Chapter XIV
XIV
‘Lord Robert’s here,’ John hissed.
Both Maggie and Bess gasped in horror. The babe, sensing the tension, started to cry.
‘What shall we do?’ Bess whispered.
‘Maggie, you take the babe down the backstairs,’ John said. ‘I’ll tell him I’ve done the deed, and hope that satisfies him.’
‘And if it doesn’t?’ Bess said.
‘Then say your prayers.’
Maggie eyed him ruefully as she took the baby from the mother. ‘If anyone comes, maid…’ she instructed Bess, ‘then lie absolutely still and hold your breath. You look half-dead as it is – it won’t take much playacting.’
‘I’ll try,’ Bess gasped. ‘Just… keep my baby safe.’
‘I will, love. I will.’
Maggie left the room with the newborn, slipping through the door at the end of the hallway.
John took the candle and hobbled down the corridor to the main stairs, the dog bounding before him.
He considered his options. Invite Lord Robert to watch in person and stab the girl as instructed, stab Lord Robert and swing for it, or… trust Maggie’s ruse.
Every option fled from his head as he saw the tall figure of the lord come up the stairs to the landing. His chilling presence made the candle flame gutter.
‘Is it done?’ he said, staring coldly at John.
John’s bad knee began to tremble. ‘Yes, m’lord,’ he said. ‘I did the deed myself.’ He took out his blade, still slick with the blood from the baby’s cord.
‘Then you’ve earned this.’ Lord Robert held out a purse, but when John tried to grab it, he snatched it away. ‘First, I wish to see for myself.’
‘Err, the maid’s not a pretty sight, m’lord. I was about to take the body down to the caves. Feed the fishes and whatnot…’
Lord Robert frowned and waved away his excuse. ‘Take me to her. Now.’
‘Course, m’lord,’ John muttered.
His feet were heavy with dread as he led his patron down the hallway.
He could sense Lord Robert’s tenseness to see the deed done, and tried to give the lady some warning by stomping hard across the boards and speaking loudly.
Of the weather, of the state of the roads, and then when he reached the door, he said loudly, ‘You sure, m’lord, that you want to see the corpse? ’
There was a snuffling sound inside, like the drawing of a breath. He rattled the handle hard before opening the door a crack.
The room was dark except for a thin beam of moonlight. John tried to block the view of the bed, but held up his candle to illuminate the mass of blood and gore.
‘Here, she is, m’lord. T’was a bloody business, but it’s done. You’re a free man, and that’s worth something.’
Lord Robert came into the room. Jep growled and snapped at him. He kicked the dog out of the way and moved around the pool of blood to the head of the bed. ‘So perfect,’ he said, brushing a strand of hair from the lady’s face. ‘But sadly, a whore like all the rest—’
‘Old John, you blasted murderer! Come out of that room!’
Maggie flung open the door, drawing Lord Robert’s attention. ‘Oh, m’lord,’ she said in well-feigned surprise. ‘My man’s done the deed as you asked.’
She held open the door and to John’s relief, Lord Robert left the room.
Only then did John realise how hard his old heart was thudding.
But each beat was surely one closer to his next whisky, and by the devil, that was something to look forward to.
He followed the master out and pulled the door shut.
‘You’ve done well, Old John Dog.’ Lord Robert handed him the purse. ‘See that the corpse is disposed of and spread the word that she’s returned to her family in London.’
‘Yes, sir.’
Lord Robert smiled coldly, looking from him to Maggie. ‘And remember, if either of you breathe a word of this, you’ll both be hanged for murder. Your word being worth exactly nothing.’
‘Yes, sir,’ John and Maggie said at once.
He threw Maggie an extra coin – this one gold. ‘A round of drinks on the house,’ he said. ‘As soon as I’m gone, make it happen.’
The murderous lord turned on his heel and strode away.
In all his life, John had never felt such a raving thirst – or such satisfying relief. As soon as the master had disappeared down the stairs, he and Maggie slipped back into the room. Bess hadn’t moved, but as soon as they entered, tears beaded in her eyes.
‘Is it over?’ she rasped.
Maggie sat at her bedside and took her hand. ‘It is,’ she said. ‘The baby’s asleep now, and your husband’s gone.’
‘You’re quite the actress, maid,’ Old John said. ‘Hiding in plain sight. He never s’pected a thing.’