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‘Oh!’ Constance leaned back against the bed, her thoughts whirling. If Alan had gone to find Matthew then it would take him at least three days to reach London and then three more for them to ride back—if he could find him, that was—but their coming to her rescue wouldn’t change anything. The gates of Wintercott would still be closed.
‘No.’ She shook her head adamantly. ‘I can’t wait. The longer I’m here, the longer Sir Ralph has to prepare his defences. Will you help me?’
‘Of course, my lady.’ Susanna’s expression was resolute. ‘One of my brothers works in the stables. He could get you a horse. Only you’ll need to get through the inner gatehouse first.’
‘Isn’t there another way out?’
‘No, but maybe if I spoke to Walter...’ Susanna tapped her chin. ‘He’s Sir Ralph’s steward and I know he likes Sir Matthew better. Most people do. If anyone can get you out, it’s him. Then there’s just the outer bailey to deal with, but it’s not so well guarded.’
‘Perhaps we could arrange some kind of distraction? I remember a cart tipped over the first day I was here. Everyone crowded around.’
‘It might work, only we’ll need to change your clothes so you don’t draw too much attention.’
‘I’ll wear a sack if I need to, but I have to try. As soon as possible.’
‘Are you certain, my lady?’ Susanna looked doubtful again. ‘If Sir Ralph catches you...’
‘Then it’s my responsibility and I’ll tell him I acted alone, don’t worry.’
‘That’s not what I’m worried about. It’s his temper. If he hurts you, with the baby...’
‘But surely he wouldn’t...?’ Constance froze, staring at Susanna in horror. ‘Is that what he does to Adelaide? Does he hurt her?’
The maid dropped her eyes tellingly. ‘I don’t know what he does exactly, but I know what she was like when she came and what she’s like now. You would hardly recognise her. And then yesterday morning, after Alan left...’ She shook her head. ‘I wouldn’t put much past him, my lady.’
Constance placed a hand on her stomach protectively. What would Sir Ralph do if he caught her? Matthew had said he was cruel, but what else was he capable of? She hardly dared to imagine, but she didn’t want to leave Adelaide to face his temper alone either.
‘I still have to risk it. Maybe I could take her with me?’
‘It’s going to be hard enough getting you out.’
‘But maybe...’
‘No, my lady, your best chance is going alone. You can’t take any more risks than necessary.’
‘You’re right,’ she conceded reluctantly, ‘but I’ll come back for her, just as soon as I’m reunited with Matthew. I’ll go tomorrow.’
Susanna nodded. ‘The afternoon would be best. I heard Sir Ralph say something about visiting one of his manors.’
‘The afternoon, then.’ She took a deep breath, steeling her resolve. No matter where Matthew and Alan were or whether they were coming back to rescue her, she couldn’t just sit around and wait. This time she was going to make her own decision and act.
* * *
Matthew thundered along the Great North Road. He wasn’t sure why—he was trying hard not to think about why—but he had the uncomfortable feeling that there wasn’t any time to lose. The closer he got to home, the stronger the feeling became, like an intuition warning him of danger ahead. All he knew was that the sooner he got back home and made sure that Constance was safe, the better. The road north was a long one, but if he rode hard then he could reach Lacelby by the following day.
He slowed his pace slightly, narrowing his eyes at the sight of a lone rider coming over the
crest of the road ahead. There was something familiar about the rider. Whoever it was reminded him of...
‘Alan!’ he shouted, surging forward again to meet him. ‘What are you doing here?’
‘Coming to find you!’
‘What’s happened?’ The desperate expression on his brother’s face made his stomach drop. ‘Is it Constance?’
‘Father has her.’
‘What?’ His vision seemed to blur and then go dark for a few seconds. ‘What do you mean, has her?’
