Chapter 7
Marcus finished securing Storm to the back of the wagon, eager to be on the road to Fullminster, their next stop.
Or eager for Jess to ride with him again. He’d enjoyed the time they’d spent together alone on the road as they traveled to Lord Guy’s estate and hoped the blond beauty would agree to accompany him today. They wouldn’t reach Fullminster until afternoon, giving him several hours to spend in conversation with her.
He turned and saw Jess approaching and gave her a smile. “Ready for another day of travel?” he asked pleasantly. “I’ve room in my wagon if you wish to travel with me. As the first wagon in our caravan, it will be easier to view the passing sights.”
“I am excited to be moving to a new estate,” she began, “but I’ll be riding with Elias. We have business to discuss about costumes for the new plays Ralph wishes to perform.”
The soldier in Marcus contained his disappointment, not wanting to reveal his frustration with her decision.
“Then I will see you when we arrive at Fullminster.” He climbed into the vehicle. Lifting the reins, he clicked his tongue and started off as the lead wagon.
Something so small as where Jess Gilpin rode during their journey shouldn’t have bothered him so much—but it did. A growing need for her had come to the forefront and wouldn’t be banished easily. It wasn’t just a physical need, though his desire for her deepened each day. Marcus found her joyful to be around. Her happiness was contagious, making everyone wish for more time with Jess, not just him.
She also seemed somewhat of a mystery to him since the first day he’d laid eyes on her. Jess had claimed she and her brother were servants at Kinwick Castle. That it was the only place she’d ever known. Though her clothes were definitely ones that reflected her station, her speech and manner were of one much higher born. As a knight of the noble class, he had been around enough noblewomen both at Hartefield and while fostering to know how they conducted themselves. How they gave orders. How they comfortably managed people. Jess had a deft hand in directing others and handled situations with ease. He suspected there had to be more to her story than what she’d revealed thus far.
Marcus supposed part of it had to do with her keen intelligence. Her opinions had substance, as if she listened carefully to what others said and then used the evidence to support her own conclusions. She articulated well. That could also be due to her cleverness. If Jess had grown up serving the earl and countess, she would have been exposed to them and their guests for years. She might very well be imitating what she had seen and heard her entire life and not even realize it.
A thought occurred to him. Jess might be a bastard child of the Earl of Kinwick. Though it wouldn’t have pleased the countess, Geoffrey de Montfort might have installed Jess within the castle as an upper servant in order to keep his eye on her and watch her grow up, especially if the earl had a fondness for Jess’ mother. De Montfort could even have encouraged Jess to mimic the ways of him and his family. If that were the case, then Jess was only part peasant and noble blood flowed through her. That argument made the most sense to him, watching how gracefully she moved and spoke.
Marcus would continue to observe her and see if he could solve the riddle of Jess Gilpin.
*
Jessimond watched as other carts began falling in behind Marcus. She’d had trouble speaking to him because she couldn’t help but admire his height and strong build. She’d never paid any attention to how a man was put together.
Until now.
She hurried to the rear, where Elias was already seated behind the horses, waiting for her. He gave her his hand and hoisted her up.
Once their turn arrived, he started the horses.
“Marcus said we would arrive sometime this afternoon at Fullminster.”
“Aye. ’Tis a good place for us to stop. Lord Guy and Lady Jeanette are always welcoming and the crowds are large and lively.”
“How long will we stay there?”
“Two weeks.”
Jessimond looked ahead, counting the number of wagons as the procession began to round a curve in the road.
“It looks as if we are missing some people.”
“Not everyone travels with us to each site,” Elias shared. “Of course, my mummers are along for the entire journey. Many of the vendors who have wares continue with us, especially those with cooking utensils, cloth, or leather belts and shoes. Others who sell rounds of cheese or soap often are local people. I allow them to join the faire for a price. They either return to their village when the faire moves on or follow us on the road a day and then veer off to make for home.”
“How long have you owned the troupe, Elias?”
His brow wrinkled in thought. “Mayhap ten and eight years. Or nine? Ask Moss. He’s better at remembering things than I am, especially where numbers are concerned.”
“Have you always done this together?”
Elias laughed. “Moss and I are inseparable. We do everything together.” He gave her a furtive look and said, “We aren’t truly brothers, you know.”
Jessimond nodded. “Though you claim to be, you look so very different. Your great height and flaming red hair and beard are such a contrast to Moss.”
“Aye, Moss is short and round and brown,” Elias agreed. “But we met on the streets of London when we were boys. Both orphans. Scrounging to survive a day at a time. It’s hard to be alone, on your own, in a city so great. Together, Moss and I had each other’s backs. There’s safety in numbers and we two formed a bond greater than blood brothers. Moss will always be family to me. I’m sure we’ll be buried in adjoining graves when the time comes.”
