Pengelly's Daughter by Nicola Pryce

Madame Merrick. ‘Well, if Sulio Denville’s in gaol, you’ll not get near him,’ I snapped.
    He met my anger with a half-smile, ‘Maybe, maybe not, but they’re planning to move him to Bodmin on Saturday morning.’
    â€˜How d’you know that?’
    â€˜I’ve had it on good authority.’
    â€˜Who?’
    â€˜Bess – the serving lass in the Anchor Tavern.’
    â€˜I hardly call that good authority!’ Which one had she been? The one running her hands under his shirt or the one stroking his thighs?
    Again, the half-smile. ‘Her father’s the gaoler. She took some persuading, but I got her to tell me the new orders.’
    â€˜I’m sure she took no persuading at all – I’m sure your charms were well received!’ Suddenly the night seemed less beautiful, the air somewhat cooler.
    â€˜They’re moving a prisoner from Fosse to Bodmin Goal on Saturday morning and it’s my belief it’s Sulio Denville. Once he’s in Bodmin, there’ll be no getting near him, so we’ve got to get him between Fosse and the moor. If we free him, we might be able to strike a deal – it’s got to be worth the chance.’
    I could not believe what I heard, but his face was deadly serious. ‘No, Jim. You can’t mean that. It can’t be done.’
    â€˜It can be done – if we use you as a distraction.’
    â€˜It’s far too dangerous.’
    â€˜For me, maybe – but not for you. You’d be nothing but an innocent bystander an’ take no part.’ His black eyes were full of danger.
    â€˜D’you have a plan?’
    â€˜Can you get a horse and wagon, or a hay wain? Something with four wheels not two? We need to get you up on the moor for a day out on Saturday morning.’
    Despite my horror, I burst out laughing. ‘Are you mad, Jim? What would I be doing going for a day out on Saturday? I never go anywhere. I can’t go borrowing a cart and setting off on a jaunt – I’ve only been across the moor a handful of times. Everyone would suspect me. If your plan hinges on me nding a cart, then it’s a stupid plan.’ I was suddenly very cross. Cross and disappointed. He was asking too much of me. I turned my back, scowling into the darkness.
    A cart! A trip across the moor! Suddenly my mind cleared. I remembered Madame Merrick and her dilemma about collecting her cotton from St Austell. If Madame Merrick needed to be at Mrs Hoskins’ for a tting on Saturday, then I could offer to collect the cotton for her. ‘Wait…I think I can do it,’ I said a little breathlessly.
    â€˜I knew you’d think of something,’ he said, the hard lines down his face softening into a half-smile. I could feel myself beginning to burn under the glow of his approval and turned my face towards the sea, hoping the breeze would cool the heat from my cheeks. ‘Can you be ready to leave Fosse at a quarter to eight?’ I heard him ask.
    â€˜Yes.’
    â€˜Take the top road out to the moor.’
    â€˜And?’
    â€˜Make sure you leave at a quarter to eight. Can you go alone?’
    â€˜No, of course not!’
    â€˜Then only one other person – but not your mother. And can you wear a red dress.’
    â€˜Why?’
    â€˜Because the colour will stand out.’
    His words scared me. Had he done this before? A knot began tightening in my stomach and instantly I regretted my decision. I knew nothing about him. He could be leading me straight to the gallows and I did not even know who he was. ‘Who are you?’ I asked sharply.
    He turned his back, staring across the shimmering sea, his shoulders broad in the moonlight. ‘I told you – my name’s Jim. Until recently, I’ve been working at the household of the Governor General of Dominica. While I was there, circumstances arose making it necessary I return to England.’ His