Lover's Knot Read online

  “We will remain in the shadows until the ship arrives,” Strathern said soothingly. “No patrol will catch us, I assure you, Ballentyne. Now then, I would like you, Cedric Ingram, young Graham and one other to be on the beach that evening. We will ask Barnabus Wishingham, the smith, to act as our lookout.”

  Asked point-blank to attend, Sir Henry Ballentyne could not decline, though from the reluctant way he accepted, Strathern suspected he would have preferred not to. The others agreed with alacrity.

  “Very well, we will meet on the beach at midnight, a fortnight from now. Thomas will go with one of you on that first evening….”

  “He’ll come here, of course,” Cedric Ingram said, raising his brows.

  “Not necessarily,” Strathern replied coolly. “His commission is to meet with as many groups in this county as possible, so he will have much ground to cover. It has not yet been decided where he will begin.”

  “Sensible,” said the nervous Sir Henry.

  Strathern nodded. “I will convey the details to the person chosen to harbor him initially as soon as the decision is made. Until then, gentlemen, I suggest we return to the party so that our presence will not be missed.”

  Cedric Ingram lingered behind when the rest had gone. “Who will be deciding Thomas’s first stop?”

  Strathern shot him a long look. Cedric didn’t flinch. “I will,” he said at last. “Though the Knot has arranged for an emissary to be sent to every region of the country, it is the local supporters of the king who are to plan the itinerary. You know, of course, that there are those advocating active rebellion who have managed to get the king’s ear. The gentlemen of the Knot believe that rebellion now would be premature. With two such disparate opinions being offered him, His Majesty thought it best to send his own emissaries. The Sealed Knot is certain that these envoys will find exactly what the Knot has been claiming: that rebellion would fail and worse, it would push the republicans together as they sought to defend themselves from the threat of a royal return.”

  “You and I must agree to disagree on this subject, Strathern,” Cedric said stiffly. “I am of the opinion that we have accepted the yoke of the Puritans too long! We must show them that we are men and dangerous men! I would gladly engage in rebellion.”

  “I know,” Strathern said quietly. “You will be allowed to voice your opinions, Ingram, when we meet with Thomas. If the majority agrees with you, then Thomas will take that back to the king. Now, I do not want to be missed. Shall we rejoin the party?”

  There was nothing Cedric could do but agree and he did so with a smile and a willingness that said he was not harboring any grudges about the difference of opinion.

  When they emerged, the Great Hall was empty. The sound of the harpsichord tinkling merrily drew them to the Music Room. There Abigail sat at the keyboard playing a cheerful tune, while the rest of the party danced. Since dancing was officially frowned upon, the element of risk further enhanced the pleasure everyone was having as they moved to the music.

  “This is not a good idea,” Cedric muttered to Edward as they paused just inside the doorway of the room. “What was Lady Strathern thinking of to be persuaded to permit dancing?”

  Strathern resisted the urge to swear. Virtually all of the neighbors who had been invited were convinced Royalists, but that did not mean that the rules could be flouted so obviously, especially at a time like this. However, he was not about to admit to Cedric Ingram that his wife had made an error in judgment. He dealt with the man in matters relating to the restoration of the king, but they were not friends. Nor was he a son-in-law. Yet. “Undoubtedly my lady had her reasons for agreeing to this activity. I shall discover it in due course. Until then I think it best to put as good face on it as we can.”

  Cedric grunted. Then, with a flash of boyish charm that was rare and in its own way endearing, he grinned. “I must own that I shall enjoy partnering your daughter. Where is she? Can you see her?”

  Unfortunately, Edward could. In the center of the dancers were Alysa and Philip Hampton. Dressed in a gown of marine blue, the bodice picked out in silver, the petticoat striped ice blue and silver silk, Alysa was a vision of elegant loveliness as she looked up into Philip’s face. On her lips was a smile that was calculated to melt any man’s heart. The mischievous dimple in her cheek was peeking enticingly as she spoke and her vivid blue eyes sparkled with pleasure.