Curious, she asked, “What do you and Moss do when the troupe disbands for winter?”
“We return to London and put the costumes and props into storage. Keep some of the horses and wagons and sell the rest. We live near the river and deliver goods coming off the boats.” He shrugged. “Eventually, I suppose we’ll do that instead of hitting the road each spring.”
“Where do others in the troupe go?”
He explained how Gylbart stayed in London and worked at the tavern his sister and her husband owned. Oddo left for Sussex, where he worked in his family’s inn and tavern. Hamlyn went north, where he had a wife and children, but never revealed what he did once he arrived there.
“And King Ralph, believe it or not, gets his hands dirty as a carpenter. Jopp is also learning the trade. Ralph’s brother has five daughters and no sons so he welcomes Ralph and Jopp back each autumn. They build mostly furniture.”
“Speaking of Ralph, we need to discuss the new plays and costumes he’s interested in me making,” Jessimond said. “His list was a long one. I didn’t want to start anything until we had spoken.”
Elias chuckled. “Ralph is always full of ideas. Frankly, most every play is the same story. There’s a struggle between good and evil. Some type of devil who makes an appearance, tempting the hero. A sword fight or two. Death. Then someone rising miraculously from the dead and ridding the world of all that is bad.”
She chuckled. “You’re telling me we don’t need any new costumes.”
“Not really. Oh, once we arrive at Fullminster, I’ll give you coin to purchase some new cloth. You can make up a few new things to please Ralph. He is an excellent actor. I would hate to lose him over something like this.”
“Do you think he would leave the troupe?”
“Ralph’s temper can be fierce, especially when he’s not getting his way. He threatens to leave at least seven times a season. He’s never made good on it, though, and I doubt he ever will. Still, if I can please him in this small way, I will. If merely to keep peace within the group.”
Jessimond hesitated and then said, “Do you realize some of the other mummers are tired of Ralph playing the lead role every time?”
Elias snorted. “I’m sure you’re meaning Gylbart. He’s never satisfied with anything. As for any others?” He shrugged. “They can stay or leave. ’Tis actually easy to find people to replace them. You’d be surprised how many seem to have the urge to roam the countryside and pretend to be someone they’re not.”
Jessimond thought that description sounded like her but remained silent, nursing hurt feelings.
Finally, she asked, “What of Agatha? Where does she go when the troupe scatters?”
He frowned. “I never really thought of it. When her parents were alive, they went to Kent. She and Reba did the same after their mother passed.”
“I heard Reba left the troupe last year and wed. Would Agatha have gone with her sister?”
“Nay. Reba was always full of herself. Would argue with a log if given the chance. She could be something spiteful to Agatha. Even cruel at times. Reba would not have wanted the girl to visit for any length of time, especially with a new husband.” Elias paused. “I’m afraid I have no idea what Agatha did. She merely showed up again when it was time to leave London.”
Jessimond bit back the sharp retort on her tongue. No one in the company seemed to care about the girl. It reinforced her decision to take Agatha with her at the end of the season. Someone had to care for her.
That someone might be Peter. Jessimond knew he had eyes for the young woman. Bringing Agatha back to Kinwick would not only secure her future but might also lead to marriage with Peter. She would try to see how Agatha felt about life on the road with the mummers and if she ever had any interest in settling down in one place.
They rode several more hours. Elias answered all of Jessimond’s questions about where the mummers would travel the rest of the season and about various members of the group. By the time they arrived at Fullminster, she knew much more than she had about the troupe.
“Remember to look at the various stalls offering cloth for the new costumes once the vendors have set up their wares,” Elias reminded her.
“I will spend your coin wisely, Elias. I drive a hard bargain.”
As they had at Kinwick, the mummers pulled the carts close together and began unloading their goods in a large field. She noted how Peter blended seamlessly with the others and did his share of the work. Soon, the wagons had been unloaded and the men began erecting the tents. She would need to think about a hearty meal because everyone would be hungry after such physical labor.
Jessimond saw a couple heading toward them. By their dress, she assumed the pair to be Lord Guy and Lady Jeanette.
The nobleman gathered the troupe members and said, “We are, indeed, happy to have you back at Fullminster this year. My wife and I look forward to hearing your songs and seeing your stories acted out. As a thanks, a stag has been butchered and prepared for you so that you can feast upon it tonight.”
The group cheered loudly and Elias and Moss thanked their host and hostess. The couple left and a cart appeared soon after with the promised meal in large pots. By then, the tents had been set up and the men had gone to the nearby stream to wash. Jessimond and Agatha helped distribute the food, ladling the thick stew into bowls. Besides the stag, Lady Jeanette had sent stewed apples and several rounds of cheese. The troupe ate in silence, exhausted after their long day.
