Read Love and Money for Free Online Page B

errand. It seemed strange, however, that Sir Richard had gone off unattended and in such shabby style, if his errand was official. Could one say
In the King’s name
with sufficient authority, riding thus? Thomas, half asleep in any case, was so busy puzzling out what his uncle’s business could be that he did not catch the soft knock on his door until it came again. Suddenly hoping that his uncle meant to take him after all, he sprang eagerly to open it.
    Joanna stood on his threshold. The gown of rich green and gold brocade she had thrown about her was, Thomas realised with something of a blush, his uncle’s; the hand in which she held up a taper was almost swallowed in the lace falling from its cuff. In the flickering light her face appearedstrange; with a start Thomas perceived that this was because a look of keen distress pulled her features from their usual pleasant shape. She had been weeping; tears lay on her cheeks, her wide mouth quivered.
    â€œMaster Thomas,” she whispered: “I pray you go after him.”
    â€œGo after my uncle?” Joanna nodded. “Very gladly,” said Thomas joyfully. “Has he sent a message for me, then?”
    Joanna shook her head.
    â€œBut if he has not sent for me,” said Thomas, his face falling: “I fear I should not go—he might not wish—I could not intrude——”
    â€œIt will save him if you go.”
    â€œSave him?” said Thomas, astounded. The idea of his unaccustomed arm being of service to his uncle, that master of sword-play, was flattering but too improbable. “Is he in danger, then? Why did he ride off alone?”
    â€œOh, go, go!” exclaimed Joanna in a tone of anguish. “Do not stay to argue the matter, Master Thomas, go after him. He’ll be less wild if you go. Happen he’ll turn back and not do it at all, so as to keep you out of it.”
    â€œOut of what?” said Thomas irritably.
    They stared at each other for a long moment, then the tears welled again in Joanna’s eyes, she sighed and turned away.
    â€œWell, stay then if you will not go,” she said sadly. “I judged you wrongly, Master Thomas. I thought you loved your uncle.”
    â€œI do, I do!” protested Thomas.
    â€œThen ride after him quickly. Make him return. Tell him—tell him Isabella is ill,” said Joanna. “He will return if he believes that to be true.”
    Thomas sighed, and his young forehead puckered into frowns. To hope that he, simple and young and foolish as he was, would be able to convince his uncle with a false excuse, or persuade him to return against his will, was quite fantastical, especially when he knew no real reason why heshould try; nevertheless Joanna’s tears, her sad eyes, convinced him that try he must.
    â€œWell, I will go,” he said bad-temperedly. Joanna’s wide smile thanked him. “I will wait here while you dress and guide you down to the stables,” she whispered.
    â€œThere is no need,” said Thomas curtly.
    Nevertheless he was glad of her help as she led him by narrow passages to a side door. Rufus who lay nearby pricked an ear and started half to his feet as they passed, but put his head down on his paws again at the touch of Joanna’s hand. Joanna unbarred the stable door, lit a lantern standing in the straw and held it high while Thomas saddled his mare. His heart was rather sore as he did this, for the mare was not very well bred and his uncle’s keen eye had perceived this instantly on Thomas’s arrival the previous day. What was worse, she was not very well schooled either, and his uncle’s eye had perceived this too. Sir Richard had said nothing and his handsome features had not moved, but somehow his opinion was clear and the ingenuous pleasure Thomas had previously felt in his Bess was destroyed. All that was not Bess’s fault, however, thought Thomas doggedly, it was his own; he felt