Kitabı oku: «In the Tudor Court Collection», sayfa 28

Chapter Ten

‘Her Majesty will see you now, sir. Please come with me.’

Justin inclined his head to the flunky who had summoned him and followed in his footsteps. He had waited every day for the past ten, containing his impatience as best he could, but he knew that he might have been kept waiting so much longer. Some of the gentlemen he had spoken to had already been kept in limbo for far longer. After traversing some steps and a long corridor, the footman paused outside a door, indicating that Justin might enter.

‘Her Majesty will be with you shortly.’

Justin thanked him and opened the door. He entered a large room, which had been hung with rich tapestry and was furnished with a beautiful cabinet of carved oak, several footstools and side tables. These were adorned with heavy silver chargers, ewers and candlesticks, an important chair set upon a little dais at the far end. As far as Justin could tell he was alone. He moved slowly towards the dais, then hesitated as he heard a woman’s laugh and then a muffled whisper, which sounded like a man’s voice. A curtain moved to the right of the chair and a woman came out.

Her red hair was hanging down her back, held only by a little jewelled cap at the back of her head. She looked like the young girl he had met before but her gown was exquisitely sewn with jewels, rows of pearls hanging about her white neck. She stood with one hand behind her back, her gaze bright and inquiring.

Justin went down on one knee. ‘Your Majesty,’ he said. ‘I thank you for graciously allowing me this audience.’

‘Have you forgot me, sir?’ Elizabeth demanded with a twinkle in her eyes. ‘I am still the same Bess you visited and teased, as I recall, when I was but a child and you a friend of Robin’s.’

‘I was privileged to know you then—and I am honoured to bend the knee to my Queen now.’

‘Stand and face me. I have received the gift you sent me. It is a fine jewel and I shall have it mounted in a crown, I think.’ Her shrewd eyes narrowed. ‘Why have you given me such a precious thing, sir? I believe you must want something of me.’

‘I have come to ask for the royal pardon, your Majesty. I was shanghaied and taken aboard Captain Smythe’s vessel and eventually driven to mutiny, as I believe you may have been told by others.’

‘Captain Smythe has been dealt with and all those who took part in the mutiny are pardoned by my decree. Mutiny is a serious crime, but the man was a monster and he dared to sail under a royal flag, bringing disgrace to our name. He will do so no more. So, what more have you to tell me, sir?’

‘I have sailed as a pirate, Majesty. I attacked Spanish and Portuguese merchantmen—and one English ship.’

‘Why did you attack an English ship, sir? I can turn a blind eye if you attack Spanish treasure ships, for that country grows too rich and powerful and in time will seek to rule us. The Portuguese are greedy and will not share their trading agreements, keeping all the riches of the east for themselves. If a privateer wishes to attack ships from these nations I may choose not to know what they do—but I shall not tolerate attacks on English ships by an Englishman.’

‘Hynes was in league with an evil Spaniard who tortured and killed men who worked for him in the silver mines. Sabatini intended to sell his daughter to a monster. I rescued her and gave him back his ship, but then he and the Don attacked the island where my ships were anchored, killing and injuring innocent men and women. They stole Maribel against her will, but I rescued her and she has consented to be my wife. This time I did not give him back his ship—and if I had the chance I would see him hang for his crimes.’

‘Indeed?’ Elizabeth’s eyes gleamed. ‘You take much for granted, sir. Mayhap I shall make an example of you to teach others what I expect of my young captains. Perhaps you will be the one to hang. Kneel, Master Devere. I wish to see you penitent for your wicked crimes.’

A nerve flicked in Justin’s cheek, but he went down on one knee before her, bowing his head, his eyes fixed on the hem of her gown. ‘I know I have behaved recklessly, but I crave your Majesty’s pardon.’

She made a sound that he interpreted as a laugh and there was the sound of movement, as someone joined her. He could see a pair of booted feet standing beside her, but did not raise his head.

‘Well, what shall I do with him, Robin?’

‘It is your choice, but you may one day have need of such men as Devere, Bess.’

Justin did not look up, but he knew that only one man would dare to speak to the Queen in such a manner. Lord Robert Dudley had been one of her most loyal friends during the difficult times when she was at the mercy of her sister Mary’s whims.

‘Give me your sword, Robin. Raise your head, Master Devere.’