After the meal, Elias and Moss approached her.
“We think it would be a good idea for you to sing some with Bartholomew,” Moss began. “Your voices blend well together. We’ve never seen a man and woman perform with one another as troubadours. It would draw greater crowds.”
“Bartholomew is the troubadour,” Jessimond countered. “I merely sing for fun. Besides, I wouldn’t want him to resent me.”
“He wouldn’t,” promised Elias. When she hesitated, he said, “Think about it, Jess. You don’t have to sing tomorrow. In fact, come see the plays. Listen to Bartholomew perform. Get a feel for what goes on in the entertainment area. Then you can make a decision.”
Jessimond thought that a good compromise. “I’ll do that. After I shop for new material.”
She turned and found Marcus at her elbow.
“You’ll be making new costumes?”
“Aye. Not as many as Ralph would prefer but enough to please him.”
“The stalls will be set up in the morning. May I accompany you as you look for what you need? I can hold whatever you buy.”
“Don’t you have better things to do than carry my goods?” she teased.
His warm gaze caused her belly to turn over. “I have plenty of time to help you, Jess, before I am needed elsewhere. Besides, I need more practice at buying goods under your watchful eye.”
“All right,” she agreed, looking forward to spending more time with him.
The troupe bedded down for the night. Jessimond returned to the tent she and Agatha shared.
It took her a long time to fall asleep.
*
Jessimond awoke early after a night of tossing and turning. She hoped she hadn’t disturbed Agatha’s sleep. She emerged from the tent as the camp began to stir and made sure those already up had bread and ale to break their fast.
Marcus appeared, his dark locks tousled. He raked his fingers through his thick hair, which only made her wish she were the one taming it. The thought troubled her. She barely knew this man yet already her body quickened and came alive when he drew near.
“Are you ready to walk the stalls in search of bargains?” he asked.
“Do you think they will be open this early?”
He shrugged. “Most should be. Once they see a paying customer is at hand, they will make themselves available.”
They strolled side-by-side to the area where the booths stood. A few were empty but most already had someone stationed with the displayed goods, ready to negotiate with buyers.
Marcus pointed out various stalls for her to visit, noting which might give her a better price.
“You seem very familiar with the sellers and their wares,” Jessimond noted, wondering how many of the women he’d made friends with since he’d called everyone by name as he described their booths and what they sold.
“I have a lot of time on my hands. After Rand and I exhibit our sword skills or perform our joust, I am free to come and go as I please. Sometimes, I go to the plays and have even acted in a few in a minor role. It’s allowed me to wander around and get to know the others traveling with us, beyond the mummers.”
“Where should I start?”
He told her the three stalls to visit that would have the best quality of cloth. Knowing she spent another’s coin, Jessimond wanted to get the most for the money Elias had given her last night. Both she and Marcus bid for material in wool and linen for the next half-hour, and she came away with exactly what she would need to complete the costumes Ralph had urged her to make.
Marcus accompanied her back to her tent. They saw Agatha rolling a wheelbarrow, taking the last of the props to the stage area.
“I’ll be behind the stage if you want to come watch from there,” Agatha said. “You can even help me hand out some of the props if you wish.”
“I’ll see you soon,” Jessimond promised.
She held the flap of their tent open. Marcus ducked inside so he could lay their purchases on her pallet. His large frame filled so much of the space that her movements were restricted. Jessimond knelt so she could separate the cloth into different piles and think about what she would start first. She would begin sewing after she’d spent time observing Bartholomew sing and the mummers’ first performance of the day.
As she moved the cloth, she discovered a rich, red wool that resembled rubies in the depth of its color. She rose, the material in her hands.
“I’m afraid one of the merchants accidentally included something we didn’t buy,” she told Marcus.
His eyes only gleamed at her. “’Twas no mistake.”
Confusion filled her. “I did not pay for this, Marcus. I need to return it.”
Jessimond started around him but he caught her arm.
“I did pay for it, Jess,” he said softly.
“You . . . do you wish for me to make a new tunic for you or Rand?” His fingers scorched her arm. She was aware how close their bodies were to one another.
“Nay.” His eyes glowed at her. “I bought it . . . for you.”
“For me?” She hated how her voice squeaked. Swallowing, she asked, “Why?”
Marcus lifted the material from her hands and placed it on the pallet again. “I thought the color would suit you. I want you to sew something for yourself. You’ve taken care of the mummers this past week. Now, do for you.”
Her knees grew shaky. “Marcus, I cannot accept a gift like that. The wool is very fine. I’m sure it was terribly expensive.”
He placed his hands on her shoulders. “You’re worth it, Jess.”
At that moment, Jessimond knew Marcus was going to kiss her.