Page 69 of Witchbane

As the wind brushed against my face I wondered if at some point we might become closer, even just as friends. But this would not happen unless I cleared her name, and although I hadn’t needed any incentive to do that before seeing her, I now felt even more determined to free her from my father’s persecution.

Warrior was heading for a dry-stone wall, higher than most we had come across, and I concentrated on helping him approach it. He cleared it easily and galloped across the next field, upsetting several sheep who darted out of the way upon hearing the thunder of his heavy hooves.

We reached the main road where I hoped to find Lord Thistlebury and I slowed Warrior to a trot and then a walk. We both needed to rest, and walking some of the way would allow us to cool down. I looked from right to left, eager to see Rue’s father. I didn’t, and I knew I had to make a choice: either left, back towards Stanthorpe, to meet my father’s men, or right, in case he had covered more ground than I’d expected, and meet him further along. It all depended on how fast Lord Thistlebury was going or whether he had met anyone.

What would he have done? I wondered. He was a practical man and wouldn’t have ridden too slowly, in case he was being watched. He knew I understood the urgency of the situation as well as he did and would expect me not to dally once I had reached the manor house and warned them. That decision made, I turned right and began trotting to try and catch up with him hoping I was doing the right thing.

I rode for five minutes and was beginning to be concerned that I had made the wrong choice when I saw him riding at a walk. A carriage was passing him, so I waited for it to round the corner and disappear from view before urging Warrior on.

‘Lord Thistlebury.’

He immediately reined in his horse, bringing him to a stop, then turned in his saddle to watch my approach, a concerned look on his lined face. ‘How did your meeting with the family go?’

We continued on our way as I explained what had happened. ‘It went as well as I could have expected. Most importantly, I was able to reach them and warn them about my father’s orders.’

He frowned deeply. ‘And how did they take the news?’

I sighed. ‘I only spoke to your daughter, but I did spot her aunt scowling at me from a window. I felt sorry to arrive uninvited for a third time. They were rather unhappy to see me again and I can’t say I blame them. They did welcome the warning though.’

I recalled Rue’s panic about her father not being with me. Perhaps catching something in my expression, he asked anxiously, ‘Something happened?’

I thought he would be comforted to know his daughter cared enough for him to be concerned about his whereabouts. ‘Only that my appearing alone worried Rue.’

His eyebrows shot up. ‘It did?’

I could see the surprise on his face and nodded. ‘She thought you had been detained at the Witchfinder’s office and was mightily relieved when I explained our plans. I believe she was touched to hear that you and I worked together to give me time to warn them.’

He sighed. I saw his shoulders droop and realised how tense he had been. This had been a trying time for someone used to living a quiet life but now having to face his past actions.

‘I think this has helped your reconciliation and bodes well for your future relationship with the three women.’

‘I am greatly relieved, Theo.’ He smiled at me. ‘I have a lot to thank you for.’

‘Not at all,’ I argued. ‘I only want the best outcome for everyone.’ I didn’t add that that was because of my guilt at being associated with my father – and that I had fallen in love with his daughter.

He grinned at me, amusement twinkling in his eyes. ‘And not least for yourself and my daughter, hey?’

My mouth fell open in surprise. I immediately closed it, annoyed to have reacted so openly. Lord Thistlebury might be getting on in years, but he was clearly no fool.

I was about to respond when I heard voices ahead of us. We turned the corner and saw three men I recognised as sometimes working for my father.

We swapped concerned glances and I sensed he wasn’t sure how to react when we caught up with the men.

‘All you need to do is remain calm,’ I said quietly, ‘maybe even a little irritated – either because I’m accompanying you all the way home, or because your visit to the Witchfinder’s office was unsuccessful and therefore a waste of time.’

‘You think it was?’

‘I’m not certain. I’m only trying to give you scenarios to play out in case the guards are curious about your reaction to them being here.’

‘Ah, I understand. Thank you.’

One of them spotted me and said something to the others, who stopped their chatter and laughter and sat up straighter in their saddles. I might be inexperienced in my work, but they knew who my father was. It wasn’t often I was glad of that but on this occasion it worked in my favour, and Lord Thistlebury’s.

My relief turned to suppressed rage as I realised my father had done exactly as I had supposed he might. How typical of him to lie about when he was sending the men to join me. How like him to have them here to see whether I had really accompanied His Lordship this far. I gritted my teeth, wishing I could turn Warrior around and return to Stanthorpe and give my father a piece of my mind. Then again, I told myself, the less aware he is of how well I know him and his underhanded way of doing things, the better my chances of helping Rue.

I had an idea I hoped Rue’s father would accept. ‘I don’t want to let them go to the manor ahead of me,’ I said, keeping my voice low and not looking at him. ‘Would you mind if I suggested one of them went with you for the rest of the journey to your home and caught up with me and the others later?’

‘If you feel it will help Rue and the others, then I’m happy to do whatever you suggest,’ he said.