Justin looked up as she brought the sword tip down on one shoulder and then the other. Elizabeth’s eyes were bright with mischief. She had become a queen and must be treated with respect and reverence, but as yet there still remained the girl who had loved to laugh and play with her friends. She had been a captive at the mercy of her sister, treated as a bastard and at times in fear of her life, but courage and her own good sense had brought her through. Justin believed that at last England had a worthy queen.

‘Arise, Sir Justin Devere. You are hereby made a knight of my realm. If you wish for it, I shall give you papers to sail as a privateer under my order.’

‘Your Majesty…’ Justin was surprised and overwhelmed—he had not expected such an honour. A pardon was all he had dared to hope for. ‘I do not know how to thank you.’

‘You were Robin’s friend and mine in the past. I am Queen now, but I have enemies as well as friends. There may be a service you can do for me one day.’

‘Your Majesty may call on me whenever you wish.’

Justin stood. He offered his hand to Robert Dudley. ‘I am glad to see you, sir.’

‘And I you, Devere. You must join me for supper. I should like to hear more of your adventures. Especially concerning Spanish treasure ships.’

‘Thank you, I shall be pleased to. This evening, if you will, for I leave London almost immediately. The lady I have promised to wed waits anxiously for news.’

‘Your uncle wishes you to come down,’ Lady Fildene told Maribel that evening. ‘Captain Hynes is with him. He has asked if he may speak with you, but he has laid no claims. I have held my peace so far, but do not fear that I shall allow this man to distress you.’

‘Must I see him?’ Maribel asked. ‘I do not like or trust him. He is sly and may try to turn my uncle’s mind his way.’

‘I shall be with you all the time. Fear not, dearest. You are under my protection. I promise no harm shall come to you.’

‘Thank you.’ Maribel smiled at her gratefully. ‘I shall come, but you must not leave me alone with him.’

Maribel glanced at herself in the tiny silver mirror that hung from the chatelaine at her waist. She no longer dressed her hair in the Spanish way in ringlets either side of her face, but instead wore it loose down her back, tucked beneath a velvet hood in the manner of an English country lady.

Her heart raced as she accompanied her aunt down the wide stone steps leading to the great hall below. She could see her uncle, a young man who looked very like him and was clearly his son Michael, and Samuel Hynes. A shiver went through her as he glanced up and saw her. His eyes narrowed, gleaming with sudden excitement. Maribel’s nerves jangled, but she kept her head high, giving him a haughty stare.

As she and her aunt advanced towards the little group, Samuel Hynes inclined his head to her.

‘Good evening, Donna Maribel. I am glad to see you looking so well and none the worse for your adventures. I did not dare to hope that you would be brought safely to your family after that pirate abducted you from my ship.’

Maribel resisted the temptation to look at her uncle. ‘Captain Devere is a man of honour. I was his willing captive, sir—for I did not wish to marry your cousin.’ She wanted to fling her accusations of attempted rape in his face, but retained her dignity.

‘If a pirate can be honourable, I suppose he has acted in your best interests by bringing you here. I have a letter from your father to deliver to your hand. Don Sabatini insisted that it must come only to you.’

Maribel looked at her aunt, who nodded, then went forwards to receive it. She took the sealed paper from his hand. ‘Thank you, sir. If that is all, I shall leave you to your business.’

‘I pray you stay a little, lady. Your father’s instructions to you are in the letter.’

‘My father may no longer command me, sir. I am under the protection of my uncle.’ She turned her head, but saw that her uncle and his son were leaving the room. Her aunt had withdrawn to the far side and was staring out of the window. Maribel felt as if she had been deserted, but she resisted the impulse to summon her aunt to her. ‘I must tell you that I shall not return to Spain—nor will I submit to unreasonable demands.’

‘I believe that Don Sabatini wishes to make amends. If you read his letter, you will discover that he has suffered a seizure and may never truly be himself again. He asks that you will allow me to take you to him so that he may give you his blessing and promises that you will not be forced into marriage.’

‘Do you imagine I would trust you after what you did to me on board your ship? You hit me and kicked me as I lay on the floor. You threatened me with all manner of violence—’ Maribel broke off as she heard something behind her and saw her aunt leave the room with her son. She had been left alone after all her aunt’s promises! Fear coursed through her. ‘Do not touch me, sir. I shall scream.’

