The Prodigal Son by Kate Sedley Read Free Book Online

‘In that case,’ I went on, ‘what about Master Wedmore? What happens to him?’
    â€˜It’s been agreed that we hold him for thirty days. If, at the end of that time, Dame Bellknapp has not returned to the city with evidence or witnesses to corroborate her accusation against him, then he will be released.’
    â€˜Thirty days!’ I exclaimed in disgust. ‘You’re going to keep that poor boy locked up for thirty days while some vindictive old crone browbeats her dependents into backing up her story? If he were—’
    Richard sighed wearily. ‘I know! I know! If he were the son of a belted earl, or even of a city alderman, it would be different. Of course it would. Grow up, for heaven’s sake, Roger! See the world for what it is, not as you think it ought to be. And, furthermore, Dame Bellknapp is not a crone. A little long in the tooth, perhaps – I doubt she’ll see forty again – but a handsome woman for all that.’
    â€˜I can see she’s won you over,’ I accused him furiously, and stormed off home without giving him a chance to answer.
    I barged into the kitchen, where Adela was seated at the table with Nicholas and Elizabeth, trying to teach them their numbers and letters, took off my boots and threw them across the room. My spirits lifted a little, however, when I realized that my former mother-in-law was no longer present.
    Adela relieved the children of their hornbooks, patted them on the head and told them to run along. ‘Your father’s present mood is unfit for your little eyes and ears.’ They needed no second bidding, and after casting me a leery glance, disappeared upstairs, where they were soon to be heard charging around like Hannibal and all his elephants. ‘Well? What’s the matter?’ she demanded.
    I told her, calming down as I did so, soothed by her presence and by that rare ability of hers to listen without interrupting. But even when I’d finished, she still said nothing for a full minute, one hand pressed to her mouth, while she assimilated the most important part of my story.
    At last she asked, ‘And you’re certain, sweetheart, that this John Wedmore isn’t lying? That he
is
your father’s son? Your half-brother?’
    â€˜I have no doubt whatsoever. I knew he reminded me of someone the moment he walked into the Green Lattis. He’s my father, as I remember him, to the life. And other memories confirm the truth of what he says. He’s blood of my blood, I’m sure of it.’
    She took a deep, trembling breath. ‘Then you must help him. Of course you must. You have no choice in the matter. You … You don’t think he could be who this Dame Bellknapp says he is?’
    â€˜He swears he was in Ireland at the time of the murder. I see no reason to disbelieve him, and until I do …’ I let the sentence hang.
    â€˜In which case,’ Adela said quietly, ‘if you believe him innocent, then you must do your best to prove him so.’
    I sighed, drawing her up into my arms and holding her tightly. ‘It’ll mean going to Croxcombe Manor,’ I said. ‘I can’t tell how long I might be away. I’ll take my pack, of course. The journey will take me the better part of two days; longer if I stop at the intervening villages to do some selling. Here!’ I let her go and emptied the contents of my purse on the kitchen table. ‘Is that enough to keep you and the children while I’m away?’
    Adela counted out the coins and nodded. ‘A week perhaps, if I’m careful.’ She added reproachfully, ‘You haven’t been very busy these past few days.’
    â€˜I know.’ I was contrite. ‘I’ll take Hercules with me. He’ll be one less mouth to feed.’
    â€˜Oh, you’ll certainly take Hercules with you,’ Adela answered cheerfully. ‘I had no intention of keeping him here with me.