Book of Azrael:The Pearl Rosary

Chapter 2:The Warning

It was a bitter night; Elizabeth wrapped her cloak around her as Nell sat beside her shivering, either due to the cold or the fear of being ambushed by Highwaymen. Elizabeth handed her a thick woollen blanket as Sam and Gideon drove the coach forward, the monotonous rocking and rolling of the coach lulling her to sleep. She felt little fear, only stiffness as the cold crept into her slightly arthritic bones. However, Elizabeth was resolute; a feeling of numb oblivion drowning out the pain. She had grown used to these small signs of ageing; swatting them away, like she would an annoying fly. She had frequently travelled this road, always conscious of the danger; her faith in God's protection unfailing.

They arrived in the small hours; the lanterns casting halos in the darkness, softly illuminating a path beyond the open wrought iron gateway, in expectation of their arrival.

Exhausted and relieved Elizabeth stepped off the stagecoach. Like a moth to a flame a flash of bright tousled hair grabbed her attention. A child stumbled towards the coach; his limbs flailing as he came to a sudden standstill inches away. The boy had a stunned look; his mischievous eyes betraying his character, eyes so similar to that of her son's that a sharp pang of despair momentarily took her breath away.

The boy's verdant velvet doublet glistened in the flickering candlelight, a smooth beaver felt hat occupied his left hand attesting to his pre-eminence to nobility, and his sympathy to the Royalist cause. He reached into his hat and extracted a sealed letter; he placed his hat on his head, extinguishing the flame, while folding up one side until it sat stable on his crown. Intrigued, Elizabeth stepped forward, instinctively holding out her hand.

'Who are you?'

'My lady, I have my instructions. I am to give you the letter, upon your arrival, - his hat fell forward as he folded up the brim to allow an unhindered view, - then return to my uncle to inform him that...'

'Your Uncle?'-Elizabeth frowned, her mind buzzing with possibilities- 'and who may that be young Sir?'

'I am not obliged to share that information Madam,' the boy noted, his tone clipped with agitation at his foolishness. 'In fact, I must leave you now and make haste. 'Stepping away, the boy cocked his hat, a Cavalier salute, 'I suggest you read the letter!'

The arrogance the boy displayed stunned Elizabeth into silence. As she cracked open the seal, a feeling of foreboding flooded her senses. She quickly pored over the message until a gust of wind ripped it from her hand. An omen of the danger the letter forewarned, the Puritans were on their way, led by the Parliamentarian Sir Nicholas Barnardiston. Fear buffeted her, fracturing like dandelion seeds in a storm as she endeavoured to gain control.

'What did the boy want Mistress?' Sam, asked, Gideon's eyebrows lifting questioningly.

'I am afraid that we need to return to Melford Sam, as my liberty is in grave danger.'

Understanding dawned on her servants' faces, aware of the ill-feeling between the Puritans and Royalist supporters of the King. Rumours that the Roundheads were gathering force spread through the villages like wildfire. Their mission, to stamp out Catholicism and remove King Charles the 1st from power.

'It will be several hours before they arrive, after sunset, I imagine.' Fatigue overwhelmed her as her slight frame sagged, 'I need to recover my strength before I make the journey back. Sam...'

' Yes Mistress, I will prepare the coach and horses for the return trip.'

' No, I need you all to return immediately. It will be much safer for you if I travel alone.'

' What else did the letter say? Are we in danger too?' Sam asked frowning.

' The letter does not explicitly say that the Hall is in danger, but unfortunately, they will deem anybody associated with me a willing sympathiser. It would be wise for me not to return but I have my reasons. I suggest that when I depart Melford Hall you and your son, and the rest of the servants do too, until it is safe.'

Elizabeth looked up at Sam expectantly, his tone becoming sharp, 'Depart? What do you mean? What are you planning?'

Elizabeth sighed, her heart plummeting.

' I cannot stay, you know it's impossible. I will be travelling to France as soon as arrangements can be made.'

Sam stilled, straightening his shoulders,

'Yes Mistress, we understand.' Sam noted coldly, avoiding Elizabeth's eyes as Gideon shifted uncomfortably in his seat, 'How do you intend to return to Melford Hall?'

' I will ride. I shall take Nelson once he is fed and well-rested, as you know, Lord Thomas and I often rode from here to Long Melford so I know my way.'

'That is true my Lady, but time has passed...'

' I see,' Elizabeth scoffed, 'you think I am too old, too frail to accomplish such a feat?'

'No, no my lady, I'm quite sure that your willpower will guide your way.' Taking the lantern from the waiting stable boy he gestured for him to unhitch the horses. ' I'll keep my promise I made to your husband. I assure you; your welfare is my utmost priority.'

Elizabeth's heart jolted.

'Oh, I see your dilemma, I am sure my husband would have understood', Elizabeth smiled at the sudden warmth of Sam's gaze. 'I shall remain until first light, then ride to Colchester. I need to meet an old acquaintance as I have business to conclude. I look forward to spending more time with my loyal friends.'

Taking an intake of breath Sam turned towards Elizabeth sharply, 'There is no-one more loyal than your esteemed servants my lady!'
Elizabeth gasped, shaking her head in exasperation, 'Sam, I am a fool taking my frustration out on you. You misunderstand, I am not questioning your loyalty, it is so hard to know who to trust, but my trust in you is unwavering. I am so tired of running away, my bones are weary Sam. I just want to be left in peace.

Sam nodded in understanding as he passed a lantern to Elizabeth, it's warm glow highlighting the contours of both faces, casting shadowy hollows to hide behind. 'I wish I could tell you that you had no need to run, but I would be lying. I wish there was a way of keeping you safe'.

'I know Sam, I wish for that too'. Sam's eyes widened in surprise as Elizabeth gently brushed her ungloved fingers over his calloused ones as she took the lantern from him. 'Sam, please ask the stable boy to have Nelson ready for me before sunrise. I will pray for your safe return.' Elizabeth straightened her shoulders as she turned away, opening the arched doorway of the clock tower, closing the door behind her as she entered its flickering interior.

Well acquainted with Elizabeth's stubbornness Sam readied himself, and his young companions for their journey home.

'Well, Gideon, it is up to you to get us home safely. I hope you are well-rested'

'Well, I slept for a short while.' Gideon explained, his face becoming heated.

'Really? You wouldn't have thought so, with all that snoring you were doing all the way here, your head was leant on my shoulder.'

Gideon regarded Sam's accusations with mild outrage, while grinning inwardly, 'Well, it won't be the first time that I've had to lead old man.'

Sam was taken aback at his apprentice's uncharacteristic familiarity, jocularly striking him on the back.

'Very true, you young whippersnapper! Come on now, it looks like this little one needs help with the horses.'

Sam led the way as Gideon took hold of Nelson's reins, as they headed towards the stables, watching as the stable boy led two docile grey mares. Now awake Nell followed silently, with no thought or fortitude, she wrapped her woollen blanket tightly around her shoulders as she visibly shivered, her body seeking its warmth. Exhaustion had formed dull rings around her eyes as her body, devoid of strength, moved forward. Gideon glanced at her warmly, concern clouding his thoughts; catching each other's eyes they smiled intimately at one another. As the night began to surrender itself to the fog, an ashen curtain closed in, kissing their skin with moisture.
'Will we eat and rest before setting back?' Nell asked. Sam nodded as the horses settled into their stalls, whinnying in excitement as they gorged on fresh hay.

'I will bed in with the horses while you and Gideon rest in the servants quarters. You can wash and eat there; it has been arranged. We will be leaving at midnight'.