Page 148 of The King's Man
She held out a piece of paper. Jem took it, squinted at the writing on it and handed it to Kit.
‘You know I don’t read. You read it.’
Kit took the paper and frowned. The writing seemed familiar. He opened the seal and read:
Dear Jem,
I trust this note finds you and the girls well. My sister died a week ago and I grieve for her as I still grieve for my husband. I would be much obliged if you could arrange the conveyance of his belongings to me. I am to be found at Hartley Court, beyond the village of Milston. I hope you may come in person.
Yr friend, Thamsine Lovell.
Seeing Thamsine’s writing, Kit’s hand shook as he struggled to control his emotions.
Jem clapped his large hand over Kit’s. ‘What does it say?’
Kit read the note aloud.
‘No more excuses, Lovell,’ Jem said. ‘You know where she is and I reckon a personal delivery is called for.’
Kit pocketed the note and fought to control his shaking hands as he looked up at his old friend.
‘What do I do? How do I …?’
Jem thumped him on the back. ‘You’ve a sizeable ride to figure on it, Lovell. I’ll get you a horse in the morning.’
‘Another day or two …’ Kit began.
Jem fixed him with a glare. ‘Ye’re a coward, Lovell.’
Kit looked up at his friend.
‘I just can’t appear, Jem.’
‘Then write her a note!’ Jem’s voice betrayed a degree of impatience.
‘’Ere, Jem!’ A ragged boy appeared at the gate to the courtyard.
‘That’s Master Marsh to you, Harry!’ Jem growled. ‘What news?’
The boy gave a cheeky grin. ‘You asked me to tell you … ’
‘Go on,’ Jem interrupted.
‘They left this morning first thing. Hired a coach and I followed for a while but after they crossed the river I couldn’t keep up.’
‘Headed south?’
The boy nodded.
Kit glanced from the boy to Jem’s livid face.
‘Morton?’
Jem nodded. ‘Harry here’s been watching the house in Holborn Hill these weeks past.’
Kit felt in his purse for a coin and tossed it to the boy.
‘Thanks, Harry, you’ve done well.’ The boy touched his forehead and vanished into the busy street.