Hynes moved towards her. ‘Your uncle is interested only in the rich contract I bring him. He will send you back to your father and then I shall have what belongs to me.’

‘No!’ Maribel gave a scream of fright as he pounced on her, grabbing her arm. He pressed his face close to hers, his sneer of triumph making her shiver and tremble. ‘No, my uncle would not…he could not…’

‘You are quite right, my dear, I would not,’ her uncle said, entering by a door situated behind Samuel Hynes. ‘When Lady Fildene told me what this evil man had done I could hardly credit it, but when he asked to see you alone I made my little plan to test him.’ He advanced on Hynes, his face set coldly. ‘I have heard enough from you, sir. You may believe that I am interested in your talk of riches, but I assure you I care nothing for Sabatini’s money. He took my sister from me and broke her heart. One letter telling of her unhappiness was all she sent me, but it told me everything. If he imagines I would allow my niece to return to Spain on this false pretence, then he is sadly mistaken. He may be ill, but unless Maribel wishes it she will not leave this house.’

‘Damn you!’ Samuel Hynes’s face turned dark red with anger. ‘Her father gave her to me and I mean to have her—whether she wills it or no!’

‘You will leave my house instantly or I shall have my men arrest you and send for the militia.’

‘You will pay for this—you and that hellcat!’ Hynes said and stormed from the room.

‘Uncle…’ Maribel was pale as her uncle came towards her and took her trembling hands in his. ‘I thought for a moment that you had deserted me.’

‘Forgive me. It was the only way, Maribel. I believed your story for I knew my sister was unhappy in her marriage, but I had to be certain just what was happening. I hoped that if Hynes believed you were alone he would say something to betray himself—and he did.’

‘I cannot thank you enough for believing in me. Even had I wanted to visit my father I would not have trusted Captain Hynes. Besides, I must wait here until Justin returns.’

Her uncle looked severe. ‘And when he does I shall have a few questions to ask that young man, Maribel. He must prove himself worthy of you, for I will not have you wed a pirate. You are a lady and it is not fitting.’

‘I am sure that Justin will be able to satisfy all your questions when he comes, Uncle.’

‘We shall see, Niece.’

Maribel was thoughtful as she returned to her own chamber. She had been wrong to doubt her uncle and aunt; they were both truly kind and concerned for her. Her uncle had sent Samuel Hynes away, but would he give up his attempts to claim her?

‘Oh, Justin…’ Maribel sighed. ‘Where are you my love? I need you so.’

Something told her that Captain Hynes would not give up just because her uncle had sent him packing.

Samuel Hynes stood looking up at the house high above him. It would be impossible for a small force to scale the cliffs from this position and take the inhabitants by surprise. He had imagined that by wooing the son he might gain the father’s trust, but he had lost his gamble. His one advantage was that he had learned Justin Devere was not here. He knew that he might have only one attempt to snatch the girl, because once Devere returned he would guard her too well.

The uncle was a wily old bird and had fooled him into thinking he was interested only in the rich contract he had offered. It might be prudent to give up the contest, let the girl go her way and forget her. He had Sabatini’s contract in his pocket, but he wanted much more. Maribel probably did not guess what a wealthy heiress she was or that if she contested her father’s guardianship in the courts she could regain all that was hers by right.

Sabatini had let slip far more than he realised in his rage at her capture. Hynes wanted the girl. He intended to humiliate her, to break her spirit and teach her to serve him like a slave. Once he had her fortune in his possession he would probably discard her, but marriage was necessary if he were to gain the riches she could bring him.

Hynes had recently inherited his cousin’s title and what was left of his estate, but it was heavily encumbered by debt and of no consequence beside what he might gain if he could force Maribel to become his wife. If Sabatini were to die after they were wed, his fortune would probably come to Maribel and him. It might be possible to arrange a little accident for the proud Spaniard, but it would avail him nothing unless the girl was his wife.

Lord Roberts had needed the fortune she could bring him, but it was Hynes that had suggested sending an early portrait to fool both her and her father. It had made the trick easier when he discovered that Sabatini hated his daughter and hoped to keep control of her fortune even after she was married.

If it had not been for that damned pirate, Maribel would already be his to do with as he wished—and it would give Samuel pleasure to tame the vixen. Once he had her she would soon learn to know her master!

