The Unconventional Maiden (14 page)

‘Of course it matters!’ he said harshly. ‘Did he hint that I was less of a man because I couldn’t hold on to my wife and that I was not fit to find a husband for you?’

‘No!’ cried Beth. ‘I deem he believed you had told me about your wife’s missive and that you had hinted that you could marry me yourself!’

Gawain stared at her and there was an expression his eyes that caused the colour in her cheeks to deepen. ‘Why do you think he thought that?’ he asked softly.

‘He mentioned watching us dance together,’ she replied huskily.

Gawain nodded. ‘That would do it,’ he murmured.

Beth did not catch what he said and burst out. ‘It is beyond my comprehension that your wife should behave so badly towards you. She must be crazed to leave someone so considerate and responsible towards others as yourself!’

‘She says she loves him,’ said Gawain soberly.

‘Even so, what she has done is cruel! What reason has she given to your daughters for leaving you? Has she told lies about you? It is wicked of her to take them from you,’ said Beth vehemently.

Gawain’s eyes darkened. ‘I admit I am furious with her for removing them from my protection. I fear she
might have told them that I no longer want them or even that I am not their true father.’

‘What of her father?’ Beth asked. ‘Am I to presume he knew naught of these other vows she took?’

‘According to Mary her father did know, but he disregarded them as did the parents of her lover. I can only believe that was because Mary’s father was in desperate financial straits and he knew if he accepted my offer then he’d not have to worry about money.’

‘But obviously he must have also considered you a better choice of husband for his daughter than this other man,’ said Beth firmly.

Gawain’s expression lightened. ‘Carry on like this, Beth, and you’ll have me believing that I am the better man and Mary has committed a great error.’

Beth said scornfully, ‘Of course you are the better man, otherwise this other husband would not have given her up so easily to you in the first place. I have no doubt you treated her well, so what was the catalyst that caused her to leave you when she did and go to him?’

‘His wife died shortly before Mary’s father, so no doubt you can imagine the effect that had on both of them as apparently they had been seeing each other for a while. She even hinted that Tabitha and even my son who died might not be mine.’

Beth was taken aback by his mention of a son and she was conscious of the pain in his eyes and voice. She reached for his cup of wine. ‘May I?’ she asked.

‘Please do.’

‘I had no idea you’d lost a son.’ Beth swallowed a
mouthful of wine and then said fiercely, ‘I hate her for causing you such suffering.’

‘I would not have her back if she came crawling. The children are another matter,’ he said, reaching for his knife and cutting up his meat. ‘I intend on finding them and bringing them home. Of course, it will cause a scandal if the truth were to get out.’

‘You want Tabitha even though she might not be yours?’

‘Aye! In my heart she is still my daughter.’

Beth thought it was noble and generous of him to feel like that. She felt certain there were many men who would not. ‘But you still have to find them.’

He nodded, his expression was suddenly bleak. ‘So much else has happened to prevent it.’

‘You mean that your time has been taken up due to your involvement in my affairs,’ said Beth quietly. ‘A fact that I have not appreciated enough in the circumstances. So what are you going to do now?’

He put down his knife and reached out a hand to her. ‘I have strong feelings for you, Beth, and I sense you feel the same towards me, too. I admire your courage and intelligence and want to go on protecting you. I certainly don’t want you marrying anyone else other than me. As it is you can see the tangle my life is in. I do not know if the church will accept Mary’s first marriage as binding. They might not do so. I did intend to speak to Cardinal Wolsey about it today, but now it will have to wait.’

Beth understood what he was saying perfectly and had noticed that he did not mention the word love when
he spoke of his feeling towards her, but then she did not know if what she felt towards him was love or simply lust and a great deal of liking for the man he appeared to be. She placed her hand in his and said, ‘Thank you for being honest with me. Father Hugh obviously saw more than either of us were aware of that day of the wedding.’

