The Gilded Fan (Choc Lit) (24 page)

‘No, quite the opposite, in fact.’ She paused to wipe her brow on her sleeve and smiled at him to put him at ease. ‘I like physical activity and to tell you the truth,’ she lowered her voice slightly, ‘it’s wonderful to have this freedom and be away from the house for a while.’ Daniel stopped shovelling and stared at her, so she quickly added, ‘I mean no disrespect, it’s just that I’m not really used to the life here yet.’

‘No, no, please don’t feel you have to apologise,’ Daniel cut in. ‘I can understand how difficult it must be for you, coming from such a different background. All the restrictions can become a bit wearisome for us, too,’ he admitted, ‘although please don’t ever tell Father I said that.’

Midori laughed. ‘I’m glad you’re not offended. And of course I won’t tell him.’

Digging dirt was infinitely preferable to the monotony of her days in the Marston household and the hard work dispersed some of her pent-up frustration. Labouring next to Daniel helped her to get to know him better, which was a bonus. It also kept her well away from Aunt Hesketh, who had stopped criticising everything Midori did, but instead glared darkly at her whenever they were in the same room.

‘I don’t understand why she’s so hostile to me,’ she commented to her cousins.

‘Oh, she’s just a grumpy old lady,’ Temperance replied, but Midori wasn’t convinced. It seemed more personal, somehow.

‘Well, I find it very tedious.’

She and the others worked hard and a rampart of the most basic type was soon built, with a turf-revetted front face and an external ditch. In an amazingly short time these primitive earthworks stretched from Eldad Hill in the west to the river Plym in the east, creating a formidable defensive line around the town.

‘We’ll likely be ready for attack by the end of November,’ Daniel said.

‘But what if the earthworks don’t keep the Royalists out?’ Temperance asked, her voice slightly trembling. ‘Will … will they kill us, too?’

‘No, of course not. They’ll not wage war on women and children,’ Daniel replied, but as he exchanged a look with Midori behind Temperance’s back, they both knew it could happen.

Uncle Marston still refused to acknowledge that war was imminent, but he was proved wrong yet again.

‘There was a battle on the twenty-third of October at a place called Edgehill, I hear. The die is cast now,’ Daniel told them. ‘There’s no going back and everyone will be forced to choose sides – King or Parliament.’

‘Hmph,’ was her uncle’s only reply, but Midori knew that for him, the choice was easy. He’d been talking for months about King Charles’s ineptitude and arrogance.

‘I firmly believe the King has his heart set on restoring the Catholic faith in England,’ he’d declared. ‘There’s bound to be a plot, stands to reason. Well, he has a Papist wife, doesn’t he? And he’s done nothing to curb her activities in that department. Besides, he has far too much power. Just look at the favouritism shown to his friends.’

Midori’s choice was also clear. According to the rules she lived by, her duty belonged to her family. Whatever path they chose, she would follow. Having only been in England for a few months, matters of state meant little to her, but she understood there could be only one ruler of a country. And although she felt it was wrong to fight the King, whom she understood to be England’s equivalent of the
Shogun,
she didn’t particularly care who won, but honour made her fight on the side of her clan.

‘Parliament it is then,’ she muttered.

November 1642

‘They need more men to defend the town, Father, and I would like to join them.’ Daniel, his face flaming with embarrassment, had seized his chance to speak while his father had a mouthful of food.

Uncle Marston choked on a piece of pickled herring and fruit pie, a dish Midori found distasteful. ‘What’s that? Join the fighting? Not on my life,’ he gritted out between coughing bouts.

Daniel bravely tried again, his courage and stubbornness earning Midori’s silent respect. ‘But, Father, I have it on the best authority that Sir Ralph Hopton is marching this way. He’ll try to storm our defences, so every man is needed.’

‘You’re not going, and that’s final. One skirmish and it’ll all be over. I have but one son and I want you to take over the business from me, not fight futile wars.’

