A Woman of the Road and Sea: The Honest Thieves Series, #2

By AMY WOLF

She seized her freedom. Now, can she help a usurper snag the throne?

England. 1670. Margaret "Megs" Tanner adores the life of a highwaywoman and the freedom of staying one step ahead of the law...

...but her companion Aventis wants her to give it all up to become his wife.

Megs is torn between her love of peril and the love of her life when an opportunity presents itself that she just can't resist - smuggling banned French wine into England.

Her yearning for adventure sends her from the road onto the seas where she finds herself on the wrong side of the throne when she's thrust into Monmouth's Rebellion to usurp the king.

Can Megs keep her wits about her while fighting off Musketeers? Will she salvage her fractured relationship with Aventis as they fight on opposite sides of the war?

Find out in A Woman of the Road and Sea, the second book in the rollicking Honest Thieves world. If you like fearless women, page-turning tension, and interesting twists in real-world events, then you'll love this fast-paced tale.

Get it now.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lone Wolf Press Ltd.
• Release date: Aug 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393661252

AMY WOLF

Amy Wolf has just released the first book of in her Greek fantasy MYTHOS world. She is an Amazon Kindle Scout winner for her novel THE MISSES BRONTES' ESTABLISHMENT. Her fantasy series, THE CAVERNIS TRILOGY, is out from Red Empress Press. Amy has published 38 short stories in the SF/Fantasy press, including REALMS OF FANTASY (2) and INTERZONE (U.K.). She is a graduate of the Clarion West Writer's program and has an honors English degree from The University of London. She started her career working for the major Hollywood studios, including 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros., and was a Script Reader for MGM & Joe Roth. One of three natives out of 10 million, Amy was forced from L.A. and now lives in Honolulu. She has one adult daughter currently terrorizing L.A., and a small, barky dog.

Book preview

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

A WOMAN OF THE ROAD AND SEA

Second edition. October 15, 2020

Copyright ©  2020 Amy Wolf

Written by Amy Wolf

Table of Contents

A Prepossessing Young Man

The Hue-and-Cry

The Captain’s Subterfuge

St. Valentine’s Day

A Sudden Malady

Megs’s Departure

A Future Highwayman Arrives

The Great and the Small

A Queen in Distress

A New Class of Outlaw

A Mother’s Lament

A Woman of the Sea

An Unfortunate Custom

The Good Customs Man

The Local Gaol

The New Newgate

Order in the Court

Interregnum

Blackheath and London

Four Highwaymen Go on An Outing

A Plot Revealed - 1683

The Rye House Plot

A London Coffeehouse

A Split Amongst Friends

The Great Rebellion

Farewell, Friend

The Bloody Assizes

A Reluctant Envoy

Abroad Again

Rumors

A Journey to Paris

The Princess Palatine

Plots Aplenty

The Four Musketeers

The Island

Fort Royal

An Expert Is Called

Rebuilding

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Now you licencious Rebels, that doe make

Profession of this wicked course, and take

A pride therein, and would be term’d by me

Knights of the Rodes, or else at leastwise be

Stil’d High-way Lawyers; ...

first plucke of your visards, hoods, disguise,

Masks, Muzles, Mufflers, patches from your eyes,

Those beards, those heads of haire, and that great wen

Which is not naturall, that I may ken

Your faces as they are . . .

John Clavel

A RECANTATION Of an ill led Life. OR A discouerie of the High-way Law

Special Acknowledgements

Rachel (R.E.) Carr – beta reader extraordinaire

Tim Whittome – Englishman/Proofreader

Theresa Mudrock  – University of Washington Historical Librarian

Alan R. Michelson – University of Washington Historical Librarian

Richard Platt – English Customs expert

Lorraine Sencicle – Dover historian

Jorden Pritchard – Firearms expert

Calais Histoire et Tradition Society

This book is dedicated to the memory of Vonda N. McIntyre

Forever missed; never forgotten.

A Prepossessing Young Man

Stand and deliver!" I cried, and this time, unlike the last, I did not speak the words in jest.

Wheeling my mount to a halt, I made sure to block a black coach which jolted down the Great Western. By my standards, it was not grand (not even a seal on the door), but I was so eager to ply my trade that to me it mattered little.

My three fellows in crime—Jeffries, Carnatus, and Aventis—all pulled back on their reins. I could not help but smile beneath my black crepe mask. After months of inaction, we were still Kings of the Heath!

I watched Carnatus work his rope as he snagged the shooter and coachman. Captain Jeffries leapt from his saddle, his boots raising a dust cloud as he leaned by the coach’s near door.

