Chapter One
Standing with a hand on her hip, Bess smiled at the old man across the bar. He lived a little distance away from the inn and frequented the place regularly.
"But why aren't you married yet, Bess?" He asked, raising his ale to his lips.
"Well," Bess gave a small laugh, "Why have you not asked me yet, Frederick?" Frederick smiled widely at her.
"I'm too old for you, lass." He replied, "You need a good strong young man. You need someone with promise and a good heart."
"When a young man like that shows up, why don't you send him my way then?" She asked him, pushing a small basket of bread across the bar toward him. Frederick picked up a piece and tore it apart in his worn hands.
"I'll be sure to do that, lass."
Bess leaned across the bar, "But just in case he never shows, you should be prepared to marry me in his stead." She told him, smiling as the man chuckled to himself. Turning a moment later, she headed for the door where a small party had just entered allowing the biting wind from outside to momentarily sweep across the inn. "Good evening," she greeted, "Are you after rooms for the night?"
"And a meal," The tall gentleman at the forefront of the group replied, taking off his hat and scarf. "If it's not too much trouble." Bess assured him that it was not indeed too much trouble and showed them to a quiet table in the corner where they could warm themselves as she brought them their food and prepared their rooms for the evening.
"Papa, do you want them in rooms three and four?" she asked, stoping a moment to consult her father. He nodded and lifted a hand to rest on her arm.
"Yes, good girl. Perhaps an extra blanket or two for the beds… It's cold out there tonight."
Bess nodded and headed up the stairs toward the guest rooms. She moved quickly setting up the rooms, making sure they had their extra blankets and a basin of water. She fluffed the pillows and made sure the shutters were closed tightly against the wind. It had been a long day and Bess was now just thinking longingly of her bed and being able to curl up with a good book. On these chilly evenings the patrons of the inn usually stayed later than usual, however. It was delightfully warm downstairs after all; much more inviting and cosy than being outside. She didn't think she would be getting anywhere near her bed until at least midnight. Smoothing the covers on the final bed, Bess straightened up and turned toward the door. Catching her reflection in the mirror, she stopped and moved toward it. She was a bit of a mess. The wind had obviously played havoc with her earlier when she had been outside. Taking her long black hair out of the loose braid, Bess tried to comb through it with her fingers before tying it back up into a bun atop her head. It was still messy and rather windblown, and loose strands curled down around her face and neck. She made a face and turned from the mirror, heading for the door. What did it matter if she wasn't as neat as a high born lady? She was only going to be serving ale and food to the patrons of the inn.
Hurrying back down the stairs, Bess moved back behind the bar and set about refilling mugs of ale as they ran out. As the evening meal was completed in the kitchen, Bess began dishing it out to those who had paid for food. The conversations in the inn seemed to have turned toward the same theme they had taken in recent weeks, and she listened to the new stories of the hardships in the nearby town, and how King George's men were only adding to the problem rather than helping it. It had been the same story since the troops had arrived a few months ago. The Redcoats appeared to see themselves above the laws they were supposed to be upholding. As she listened to the conversations, Bess cast an uneasy eye about the room, hoping that nobody present would report any of the complaints she was hearing. Word around town was that the King's men paid well for information they found useful.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Bess turned to her friend. "What's that, Flora?" She looked the girl over. Flora lived in a cottage nearby with her parents and four siblings, and often worked at the inn in order to help support her family. She was a couple of years younger than Bess, but they had always been close friends. Flora gestured vaguely around the room, and Bess nodded. "…we're lucky there are no Redcoats in here listening to this?"
"Could you imagine?"
Bess gave a soft sigh, "I'd rather not."
"There'd likely be a hanging."
"And that is why I'd rather not imagine."
"I can't help it." Flora said, picking up several pitchers of ale and making her way across to the tables in the corner. Bess shook her head and went back into the kitchens. Flora certainly had an active imagination, although she was sure the girl would benefit from keeping her mouth closed to some of the thoughts she had. It would get her into trouble in the future, Bess just knew it.
After Roland, the cook for the inn, had given Bess a bowl of the stew for herself and had sat her down, making sure she had eaten several mouthfuls before she was allowed to get up again, she was allowed to continue taking food to those who had ordered it. "Send Miss Flora in when she has a chance!" He called after her, and Bess gave a nod, balancing three bowls of stew as she walked back out toward their patrons.
The chatter in the inn had continued in much the same fashion as before while she had been in the kitchen and once Bess had placed the bowls of stew at the appropriate table, she turned to scan the room for Flora. The blonde girl was grinning at her from behind the bar, and Bess headed her way. "What are you smiling about?" she asked her friend, picking up an empty glass. Flora grinned more widely and took Bess' arm, turning her to face the other way.
