Love's Ransom (10 page)

‘Henry said he would fix up a straw pallet for her,’ Isabella said so perhaps I could bring her here this afternoon when I go to see Anna.’

‘Aye, and I hear ma bairn is going tae be making ye a grandfather tae,’ Lizzie declared. ‘Ye’ll soon have more bairns running around ye than ye ken what tae dae wi’, eh?’ She grinned at her master. They had known each other all their lives.

Isabella saw Nell hanging around outside the courtyard when she set off for Anna’s house. She guessed the girl was hungry because there had been no work in the harvest field today. They were waiting for the sheaves of oats to dry before carting them into the larger of the two barns.

‘Hello Nell. I am on my way to see Mistress Nixon and I hoped to find you and bring you home with me. Are you hungry? Would you like a drink of milk and a hunk of bread?’

‘Oh yes, if ye please, ma’am.’ Nell’s dark eye
s shone with pathetic gratitude as Isabella led her into the big kitchen.

‘There’s still a bit ’o broth left in the cauldron if the wee maid would like some,’ Eliza offered. Now that Isabella had got to know her better and knew how to humour her the old cook was not so grumpy and even her heart was touched by the waif of a bairn with neither kith nor kin to call her own.

‘Do you have any things you want to collect from your grandmother’s cottage, Nell?’ Isabella asked when the child paused for breath after supping her broth.

‘The new folks moved in to Gran’s cottage so I had pack up my things. I was going to move them to – to a wee shelter near the barns b-but…’ Her face grew pale and tears welled in her eyes.

‘But what? Where are they now?’ Isabella longed to see her in a clean dress and apron but she seemed to have worn the same one every day since they met and it was very dirty and she had lost her cap.

‘He snatched my bundle and carried it off before I could pick it up,’ Nell said her mouth trembling.

‘He? Who, Nell?’

‘Snodd. He-he works the forge and he lives in the end cottage. H-he said he’d give me a bed.’ She shuddered. ‘‘H-he said I could have my things back when I g-go to his house and ask p-prettily.’ Her eyes filled with tears again but she added vehe
mently. ‘I’ll never go. Never!

‘
Quite right, lassie. Your puir grandmother would turn in her grave if ye went into Jud Snodd’s house.’ Eliza said. She looked at Isabella. ‘He’s evil. The bairn is wise tae keep away frae him.’

‘Well don’t worry, Nell,’ Isabella said reassuringly. I will find you a clean dress and apron of my own. They will be too big but we shall find a cord to tuck them up for now, then you can come with me to see how Mistress Nixon is today and we shall call to collect your bundle on the way back.’

‘You’ll come to Snodd with me, Mistress? I-I couldna go near him on my own. He’s big.’ She shuddered again. ‘He’s horrible.’

‘Don’t worry. If I am there he will have to hand over your bundle. Is it heavy?’

‘On no Mistress. Just my clean dress and pinafore and ma nightgoon. B-but it has ma mother’s brush and a comb for her hair and a wee chain for round her neck and the few pennies Granny had left to tide me over for f-food ’til I could find work.’

‘Her grandmother used to do sewing and washing when she was able,’ Eliza said with a nod.

Eventually Isabella and Nell set out for Anna’s house beside the tower. It was a warm day and half way up the hill Isabella stopped.

‘I think I must rest for a few minutes before we climb the rest of the way.’ Nell nodded and settled quietly beside her. Eventually Isabella got to her feet and they made their way to Anna’s.

‘This is Nell Tindle, Anna. I am going to train her so she can be a nursemaid.’

‘I know Nell. How are you?’ Anna asked, smiling at the nervous girl. ‘Where are you living now?’

‘She is coming to live at Moyenstane. She will sleep on the top floor. There is enough space for a bed. Henry and your father have agreed.’

‘That’s splendid,’ Anna said. ‘I’m pleased to hear you have moved away from Jud Snodd now that you have no one to protect you, Nell.’

‘We must call on him on our way back. He took Nell’s bundle from her.’

‘Oh dear. Are you sure you should go there, Isabella? All the women say he is a terrible man and he’s very strong.’

‘Who is very strong? Are you talking about me?’ Walter asked with a grin as he came to say good bye to Anna before he re-joined the other men who were moving some of the oat stooks to drier ground.