  Strathern glanced at Cedric Ingram. His expression was bleak, then suddenly became furious. Curious as to what had caused the sudden passionate response, Strathern looked again at his daughter and Sir Philip Hampton.

  Philip, also dressed in blue, was a dark contrast to Alysa’s pale beauty. His suit was cut with the perfection that no small-town tailor could match and had a stylish flare that spoke of Continental styling. The dark blue satin of the wide sleeves of his doublet rippled in the light as did his cloak, which was flung over his shoulders with a jaunty air. He bent his head to whisper intimately in Alysa’s ear.

  She laughed, then shook her head teasingly. To an observer, she appeared more than merely appreciative of a witty sally. She looked like a woman flirting with a man she was attracted to.

  “‘Od’s blood! Who does he think he is?” Cedric bristled. “How dare he speak to Mistress Alysa that way?”

  Strathern heard the jealousy in Cedric’s voice and understood it. For a year Cedric had been Alysa’s most prominent suitor and recently he had begun to view her as already won. It would be difficult for a man with Ingram’s high sense of self-worth not to feel dismay at seeing his ladylove respond so prettily to another man.

  Especially a man who wore the sometimes outrageous fashions of the cavalier gentleman with an undeniable masculine authority. Philip made Cedric, who had always prided himself on being the most fashionable man in the neighborhood, look rather silly in his green suit, the color of new leaves, that was embellished with silver and darker green ribbons. Everything about Cedric Ingram was exaggerated, from the absurdly skimpy doublet, to the width of his breeches and the rows of ribbon loops that adorned their hems. Everything about Philip Hampton was understated confidence. He cast Cedric Ingram in a shade the other man could not abide.

  “Since Sir Philip is our guest of honor and Alysa is by way of being a hostess of this event I can see no problem in their dancing together. I am sure my daughter will be quite happy to dance with you when the next set is formed.”

  Cedric glowered. “I know she will be pleased to dance with me. However, I cannot like the way that fellow—a mere stranger to us—looks at her.”

  Strathern chuckled. He couldn’t help it. “‘Od’s blood, Ingram, he’s a guest in this house! I believe you are making too much of this.”

  “Perhaps.” Since Strathern had not yet given his blessing to a match between his daughter and Cedric, both men knew Cedric could no more lay claim to Alysa than any other man could.

  “I see my daughter Prudence is coming to greet us. Say hello, Ingram, and stop worrying about Alysa and Philip Hampton.” He glanced at Cedric’s set features and decided to add a little sweetener to the command. “I’ve asked Alysa to talk to Sir Philip to find out more about his politics. That is most likely why she seems so intrigued by him. You know how passionately she feels about returning England to its natural political order.”

  Cedric seemed to stiffen even more. “By all that is holy, Strathern! I cannot believe that you would trust such a delicate assignment to a mere woman, whether she be your daughter or not! I—”

  Prudence, a vision in rose and white, stopped beside her father, her hopeful gaze fixed on Cedric. “Papa, Master Ingram, welcome back. We missed you.” She smiled shyly at Cedric. “I hope you will consent to participate in the dancing when the next set forms, sir. We were hard put to convince Sir Philip that he should join the fun, but at last we did and he seems to be enjoying himself thoroughly.”

  “I can see that.” Cedric glowered at Philip and Alysa as the steps of the dance brought them together once m
ore. “By your leave, Strathern, I see young Johnston by the harpsichord. I must go and have a word with him.”

  He strode off, skirting the dancers and glaring at Alysa and Philip as he went. Strathern watched him go, the expression in his eyes concerned, while Prudence gazed regretfully at his retreating back. “Well, Papa,” she said after a minute, “I think we can safely say that Alysa has truly captured Master Ingram’s heart.”

  “His heart or his pride?” Strathern returned sardonically. He looked down at his youngest daughter. “Prudence, my dear, have you taken a liking to Master Ingram?”

  Prudence’s eyes filled. She blinked rapidly to clear the moisture forming there, but she shrugged with deceptive unconcern. “He is the most eligible gentleman in the area, Papa, but he is Alysa’s suitor, not mine.”

