A Lady's Plight (Lords of Sussex) (14 page)

Dressed in her new riding habit, of light russet cotton with gold braids, her hat matching with a pale lemon plume, Isa rode over to Alex. Seeing the grim expression, she said, '
Is anything wrong?'

His eyes glittered, '
You might as well know; Ladness arrived in the early hours, came off the last ship.'

Isa felt her heart drop. 'Oh no, is he here?'

Alex nodded over to his right,

Sitting high in the saddle, Isa peered around. Sure enough, she espied the handsome features of her tormentor.

Alex said quietly, 'Never fear my pet; there is not much he can do in the presence of so many officers.'

Isa grimaced, '
You think not, but he is a wily devil, he will find a way to catch us unawares.'

'Nay that will not happen; you will stay by my side at all times, even if I have to consort with my general. I intend staying by your side for this journey.'

'But will he not be irritated with my presence.'

'No, he is apprised of the situation. If we do have a meeting, you will be safe. I brought four of my footmen with me, and engaged two guards; you will never be alone.'

As the trumpet sounded for the whole column to move, Isa remarked, 'I had no idea, there would be so many people on the march Alex.'

'Well I think three ships came in, so we have around four hundred officers, soldiers, and the women.'

'Only six wives per ship load were allowed on board; it was so sad. Fancy having to rely on a ballot.'

'Tis fair Isabella; sometimes it is only those men of good conduct who go into the ballot.'

'Well today was a ballot. It was heart-breaking Alex.'

'There are not enough rations to allow for more. When you think, we are feeding thousands of troops; can you imagine the cost of feeding their families? Besides the conditions are rough, hardly a place for a woman or child.'

'I remember that young woman at the quayside when we sailed. She was so fair and neatly dressed. It brought me to tears when her name was not called. She stood there looking up at her husband, her four children clinging to her skirts, all crying. Her poor husband wept too. How will they survive with their husbands away?'

'They are evicted from the barracks and given enough money to return to their homes, and it is then up to the parish to pay out of the poor rates. Suffice to say it is very little to exist on.'

'I heard if a soldier dies in battle his wife receives nothing and has to fend for herself and her family.'

'There is little we can do about it.'

'You are a member of parliament; you can at least push something forward.'

'I have not given it any thought my pet.'

'Well give it some thought to it now.'

'Isa, we may have a war on our hands, the last thing I am thinking about are soldiers wives.'

Hearing the irritation in his voice, Isa remained silent; after all, there was little he could do at present.'

'Well if only six wives were allowed on board, who are all those other people?'

Alex grimaced, 'Camp followers, common law wives, prostitutes, sutlers, labourers. .'

'Prostitutes?
Common law wives? Surely not. How do they survive?

Alex turned to her, 'Isabella
; I am not about to go into the whys and wherefores of prostitutes and common law wives. Let us say they are necessary, and they survive well enough.'

'So, who are the sutlers?'

'Well we do have need of them; they provide us with merchandise, all sorts of commodities that are unobtainable from the army.'

Isa nodded; the army life was indeed strange. She'd been shielded from it; it was a far different - darker world to the one she was used to.'

Alex said wryly. 'This is one of the reasons I did not wish to bring you my love. You have led a sheltered life.'

'Maybe tis just as well, I am experiencing it now, it alerts me to the world as it is.'

'Maybe, but this is not your world.'

'Oh yes it is Alex, and one I shall explore. Cosseted on my father's estate I was unaware of the suffering of these poor people.'

'They do not suffer Isa, they no know other world, they are happy within it.'

'Alex you disappoint me. Whilst I am here, I can at least help some of these people.'

'I am sure a prostitute is not going to welcome your intrusion, however well intentioned. They would be insulted, seeing you as one of the many patronizing do-gooders.'

'Is that how you members of parliament think?
This isn't about patronage; it's about, poverty and suffering. Tell me how will all these people eat this night?'

'Each soldier is given three quarters of a pound of beef a day, and half a loaf of bread; his wife will receive half that. There are two large copper boilers for them to boil the meat and the potatoes. The women cook for them.'

'And the children. What supplies do they have?'

'They make out as best they can. Their families procure more food from the common law wives who scavenge the country. They know most of the farms. However, I hear old Nosey is putting a stop to their foraging. They are stripping us of our supplies. The soldier must come first.'

'Good God, can it get any worse. Don't tell me anymore Alex, it tears at my heart. When I think of the twelve dishes put out on our table last night and then another nine for the main course and yet another seven for the dessert, I feel as if I should go down on my hands and knees and ask God for forgiveness.'

