The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline

by Jan Davis Warren

  She straightened, stepped out of the shadows, and walked toward her family. Fear would not keep her from enjoying every moment with them until then.

  “Land ho!” The sailor stationed in the crow’s nest hollered down his sighting. All singing stopped immediately. The first mate relayed the information to the captain and sent the crew to prepare the ship for docking.

  “There be time to eat ’fore we dock.” The first mate stepped up to Evangeline, who had taken Sarah into her arms, and motioned them toward the galley below. “The men must focus solely on their jobs and not be distracted by our lovely passengers.” He smiled, but his tone was earnest.

  Henry ushered her below deck and to the galley, where they met the commander and his men, who stood when they entered.

  “We are finished. Please take our seats.” The commander waved to his vacated bench and motioned for his men to leave. He honored her with a slight bow before he left.

  “Thank you.” She appreciated the commander’s willingness to help free her and Sarah from their kidnapper and his determination to find the truth about her father, but she found it difficult to make eye contact with him. She feared what he would do if he found out she’d played the Fox.

  “We’ll be packed and ready to go when we dock, Commander.” Henry took Sarah from her and bounced his daughter on his knee. The cook came into the room humming and happy.

  “’Ere ye go, little Princess.” Cook placed a buttered scone in front of the child. He laughed when she tried to stuff the whole thing into her mouth before Henry intervened. Bowls of hot mush were brought for Henry and Evangeline, then the cook departed leaving the couple and child alone to eat their meal. Drawing the steaming bowl closer, Evangeline toyed with the ground corn, which had been boiled until it thickened and dribbled with sorghum to sweeten it. The ship had very little in the way of supplies, but the captain had been generous in sharing what they had. She must find a way to reward the captain’s kindness.

  With a frown, she pushed the bowl away, knowing her untouched food would risk offending the cook. Worry had forced a lump against her chest and closed her throat against swallowing more than a sip of water.

  “I need to change Sarah and get ready for our journey.” She used her napkin to wipe up a dribble from her cup.

  “The commander will want to make the journey to Castle Brighton with as much speed as is safe for you and our daughter.” He raised his hand to interrupt her before she could speak, leaned in closer, and lowered his voice to a conspirator’s whisper. “What he doesn’t know is how capable you are with a sword if we should encounter more brigands. Although, I believe we could all avoid bloodshed and fare far better if, when dealing with the commander, you would wield your charm rather than your sword.” He smiled, and his eyes twinkled with challenge.

  “I will consider your suggestion.” She allowed her anger at the commander to dissipate. Perhaps Henry had a point. It had been a long time since she’d been confined to the position of the charming Lady Evangeline. After the freedom of the last eighteen months, resuming that role would be like donning a corset pulled too tight to breathe, yet she would do it if it meant protecting her father. She took perhaps her last breath of freedom and made a silent vow. At the first hint of her father in danger, she would don another persona and fight the injustice with whatever means necessary.

  The ship docked at midmorning, a bit later than the sea captain had hoped. Good-byes were exchanged. Henry made a big production of shaking the captain’s hand in front of the onlookers gathered on the dock.

  “You saved my wife and child, a heroic act of selflessness as I have ever seen.” Henry turned to the crowd. “Captain Fritz and his crew are to be treated as special guests of the king.”

  Grumbles erupted from a few of the spectators, but the majority cheered. He wasn’t sure if the approval would last until the captain’s next visit, but he hoped so. He turned back to the captain. “If you ever need my help, send word to Brighton Castle, and it will reach me.”

  “Aye, laddie, and if ye find yourself in need of a fast ship, leave word with the harbor master. He’ll know how to reach me.” Captain Fritz clapped a hand on Henry’s shoulder. “Remember to take yur troubles to the Good Lord. He’ll make things right…even with yur ladyship. Love and patience go a long way to making a bonnie life.” With that he turned and started issuing orders for the loading of the goods he’d left behind.

  Henry motioned the commander nearer. “I would like to reward the good captain somehow. Do you know of anything he or the crew might be in need of?”

