Shadow on the Highway (6 page)

6. A New Arrival

The next day I hadn’t time to dwell on the afternoon’s outing because as I was scouring the pans Mistress Binch burst in from outside. ‘Mr Grice is coming. Quick. Run and put on a clean apron. Then to the hall.’

Her face was anxious, so I shot up the servant stairs and gave myself a hasty splash in the water bowl and slicked my hair back. As I went down the stairs I glanced out of the window and saw a tall figure riding towards the house at a brisk trot. He had a pale clean-shaven face under his steeple hat, his hands were white and gloveless on the reins. Behind him on two heavy hunters followed men in dark livery, a packhorse trotting between them.

By the time I got to the hall Mistress Binch was there smoothing her apron and brushing down her sleeves. A moment later she heard the bell and rushed forward to open the door. It had no sooner widened a crack than Mr Grice was already through, leaning on a stick, his eyes casting about. The two servants followed. They were tall, thick-set men with the bored manner of hired men.

Mr Grice’s eyes settled on me.
He inspected me from a distance. ‘The new maid, is it?’ he asked Mistress Binch.

‘Yes Sir.’

‘She’s not wearing a cap. Make sure she wears one in future.’ He came over and examined me, lifting my chin as if he would inspect the cleanliness of my neck. ‘Is she any use?’

Mistress Binch nodded, her desire to please Mr Grice over-riding her usual bad temper.

‘Tell her to fetch my saddlebags in from the stables and bring me some ale. My men will unload my other luggage.’

I stared because I couldn’t help it. His eyes were slightly protruding, as was his lower lip, his skin was smooth as wax. His mouth opened and closed like a fish.

Mistress Binch prompted me and I ran to fetch the bags from his horse which was a rangy black gelding with an ill-tempered expression. When I hauled the saddlebags over my arm, I almost fell over, they were so heavy. No wonder, one of them gaped open to reveal a travelling Bible and some other large leather-bound books.

Mr Grice beckoned me forward and set off up the stairs expecting me to follow. He knew exactly where to go, so all I had to do was keep up with his limping gait, and he moved very quickly for a man with a wooden foot. Up the stairs he went, with a practised swing, with me panting behind him, out of breath from carrying his heavy panniers. On the landing he paused, put a forefinger to one of the empty patches where paintings had hung, shook his head, then led me to the west wing and into a guest chamber.

The room was bare except for a bed but he appeared not to notice.

‘There
,’ he said, pointing to the floor. I let the bags fall where he pointed. Just beneath the bed I saw a mouse-trap with a half-decomposed mouse. He saw me look, wrinkled his nose at the odour. ‘You will empty all the traps.’ He went on with more instructions, which could have been, ‘bring fresh linen,’ and what looked like ‘juggle you.’

I just stared. Something about him disconcerted me.

‘Do you understand? A jug and ewer.’

Ah. Now I understood. He approached very near, and looked straight into my eyes. ‘If Lady Katherine gets letters from her husband or Sir Simon Fanshawe they are to come to me first.’

I didn’t know what to say. It seemed dishonest somehow to Lady Katherine to interfere with her correspondence.

He took a step even closer, frowning. His breath smelt faintly of scurf and decay. ‘Are you dumb? Did you understand? She demanded a maid, and I agreed to your employment...’ His mouth pronounced the words carefully, ‘… but it can be stopped just as easily.’

I swallowed, struck dumb. Not because of his words, but because his eyes were cold as marble.

‘Come here each evening after prayers, to bring me her letters. Anything that goes in or out of the house.’

Still I stood staring, until his hand grabbed my wrist, jerked it hard. I recoiled but he held it fast. A stinging slap on my cheek that made me gasp.

‘My leg needs dressing every day. You will bring water and brandy and linen bandages.’ He pointed to his foot.

When I did not reply I saw him shake his head and spit out something insulting that looked like ‘imbecile girl’.

