but it would be useful to know what is in his mind,’ he replied.

  Rosamund nodded. Then she forgot all about Lord Bude—suddenly she caught her first sighting of Richmond Palace. She gasped in admiration.

  ‘What a fairy-tale place. It looks far grander than Lathom House. See how its white stone walls gleam in the sun and how its towers are capped with pepper-pot domes and cupolas. I can easily imagine a damsel in distress imprisoned by her cruel father calling down to a brave knight to rescue her. Is there a moat?’

  Alex laughed. ‘I didn’t realise you could be such a romantic. I have heard there is the remains of one, although a bridge now links that part of the palace to the fountain courtyard. You’ll gather from its name that it has a water fountain, which it was once described to me as a pleasure to listen to on a hot day. Apparently the courtyard is flanked by a great hall and a chapel.’

  Rosamund said, ‘One presumes that the proxy marriage ceremony between the Princess Margaret and the King of Scotland will take place in the chapel?’

  ‘One would think so, but according to Lady Elizabeth the event will be in the royal apartments that are separated from those housing the officials and guests.’

  ‘It is a huge place. I should imagine several large kitchens will be needed, as well as huge butteries, wine cellars and everything else that is necessary to tend the needs of such a huge household,’ said Rosamund, her eyes wide with the wonder of it all. ‘And what of the gardens? I used to escape to the herb garden whenever possible at Appleby.’

  ‘I believe there are very special gardens here. A large one encircled by two-story galleries, open at ground level and enclosed above. There the court can walk and play indoors when the weather is foul. During fine weather there are flower beds to admire and there is also a tennis court.’

  A memory surfaced of Harry and Josh hitting a ball back and forth over a rope stretched between two trees. ‘I remember my father telling Harry and me that King Henry discovered a liking for the game in his youth whilst exiled in France.’

  ‘I have played it on occasions, but more for the honour of winning than purely to wager money on a game of chance.’ Alex remembered a perspiring Harry determined to trounce him and win the favour of Ingrid, who was watching on the sidelines.

  ‘You have painted a fascinating picture of the palace for me. You must have listened well to all that was told you,’ said Rosamund lightly.

  ‘I have a great interest in architecture.’ Alex had no intention of being drawn into telling her that it was Ingrid who had somehow managed to get herself invited to Richmond—he did not want his wife dwelling on events in his past that were over and done with. It was true that he had listened avidly to Ingrid’s description of the palace. In the past there had been times when his life had depended on his prior knowledge of a building and he had learnt much that could prove useful.

  ‘Perhaps you would enjoy a walk along the river before we go inside,’ he suggested. ‘You will get a different view of the palace from there.’

  Rosamund agreed and they dismounted. The sun was shining and the snow was beginning to thaw. She was of a mind that the river was a pretty place to take a stroll. His shoulder brushed her arm and she felt a tingle of pleasure at that brief bodily contact. They walked for a while. Then she noticed a barge being rowed upstream.

  ‘Do you think that craft has come from London?’ she asked.

  ‘It is possible.’ Alex’s eyes narrowed against the sun as he gazed at the boat. Suddenly he placed an arm around her shoulders and drew her away from the river’s edge. ‘If I am not mistaken, that is your stepbrother leaning over the side!’

  Rosamund experienced a cold feeling in the pit of her stomach and was glad of the comfort provided by her husband’s strong arm. ‘What is he doing here? I had thought we could escape him! Surely he could not have been invited?’

  ‘We shall soon find out if the barge ties up at the royal quayside.’ Alex ushered her over to where their horses cropped the grass beneath the bare branches of a willow tree.

  ‘What does he have that the King might want?’

  ‘It is well known that King Henry loves gold and silver. Fustian might have provided the King with a costly gift out of his own purse to present to one of his Scottish guests,’ said Alex. ‘By doing so he wins the King’s favour and is invited to the celebrations, although by taking this step he will have given the King the impression he is a very wealthy man.’