"Look at who just walked in."
"What? Who?" Bess asked, her black eyes flicking back and forth around the room, searching for the source of Flora's excitement. The girl let out an exasperated sigh and pointed at a table over by the fire.
"A group of extremely attractive gentlemen. They're right over there. They came in when you were in the kitchen!"
Bess looked at the group. There were five of them at the table, ranging in ages from probably about twenty to thirty. Some of them were indeed handsome. "Have you asked them what they would like?"
"No, I'm just about to." Flora released Bess and stepped back from her, the wide grin still evident upon her pretty face. "Maybe they will like me…"
"Flora!" She gasped, "You must watch what you say!" Flora grinned more widely at her and had just turned toward away from Bess when her father called out to her.
"Flora, get yourself some dinner."
Flora turned back around, "I was just going-"
"Now, Flora. I tell your parents that I feed you. Go."
Flora sighed and looked back to Bess. "Yes, Mister Perrin." She murmured, walking slowly toward the kitchen. Bess looked back to the table by the fireplace and figured she should probably find out if they wanted lodgings for the night or just a meal. Smoothing her dress down, she headed for the table.
"Good evening, gentlemen." She greeted, "What can I help you with this evening? Will you be wanting rooms, or a meal? Our cook has just finished a fine stew…" Bess came to a halt when five pairs of eyes turned her way. She smiled in what she hoped was a welcoming manner.
"Aye, stew for each of us would be welcome." The oldest among them said, handing Bess a couple of coins.
"No lodgings?" She asked, slipping the coins into her pocket.
"No, we'll be on our way shortly."
"I'll bring you your meals…"
Just as Bess had begun to turn away, the man sitting closest to her moved lightning quick and had closed his hand around her wrist, holding her in place. She looked at him in surprise. Warm brown eyes met hers. "Miss, might I have some ale?" Bess nodded, looking him over from those friendly eyes to his smooth brown hair and a wide charming smile. "Lads, do you all want some ale?" There was a low murmur of agreement from the other men and Bess nodded again. The man with the brown hair pressed several more coins into her hand and released her. She hurried away to get them what they had asked for.
Flora was standing in the door to the kitchen holding a bowl of stew and a piece of bread. "What do they want?" She asked, dipping the bread in the stew and then taking a bite. Bess almost laughed at her.
"They want ale and food, like everyone else here." She replied, filling a couple of bowls. Flora peered back out around the door.
"Are they even more handsome up close?"
"Flora… why don't you take them these bowls?"
The blonde girl shook her head. "You're looking after them now." She replied, "It'd be strange… but I could help you carry stuff…"She grinned.
"Very well." Bess agreed, "Come and get some ale."
Flora put her bowl on the bench and bounced after Bess. Bess filled five cups of ale and put them on a small tray before turning to hand it to Flora. "Got it?"
"Yep." Flora nodded, her eyes already on the other side of the room. Bess resisted a sigh and picked up her own tray containing the bowls of stew and led the way across to the table by the fire.
"Gentlemen," She said, placing a bowl before each of the men, "Hearty lamb stew with vegetables grown here at the inn. Do enjoy your meal." Flora moved around the opposite side of the table, placing the cups of ale down.
"And here's your ale," the girl said brightly, "made with neither lamb nor locally grown vegetables." Bess watched Flora wink at a young blonde man at the table and resisted the urge to pull the girl away. She was far too forward and it would only lead to trouble. The blonde man looked only a year or so younger than Bess was herself, and she couldn't help but smile when the lad appeared to blush at Flora's wink. Perhaps a bit of light flirtation would do neither of them any harm.
"Here we are, then." She said, looking around at them. They all looked reasonably well dressed. Each of them had a rather fine hat which they had taken off as she had put the stew down, and they appeared well groomed and clean. From the way she had heard them talking, Bess did not believe they were of nobility, yet they all wore fairly impressive clothing. At least two of them wore coats of velvet. It was evident they were well-to-do. "Is there anything else you require, gentlemen?"
"Not just now, Lady." The man with the brown eyes who had caught her wrist earlier spoke again. His coat was of claret velvet and looked as if it had been tailored just for him. Bess met those friendly eyes once more and he smiled, "We'll let you know if we need anything else." Inclining her head slightly, Bess caught Flora's arm and drew the girl away.
"Did you see the cute one?" Flora gushed at her as they reached the kitchen again.
"You might have to be a little more specific." Bess replied, picking up several empty ale mugs and taking them to the sink. "Do you mean the one you winked at?" She cast a glance over her shoulder to see Flora turn a little pink.
