Free Beloved Abductor by June Francis Page A

was his mistress and had plotted with him to murder his wife, and that despite her being his cousin, he planned to marry her.’
    ‘God’s bones!’ Dickon stared at Edmund. ‘You believe that of her?’
    Edmund hesitated and then, ignoring Dickon’s question, he continued. ‘I still had a key to the postern gate—or at least I knew where it was hidden. My half-brothers and I often used that way in and out of the castle, long after they built the sluice-gate for the mill and the water ran too shallow for boats. I drugged Philip’s wine, and hers —and I abducted her.’
    Dickon looked shocked. ‘No wonder you did not wish to tell Nell the truth!’
    ‘I do not think she would approve, do you?’ said Edmund stiffly.
    ‘Neither do I approve—and I would have said in the past neither would you, Edmund!’
    ‘Seeing one’s mother suffer so terribly changes a man.’ Edmund’s jaw set rigidly as he returned his friend’s gaze.
    ‘What do you intend to do?’ Dickon placed a hand on Edmund’s shoulder. ‘Whatever your original plan, surely you still do not believe Mistress Meriet would have approved of her cousin’s behaviour and you will free her?’
    ‘I have not decided.’ Edmund ran a hand over his tawny hair. ‘Even when I first thought of abducting Mistress Meriet, my plans were confused. What I did depended up to a point on Philip Meriet’s reactions. Before I heard of the Lord Edward’s escape I thought to use her as a bargaining tool, thinking it unlikely that I would get justice from Earl Simon any other way. I am my father’s only living offspring and there is a possibility that I can lay claim to his manor, but it would be easier if Meriet had not taken by force what could be mine.’
    ‘De Vert manor in exchange for Mistress Meriet —was that your plan?’ asked Dickon, frowning.
    Edmund nodded. He had no intention of telling his closest friend any more than he had already. He felt uncomfortable about his other notion for revenge now.
    ‘You should return Mistress Meriet to her home before you do anything more you might regret,’ said Dickon firmly. ‘You mentioned Nell. I am her brother, remember. And while she and I do not always see eye to eye, you must have guessed that she is looking in your direction for a husband now that Seisdon is dead.’ They began to walk.
    ‘I will not deny that it was the thought of marrying Nell that brought me home before all this happened,’ said Edmund, coming to a halt by the bridge and looking for Harry.
    ‘And now?’ Dickon gripped Edmund’s arm and stood in front of him. ‘I will not have you play fast and loose with Nell. She is fond of you, and already jealous of Mistress Meriet. If you would wed my sister, set Mistress Meriet free.’
    Edmund stood unmoving. ‘What of Steven?’ he said abruptly. ‘You have never had word?’
    ‘Of his whereabouts? None since our parting in Oxford. God only knows how long ago that is now! Whether he still follows the Montfort I don’t know.’
    ‘If Nell were to accept me, I would still be second best.’
    ‘But you are the better man,’ insisted Dickon, his face brightening. ‘If it is justice and de Vert manor you want—let us seek it together. Forget your previous plan, Edmund, and together we shall go and find the Lord Edward. It will be like old times.’
    ‘You think so?’ Edmund sighed and changed the subject. ‘I deem I can see Harry. If he has been lucky, it will be fresh fish for supper.’
    Dickon opened his mouth to press for a more satisfactory answer to his suggestion, but his friend had that set to his jaw that boded ill for any who pushed him too far. Suddenly Dickon decided that he must get better acquainted with Mistress Meriet. Perhaps then he would understand Edmund’s reluctance to give him a definite answer. *
    ‘It is kind of you to visit me, Master Mortimer,’ said Felicia, raising herself against the pillows a little more.
    ‘You will not think so when you see that I