He was determined to have her, and he craved revenge on the man who had stolen her from him twice. He had tried persuasion, but now he must resort to cunning and force. Maribel was safe while she remained inside her uncle’s house. Samuel must find a way of enticing her to leave it. He knew that she did not walk out alone as she had sometimes at her home in Spain, but she must long to walk on the beach when the weather was fine. If she thought that she was coming to meet that damned pirate, she might disobey her uncle and slip out alone.

On his ship with his crew to protect him, Devere was impossible to beat, but if he had been in London, as Michael Fildene had obligingly revealed when they were talking before the girl made her appearance, it should be possible to set a trap for him. He was travelling alone and might not be on his guard in his eagerness to claim his bride.

Justin decided that he would stop at the inn he had stayed at before when making his way to London. He could not hope to reach Maribel before nightfall and it was best to avoid the roads at night; a man travelling alone was easy prey for the bands of beggars and rogues who haunted the roads.

After his audience with the Queen, he had stayed in London only long enough to buy gifts for Maribel, most of which he had had sent to his father’s house, along with other things he needed. It was Justin’s intention to take Maribel to visit his mother. If his father would receive him, he would visit with his parents until he could find an estate he thought worthy of his wife. If not…perhaps he would take her to court, where he was certain she would be welcomed.

He was still surprised to find himself being addressed as Sir Justin, but did not imagine that a knighthood would weigh with his father. John Devere would not change his mind simply because the Queen chose to find his son’s adventures worthy of honour.

At least he could hold his head up high, Justin thought as he dismounted and gave his horse to a groom. In the morning he would speak to Maribel’s uncle and ask for her hand.

He was crossing the yard to the inn when he heard something behind him and whirled round. Seeing the three rogues advancing on him, Justin drew his sword. By the look of their faces they were out for more than the gold he carried and he was immediately wary. Once before he had been caught in a trap, his attention on the rogues who were attacking him from the front while another attacked him from behind. It would not happen this time. He gave a low piercing whistle and suddenly men came running towards him from the shadows—several more than he had expected.

‘Higgins?’

‘You sent word to meet you here, Cap’n. I brought a few of the men with me just in case.’

Justin smiled in the gloom. ‘I applaud your caution, my friend. We’ll make short work of these rogues between us.’ He brandished his sword in anticipation. One of the would-be assassins pointed a pistol at Justin, but before he could press the trigger a knife thudded into his chest and the shot went wide. Seeing they were outnumbered, the two men who had threatened Justin disappeared into the shadows and a third man watching at a distance scowled and melted away.

‘What made you think an attack might take place here?’ Higgins asked as a couple of shots were fired after the fleeing rogues.

‘As soon as you sent me word that Hynes had been seen lingering in the vicinity I suspected that he would try something. He could not know when I left London, unless he had someone watching me, and I had not noticed anything unusual; therefore, it was likely he would try to surprise me when I stopped at the inn. He may have men watching for me at various inns, but if he made enquiries he could have learned that I stopped here before.’ Justin’s brow furrowed. ‘Is my lady safe? He has not tried to harm her?’

‘Hynes made some attempt to persuade her to let him take her to his father. Anna told me there was some tale of Sabatini being ill and wanting to make amends. When her uncle left her alone with him, he tried to force her and was caught out. Fildene is no fool, but…’ Higgins looked awkward. ‘Anna says that he means to question you about your plans before he will permit the wedding. He will not have his niece marry a pirate.’

‘Nor would I expect his blessing if that were the case. I believe he will be satisfied. Her Majesty hath seen fit to bestow a knighthood on me and I intend to take my bride to my father’s house until I can find an estate fitting for her.’

‘I am glad that the Queen pardoned you.’ Higgins gave him a hard look. ‘What of the rest of us? Are we to receive the royal pardon too?’

‘You are all pardoned for the mutiny and Captain Smythe has lost his master’s ticket. Her Majesty is willing to grant me letters of marque so that we could sail as privateers if we wished. She told me in confidence that she fears Spain; if that country grows too powerful, its king may cast covetous eyes on England’s throne, and, as is well known, the Portuguese merchants will not share the secrets of their trading with the exotic lands of the east.’

‘Rich pickings for the taking…’ Higgins nodded his understanding for the Portuguese were the envy of other nations who craved a share of their special trading agreements. ‘But’ tis not your intention to sail under licence to the Crown, is it?