‘Futile! How can you say that, when they’re fighting for our freedom to keep our faith? If the Royalists had their way, we’d all be Papists. You said so yourself. And no doubt your precious business would be confiscated to boot.’

‘Don’t be impertinent. We are amply defended by the force already in place. There’s no need for you to go. Your place is here with me, learning to be a merchant. That’s my final word.’ Midori’s uncle looked at his wife, who had gone as white as her starched collar. ‘And think of your mother.’

‘Oh, Daniel, don’t do anything rash, I beg you.’ Aunt Marston sent him an imploring look. ‘Your father is surely right. And why should you go? You don’t even know how to handle a weapon.’

‘I can learn, just like everyone else. And someone has to.’

‘Well, it won’t be you!’ His father exploded with rage and a torrent of words poured out of him, the gist of which was that fighting was for people who had nothing better to do and no son of his was ever going to join them. During the entire tirade, Daniel didn’t say a word, but his expression remained mutinous.

Midori sympathised with her cousin, but she could see her uncle’s point of view, too. Daniel was his only son and he’d never been trained in the arts of fighting. She rated his chances of survival in a battle as fairly low, if not non-existent, and she would have been very worried for him if he’d gone off to fight.

An idea came to her and she mulled it over while slowly chewing her pie. After the meal, she followed Daniel into the garden, where he’d no doubt gone to cool his anger and frustration. She found him leaning his forehead against the trunk of a fruit tree. His breath was coming out in angry clouds of steam and he reminded her of a skittish horse. ‘Cousin?’ she said quietly. ‘May I have a word?’

‘If you must, but I’m not really fit company at present.’ He looked up briefly, then closed his eyes again. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘It’s all right, I understand. I’ve come to talk to you about that. It seems to me your father is right in a way, but—’

‘Not you as well.’ He stared at her and just then he reminded her so much of her mother it made her heart flip over. The family resemblance was clear, especially with that red hair so like Hannah’s. Unlike his aunt, however, he also had freckles that stood out against the pure white of his skin.

‘Wait, hear me out. I’m with you. What I mean is that you
will
be needed eventually, because I don’t think this war will be over quickly. Your father is wrong about that. So if you’re patient, the time will come when he’ll have to let you go. I thought perhaps you’d like to be a bit more prepared for that.’

‘How do you mean?’ Daniel glared at her suspiciously.

‘Do you know anything about fighting?’

‘I can defend myself as well as any man.’ His chin rose a fraction and Midori swallowed a smile.

‘Yes, but can you fight with a sword? Shoot a bow and arrow?’

‘No, not really.’

‘There you are, then. I can help you. I learned swordplay, archery and self-defence from my father and brother. If we could find a quiet spot where no one can see us, I can teach you. I would hate to see you march off to be slaughtered unnecessarily. And you wouldn’t be doing anyone else any favours, either. You want to help the Parliamentary cause, don’t you?’

Daniel frowned at the implied slur to his manliness, but reason won and he nodded. ‘Your words make sense, Cousin. I would like to learn. Can you really teach me?’

‘Yes. I promise I’m not making it up. I’ll prove it to you, but we need privacy. Perhaps the garden at night after everyone’s abed?’

‘No, they might hear us and it’s perishing cold at this time of year.’ He thought for a moment. ‘We can go down to the sea. There must be some secluded area there where we could practise. What excuse could we give, though?’

‘Let’s just say we’re still needed for digging duties. It’s the truth, after all – there is still some work going on – and we don’t need to tell them we go elsewhere first for an hour or so.’

‘Sounds like a good plan.’ Daniel grinned. ‘Can we start tomorrow after breakfast?’

‘Yes, of course.’

‘But what will we use to fight with? I don’t even own a sword.’

‘I do, but it won’t be necessary to use real ones at first. We’ll practise with sticks until you know the moves.’

