Edward Marston - The Laughing Hangman

They talked at length about the play until they felt sufficiently relaxed with each other to move away from it. Nicholas had some news for her.

‘I spoke with Master Firethorn today,’ he said, ‘and put the name of Philip Robinson in his ear.’

‘Why?’

‘We need a new apprentice.’

‘And you would consider Philip?’

‘He recommends himself.’

‘He may,’ she said cautiously, ‘but his situation does not. Did you tell Master Firethorn the full facts?’

‘Each and every one.’

‘The boy carries a stigma. Did he not baulk at that?’

‘The only stigma that Lawrence Firethorn recognises is bad acting. Show him a willing lad with a wealth of talent and he’ll take him into Westfield’s Men, though his mother be a witch and his father have cloven hooves and a tail.’

‘Then Philip is apprenticed?’

‘If the Chapel Royal agree to release him.’

‘They’ll embrace the opportunity, Nick. Thank you!’

‘For what?’

‘Your kindness and consideration.’

‘Philip will be an asset to us. I am only being kind and considerate to Westfield’s Men, believe me.’

‘I fretted over him,’ she said. ‘My mind is put at rest by this news. It is a relief to know that some good has come out of all of this upset. I am still wracked with guilt about it.’

‘Why?’

‘I caused you so much unnecessary trouble. But for me, you would never have met Ambrose Robinson.’

‘But for him, I might never have met Anne Hendrik again.’ He grinned at her. ‘I call that a fair exchange.’

‘Then I am content.’

They fell silent. Nicholas feasted his eyes on her and basked in the luxury of her company. He had not been able to enjoy it to the full before. The obstacles between them had now vanished and he could appraise her properly for the first time. Anne wallowed in his curiosity before being prompted by her own.

‘Do you live alone?’ she said.

‘No. The house is full of people.’

‘I was talking about your room,’ she said, probing quietly. ‘I wondered if you…shared it with anybody.’

‘I am never there long enough to notice.’

‘Still married to Westfield’s Men?’

‘With all its misfortunes.’ They laughed together. ‘But what of you, Anne? Alone here still?’

‘Not for much longer.’

‘Why?’

‘That passage with Ambrose taught me much. I felt the lack of a man around the house. I will take another lodger.’

‘I see,’ he said with obvious disappointment.

‘I do it for my own protection, Nick,’ she argued. ‘He would not need to be here night and day. His scent would be enough. It would keep danger away.’

‘What sort of lodger would you seek?’

‘One that suited me.’

‘In what way?’

Her eyes searched his. Nicholas was the first to smile.

‘Where do you live?’ she asked, moving closer.

‘In Thames Street.’

‘How much do you pay your landlord?’

‘Too much.’

He took her in his arms for a long and loving kiss.

‘I am thinking of moving,’ he said.