'Oh come on Isa, theirs is a different world to ours. We the
aristocracy are appointed by God. Therefore, we have every right to our quality of life. It is ordained.'

'So you mean people should starve for His Sake? Look at those selfish
landlords up in Scotland, they have thrown the peasants off their farms, burnt down their crofts; so they could rear sheep and make their fortunes from wool. The wool trade is worth more than the crofters' lives. Just think men, women and children starving on the roads, bereft of their homes.'

'My dear, we are not in Scotland or England; we are in Belgium and I think we should concentrate on that.

Tutting, Isa rode in silence. She just could not accept the inequality. Grinding her teeth, she determined that when she returned to England, she would put her time to good use. Setup a charity, push forward reforms.

As if reading her mind, Alex said, 'And don't start planning things Isa, I know you. Attend to your own affairs and leave the care of others to God.'

Glaring at him, Isa rode on in silence. With the rain, the day before, the ground was squelchy beneath their feet; the horses' hooves sinking into the mud. At least, she was on the horse, for the ones on foot, it was a quagmire. Seeing a flowing river ahead, she said, 'I hope the current isn't too strong for the women and children to wade through.'

Alex shook his head; the scouts went ahead.
It's quite a weak current and shallow. As they crossed, Isa quieted her horse, the water swirling around them drenching her skirts. Gaining the bank, she watched the soldiers, and then the wives' struggle through, the women holding the smaller children high, whilst the soldiers helped the older ones across. At one point, she saw Ladness hefting a small lad over the water, whilst an older lad clung to his belt. At least, the bastard did some good.

The followers were cheerful enough, many using their staffs to steady themselves. Tension held her body, as she saw soldiers pull the carriages and wagons across, carrying the officers wives in their arms above the water.

To Isa this was all new, an exciting, often traumatic, even heart-breaking adventure. She'd never suffered such conflicting emotions before, and by dusk, she felt quite exhausted.

After journeying some more miles over hill and vale, stream and bridge, Alex said, '
We'll camp for the night now, the ground is too uneven to continue.'

Isa waited patiently with Sarah whilst the men erected a tent, careful to put in another tarpaulin to make a small bedroom. Sarah would have to sleep in with her and Alex tonight, so she would have her palliasse in the main tent. The guards and footmen swiftly carried in the chairs and the bed, with a
mattress for Sarah. The men would sleep outside. Alex chose to station the tent by at the edge of the small forest. It was well shielded from the wind and rain. Once safely ensconced, Isa looked down at her boots and skirts encased in soaking mud. Swiftly changing behind a discreet curtain, Sarah returned to Isa. Motioning her to a chair, she said, 'Come my lady let's get you comfortable. First, your boots and then your skirts.'

Alex grinned, 'I shall leave you to your ablutions ladies.' Looking at Isa he said, 'I have to go see General Maddeson my love; I could be gone some time, but you have the footmen and the guards so you are quite safe.'

Bustling over with some clean towels, Sarah said, 'I've asked the footmen to get you some hot water; the fires are lit so it won't take long to heat. I've brought some fresh herbs. You must be aching from the long ride.'

'Really, Sarah, what about you?
It was a long journey.'

'His lordship had me ride in the carriage. I must say I fair felt like a
lady. Now, his lordship had us pack a small hip bath, the light copper one, so it will be far easier than an overall wash.'

Too tired to argue, Isa nodded.
'If you insist. Honestly Sarah, you do bully me at times.'

'Only for your own good milady.
We must take care of you, that's what I'm here for.'

Lifting the flap to the small bedroom, Isa slumped on the bed, relief flooding her as she sank into the down of the mattress. Her eyes closed as Sarah rushed out of the tent, ordering two of the footmen to go fetch the hipbath and buckets, whilst the other made up the fire. She could hear the cook arguing with the guards that he needed help carrying provisions from officers' food store. As she slipped into a light doze, she was unaware of the bushes rustling behind the tent.

A dark cloaked figure crept forward, keeping to the edge of the trees, the bushes giving good cover. He smiled grimly; Fitzroy was caught up in a meeting that looked set to go on for a couple of hours. Puffing on the new cigars, backs bent over maps, the officers felt impervious to any threat. It fell into his hands. He grinned to himself; making camp was the ideal time, everyone busy building fires, carrying furniture, changing clothes after the long trek, through mud, field, track and river. The cook was but a little fellow, soon dispatched. Holding the dagger to his side, he touched the baton tucked into his belt, before creeping to the little canvas annexe to the tent. The cook muttered to himself about the unfairness of the footmen seeking to put the maid before him.

