Brewer's Tale, The (24 page)

‘How dare you!' shrieked another voice and in swept Hiske. ‘Let Master Makejoy go!' Outrage made her skin blotchy and her eyes flashed.

Taking his time, Sir Leander released Master Makejoy, who found his feet and, doubling over, coughed and then spat into the fireplace. He sank onto a stool, loosening his surcoat at the neck.

Hiske threw her arms around her husband, raising a furious face towards the nobleman. ‘You may be Lord Rainford's son, but you've no right to treat one of his employees that way! Wait till your father hears about this.'

Her voice shook, but I admired her bravery. I didn't imagine many would confront Sir Leander, let alone threaten him. Looking at the tender way she held Master Makejoy, I wondered if she really did love this strange emaciated man.

‘My mistake. I first thought your husband a thief and set about preventing him taking what I believed was Mistress Sheldrake's property,' said Sir Leander with great calm.

Hiske's eyes became mere slits.

‘The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree,' said Tobias for my ears alone. I coughed.

‘You attacked me!' Master Makejoy was hoarse. ‘My heart is pounding fit to burst.'

Hiske made some soothing noises. Behind me, Iris stifled a noise of disgust.

‘Well, it was an honest mistake.' Sir Leander cocked an eyebrow at me, his meaning clear. ‘The room is dark and, hearing noises, I look in to spy a man I don't recognise sneaking about. Well, what was I to assume? Speaking of which, there's a mystery I'm hoping you can help me solve, Makejoy.'

‘My lord?' Master Makejoy rubbed his throat.

‘Imagine my surprise when Tobias roused me from a very comfortable slumber this morning to inform me there were men outside the house waiting to pick up some property they'd been sold.'

Hiske drew herself up, one hand still attached to Master Makejoy's shoulder. ‘I can explain, my lord.'

‘Oh, I'm sure you can, Mistress Makejoy, and I look forward to hearing what you have to say.' Sir Leander rested his elbow upon the mantelpiece, poking the fire with the end of his cane. ‘Especially since the servants were at a loss as to clarify how my father's private house suddenly became the equivalent of a merchant's shop — selling everything from quite unique curios, I'm reliably informed, to larger objects such as rugs and tables.'

I gasped. Behind me there were dark mutters.

‘I can explain
that
, Sir Leander,' said Master Makejoy weakly.

‘And I would like to hear your account as well, Makejoy. Facts are, I told these men that what they sought to buy were in fact stolen goods and they'd better leave before I sent for the sheriff.'

Master Makejoy groaned and buried his head in his hands. Hiske didn't move.

The smile left Leander Rainford's face. ‘What I want to hear from you, Makejoy, or your wife, is how you came to be in possession of such property.'

Hiske flashed a look at me. ‘It's mine.'

‘Indeed? That's not what I've been led to believe, Mistress Makejoy. In fact, I was given to understand that it was taken unlawfully.'

‘Unlawfully?' said Hiske. ‘
Nee
. Not at all. I was merely ensuring I was paid in kind for services rendered. Isn't that right, Master Makejoy? Especially since it was clear that my cousin Joseph's estate could no longer guarantee my wages.' I marvelled that she could meet my eyes, let alone Leander Rainford's.

Master Makejoy rose unsteadily, tugging his shirtsleeves and faced Sir Leander. ‘That's right, my lord. Everything Mistress Jabben —' Hiske elbowed him in the ribs. ‘I mean, Mistress Makejoy, took was to compensate for wages owed while she lived under this roof and served as the Sheldrake children's guardian. You have to understand, Master Sheldrake promised Mistress J… Makejoy a great deal more than she ever received. So much so, one could argue she came to this country under false pretences. We did nothing illegal.'

‘And one could also argue, Makejoy, that your wife has, how shall I say this? Over-estimated her worth.'