‘No, we were talking about Jud Snodd. Isabella and Nell are going to call on him on their way home. He snatched Nell’s bundle and says she must to call on him if she wants it back.’ She looked pointedly at Walter. ‘I’ve heard what he’s like.’

‘Aye.’ He nodded. ‘I know.’ Isabella felt they had exchanged a silent message. They had known each other all their lives and for a moment she felt almost envious because they were so close and affectionate, but then she thought of Zander and she knew no man could ever make her feel as wonderful as he did.

‘How long will you be staying, Isabella?’ Walter asked.

‘Oh about an hour or so, unless Anna gets tired of our company,’ she grinned.

‘You know I shall never do that,’ Anna exclaimed.

She had baked new bread and churned butter earlier in the day so she insisted on Anna and Nell taking refreshment before they left.

‘I want to teach Nell to spin and to weave,’ Isabella said. ‘Do you mind if I bring her with me sometimes when we meet to work?’

‘No, I don’t mind, so long as we can still have time to gossip a little.’ She walked with them to the door and lifted a stout stick from a stand. ‘Take this with you and use it if Snodd causes any trouble.’ Her words made Isabella feel nervous, but surely no man would behave badly when she was Henry’s wife and Sir William was owner of the cottages and the forge, as well as being warden of the barony and responsible for keeping peace.

When they reached the short track which branched off towards the cottages Nell trembled and moved to walk behind Isabella. What could the man have done to make the child so terrified? Isabella pondered. Snodd had seen them approaching down the track and his small eyes gleamed malevolently. The little bitch needn’t think a woman could protect her, whoever she was. He would deal with them both if he got half a chance. He sauntered towards them but he was surprised when he realised Nell’s companion was Henry Douglas’s wife. That did not deter him for long.

‘So, ye wee bitch, ye’ve come tae collect your miserable bundle, eh? Well ye know where it is and what ye need tae dae tae get it.’ He reminded Isabella of Neb Truddle.

‘If you will bring it to us, Mr Snodd we shall be on our way,’ Isabella said politely. She didn’t want the man to come any nearer. He was at least as tall as Zander but he was far broader and fatter. Already she could smell smoke and grease and an overwhelming stink of stale sweat. His long grey hair was matted with dirt but worst of all was his beard. Her stomach heaved as he came closer. There were bits of stale food and… her eyes widened …she saw movements. Lice. It was infested with lice. She raised a hand. ‘Stay where you are. Don’t come any closer.’

‘And why not? I think you should come into my house tae.’ He reached out a big dirty hand to grasp Isabella’s arm but she brought Anna’s stout stick down hard on his arm. He clasped it for a moment with his other hand, muttering several foul oaths, then without warning he pounced at Isabella and grabbed her shoulder hard. ‘I heard ye had spirit. Well I like a woman wi’ some fight in her. That half-man ye call your husband wouldna ken how to deal wi’ any woman, even less one like you. Come, I’ll show ye what ye’re missing. He began to drag Isabella towards his cottage. She raised the stick to strike him again but he was prepared this time and easily twisted it from her with his free hand. He flung it away. Nell began to scream hysterically. This was all her fault and she knew he would do to her young mistress what he had tried to do to her. She thanked the good Lord that the new tenant and his wife had arrived in time to interrupt. She still had the bruises on her arms and her skinny thighs. He was a brute.

‘Leave my mistress alone! I dinnae want my bundle. Ye can keep it. Let her go-o-o.’ Nell screamed then ran to pick up the heavy stick but Snodd gave a scornful guffaw. He could stuff the waif under one arm if she came close enough.

‘You will pay for this, Mr Snodd,’ Isabella gasped as she struggled to break free. She tried to kick him with her boot but he was a big man and he kept any tender parts well away from her flailing legs. ‘When my father-in-law hears of this you…’

‘It will be too late by then,’ he sneered. ‘They’ll keep it quiet. Your husband has milk in his veins instead o’ guid red blood.’

‘You’re mad. They will run you out of the glen if you lay a finger on me.’