"Yeah…" The girl murmured.
"I saw him." Bess nodded.
"It's been a while since we've had actual handsome men in the inn…"
"Is that why you're so excited?"
"Nothing else interesting happens around here." Flora retorted, "Except for the coach that was held up yesterday…"
Bess looked around at her again, "Really? Where?"
Flora waved a dismissive hand, "Just south of the town, apparently. Some rich lady being escorted by a couple of King George's men was robbed and the redcoats couldn't do a thing about it. Everybody's talking about it."
Bess raised an eyebrow. "Who?" She asked, "Who did it?"
Flora grinned at her, "A band of highwaymen…" Bess knew that look. Flora was more than excited that there was a band of highwaymen around robbing people.
"Oh, Flora." She sighed, "Don't go getting any ideas romanticising that… They're criminals. If you met them they'd likely kill you. After they've done God knows what to you…" Flora made a face at her.
"They'd not try and rob me anyway." She sighed, "I have nothing of value."
"You're of value."
Flora looked at her."I suppose you're right." Bess watched as the girl gave a shrug, "I'm going to go talk to the handsome fair haired stranger sitting out there who liked it when I winked at him."
"You should be getting home soon. Your father will worry."
"It's still early enough."
"Okay…"
Bess finished washing the pile of dirty cups before she returned to the bar to sit opposite Frederick once more as she waited for somebody to need her. Several of the parties had begun to leave or head upstairs to their rooms after they had finished their meals. She wished them a good evening on their way out and continued to pour ale for those who had not yet finished their night. All the while, Bess kept an eye on Flora. The girl had moved around the room doing all manner of jobs, like collecting dishes or stoking the fire until she had caught the young blonde lad's eye once again. Now the pair were seated not too far away from Bess apparently deep in conversation.
Bess watched her friend, torn somewhere between curiosity, disapproval, and admiration for the girl's confidence. Flora very much wore her heart on her sleeve, she always knew what she wanted and was never one to let things stand in her way. Bess had no idea where that level of confidence had come from or how she managed it. She knew that she herself would never be able to just walk up to someone like that and be so forward as Flora was apparently able to do. Bess also had no idea how Flora was able to behave in such a manner and not be thought scandalous. She supposed it was because the girl was barely past her nineteenth year and so far it had proven nothing but simple flirtation. The fact that everybody adored her probably also played a role.
Looking up, Bess realised that she was being summoned by the blonde lad's friends at their table by the fire. She walked over to them, fixing her smile into place once again. "What can I do for you?" She asked, looking around at them all.
"A lot of things, I'd say." Snickered one. Bess turned her black eyes on him. He appeared shorter than his friends, his hair was ginger and his complexion ruddy. She raised an eyebrow at him, and he gestured toward Flora and the young man she was still talking with at the bar. "We're fairly impressed with the hospitality we've been met with so far…" Bess' smile fell from her face.
"I can offer you ale, or more food." She said flatly.
"Is that all?"
Bess went to turn away but the man with the claret coat spoke again. "Forgive my friend, Lady." He said, and Bess glanced at him, "He has never been able to hold his ale, and struggles to behave like a gentleman at the best of times." Here he threw a disapproving look at his friend, "If we might trouble you for a final round of ale while we wait for Jaimes over there to finish his discussion, we would be most thankful."
"Very well." She turned away and went to fetch what he had asked for. She poured the ale and had just turned to take them to the table when she found the man in the claret coat standing before her. Trying to hide her surprise, Bess looked up to meet his gaze.
"I am truly sorry for my friend's words, Lady."
Bess resisted a huff. "It's fine." She replied, "Nothing I haven't heard before."
"That does not excuse his rudeness."
"Nor will giving him more ale." She watched as the man inclined his head in agreement.
"Yet it is easier to keep him happy as we allow Jaimes to…" his dark eyes went to the lad at the bar and he smiled lightly, "… whatever he thinks he's trying to do." Bess chewed the inside of her cheek to keep her own amusement in check. It seemed that this man was attempting to humour his young friend as much as she attempted to humour Flora.
"…They do seem to have taken a liking to one another." She said gently. Brown eyes met hers once more, and Bess found herself struck by the warmth in them.
"Aye, they do." He agreed, "It seems we have found many things to like here this evening." The wide smile from earlier returned and Bess gave an involuntary chuckle. "There, you see." He told her, "We're not all offensive louts."
"I suppose that is true." She answered.
"Might I ask your name, Lady?"