  ‘Wealth that my father amassed and which really belongs to Harry,’ said Rosamund in a tight voice. ‘At least Edward has to pay heavy taxes on the merchandise he brings into the country.’

  ‘Only on that which he imports legally,’ said Alex.

  Rosamund stared at him. ‘You suspect him of smuggling?’

  Alex’s expression was grim. ‘Aye. I also believe that he is probably involved in piracy himself. He could use his ships to attack other ships that sailed out of London. It would not be difficult for him to discover what cargoes they would be carrying and when the ships would leave port. He could have the merchandise smuggled in farther north along the coast. I was lacking a reason as to why he should take such risks, but when you spoke of him wanting to be Lord Mayor of London, that provided me with the information I wanted. All I need is proof.’

  ‘Just like I need proof that he killed Father. You know what makes what he is doing so much worse?’ She did not wait for Alex’s answer. ‘Not only has he stolen what is my brother’s, but the motto of the Royal Company of Mercers, of which he is a member, is Honor Deo! Honour God! Edward is not a man of honour and deserves to be shunned by that noble company.’

  ‘Ssshhh! Calm yourself.’ He brushed his lips against hers. ‘It looks like the barge will soon be tying up and its passengers disembarking. I do not want him to see us.’

  ‘Why? He knows that we already know each other and that I must be aware that Harry is alive, so what is the use of us hiding? He would not dare to try to destroy us in full view of people.’

  ‘I need to know if he has another purpose in coming here. Maybe to meet one of his mother’s kinsmen. If I am right in my suspicions, then Fustian will not wish the peace pact to go ahead,’ said Alex. ‘It is best if we avoid coming face to face with him for the moment.’

  She understood; besides, the less she saw of her stepbrother, the better she would like it. They walked on in silence, leading the horses. A thought suddenly occurred to Rosamund. ‘When do we dance before the royal family?’

  ‘Not for a couple of days and we will be masked,’ said Alex. ‘There is no need for you to fear Edward. If he were to catch you unawares, remember, I will not be far away.’

  ‘Of course.’ She was determined not to be frightened of Edward any longer. At that moment she could have said honestly that, with the Baron by her side, she no longer feared her stepbrother. No doubt it would be a different matter if she was to encounter him in a dark passage.

  They retraced their steps and, much to their surprise, were fortunate to arrive at the palace at the same time as Lady Elizabeth and her entourage came into sight. She was being carried in a litter by four strong-looking men and only her eyes betrayed her weariness.

  ‘So there you both are. I am so glad to see you arrived safely,’ she said. ‘I left within the hour after your departure.’ She stretched out a hand to her goddaughte
r. ‘So, Rosamund, my dear, what do you think of the King’s palace?’

  ‘It is indeed impressive,’ answered Rosamund. ‘I cannot wait to see what it is like inside.’

  ‘There is much to see that is fine.’ She added in a low voice, ‘There are those who say that the King is miserly but, believe me, he was not frugal when it came to decorating Richmond. It is now the finest palace in the kingdom. I was here with my kinsman and his mother, the Countess of Beaufort, for poor Prince Arthur’s wedding. Now that was a sumptuous affair. Whilst I doubt that Henry will part with as much gold and silver as he did then, nevertheless, I am certain he will not stint on spending what is necessary to impress our Scottish neighbours.’ She indicated that they ride beside her litter and so they led her entourage along the red-brick outer wall to the main gateway that looked out over the Green.

  Men-at-arms stood on guard, but as soon as Lady Elizabeth was announced, she and her party were allowed inside the walls. It seemed no time at all before an official was welcoming them and minions were summoned to attend to their needs. Lady Elizabeth asked whether certain people had arrived and the replies she received seemed to please her. Then she asked if a chamber could be made available for her troupe to rehearse in that evening.