‘Nay, ye’re wrong. They’ll be feared ye have a bairn with my red blood in it instead o’ being a milk sop like your husband. If ever he’s chief o’ the clan we’ll be overrun with thieves and reivers. They’ll need men like me. There’ll be plenty of us around. I’ve sown my seed. They’ll be real men.’ He gave a furious jerk at Isabella when she struggled harder than ever. He thrust his face close to hers and she almost gagged at the smell and at his beard so close to her face.

Seven

Walter made a point of finding Henry to tell him Isabella was intended to call on Snodd to collect Nell’s bundle.

‘I wouldn’t trust that rotter near any woman I respected. They’ll be staying about an hour with Anna.’

‘But Isabella is my – my wife. He wouldn’t dare lay a hand on her, or Nell, now she is under our protection.’

‘He’s an ignorant fool. I wouldn’t trust him near Anna. Young Nell is already terrified of him or she would have collected her things before now, poor bairn. It is good a good thing that Isabella has rescued her, but I wouldn’t like them to be hurt at the hands of that brute.’

‘You’re right. I’ll take Moonlight and ride to meet them.’

‘Good man, Henry,’ Walter nodded. He hesitated then added. ‘It might be a good idea to take your whip.’

‘My whip?’ Henry laughed at the idea.

‘You were always far better at the tricks than the rest of us. You had a knack. Use the whip on Snodd if he’s awkward.’

Henry whistled and his mare came cantering to the courtyard. He was about to leave when he remembered Walter’s advice. He ran back and retrieved his whip, smiling at childhood memories as he vaulted lightly into the saddle. When he, Thomas, Walter and Zander had been young there had been a man living in the glen who could perform all manner of tricks with his horse. He had come from Ireland with his father. No one knew his real name; they all called him Paddy. He had taught Anna and him to ride their ponies. He tried to teach Anna some of his tricks and they had all begged him to teach them too. Henry remembered how astonished they were when he was the one who excelled. He was more slightly built, athletic and nimble on his feet. Most of all it pleased Paddy because he was patient and kind with his pony. The Irishman had declared he had a way with animals that few people possessed. It had enabled him to perform some of the feats Paddy had shown them. Now he flicked his whip up at a branch and curled it round like an expert. He smiled, pleased he had not forgotten the knack. A little further on he patted Moonlight and talked softly, preparing her before he lassoed another branch with equal skill. Henry’s mind was on the far off days when he could do no wrong in his father’s eyes, even though he was no good at wrestling or shooting, as Zander and Walter were. Since he became a man…but that was the trouble he didn’t feel as other men seemed to feel…

Nell’s screams broke into his reverie. Moonlight pricked up her ears and bounded up the track at a gallop when Henry urged her forward. Snodd was surprised by Henry’s appearance but he had no qualms about dealing with the laird’s baby-faced son. Henry rarely, if ever, lost his temper but the sight of the filthy brute trying to haul Isabella towards his cottage and the expression of horror and disgust on his wife’s sweet face filled Henry with an anger he had never before experienced.

‘Take your filthy hands off my wife!’ he bellowed.

‘Your wife! She needs a real man to…’

‘Let her go I said,’ Henry spoke more quietly now, but his voice held a steely anger which surprised Isabella in a man as gentle as Henry.

‘And what will a pup like you do when I refuse?’ Snodd sneered. Isabella was pulling back harder than ever, digging in her feet to keep as far away as possible from Snodd’s stinking body and foul breath. Henry calmed his mare as he edged nearer. Snodd was totally unprepared for the long leather thong which suddenly snaked around his thick neck, making his large Adam’s apple bulge even more than usual. He was mesmerised. His grip slackened. Isabella tore herself away and ran to Henry. He spoke quietly but he did not take his eyes off Snodd. He was playing the whip, tightening like a fisherman plays a fish and the man’s eyes goggled. ‘Go to the grass bank and sit quietly Isabella. You’re safe now but you’ve had a shock. Please,’ he said with quiet authority, ‘do as I say.’ He glanced across at Nell cowering a little way away, grasping the stick as though her life depended on it.

‘Nell have you collected your bundle?’ Henry asked.

