The Witch from the Sea Read Online Free PDF Page A

were broad and his padded jerkin made of satin and velvet with its puffed slashed sleeves made him look even broader. His bombasted breeches were of fine material and his jornet, a loose travelling cloak, was thrown back over his shoulders. This arrogant man who, I gathered, was demanding the room already let to us was a dandy.
    “By God, Madam,” he said, “so ’tis you who have taken my room.”
    “Is it yours, sir?” I answered. “I had thought it was one the landlord had set aside for guests, and my mother and I have already taken it.”
    “Is that so?” he said, and his smile was sardonic. He started to mount the stairs.
    “I am a frequent patron of this inn,” he said. “There are times when I pass and wish to rest for a night. This room is always at my disposal.”
    “Then,” I said, “this is an occasion when it is not.”
    My mother had come forward. I realized—though no one else would—that she was a little nervous. But she was not the sort to give up her rights without a fight.
    She said: “What is this trouble, sir?”
    He bowed to her. “Whether it be trouble or not, Madam, depends on you. You are occupying my room. Vacate it and you may have a pleasant night though perhaps a less luxurious one.”
    “We had already taken the room,” said my mother.
    “Ah, but that was before I arrived. Nessie,” he shouted. Then: “God’s eyes, man, where’s your daughter?”
    The innkeeper was at the bottom of the stairs. “I will call her, my lord, and send her to you.”
    “Tell her quick. I like not to be kept waiting.”
    His eyes were on me. “Do not think,” he said, “that it pleases me to turn a beautiful lady from her bed.”
    “I am sure it does not,” I retorted, “and I am equally sure that our good host will find you a comfortable lodging somewhere in his inn.”
    He had stepped into the room. My mother watched him coldly. Jennet was frankly staring, her mouth a little slack. I knew what she was thinking. This was the kind of man she adored. If he had looked her way she would have been ready to do anything he asked of her with the utmost willingness. But he seemed unaware of her. He touched the wall and murmured: “This panelling is beautiful, is it not? Worthy of a mansion. I always admired it. ’Tis a good bed too. You’ll not find a better in any inn in the country.”
    “I am sure I shall agree with you when I have used it,” I said.
    “Ah, but we shall have to come to an agreement earlier than that. I wish to sleep in this bed tonight.”
    “As I shall be sleeping there that is out of the question.”
    “It is not an impossibility,” he said insolently.
    I flushed and my mother said: “I must ask you, sir, to leave us. If you continue to insult us my husband will hear of this.”
    “Pray who is the gentleman? Our host has been most remiss in making introductions.”
    “He is Captain Jake Pennlyon,” said my mother firmly, “and he is a man who will not allow his wife and daughter to be insulted.”
    “His repute has reached my ears. Who could be ignorant of his existence? Ha, here is Nessie. It takes you a long time to come, my girl. Did you not hear my arrival?”
    Nessie bobbed a curtsy. She was a plump, pretty girl with rosy cheeks and abundant fair curly hair; her gown was low cut and the thought occurred to me that she knew this man very well. He caught her by the ear and pinched it. She gave a little yell and put up her hands to his. He laughed and let his hand drop to her breast which he patted caressingly as he said: “Now, Nessie, clear the room. This baggage comes out and mine goes in.”
    “I will not allow this,” cried my mother.
    “My dear lady,” he said, “how will you prevent it?”
    “I wish to see the landlord immediately.”
    “Come,” I said to my mother, “we will go to him now. Come, Jennet,” I said.
    She left our bags where they were and followed us.
    The landlord was in the hall; he was visibly trembling.
    “This is a fine