Page 2 of Feathers in the Wind
‘It seems to me,’ Adam straightened. and kept his voice low and even, ‘that we have a King who believes he can rule contrary to the will of the people.’
‘The king’s greatest enemy is his own parliament,’ Robin said.
‘The king’s greatest enemy is himself.’ Adam turned his gaze on Robin.
‘What do you mean?’ Robin came around to stand beside Denzil.
‘I served the king, Robin. I know the character of the man. He has a firm and unshakable belief in what he sees as his divine right to rule. Parliament may have forced him to hand over his powers of taxation and his courts but I cannot see him ever agreeing to surrender his right to choose his own counsellors or to control his army. Nor will he agree to abolish the bishops and the Prayer Book. Isn’t that what parliament has asked of him?’
The colour rose higher in Denzil's florid cheeks. ‘All that and more, Coulter. They are saying that the king can no longer be trusted to make his own judgments about the men best able to advise him or to control his army. They have driven him from London.’
Adam thrust away from the fireplace and paced the room, running his hand through his hair. ‘God's death, do these people who talk of war have any idea what damage a civil war can wreak? I’ve seen civil war at first hand and I’ve no wish to see the likes of it in this country.’ He turned to face Denzil. ‘Whatever you want of me, Denzil, I’ll have no part of it. I’ve come home with enough in my purse for a small estate and I intend to turn my hand to the till, not the sword.’
Denzil snorted. ‘You’ll be bored of that within a month, or you’re not the man I remember. Coulter.’ His tone softened, almost wheedling. ‘Let’s put the past behind us. You were young. I can forgive you your indiscretion.’
Indiscretion? Was that the price of a man’s life?
Adam’s shoulders tensed in the old, familiar way. ‘What do you want of me, Denzil?’
‘I’m offering you a commission in my regiment of horse.’
Adam raised an eyebrow. ‘You have a regiment of horse?’
Denzil raised his chin. ‘I’ve raised the militia.’
‘Before the king has even raised his standard? No thank you. I want no part of this accursed affair.’
‘Is that your final answer, Coulter?’
‘It is. I would be pleased to do as you ask and put the past behind us, but I cannot in all conscience join this venture at your side.’
Denzil’s jaw tightened and Adam braced himself for an explosion. Instead his brother threw up his hands and sighed. ‘What will you do?’
‘I will do as I said. Continue my journey to Shropshire where I intend to inspect a property and God willing, that is where I shall stay.’
Denzil glanced at Robin. ‘You think Shropshire far enough away to escape our troubles?’
‘No. I have lived through civil war, Denzil. It is insidious. It will seek out even the most remote corners of this poor, benighted country.’
Robin cleared his throat. ‘We have been wondering about Aunt Joan.’
This shift in the conversation took Adam by surprise. ‘Aunt Joan?’
‘Yes. She was recently widowed,’ Robin looked up at Denzil. ‘Denzil?’
‘I am now head of this family and I am naturally concerned for her welfare in the coming conflict.’
‘That’s very touching, but like myself Joan has hardly been your concern since her marriage.’ Adam could hear the sarcasm in his voice.
Denzil’s jaw tightened again and he blew out a breath. ‘What Robin is trying to say is I am prepared to put her enmity with father aside and offer her the protection of her former home at Marchants, should she wish it.’
Adam laughed. ‘Why in God’s sweet name would she want to go to Marchants? She hated the place as much as I did.’
‘Damn it, Coulter.’ Denzil brought a powerful fist down on the table. ‘You are trying my patience. As head of the family I believe it my place to try and heal the wounds that have divided us for too long. If you are passing Preswood, can you at least take her my message.’
Adam paused. ‘Preswood is near Stratford from memory and it would be good to see her again. Very well, I will take her your message.’ At the door, Adam turned to face his brothers. ‘I suppose I should thank you for the olive branch Denzil, but it’s too late. We were a family divided long before this became a country divided.’ He inclined his head and walked out of the room, resisting the temptation to slam the door behind him.
Chapter 2
