Chapter Nineteen
“And that’s when I hung them,” Lord Hamilton laughed. The fat, bulbous wretch was sat in his father’s seat at the head of the table, with his gout-infested foot propped up upon the tabletop.
“A fine tale, My Lord,” Lord Willby replied, glancing briefly up at Jacob as he entered. Matthew turned around from his seat and gave Jacob a stern look as he approached the table.
“Yes, yes, fine enough,” Lord Hamilton snickered as he trained his eyes upon Jacob. “So! The youngest joins us finally.”
“At any rate,” Matthew interjected, thumping his cup against the table. “We are honored by your visit, My Lord. It has been long since we were graced with your presence.”
“Yes,” Lord Hamilton growled. “I am sure you are.”
“We did not expect you to ride with such a host,” Matthew went on. “Some fifty men, all heavily armed.”
“Ah, it is nothing to speak of. Picked them up in York, didn’t we, Walter?” The small, squeamish man sat near the far end of the table perked up at hearing his name.
“Yes, Milord,” Walter said. “A fair price at that.”
“I love a good sellsword,” Lord Hamilton mused. “No qualms about anything except their pay. Which, of course, I can afford.”
“Of course,” Lord Willby said, looking down into his cup. Jacob could see the pain in his father’s eyes, and he felt as if he were the cause of all the problems that were now, quite literally, at their door. He felt such a fool for not sending Laila somewhere further, but McGowan castle was the furthest place he knew and trusted. Now it seemed, it was all for naught.
Jacob lifted his gaze to meet his father’s. Edward had deep, sad, drunken eyes. He knew what had happened, just like everyone else in the room. It was clear as day, and Jacob felt entirely responsible.
“If you would excuse me,” Jacob said, pushing out from the table. “I have matters to attend to.”
“Ah, a man of enterprise.” Lord Hamilton cackled. “Do not let me stop you.”
“Father,” Jacob said, nodding to Edward. His father returned a deep, blank, sad look. Jacob hurried from the hall, but he heard Matthew rising behind him. As the two walked outside, a lone rider walked past them into the hall.
Lord Hamilton was in a fine mood as he watched the rider approach the hall. From the man’s expression, he could see that he bore good news, for he was not cowering in fear. If a person had bad news for Lord Hamilton, they would often slink, and try to make themselves as small as possible, for fear of his intolerable wrath. This man was holding his head high, with his shoulders back, so Lord Hamilton smiled, anticipating the news he had been waiting for.
“Milord,” the knight said, bowing his head as he approached. Lord Hamilton sniffled as he sat forward a bit, itching at the top of his kneecap.
“Speak,” Lord Hamilton sneered, moving his hand from his knee to his wine.
“Sir Simon awaits you at an inn, east of Castle McGowan,” the knight said.
“Does he have what I seek?” Lord Hamilton asked, taking a casual sip of wine, his eyes glaring out at the rest of the empty room.
“He will, My Lord, by the time you arrive,” the knight answered.
“Good, very good,” Lord Hamilton sneered, draining the rest of his wine. “Go and tell my remaining men to make ready. We leave at once.”
“Of course, Milord,” the knight said, bowing his head.
“Go on, then!” Lord Hamilton snapped. “Go!”
The knight shuffled out quickly, and Lord Hamilton grinned to see him scurry. Even though he had done his job well, Lord Hamilton still wanted to impose his dominance. He could never let anyone think they were safe. That was something he had learned long ago. The moment they thought they were in charge, even for a second, was the moment Lord Hamilton lost all authority. He was never going to let that happen. After all, look at what had happened with his soon-to-be bride.
Lord Hamilton gave a grumble as he hauled his gout-laden leg off the table and made an excruciating face as he hauled himself to his feet. He didn’t much like walking, in fact, he had grown to detest it, but he still had to manage it from time to time.
The yard was beginning to bustle as Lord Hamilton limped out into the day, as his few remaining guards made his carriage ready and prepared their own horses. Lord Hamilton smiled as he saw the younger brother approaching the assembly from the keep.
“Lord Hamilton,” Jacob said, walking up beside the carriage. “I see you’re preparing to depart.”
“Yes I am, young Jacob, yes I am,” Lord Hamilton said, leaning up against the rear carriage wheel and extending his leg just a bit. “I must thank you again for your family’s hospitality.”
“And where are you off to, milord? Back to London?” Jacob asked, resting his forearm comfortably upon the hilt of his longsword. He was a striking figure, Lord Hamilton thought and looked very much like a nobleman should. Perhaps in the future, he could be of real use.