She moved closer to him and placed an arm about his neck and drew his head down to meet hers. She kissed him, thinking royalty and the nobility found no shame in begetting bastards. She would like to bear Gawain a son for both of them even if they could not marry. For a moment Beth thought seducing him was going to be easy because he returned her kiss with passion and his hands roamed her body. When she had to break off the kiss to draw breath, he enveloped her in a bear hug and covered her face with kisses before claiming her mouth once more.

Then suddenly he pushed her away. ‘This will not do, Beth,’ he said, breathing heavily. ‘You must do as I say and go up to your bedchamber and lock yourself in,’ he ordered.

‘Lock myself in! Surely you jest?’ said Beth, startled.

He shook his head. ‘I might yet be tempted to come to you in the dark watches of the night and lie with you.’

‘Then do!’ she cried, clutching his sleeve. ‘Can you not see how much I long for you to claim me for your own? Ever since I saw you half-naked wrestling in France, I have lusted after you.’

The silence that followed felt so charged with emotional
tension that she wondered if she had been too honest with him.

‘I am shocked, Beth,’ said Gawain, trying to keep the smile out of his voice.

‘I thought you might be,’ she said, sighing.

‘I am also flattered. I wish I had known then that is how you felt. It would have done my self-esteem no end of good, but really I am glad I didn’t know because …’ He paused.

‘You deem we might have become lovers,’ she said daringly.

He did not answer, only saying, ‘I spoke to you of how you tempted me even in those first few days. If I had known for certain you wanted me, as well, it would have weakened my resolve to keep my promise to your father,’ said Gawain, rifling his dark hair with a trembling hand. ‘As it is, I must think seriously if he would consider me the right husband for you if my marriage was to be annulled.’

‘Forget your promise to him!’ said Beth. ‘Would you like to know how you have haunted my dreams? You have such a manly chest that, in my imaginings, I would run my hands over it and press my lips to your skin and feel your lips on mine and—’ She swallowed. ‘I could go no further because that is beyond my—my—’

‘Experience,’ finished Gawain hoarsely as a vision of Beth’s bare breasts rose before him. ‘You must not say such things to me, love.’

Love! He had called her love! Did that mean he not only desired her, but loved her?
‘I know,’ she said meekly, her spirits soaring. ‘But a writer needs to hone
their skill with words, as well as their imagination. Yet, I would put into action those desires I long to have fulfilled,’ she added, running a hand over his shirt front. ‘I would have us make love.’

‘Beth, stop it!’ He could not help smiling.

Her lips twitched. ‘Why must I stop it if dreams are all I am to have where you are concerned right now?’

‘Hush!’ He placed a hand over her mouth and drew her close to him. ‘You will wake Jane and—’

‘Once before you silenced me by kissing me,’ she said in a muffled voice between his fingers. ‘Do so now?’

‘If I kiss you, will you then go to bed?’ asked Gawain.

‘If it is a kiss that is worthy of carrying into my dreams,’ said Beth.

He removed his hand and gazed down at her. There was that in her eyes that caused the breath to catch in his throat, whilst he was roused to such a painful intensity that he knew that only by either letting her go or making love to her would it be eased. Why should he not possess her when she was offering herself to him? He swung her up into his arms and, with his mouth on hers, carried her out of the parlour. She breathed directions to her bedchamber into his ear. They reached the door, only to stop at the sound of snoring within. It was like a dash of cold water in his face and brought him to his senses.

‘I don’t believe it,’ whispered Beth. ‘Jane must have been waiting for me to come to bed and has fallen asleep. We will have to go to your bedchamber.’

‘No, Beth,’ said Gawain quietly, placing her feet on the floor.

She looked up at him with disappointment in her eyes. ‘Why not?’

‘You know why.’ He held her hand against his chest. ‘Dream well, Beth, and I will see you in the morning.’

‘You are leaving me to dream alone?’ There was a tremor in her voice.

‘I must! Your father trusted me to do what was right by you.’ He released her with difficulty and walked away.

B
eth had slept fitfully that night after spending hours awake, thinking of what had taken place between her and Gawain. If only it were possible for his marriage to be annulled. As it was, for now she must adopt a cheerful attitude as she did not wish him to see her downhearted. After all, they had come to London to enjoy themselves at Bartholomew Fair.