‘N-no. I’d rather do without than…’

‘Stay where you are until I tell you to move.’ Deftly he raised the handle of the whip and with a twirl he uncurled the leather from around Snodd’s neck. He put up his filthy hands to massage it. Before he could guess what was happening the whip curled again, about his upper body, binding his arms against his chest this time. Henry sprang from his horse, ran around him with the whip and vaulted back on again before Snodd’s slow brain had time to realise he was now securely bound by a double band of leather. Henry moved his horse slowly backwards and the thongs tightened.

‘Stop! Ye’re hurting me. I’ll…’

‘It will hurt a great deal more unless you follow me.’ He turned Moonlight and began to walk up the slope in the direction Isabella and Nell had come from Anna’s. Snodd was a heavy man and strong but Henry kept a firm grip on his whip, guiding the mare with his knees and softly spoken commands. Snodd’s dull brain thought he had no option but to follow horse and rider or feel the pain in his arms and back grow worse. It didn’t occur to him to struggle.

‘Nell you are safe now,’ Henry called over his shoulder. ‘Collect your things from the cottage then go back to Moyenstane with your mistress. I shall catch up with you both before you reach home.’ Nell hesitated a moment or two but she was overcome with admiration at the way Master Henry had handled the whip and defeated Snodd. She ran to the cottage and collected her pathetically small parcel containing everything in the world she possessed. She joined Isabella. How pale her mistress looked, she thought in alarm, and it was all her fault. They set off, wondering how far Henry would lead Snodd up the track before he let him go.

Although Snodd was strong he was not used to walking far and he was soon out of breath as he stumbled along behind Henry’s horse, mumbling and cursing. He was still perplexed at the way Henry had tricked him. It had to be witchcraft. What else could give a weakling like Henry Douglas power over him, Judd Snodd.

They were up the hill and halfway down the other side before Henry drew to a halt and turned Moonlight’s head for home.

‘Turn around, Snodd. Not that way you fool!’ he said in exasperation as the leather thong began to wrap around Snodd a third time. ‘Turn the other way.’ The thong uncurled once and Henry couldn’t resist trying one more trick before the big man gathered his wits and realised he only needed to turn again to free himself. Henry lifted the handle of the whip and with a swift flick of the wrist he swiftly uncurled the thong altogether, lifting it high above Snodd’s head. He urged Moonlight forward a few steps then turned to flick Snodd’s cheek with the tip of the leather, leaving a red wheel but without breaking the skin.

‘If you dare to touch my wife again, or anyone from my household, you can expect a public whipping so severe you will not sit down for three weeks and you will probably hang on the end of a rope then.’

‘You’ll pay for this, you and your lady wife,’ Snodd muttered furiously. ‘Jud Snodd never forgets.’ Henry ignored the curses as he rode away. When he looked back he saw Snodd still sitting on the ground recovering. His only concern now was for Isabella and her condition. He was not concerned for his own safety but he knew he had made an implacable enemy. He decided to inform his father of the day’s events. He would be furious with Snodd and ensure the man dare not harm Isabella or Anna when they visited each other.

Sir William called on Snodd the next morning. He issued such strong warnings of hanging the man from the nearest tree if he so much as spoke to Isabella and Anna or molested Nell, or any other young girl, that Snodd agreed meekly.

‘I’ll do as ye say, Sir, but I beg ye no more witchcraft.’

‘Witchcraft? What are you talking about man?’

‘Master Henry. He’s no more like a man in size or strength than when he was a youth. He used magic. How else could he overpower Jud Snodd?’

‘So it’s true, Henry got the better of you,’ Sir William mused. ‘Well, well….’ He hummed happily all the way home. Henry was proving to be more of a man than he had dared to hope. He must have used his wits to overcome a big brute like Snodd.

Although Isabella was shocked and tired by her encounter she suffered no ill effects. After a good night’s rest she was up and busy with her chores as usual. Two nights later as the harvest moon sailed around the heavens she welcomed Zander to her chamber as eagerly as on the first night he had come to her and taught her what it was to be loved as a woman. He treated her almost reverently now and loved her with a gentle tenderness. She loved the way he stroked her stomach and murmured, ‘I can’t believe our baby lies here.’

When all the oat harvest had been safely gathered in from the fields and the glen settled down to prepare for the winter Henry decided to make a journey to the monastery where Father Oliver resided, but when he mentioned his intention to his father, Sir William flew into a rage.