  “One thing comes to mind.” The commander lowered his voice so only Henry would hear. “But I haven’t the authority in this matter.”

  “Perhaps I do. What is it?”

  “Trade goods.” When the commander saw the question in Henry’s expression, he continued. “The small village where they live is rather poor after so much raiding and battle… with our armies. They raise sheep and are master weavers.” He showed Henry a wool scarf he had tucked into his tunic. “I traded a few coins for this fine scarf for my wife.” With a look of guilt on his face he shoved it out of sight again. “The king has forbidden trade with the Scots until a proper treaty has been signed. Their village needs the funds to survive and prosper. Do you think you could lift the ban here in this one port?”

  “I can, at least temporarily, before we leave. I will also send a missive to my father who can explain the details to the king so that you and I can both keep our heads.” Henry chuckled when the commander blanched. “Find the magistrate, and I’ll meet with him to sign whatever papers are necessary so our friends here can sell their trade goods and take home a tidy sum of coins and supplies. They’ve more than earned this small reward on this trip.”

  One of the commander’s men preceded a carriage made of mismatched parts pulled by a team of two stout horses. The older driver wore equally colorful mismatched attire.

  “Sorry, your Lordship. The man refused to sell his carriage but agreed to take our passengers to Castle Brighton…for a hefty fee.” He frowned up at the driver. “I’d be glad to run the blighter through for denying a royal request and drive this contraption myself.”

  “That won’t be necessary as long as the man is capable and does what he’s told.” Henry cleared his throat to keep from laughing at the shocked expression of the elderly coachman, which changed to one of having been offended.

  “I’ve handled teams of horses, mules, and oxen since before either of you laddies were birthed.” He straightened his bent posture and faced forward. “My carriage might not be a looker, but I built her from nothin’ and she’s sound enough to haul your Ladyship where you’re a goin’.” He squinted up to the sky checking the position of the early morning sun. “If you want to reach Castle Brighton today, we need to leave now.” His tone and stiff posture left no doubt that he was done talking.

  Henry walked around the piecemeal carriage, which was as odd as its driver, but it appeared sound. Henry’s smile crept into a wide grin. How would Evangeline react to the unusual conveyance?

  By the time he met briefly with the magistrate and signed the trade ban exemption for Captain Fritz and his crew, he was tired and eager to leave.

  He stopped at the livery and found the horses he and Evangeline had ridden. The merchant they met on the road had left them as promised and had paid in advance for their keep with a note of gratitude for Henry’s assistance in stopping his runaway team. The blacksmith had shod Evangeline’s horse, replacing the shoe it had thrown, and both animals were well fed and rested. He was relieved, since he had preferred to return his borrowed gelding in as good or better shape than when he took it.

  He led the horses to the carriage, where he met the commander, who was fastening his gear onto his mount, a powerful grey.

  “I take it all went well?” He faced Henry as he approached.

  “Yes. The magistrate took some convincing, but Captain Fritz should be welcomed to trade whenever he
drops anchor.”

  “Good. For Scots, they’re a decent lot.” The commander gave his men orders to make ready to leave. “We’ve enough supplies to get as far as Castle Brighton. Lady Evangeline and Lady Sarah are settled inside the…” He waved his hand in the direction of the coach.

  “Well done, Commander Garrett.” Henry glanced into the window of the carriage for reassurance of his family’s presence then swung up on the gelding. “Lead on.” He would remain close in case of trouble. With God’s help, his wife and daughter would never again be out of his protection.

  The journey was monotonous and slow compared with the breakneck pace he’d ridden to get to the village.

  Evangeline had hardly spoken to him. She must have kept Sarah entertained during the trip, for he hardly heard a peep out his daughter. In consideration of the woman and child, after a few hours, the commander stopped to rest the horses and give the men a short respite. Evangeline took charge of handing out portions of braised beef, bread, and cups of water to everyone, which had been procured for the journey.

