03 Destroying Angel by S G MacLean

Author:S G MacLean [MacLean, S G]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-06-08T08:43:20+00:00

Seeker was so astonished to see her there he almost forgot to make Lady Fairfax his bow. Lady Winter he did not bother with.

Lady Fairfax stood up. ‘Captain, it is no doubt a matter of great importance that has you storming into my house at this late hour, but I must tell you that my husband is away, and in any case, he has made plain to the Lord Protector that he will play no part in this, your new rule of the major-generals.’

Seeker stiffened. ‘I would not think to advise his lordship on that or anything else. He has done great service to this nation, and none would begrudge him his retirement to private life. It is on another unfortunate matter that I am here, and I would not trouble your ladyship over it were it not a matter of the security of the state.’

‘Then you had best say your piece, Captain Seeker.’

Seeker turned to look at Lady Anne Winter, who was watching him with her head cocked ever so slightly to one side, as if she were a bird encountering an insect she had never before come across.

‘This woman, your ladyship,’ he said, addressing Lady Fairfax, ‘is a convicted traitor, and only in life and at liberty through the clemency of His Highness the Lord Protector.’

Lady Fairfax was about to respond, but it was Lady Winter who spoke first. ‘Come now, Seeker. Not so coy. You know my man Richard traded for my life.’

Seeker remembered Anne Winter’s Rat, remembered how carelessly the man had given up his life in the Stuart cause, with no concern but that she be spared.

‘The Lord Protector is under no obligation to make such trades. For anyone. It was understood, and very clearly explained to you, that you were to remain in Northumberland until such time—’

‘Until such time as it pleased His Highness’s government I should have my liberty to travel at large.’

‘And have you had it?’ demanded Seeker.

Anne Winter coloured slightly, but only for a moment. ‘Lady Fairfax has known me since we were children. Is it not enough that she vouches for me?’

She thought she had him there. She had clearly forgotten who she was dealing with. ‘No,’ he said. ‘In law, it is not.’

Lady Fairfax again rose from her seat. ‘Captain, might I remind you—’

Seeker turned to her. ‘You need remind me of nothing, your ladyship. But you should know, as I think you must know, that this woman, scarcely six months ago, conspired with Royalists abroad in an attempt to bring Charles Stuart back to London. Should she set one foot out of line again, the Lord Protector will not have the option of clemency. I caution you, for the good of your husband’s unblemished name, and for your own good, see to it that she does not wander from this house until such time as I can take advice from Mr Thurloe.’

Lady Fairfax had gone as white as he had ever seen her. He doubted that the woman had ever before been spoken to in such a manner.

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