Fooling the Tower

Chapter v

Winifred hurried to the chamber.

Of Lord Nithsdale.

The evening was falling over London, draping the lively city in darkness. The dusk swept away the soft light of a little sun and poured an orange hue all over. The guards made way for her and the ladies offered their prayers.

She knew it all had worked. But the masterpiece required a last finishing touch to finalise perfection.

It had to be a spotless escape, with no doubt alerting the king and his men.

In silence she stood solitary. Sighing, she closed her eyes and drew a cross.

She had done it all in the name of love.

"I require the assistance of you, Father, for one last time," she prayed.

Taking deep breaths and cracking her knuckles, she got ready.

In the next moments two voices were heard conversing in the chamber.

"My dear Winifred, if I don't return, please don't mourn over me. Continue the movement," said a male, hoarse voice.

"I shall not, I shall keep your wishes, fulfill them," a shrill, quavering tone promised through sobs.

Winifred puffed up her chest. "May you keep the name of my family bright and make a good man out of our lad."

She feigned to twist an invisible moustache. "I shall do my evening prayer now," she coughed. "Goodbye, my love."

Winifred could feel her heart thumping, the hammering beating clouding her thoughts. Wiping her tears she said, "As the Lord wishes."

With slow, hesitant steps she got out of the chamber and closed the door. A guard stood outside, and upon seeing her bowed.

"My Lady, it is time to light the candles. Is your Lord-"

Winifred shook her head. In the darkness of the night, her pale blue eyes shone like two drops taken from a glittering ocean. "He is doing his prayer. You might light up the candles after some time, for he doesn't want to be disturbed."

The guard nodded. "Alright. I hope you will be able to convince the king to pardon him."

Winifred faked a smile. "Yes, tonight is the last."

Fools, the king put here fools to guard my husband.

"I shall take my leave." Hiding her face in a handkerchief, Winifred hastily stepped out and climbed down the stairs. She put on the hood, hiding her grin amidst the shine of dim torches.

On witnessing the pale moonlight conquering the skies, Winifred smirked. A smile reached her ears as she spread her hands and caught tiny balls of snow.

So pure, so white, so peaceful.

Back at the Tower the guards readied themselves to light the candles.

All in vain. For the deadliest of escapes had been made in broad daylight, from under their noses.

Outside a carriage waited along with Mrs Mills and Miss Hilton. Snowflakes covered their gloved hands and they pulled closer to themselves the coats of fur. On seeing Winifred return, they offered her one too. Draping the shivering Winifred in a fur coat, the two ladies raised their brows. Parted lips and expectant gazes awaited an answer.

Winifred pursed her lips, her feet reluctant to be frozen on spot. Her eyes brimmed with tears of joy.

She blinked slowly and nodded her head.

The trio shook hands.

"The king will be surprised."

_____

THE END