The Siege of Salwarpe by Veronica Heley

Author:Veronica Heley [Veronica Heley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Severn House Publishers
Published: 2014-05-27T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

‘You sent for me?’ Reynold swaggered in and took the only chair in Benedict’s room.

Benedict was busy at the writing-desk. He jerked his head at Parkyn, who left the room.

‘Yes. I will be with you in a moment.’ He finished his letter, read it over and signed with a flourish.

Reynold yawned. ‘A hard night’s work. You should have been with us. You might have learned something for a change.’

Benedict said nothing to that, but pulled another sheet of paper to him and began another letter.

‘Well?’ said Reynold, becoming impatient. He glanced out of the window. ‘If you have nothing to say, then I will leave you to your gloominess. I have something better to do with my time than sit here watching you make scratch marks on paper.’

‘I was writing to Aylmer. I thought you would like to see the letter. I want to get some of the children and nursing mothers away from here, if we can organise enough boats. I have told Aylmer that I am sending you back with the refugees. He’ll understand. You can do no more here.’

Reynold sprang to his feet, hand on dagger. ‘Now what maggot have you in that clownish head of yours?’

‘Just that. There is no more of your sort of fighting to be done here. It is a matter of sitting it out. And supplies of food. And pulling down certain buildings, making machines and so on. All that sort of clerky nonsense that you find so distasteful. Therefore it will be best if you escort the women and children to safety.’

‘You don’t get rid of me as easily as that! Was I not appointed with you? Did I not win my place?’

‘Under my command, yes. But you have done your part. I do not understand your reluctance to leave.’

‘Am I not entitled to enjoy my reward for work well done?’

‘Meaning?’

Reynold laughed and tapped his nose. ‘Ah, but you are a backward lad, are you not? The ladies, my dear friend. The beauty and dignity of our lovely Lady Ursula. May I not bask awhile in her smiles? As you say, there is nothing more to be done, save to pass the time pleasantly till Aylmer relieves us. So …’

‘Nothing more to be done? Well, that is a matter of opinion. But there is no more of your sort of work to be done. And that includes any plans you might happen to have for diversion with the Lady Ursula. You may remember that she is betrothed to Aylmer.’

‘That doesn’t stop you looking at her, does it? Eh? Did you think I hadn’t noticed?’

Benedict said in an even tone, ‘The Lady Ursula is indeed most kind and gentle. And worthy in every way to be Aylmer’s wife.’

‘Oh, you are thinking of him, are you, when you look at her?’

‘Not always. Sometimes I think of all the other women and children in the castle. And sometimes I think about you. Reynold, I do not wish to quarrel with you. There is no stigma attached to your going with the women and children.

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