  The music stopped and everyone clapped enthusiastically. Abigail struck up another tune. Cedric shoved his way through the dancers to claim Alysa’s hand. “Come,” Prudence said with false cheer. “Dance the next set with me, Papa, since Mama is otherwise occupied.”

  Lord Strathern did not think that the dancing was a good idea and ordinarily he would have refused to participate, but he sensed the heaviness in his youngest daughter’s heart and would do nothing to increase it. “I would be delighted,” he said, smiling and leading her onto the floor.

  Prudence flushed prettily, but her eyes were all for Cedric Ingram.

  Chapter 5

  “Blame the dancing on me, Papa,” Alysa said after they had ushered the last guest from the house.

  “I do not want to blame anybody!” Strathern replied with asperity. “I just want to know why dancing was permitted—no, encouraged—in my house.”

  “I take full responsibility, Edward,” Abigail interjected, glancing at her stepdaughter as they returned to the Music Room to inspect the debris left from the party. The servants were already busy picking up the empty glasses and removing the extra candlesticks that had been brought in to light the room. “Alysa convinced me that it would be a good idea and I concurred with her reasons.”

  Lord Strathern sighed. “Fine! What were those reasons?”

  Alysa bowed her head, then looked up, straight into her father’s eyes. “I thought, Papa, that it would be a good way to test Sir Philip.”

  “Test? How so?”

  “I wanted to know if he could dance.”

  Frowning, Lord Strathern considered Alysa’s reply. “A courtier would undoubtedly dance extremely well.”

  “Exactly!” The gloom on Alysa’s face lifted and she smiled mischievously. “And I can report that Sir Philip is an excellent dancer. Prudence can confirm my findings as well.”

  “Sir Philip did dance beautifully,” Prudence agreed, but her expression indicated that she was indifferent to the man and his abilities. She wandered about the room, picking up glasses, then putting them down restlessly. Her family watched her with concern. Noticing their worried expressions, Prudence flushed. “I feel rather tired. I think I shall retire for the night, if you don’t mind, Mama.”

  “Of course not, dearest. Sleep well.”

  Prudence nodded and went out. Alysa sighed. “There are times when I would like to hit Cedric Ingram! He did not dance with her once this evening. Indeed, he never spoke to her that I am aware of. Surely he could have been polite and asked for her to join him in at least one set.”

  Lord Strathern moved to the fireplace and frowned down into the low flames. “Ingram was shocked that we would allow dancing. I don’t think he enjoys the sport.” He turned back to his wife and daughter. “Your test of Sir Philip was most ingenious, my dear Alysa. But did you consider that both of Anthony Hampton’s sons were virtually brought up at court? It was not until they were adults that the younger one made the choice of joining the parliamentary side. I’m sure the Roundhead brother dances as elegantly as his Royalist sibling.”

  Crestfallen, Alysa said, “I hadn’t thought of that, Papa. Now we are no farther ahead.” She paused thoughtfully. “Or are we? Sir Philip was reluctant to dance.”

  “For the same reason I was reluctant to allow the activity, Alysa—because of the possible repercussions,” Abigail reminded her. “Once we had persuaded him that all were to be trusted he was most willing to participate.” Her eyes twinkled. “In fact, he made no secret of his enjoyment of partnering you in the first set.”

  Alysa blushed, but looked pleased. “He is so very light on his feet; he is a pleasure to dance with. Oh, Papa! I did think I had hit upon the most perfect test as to whether Sir Philip is to be trusted or not. Now what shall we do?”

  “Concentrate on what we know.” Edward came away from the fireplace to sit beside his wife on the settee. With Alysa only a few feet away on a chair, they made a compact group. He lowered his voice so that only they could hear. “The decisions have been made about meeting Thomas.”

  Both ladies stiffened. Alysa’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “Papa, tell us!”

  “He is to arrive in a fortnight and will be brought to Fenwick Cove by a smuggling boat. Six people are to be there to greet him.”

  “Who are the six, Papa?” Anxiety colored Alysa’s voice. There was no guarantee that her father had been able to include her in the welcoming committee, much as she wanted to go.

