Nicholas was keen to be on the way. There was a long journey ahead of them and a protracted leave-taking would only produce more sadness among those left behind. After giving Anne a kiss of farewell, he called the others to order and told them to clamber aboard the wagons that had been allotted to them. A flurry of embraces with loved ones followed before the departing actors were ready. Nicholas signalled to Mussett to join him on the first wagon and the four apprentices were delighted to have the clown beside them. Firethorn, Elias and James Ingram mounted their horses. For reasons that remained undisclosed, Hoode had decided to travel on a donkey. They were all sorry to be leaving the comforts of London and the security of their playhouse at the Queen’s Head. Travel would be arduous and it was uncertain how well they would be received in the various towns where they intended to play. Unseen hazards might lie ahead. Subduing their individual fears, they put on a brave face for their departure.
At the last moment, however, it was unexpectedly delayed. Out of the stream of traffic that had been rattling south over London Bridge since dawn came a small cart that was moving at some speed. The driver, a stout man in his fifties, yelled aloud and waved to them with his whip. When he reached the wagons, he took his cart in a circle before bringing it to a halt. Lying on straw in the rear and propped up on a leather trunk was Barnaby Gill, his broken leg still held fast between splints.
‘Wait!’ he called. ‘I’ll come with you.’
‘That’s madness, Barnaby,’ said Firethorn.
‘I insist. If someone else is to take my roles, I wish to be there to make sure that he does not abuse them.’ His eye flicked over the assembly. ‘Where is the knave?’
‘Here, Barnaby,’ said Mussett, standing up to give him a cheerful wave. ‘It’s good to see you again.’
‘I take no delight in seeing you,’ said Gill sharply. ‘Now, help me, someone. Get me and my baggage off this cart and onto the most comfortable wagon.’
‘Is it wise to travel in that condition?’ asked Nicholas.
‘If both my legs were broken, I’d happily endure the pain.’
‘No,’ said Firethorn. ‘We’ll not let you suffer so, Barnaby. We’re actors. We have no skills as nurses. You need care and attention.’
‘I need to be sure that no threadbare clown will try to displace me.’
‘You will only be in the way, man.’
‘That’s my intention, Lawrence.’
‘Do not be so perverse,’ said Hoode, bringing his donkey alongside the cart. ‘Why give yourself further grief? You’ll get no pleasure from what you see, only the anguish of hearing another being applauded in your stead.’
‘You penned those roles for me, Edmund. I want to protect my property.’
‘It would be more sensible to protect your injured leg.’
‘My mind is made up.’
Hoode and Firethorn tried to persuade him of the folly of his decision but he was adamant. As a leading sharer with the troupe, Gill had rights that he was not prepared to cede to anyone. When the argument reached its peak, it was Mussett who ran across to join in. Alone of those present, he offered encouragement.
‘Welcome, Barnaby,’ he said. ‘Travel beside me in my wagon.’
‘Anywhere but that!’ snapped Gill.
‘But we could discuss the roles I have to play.’
‘Never!’
‘I could explain to you how I’ll outshine you in each and every one.’
‘Keep away from me, Giddy.’
‘Would you not like to have me as your nurse?’
‘I’d sooner eat your night soil!’
Mussett cackled. ‘A herbal remedy that cures all ills, I do assure you.’
Nicholas intervened to separate the two men, sending Mussett back to the first wagon then trying his best to make Gill reconsider his decision. It was all to no avail. The company was forced to accept an additional member on its tour. With the utmost care, Gill was carried across to the last of the wagons with his baggage and made as comfortable as was possible. He sat there with a grim smile on his face. Firethorn had profound misgivings. He turned to Nicholas.
‘I spy danger ahead,’ he confided, rolling his eyes. ‘There is only one thing worse than having no clown.’
‘I know,’ said Nicholas. ‘Having two of them.’
Chapter Five
Progress was slow on the first stage of the journey south. Driving the first of the wagons, Nicholas Bracewell set the pace, making sure that the horses were not pushed too far or too fast as they hauled their heavy loads over uneven roads. There were frequent stops to rest and water the animals, and to allow the travellers to take refreshment or relieve themselves. Moods varied considerably in the three wagons. Thanks to the presence of Giddy Mussett, the occupants of the first were in a state of almost continuous delight. George and the four apprentices, in particular, laughed at everything he said or did. Nicholas was amused by some of the comments he heard over his shoulder but he had not forgiven Mussett for delaying their departure and giving them all an unnecessary fright. Had they left at the appointed hour, Nicholas reflected, they might have avoided the embarrassment of having to include Barnaby Gill in their number.
Rowland Carr was in charge of the second wagon. As well as much of their baggage, it also contained several of the actors. Carr was a sharer with the troupe, a slim, sharp-featured man in his early forties with a reputation for being dependable. While he would never be capable of stealing a scene on stage, he could always be relied upon to offer a sterling performance in a supporting role. Like the others around him, Carr was a married man who was sad to part with his wife and children, fearful that they might not manage easily without him. Owen Elias rode beside the wagon and tried to cheer his fellows with humorous comments but a mood of quiet sorrow prevailed. They were already missing the joys of family life.
It was in the third wagon that Barnaby Gill held court, stretched out in the middle of the remaining actors and pouring scorn on the hated rival who had replaced him. His remarks were a compound of envy, malice and sheer disgust. They did nothing to lighten the atmosphere in the wagon. Lawrence Firethorn brought his stallion alongside and attempted once more to convince Gill that he would be better off in London.
‘All you will do is prolong your misery,’ he said.
‘It’s my decision, Lawrence.’
‘A foolish one, at that. Why force yourself to watch something that you know you will despise? And there is another aspect here. How can Giddy Mussett give of his best if you are leering at him from the audience?’
Gill smirked. ‘I’ll do more than leer at him, I warrant you!’
‘Think how that may damage our performance, Barnaby.’
‘Mussett is my only target.’
‘But you’ll trouble the whole company.’
The others in the wagon said nothing but their expressions showed that they agreed with Firethorn’s observation. Gill was already proving a disruptive influence. He was a prickly travelling companion with a score to settle. Serious problems would ensue.
Summer sunshine bathed them every inch of the way and it was only when evening shadows began to dapple the fields around them that they started to look for shelter. Nicholas selected a wayside inn called the Shepherd and Shepherdess because it was large enough to accommodate them and well over halfway to their first destination. Its brightly painted sign depicted two rustic lovers, each in a smock and equipped with a crook, holding hands as they stood amid their sheep. After leading the troupe into the yard, Nicholas brought them to a halt for the day. As soon as the book holder jumped down from the wagon, Firethorn beckoned him over.