Page 42 of Lion and the Lamb: Easter

Chapter 13

“Winifred, you need to tell me where to find Gilly,” said Lionel nearly a week later, still trying to get information out of his daughter. It was Maundy Thursday – part of the Triduum, the first of the three holy days leading to the end of Lent, or Easter Sunday.

They had all attended mass this morning, wearing black – their mourning clothes that were required on these three days. The statues in the church were still covered by purple cloth, but on Easter Sunday that would all change. The cloths would be removed, revealing the rising of Jesus from the dead, and everyone would wear new, bright and colorful clothes to celebrate the miracle, as well as the end of fasting.

“I told you, I don’t know where he is,” said Winifred. “Father, Gilly’s not involved in smuggling, no matter what you say. He’s not that kind of boy.”

“Arrrgh,” spat Lionel, throwing his hands in the air. “I’ve had enough of this. I’m going down to the docks to see if my guards caught anyone using the tunnels this past week. I hope someone has word on the stolen goods.” He left the great hall, leaving Rachael sitting there with Winifred.

“Your father only wants to punish those who have done him wrong,” Rachael explained to the girl.

“Nay, my father wants to kill Gilly, and I won’t let him do it,” answered Winifred.

“Sweetheart, you need to understand, the lad just used you to get information about your father’s shipments. He’s most likely part of the ring of smugglers, whether you want to admit it or not.”

“Nay! It’s not true. Why won’t anyone believe me?” Winifred jumped up and ran from the room.

“What was that all about?” Lily walked into the great hall carrying her new baby. Agnes was right behind her, having been helping her at Rachael’s request. Drew was with them, liking the fact he had a new cousin and that he wouldn’t be the only boy anymore.

“She’s just upset because she’s in love with someone she shouldn’t have fallen for,” explained Rachael.

“Oh, I heard. The boy who is part of the smuggling ring and giving Lionel so much trouble.” Lily smiled down at her baby, rocking him in her arms.

“Can I hold my cousin now?” asked Drew impatiently.

“Of course, you can,” said Lily, putting the baby into his arms.

“Be careful, sweetheart. Hold his head,” warned Rachael, still not being able to break her protective hold on her son.

“He’s fine. I’ll watch him,” said Agnes, laying her hands on Drew’s shoulders as he held the baby close to his chest.

“Winifred swears Gilly has nothing to do with the smuggling,” Rachael told Lily.

“You don’t believe that, do you?” asked the girl, keeping an eye on her baby.

“Well, somehow, I hate to say, I do believe her,” Rachael answered. “Lionel just won’t rest until he finds the answers he seeks. He has been so stressed lately, and I don’t like to see him this way.”

“Mayhap Charles can help Lionel when he returns,” suggested Lily. “Did you hear that he will be home by Easter?” Her face glowed when she relayed this tidbit of information.

“I didn’t know. How wonderful,” said Rachael excitedly. “Then he can see his new baby as well.”

“I hear the king is releasing many of his men and will resume fighting with new troops right after Easter,” continued Lily. “Mayhap your father will be returning as well, Rachael.”

“Aye,” she said, really missing her father. “That would be nice. I can’t wait to see him and my brothers again.”

Rachael left, heading out to the courtyard, noticing Winifred ducking inside the stable. She wanted to try to comfort the girl since she was so upset, so she went after her. However, when she stepped inside, she stopped in her tracks, seeing Winifred kissing Gilly in the far stall.

“Winnie, if your father finds me here, he will kill me,” whispered Gilly.

“I like it when you call me Winnie,” said the girl.

Rachael didn’t want to be spying on her stepdaughter, but she needed to find out if Gilly was truly part of the smuggling ring.

“I’m going to run away with you, Gilly. I love you,” Winifred told the boy.

“I love you, too, but nay, you can’t run away with me,” said Gilly. “I’m going to leave Cornwall for good on Easter.”

“Then I’ll come with you.”