Gawain looked up from the small single sheet of paper he was reading as Beth entered the parlour and she thought he looked tired. Did that mean that he had not slept well, either? She sat down opposite him as one of the new maids entered. Beth asked her to bring her some bread, butter and ham. With a whisk of skirts the girl left the room.

‘Would you like some ale?’ asked Gawain.

Beth nodded and watched him pour the liquid into a pewter cup. ‘We’ll have to leave soon if we wish to
get a good view of the Drapers and Merchant Taylors’ Company leading the procession,’ he said.

‘Of course, you’ll know all about that exalted company due to your interest in the cloth trade,’ she murmured, sipping her ale.

‘I won’t be purchasing any cloth, but I want to see what price that from the Cotswolds, as well as our own fetches. I also wish to look at some sheep in Smithfield.’ He paused and passed the slip of paper he had been reading over to her. ‘We’ll be distributing that. It contains information about our reprinting of Chaucer’s
Canterbury Tales
, the cost and where it can be bought.’

Beth was impressed. ‘You thought of this?’

‘Aye,’ said Gawain. ‘What do you think?’

She hesitated. ‘Did you consider how it would cut into our profit on the books sold?’

‘Your master printer pointed that out to me, but I decided I would bear the cost myself and hopefully this will bring customers to the shop.’

Beth frowned. ‘That is good of you. If we had thought about it, we could have set up a stall at the fair.’

‘That would have entailed more labour,’ said Gawain. ‘No, Beth, I wish you to enjoy yourself at the fair, not work.’

It was true that she did want to enjoy herself with him and not be thinking of sales of books and profit margins, but even so part of her would have enjoyed making sales. ‘You must have been up very early to have had this set up and printed,’ she said.

He nodded. ‘It’s a pity that Nick’s journal is not yet in print. The more those who are literate know about
it, then the more we will have them clamouring to buy yours and Phillip’s version of it.’

‘I’m glad you’re putting your heart into this venture,’ said Beth, smiling, as the maid entered with her breakfast.

‘I want the business to prosper for your sake and …’ he lowered his voice ‘… hopefully by not printing religious tracts there will be no attempts on your life.’

Beth felt that familiar trickle of fear as she spread butter on a slice of bread. ‘I know you are right, but have you thought that by simply accepting the role of my guardian you could have put your own life in danger?’

‘That is a risk I am willing to take and you know why,’ he said quietly. ‘Tom and Sam are sharing the task of keeping a watch on York Place. When the Cardinal or Father Hugh returns, one of them will come and inform me of it.’ A muscle clenched in his jaw. ‘I plan to take the dagger with me this time and I have the missive that Mary sent me also with me. It’s possible the Cardinal might recognise it and also know where Cedric is—if he does, he can question him further. Now make haste and finish your breakfast, so we can be on our way.’ He stood up and left her alone to finish her meal.

Beth sighed, thinking even last night might never have been if it were not for his mention of Mary’s missive. But she would not allow herself to be low spirited, but look forward to the fair.

She and Gawain stood, watching the guilds and dignitaries of the city enter the churchyard of the priory
of St Bartholomew. She forced herself to concentrate on what was taking place. After a silver measure of an exact yard was produced and all other measures laid against it to ensure customers would not be cheated with a false measure, the fair was declared open. She and Gawain joined the crowd gathered in the large green space that was part of the priory grounds and where the clothiers and drapers had set up their stalls. There was not only cloth to be had, but also gloves, ribbons, lots of different colours and textures of thread, as well as needles and pins.

Gawain tucked Beth’s hand in his arm and smiled down at her. ‘I don’t want to lose you,’ he said, ‘so best you hold on to me.’

‘I have no objection to that,’ she said, returning his smile, remembering when she had first set eyes on him. Never had she thought she would be contemplating marriage with him. ‘May we just wander around first and see what else there is on show?’

He agreed.