Good morning, he said to an unseen occupant. We will not delay you for long.

Impudent dogs! came a cry, and, with a slam of that door, a young man stepped onto the road. He wore a red army uniform, his coat sporting gold braid which shone in the sun. With any luck, I shall see you all hanged!

But who is to say, asked Jeffries, "that luck will favor you?"

The young man unclenched his gloves, though his red face near-matched his coat.

No cause for alarm, said Jeffries, and I saw his eyes soften. We would not harm a man we know. Are you not James Scott?

Despite his gentle words, Jeffries still aimed two pistols straight at Mr. Scott’s heart.

I-I am, the young man stammered, though I much prefer Duke of Monmouth.

He touched his long, dark hair, too tousled to be a wig, while I surveyed his features. There was something familiar in that aquiline nose; the mouth’s haughty sneer. . .

You do not recall us? asked Jeffries, bending forward to seize the duke’s sword from his belt.

I should say not, huffed Monmouth. "What reason have I to recall a band of drivers?"

‘Drivers’? asked Carnatus, cocking his flintlock.

Peace, my friend, said Aventis. It was not that many years past we met this young man as a boy.

Ah, yes, said Carnatus, coddled by his wet nurse.

I saw the duke’s eyes narrow. Yet what could he possibly do surrounded by four armed men?

I shall tell my father! he cried. "He shall seek my revenge."

No doubt he is able, I said, "but what of your good right arm? Did you break it this morning while dressing?"

Monmouth shook with rage as our whole company laughed. Carnatus’s deep guffaws caused the coach’s horses to stir.

"How dare you address me? asked Monmouth. Surely, you are aware that I am a son of the king!"

Ha! said Carnatus. If bastards are dukes, then I have one who should be made earl.

Monmouth blanched as he reached for a hidden pistol. Even as I moved to take it, I had to admire his courage.

The duke now stood unarmed, his eyes sparking like powder on steel.

Calm yourself, sir, said Aventis, or you might damage your spleen.

Outrageous, muttered the duke. To be so addressed by a commoner!

I beg your pardon— I said, bristling for the sake of my friend. But Jeffries cut me short.

You wear the uniform of the Horse, he said to the duke. Why, then, are you apart from your men?

I am headed for them, said Monmouth, if you would but let me proceed.

A moment, said Jeffries.

The duke stood on the road, crossing his arms and pouting. Has he really grown up, I thought, since we stopped him as a boy? Then, we had let him proceed in peace.

Not today.

Your purse, sir, if you please, asked Jeffries, extending his glove.

Lowly footpads and thieves! cried Monmouth, stomping a booted foot. Cannot one frequent the roads of England without being accosted?

Of course not, I told him. Good God, sir, how long have you been away?

Five years, on and off, he said. I fought in the two Dutch wars.

Commendable, said Carnatus. Never liked the Dutch. Their ships are too dam’d swift.

And their whiskers too bristly, added Aventis.

Hang the Dutch! cried Monmouth. Do your business and be quick!

Jeffries touched his hat.

I asked you for your purse, sir.

Though Monmouth flung it at Jeffries’s head, the captain stayed calm, for its leather bulged with guineas.

Your rings, if you please, I asked, holding out my palm. After the duke tore off his gloves, I found that my own now bore a sparkling sapphire set in the finest of gold.

Fit for a prince, I said. We salute your dear late mother. Pray inform Lady Castlemaine, another of Charles’s mistresses, that she has a place in our hearts.

Jeffries, recalling my robbery of her, gave a hearty laugh.

I do not see the humor, said Monmouth. If I were free to leave London, I would return with my troops and slay you to the last man.

Alas, you would fail, I said, as one would still remain.

Now my other two friends joined Jeffries in his mirth. Carnatus bent from his saddle, freeing his two captives, while Aventis saluted the duke.

This caused Monmouth to stride to his coach like a red-coated Fury.

We will meet again, he growled, and slammed his way inside.

Farewell, Mr. Scott, I called as his team trotted off in a shower of rocks. I fear you have improved not in politeness but arrogance.

The Hue-and-Cry

Riding off the road , we divided the spoils: Jeffries gave me the sapphire and a handful of five-guinea coins. Not a bad bounty for a mere half-hour’s work.

We all removed our masks.

Let us go back to the Whale, I called, as we started out over Hounslow. But first, I must pay a visit to my favorite birch.

