A Dangerous Trade by Steven Veerapen

Author:Steven Veerapen [Veerapen, Steven]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sharpe Books
Published: 2018-12-26T05:00:00+00:00

3

Heydon moved towards her, and for a moment Jack feared that he was going to attack. So, it seemed, did the male servant who had followed the woman, lighting her way with a torch. But then something odd happened. Heydon began speaking to her in rapid Scots. It made no sense to Jack, but he thought he heard the word ‘wean’ or ‘wee ane’ several times.

Eventually, Heydon stood back from her, and Jack got a good look. ‘Mr Cole,’ he said, ‘this is the countess of Moray. Lady Agnes Keith.’

She was petite, and pretty in a severe kind of way – but it was her eyes that caught Jack’s attention. They were enormous and dark, two glittering coals. When she spoke, she had dropped the Scots, and spoke in English with a clipped Scottish accent. ‘My husband has taught me your native tongue,’ she said. ‘A good and faithful servant to England, my husband.’ Jack thought he detected an edge of irony in her tone. Humour, at least.

She crossed to the desk and put down the candlestick. Jack noticed her casting curious glances at the shelves, before dropping her gaze to the floor, littered with papers. She said nothing, but tutted.

‘And so,’ Heydon said, ‘the regent will have us on our way, then.’

‘Such a fine man, not wishing me disturbed.’ Again, that note of cynicism. ‘Good of you to let yourselves in.’ Jack cleared his throat.

‘And you’ll give him my regards when he returns?’

‘Of course. What faithful wife could do otherwise.’ She wheeled back to them and leant her back against the desk. She was wearing a thick nightdress, all in the black that Jack had seen on wealthy reformist women throughout the country. But Lady Agnes had had some silver and white threads and loops sewn into hers. Jack liked it. It was like one small rebellion against the austerity. ‘I suppose you have your papers?’

Heydon stepped towards her and dropped to a knee, fishing in his coat. He brought forth his passport, though for one terrible second Jack thought he would somehow accidentally free the stolen document. She raised a hand and beckoned at the doorway. Her man came in with his torch and stood by her as she made a show of reading. ‘Well this all seems in order,’ she said at last.

Jack relaxed, before making a bow. Heydon did likewise, and they began backing towards the door. ‘Wait!’ she snapped. Both froze. ‘Do you not wish to take what it is that you have come here for?’ Neither spoke. ‘The dresses. My – the queen’s – jewels.’ She eased herself off the desk and began to move around them, making for the door. ‘And I must bid you the welcome of my house. You are welcome to lodge here for the night. If you wish?’

‘No, ma’am. I mean – thank you, my lady. But we are already so late in our business, we have not a moment to lose,’ said Heydon.

‘I see. Well, I am sorry you have given me so little warning of your coming.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.