‘You are dismissed,’ he snapped at me.

I fled out of the door, my cheek burning, and took in a great breath of air. He thought I was stupid, but I was just nervous. There was something ruthless as a hawk about him. Lady Katherine, well she was demanding enough, but I sensed Mr Grice was of another mould altogether.

Terrified of bringing down more wrath from Mr Grice, I ran down to the kitchen for a shovel and a sack to empty the mouse traps then went into all the rooms on my grisly task. I could hardly bear it, seeing the small dismembered bodies. As I went, I wished I could hear, because the sound of Grice’s walking would tell me where he was and I was frightened he might suddenly loom up behind me.

In the kitchen I asked Mrs Binch what to do with the sack.

‘Throw them out the back, near the midden. We need another cat. But Henshaw, the maid who was here before you, wouldn’t have one in the house. Said they made her sneeze.’

‘Where can I get one?’

She raised her eyebrows to the ceiling. ‘They’re everywhere. Are you blind as well as deaf? In the stableyard and barns. One of the farm cats has just had a litter. See if you can persuade one inside. As long as you keep it out from under my feet, mind. I’ll be busy now with Mr Grice and his serving men to feed. And for heaven’s sake, get that sack out of here, it stinks.’

Afterwards I went to my mistress. She was sitting by the window with an embroidery frame on her lap.

‘A letter came from Thomas first thing this morning,’ she said. ‘He apologised to me. For the last…unpleasantness. They have gone to France for a while, to rally support for the King from the French court. He says he’ll write soon about who will look to me whilst he is away.’

‘That’s good.’

‘Strange, the letter must have been delayed, as Mr Grice is already here. I expect he will be in charge as usual until they return, and who knows how long that might be?’ She stabbed at the embroidery with her needle, leaving pinprick holes in the linen. ‘I don’t understand him. Mr Grice seems very ill-tempered all of a sudden, and I don’t like the look of his serving men. I’ve never met them before and they look like rough brutes.’

I agreed with her, though it wasn’t my place to say so.

‘Mr Grice says Thomas has forbidden me to ride out or leave the grounds,’ she went on. ‘Or rather Sir Simon has. I expect Thomas just agrees with whatever my step-father says
, like always. Grice says I’ve to spend my time on Bible studies.’ She made a sour face. ‘I thought that was over, my instruction from Grice. But you haven’t forgotten, have you? That we’re going out to the market?’

‘But what about Mr Grice? You just said, he’s forbidden you to ride.’

‘We’ll have to find a way past him. I’ll think of something.’

The doubt must have shown in my face. I’d seen enough of him to know he wasn’t a man I wanted to cross.

‘It might be dangerous, m’lady. You said yourself, it’s a Parliament town.’

‘Not if I’m well-disguised. And stop looking like that. You’ll do as I say. I’ll come to your room after the mid-day meal.
’

*

That night I brought water as Grice asked, and he made me change the dressing on the stump of his leg. It was a fearful wound, only half-healed. I wondered how he could stand the pain of it. His wooden foot with all its straps was leant up against the wall. I would have felt sorrier for him, but he scared me, and just the sight of it made me gag.

When I came out of his room with my bowl of water and soiled strips of muslin I felt as though I should wash my hands; not from the wound but because it seemed some dirty business was lurking just under the surface. Grice and his men made me uneasy. They were men designed for fighting, not for
taking care of two half-grown women in an abandoned house.

7. The Stocks

When I first saw Lady Katherine in my clothes I could only stare. She did not look like Lady Katherine at all with her face scrubbed pink and her hair braided flat under my kitchen cap. Out of her heeled slippers we were almost the same height, she was just an inch taller. She had put on boots, but they were shiny and new.

‘Do I look like a servant?’ she asked me. She twirled around, held up her skirts.

‘No,’ I lied, ‘you look like a lady dressed in servant’s clothes.’

