About fifteen minutes after the bell for nones had chimed, Blake had burst into his office shouting that Isabel had fallen down the stairs and was unconscious. Gavin had not even taken the time to throw on his cloak, but simply dashed toward Bel’s chamber, where someone had carried her.
There hadn’t been time to ask any questions, so he posed them now. “Where did this happen?”
Blake gestured toward the stairs outside Isabel’s chamber. “Just there. Those treacherous steps that run along the outside wall. They must have been covered with ice, invisible to the eye.”
Like hell it was ice. Rather, it was something a great deal more insidious, and Gavin harbored no doubts about who was responsible.
Isabel’s eyes flickered open again. “Gavin? Is Bisou…?” Her voice was weak, but she was awake and asking questions, a good sign.
Gavin glanced at Blake. “The pup was with her?”
“I don’t know. He wasn’t there when I arrived on the scene.”
“Gather everyone together. The men who found Isabel after her fall. Mary and her ladies. Anyone who may have witnessed what happened. I’ll meet you in the queen’s chamber shortly.”
“I’ll do what I can,” Blake said.
Isabel’s eyes were closed again. After Blake left, Gavin spoke softly to her. “Isabel, we need to determine if you have broken a bone or sustained other injuries. May I examine you?”
She opened her eyes and nodded. “My head hurts like the blacksmith has taken his hammer to it. And breathing is painful.”
Gavin opened the door and found some of the women waiting for news. Cecily stepped forward. “How is she?”
“That is what I am trying to ascertain. Her head is causing her much pain. Can you find somebody who knows about these things and can prepare a decoction of some kind?”
“Aye. The queen’s maid, Aimee, will know. Or Dorothy.” She ran off to do his bidding.
Gavin resumed his place next to her on the bed. Isabel seemed to be fading in and out of consciousness. Taking her head gently in his hands, he ran his fingertips over her scalp, not finding any wounds. “Can you sit up if I hold you, love?” When she nodded, he placed an arm under her shoulders and lifted her, enough to examine the back of her head. He was horrified to see blood on her pillow, and when he felt the back of her head, he found an abrasion atop a swelling the size of a goose egg.
Isabel sucked in a breath and moaned.
“Forgive me for hurting you.” Laying her down gently, he said, “I’m going to check your body for other injuries now.”
Pulling the coverlet down, Gavin began his perusal, lifting and moving her limbs, making sure nothing was dislocated and that she bore no other open wounds. This would be more easily done if she were undressed, but he would leave that to the ladies. When he pressed on her ribs, she let out a howl of pain.
“Ah. I believe you have some broken ribs.” Miraculously, he did not find any other injuries, although he was certain her body would bloom with bruises by day’s end. He wanted to climb onto the bed and hold her, but it would only cause her additional pain. It was time for him to leave and allow the women to undress, bathe, and bandage her. But before he exited, he had a few questions.
“Isabel, can you remember what happened? What caused you to fall?”
She opened her eyes and gazed at him. “I’m not sure. When I opened the door, I was holding Bisou. He was whimpering—he even growled—as though afraid of something. I had the oddest feeling that somebody was standing behind me. I glanced around but saw nothing.”
“And then what happened?”
“That is the fuzzy part. I remember feeling suddenly terrified and wanting to get away, so I started down the steps.” Her brow furrowed and she hesitated, trying to collect her thoughts. “That is all I can remember. Afterward, only darkness.”
Damnation. “Perhaps it will come clear later. I am going to leave for a short time, sweetheart. The ladies will attend you while I ask some questions, and then I’ll be back.”
“Gavin, what about Bisou? I’m so afraid he was hurt.”
“We’ll find him and bring him to you.” He shouldn’t make rash promises. The poor animal could be dead for all he knew, but he could not say that to Isabel.
“You won’t be far?”
She was frightened, and it pained him to see her this way. “I will be questioning the guards who found you, and others, but I’ll be nearby, probably in Mary’s chamber. Your friends will be in to attend you.” He kissed her forehead and then walked out into the passage. Dorothy was waiting with a cup in her hands, and Aimee stood nearby, holding a container of salve and fresh cloths.
