entrance. The clang from the smithy shack rang as commoners ambled about, some pushing barrows of hay or less pleasant-smelling goods. Others carried bundles of wood on their backs. Flagged on by a guard, a group of washerwomen walked right past them and through the archway, heading toward the inner castle gate carrying their baskets of laundered linens.
“State your purpose,” demanded the guard as if he intended to order the pikemen to attack on the spot.
“Come for market day,” said James. “Do you know of an inn suitable for my lady wife?” He leaned down and cupped a hand to the side of his mouth. “She’s awfully particular.”
The sentry’s gaze shifted to Ailish. “’Tis not advisable to bring a woman into the city, especially.”
“I’m in sore need of fine cloth and silk for the babe,” she said, rubbing her belly. “And I’ll trust no one else to purchase it on my behalf.”
James gave her a dour frown and cleared his throat. “Ye see my predicament, sir?”
“Aye, I have a similar problem at home. And there’s no changing a woman’s mind when she’s in the family way.” The man thrust a thumb over his shoulder. “The Boar’s Head down the close lets rooms to travelers, but you’d best be quick.”
“My thanks.” James picked up his reins. “How many ale houses are within the city gates?”
“Three, but nary a one is suitable for a woman in the family way.” He waved them on. “Ye’ll find The Boar’s Head is the smallest and least likely to entertain a brawl.”
Chapter Seventeen
The innkeeper opened the door to the chamber on the top floor. “Apologies, but this is all I can offer.”
A narrow bed sat in a corner and beside it was an old wooden stool. There was no hearth. An open gap posed as a window, skirted by a ratty fur tied back. Above, a pigeon cooed, roosting in the crumbling masonry. A white trail of bird droppings stained the wall beneath the bird.
“This will do,” said James, dropping a coin in the man’s palm, no matter how much he wanted to tell the innkeeper what he could do with the bed and the pigeon.
The man removed his cap and swatted the nest, sending the pigeon on its way. “Many guests have stayed in this chamber. Just pull the fur across the window when you’re ready to sleep.”
“Do you have a candle?” asked Ailish.
“I’ll have the lad bring one up.”
Her Ladyship turned in a circle, looking at the exposed rafters as the innkeeper took his leave. “At least it is better than sleeping in a tent.”
James chuckled. The only time they’d slept in a tent, they’d been attacked by a couple of English spies. “Safer, if we’re lucky.”
As the door clicked, she grasped his hands. “Do you think we’ll find Harris?”
“If he’s here, we’ll find him. I sent Torquil and Caelan to the tollbooth to inquire.”
“After Harris?”
He raised her fingers to his lips. “Nay, to ask how many children are imprisoned.”
“But we should have gone.”
“Are you certain about that?” He arched an eyebrow. “If the Cunningham lads go now, no one will suspect me if I show up later.”
“Ah.” She slid her hands away and gripped her fists beneath her chin. “How are you planning to spirit him out?”
“One thing at a time.” James pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. “So, you’re in the family way, are ye?”
She turned up her chin with a saucy grin. “My wee fib worked, did it not?”
“Aye, but what happened to letting me do the talking?”
“I did.”
“Perhaps afore you told the man you were expecting a wee bairn.”
She pulled away. “Are you angry?”
“I’d put it no higher than annoyed.”
“But why?”
“Because this is war and in war there can be only one general and his orders must be followed implicitly no matter how much you may think he’s wrong.”
“I did not think you were wrong.”
“But you spoke out nonetheless.”
“Nay! Well, I suppose I did, but the notion popped into my head and I blurted it out afore I remembered your orders.” She dipped into a clipped curtsey. “Forgive me for my disobedience, oh master.”
“Do not patronize me. Against my better judgment I’ve allowed you to come on this venture. We’ve already been chased by the border patrol. Lord only kens what we’ll face next, especially if we attempt to spirit out of the most heavily armed fortress in Northern England with your brother.”
She strode to the window and looked out, crossing her arms. “He and Florrie are