To take one’s own life was a mortal sin. She knew that, yet chose to ignore it. Would her children be so confused? And what of compassion? Cilla, Galbot, and Roger had lost their father because Paul had not the courage to admit his crime. Joss had lost his sister to the man for the blinding of a dog.
As he rode out with Hempe and the others, Owen felt sullied by his part in taking the prisoners they now escorted to York. He was not at all sure that justice had been served. His companions were likewise quiet, as were the prisoners. Otto’s body remained behind, awaiting the coroner’s examination.
In late afternoon they entered the city, heading straight for the castle.
‘Leave them to stew overnight,’ said Hempe. ‘I’m for home, and Lotta.’ The name brought a smile to his beaky face. ‘Bless that woman. I’ve not once worried about the business through all of this, knowing she had it all in hand. God’s grace brought her into my life.’
‘God’s grace? It was a murderer threw you together as I recall.’
Hempe poked him with an elbow. ‘You know what I mean.’ As they reached the York Tavern, the bailiff hesitated. ‘One before we part?’
‘Bess will want to know all,’ Owen warned.
‘Ah. I’ve no mind to talk of it tonight. I will come by after I’ve been to the castle in the morning.’
‘You’ll not be charging the girl?’
‘Wren? I see no cause. But she’ll be alone. They’re all for hanging, Owen. They’ve more than disturbed the king’s peace. And whether or no they wielded the weapons, they assisted. When you’re captain of the bailiffs, this will be your task.’
‘If I accept I’ll not be a bailiff. My understanding is that I would not be called upon unless your men cannot cope.’
‘We’ll work you hard, Owen. Never doubt it. But so would the prince. Your skill with the bow yesterday was worthy of a captain of archers. If His Grace should hear of that … I’ll not be the fool to speak of it, but it will be all over the taverns of York tomorrow.’ Hempe slapped Owen’s back and continued on toward Stonegate and home.
Gwenllian and Hugh came running to greet Owen as he stepped through the door. He’d come through the kitchen, loath to leave a trail through the hall.
‘We’ll pull off your boots, Da,’ Gwen offered. ‘Sit thee down.’
Ah. A budding Magda Digby. ‘Wouldst thou?’ he asked, grabbing her up and tickling her.
‘Hugh, too!’ his son shouted.
‘Alisoun has company,’ said Kate as she handed him an ale. ‘Master Crispin and Dame Muriel.’
‘Together?’
‘No. But, well, if I were to wager– Oh, Hugh!’
The lad had fallen onto the flagstones as the boot he tugged on released unexpectedly. His face crinkled as he felt the pain, and his mouth opened, releasing a loud howl.
‘I met a couple who howl like that together,’ said Owen, leaning over to pick up his son with the fiery hair and the powerful lungs. ‘And she was wearing skins, had her face painted like Wren’s.’
That got Hugh’s attention, and he quieted, even began to smile as Owen tickled him.
Over the boy’s shoulder Owen looked at Kate. ‘Is Wren still here?’
‘She is, much to Mistress Alisoun’s discomfort. She would do everything for her, and you know Mistress Alisoun, such fussing is most unwelcome.’
‘My friend says you shot people with your bow and arrows, Da. Is it true?’ Gwenllian’s voice broke a little on the question.
He set Hugh down and crouched to his daughter. ‘I did so to prevent them from causing more harm, and to slow them down so that I might catch them and bring them to answer for their crimes. I do not kill unless it is the only way to save others.’
‘Alisoun killed.’
‘She did not mean to. The man moved too quickly.’
‘Master Burnby the coroner came to tell Alisoun she should not bring her weapons into the city. A girl has no business with such things.’
‘He said that to Alisoun?’
A grave nod. ‘She does not like him.’
‘I doubt she does.’
‘But he said, “Captain Archer has power now, so he’ll defend you,” and then he left. I thought you should know.’
So Owen and the coroner had a problem. ‘I am grateful for the warning, my love.’
‘I think he wishes he had her courage.’
‘I do, too!’ Hugh shouted.
How had Owen’s children grown so wise so quickly?
An afternoon and evening with his family did much to restore Owen. Once the children had gone up with Lena, Jasper had retired, Alisoun and Magda had moved their pallets into the kitchen, Wren insisting on sleeping on a pallet at the foot of their bed, Owen and Lucie settled in front of the hearth fire.
‘I cannot recall the last time we were so alone,’ said Lucie, ‘except in bed.’
‘Do not say it! You will jinx the moment.’ Owen laughed as he pulled her close, kissed her. ‘I hated being away from you.’
‘I am glad you did not try to ride into the night. But the bed was so cold.’ She kissed him back, rubbed his hands.
He asked her how she was coping with the loss of Philippa, the aunt who had become so much a part of their lives. He watched her lovely face as the emotions rose, and held her close as she spoke with love of her aunt’s big heart, her strength, her quiet support.
‘Yesterday I found Gwenllian curled up in Philippa’s cape, whispering to herself,’ she said. ‘And Hugh seems confused about whether or not she’ll return. He seems to think that good souls resurrect, and he is certain she qualifies. At any moment she might appear on our doorstep.’
‘The worst time for them to see their beloved Alisoun bedridden,’ said Owen.
‘I know. Of a sudden they see that those they love can be hurt, or even die,’ said Lucie. ‘As I did with my mother.’ Her mother had died when Lucie was quite young, her father so devastated he sent her to Clementhorpe Nunnery while he went off on pilgrimage.
‘They have us,’ said Owen.
‘Yes.’
As Lucie rose to poke at the fire, Owen told her of his conversation with Gwenllian regarding the coroner and Alisoun’s prowess.
‘It is rumored that he often dines with John Gisburne,’ said Lucie. ‘Need you know more?’ She kissed Owen as she returned to her seat. ‘We’ve nothing to fear from Burnby.’
‘Fear, no. But he will find ways to annoy me.’
‘Here’s something to cheer us. I went to Winifrith, to tell her that her father was safe in York, and would soon be home. She told the children right then and there. The joy on their faces, the happy shrieks – how they love him. Old Bede is home now, the coroner happy with what he had to add. He’s asked him to sit on the jury.’
‘God help us. We will never hear the end of that at the tavern.’
‘While I was there, Olyf Tirwhit was sitting with Euphemia, the two of them trading insults and accusations. I learned from Crispin that Adam Tirwhit had known of his plan to return almost two years ago, when Neville first realized Thoresby was dying. He wanted Crispin here to clear the way. Word had passed round among the merchants. That must be how Joss and Warin’s children learned of his imminent return. In the end Crispin was delayed, giving them ample time to be in place.’
‘Such a complex plan.’
‘Such a long-simmering hate.’
‘Crispin and Muriel. Kate believes they may become a couple.’
Lucie smiled at the fire. ‘I noticed it as well. I do not know whether to wish them that joy. Olyf Tirwhit will never forgive them.’
‘We know Crispin and Olyf could never be. And for the child about to be born to have a father, that would be a blessing.’
Lucie took his hand. ‘Yes. Crispin is nothing like Hoban, and perhaps that is all for the best. I wish them joy if they choose each other. For another couple, I see stormy seas ahead.’