The west gate of the churchyard led on to the field known as Smithfield and there not only were animals being sold at market, but there stood other stalls, selling all kinds of goods, as well as booths where various sports took place, including wrestling, rope dancing and cockfighting, as well as miming, plays and dancing to the music of fiddles, pipes and the hurdy-gurdy. She thought of Phillip Hurst, wondering if, one day, she might see him here performing in one of the plays.

Whilst Gawain went to inspect some sheep, Beth decided to spend her pennies on fairings. Unexpectedly,
she caught sight of Father Hugh watching her and she wondered if he had seen her with Gawain. For a moment she was filled with trepidation in case the priest should come over and question her, but then he turned and hurried away. On impulse she decided to follow him, only to lose him in the crowd. She wondered if Tom and Sam were concealed amongst the throng, keeping their eye on him. She hoped so and returned to her enjoyment of the fair. She purchased a pair of gloves, several new ribbons, a posy of wild flowers and a corn dolly. There was food to be had, too, and she bought wafers, cakes, as well as mince pies from a pie man shouting out his wares. She also noticed one of the apprentices talking to folk and handing out strips of printed paper.

Gawain rejoined Beth as she was eating a pie and watching a juggler perform. She handed over the pie she had bought for him and gave him a smile, but he did not return it.

‘What is wrong?’ she asked.

‘Nothing for you to worry about,’ he said, biting into the pie.

She hesitated, wondering if he had noticed Father Hugh and did not like to say. ‘I saw Father Hugh and decided to follow him, but he simply disappeared,’ she murmured.

He frowned. ‘He didn’t approach you?’

‘No.’

‘Good.’

‘But it’s possible he saw us together,’ said Beth.

He nodded thoughtfully. ‘Anyhow, I did see Sam and he told me that the Cardinal has also returned.’

‘You will seek an audience with him?’ asked Beth eagerly.

‘Aye. Pray that he will provide us with the answer we both want,’ said Gawain.

When they returned to the house, Gawain excused himself and told Beth not to wait up for him. ‘I could be some time.’

‘You will be careful?’

He smiled faintly. ‘You must not worry about me.’

She wanted to tell him that people who care for each other can’t help but worry about the other’s safety. ‘I won’t then!’ she said lightly, closing the door on him.

Gawain hesitated a moment outside, wondering if he should have told her about his other destination, but he was short of time. He strode swiftly in the direction of the Bartholomew Inn where he had an appointment with one John Quedgeley. Earlier in the day he had rubbed shoulders with him at the sheep pens at Smithfield for a while before realising they had met before. He was an importer of wine and lived in Winchelsea just over the Kent border in Sussex. Master Quedgeley had mentioned having seen Mary in Winchelsea a month ago, but before Gawain could find out whether he knew where Mary and the children were staying, they were interrupted. Master Quedgeley had mentioned where he was lodging in London, so Gawain had decided to call on him that evening. He wanted to be as free of Mary as she did him, so he could not
imagine she and the man she believed to be her husband not agreeing to his plan. As for the children, he was determined to bring them home with him as soon as possible.

Fortunately he found Master Quedgeley at the inn and he was able to provide Gawain with the information he needed. They talked for a while, but as soon as dusk fell, Gawain excused himself and returned to the house. He found the front door locked and, although exasperated, he knew that he should be grateful that Beth was taking all necessary precautions for her safety. He banged on the door and almost instantly heard the sound of footsteps hurrying to answer his summons.

The door opened and Beth stood in the doorway in her night attire, holding a candle. ‘Did you see Wolsey?’ she asked eagerly.

‘I did not visit the Cardinal,’ he replied, ushering her inside and closed the door behind him.

‘Then where have you been?’ she said, looking surprised, disappointed and a little suspicious.

‘I will explain in a moment. Right now I am hungry and you should not have come to the door in your night attire,’ he scolded.

She flushed. ‘I thought that perhaps the Cardinal might have invited you to stay until morning and so I went to bed.’

‘Well, go and get dressed. I have much to tell you,’ said Gawain, stealing a brief kiss. ‘And I will not be able to concentrate with you wearing so little.’

