Read Online A Rough Wooing by Virginia Henley - Free Book Online Page B

the rays
of the sun never penetrated its seven-foot thick walls.
    Douglas hurried to the outer bailey and
walked through the sweet spring grass. She nibbled on the oat cake
and it seemed to settle her stomach. On impulse she departed
through the main gate and when she found herself outside the castle
walls, an overwhelming desire to flee came over her. The April
weather was lovely and she longed to be riding through the
incomparable beauty of the hills and dales of the Borders. I
cannot leave my brothers behind. I must find a way to help
them.
    She looked up and saw the spire of Carlisle
Cathedral. She picked up her velvet skirts and hurried toward the
medieval church that had been built in the twelfth century. It was
rather small, as cathedrals went, but inside there was much to look
at and occupy the senses. She gazed up at the barrel-vaulted
ceiling, amazed at the skill of the craftsmen who had created such
a magnificent building.
    The stained glass window was larger and more
vivid than any she had ever seen before. There were images of the
twelve apostles, and she stopped before each one and said a prayer
for her brothers. Finally she sat down on a hinged seat, known as a
misericorde, and gave herself up to a higher power.
    God helps him who helps himself. The
words came to her as clearly as if someone spoke them aloud.
Douglas searched inside herself for an answer to her family’s
dilemma.
    A solution did not come, but she vowed before
God and his Apostles that she would be willing to do anything to
gain her brothers’ freedom.
    ~~~
    In the late afternoon, Douglas made her way
back to the castle with reluctant steps. If sentence had been
passed on her brothers she was reluctant to hear it, but she knew
she had no choice. By the number of men streaming from the Great
Hall, she knew today’s Court must be over. She saw Jock and hurried
to his side.
    Jock looked down at her and shook his head.
“They weren’t brought before the Court today, so it will likely be
tomorrow.” He saw the relief in her eyes. “I had a chance to talk
with Gavin and Rob at dawn today. The young fools told me they
ignored my warning about reiving. You deceived me, Douglas. You led
me to believe they were falsely accused and arrested.”
    “They didn’t find Greystoke’s thoroughbreds
at Castle Elliot!” she cried.
    “Nevertheless, they were the ones who lifted
the horses. Tomorrow, Greystoke will be in Court, and when he
brings the charges, it will be up to the king to decide their guilt
or innocence. I shall have little say in the matter.”
    Tears flooded her eyes, as guilt washed over
her. “I’m so sorry, Jock. Will you escort me upstairs to my
chamber? I don’t feel safe walking alone.”
    “Come on, my wee lass. Why don’t you have a
lie down? Yer pale as a ghost.”
    Douglas did lie on her bed, but she was far
too restless to stay there for long. She got up and began to pace,
as her thoughts chased themselves in ever-defeating circles. I’ll go to Alex Hume and beg him to ask his brother to have a
word with the king. His Majesty will listen to his Treasurer and
will mayhap take his advice. She tried to push aside the price
she would have to pay. In the cathedral I vowed I would do
anything. I mustn’t be a coward.
    She took up the brush she had brought with
her from Langley and began to brush her hair. She knew a female
must look her best if she wanted a favor from a male. As she
stroked the brush through her long tresses, a measure of calm
descended. Douglas gathered her courage and formed a far different
plan. She unpinned the priceless antique pendant from inside her
gown, and wrapped it with care. Then she sought the castle
chamberlain and asked him to direct her to the chamber of the man
who held her brother’s fate in his hands.
    ~~~
    Douglas knocked on the door and when it was
opened she asked, “May I come in, my lord?”
    Lance Greystoke’s dark face looked as hard as
granite. He stood immobile for a full minute