‘Spoilsport. It is no use protesting. We are going out, and I expect you to behave as if I’m a servant to all we meet.’

‘Then I hope we will meet no-one.’

‘I intend to meet someone, because we are going to
the market tomorrow to buy a horse.’

I gaped at her then.

‘If we buy a horse then you can ride out with me.’

I said nothing, but worried that it would seem odd, a servant buying a horse. And what would happen to us if anyone found out she was Lady Katherine? They would think she’d come to spy. Tempers were hot since the Royalists came through and plundered the town. I’d seen grown men weep at the loss of their hard-earned life savings, their harvests and their livestock. Horses were scarce and anyone showing too much wealth suspicious.

‘How will we get past Mr Grice?’ I asked. The sight of her in servant clothes made me bold.

‘I told him some of the fences were down. Deer. He’s going to take his men and ride out to inspect them.’

We hurried down the servants’ stairs and out of the front door, with me looking like a shifty fox to the left and right in case Mr Grice or Mistress Binch should appear. As we passed the walled garden Mr Grice and his two dark-clad servants trotted past. I moved like quicksilver, pulled her ladyship down behind the garden wall.

She giggled, which made me angry. I tugged her round the edge of the vegetable plot and into the adjoining woodland, but then, realising what I was doing, let go of her arm as if it was red hot. I should not have even touched her ladyship at all, I knew, it was too familiar to touch her without permission. I wiped my hand down my skirt feeling guilty.

Once in the woods I breathed a sigh of relief. How strange it was, to be leading the way with my mistress following behind me. When I turned to look, for an instant I thought she was Elizabeth and I had to remind myself to tread carefully, keep watch. It wasn’t only Grice I was worried about, but the whole village. They’d blame me if they found out who my companion really was.

The sun was peeping through the clouds and the hems of our skirts picked up the remaining dew in the shadows, melting it into dark stains. We walked the few miles briskly, down the coffin route and over the stiles. We avoided the main highway which was preyed upon by footpads and thieves. I was anxious for the outing to be over as soon as possible.

The town square was set out with trestles and the straw-littered pens in the meat market gave off a pungent odour of dung. I crossed my fingers tightly. Pray God we would not meet anyone who might know my mistress. My eyes darted here and there searching people’s faces for the tell-tale flicker of recognition. As we approached I saw some horses tethered, and I pointed, but Lady Katherine ignored me, she was strolling over to a stall stocked with jars of honey and preserves.

Horrified, I ran to grab hold of her arm and pulled her away. ‘Don’t speak,’ I whispered as she took a purse from round her neck, about to ask the price. ‘Please – don’t speak. I’m afraid your manner of speech will give you away.’

I saw the realisation dawn in her eyes.

‘I’ll buy for you,’ I said, ‘if you tell me what you want. Most of them know me.’

‘Very well. I understand. I have only a little money, but I’ll ask you to make the purchases.’

I followed close on her heels as she browsed among the stalls. I saw a man on one of the trestles watch with suspicion as she stroked some kidskin gloves, and then move towards her as she picked up some yellow-dyed silk ones. I nudged and frowned at her and shook my head. Serving girls such as us would not even dare to pick up such items as they would be well beyond our purse. She dropped them and moved on, a red flush on her cheeks.

Unable to bear it much more I said, ‘Come on,’ and guided her over to where the horses were tied. Before I could prevent her, she bent and skilfully felt down the legs of a grey mare,
and looked in the mouth of a tired-looking bay.

The owner of the bay, a drover in a wide-brimmed soft hat, rushed over. ‘You looking for a cart horse? Then he’s got a good few years in him yet.’

‘No, a riding horse.’ The words were out of her mouth before I could stop her.

The man stared at her, but she stared back. In a maidservant this looked brazen and I could see his annoyance rise before he tempered it. ‘My son might have something for you then. Soper’s the name, John Soper. Hey, Ned, over here!’