  Strathern’s expression was full of tolerant affection. “Myself, Cedric Ingram, Ballentyne, young Graham and one other are to wait on the beach. Barnabus Wishingham is to be the lookout.”

  Hope flared into life in Alysa’s eyes. “Who is the other person, Papa?”

  Strathern smiled.

  Alysa laughed delightedly. “I am!” she said, clapping her hands together. “Thank you, Papa. I promise you I shall wear a man’s riding clothes so that I do not stand out—”

  Abigail interrupted tartly. “There is no possible way for you to disguise your femininity, Alysa. A person just has to look at your sweet face and he will know you are a woman.”

  “All the same,” Strathern said, “Alysa is right. If she wears a man’s garments with a cloak over top and pulls a hat low over her face, a chance glance will not indicate who she truly is.”

  Abigail looked at him sharply. “Do you fear the Lord Protector will be sending a welcoming committee as well?”

  “I would not include Alysa if I did not think it would be safe,” Strathern replied after a long moment. “But one must always be prepared for the unexpected to happen.”

  “Everything will be fine!” Alysa’s face glowed with excitement and pleasure. “I cannot believe we will actually be seeing Thomas so soon.”

  “Alysa, I know how deeply you love your brother, that is why I am allowing you to meet him when he lands. But remember, this is far from a pleasure visit for him. He is to meet with preeminent Royalists in at least a dozen communities in this part of the country. He will come to West Easton last, and for his safety, he will not even be staying here at Strathern Hall. This is the first place the Protectorate troops would look should they hear of his arrival. I am afraid that there is every likelihood that you will not see him after that first night.”

  Even her father’s sober assessment of her brother’s activities could not put a damper on Alysa’s enthusiasm. “Of course, Papa! I do understand.” Once again a mischievous smile curled her lips. “Papa, was Master Ingram grumpy this evening because you told him that I would be with you on the beach? I know how reluctant he is to admit that women are able to do anything at all beyond bringing up children and managing a household.”

  “There is nothing wrong with either of those occupations,” Abigail interjected vigorously.

  A soft chuckle escaped Alysa’s lips. She had heard this sort of lecture from Abigail before. “Of course not, Mama. But you must admit that his view is rather narrow. Why, there are times when Cedric Ingram reminds me of the most ferocious Puritan! I think if the Lord Protector had been of Stuart blood he would have been quite happy to serve him.”

  “Alysa, enough of that kind of talk!”


  “Shame, Alysa!”

  Lord Strathern and his lady protested at the same moment, their frowns equally heavy.

  Alysa opened her eyes wide. “I’m sorry, Papa, Mama, if I have said anything out of the way. I did not mean to cast any aspersions on Master Ingram’s integrity. It was just an observation I have made from time to time.”

  Strathern drew a deep breath. “Cedric Ingram is loyal to the king.” His expression hardened. “Your brother’s fate depends on it.”

  *

  West Easton was a small town where everyone knew everyone else, so it was not long before news of Thomas Leighton’s visit percolated through the population. Barnabus Wishingham, the smith, got the gossip going. He was married to a managing woman who liked to know where he was every minute of the day. Usually he was busily at work in his forge just outside the house they shared on the edge of town, but he did have one activity that took him away from his forge and hearth at irregular times: he was a committed Royalist and had been so ever since King Charles II had deigned to notice him during those desperate days when Charles had taken shelter in the area.

  Barnabus Wishingham was Lord Strathern’s link with the lesser members of the West Easton community. A man whose physical strength made him fear few men, he was always willing to speak out for those more timid than he who were daunted by the trappings of power. Strathern respected him and accepted his opinions, a simple act that had won Barnabus’s loyalty as effectively as an exiled king’s pleasantry had made him a Royalist for life.

  Barnabus had no use for most members of the aristocracy, men like Cedric Ingram who could not be bothered with someone as low as Barnabus Wishingham. Barnabus had a sturdy sense of self-worth and he gave the gentry their due, but no more. Cedric Ingram got a polite greeting and Barnabus’s usual fine work, but no favors. He had to wait for his goods like the rest of the townsfolk.