  Rosamund lost sight of the Baron in the throng and decided he would be able to find his way to the suite of rooms set aside for Lady Elizabeth and her entourage. A servant showed her to the bedchamber that was to be the Baron and Baroness Dalsland’s for the duration of their stay. Rosamund experienced that odd sensation at being addressed as Baroness again and thought, for the first time, that along with her title came responsibility. She now had the power to help those so much poorer than herself. Lady Elizabeth had put one of her maids at Rosamund’s disposal and she felt slightly ashamed of the few clothes she had for her to stow away in the oak armoire and chest. She thanked the girl and dismissed her.

  Then she spent a few moments admiring the craftsmanship of the beautifully carved furniture and richly embroidered hangings and coverlet on the bed. A fine bed. She eased off her boots and hung up her cloak and hat before lying down. She decided the mattress must be stuffed with feathers and fell to dreaming of her husband making love to her as she listened to the crackling of the log fire. If only he really could love her, then she would be happy. But of course, their marriage was no love match, but one conveniently arranged by her godmother.

  ‘Are you comfortable?’

  Rosamund started at the sound of her husband’s attractive tones and sat up.

  ‘No, don’t disturb yourself.’ Alex tossed his hat on a chest and removed his outer clothes and boots before lying down on the bed beside her. Rosamund was intensely aware of him and felt her insides quiver as he reached out and took her hand. ‘Your godmother plans to take a nap before the evening meal. She has decided we will take our meal here in her own apartment and it will be prepared by her own cook. She has already discovered that the King and Queen are to sup with their Scottish guests in their private apartments, no doubt in preparation for the ceremony tomorrow. After supper there is to be rehearsal for the performance the day after tomorrow.’

  She glanced at him. ‘Did you tell her that my stepbrother is here?’

  ‘Didn’t you?’ He rolled onto his side so that he faced her.

  ‘No. There was no opportunity to have a private word. She was speaking to her servants and having them take messages to the troupe and the musicians.’

  ‘Then we will tell her later. In the meantime, perhaps we should also rest after our disturbed night—’

  Alex drew his wife towards him. He was expecting a little resistance on her part, but she snuggled up to him like a kitten. ‘Rest, you say,’ she murmured, tentatively placing an arm across his chest. So trusting, he thought, stroking her hair and fondling her ear. After the shock of seeing Fustian, he had immediately wanted to challenge him and fight with him to the death. Instead, he had known he must wait until he got him alone.

  He planted feather-light kisses down the side of her face and then kissed her mouth in a leisurely fashion. She returned his kiss and then rubbed her cheek against his unshaven one. He sensed she winced and reminded himself that he must shave later. He lightly touched the outline of her breast in the blue gown. He felt the peak tighten and he plucked it gently. A sleepy sigh escaped her and he unfastened the buttons on her gown and slid his hand inside and caressed that perfectly shaped orb. Several moments passed before he realised with a rueful smile that she had drifted into sleep. He made himself comfortable and within a short time he also was asleep.

  Rosamund woke slowly and realised with part of her mind that someone was moving about in the bedroom. She sat up suddenly and cried, ‘Who’s there?’

  ‘No need to fear,’ said Alex, coming and sitting on the bed. ‘It’s time to get up and join Lady Elizabeth for supper.’

  Rosamund yawned and stretched. ‘How long have I been asleep?’

  ‘Do you feel rested?’ he asked.

  ‘Aye.’ She stared up at him with a puzzled expression.

  ‘Then you have slept long enough.’ He smiled and helped her off the bed. ‘Do you wish to change your gown?’

  ‘Perhaps.’ She glanced at the bed and wondered. ‘Did you sleep?’

  ‘Aye.’

  Supper was almost over by the time Alex and Rosamund had finished telling Lady Elizabeth about Edward Fustian’s arrival at Richmond Palace.