“She has broken ribs and a huge bump on the back of her head. It’s raw and bleeding. And she’ll need—”
“We know what she needs, Gavin,” Dorothy said, looking amused. “She must drink the tea first—it will help with the pain. We will take good care of her.”
“Of course. I thank you. I’ll be close by if you need me.”
Before heading for Mary’s chamber, Gavin wished to inspect the steps. He must do so now, before the sun melted any ice that may have covered them. He banged open the door and a gust of wind hit him. It was colder than a gravedigger’s shovel out there. Visualizing what Isabel had described to him, Gavin attempted to imitate her movements. He folded his arms against his chest, the best substitute for holding a dog he could devise, and glanced behind him. It was dark and it would have been difficult to make out a form. He set his booted foot onto the first step and swept it back and forth. It was clear of ice. Or snow, gravel, or anything else that may conceivably have caused Isabel to slip. Then he descended the stairs, all the way to the ground, examining each step as he went. No ice. Not a single patch. At the bottom lay a grassy area which was slightly disturbed. He hunkered down and took a closer look. The ground was covered with blood, from Isabel’s head wound, no doubt. Rising, he easily made out the footsteps of the men who had come to Isabel’s rescue and the path they’d taken from the inner courtyard.
Troubled, Gavin climbed back up the stairs and strode toward Mary’s chamber. He must use caution. He didn’t want to convey his worst fears. Not yet, anyway. If this was no accident, and the perpetrators found out he was on their heels, they would run to ground, and he’d have no chance to catch them. He heard excited voices emanating from the chamber before he reached it. When he walked in, everybody quieted.
He bowed to Queen Mary, and she spoke first. “How is dear Bel, Gavin?”
“She has some significant injuries, but none critical. Dorothy and Aimee have given her a potion for pain and will bathe her.” Murmurs broke out among them, and he interrupted, raising his voice slightly. “Did anybody see Isabel as she walked down the passage and out the door to the stairs?”
They all shook their heads, as he’d known they would. “I’d like to know the whereabouts of everybody when this happened. Your Majesty, let’s begin with you.”
Everyone gaped at him. It was highly irregular for anybody to question a monarch this way. Especially a man without rank. Gavin didn’t care. Mary could refuse, and he would be powerless to do anything about it. But if she were willing to talk, everyone else would follow suit.
Her expression was severe, but she answered. “Bel and I ate breakfast together. I finished first and returned to my chamber, where I took up my work until I heard the commotion in the passage. It was soon made known to me what had befallen Isabel.”
“Who informed you?” Gavin asked.
“I believe it was Cecily. Was it not?” She turned toward the other woman.
Cecily nodded. “I was on the lower level, intending to walk over to the hall to find my brother. We had talked about riding today, and I wanted to see if he was ready. The guards burst through the door with Isabel just as I was leaving. I sent one of them for Philip, who then ran to find you, Gavin.”
One by one, the others explained where they were. Alice and Henry Alymer were still abed, as was their
friend, Anne Ramsey. Dorothy Vere and her sister-in-law, Jane, had been here with her, Mary said. “Aimee as well, attending to her duties.”
“Sir, Mistress Isabel stopped by and asked if she could take the little dog outside with her,” Jane said.
“Any idea of the time?”
“Half eleven had just rung, I believe.”
“And Dorothy’s husband?”
Again, it was the lass who answered. “He went out riding with the earl. They are still not returned.”
Which reminded Gavin that Bess Shrewsbury was also not present. As if anticipating the question, Cecily said, “Bess was in her chamber. She does not spend much time with us of late.”
Because she believes her husband is swiving Mary.
Gavin would check to make sure about Lady Shrewsbury’s whereabouts, although he could not conceive of any reason why she would wish to harm Isabel. “What about Frances?”
A few people snickered. “We have not seen her this morning,” Alice said, covering her mouth to quell a laugh.
“She is with Lesley?” Gavin asked.
