The Hunter’s Tale by Margaret Frazer Read Free Book Online Page A

clerk and Master Carrow. I think you are acquainted with Master Carrow, my lady?”
     
    ‘The saddler in Banbury. Yes.“
     
    ‘Another copy, likewise signed, sealed, and witnessed, is in my keeping in Banbury. The provisions of the will are much as you probably expect. If there’s no objection, I will summarize, rather than read them out at length?“ He paused and, when no one objected, went on, ”Of course to Master Miles Woderove goes the manor of Goscote in Leicestershire, as entailed.“
     
    ‘And be damned to Sir Ralph,“ Miles muttered, so low only Hugh heard him. Miles’ hands, clenched one around the other, eased. He had been waiting, Hugh realized, for one final bitterness from his grandfather.
     
    ‘This manor of Woodrim,“ Master Wyck went on, ”goes to Master Thomas Woderove with all appurtenances and rights and so forth.“ He made a general gesture with one hand. ”You are already well acquainted with what those are, I’m sure, Master Woderove. Also all other of his properties except as are otherwise given elsewhere in this will. Master Hugh Woderove is to have the hounds, all that goes with them, and his horse and his father’s recommendation as a worthy and skilled huntsman and master of hounds, should he need or choose to seek other hire than with his brother.“ Master Wyck paused and looked at Hugh. ”I have that recommendation in my possession, written out in his own hand, signed and sealed, against such time as you may desire it.“
     
    Hugh made an acknowledging nod, caught between surprised pleasure and complete relief. Until now he had not dared let himself think about what might happen with him now Sir Ralph was dead. Here and the hounds were all he knew and if he had lost them…
     
    ‘You are likewise to have such property as Sir Ralph held in Banbury and Northampton,“ Master Wyck went on. ”Also ten marks in coin or else property to that amount upon such time as you marry, so long as you marry with Lady Anneys’ approval and before you are thirty years of age.“
     
    Miles insufficiently smothered a laugh. Hugh slapped the back of a hand against his leg and muttered, “Shut up.”
     
    Tom was trying but failing to hold in a grin. Their mother was a little frowning but whether with displeasure or disquiet Hugh could not tell.
     
    Master Wyck continued, “Lady Elyn, having already been provided with her dowry upon her marriage, has no further provision made for her. As is usual and as I think you knew?” he inquired of Lady Anneys and Sir William together. They both nodded that they did. Unless a daughter were also an heiress, her inheritance was usually considered complete upon her marriage. “For his other daughters, Sir Ralph has provided as much for their marriages as was given with Lady Elyn, so long as they marry with your approval, Lady Anneys, though if Ursula chooses to become a nun she shall have five marks more than otherwise.” Master Wyck cleared his throat. “There are a variety of other provisions made, mostly concerning Masses for his soul…”
     
    Hugh kicked Miles’ foot and Miles choked his laughter into a smothered cough.
     
    ‘I’ll leave those to Master Woderove“—he nodded respectfully to Tom—”and the executors to read in detail. It is the matter of the executors, however, that I should like to directly address.“
     
    Tom leaned forward. “Is this where the bastard twists us over?”
     
    ‘Tom,“ Lady Anneys said.
     
    ‘Three executors are appointed,“ Master Wyck said. ”Lady Anneys. Sir William Trensal. Master Hugh Woderove.“
     
    Tom looked at Hugh, his surprise matching Hugh’s own, and Hugh let his discomfort and discomfiture show with a frown. He had neither expected nor wanted that duty. Tom shook his head, telling him that he didn’t care, and said to Master Wyck, “Sir William is to be main executor, I suppose?”
     
    Master Wyck hesitated before admitting, somewhat uncomfortably, “In truth…