  ‘He will not be the only one hoping to gain the prize of Lord Mayor of London,’ she wheezed. ‘Several will have paid a pretty penny for the honour of attending the celebrations in the hope of winning that role. You can be sure that the King will be watching them all and have courtiers strategically placed to listen to conversations, so as to deduce which of them is willing to pay the highest price for such a position.’

  ‘The Baron thinks that he and I should keep out of Edward’s sight until we have proof of his infamy,’ said Rosamund.

  Lady Elizabeth’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. ‘Don’t tell me you suspect Fustian of having something to do with the other business, Baron?’

  Alex and Rosamund exchanged looks.

  Immediately, Lady Elizabeth said, ‘Forget what I said. Time is moving on and we have the rehearsal to attend.’

  Easy enough to say forget, but Rosamund could not do so. Her husband had asked for her help and she intended giving it to him. She resisted looking his way as they rose and left the apartment to go to the place where several musicians were already in position and tuning up their instruments. The room was adjacent to a much larger chamber from whence came the sound of laughter and loud voices.

  ‘I wonder what is taking place in there?’ asked Rosamund of no one in particular.

  ‘Go and see, my dear, and come back and tell me,’ said Lady Elizabeth. ‘Then we shall close the door so we will not be disturbed.’

  Rosamund did so and decided that it was another party rehearsing for their part in the pageant. She noticed the livery on a banner and closed the door and turned to see her godmother in a low-voiced conversation with the Baron.

  Rosamund sat down a little away from them, close to a curtained alcove. She tapped her foot in rhythm to the music and tried not to feel excluded. After all, her father had not shared every part of his life with his wives and had often spent time away from home. Besides, it was possible that Alex was telling Lady Elizabeth what they had discussed earlier or perhaps not. She felt insecure again, but waited until she was certain they had finished their conversation before making her way towards them.

  ‘The company next door have a banner displaying the livery of the Royal Guild of Mercers,’ said Rosamund.

  Alex glanced at her. ‘Did you catch sight of Fustian?’

  ‘No, although, perhaps he will attend later.’

  Alex nodded. ‘We will just have to stay alert in case he should pass through here.’

  ‘I have heard that the Mercers’ Guild is financing a grand finale to the pag
eant,’ said Lady Elizabeth.

  ‘I wonder what it will entail,’ said Rosamund.

  ‘There is bound to be a tournament with young knights joining the lists to prove how brave they are,’ replied her godmother. ‘I have never particularly cared for jousting since my brother was killed.’

  At that moment members of the troupe began to arrive.

  ‘Where is Lord Bude?’ asked Lady Elizabeth.

  ‘None of us has seen him,’ said one of the ladies. ‘What shall we do?’

  ‘We shall go on with the rehearsal without him,’ said Lady Elizabeth. ‘I will sit out and the Baron will partner my goddaughter.’

  The lords and ladies lined up for the dance.

  Alex took Rosamund’s hand. ‘You remember the movements of the dance?’

  ‘I am certain you will put me right if I have forgotten them,’ she replied.

  He gazed at her intently. ‘I deem you are vexed about something?’

  She almost said, how perceptive of you. Instead, she shook her head and then gazed down at her feet.

  Alex drew in his breath with a hiss, but there was no chance to sort the matter out. The musicians struck up. This time when they danced together she went through the motions without enthusiasm. She expected her husband to mock her performance, but he did not say a word.

  ‘Excellent,’ said her godmother, stifling a yawn. ‘Perhaps a little more picking up of the feet, Rosamund. But no doubt you are tired. There will be too much making ready for the proxy ceremony in the morning for another rehearsal. And by evening, I doubt any of you will be fit to dance after the celebrations. So we will have a dress rehearsal the following morning.’

  They all agreed and the musicians and the troupe drifted away.

  Lady Elizabeth turned to Rosamund and Alex. ‘I was too kind to you, my dears. Both your performances were leaden. Why do you not go through the steps again? There is plenty of space for you to practise now the others have left.’