At the look on Hiske's face, I had to turn away. I knew well the false pretences to which Master Makejoy alluded. There was a time when Hiske hoped she'd be the new Mistress Sheldrake. The day I learned this and confronted her, laughing at her temerity, was the day my torment began. Father only ever saw her as a guardian, not as replacement for Mother. His lack of desire to take the relationship further had nothing to do with me, despite what Hiske believed. Cruel as it was, she had over-estimated her worth. Pity for the woman knocked against my heart. But not, God forgive me, for long.

‘So,' continued Sir Leander, ‘I've arranged a discharge on the difference as I see it.'

Master Makejoy reached for Hiske's hand and gripped it. Her cheeks looked pinched, her lips had disappeared.

‘At first, I thought of notifying Father and seeing what he wished to do. After all, some of it is his property. You might recall that on Master Sheldrake's death, the house reverted back to his ownership and thus responsibility, at least until new arrangements were made.' He shot a glance at me. ‘The fact that we've now been implicated in a crime by becoming a storehouse for stolen goods will no doubt irritate him. He'll be more than displeased. Imagine if the sheriff should find out? I wonder who Father might see fit to punish?'

Master Makejoy fell back onto his seat. Hiske visibly paled. ‘Oh, there's no need to inform his lordship, Sir Leander, or the sheriff.' He tightened his hold on his wife. ‘You're right. We could well have over-estimated what my dear Mistress Makejoy was owed.'

‘What have you done with my … with the goods, my lord?' asked Hiske.

Sir Leander gestured to the door. ‘Some have already found their way back to their rightful home. Tobias, you'll find that pennant you coveted and some other items of interest in a sack in the hallway.'

‘My lord,' said Tobias with a huge grin and a wink to me.

‘Mistress Sheldrake, I believe there are some ewers, an unusual bronze mazer, candlesticks, rugs, tapestries, a Bible, book of poems and even some cushions among what was retrieved.'

‘My lord,' I curtseyed.

So that was what I saw sitting against the wall. I took a deep breath, trying not to reassess Sir Leander. If actions and words maketh the man, as Father Clement preached, why was this one such a contradiction?

‘The larger pieces will arrive later today,' said Sir Leander, with a reassuring smile at Saskia, who clasped her hands together and smothered a whoop of joy. Behind me, she whispered orders to Iris and Blanche, who scurried down the corridor. From their muffled exclamations and the sound of dragging, the sacks were taken to the hall. I lowered my chin to hide my smile, shaking my head.

Hiske knew better than to speak. There was a moment of uncomfortable silence.

‘I'm glad we've reached accord then,' said Sir Leander finally, offering Hiske the most amiable of grins. ‘Once more, my humblest apologies for the error, Makejoy; Mistress Makejoy.' He helped Master Makejoy to his feet, brushing down his jacket. ‘I swear by all that's holy, I didn't recognise you, what, with this fine fabric, the white shirt — not a mark upon it. Not like the man I remember at all.' He glanced at Hiske. ‘Your wife knows how to ensure a stain doesn't linger to cause comment or draw disapprobation, doesn't she?'

‘Aye, she does,' said Master Makejoy, a look of confusion upon his face. Ensuring his surcoat was straight, he smacked his hands together, casting Hiske urgent looks. ‘When your father instructed me to continue to look after the accounts at Holcroft House after Sheldrake's death, I was under the impression I'd be answering to your brother, that Sir Symond was responsible. I was clearly mistaken.'

Sir Leander's eyes narrowed. ‘It's also my understanding that it's Symond's role, but since he's attending the king's daughter's betrothal at Westminster, I can substitute for the time being. In these circumstances, we'll have to agree, one Rainford is as good as the next.' His lips tightened and a muscle in his cheek began to twitch.

‘Of course, of course, my lord. When you're ready to depart Elmham Lenn,' continued Master Makejoy, unaware of the effect his words had, ‘and if you wish me to check the books until your brother is able, you've only to ask and I'll arrange to inspect them — by appointment,' he added hastily.

‘How long do you think you'll be staying?' asked Hiske.

‘Not long,' I answered, at the same time as Sir Leander said, ‘As long as it takes,' his gaze alighting on me briefly, a twinkle in those sapphire eyes.