‘Monastery? I thought you had put all that nonsense out of your head since you took a wife. Why can’t you make do with the church like the rest of us?’

‘I want to journey to the monastery and consult Father Oliver before the winter comes and Isabella’s time draws near. We need to stock up our supply of medicines and I want to know if he can recommend anything to ease the pain of childbirth, or make it safer. Father, you of all men, must remember my mother and my aunt died giving birth to your children. Are you not afraid you may have wished the same fate on Isabella?’ Sir William’s face paled. He felt Henry was accusing him of causing the death of the woman he had loved so dearly, as well as her sister, the woman he had married and who had borne him Anna and Henry. He sighed, remembering. She had looked so like her twin, but she had lacked the spirit and passion. It had been a marriage of convenience for both of them and provided a home for Zander, the young nephew she had truly adored.

‘They were slightly built, like you, too narrow to give birth easily. Thank God Anna is more like me. Isabella is different too. There is no reason why harm should befall her. Birth is part of nature.’

‘Maybe, but many women die in childbirth. I intend to visit the monastery and bring back anything which might help,’ Henry insisted stubbornly.

‘Isabella’s mother has borne six children and reared five of them.’

‘Her mother had only one baby at a time. Have you forgotten I was a twin?’

‘That doesn’t mean Isabella will have twins.’ He looked sharply at Henry. He often thought the boy knew things the rest of them could not comprehend. Even his tenants sent for Henry if a ewe, or a cow, could not give birth. ‘Are you thinking Isabella might have two babies?’ he asked.

‘I don’t know. There are still four more moons to pass. She seems large already.’

‘I see,’ his father said, stroking his short beard thoughtfully. ‘Then take Zander with you if you must go.’

‘Zander?’ Henry laughed. He would not thank me for taking him to see Father Oliver, and he has things to prepare before winter .’

‘You should not journey alone. You may be set upon by men like Snodd.’

‘I shall leave tomorrow. Only Isabella and you will know where I have gone.’

‘You have always preferred your own company, but I don’t like it. Make sure you take your pistol, and have your dirk handy, even when you sleep. I know Zander brought back a set of fine pistols for you, and for Walter. Even if you don’t shoot him it will frighten off an attacker.’

‘Very well, Father, if that pleases you. I shall not trust Snodd to shoe my horse. He might make her lame deliberately. I shall ride north. Within our boundary there is a young man who has set up a forge. I have used him before. He is very good. He fashions the shoes to fit each of the horse’s feet and puts them on while it is hot and nails it in place.’

‘Very well. That will make your journey a longer but at least you will not need to spend so much time in lands belonging to the Kerrs. They have long memories and they’re old enemies of mine and my grandsires. They would hang you for being a Douglas, however innocent you might be. Every traveller should be allowed twelve hours to pass through unmolested according to King James’s latest laws, but I don’t trust the Kerrs. They could take you prisoner then say you had stayed too long.’

‘I don’t trust them either, whatever the King might decree.’ Henry agreed.

The following morning Isabella rose early to help Henry prepare, making sure he had the legs of a freshly cooked fowl wrapped in oiled cloth, a chunk of cooked beef, as well as bread & cheese and a flagon of ale. She had also included a small bag of oatmeal.

‘My father told me that soldiers on the march always carry oatmeal so they can mix some with water and bake it over a fire on their own metal plate if there is no other food at the start of the day. He always carried som
e when he went on journeys.’ Henry smiled at her.

‘I’m not a soldier but I may be thankful for your preparations, dear Isabella.’ He had his fur lined cloak and a large piece of tightly woven material which Isabella had greased well on one side to keep out the rain if he should need to make a shelter. She helped him pack his bags with two changes of clothes, wrapping them around Father Oliver’s books to hide them from his father’s sharp eyes.

‘Are you sure you should be travelling without a companion, Henry?’ she asked anxiously. William Douglas smiled as he heard her concern.

‘I have no fears when I am alone,’ Henry assured her. ‘Even the most spiteful of enemies ca
n scarce believe a single traveler comes to plunder their wealth or their animals. I have my short sword, as well as my dirk.’ He knew that even churchmen carried a weapon of some kind when travelling, however harmless their mission.