He had crouched listening to the arguments, eventually the shrieking cook won and a guard dispatched to the food store, whilst the footmen tended the fire and water. He grinned, stupid house cleaner; she would regret it, a
hip bath for her mistress's life. The sharply honed knife cut easily through the canvas. Against the clatter of copper, tin and iron cookware, the cook did not hear the slight tear or the soft tread on the ground behind him. Ladness smiled; he would let the fellow live, after all he did not want to incur the wrath of the law, hanging was on not on his agenda, only Isabella.

Moving swiftly, he leapt at the cook, putting his hand over the man's mouth. Reaching for his baton, he clubbed him over the head. Swiftly dragging the cook to the side of the tent, he stuffed a rag into his mouth before tying him up securely with ropes.
Task number one done, now for the guard.

Creeping out through the tear, he walked silently to the side of the tent, to see the guard had picked a spot out of sight to light up his pipe. Oh yes, smoke away my fellow. It all seemed so easy, as if it was ordained. Bracing himself against the side of the tent, Ladness sidled forward, baton in hand. Gritting his teeth, he lunged, hitting the guard on the head; the man went down like stone, his pipe falling to the grass. He would be out for hours, the wound on his head bleeding, his mouth slack. Ladness felt for a vein, yes
he'd live.

Turing stealthily, he slunk to the corner of the tent to see Sarah gesticulating over the hip bath, the footmen pouring cold water into the buckets and stacking them on the fire. They would be some time yet. Looking over to the food store, in the distance, he could just make out the guard sorting through the food with the help of a soldier, the tray still empty. Breathing a sigh of relief, Ladness crept to the back of the tent, to where she lay. He looked through the minuscule eyehole
he'd made earlier. Yes, his darling girl slumbered. Softly pushing the knife through, he tore down the canvas.

He caught his breath; she was Botticelli's Venus. She lay still, covered only in a chemise, one delicate arm resting on the pillow. His mouth went dry as he saw the soft rise and fall of her breasts. Yes, she was his. Moving forward he took the rag soaked in ether from his pocket. Her eyes opened, dazed¸ followed by horror. He discounted it; soon she would love only him. As she lifted those pink arms to ward him off, he swiftly covered her nose and mouth with the rag. Catching her wrists, he wrapped them with a soft linen band and tied the knot. Taking another length from his pocket, he lifted her unconscious body in his arms.

Lifting her unconscious body, he swiftly kissed her peach cheek and leapt through the tear in the tent. Holding her tight, he ran through the forest, making sure the sharp twigs did not piece her tender skin. He knew the woods backwards, and ran towards the soft neigh of his horse. Reaching it, he placed her limp body over the saddle and leapt up behind her. Whipping the reins, he sped away. They could only follow his tracks for a short while. Ahead was the river. He would keep near to the bank until they lost all signs of him. Feeling her shiver, he drew her body nearer. She wore only her chemise, but he could not stop to give her his coat. However, it would not be for long. Soon they would be in the tunnel.

Sarah dipped her hand into the water. 'Yes that is hot enough. Follow me. Come,
we'll fill the hip bath now. Leading the way, she said, 'Hurry, we don't want it to cool too soon.' Entering the tent, she smiled; her ladyship would be asleep but the bath would revive her. Supper was at ten pm, so she had time to freshen up and enjoy the dinner. Again, they had guests, so she would lay out a fine gown for her mistress.

Going over to the
hip bath she said, 'Pour it all in and then go get the other two buckets.'

She waited until the bath was full, before she went to awaken Isa. However, first, she put the fresh smelling herbs into the hot water; the sweet scent of lavender mixed with arnica, and rosemary wafted through the tent. Checking her ladyship's bathrobe and towels were ready, she lifted the flat to the small bedroom. At first, she frowned; her ladyship must have awoken, but where did she go?'
She'd left her in her shift. Did she dress again? Perhaps she'd gone to see cook, after all he was preparing a grand meal for the officers with the food from the hotel and his own concoctions. Calling out, she said, 'Mr Pertwee, can I come in?'

Hearing no reply, she opened the flap. To her horror, the little cook lay sprawled on the floor, blood seeping from his head. Lifting her hand to her mouth, she ran out crying to the footmen. 'Come here - come here - her ladyship.
Oh God - God.'

