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

no answer. Turning the matter over, I found myself pitying Maria Mountford, as I pictured her trying in vain to pull the ruffian William away from me. That one’s fate was already sealed: he was in irons under guard, and would be taken to the prison at Worcester. He was a wanted man, it transpired, and would pay the highest price.

I emerged from my reverie, for Sandys was speaking. ‘In truth, I have no cause to take your kinswoman into custody, Sir Richard,’ he said. ‘You will make your own choices. It may be that you will be called as a witness in time, but-’

He broke off, as on a sudden Sir Richard banged a hand down on the table. And I was heartened at once, for I detected a spark in his eye. He was not yet himself, but somehow he would rise from this mire… I saw it, and rejoiced.

‘In God’s name, I’m just beginning to see how much I must do,’ he said fiercely. ‘I have been a fool and a milksop. I let Francis take decisions - I even allowed that damned physician to advise me. As for Maria and that companion of hers, they shall be separated. I never trusted the woman. Indeed, I believe I will have to look afresh at every one of my servants, and see whom I wish to keep.’

‘The stable-lad,’ I murmured, after a moment. ‘He too tried to aid me… he is courageous.’

Sir Richard met my eye, and to my relief gave a nod. I found my mind drifting to Katherine, and her startling night-time visit to my bedside; yet I found no sympathy for her.

‘Indeed, we all have much to do,’ Sandys said, growing brisk. ‘Warrants have gone out for the conspirators – I use the term advisedly – to be taken and confined. As for the shipments of ordnance…’

‘In that matter, Sir Samuel, I beg you to give me leave to act,’ Sir Richard broke in. ‘As soon as I may, I will ride down to Dean and begin to set matters to rights. When the foundry reopens, it will be under a master I can trust.’

He hesitated, then: ‘Somehow, I will have to make amends to the King for what’s occurred. If he considers me to blame, then I must answer the charges.’

‘Well, I’ll do what I can in that regard,’ Sandys told him. ‘My report will soon be in the hands of the Chief Justice. Yours, Belstrang’ - this with an approving glance at me – ‘I have already read, as you know. In truth, I would not be surprised if some acknowledgement comes your way in time, for what you did. I will not say reward… doubtless you are aware of the King’s partial manner in bestowing favours.’

But despite the warmth of his tone, at that a gloom fell upon me. In the turmoil of recent days, I had managed to put aside my fears about losing Thirldon. On a sudden, I was most eager to return.

‘May I ride back to Worcester with you in the morning, sir?’ I asked. ‘I have urgent business at home, and have been away too long.’

‘Of course.’ The High Sheriff was eying me, as if turning some matter over. Finally, he said: ‘There is a name on the list of Concord Men that will be of interest to you. In truth, it came as a shock to me… a man I had considered a friend. You will know whom I speak of: he holds the post of Justice of the Peace, as well as acting coroner.’

I stiffened, drawing a quick breath… and in an instant, a jumble of thoughts fell into place.

Standish… of course.

A memory sprang up, of Francis Mountford telling me how the coroner was a friend of his, who would direct a jury to give a verdict of misadventure upon my demise… I met the High Sheriff’s eye, but remained silent.

‘We’ll speak of it on the journey homewards,’ he said, with a nod. Facing Sir Richard, he added: ‘We must prevail on your hospitality this night, before taking our leave early. It’s not far, but time is short. In truth, I fear that certain of those men - the Concord Men, to use their own name - may be planning to escape. If indeed, they have not done so already.’

It was another sobering thought… whereupon, still collecting my wits, I seized upon a notion. ‘Might I beg a favour of you, Sir Samuel?’ I asked. ‘That I be present when you send men to Justice Standish? I have some personal matters to see to-’

‘No, sir.’ The riposte was sharp, cutting me short. ‘I’ll not be a party to the settling of old scores. Half of Worcestershire knows of your feud with Standish. He’ll get his deserts, but in the proper manner.’

I made no reply. In truth, despite everything the thought of Matthew Standish ending his days on the end of a hangman’s rope was not something I relished. I took a drink, and found Sir Richard’s gaze upon me.

‘I have much to thank you for, Robert,’ he said with a sigh. ‘In truth, had I known what I asked, I should never have begged your intervention in the matter of John’s death. Though you have brought some small relief: to know that his body was not ruined by any explosion is a comfort. We will hold a service for him in the church in Upton… I may even raise a monument.’

He thought for a moment, then: ‘As for those rogues down at Lydney – Russell’s death is no more than he deserved. Though in truth I used to trust him, as I did Spry and others…’ he lowered his gaze. ‘What a cauldron of wickedness was brewed. I will forever blame myself for letting John – a man as trusting as he was upright and