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plying Annie with tid-bits from the larder. Her baby son, Jack, well swaddled, lay on the wide kitchen table, close to where Lizzie sat. She stood as I strode in.
    â€˜Come to the parlour,’ I said brusquely, crossing to the inner door. ‘The children will be happy here for a few minutes.’
    As soon as the door was closed behind us, I turned. ‘What is he up to?’ I demanded.
    â€˜This will tell you.’ Lizzie handed me a folded sheet of paper.
    I sat to read it and motioned Lizzie to a chair across the table. The note was carefully composed and written in Bart’s surprisingly neat hand.
    My duty to Your Worship remembered, I heartily thank you for speaking for me to the magistrate. Marvel not, I pray you, good Master, that I chose sudden flight above your protection. I dared not trust Constable Pett. The man is known for a double-tongued ruffian, as runs with the hare as well as the hounds. He will not seek out the murderous villains who killed Master Johannes’ man. I am the only one as can do that. I have seen them. By Mary and all the saints, I mean to find them. When I do I will come back. Until then I beg that you will not try to find me.
    Your Worship’s assured servant,
    Bart Miller
    I threw the note down on the table and leaned back in my chair. ‘Jesu! Where was that husband of yours when the good Lord handed out brains?’
    Lizzie pouted. ‘What else can he do? We’ve discussed the matter hours without end. This is the only way he can stay safe.’
    â€˜The way he can stay safe? And what of you and the children? Do you think the villains will not come a-visiting when they learn that Bart is on their trail?’
    She tossed her head in defiance, sudden colour in her cheeks. ‘We can shift for ourselves.’
    â€˜That you cannot!’ I thumped the table. ‘Mother of God, I thought you had enough wit for both of you. Now I see you’re as addle-pated as Bart.’
    â€˜A woman must stand by her husband,’ she said stubbornly.
    â€˜Even at the cost of her infants’ lives? Think for a moment, Lizzie. These men Bart has got tangled with are vicious murderers. Probably well-paid experts sent to take or kill Master Johannes. God in heaven knows what that poor artist has done to warrant it but, sure as hellfire’s for sinners, someone means him harm and will do anything to lay hands on him. When word’s out that Bart is at liberty and going about asking questions, where will be the first place they come?’
    Lizzie was sullenly silent for several moments. From beyond the casement there came the sound of Paul’s clock striking ten.
    â€˜I’m trying to find Master Johannes,’ I said. ‘That must be the best way to identify his enemies. But ’twill take me some time. Meanwhile we must make sure that you and the children are safe.’
    She glanced up, scowling. ‘And why should you take that on yourself?’
    â€˜I’m sorry you ask that question. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear it.’ I stood abruptly. ‘Wait here. There’s someone I want you to meet.’
    I hurried from the room. When I returned minutes later, Lizzie was standing at the window, looking out into West Cheap. ‘The pestilence is getting worse,’ she said. ‘Two houses in our street are shut up now, by order of the council.’
    â€˜All the more reason not to stay. Come to Kent with us.’
    She shook her head firmly. ‘I must be where Bart can find me when he needs me.’
    â€˜But there’s no need for Annie and Jack to be exposed.’
    She turned suddenly, anger and frustration in her voice. ‘Thomas, do you suppose I haven’t thought of that? What am I to do?’
    There was a soft knock at the door. I opened it and ushered in Adie, accompanied by her two young charges. They were remarkably different. Carl, who I supposed to be about seven, was dark-haired, already tall