The men ran forward, one falling over the buckets,
the other crashing through logs. The other two footmen threw down firebrands, their faces shocked, as they strode into the tent.

Sarah wailed, '
She's gone - gone.'

One of the footmen ran, searching around the perimeter of the tent to find the guard lying unconscious.

At that moment, the guard appeared with a tray full of food, shouting through the uproar, 'What's happened?'

A footman, his voice strained said, '
Her ladyship, we think she's been abducted; the other guard is lying as if dead to the world. The bastard tore through the back of the tent to snatch our ladyship.'

They looked at each other, the silence deadly. Sarah cried, 'We must tell his lordship.'

The men looked at each other, afraid to be the messenger. The guard murmured, 'I'll go tis my bloody fault. I should have been here.'

Sarah choked, '
It was me, my fault. I asked you to help, and it was me who told the footmen to tend to the fires. I'll go.'

John Williams, the guard, shook his head. 'Nah,
can't have woman going to the general's tent, I'll do it, let's hope he doesn't shoot me. I bloody well deserve it.'

Sobbing into her apron, Sarah slumped on a chair. 'What will I do; he's got her - he's got
her.'

Alex looked up, as Williams entered the tent. He felt his stomach clench, when he saw the haunted expression, the mouth wrenched into a grimace. Excusing himself, he went over. 'Yes?'

'My Lord, I - I have to tell you, we fear someone abducted her ladyship - the scoundrel cut into the tent.'

Alex's eyes widened his voice guttural, '
Abducted? How? When?'

'Could only have been fifteen - twenty minutes ago.'

Alex growled, 'And where the fuck were you?'

'I was getting provisions from the food store my lord.'

Alex growled, 'Ladness - fuck, he's got her.' The officers saw Alex lunge, grabbing the fellow by his collar almost lifting him off his feet. 'Provisions - food store?' His voice became a roar, 'You went to the fucking food store? You left my wife? Christ.'

He threw the man from him, and charged from the tent, the officers following. Lord Connaught caught up with him. 'What's up Fitzroy?'

Alex snarled, 'Ladness - he's got my wife.'

'Christ.
You sure?'

'Has to be - he threatened me at the duel, said
he'd take her.'

'Then we are with you; we will find her.
Can't waste any time.' Waving to an officer, he said, 'I'll get Middleton to search for him, just to make sure.'

The officers arrived at the tent to see Sarah now white-faced and silent, biting her lip.

Alex towered over her. 'Tell me it's not true Sarah. Tell me—'

'It was me my lord, my fault; I wanted milady to have a hot bath. I
—'

Turning from her in disgust, he ran to the tear in the back wall of tent, as Sarah mumbled, '
He attacked the cook too, he….'

Alex ran into the
annex, to see the cook still out cold. His chest heaving, he glared at the footmen. 'I could shoot you all, you stupid bastards. Didn't one of you think? Haven't you any bloody sense?'

He looked at Williams, 'And as for you Williams. Get out of my bloody sight before I kill you.'

Turing back to the footmen, he shouted, 'What did you think this was, a fucking Pick Nick? I told you to guard her. Just pray you find her.'

Sir Godfrey Templeton said, 'We need maps, will be back in a jiffy.' As he left the tent, Connaught said, 'Okay Fitzroy, we mount. We'll spread out; he couldn't have got far with her.'

Connaught saw the officer rush into the tent. 'Ah Middleton. Any sign of him?'

'No sign my Lord. I searched his tent - clothes - baggage gone, so is his horse. He's left one behind still tethered.'

Connaught muttered, 'Then it's him - fuck.'

Alex brushed the table clear, as Templeton returned
; a bundle of maps under his arm. 'There're a few farm houses nearby, but it's bloody awful terrain, crisscrossed with streams and there's a river.'

Hurriedly studying the maps, Alex muttered, '
We spread out, make sure we cover the farms and barns. We can't waste any more time.' He fled the tent, with his fellow officers behind him. As he swung into the saddle, he turned to the others, 'He'll make for the streams or the river, get rid of his tracks.'

Connaught said, '
There are eleven of us; we'll spread out both ways.

Alex nodded. 'It's
so dark; that's the trouble.'

One of the footmen had the courage to step forward. 'My Lord, I will get the fire torches for you.'

Alex looked at him with loathing in his eyes. 'You do that. However, know now, you are all going back on the next boat. I'll pay the soldiers to guard her from now on.'

Lord Norbury shook Alex's shoulder, '
Come old chap, let's get going now. He couldn't have got far.