The Goldsmith's Wife (The Woulfes of Loxsbeare Book 2) by Anita Seymour

Author:Anita Seymour [Seymour, Anita]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Books We Love Ltd.
Published: 2014-11-08T22:00:00+00:00

He eased through a narrow gap between a wall of wooden boxes stacked at the back of the room, trying to recall if he had arranged them like that. Reaching to head height, they formed a false wall round a space beneath one of the windows. He rounded a corner and halted, his eyes wide as he gazed at something he had certainly not put there.

* * *

June 1690, Exeter – Tobias

Tobias bounded up the stairs to the private quarters of The Ship, ignoring Matty’s shrill enquiry as to where he had been from the street. She appeared in the doorway, but jumped aside as he dragged a leather knapsack from a chest in the corner.

“Where be you going? And without so much as a word to me?” she demanded, following him about the room.

Tobias had rehearsed his explanation all the way home, but when it came to it, he lost heart. She would argue, no matter what he said, so he opted for the truth.

“If he’ll have me, I’m joining Sir Francis Luttrell’s regiment.” He kept his back to her while hurling clothes and shoes haphazardly into the bag.

“Regiment? I don’t understand.” She thrust a hand through her mop of brown curls, darting out of the way when he pushed past her and unhooked his cloak from behind the door.

“It’s something I have to do, Matty. I cannot explain.” He refused to meet her eyes.

“You can’t leave, Tobias. She sprang forward and grasped his upper arms. “What of the boys? And the inn?” She wasn’t a big girl, his Matty, but solid and very strong.

He pulled roughly away, about to remind her they were her boys, but stopped himself in time. “My brothers will help run the inn while I’m away.”

“You aren’t a soldier,” she cried, stamping a small foot on the floorboards. “You don’t have to go.”

He turned on her, his fists clenched “Yes, I do. At the very least, I can fight with my brother.”

“What are you talking about?” Her eyes hardened into contempt. “Your brothers live in St Sidwells. Who are you going to fight, and where?”

Tobias ignored her, unable to explain. If he could get to Dunster, he would find a way to convince Sir Francis to let him join his army. Everything after that would be out of his control.

“Talk to me, Tobias!” Matty screeched.

“I don’t know where. France maybe, but most probably Ireland.”

“Ireland!” Matty stood open mouthed. “But that’s a terrible, savage place full o’ Catholics. Hundreds of soldiers died at the siege at Londonderry. Even more through disease last winter.”

“It’s summer.” It was a ridiculous, inadequate response, but he couldn’t think what else to say. “You should be proud and honoured I’m going. Now. I’ll hear no more complaints.”

She took a step back, her hands planted on her ample hips, her chin lifted. “So that’s the way it is, eh?”

“It is. Now, out of my way, woman.” He shoved past her, his feet drumming on the stairs, heart heavy with dismay. She could have pleaded harder for him to stay.

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