Deliverance: A Justice Belstrang Mystery by John Pilkington (top 10 most read books in the world .TXT) 📗

With that, she moved to the door and looked out to the landing; then she turned to me and waited. It was a difficult moment: torn between concern for my old friend and gaining my freedom, I hesitated… until with a heavy heart, I made my choice. Yet it was really no choice at all: once free of Foxhill I could ride to Sandys… surely March’s letter would have reached him? While to spurn Mistress Maria’s offer and remain, was but to hurry forward my death.

With a hand on my poniard’s hilt, I gave a nod and followed her outside. In the deserted passage, I took a few steps and halted. We were by the door to Sir Richard’s chamber, but there was no-one on guard. Sensing my delay, the lady looked round quickly.

‘William has been sent elsewhere,’ she said. ‘He thinks I’m attending to my father-in-law, but he’ll return soon - as will my husband. Please hurry.’

So: there was nothing more to be said, and I followed her quickly down the stairs. The absence of servants was striking… what deception had their mistress practised on my behalf, I wondered? We crossed the hallway, passed through a sunlit chamber, then down another passage before reaching a side door without hindrance. I thought briefly of my sword, but clearly this was not the time to try and recover it. In a moment we were outside in afternoon sunlight; I even took a moment to draw gulps of sweet air. Then, still hard upon Mistress Mountford’s heels, I was hurrying through flower-beds and round a high wall, to find myself in the stable yard. Heady with relief, I looked around quickly… then stopped.

There was no sign of Leucippus.

‘You said you had made arrangements…’ I drew near to the lady, who also halted. ‘Is it safe to go inside?’

I was eying the stable doors, which were closed… and unease was soon upon me. I looked through the archway which led to the main courtyard, but no-one was in sight.

‘Wait here, please.’ Somewhat taut, Mistress Mountford glanced to left and right, then started forward. Despite her instruction I followed, my hand on my poniard again. As we gained the door I put a hand out instinctively, as if to stay her. But at once it opened, and from the shadows within two figures appeared.

One was the young stable-lad, the other was William.

I stopped in alarm, then saw that the boy was dishevelled, his arms pinned behind his back. He was William’s captive… and as Maria Mountford drew back in dismay, I grasped the situation. Looking past the pair, I caught a glimpse of Leucippus, saddled and bridled: the boy, at his mistress’s request, had got my horse ready – but he had been waylaid.

‘Let him go!’ The lady shouted, making it clear with signs what she meant - but William was having none of it. He merely shook his head and indicated the boy, who spoke up.

‘He came in and caught me, madam,’ he said, somewhat breathlessly. ‘He must have known something was going on… he’s Master Francis’s eyes, when all’s said-’

But he broke off with a cry as his captor jerked hard on his arms, forcing them upwards. Whereupon, gathering my wits, I was obliged to act. Catching the ruffian off guard, I darted forward and snatched his poniard from his belt. Then I threw it aside – but before I could draw my own weapon the man was upon me. Shoving the stable-boy away so that he stumbled, he pushed me out into the yard and hit me on the jaw.

It was not a hard blow: the fellow knew what he did. But it was enough to make me lose my balance and fall to the cobbles – a painful landing. Catching my breath, I looked up as he loomed above me… whereupon things started to become confusing.

I heard Mistress Maria shouting wildly – to my surprise, she had seized William’s arm and was trying to pull him away. It had little effect, but the man was grunting with mingled anger and alarm… surely he would not dare to offer violence against his mistress? His gaze swung back and forth – and in that moment of hesitation I seized my chance. Scrambling aside, I drew my poniard and began to get to my feet, but I was too slow. In a second, the man had gripped my wrist and made me drop the blade, while his other hand came up, ready to knock me senseless. I was vaguely aware of the lady still shouting and tugging at him… until a loud crack silenced her.

Breathing hard, I could only watch as William staggered backwards, his arms falling to his sides. Then I saw the stable-lad behind him swinging a shovel, preparing to deal another blow, and cried out.

‘Stop - move back! See to your mistress!’

His face contorted with fear – as much for what he had done, I deemed, as for what trouble he had brought upon himself – the boy dropped the shovel. William had somehow stayed on his feet… but he was dazed, blood running down one side of his face. Finally his knees weakened and he sagged… which gave me enough time to get up and grab my poniard. Dusty and winded, I threw a look towards Maria Mountford, who had drawn back open-mouthed, with the frightened boy beside her.

It was over… or so I thought. I only had to walk into the stable and lead Leucippus out, then get myself mounted. William, eyes on the ground and blowing like a carthorse, was disabled for the present… and yet I hesitated.

‘What will you do?’ I asked the lady. ‘You have condemned yourself… do you want to leave? You can ride double with me-’

‘No, sir, I cannot.’

She was shaking her head, a bleak smile on her