Reckless Angel by Jane Feather Read Free Book Online Page B

Tom has kindly offered to provide escort since my grandfather is rather feeble, and just one man cannot offer sufficient protection against marauding Cavaliers and highwaymen.”
    Daniel struggled to grasp the role of enfeebled ancient that had clearly been allotted him. “I am to grow a white beard, I assume, and adopt a shambling gait and toothless mumble.”
    Henrietta laughed. “Nay, I do not see why that should be necessary.”
    â€œWhat a fortunate man I am,” he declared.
    â€œIf I spin the tale aright,” Henrietta explained, ignoring the pointed irony, “there is no reason why anyof you, except perhaps Tom, should have to show yourselves. They will issue the passes in the names I give, and once we have ’em no one will question them. If I say that you are nine and seventy and they put that upon the pass, then we may easily fashion a two out of the seven.”
    â€œSweet Jesus,” groaned Daniel. “Nine and seventy!”
    â€œI do not think you are taking this seriously, sir,” Henrietta said indignantly. “I am quite in earnest, I assure ye.”
    â€œâ€™Tis a nonsensical plan.” Daniel broke off a hunk of barley bread from the loaf. “I understand you would have done with our present discomfort, but nursery games of make-believe are not the way.”
    Henrietta flushed at this dismissal. “’Tis not a nursery game. I know I can make it work if I but have the clothes. Tom may accompany me. There is nothing to say that he is for King not Parliament, and I am sure he will agree to say that he is for Parliament. Would you not, Tom?” She looked in appeal at the trooper, stolidly eating bread and cheese while the debate raged around him.
    â€œIf’n it’d serve a purpose,” he agreed. “But Sir Daniel has the right of it. ’Tis a crazy plan…moon-mad.”
    Henrietta said nothing, but her mouth lost its soft curve and her jaw took on a rather determined set that Will at least recognized with a stab of foreboding.
    They remained in the barn throughout the sodden afternoon. Daniel attempted to soften his dictatorial rejection of Henrietta’s plan, but she seemed impervious to all conversational tacks and all suggestions as to lighthearted ways in which to pass the time. In the end he gave up and lapsed into gloomy reflection. He could not accuse her of sulking, he decided, watching her through half-closed eyes. It was more as if she were deeply distracted by something.
    Indeed she was deep in thought, making and discarding plans with a cool calculation. Without help, she would be obliged to carry out the scheme alone and inher present guise, but perhaps she could turn that to advantage. Suddenly aware of Sir Daniel’s covert scrutiny, she closed her eyes, yawning mightily as she leaned back against the barn wall, praying that he would not notice the betraying color she could feel creeping into her cheeks.
    Daniel closed his own eyes. Sleep seemed the only way to pass the interminable hours until the rain should cease and they could start out again. Both Will and Tom had followed Harry’s example and there was little point in staying awake by himself. Within ten minutes, his deep, rhythmic breathing mingled with that of the others.
    Henrietta’s eyes shot open. Stealthily, she got to her feet. Sir Daniel’s purse lay beside his saddlebags. Her furtive fingers extracted two crowns. She had no idea how much the passes would cost, but she could not appear to have great sums to spend. For a maid in her position a crown would amount to some considerable sacrifice—one that should convince the officers of her authenticity and genuine plight.
    Tucking her hair into her knitted cap, fastening her leather jerkin and turning up the collar, she crept out of the barn into the gathering dusk where the rain had turned to a dismal drizzle. She ran across the barnyard, her booted feet squelching on the