Tombland

‘I do not know,’ I replied, ‘but I strongly recommend you both stay quiet and unnoticed, and make sure your money is well hidden. And Daniel, I warn you not to go around insulting Kett and his men; that is what started Nicholas on his path to prison.’

Chawry said to Isabella gently, ‘If there is another battle, I won’t fight. I promise.’ She smiled and nodded. I thought, Is it possible he is the one who has been out to kill Boleyn from the start, to gain Isabella? But he would have needed accomplices, and money, to kill the locksmith and his apprentice. And why leave Edith’s body grotesquely displayed like that? Furthermore he knew nothing of the missing key. Or perhaps he had nothing to do with the earlier killings, but had decided to poison Boleyn? I remained convinced he was better away from Norwich. I asked, ‘Have you heard any news from Brikewell?’

Isabella sighed. ‘None.’

Chawry said, ‘I imagine the house is still the wreck the twins left it in, and with everything valuable stolen by the rebels.’

Isabella had been holding back tears since she had heard of her husband’s attempted poisoning, but now a couple trickled down her face. ‘Everything John built up.’

Chawry laid a hand on hers. ‘The land is still there; when this is over, we will return and rebuild.’

I said, ‘Goodman Chawry, might it be an idea for you to go there now, so that at least someone is in charge? Begin to sort out the house?’

He looked at me, eyes narrowing. ‘The estate is in the midst of rebel territory. They don’t like the stewards of rich landlords. I might be taken prisoner myself.’

‘With respect, it is men of the gentleman class they are targeting.’

‘I should stay here. Isabella needs my protection more than ever now.’

Looking at me with her clear blue eyes, she said, ‘Yes, I do. Master Shardlake, you forget that otherwise I am a woman alone. I will not consider it.’

I comforted myself with the thought that she was no fool either; if Chawry had been acting suspiciously, she would surely have noticed. Unless they were lovers, which I doubted. ‘Very well,’ I said. ‘I will come and visit you again, and your husband, I hope soon. I will do all I can to ensure the safety of you both.’

Isabella said, ‘I suppose there is no word of the pardon, in the middle of this – what are they calling it now? – this commotion time.’

‘No, and I do not think we can expect any news yet.’

Chawry rose and said, ‘We thank you for your help, Master Shardlake. Let me show you out.’

Barak and I bowed farewell to Isabella and followed Chawry to the street door. I guessed he had something to say. There he looked at us and said, ‘You know the idea of me going to Brikewell is nonsense, sir. Are you trying to separate me from Isabella? Do you think I tried to poison the employer I have served loyally for years?’ His voice rose angrily.

‘Careful, matey,’ Barak said warningly.

I said, ‘I have to consider all the options.’

‘Then consider this,’ Chawry said savagely. ‘Isabella is a beautiful woman. She attracts men. I see your own interest in her. But she is devoted to John Boleyn and always has been. I desire only to protect and help her.’

I looked at him. His lips were set hard, eyes narrowed. They were hard to read, always had been. I said, ‘Then she is in good hands. I will see you again soon.’

I saw contempt in his eyes. ‘How much gold are the rebels paying you for your legal advice?’ he asked unpleasantly.

‘None.’ I bowed to him and walked away, sensing his hostile eyes on my back.

* * *

EVENING WAS FALLING , though candles were not yet lit in the windows. As well as visiting Josephine again, there was something else I wanted to accomplish before returning to Mousehold Heath – to speak with Jane Reynolds. Her coldness had broken in court, and again when she had given Scambler the money which probably saved his life. As we walked along Barak observed, ‘Everything Chawry said sounded plausible.’

‘He was away from the inn longer than usual on the day Boleyn was poisoned.’

‘Isabella herself could have been involved.’

‘I cannot believe she wants her husband dead.’

Barak shrugged. ‘Aren’t you a little moonstruck with her? Don’t forget, she worked at an inn for years, and will have gained the flirting habit there. She has Chawry wrapped around her little finger.’

‘I’m not moonstruck,’ I answered sharply. ‘Certainly not enough to suspend rational judgement, and I do believe she loves her husband.’

Barak hesitated. ‘Isn’t Edward right? Aren’t you spending too much time and energy on the Boleyn case, given what is happening all around us?’

‘I can’t forget that an innocent man was poisoned to death yesterday; with Edith Boleyn, the locksmith and his apprentice, that makes four people killed.’