A Lark In The Bushel

Chapter 11 - "Oh, lets find some buried treasure!"

The messenger reined his horse in and clattered to a halt in front of an inn, of course this must be the place, it was the only one of it's kind for miles around. He dismounted slowly, pulled the reins over his horse's head and walked them over to the hitching post. He tied the reins to the post, loosened the bit and spoke soothingly to the horse, patting their neck and ensuring they had enough loose rein to reach the trough, no doubt they'd want to drink. They had made good time to get here, the horse sweating lightly, the messenger was happy the sun was now over the yard arm and he had time to fully sate his thirst before heading back.

The rider strolled happily up the steps to the inn, stretching his legs after the long ride as he reflected on his pleasant journey here and the prospect of food and drink as he swung open the door and stepped inside. His good upbringing showed at his automatic movement to reach up and sweep his travelling hat from his head the second he stepped through the door as his gaze swept the room, there was no other customers in the bar. Unsurprisingly, as it was early in the day, he strolled up to the bar, taking note of the log fire burning away for no-one in particular, giving the empty room a warm, cosy feel. He appreciated the small details and felt instantly at ease here, he rapped sharply on the bar with his knuckles and waited patiently for the proprietors to appear.

Bess was in the kitchen to the rear of the bar, cooking the meal for this evening when she heard the knocking, she doubted it was a customer in the bar wanting service at this time of day, but none the less she went to investigate. She was instantly met with sight of the messenger standing at the bar, she appraised him with a cursory glance, taking in his dusty but otherwise well tailored and smart livery. She guessed he was an upstanding man, but not one of real money, he dressed and held himself as a gentleman of the middle class perhaps,nonthreatening and amicable enough. She took an instant liking to his open face, detecting honesty and integrity in his hazel eyes that regarded her politely after he bowed at her entrance.

"Begging your pardon sir, I was in the kitchen. I hope you haven't waited long."

"Not at all madam, a sit happens I have just this moment arrived, and wouldn't be terribly perturbed waiting in these homely surroundings."

"You're very kind sir, what can I do for you?"

"Madam I will cut to the chase, is there a Richard Turpin here?"

Bess narrowed her eyes in suspicion, the man was well dressed, he didn't look like one of Richard's usual accomplices. They were a gang of lost boys led by bad influences, she despaired her son spending time around those people, fearing their company would no doubt lead him down a troubled path of no return. Bess worried this man was a thief-taker, here to arrest her son for some unknown crime, she drew herself to her full height and jutted out her chin in defiance, he would have a fight on his hands if he thought he could bully her or her son in their own home.

"Who wants to know?"

The man smiled amicably, he had expected hostility, knowing what had happened here between this family and the one he served at Button house, there was bound to be crossed wires after that confusing night. "My name is William, I can assure you I come in peace, I have been sent on behalf of my masters with a job offer for Richard, it's a good one too. I have no doubt he'll want to hear what I have to say as soon as possible."