Spotting the tree amidst the scrub, I dismounted, and, at its foot, employed my sword as a spade. After a very few minutes, I emerged from behind the trunk, dressed not as Megs, fierce highwayman, but Mistress Margaret Tanner, proprietor of the Whale. While Jeffries and Carnatus smiled, I saw Aventis look grave. Perhaps he liked me better in breeches than a skirt!

Why do we tarry? asked Carnatus, as I remounted—side-saddle. Even two tankards of ale cannot slack my great thirst!

You may have all you wish, I said, as we loped toward my favorite inn. Drinks, as always, are on the house.

Huzzah! cheered Carnatus, and, once in the Whale’s forecourt, we turned over our mounts to the ostler. I could not help it: I still shuddered at the thought of Claude, the brute who had held this post and nearly became my husband. But I steeled myself with the knowledge that I was now in charge, and so entered the inn with a smile.

I noted with pleasure that despite the early hour, most of the tables were filled. At the pewter bar, my old friend John the tapster was pouring drinks with both hands.

John, I called, if you do the work of two men, you must be paid as such.

He gave me a grin.

I’ll not object, mistress.

As I looked about the room cheered by its glowing hearth. I thought with pride: I built this. I could even imagine father, now in his grave, mumbling words of praise. But such happy fancies faded as I saw my serving maid Sally swing in from the kitchen.

Hullo, I said. How goes it?

She set down two breakfast trays.

Well, miss, she replied, glaring. May I ask where ye was last night?

Her brazen address inflamed me. To her, I should always be mistress, for miss denoted a whore!

As long as you work for me, I hissed, "you will show me some respect."

Yes, mistress, she said.

That’s better.

Still, she scowled once she spotted my friends. I knew well what she was thinking:

How could a respectable woman consort with a troop of thieves? Well, the Whale was mine, and I could have in it who I liked. If Sally did not approve, the door was to her left!

Our honored guest Captain Jeffries, I said, requires his favorite wine. Please bring out three glasses and two tankards of ale.

Sally—as old as me, a woman of seven-and-twenty!—wrinkled her face so she appeared almost cronelike. This set off my usual rage.

Shall I seize a stick from the fire, I asked, and hurl it under your feet?

No, Mistress.

With a forced curtsy, she scuttled off to the taproom.

Trouble at the inn? asked Aventis.

I sighed.

"Yes. After last night’s upset, you can be sure she is grieving Ned and my refusal to marry him."

Aventis’s black eyes met mine.

As for yourself? he asked.

I am as sad to see him go as I was Richard Cromwell.

Aventis laughed, taking a seat at a table. Of course, it was in the far corner, a natural place for us.

Aventis, I whispered, taking a seat beside him, "last night you said that you loved me—neither Margaret nor Megs, but me."

As you know, he said, I always speak the truth.

When he gave me a wink, I felt the Whale vanish: there was only him and me, at that table and in the whole world.

Adv— I started to say.

Of course, it was Jeffries who interrupted.

Ahem, he said, taking a seat. "Must I remind you that in my troop, there are no doxies or lovers?"

But, captain, I protested, how can it matter now that Carnatus knows I’m a—

What if, he asked sternly, "you and Aventis quarrel? No longer speak? Our company will break. Again."

I could not vouch for Aventis but I know that I winced. How could either of us forget that sad day at Islington, when a single kiss did more damage to us than the whole Great Fire?

Very well, said Aventis after a pause. We will adhere to our old promise.

Speak for yourself! I snapped.

I will see that Margaret behaves, Aventis told Jeffries.

As if I were a child!

Do not disappoint me, said Jeffries, rising to join Carnatus, who, true to form, was now leading a game of Hazard.

For a moment, I sat speechless, tears of anger pricking my pupils.

You are not aware, I said, after all our years on the road, that Megs answers to no man?

Jeffries is in charge, said Aventis. "This is his company and we are bound to follow his rules."

I gave him the look I normally used just before cocking my pistol.

As much as it wounds us, he said, "we must honor our word."

I noted his maddening calm, no doubt perfected when he’d studied to be a priest.

"It seems to wound you not at all."

I gathered my skirts beneath me, then left him to join the others.

Attempting to smile, I found that I could not, even when I watched Carnatus win throw after throw.

I cannot lose! he cried, and, due to the vagary of luck, it seemed he spoke the truth.

Still, I knew such things could not last.

Carnatus, I said, standing on tiptoe to get close to his ear, If I were you, I would fold.

"But you are not me," he said, blowing on his two dice and tossing them down with a clatter.

Damn! he said, smacking his hat against his thigh. Couldn’t nick. Should have listened to Megs.

