Page 67 of The King’s Man (Guardians of the Crown #2)

K it balanced the sword in his left hand, studying his opponent’s eyes as they circled each other.

His opponent thrust and he parried, throwing his opponent off balance.

As he moved in for the kill, Jem dropped his sword and backed up against the wall of the inn courtyard, his large face florid and sweating.

He pushed the point of Kit’s sword away from his throat.

‘That’s it, Lovell. No more. Seems to me it don’t make much difference if it isn’t your sword hand, you’re still damned good with a sword.’

‘You’re getting old and slow, Jem.’ Kit sheathed the sword and thumped the man’s substantial belly. ‘And fat.’

He doubled over coughing. The cough seemed to be a legacy of being hanged. His voice had returned but in a different form, lower and with a crackling edge to it. It would take a little getting used to.

A new voice, a new persona. Thurloe had been right in a number of ways. Kit Lovell, adventurer, gambler and spy, had died at the end of the noose. However, he still had no clear idea who had emerged from the shadows of the gallows.

Nan Marsh appeared at the door and stood there, her hands on her hips.

‘If you two have finished playing sword games,’ she said, ‘I’ve something that might be of interest to you.’

She held out a piece of paper. Jem took it, squinted at the writing on it and handed it to Kit.

‘You know I don’t read. You read it.’

Kit took the paper and frowned. The writing seemed familiar. He opened the seal and read:

Dear Jem,

I trust this note finds you and the girls well.

My sister died a week ago and I grieve for her as I still grieve for my husband.

I would be much obliged if you could arrange the conveyance of his belongings to me.

I am to be found at Hartley Court, beyond the village of Milston. I hope you may come in person.

Yr friend, Thamsine Lovell.

Seeing Thamsine’s writing, Kit’s hand shook as he struggled to control his emotions.

Jem clapped his large hand over Kit’s. ‘What does it say?’

Kit read the note aloud.

‘No more excuses, Lovell,’ Jem said. ‘You know where she is and I reckon a personal delivery is called for.’

Kit pocketed the note and fought to control his shaking hands as he looked up at his old friend.

‘What do I do? How do I …?’

Jem thumped him on the back. ‘You’ve a sizeable ride to figure on it, Lovell. I’ll get you a horse in the morning.’

‘Another day or two …’ Kit began.

Jem fixed him with a glare. ‘Ye’re a coward, Lovell.’

Kit looked up at his friend.

‘I just can’t appear, Jem.’

‘Then write her a note!’ Jem’s voice betrayed a degree of impatience.

‘’Ere, Jem!’ A ragged boy appeared at the gate to the courtyard.

‘That’s Master Marsh to you, Harry!’ Jem growled. ‘What news?’

The boy gave a cheeky grin. ‘You asked me to tell you … ’

‘Go on,’ Jem interrupted.

‘They left this morning first thing. Hired a coach and I followed for a while but after they crossed the river I couldn’t keep up.’

‘Headed south?’

The boy nodded.

Kit glanced from the boy to Jem’s livid face.

‘Morton?’

Jem nodded. ‘Harry here’s been watching the house in Holborn Hill these weeks past.’

Kit felt in his purse for a coin and tossed it to the boy.

‘Thanks, Harry, you’ve done well.’ The boy touched his forehead and vanished into the busy street.

Kit looked at Jem. ‘If they’ve gone south, they could be heading for Portsmouth … ’

‘Or Dover or Southampton or … ’ Jem’s mouth tightened.

‘Or Hampshire.’ Kit finished the sentence.

If they were leaving England, it seemed likely Ambrose might choose to visit his old family home and see his sister cared for in his absence, or he could simply be after Thamsine again. His blood ran cold.

‘Seems like you’ve no choice, Lovell,’ Jem said.

Kit nodded. ‘I’ll need you.’

‘What? You just want me to up and leave the Inn?’

‘Nan will manage quite well without you. I’m not up to facing Morton by myself, you know that.’

He held up his right hand with the bent and twisted fingers.

Jem shrugged. ‘Two ’orses it is, then.’

‘Two good horses, Jem, and we leave now. Hang the cost.’

Jem gave a splutter. ‘Hang the cost? Ye’ve not a farthing to yer name. I wouldn’t mind betting that was your last coin you gave the boy.’

Kit smiled. ‘I’ll repay you, Jem. You know I’m good for my debts.’

‘Oh yes?’ Jem clapped him on the shoulder. ‘Pack your things, Lovell. I’ll be back shortly.’