‘If that is what you wish,’ she said, smiling, and hurried upstairs.

Gawain fumbled his way to the kitchen where a fire still glowed in the fireplace. He lit a candle and placed it in a holder and took bread and cheese from the pantry and poured himself some ale. He had only begun to eat when he heard his name being called and feet on the stairs. He left the kitchen and collided into Beth. ‘What is it?’ he asked.

Her candle set shadows dancing about the walls. ‘I deem there is a fire somewhere. There is a strange glow outside and I can hear the crackle of wood and a peculiar popping noise,’ she replied.

‘You stay here,’ ordered Gawain, heading for the front door.

‘No!’ said Beth, clinging to his sleeve. ‘I’m coming with you.’

He wasted no time arguing with her, but flung the door open. Instantly he knew that she was right because he could smell smoke and see that strange glow she had mentioned. He stepped outside and his heart began to thud in anticipation of what he might find; within moments he realised that it was Beth’s business that was on fire. The instant that hit him, he spotted a gangly woman running away from the fire in the direction of St Paul’s Cathedral. She was extremely tall for her sex and there was something odd about her gait. He would have gone after her if dousing the flames had not been his first priority.

He began to yell at the top of his voice, ‘Fire, fire!’

Within moments doors opened and people hurried out into the street. Some were in night attire, but
others were fully dressed. A ripple of sound passed through them.

‘There’ll be buckets of water in the yard,’ cried Beth, seizing Gawain’s arm. ‘We always have some in hand in case there should be a fire. We’ll need to fetch more water from the great conduit in Cheapside or from the River Fleet.’

He was about to tell her to rouse the servants when Jane, the cook and the maids appeared. ‘What about the apprentices who sleep over the workshop?’ panted Jane.

‘We’ll have to go through the back yard to wake them,’ said Beth, gasping as the shutters at the front of the building fell apart and collapsed on to the ground in a burning mass.

They ran through the house and out of the back, followed by several neighbours. In no time at all the first buckets of water were being thrown into the flames, while Gawain forced his way into the print room and up the stairs. He was met halfway by the apprentices. One had still been awake and had heard the commotion. Gawain thought of all the paper inside the building and of the newly printed copies of
The Canterbury Tales
and was angry, thinking how quickly all would catch fire. He told them to help him save what they could.

News had swiftly spread and they were soon joined by the master printer and the bookbinder and their brothers. Somehow between them they managed to drag one of the presses into the yard before going back to try to save as many forms of lead type and paper and anything else they could lay their hands on. Some items
of stationery and books had to be left to burn. Fortunately the shop had done brisk business in the sale of the new printing of Chaucer’s
Tales
that day.

‘The steel chests must be saved,’ said Beth, her voice hoarse.

She would have gone inside herself if Gawain had not dragged her back and plunged into the building once more. Her heart was pounding in her breast, worried as she was for his safety. Really she should not have mentioned them. Then he appeared through the smoke with the bookbinder, dragging the chest, and she was filled with relief and gratitude that Gawain was safe.

He seized her hand and led her out of the yard, through her house and into the front. He had no doubt that the fire had been caused deliberately and felt heartsick for Beth. How would she recover from this terrible catastrophe?

Outside in the street, sparks had set fire to thatch, which was swiftly brought down by hooks on long handles. More people appeared with buckets and joined the gangs of people weaving a way to the great conduit, as well as the River Fleet. Gawain, Beth and her employees joined them. All worked tirelessly and without stopping to prevent the whole row of buildings from being destroyed. Despite all their efforts, Beth’s business premises were destroyed, but at least the fire was contained and her home was still standing, although the windows were shattered from the heat.

She sank wearily to the ground and her tears formed rivulets on her blackened face. Gawain knelt and put his arm around her and tried to comfort her. She sobbed
against his shoulder and only when she gained control of her emotions did she realise he was holding himself rigid. ‘You are hurt?’ she croaked.

‘It could be worse.’ His voice was hoarse. ‘At least no lives have been lost.’