  Her ease around the commander’s men and the elderly driver soured in Henry’s stomach. He found he didn’t like the looks of appreciation he saw on their faces and heard in their voices. That she even managed a pleasant tone when speaking to the commander displeased him to the point of stirring up unexpected jealousy at his friend’s eager response.

  He knew his feelings were unreasonable because he had asked Evangeline to be charming, but after all the time she’d spent ignoring his demands during their marriage, did she have to start obeying him now?

  His ribs were burning in protest of the constant jostling of their steady pace. It might be best if he rode in the carriage for a while. How would Evangeline react?

  After everyone was fed and the food put away, she sought him out.

  “I’ve been watching you, Henry. Your injuries are causing you discomfort, aren’t they?” She held Sarah on her hip and stared into his eyes.

  As much as he wanted to deny the truth, he shouldn’t lie. She would know immediately.

  “I’m not as healed as I had hoped.”

  “Then have your horse tied on the back of the carriage with my mount and ride inside with Sarah and me.” Her smile melted any protest that rose within him.

  “Perhaps you’re right. I could do with a reprieve.” He hated that he was that transparent. Still, the thought of being close to her had a certain appeal. He handed his horse’s reins to the nearest soldier. “I’ll be riding inside for a time.” The soldier nodded and led the horse away.

  Reaching out, Henry took Sarah from Evangeline’s arms then escorted his wife back to the carriage and helped her inside.

  To his surprise, the ugly box on wheels rode remarkably smooth, actually much smoother than his own well-crafted carriage. Maybe the man could be convinced to build him one…using all new materials, of course. He smiled and leaned back against the comfy cushions. The chatter of Sarah and Evangeline allowed him to relax, and the rocking motion of the carriage was as if it were a ship on the water. Sleep captured him.

  Chapter 23

  Evangeline had grown impatient with the rest stops that had prolonged their trip to the castle. It was well after midnight when they arrived at the crossroads leading to Castle Brighton. The Black Swan Inn appeared dark and uninhabited.

  As soon as the carriage stopped, Evangeline started to step out.

  “Stop.” Henry grabbed her arm and tugged her back inside.

  “Release me. I must check on my friend.”

  “It may not be safe.” He loosened his hold when she leaned back into her seat. “Until we have news that the rest of the brigands who kidnapped Sarah and held us hostage have been captured, you and Sarah are not safe. Stay here until we know who is lurking about.”

  “Fine.” She couldn’t help mumbling, “Stay back like a helpless woman.”

  “We must all make sacrifices when necessity arises.” Henry’s retort was curt before he stepped out and slammed the carriage door with force enough to rattle the hinges, drawing an angry protest from the driver.

  “Commander, would you try to raise someone in the inn to accommodate us for the night? It would be more prudent to arrive at the castle in the daylight.” Henry stepped to the front of the carriage and spoke to the driver. “Calvin, stay alert. If I shout an alarm, be prepared to flee to the castle to protect her ladyship.”

  “Aye.” The driver, Calvin Ledbetter had once served in the King’s army until he suffered a leg injury. He knew how to follow orders. A bit of a loner, he had a sound mind that kept him busy inventing. He had become more talkative along the way after he realized one of the soldiers was the grandson of a good friend he’d met while serving in the King’s army.

  In response to the commander’s pounding on the Inn’s door, the glow of candlelight bounced with movement through the tavern’s thick lead-glass window, as someone carried the flame toward the door. From the stable, two figures emerged, one holding a lantern and the other a sword that glinted in the light.

  “Who goes there?”

  “Captain Degraf?” The commander stepped forward.

  “Yes, sir.” The soldier lowered his sword. “I’m glad you’re back, Commander.”

  “Had a bit of trouble have you?”

  A jangle of keys turned in the heavy iron lock. The door of the tavern swung open. Helen stood in the doorway fully dressed, as if expecting late night visitors.

  “You were not supposed to open the door until I gave you the signal.” Captain Degraf chided her, but his tone was filled with concern not anger.

