AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What solution?”
“The lads, an’ their two older brothers, are tae clean out the well, then tend tae the Mullett farm for the next three years. It seems a decent solution, since the Mullett boys are nae longer there an’ the women cannae manage themselves.”
Katherine nodded. “That is a far better solution. Will Meg and Janice be able to cope, then?”
“Aye, I think so. The Mulletts are well liked i’ the village. Nell Potts an’ the rest o’ the women will rally round, an’ I shall no’ be too fussy about the rent bein’ paid on time, at least for a while. Best no’ tell them that, though, else I shall never see another penny.”
“What of Meg and Janice?” Katherine murmured. “Are they quite recovered from the poisoning?”
“I gather so.”
Katherine fell silent, considering this news. It was a good outcome, she decided.
“Have ye made up yer mind yet?” Robbie asked her, between mouthfuls of fruit.
“Excuse me?” Katherine shot him a puzzled look. Her husband’s ability to switch subjects so abruptly was somewhat disconcerting.
“About Mary Douglas an’ the other two?” he clarified.
Katherine shook her head. She knew what he referred to. The prisoners were still languishing in the castle a mile up the hill, awaiting news of their fate. “’Tis not my decision. The king must determine the punishment for their crimes.”
“He has said that he wishes tae know your views, sweetheart. After all, ye were the victim o’ their conniving an’ ye should have a say.”
Katherine glanced to her left and right. “We should not discuss it here, in public.”
Robbie shrugged. “All in Edinburgh ken what was done, an’ by who. The matter needs tae be settled, an’ we should inform His Majesty of your thoughts on it afore we leave tomorrow.”
“And, if I have none? Or prefer not to be involved?”
He slanted her a sideways glance. “D’ye prefer tae leave it tae me then? An’ tae James?”
“Please, could we talk later. Privately?” In truth, Katherine was racked by indecision. Unlike the Baillie lads, there seemed to be no rational grounds for clemency, either for the ladies or for the Fenwick prisoners. To plead on their behalf would seem feeble, she realised that, and possibly invite more such attacks in the future. Further, there were expectations, justice should be seen to be done. She understood that, and though she might prefer not to make mention of it, she did harbour a lingering fear for her own life should this animosity towards her not be curbed. Even so, she could not bring herself to demand their deaths.
Robbie inclined his head. “Of course. We shall return to this later, in our chamber. In the meantime, can I tempt ye tae a little o’ this fine ginger jelly? ’Tis almost as good as Bridie Hollett’s”
* * *
Robbie lounged in a huge, carved chair, his booted heels propped upon a stool. He regarded his wife through hooded lids.
Katherine made a fine sight, perched upon the end of their bed. She had removed her headdress and coif, and her waist-length mahogany curls tumbled about her shoulders. One of the Holyrood housemaids crouched beside the fire, poking the flames into a crackling, warming blaze. She rose and bobbed a curtsey.
“Will that be all, my lady, or would ye like me tae assist ye out o’ ye gown?”
Katherine was about to accept the offer, but Robbie forestalled her. “Ye may leave us now, lass. We shall manage, I daresay.”
“Very good, my lord. My lady.” The maid dropped another quick curtsey and hurried off.
“The way I see it,” he began without preamble, “is this.”
Kat regarded him in silence.
“I believe the mistake was mine. I shouldnae have let the Mulletts off so lightly.”
“You condemned them to a life of slavery,” Kat reminded him. “Their womenfolk almost died because of it. That is hardly a light penalty.”
“The daft wee rabbit would ha’ dropped i’ the well regardless, I expect. My point is those men expected tae hang. All o’ Roxburghe expected them tae hang, an’ it was what they deserved.”
“I know, but you showed mercy because I asked you to.”
