It seemed the Abbess found nothing to distrust in the determined face of the King’s Finder. For suddenly, with a gracious smile, she stepped forward and took Barbara by the arm.
‘It looks as if you would have to go, my dear,’ she said gently. ‘I will send Sister Monica, as well as my own niece, to keep you company. The gardener’s wife will act as your maid. Do not forget that if you wish to visit us again, we shall be glad to see you at Saint Bridget’s.’
She turned. On her way in she gave some orders to the nun at her side, who at once hastened ahead of her.
Soon more lanterns began to appear. In their dim light figures gathered, whispered and hurried to and fro. The other half of the big door was swung back. Hoofs stamped. Chains jingled. From a stable on the left side of the courtyard a pair of horses were led out on to the cobbled paving. Then a coach was pulled into position, facing the open gates. The horses were backed in and harnessed. A driver with a whip in his hand climbed to the seat. The Abbess appeared again with the heavily cloaked figures of three women following her. She beckoned Barbara into the yard, opening the coach door herself. With no sign of anger or resistance left in her, the Countess came obediently forward. She smiled a farewell to the Abbess and stepped into the carriage. Mollie jumped in and took a seat beside her. The three women followed and the door closed.
Outside on the lawn, the King’s Finder mounted his horse, with a deep sigh of relief. And as the coach rattled out through the gate, he touched Midnight on the neck and fell in behind.
13 The watchers on the terrace
In a quiet corner of the castle terrace Luke was seated on a stone bench. He was looking out across the country spread below, and particularly at the long white lines of roads that ran out farther than a man could see. Every once in a while he would spring forward to the parapet, peering with screwed-up eyes as though to make something out. But always, disappointed, he returned to his seat.
Presently he heard footsteps running along the terrace, and Anne arrived.
‘Well, have you seen him yet?’ she cried breathlessly.
‘Seen who?’ grunted Luke.