“It is most likely,” Mary said, giving Alice a stern glance.
Gavin nodded. Everyone was accounted for, although he would check with Bess, Alice, Frances, and Lesley for confirmation.
“Gavin, was this not an accident? Surely you do not believe someone wished to hurt Bel.”
“I am simply trying to gather information, Your Majesty. Given the attack at the river, as well as the murder of young Simon, I want to make sure I have all the facts.” He paused and glanced at the assembled folk. “I would like to enlist some volunteers to look for the little dog. Who’s willing?”
Mary froze. “Bisou is missing? I-I did not know! Why didn’t anyone tell me?”
Shouldn’t it have been obvious? “Isabel was carrying the dog in her arms when she fell, and as far as I know nobody has seen him since.”
“Mon dieu,” Mary said with a deep sigh, and Cecily helped her to a chair.
…
When Isabel awoke the following morning, Gavin was sleeping on the settle, his feet hanging off one end of it. He had dragged it over next to her bed, having brought his down coverlet with him. He looked vastly uncomfortable. Although it was growing dark, she studied him. It was rare to have such an opportunity, for the man was always rushing about from place to place. His wavy chestnut hair, usually brushed back from his high forehead, was mussed, and it made him appear younger, somehow. Fleetingly, Isabel wondered how old he was. She’d never asked. He had a small scar on his chin, just below his full lower lip. She reached out and traced it lightly with her finger. Unable to resist, she ran her hand over his cheeks, darkly shadowed with stubble.
“Bonjour, Isabel,” he said, startling her. “Comment allez-vous?”
She jerked her hand away. “I-I apologize for the intrusion. I was just, that is, I—”
He opened his eyes, and the full force of their ice blue hit her. “No need for explanations, ma cherie. I loved what you were doing.”
Why was he spouting endearments in French? Isabel didn’t know, but she liked it.
She fell back to her pillows, waiting for him to say more. “You didn’t answer me, Isabel. Tell me how you are feeling.”
“Sore. Help me up and I’ll know more. I need to visit the garderobe.”
Gavin stood and stretched, affording Isabel a fine view of his chest. His lawn shirt pulled tight across the bands of muscle, and she couldn’t resist staring. Getting to his feet, he said, “I am going to lift you and try not to jostle you. Ready?”
When she nodded, he flung back the covers. “Oh,” she gasped. “I forgot I’m wearing nothing but a chemise!” Which was rucked up around her thighs. Embarrassed, she glanced up and caught him staring. Isabel couldn’t fault him, since she’d been indulging in the same behavior only a moment ago. “Would you find my cloak, Gavin?”
He draped it over her shoulders, then lifted her off the bed and set her down.
“It hurts. Moving, turning, simply standing up straight hurts,” she said, dismayed.
“Broken ribs are quite painful. Is the pain only on one side, or both?”
“On the right. I believe the other side is uninjured.”
“Does it hurt when you take a breath?”
Isabel thought about it. “A little. It was most painful when I coughed during the night.”
He crooked his elbow. “Hold on to me.”
“Gavin, I can do this alone. You don’t need to escort me.”
“Oh, no. I’m not letting you out of my sight. Come along.”
When they reached the garderobe, Isabel said, “You are not coming in with me.”
“I’ll wait out here, but I’m going to make sure nobody is inside first.”
Isabel rolled her eyes. He was being overly cautious, yet he made her feel safe and protected. He quickly reappeared. “All clear. I’ll be waiting.”
Once inside the small chamber, Isabel was grateful Gavin had preceded her. The interior was all murky shadow. There was no window, nor any candle burning. She relieved herself and rose, tugging her chemise down and putting the cloak back on. A basin of water rested on a small oak table, and she washed her hands. As she moved toward the door, dizziness engulfed her. That same odd feeling she’d had just before falling gripped her. There was no real danger, but she panicked nevertheless. To stem the tide of hysteria, she tried to take deep breaths, but her injuries were too painful. Was she mistaken? Was someone there, lying in wait for her, as they’d been yesterday?