‘Right. Until tomorrow, then?’

Midori sent up a swift prayer to the gods that what she could teach Daniel would be enough to keep him safe eventually.

They found a deserted part of the coast where no one could see them and Daniel put down the sack he’d been carrying, taking out its contents. Two sturdy sticks, which he’d cut himself from a copse of trees on the outskirts of town, and a bow and arrows he’d managed to borrow from a friend.

‘Is this all we need?’ he asked, turning around, then gasped as he took in the sight of Midori removing her petticoat to reveal the
hakama
hidden beneath. ‘Dear Lord, but what are you wearing, Cousin?’

Midori smiled. ‘You don’t honestly expect me to fight in a gown, do you? I need to be able to move my legs.’ She demonstrated the split in her skirt-like garment and Daniel’s mouth formed a soundless O.

‘It – it isn’t seemly,’ he stammered, turning a dull shade of red. ‘I shouldn’t have embroiled you in this.’

Midori raised her eyebrows at him. ‘As I recall, this was my suggestion. And if it doesn’t bother me, why should you mind? Besides, who’s to see? Come now, if you wish to learn, you’ll need to set aside your prejudices. I may be a woman, but I assure you I can teach you a thing or two. Do you trust me?’

He swallowed, his eyes still wide, but nodded. ‘Yes, yes I do.’

‘Then forget what I’m wearing and concentrate on this.’ Midori picked up one of the sticks and threw it to him, then proceeded to demonstrate basic fighting techniques.

She breathed in deeply of the cold sea air and felt more alive than she had for months. It was so good to be practising her skills again, doing something she was good at. It made her blood sing.

Daniel quickly grasped the rudiments of sword fighting and defence. ‘You’re doing well,’ Midori praised, as they took a short break.

‘Thank you. How soon do you think I’ll be able to join the army?’

‘Not for a while yet. Remember, most soldiers train for years before they are allowed anywhere near the enemy.’ Midori didn’t want to discourage him, but he needed to be realistic. ‘Let’s say at least a few months.’

‘Months! I may not have that long, so I suppose I’d better learn fast.’ Daniel concentrated even harder on Midori’s instructions after that.

Towards the end of their first session he shook his head and smiled at her. ‘I have to admit, I didn’t really believe you, but you’ve proved me wrong.’

‘About what?’

‘That you actually knew how to wield a sword.’ Daniel looked slightly sheepish. ‘You have to acknowledge, it’s not something girls are usually taught.’

‘Most
samurai
girls are.’ Midori shrugged. ‘I’m grateful to my father for allowing me to learn, although he may have had his reasons.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I think he realised a girl of mixed parentage might have need of fighting skills. He had friends in high places, so perhaps he saw trouble brewing and wanted me to be prepared for every eventuality.’

‘I see. A wise man, your father.’

Midori nodded and thought back to the happy times she had spent training in one of the castle’s many courtyards. Her father had been so patient with her, encouraging her at every turn, although never allowing her to show weakness. She was extremely grateful to him and wished that he could be here with her now. Quickly she changed the subject before she was swamped with longing for her father’s company. ‘How are you with a bow and arrow, Daniel?’

‘Uhm, not brilliant, but I might be able to hit a barn door at twenty paces.’

Midori began to laugh. ‘And if the barn door is an enemy archer coming towards you at a run?’

Daniel cleared his throat. ‘I may need a bit of assistance with that. But hardly anyone uses them any more. There are pikes and muskets mostly.’

‘Nevertheless, I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt to practise a bit. You never know when it will come in useful.’

January 1643

Dear Ichiro,

Although I doubt my previous letter has reached you yet, I thought to keep you informed of what is occurring here and reassure you of my continued well-being as England is in the midst of a civil war.

The town of Plymouth is under siege as of November and although I find it hard to understand how the flimsy defences we have constructed out of earth will keep the enemy out, I have been assured that they will. I cannot but compare them unfavourably to the sturdy stone walls and moat of Castle Shiroi, but warfare is obviously conducted differently here. For the moment, however, we are safe.

