Stolen Lives (The Alice Chronicles #3)

18

U rsula, I need to see an attorney on some business,’ Alice lies to her friend as they walk in the herb garden. ‘It means a journey to Exeter, and I feel I should do this as soon as may be. I have left it overlong as it is.’

‘Of course, Alice, if you must, but cannot this business be handled by letter, to save you the journey?’

It is well-meaning, and the last thing Alice wants. ‘Possibly, but I did not have the chance to meet Henry’s relations in Devonshire before we were married, and now I am here, it would be a courtesy to call on them while I am seeing the attorney.’ Alice has conscience enough to wince at her own chicanery.

‘I did not realise he had relations in the west,’ Ursula says.

‘That was how we met,’ Alice tells her. ‘He was on his way to visit them when he stopped at Hill House, hoping to renew his acquaintance with my father.’

‘Why do you not write to this attorney? I can send your letter by messenger, and at the same time an invitation to Henry’s relations to come and stay here for a few days? They would be welcome.’

Alice thinks fast. ‘In truth, Ursula, I think you have quite enough of other people’s relations on your hands at present. No, it is most kind, but I think I must make the journey. And between you and me,’ she hurries on, ‘I have been wondering if it would be advisable to consider selling Hill House and the farm.’ There, it is said, it is out.

‘Oh Alice!’ Ursula’s shock is genuine and heartfelt.

‘I cannot be in two places at the same time, Ursula. I have people to support at High Stoke and they should be my first concern.’ That at least is true.

‘I see what you say,’ Ursula acknowledges, ‘but do you feel Daniel is not doing a good job?’

‘Daniel is doing an excellent job. I cannot think of anyone locally who could do half as well. But I’m not the only one who has noticed he needs to spend increasing hours at the smithy. Business has picked up for him far faster than either of us imagined after the plague. I cannot ask Daniel to cut himself in two, I believe he is already working many more hours than we anticipated.’

‘I should be so sorry if you gave up the property, Alice.’

‘What I also wanted to say is that while I am away I should like to leave Sam here with you at the mansion. Will you mind terribly?’

‘Alice!’ Animation transforms Ursula’s face. ‘I should be so pleased!’

‘It will only be for a few days’ Alice assures her. ‘Indeed I shall be back within the week. I would not ask you at such short notice but—’

‘We shall all be delighted to look after Sam here. Indeed, I rather fear he will be spoiled!’ Ursula says, and proceeds to enumerate the various pleasures she will offer Sam, as though she has already given thought to just such an opportunity. ‘I shall have Margaret take him to see Daniel with a midday meal. And Sam should now be learning to sit a horse, I shall lead him round the kitchen court, to get used to the feel. And Sam and I both enjoy that mathematical game. He will have so much distraction, he will not have time to think how much he will miss you. Alice? What is it?’

‘Can you believe it?’ Alice forces a laugh through unexpected tears. ‘Don’t misunderstand me, Ursula, I am so grateful that you take all this trouble to amuse and interest him. But this is the first time I shall be away from him for this length of time. I feel I shall miss an important part of his growing. Not to see him take his first ride alone in the saddle!’

‘I too have an interest in his growing,’ Ursula reminds her softly.

‘Of course! That was selfish of me. Of course you do.’ Alice forgets sometimes the tangled origins of Sam’s place in their lives.

‘He will be on the leading rein and I shall simply walk him. Think how proud he will be to show you his new skill on your return.’

‘It’s true,’ Alice admits. ‘I hadn’t thought of it like that. You won’t let him trot, will you?’

‘Don’t worry, Alice. Now, which way will you go to Exeter?’

‘I shall head north for Yeovil to join the main London road west.’

‘That sounds the best. Then through Chard and Honiton.’

‘When Nick and Margery fled the plague last year, that was the route they took to Honiton,’ Alice tells her.

‘Take my coach,’ Ursula offers, ‘and as many outriders as you need. You will need a maidservant also. I shall send Esther—’

‘No, indeed, Ursula,’ Alice interrupts, holding up a staying hand. ‘I much prefer to travel light, if you will lend me a good mare.’

‘On horseback, Alice? That distance?’ For Ursula, open air travel is fraught with danger. ‘No coach?’

‘No coach, no maidservant, and just one reliable man. We shall travel the faster, and return the sooner.’

Ursula is not easy with this, but Alice’s persistence gradually wears her down. ‘I would send Wat,’ she tells Alice, who frantically tries to think of a reason why not, only to be spared by Ursula adding, ‘but at present I am not satisfied on that head.’

‘There is one man whose company I would value, if you will consent to it,’ Alice says, ‘though it means taking him away from his employment for a few days. Master Harker, the overseer of the porters.’

‘Robin Harker? I am amazed, Alice! He is a good man, but his accident… Perhaps you mean Jay, his brother?’

‘No, it’s Robin I met, Wat told me his history. Also that Master Harker rides well. He is one I feel I can trust,’ she says, ‘and I have seen for myself how he wields that stick of his to great effect when needed.’

In the end, they reach a compromise. Alice will be accompanied by Robin Harker, and also his brother Jay who works in the black-house. The vast majority of cloth is dyed black and more than half the men are employed in the black-house, so one man fewer there will have less impact than elsewhere. And Ursula proposes to appoint Wat to take over Robin’s overseeing during his absence.

Alone in her room, Alice tells herself she is interfering where she determined not to interfere, prying where she has no business. And yet, by linking Wat’s past with Hill House Farm, Sir Thomas has forced her hand. If she refuses to sell, Wat will be accused; even if she sells, is it likely Sir Thomas will destroy the court rolls? The threats to Wat and to Hill House Farm will only be scotched if she can find a hole in the story of felony.