‘No. I could not ask Maribel to share life on board a privateer. I must make a home for her. She is a lady and deserves to be treated as such.’

Higgins looked thoughtful. ‘Me and Anna—we have thought of settling down. We had thought of a trading post on the island, but…’ He rubbed the bridge of his nose. ‘I have been talking to some folk who think of sailing to the New World.’

‘The Spanish grow wealthy on silver and gold stolen from the Incas and other tribes, but you could not compete with them.’

‘It is not of gold or silver taken from the earth that these men dream, but of freedom and the wealth of the soil. They say that there are great forests where the game is so plentiful that a man would never starve. They talk of a settlement where they can build new lives for themselves, unhampered by old prejudices and unfair laws—a land where all men are equal and all can work to earn their fortunes.’

‘Do you believe such ideals are possible?’ Justin asked doubtfully.

‘I may be pardoned for the mutiny, but there are men in England with long memories. I could be hanged for stealing a loaf of bread. I might be arrested for speaking out of turn to an aristocrat. I am thinking of buying a cargo and sailing for the New World. I know that there are men who sailed under you who have thought of it too. If men are to settle there, they will need ships to supply them with the goods they cannot provide for themselves.’

‘What would you do—set up a trading post?’

‘Aye, I’ve thought of it, but I’ll need a regular supply, someone I can rely on to replenish my stocks once they have gone. I don’t know what you have in mind for the Defiance. There’s the Mistress Susanna, too—though that was promised to the men.’

‘I might pay its price myself, but I am not yet certain of my plans.’ Justin was thoughtful as they went into the inn together. ‘I had thought to become a merchant adventurer when I was no longer a pirate, but things have changed. Give me a few days to think this over and I will give you my answer.’

‘It will take me a week or two to get a cargo together. I’ve been asking what kind of things will be needed. For a start it will be tools and seed that are most wanted, but the settlers will no doubt take those things with them. I was thinking of other stuff: lamps and crockery, material for women to make new gowns and shirts for their menfolk.’

‘You will make a fine shopkeeper,’ Justin said and chuckled, clapping him on the back. ‘I thank you for coming to my rescue this evening. I shall give your ideas some thought, but for the moment there is still the problem of Samuel Hynes. His first attempt to have me killed has failed, but there will no doubt be others.’

‘Why are you looking so upset, Aunt?’ Maribel asked as she walked into the parlour and found Lady Fildene sitting over her needlework, tears trickling down her cheeks. ‘Has something happened to distress you?’

‘Michael has been telling his father that he would like to join some men who are making plans to sail for the New World. Sir Henry says that we must not hold him if he wishes to go; it is an adventure and he is a young man—but I had hoped he would marry and live here with us. His father had thought he would take over much of the business.’

‘I am sorry. You will miss him if he goes,’ Maribel said. ‘But you have other sons who—’ She broke off as the door opened and a maid entered carrying a small tray on which lay a small piece of parchment. She offered it to Maribel, who took it and saw her name inscribed. It had been folded and sealed with wax, but there was no insignia to indicate who had sent it. ‘Who gave you this, Jess?’

‘A young lad brought it, mistress. He said it was for you and that his master would be waiting for your answer.’

Maribel broke the seal and gave a little cry of pleasure. ‘It is from Justin. He says that he will be here later today. He asks that I will meet him on the beach because he wishes to talk to me alone.’

‘Show me…’ Lady Fildene held out her hand and Maribel gave it to her. ‘Is this Captain Devere’s hand? Are you sure it came from him?’

‘I do not think I have seen Justin’s writing before this,’ Maribel said and looked at her aunt. ‘Do you think it could be a trap?’

‘Is this the kind of thing your betrothed would ask you to do? I think it most improper for you to meet any man alone on a beach.’

‘I do not know…’ Maribel wrinkled her brow in thought. She was remembering the walks they had taken together on a beach, and the way Justin had kissed her. He might long to hold her in his arms and feel that he needed to be sure of her love after whatever had happened to him. ‘Justin might wish to be alone with me before he spoke to my uncle. Yet I am not sure. I think I must show this letter to Uncle Henry.’

‘Yes, my dear. That would be the best—ask your uncle what you should do.’