That’s Margaret, if you please.

Looking back at his guineas with sorrow, Carnatus sat down with Aventis. I did not care to join them and busied myself with receipts.

Men! I thought. Outwardly brave, but with hearts of trembling mice. Why, I asked myself, had I ever wanted to be one?

Dam’d if I’m not starved! cried Carnatus. Mistress Margaret, would you order up a trifle, butter eggs and cream, a shoulder of mutton with oysters, and a large hashed hare?

Also, some bread and cheese, said Aventis.

Sally, you heard the man, I called.

"Yes, Mistress," she answered with venom. Though I wanted to grab and throttle her, I was more upset with Adventis. Still, I joined my friends, which now included Jeffries.

When our dinner arrived, I felt a distance across that table which encompassed more than mere space. Carnatus, distracted by food, could not be expected to notice, but Jeffries was more than aware, for he reached out to touch my hand. Aventis ignored his fare, instead gulping down wine.

I was quick to follow.

Had I erred last night? I thought, turning to stare at the fire. Had I, entranced by Aventis, driven away a man who could at least act on his feelings?

Pass the oyster sauce, said Carnatus, wielding his knife with gusto. I complied, taking a bite of cheese. As its sharpness sat on my tongue, I snuck a glance at Aventis. God’s legs, it was no use: I still loved him as much as ever!

As I returned his smile, who should burst through the door but his declared rival? And Ned was not alone, for in his wake trailed ten others!

I humbly request that you go— I began, reaching for my sword. Damn! Of course, it was on the Heath, buried along with my pistol!

I have raised the hue-and-cry, said Ned, looking about as smug as one of his munching cows. We, the people of Middlesex, will not suffer in our midst the presence of three high tobymen!

Has someone made you mayor? I asked. My friends are merely at dinner. Are they to be apprehended for the crime of eating a hare?

They will soon have no need of food, he said, for only their bones will remain.

How dare you?! I cried in a strange echo of Monmouth. "The Whale belongs to me; its patrons are of my choosing. Take your ridiculous men and leave!"

The law rules us all, said Ned, as if presiding at the Old Bailey.

I stared in wonderment: Who was he to lecture me?

Even Carnatus put down his knife. He rose, jolting each plate. I saw that under the table, both Aventis and Jeffries had a hand on their swords.

Arrest them! Ned shouted as he shakily pointed a pistol. The simple men behind him raised their pitchforks and pikes.

What?! Carnatus roared. "To be set upon by farmers? He used the flat of his sword to thoroughly flatten two of them. Then, as if swatting a bird, he deflected a pike that was aimed straight for his head. Do not touch my plumes, he cried, for each feather cost more than three shillings!"

Mind the pewter! I yelled, snatching a pitcher and cradling it like a babe. I watched in horror as my tables and chairs flew—some even into the fire! Have a care! I cried. Or you shall pay with your lives!

I whirled to see John pick up a corkscrew and wield it like a dagger. As a farmer aimed his pike at a precious barrel of wine, I took off in a flurry of skirts and delivered a blow which pitched him over the bar. Aventis, engaged with a pitchfork, glanced over at me and winked.

I watched him slice it in two as if he were carving butter. At his side was Jeffries, who pummeled two foes. When another leapt on his back, Carnatus relieved his burden with no more than a swipe with his pistol. As the farmer half-rose, Aventis seized his shoulders and re-acquainted him with the floor.

This is absurd, I said, watching a shelf piled with plate come crashing onto the bar. I strode over to Jeffries and relieved him of one of his guns. Cocking the hammer, I aimed for the roof and shot, causing all to freeze in mid-fight. Everyone stared as a sign with Three Kindes of Ale Brewed Here swung from its hinge upside down, a victim of my lead ball.

No one here moves! I cried. Or I swear on God’s blood that my next shot strikes flesh.

She is one of them, Ned whispered, but still, he dropped his gun.

Now— I turned to face him, my pistol aimed at his head. Leave while you still can.

He and I faced off, but I was the one with the gun. Behind me, my three friends stood shoulder-to-shoulder, each of their swords upraised.

Very well, Ned spat, wiping blood from his cheek. But know that the Watch will arrive before you can get away.

Not bloody likely, said Jeffries. I believe that in Middlesex, it consists of three old men.

I started to laugh as he shooed out Ned and his men like a flock of frightened sheep.

Aventis resheathed his blade and put a hand on my shoulder.

I warrant that is the last of him.

And of me, I said softly. He gave me a quizzical look as I drew him aside. I too must go, I said. "Surely you can