Page 96 of The King's Man
‘Only those of us within this room know these plans,’ Lord Gerard said firmly. ‘Every man here is to be trusted.’
Debigné straightened. ‘That is good,’ he said. ‘When next we meet we talk about an alternative plan. Now, gentlemen, I am weary from the voyage. Baron?’
‘Where are you staying?’ Kit asked.
Debigné’s cold eyes met his. ‘I make my own arrangements. You may leave a message with Baron De Baas and I will contact him.’
After Debigné and De Baas left, the conspirators turned to their usual occupation of wine and cards. Kit chafed with impatience. He would have liked to have followed the Frenchmen, but to have left immediately on their tail would have caused comment.
He forced himself to a few rounds before excusing himself. There were other things he needed to accomplish before the day was done, and the first required a ride to Turnham Green to tell Jane Knott that her sister was safe.
***
Kit chose a horse with a better temperament than his last mount and made good time to the village. With the practice of years, he took up a position where he could watch the house in Turnham Green unobserved. He had no wish to see Roger Knott, so he dispatched a boy with a short, cryptic note that only Jane Knott would understand.
Wearing a cloak and hat and carrying a basket, Jane Knott left the house half an hour after the boy delivered his note. Kit slipped from his hiding place and followed her at a discreet distance.
She bought vegetables and some meat from the local stallholders and, carrying her basket, walked down to the riverbank. When he was certain she was out of sight and earshot of the village he closed the distance between them and came upon Jane, sitting on the riverbank, her knees drawn up to her chest, like a child.
‘Mistress Knott?’
She jumped like a startled rabbit and started to rise.
He held up his hand and sat down beside her. ‘I’m sorry to startle you.’
‘Your note was somewhat vague,’ Jane said, ‘but I hoped it was you.’
‘I have just come to tell you that I found Thamsine.’
Jane looked up at him. ‘Is she … ?’
‘She is alive and unhurt.’ He paused, uncertain of how much to tell her. ‘He had confined her to Bedlam.’
Jane put a hand to her throat. ‘Oh, surely not that awful place?’
‘She would have been dead or mad within weeks,’ Kit stated. ‘He used the name Annie Morton to secure her. His sister, I presume?’
Jane nodded. ‘Yes, poor Annie. Is Thamsine all right? He didn’t … ?’
‘Apart from a few bruises and shock she seems unharmed, and she is safe with friends for the moment.’
Jane closed her eyes. ‘Thank God. Morton came to the house this morning in a fearful temper. He and Roger left for London two hours ago.’
‘Morton needs your husband again.’
Jane lowered her eyes. ‘I know. He and your friend Lucy Talbot hold him fast. He is so afraid of scandal. He would be ruined.’
‘And what about you?’ Kit frowned. ‘Mistress Knott, your husband is a confessed adulterer of the worst sort. Have you never considered leaving him?’
She looked horrified. ‘Those who God has joined together, let no man put asunder,’ she said. ‘And there are the children … no, I could never leave him. Despite what he did, he does love me, Captain Lovell.’
Kit nodded. He was not sure he entirely understood but he respected her right to value security over honour.
‘You may have found Thamsine and while she is safe for the moment, it will not end there, Captain Lovell.’ Jane accepted his hand and allowed him to help her to her feet. ‘It won’t end until Ambrose Morton is dead or … ’ She looked at him.
‘Or … ?’
‘Or Thamsine is wed to another.’ She paused and looked up at him. ‘My father’s will does not name Ambrose Morton as a beneficiary. It states that the estate passes to Thamsine upon her marriage. Marriage will free her.’ She grasped his hand. ‘Captain Lovell, do you love her?’