The son ambled over dragging a sad-looking roan pony by the headcollar. It was about fourteen hands tall and so thin that its ribs showed.

Lady Katherine began to shake her head, but I felt sorry for it and said, ‘Yes. How much?’

‘Four shilling.’

‘No. That’s robbery.’ Lady Katherine would not be silent. ‘He’s an ill-fed animal and we’ll pay no more than two.’

The son’s mouth dropped open, but the father frowned and drew himself tall. ‘Who are you to accuse my son of ill-treating his horse?’

‘Come away,’ I said to my mistress, pulling at her sleeve. I could feel trouble in the air as surely as I could feel the coming rain.

But she was angry now, and retorted, ‘A maid who will not be cheated. Two shillings, he’s worth.’

‘The devil he is! Who is your master? I’ll have words to say to him.’

‘Lady Katherine Fanshawe, and she’ll have words to say to you in return.’

I was aghast. I looked from one to the other.

‘That nest of fawning scoundrels? I wouldn’t even spit on them.’

‘It is you who
is the scoundrel,’ Lady Katherine said.

‘You’d cheek me? A slip of a servant girl? A few hours in the stocks should calm you down.’ He lunged and caught hold of Lady Katherine by the arm.

‘No,’ I cried, as the son took hold of my arm in a grip like iron tongs, ‘she was jesting. She didn’t mean anything. Let us go, we’ll go peaceful now.’

But they began to drag us away towards the stocks. I kept on calling apologies, but they were too strong and would not listen or leave go. Ahead of me Lady Katherine dug in her heels and I hoped no-one but me had noticed the quality of her boots as they scraped furrows in the dirt.

Soper stuck out a foot and tripped my mistress so she staggered and fell. He manhandled her into the stocks first. Her eyes were wide with shock. Ned pushed down on my shoulders, but I kicked out. There was a satisfying jolt as my heel hit his shin. His palm flashed out and stung my cheek.

A large figure loomed between us and grabbed Ned by the collar, almost lifted him off his feet. His mouth opened in a yelp and he let go. Ralph tightened his grip on Ned, twisting until he choked. I almost wept with relief. But then I realised. Ralph would want to know who I was with. It was a disaster.

‘What’s going on here?’ Ralph said. ‘Abi?’

Soper squared up to him, ‘This maid was rude to me, she’s got a mouth on her that needs stopping. We’re letting her cool off in the stocks.’

‘Now wait a minute, that seems a bit rough,’ Ralph said. ‘I don’t know this maid, but this is my sister, Abigail.’

‘Your sister? Well. I don’t think much of the company she keeps.’

‘And I don’t think much of a man who’ll pick on two serving maids for nothing at all.’

Ralph’s face was growing hotter and I knew where this would lead.

‘Ralph,’ I tugged at his sleeve.

Ralph looked down at my imploring face. He took a deep breath, unclenched his hands. With a great effort he said, ‘Leave the maid be, Soper. I dare say she meant no harm.’

‘She cheeked me.’

‘Does your son never cheek you?’

Soper looked sheepish, glanced at Ned who had let go of me and was staring at us all.

‘Aye. Well, maybe.’ Soper loosened his grip and Lady Katherine managed to free herself and stand up. She had the sense to keep quiet this time, though her face was white and shocked.

I squeezed Ralph’s arm and he looked down at me. ‘It’s alright, Abi,’ he said. ‘I’ve seen sense. I’m not going to leather him.’

Ralph looked pointedly to Lady Katherine.

‘I didn’t mean to cause offence,’ she said quietly, head bowed down.

‘There, th
en,’ Ralph said. ‘There’s your apology.’ He clapped Soper on the back. ‘Let’s fight for something worth our time, shall we? Like a future we can believe in.’ I saw the anger seep from Soper’s face but it was replaced with a look of suspicion.

‘The Diggers, you mean? I heard someone say you’d gone over to them. Didn’t they mutiny against Cromwell?’