Bess blinked, surprised. "Uh, yes… Bess…"
"Bess…" He smiled down at her, "As in Elisabeth?" Bess nodded. "A beautiful name."
"Thankyou… If you'd like your ale…"
"Yes." He handed her some coins and took the tray from the bar, "I'll carry this…"
Bess looked at the coins in her hand and took a step after him, "Sir, this is too much…" He stopped and looked at her.
"Just a little something extra." He replied, "For your troubles…"
"I… my father will be most thankful." She looked up as he took a step closer once more.
"And you, Bess?" he asked, "Are you thankful?"
"I… am thankful for anything that helps my father…"
He smiled once more, his eyes twinkling, "Then I am satisfied." He inclined his head and carried the tray of ale back to his table. Bess turned to the bar, feeling the strong urge to sit down.
"Oh, Good Lord." She breathed.
"Are you alright, love?" her father asked, moving toward her. Bess straightened up and smiled at him.
"I am." She replied, handing him the coins she had been given. "We have received a bit of kindness from our friends by the fire."
"That is most generous of them." Her father agreed, glancing across the room. "I… think I'll go and tell Tim that it is time to take Miss Flora home."
"I'll do it." Bess told him, going up on her toes to press a kiss to her father's cheek before turning and heading out through the kitchens to find Tim the ostler. She had located the man within minutes out by the stables and let him know that Flora would be leaving shortly. Ever since Flora had begun working for them at night, Bess' father had insisted that she be escorted home so as not to be wandering the roads alone. Bess was thankful that her friend would have that extra protection some nights, especially as Tim was her usual escort, and as the ostler had once been a soldier many years ago, she knew that he would be able to protect Flora if it came to that.
"Has it been a lively evening inside, Bess?" Tim asked her.
"Not really." She replied, "But I think father thinks it's time Flora was heading home. I'll send her out if you don't mind."
"Not at all…"
Bess hurried back inside out of the biting wind. She sent a smile toward her father and then headed for Flora. The girl appeared not to notice her until Bess lay a hand on her friend's arm. "Ah! Bess…" Flora smiled at her, her cheeks flushed quite pink, "You've not properly met Jaimes, have you?"
"No, I have not." Bess replied, giving the lad a quick smile, "It is a pleasure to meet you."
"And you, Miss." He said, smiling back at her briefly, before his eyes returned to Flora. Bess almost felt mean breaking their little conversation up, but she swallowed her hesitation and tightened her hand on Flora's elbow.
"Papa says you should be on your way home."
Flora turned her green eyes on Bess, a silent protest clear in them. "Now?"
"Yes, now." Bess was impressed with how firmly her voice came out. "Tim is ready to take you." Flora sighed and looked back to Jaimes. Bess released her and slowly backed away from them. She supposed she should allow them to say their goodbyes. She wasn't sure how much wallowing drama she would have to endure from Flora over the next couple days if she had been denied a proper farewell.
As Flora collected her cloak, Bess saw old Frederick out the door and to his horse, and by the time she had returned the last of the guests staying the night had gone up to their rooms. The only people left were Jaimes and his friends by the fire. As Bess watched, the men by the fire got to their feet and slowly made their way over to Jaimes as Flora gave a final wave and slipped out the back through the kitchen.
"I'll see to the fire if you lock the door, love." Her father said to her as he moved toward the fireplace.
"Yes, Papa." She replied, moving toward the door as the men put their hats on and buttoned their coats.
Bess opened the door and stood aside to allow the men to leave. As he passed her, the man with ginger hair paused and looked at her.
"I apologise for my words earlier, Miss." He said softly, "Sometimes I forget myself. I hope I did not offend you."
Bess nodded her head in thanks, "All is forgiven." She told him. He smiled and headed for his horse.
"Good evening, Bess." The man in the claret coat said, placing his French cocked hat upon his head.
"Did you tell him to apologise to me?"
He turned to smile down at her. "I did not." He replied, "Although I may have suggested it."
Bess felt the heat rise in her cheeks as she met his eyes once more in the moonlight, and before she could think about what she was doing she had blurted out "Who are you?" He tilted his head as he looked down at her.
"Who am I?"
"You dress well, but I don't believe you are gentry… You're not from around here, or I would know you… Who are you?"
"I am nobody of consequence." He smiled softly at her, and Bess hoped that the pale moonlight hid the fact that she was sure her face was now the colour of his coat.
"…what is your name?"
"My name…" he gave a low chuckle followed by a short bow, "is Will."
"Will…" Bess wasn't sure why she repeated it.
Will smiled widely at her before turning and hurrying to catch up to the others. "Goodnight… Elisabeth."