I looked away.

Using his stick, Sir Leander lifted the cloak Master Makejoy had lost in their tussle and passed it to the factotum who snatched it, wrapped it around his shoulders and then, fitting his cap, mumbled a farewell.

‘Good day to you, my lord. Master, Mistress Sheldrake. Come, Mistress Makejoy.'

Cousin Hiske, quite unable to believe that she'd been so firmly reprimanded and made in some measure to account for what she'd done, was frozen in place. I couldn't help it, I felt a small flicker of pleasure and, I admit, gratitude towards Sir Leander that yet again, he had set something wrong to rights.

‘Don't you look at me like that, Anneke Sheldrake,' snapped Hiske, refusing to leave the room. ‘With that witch-gaze of yours.'

Stepping back so she and Master Makejoy could pass, I didn't dignify her words with a response.

When she reached the doorway, Hiske turned and with a cold deliberateness examined me from top to toe. ‘You think you're better than me, Anneke Sheldrake, you always have. But you're not. Certainly not any more. I'm a married woman and you're nothing but a … a …
brewster
.'

She may has well have said slattern and we all knew it. Well, I'd been called worse and by so-called better people.

Tobias made a quiet noise that sounded like a growl. Hiske ignored him.

Master Makejoy tugged at his wife's sleeve. ‘Come dear, there's no need for this —'

‘No need?' she spat. ‘There's every need. Someone has to tell her!'

‘Tell me what?'

‘What they're saying in town.'

‘I suggest you leave, Mistress Makejoy.' Sir Leander used his cane to indicate the door.

Hiske braced herself against the frame. ‘They're saying that it won't be long before you're selling more than ale here …' Her eyes flashed to Sir Leander. ‘But perhaps they're wrong, hey? Perhaps you've already started …'

With a swish of her skirts, Hiske fled. Master Makejoy trotted after her, casting a fearful and apologetic look over his shoulder.

Tobias followed. There was the chime of the shop door and heated words. Adam discreetly went after them.

Remaining in the cold, dark office beside me was Leander Rainford.

‘Don't,' I said, before he could open his mouth. ‘I know what you're thinking.' Tying the boards, I slid the ledger back on the shelf.

‘You might be surprised.'

I could feel tears building — tears of rage and sorrow. But, God be damned, I wouldn't let them fall in front of this man. I needed to get out of the office before they did. ‘You've already made it clear what you think of me and I doubt what my cousin said will have changed your mind.'

‘They were just words,' he said softly, stepping towards me, his stick slipping slightly on the wood.

I spun to face him. He was closer than I expected. ‘That's a fine jest coming from the man who wielded one with such venom upon our first meeting.' Wetness struck my cheek and I swiped it away, all good intentions to thank him forgotten. ‘To you, maybe, they're just words, but to a woman, as Hiske so kindly pointed out, they're what her reputation is built upon.'

I went to leave but, as I brushed past Sir Leander, he grabbed my arm.

I glanced at where he gripped me. He pulled me closer. By God he was strong. ‘Then make your cousin eat hers,' he said quietly.

I held his eyes, my chest tight, my body burning, then shook myself free. ‘And you, my lord, what about you?'

‘Me too,' he said. ‘Make me eat mine.'

I paused at the doorway, glancing back at him over my shoulder. ‘Not good enough. I want you to choke on yours.'

Before he could respond, I took off down the corridor and into the main hall. My heart was pounding, my face flamed. Thank the good Lord no-one was about. I leaned against the wall. I'd never spoken to anyone like that in my life. What was it about this man that he made my temper flare to the point that I forgot both caution and etiquette? What about the gratitude I owed him, owed his family?

Shutting my eyes, I took a deep breath and released it, opening the fists I'd formed and shaking my hands in an effort to ease the tension in my body.

No matter what Sir Leander made me feel, the dark humours he managed to unleash, as God was my Lord and Saviour, I would offer him thanks.

By Ninkasi and the crones, I would.

Pushing away from the wall, I opened my eyes and headed to the brewhouse.

Just not today.