‘No,’ Ralph said, annoyed. ‘Those were the Levellers.’

‘All these sects. I don’t know what to make of them all. Waste of time, most of them. Or cowards.’

‘There’s nothing cowardly about the Diggers,’ Ralph said.

‘I’ll take a look. Not promising I’ll join or anything, but I’ll take a look.’

‘You, young Ned?’ Ralph looked to the son. The son glanced to his father who gave a barely visible nod. Their reluctance was written all over their faces, but Ralph did not seem to notice.

‘We’ll meet here then. At seven bells on Sunday.’

Ralph shook his hand, whilst I brushed down my skirts and dare not look at my mistress who was still standing looking at the ground like a simpleton.

Ralph beckoned, ‘Now Abigail, leave these good people alone, and come along with me. Bring your friend.’

Ralph strode away, but as we went I saw Soper raise his horned fist behind Ralph in a gesture of contempt, but I kept that to myself. We were in trouble enough already. I put my head down and we followed Ralph to the edge of the town where we could shelter under the eaves of a tithe barn from the oncoming drizzle.

‘Now
– you’d better introduce me,’ Ralph said.

I did not know what to say so I let my eyes shift away.

‘What’s the matter? Are they treating you badly at the house?’ His eyes sharpened with concern.

‘No, they treat us well.’ Lady Katherine said.

‘We haven’t met,’ Ralph said, ‘tell me your name.’

‘It’s Kate.’

‘Pleased to make your acquaintance, Kate. I didn’t realise Lady Katherine had any other maidservants.’

‘I’m new,’ Lady Katherine said, smiling at him. ‘And you’re Ralph. Abi’s spoken of you.’ I glared at her and she stopped talking.

‘You’re not from round here,’ Ralph said. ‘I can tell by your speech. Where are you from?’

Lady Katherine looked at me uncertainly.

‘Devon,’ I said. It was the first thing that came into my head.

‘I bid you welcome, then. Take no notice of old John Soper, he’s known for his short temper.’ I marvelled at the pot calling the kettle black. ‘What did you say to him?’

‘Nothing,’ I said. ‘We just came to get a few provisions. We have to hurry back now. Lady Katherine will be waiting,’ I said with a barbed look at my companion.

‘Then I hope we will meet again, Kate.’ Ralph raised his hat politely at my mistress, and she smiled back at him, swaying back and forth on her heels.

‘Thank you,’ she said, through lowered eyelashes, ‘you saved me from disgrace.’

Ralph said, ‘It was nothing,’ but he smiled in a sheepish, pleased-with-himself way.

After he had gone I took her firmly by the arm. ‘We’re going back,’ I hissed in her ear, almost dragging her away.

Once we were in open fields she stopped. ‘We’d better hurry,’ she said, grinning. ‘Our mistress will be waiting.’

My heart had only just stopped hammering in my chest. ‘How could you? I told you not to speak?’ I was white hot with anger. ‘Do you know what they’ll do to you if they find out who you are?’

She put her hands on her hips and laughed. ‘I haven’t had so much merriment in years.’

I looked at her laughing and my mouth began to twitch. A bubble of laughter threatened to dispel my anger, though I tried as hard as I could to keep hold of my outrage. She saw and laughed harder, and finally I gave in. Soon we were both clutching our sides, helpless with mirth.

When we’d recovered she said, ‘We didn’t get a horse.’

‘No,’ I said, wiping my eyes. ‘And we’re not going to get one.’

‘I keep thinking what Sir Simon would have done to Soper if he’d put me in the stocks!’

‘Don’t.’

‘If it hadn’t been for Ralph, I don’t think we could have stopped them. He’s very fine-looking, isn’t he?’

‘He’s all right. Come on.’ I did not like her talking of Ralph in such a familiar way. I set off across the common, did not turn to see if she was behind me. When we got to the high wall I stopped. She was a hundred paces behind and dragging her feet. I waited.