You will be surprised to learn that my cousin Daniel, who is eighteen, possessed no fighting skills whatsoever. I have therefore been teaching him and hope this hasty training will be enough. He is eager to fight for his clan, but I am trying to dissuade him until he has learned more as I do not consider him ready yet. Fortunately, he trusts my judgement and so far has listened to me. When the time is right, we will fight together, although my uncle does not believe it will be necessary. I think he is wrong, but we will see.

The beginning of the New Year was not celebrated here as is the custom in Japan. Instead, the birth of the Christian god’s son a few weeks before merited a feast of sorts, although it was a rather poor one to my mind. We merely listened to extra sermons and ate some very indifferent food, since there was not much to be had because of the siege. I did not mind unduly, though. I am used to it now. However, I do miss Castle Shiroi in the snow and the lovely baths in the hot spring. Remember, my mother always said the spring was her favourite place on earth? I can see why now.

On that subject, I do not believe I mentioned previously the curious lack of cleanliness here in general. You will scarcely credit that most people go without a proper bath for months or even years on end! They consider it enough to change their ‘linen’, or undergarments, and believe staying dirty keeps infections from entering the body. I, on the other hand, am trying my best to keep myself clean according to our customs, you will be happy to hear.

Akemashite omedeto gozaimasu
, brother, I hope it is a good year for you and clan Kumashiro.

Your obedient sister, Midori

But would it be a good year for her? Somehow, Midori doubted it. Ever since Nico had left, her life had seemed empty and dull and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t help thinking that perhaps she should have accepted his offer after all.
But would life with him have been any better?
She simply didn’t know.

‘You’ve done well yet again, Noordholt. That’s three profitable journeys to the Baltic in a row now. Excellent!’

Nico had returned each time from the north with a better cargo than he’d dared hope for and the
Heeren
XVII
were pleased. Normally he would have been delighted to have impressed these important gentlemen, but somehow he could barely summon up a smile today, although he tried his best. He felt bone weary, and despondency hung like a heavy, dark mantle on his shoulders.

‘I’m happy to have been of service,’ he murmured.

‘With such a success rate, we believe you may be just the man we need to captain another ship to the Japans,’ the director continued. ‘Are you interested?’

Nico drew in a steadying breath. This was what he’d hoped for, the goal he’d been working towards for years. Yet now he had it within his grasp, he found he had no enthusiasm for such a long journey. None at all.

He weighed his answer carefully. ‘I’m very honoured to be asked, but I’m afraid I shall have to decline this time. I’ve just received news that my mother is dying and I must hurry to her side. I’m sure you’ll understand. She lives in England and with things the way they are over there at the moment, I couldn’t guarantee to be back here in time.’

The lie tripped off his tongue easily and he marvelled at himself. He’d never lied to anyone before.
Except Midori
, a little voice inside him whispered.
I didn’t lie to her; I just didn’t tell her the truth.
He pushed his conscience into a dark corner of his mind and concentrated on the here and now. ‘But I would be very grateful if you would consider me for such a position at a future date.’

The
Heeren
 
XVII
looked disappointed to a man, but all nodded assent. ‘Very well, these things can’t be helped,’ the first director said. ‘Do please let us know as soon as you are available again.’

‘You may be sure I will, and thank you.’ Nico bowed and took his leave.

Once outside, however, he cursed under his breath.
I’ve just turned down the best offer I’ve ever had, and for what?
A woman he couldn’t erase from his mind. He gave a snort of impatience.
This is ridiculous, the world is full of them!
But although he’d tried his best, he hadn’t been able to forget about Midori and the problem was, he wanted only her.

‘Are there any letters for me, Johan?’ he asked his servant as soon as he was back at his house.

‘No,
Mijnheer
, not today.’