Feeling helpless and weak, she cried out. “Gavin! Help me!”
He came running, banging the door open. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
“Someone is in here. Just like before.”
Gavin picked her up and carried her back to her chamber, seated himself, and lowered Isabel to his lap. “There, now. Lean against me. You are safe.”
“Was there…did you see anybody?”
“You were alone, Bel. There was nobody else. I checked before you went in, and I stood there the entire time you were inside.”
“I was so sure.” She ducked her head. “You must think me deranged. But Gavin…I remembered more about yesterday. Right before I fell, I felt a hand on my back. For a fraction of a second, I knew someone was going to push me.”
“God’s wounds, Isabel! Now do you believe we must flee this place? I cannot be with you every minute, not in the long term. And I trust very few of these people.”
Isabel was not surprised that he’d brought this up, for once he’d formed an idea, he was tenacious. “What will we do? We cannot simply ride away from here in broad daylight.”
Gavin was stroking her hair. His body heat warmed her. She never wanted to leave the cocoon of his arms, let alone Sheffield. “You’re right. We must sneak away like thieves in the night. I’ll need to inform the earl, but nobody else must know. Agreed?”
“Of course. What should we say about my fall? Should I pretend not to remember?”
“Aye. That is the safest course. I questioned the group about where they were when you had your so-called accident. They all made a reasonable accounting of themselves. At least one of them must be lying.”
Reluctantly, Isabel slid off Gavin’s lap. “One or more of the women will be here to check on me soon, and I don’t want them to find us like this.”
He helped her back to her bed, plumped her pillows, and arranged her covers. “I’ll stay until they arrive. Ask them if you might rest in the queen’s chamber. Say you are bored and want company. I don’t want you here alone, Isabel.”
Nor did she wish to be. It was beyond belief that a member of Mary’s circle wanted her dead, yet she was positive someone had pushed her down those steps. “I forgot to ask—has Bisou been found?”
“Several of the group volunteered to look for him, but no luck yet.” She must have looked distraught, because he squeezed her hand and said, “’Tis a good sign that he’s gone. That means he had the use
of his legs. Most likely he was scared and is hiding somewhere. If they don’t find him, he’ll come back when he’s hungry enough.”
“Of course, you are right. He is not trained to hunt, but he’s a smart little creature and knows where his meals come from.” Looking steadily at him, she said, “What will we do, Gavin? How will we manage this?”
“I cannot answer that—yet. I have a few ideas, but I need to determine which one of them is most likely to succeed.” He rose and said, “I shall see where your friends are and inform them you are awake.”
She nodded. Gavin paused on the threshold and turned back to her. “Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, Bel. Who knows when an opportunity may arise?”
Very soon after Gavin left, Dorothy and Aimee entered. Aimee carried a tray, which Isabel assumed was her meal. Now that she smelled food, she was hungry. “What have you brought me?”
“Nothing exciting, I’m afraid,” Dorothy said. “Beef broth, bread, and a little wine.”
Aimee helped Isabel sit up and rested the tray across her legs. Isabel lifted the bowl of soup to her mouth and sipped. It was surprisingly delicious, with tiny pieces of beef floating in the rich broth. Dorothy perched on the settle, while Aimee moved about the chamber, straightening, gathering up soiled clothing, and collecting the used cups and tankards.
“Has Bisou come home?” Isabel asked between sips.
Dorothy laughed. “No, and the queen is beside herself. I understand you were holding him when you fell.”
“I was, but I cannot remember what became of him. Gavin says it’s a good sign that he ran off, because his legs must not have been injured.”
Dorothy looked thoughtful. “Perhaps, but he may have crept away to die beneath a bush.”
Aimee muttered an impolite French expression, barely loud enough to be heard. “What exactly happened, Bel?” Dorothy asked.
Isabel broke off a piece of manchet. “I don’t remember anything except a cold wind buffeting me when I opened the door. And then nothing, until I woke up in my bed. I must have thrown my arms out to arrest the fall, which is how I lost poor Bisou. Is the queen very angry with me?”
Game of Spies Page 19