‘I shall go and find him now.’ She hesitated, then, ‘You should not cry, dearest Aunt. If Michael understood how you felt, I am sure he would not leave you.’

‘But he must not know,’ the loving mother said at once. ‘You must not tell him, Maribel. If it is his wish, I shall not stand in his way.’

Maribel inclined her head. Her aunt was so generous and she was sorry that her son seemed likely to leave his home. An adventure such as Michael was about to undertake must be fraught with danger—but it would be exciting. To begin a new life in a land where all were equal, valued for their contribution to the community rather than their birth. It was an interesting thought, but she pushed it from her mind as she went in search of her uncle. However, she was told that Sir Henry had gone out on business and would not be back until later that afternoon.

Maribel returned to her own chamber. As the sun began to move round the sky and the time for the meeting with Justin drew nearer she felt restless, unable to settle to her needlework. It was a fine day and Justin might be waiting for her on the beach, wondering where she was and thinking that she no longer loved him. Yet it might be a trap…

Making up her mind, Maribel found a light cape to wear over her gown. She would go down to the beach, but she would not go unprepared. She took out the knife Peg had given her on the island. If the note had come from Samuel Hynes, she would not be as weak and defenceless as she had been once before.

‘You had my letter?’ Justin asked as he was shown into Sir Henry’s counting room. A large table was spread with ledgers and small piles of coin and talents were set out in readiness. ‘Forgive me. I was told you were here, but I see you are busy.’

‘My steward has made a reckoning of the rents and monies owed for this past month, but we are almost finished now. My servants and labourers will be coming for their pay at any moment but the steward will manage without me. Walk with me, sir. I would talk to you alone. I believe you bring good news with you?’

‘Yes, the news is better than I had hoped, sir. I wished to talk to you…to tell you of my plans. Now that her Majesty has seen fit to give me a knighthood I mean to retire from the sea, but I may carry on trading. I have a fine ship and I am looking for a captain to sail it to the New World for me.’

‘Indeed, that is interesting,’ Sir Henry said. ‘You must meet my son Michael—you may have something in common. You have answered my most pressing question, for I did not think I could allow Maribel to marry a pirate—or even a privateer. She is my sister’s only child and has become a daughter to us. I want to be sure that she will be happy.’

‘It is my chief concern.’ Justin inclined his head. ‘I have fortune enough to provide a good home for Maribel, to give her the life she is entitled to expect. I have always known that I could not wed her and continue the life I led before.’

‘Then we are in agreement.’ Sir Henry smiled. ‘I know she has been waiting anxiously for your return and I think we should not keep her waiting a moment longer…but there is something else I must tell you. I have received news of Maribel’s father. If it is true, he was taken ill of a seizure after a quarrel with someone and has since died—’ He broke off as he saw his wife coming towards them. ‘Lady Fildene, my dear. Sir Justin hath come to claim Maribel and I have given him my blessing.’

‘Then why have I just seen her leaving the house alone?’ Lady Fildene looked alarmed. ‘This morning she received a letter that was supposed to have come from Captain Devere. I warned her that it might be a trap and she said she would ask you what she ought to do, Henry—did she not come to you?’

‘I have been out all morning on business. What did this note say?’

‘It asked her to meet Captain Devere on the beach…’

‘Samuel Hynes! He tried to have me killed. When the attempt failed he thought he would abduct Maribel instead!’ Justin cursed and turned on his heel. ‘I must go.’

‘I shall come with you.’ Sir Henry said. He looked at his wife as Justin set off at a run. ‘Rouse the household, madam. We must put a stop to this rascal’s mischief once and for all. I should have seen to it before, but I thought her safe in the house.’

‘I tried to warn her…’ Lady Fildene shook her head at the folly of love and picked up a large brass bell, shaking it hard. As it reverberated through the house, servants came hurrying to answer her call. ‘To the beach…to the beach…’ she cried. ‘My niece is in danger…’

Maribel followed the sloping path to the beach. The sun was bright but there was still a cool breeze from the water. Stopping for a moment to gaze out to sea, she saw the sails of a ship she thought might be the Defiance. Had Justin decided to bring his ship here? She had thought it left behind at Dover, but if he had managed to obtain the pardon he hoped might be his, he could have decided to bring his ship here. She was not entirely sure what he intended once he had settled his affairs. Were they to live here in England or perhaps in Italy or France?