  “I listened until I knew it was safe.” She motioned toward the open door. “Come in, all of you, and rest. I have a cooked ham and fresh bread to feed you. Finus, show the men where they can house their horses.”

  The small bent man standing behind Captain Degraf limped forward.

  “Come with me, gents. There be room for all of yur fine animals with plenty of fresh hay and water.” The servant turned and motioned toward the barn.

  “You were expecting us?” The alarm in the commander’s voice set his troops on alert and had them pulling their swords.

  “Yes, sir,” Captain Degraf said, “We’ve known you were coming for a couple of hours. Helen…ah, the widow, Oxley, has quite a loyal network of spies along the way that inform her of strangers on the trail. She’s made ready to receive you.” Pride lit his features as he glanced over to Helen.

  “You are quite safe here.” She again motioned toward the inn. “Please. I have food prepared and rooms made up for you.”

  “Helen.” Evangeline rounded the carriage, with her wide-awake daughter in her arms, and rushed to her friend’s side.

  “Evang…ah, Your Ladyship.” Helen bobbed a quick curtsy before she enveloped her and the child in a hug and ushered them inside. “You must be exhausted from your adventure. I can hardly wait to hear the details.” Humor edged with relief were in contrast to the tears in her eyes. She brushed them away. “Here, I prepared some porridge and cream, for your wee daughter. You can sit and feed her while I care for these men.”

  Evangeline settled Sarah into a chair built high for children so they could reach the table. Having just awakened when they stopped, Sarah was hungry and insisted on feeding herself. Using both hands, she shoved fistfuls of the thick porridge into her mouth. The warm, creamy mixture of boiled oats and barley topped with honey, cream, and butter was smeared over her daughter’s face and ran down her arms, but the child’s delight in feeding herself kept Evangeline from intervening.

  Helen remained occupied with slicing ham and bread and filling tankards of ale.

  The commander shouted orders, which sent two soldiers off to check the darkness for any trespassers. Henry, the driver, and Captain Degraf came inside. Helen handed the driver a plate of meat and bread and a full tankard.

  “Thank ye. I’ll make quick of this fine feast then bed down near me horses.” He took a deep swallow of ale and
swiped his mouth on his sleeve. He finished his meal in short order and left.

  “I will relieve one of the sentries so he can come in and eat.” Captain Degraf nodded to the commander then turned to Helen and winked.

  Having made sure everyone had food and drink, Helen laid a stack of clean towels on the table before she sat across from Evangeline.

  “Was that the same skinny, shy and eager-to-please Armand that we sparred with as youths?” Evangeline smiled at Helen’s blush. “He’s grown quite tall and filled out nicely.” She used a damp cloth to clean her daughter’s face and arms. Sarah had finished eating and was now rubbing her hands through the mess she’d made.

  “She’s an enthusiastic eater.” Helen took the bowl out of the child’s reach then swiped a towel across the table to keep Sarah from getting more spilled porridge on her.

  “Yes, so I’ve found. Thank you. She quite enjoyed her meal.” Evangeline laughed at the amount of towels it had taken to clean up her daughter and her surroundings. Full, the toddler was ready to play, her voice raised in protest when Evangeline refused to let her down to wander.

  “Let me take her.” Henry scooped up Sarah and walked toward the door. “Come sweet girl, we’ll go see the horses.”

  Evangeline watched them until the door closed behind them.

  “Hmm. By the longing in your gaze, I assume your love for your husband is not dead?” Helen smiled. “Perhaps during your adventure you’ve had time to reconsider your life as his wife.”

  “Not all has been resolved, but I believe him when he says he was never Millicent’s lover and did not conspire with her to have me killed.” She straightened and turned to study her friend. “How are you feeling?”

  “My headaches are gone,” Helen frowned. “Including Ox, who was buried, while I was resting, by the villagers who were eager to be rid of him for good. Mouse was buried the same day. None attended either burial, except for the gravediggers. It is so sad that their deaths brought no sorrow, only relief to all who knew them.”