Read Online The Gowrie Conspiracy by Alanna Knight - Free Book Online Page B

hands at first became a glove with webbing between the fingers, succeeded by a solid paddle. Now they use a long handled racket with a ball of hair, wool or cork, wrapped in string or leather.
    ‘His Grace restored the court neglected for many years and plays regularly. For a man who seems often clumsy in his movements, his game – according to his courtiers – is like his horsemanship, quite excellent.’
    Tansy had smiled wryly and added, ‘Sometimes I suspect that they let him win.’
    Tam was remembering Tansy’s words as they entered the court. A stone floor surrounded by four high walls with a service and hazard end, open to the sky. The net was a simple cord made visible by the addition of tassels, five feet at either end dipping to three feet in the centre. The onlookers were protected by a partition on the right hand side of the court.
    At the king’s request, Lennox explained the rules and method of scoring to Tam, very fast and somewhat incomprehensibly and giving him no opportunity for questions. Then without further ado a racket was thrust into his handsand Lennox announced to James that they were ready to begin.
    James shuffled forward to Tam’s side and, showing slightly more consideration, asked, ‘D’ye ken fine all Vicky’s instructions, Master Eildor?’
    ‘I believe so, Your Grace,’ said Tam, bewildered and sounding considerably more confident than he felt at that moment.
    ‘Then we are ready, sire,’ said Lennox taking up his racket and looking steadily at Tam.
    ‘No’ you, Vicky. Step aside,’ said James shortly and sucking in his lips, he said slowly, ‘We wish to set Master Eildor against Johnnie here.’ And to Tam, ‘The lad is a fine player, best in our court.’ With a sly shake of his head, he added, ‘Aye, Johnnie Ramsay will be able to teach our simple fisherman a thing or twa, nae doot.’
    Tam groaned inwardly. He did not doubt that either for John Ramsay at sixteen had the face of an angel combined, according to rumour, with a waspish tongue and a cruel and vicious streak.
    Ramsay squared his shoulders, smiled and bowed to James before eyeing Tam with an expression of contempt, certain that this man twice his age would be an easy opponent.
    Although Lennox had no liking for Ramsay he was similarly pleased, certain that Tam defeated and looking foolish would go down several notches in James’s estimation. And that was splendid news, he decided, watching the two men strip off their outer garments.
    For Tam it was a simple matter or removing his leather jerkin, leaving him in breeches and shirt. For Ramsay, however , it was a very different ritual, clad in heavy doublet, padded breeches and thigh boots.
    But it appeared that fashion set by the king must be followed in court, regardless of the weather, which indicated that there was already heat in the sun despite the early hour.
    James had not yet retired behind the partition and stood alongside the two men eagerly watching Tam who said, ‘Ifyour Grace permits, I would also remove my boots. I prefer to play in bare feet.’
    ‘Aye, ye do that, mannie, ye do just that,’ said the king excitedly, lingering to gaze with delight at Tam’s well-shaped feet and ankles while Ramsay looked on with disgust at such a common man’s vulgar notion.
    He would soon show this upstart the error of his ways. His supercilious smile towards the onlookers indicated that he was already confident of the result, a victory that was also a waste of his precious time and talent on such an unworthy opponent.
    James addressed the courtiers waiting to escort him to his seat, ‘A wager – gentlemen. A wager – ma Siller on Master Eildor,’ and so saying he took from his pocket a purse which he handed to Vicky Stewart who, after a swift glance at the contents, sighed with relief.
    James was known to be cautious about his silver as well as frequently and conveniently forgetful to pay up when he lost a wager.
    ‘Tis a warm day,’ the king said,