“You gave me no time to draw my wrinkles on. But you still didn’t guess, did you?”
The voice was now undoubtedly male, as were the movements, and the fellow’s real hair, though exceedingly short, showed not a sign of grey.
“It was a good disguise,” she agreed, gazing around her at the interior of the wagon. It was a peculiar mixture of the occult, the practical, and the martial. It was astonishing how many knives, axes, billhooks, and swords the small space contained, besides various guns, longbows, and containers of black powder. These mingled with heaps of clothing, both feminine and masculine, cooking equipment, crockery, and lanterns.
She decided to kneel just inside the flap—there was nowhere obvious to sit and not enough headroom to stand. And in light of the armory, she wanted to be able to make a swift exit, should it be necessary.
The wise woman, now revealed to be a wise man, eyed her closely. “I am Rupert Walken, on special duties for the queen. What have you to tell me about Ludlow… I mean, Kit?”
She wasn’t interested in introductions. Speed was of the essence. “Kit considers me a friend, and has revealed his mission and plan to me. But I fear he has been discovered. Has he been here this day? He said he needed to send a dispatch and make some arrangements.”
“Nay, I have not seen him.”
This was a blow. “Then I’m certain something evil has befallen him. We were to have met, to make our escape after the flood, but I was there for hours, and he never came. They’ll miss me back at the house if I don’t return soon.”
“Pray, calm yourself, my dear.” Rupert laid a steadying hand on her elbow. “Tell me exactly what you know.”
She explained Kit’s master plan as he had revealed it to her, and the consequences thereof.
Rupert rubbed his smooth-shaven chin. “It does not sound good. You did well to find me, Mistress Barchard—you must be a clever woman. Either that or our communication methods are sorely in need of review. I don’t know what to advise, as I am not certain where Kit intended to take you, but you’re welcome to remain here while I sort things out. As you can see, there’s plenty with which to defend yourself.”
This was certainly true. “I’m no expert with a weapon.”
“I’ll give you a crossbow—they’re easiest. I’ll prime it for you—just point it at the wagon flap. If someone approaches, challenge them, and if in doubt, scream as loud as you can. If they don’t declare themselves, don’t hesitate to shoot.” He shrugged into a thick doublet. “I’ll fetch as many men as I can. I doubt I could obtain his release by myself.”
The thought of Kit at Kirlham’s mercy froze her to the core. “You think they have taken him then?”
“Possibly. This is Kit’s first assignment, you understand, so he may not have perfected ways of covering his tracks. I told Walsingham he was risking a potentially good man, but he thought he knew best. Ah, well! Bide here, and I’ll send word as soon as I can. Be of good cheer. Oh, and help yourself to any refreshment you find about the place.”
Giving her elbow a squeeze, he leapt nimbly from the wagon and, shortly thereafter, Alys heard hoofbeats amongst the trees.
Once again, she was alone, no nearer to discovering what had happened to Kit, and not knowing what to do. She pictured him in all sorts of dire situations, making herself increasingly distressed. Even now, his enemies might be torturing information out of him. He was a good man—odd, but good at heart, and she had to admit to being exceedingly fond of him, despite the turmoil he’d wrought in her life.
How long would it take Rupert to return with help? How far would he have to travel? If only she’d asked him before he left. If Kit had been captured at Selwood, only someone who knew the house well could find and rescue him, and as far as she knew, Rupert had never been there, in any guise.
But she knew the house. She was not under suspicion. If she could fulfill her avowed intention of fetching provisions, no one would think anything of her little excursion. No sooner had the thought entered her mind than she crawled back into the caravan to avail herself of a knife, hoping she wouldn’t be called upon to use it. She’d buy up the stores she’d been sent for, and hasten back to Selwood to find Kit.
And just hope Rupert would have the sense to send his men thither when he found her gone.
Chapter Thirty
As Alys neared the house, she knew she would have to put on the masque of her life. She might fool the men, but it would be harder to deceive Kate, who had, apparently, been so successful in convincing the world she was vain and stupid.
Her heart sank as she trotted into the stableyard to find Kirlham pacing from one side to the other. As the groom came to help her down, she took a deep breath and prayed.
“Ah, Robin, what a time I have had of it!” She patted Pennyroyal on the nose as she handed the youth her reins. “You cannot believe how hard it has been to find victuals in the village this day. Most had been sold at market, but some few had done another batch of baking. I secured what I could.”
“You have been in the village, Mistress Barchard?” Kirlham asked as he strode across. “Knew you not I had given express orders that no one leave the premises?”
She raised a bulging sack in each hand. “But I’ve been to get the supplies Master Avery asked for. I assumed an exception had been made.”
Fury and suspicion marred his features, but she held on to her innocent, friendly smile like a mariner clinging to a spar. “Is aught
