Free [Roger the Chapman 02] - The Plymouth Cloak by Kate Sedley Page A

our room,' I said, 'until such time as the Falcon drops anchor in the Cattewater. We can drag one bed across the door, as we did last night, and answer it to no one but Master Penryn or Moll. We should be sufficiently safe to guard against any intruder.' But I have to admit that my heart sank as I made the suggestion. Five, possibly six, days of Philip Underdown's company in what would virtually be a prison was more than I could contemplate with any equanimity. And it would be all of that before the Sheriff's messengers could get to London and the King, even riding day and night, and bear his answer back again. And even when that was accomplished, the Falcon had still to sail up the coast to Plymouth.
    It was almost with relief that I heard Philip say: 'No! I’ll not put up with it!' He looked at Simon Whitehead. 'Are you returning to Falmouth?'
    The other man glanced obliquely at the landlord, who circumspectly withdrew leaving the jug of ale on the table.
    Simon refilled his mazer and answered: 'I must. I have unfinished business there. Why? What is it you want me to do?'  
    'Get a message to the Master of the Falcon . Tell him I shall be in Plymouth again a week from today. Until then, I intend to lie up at Trenowth Manor, across the Tamar. Roger and I will leave tonight and cross by the ferry. After that, we ride northward under cover of darkness, arriving at Trenowth in time for breakfast.'
    I knit my brows. 'And what tale do you tell the goodman of the house for wishing to remain a sennight under his roof?. The weather is not yet severe enough to provide excuse.'  
    'I shall tell Sir Peveril the truth. He and his lady are sworn supporters of the House of York. They'll not fail us.' Simon Whitehead chewed his lower lip. 'I happen to know that Sir Peveril and Lady Trenowth have been in London since August, and mean to stay there until the winter.'
    'All the better. We can think of a story to satisfy the servants, and in any case they won't ask too many questions.
    This time of year, when the travelling minstrels and jugglers and acrobats are all settling into their winter quarters, life on the manor starts to get boring. They'll be glad of any distraction, and the women will be particularly pleased to see a fine young fellow like Roger here.' Philip smiled suddenly, his teeth showing whitely against his tanned skin. 'And of course, I shall be delighted to make any woman free of my company, whatever her age.'
    'You're familiar with Trenowth Manor?' I asked, not at all happy with the prospect thus sketched out for me. It seemed a foolish risk to take, when we might be reasonably safe at the Turk's Head. On the other hand, recalling my misgivings of a few minutes earlier, I realized that I was not so averse to the idea as I had at first thought.
    'I know all this area as well as I know the environs of my native city. I told you, my brother and I worked out of Plymouth for many years.' Philip folded his hands together on the table before him, regarding Simon Whitehead and myself with a challenging stare.
    Simon Whitehead finished his ale. 'It makes no difference to me where you wait. I'll certainly carry your message to the Falcon's Master, but after that, my part in this affair is finished. And now I must get some food, some rest and a change of horse before I start my ride back to Falmouth this afternoon. God be with you.'
    He gave us both a brief nod before getting to his feet and going in search of John Penryn. My companion and I were left sitting at the table.
    What makes you think we won't be followed to Trenowth Manor?' I asked. 'Our unknown gentleman has proved himself very persistent.'
    'As I said, it'll be dark. There are a number of ways out of this town and John Penryn knows all of them. For a consideration, he and two of his men will go with us as far as the outskirts and make sure that we are not being followed. You can trust him.'
    'And what of the horses? Two animals in the streets after curfew is bound to