Page 35 of Lord of Deception

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Yesterday’s storm had brought an unwelcome change in the weather. The temperature had dropped considerably, and Alys found breakfast a cold and gloomy affair. The parlor felt damp, despite the blazing fire, and the servants were still in such disarray that no hot food was to be had. Everyone came at different times, stayed as short a while as possible, then repaired to their chambers to be dismal by themselves.

She found it supremely difficult appearing sympathetic to Kate, whose foul mood threatened to put everyone into a temper. Kirlham and Avery were not present—they’d taken it upon themselves to investigate the cause of the flood and were marching around the grounds in sturdy calf-length boots and swirling cloaks. Just after midday, while Alys was directing the moving of damp furniture up to the long gallery, she saw Avery riding away.

When he returned, over an hour later, he was accompanied by six burly men she’d never seen before.

Hurrying downstairs, she caught up with Kirlham as he was heading for the cellars. “Sir, who are these newcomers, and how long are they likely to stay?” It was going to be a nightmare if she was expected to feed and house them, with the place in such disarray.

He stared down his nose at her. “Oh, just a mixture of watchmen, constables and sergeants. Basically, anyone of legal standing who could be found in the depths of the countryside.”

“Legal standing? Why do you need recourse to the law?” She didn’t believe that for a moment. If Kirlham and his fellow conspirators had as much to hide as Kit, they wouldn’t let the authorities within a mile of the place. Nay, these were mercenaries or devoted Catholic sympathizers.

Avery appeared by her side. “We have reason to believe last night’s disaster was not an accident.”

She went cold all over. They knew? But they couldn’t possibly know who had caused the disaster… could they? The shock in her expression was genuine. “Not an accident? Are you saying someone deliberately flooded Selwood? I know no one who would wish us such harm.”

Kirlham canted down the cellar steps, but Avery lingered. “We’ll find out. Pray, don’t worry your pretty little head about it. The culprit will be found, and justice done, have no fear.”

“But how could such a thing be done? Are you sure it wasn’t just the moat or one of the old ponds overflowing in the storm?”

“We’re certain. But forgive me if I speak no more of it. There’s much to be done, and a search to be conducted. If you would ensure there are additional supplies of bread, beef and ale, I’d be grateful. Regrettably, Mistress Aspinall is too distressed to attend to such matters.” Bowing, Avery drew his cloak around him and went outside into the drizzle.

Just what she needed—mercenaries swarming around the house when she was meant to be escaping with Kit. There wasn’t a moment to lose.

She hurried up to her room, but realized it would look suspicious if she left with all her belongings. So she just donned as much clothing as she could, filled her hanging pocket, and tied what she could to her belt. Fortunately, Avery had given her the perfect excuse to leave the manor.

A quarter of an hour later, she was mounted on Pennyroyal and about to cross the main bridge over the old moat, when a large man with a wall-eye stepped out in front of her.

“Your pardon, Mistress, but Sir Thomas has given orders that no one leaves the manor today. The roads are not fit to be traveled.”

If the roads were unfit, how had he and his companions reached the place? “I must attempt it all the same, as we are low on provisions in the house, especially with extra mouths to feed this day.” She waited, doing her best to look both confident and innocent, while the man considered her answer. Eventually, the prospect of going without a good dinner decided him, and he stepped aside to let her pass.

She cantered down the road to the field gate, swung off her mare and led it through, closing the gate behind her. Once certain she’d not been followed, she looked around her, but the field was empty.

Kit was nowhere to be seen.