Read Online The Vagabond Clown by Edward Marston - Free Book Online

convince Gill that he would be better off in London.
    ‘All you will do is prolong your misery,’ he said.
    ‘It’s my decision, Lawrence.’
    ‘A foolish one, at that. Why force yourself to watch something that you know you will despise? And there is another aspect here. How can Giddy Mussett give of his best if you are leering at him from the audience?’
    Gill smirked. ‘I’ll do more than leer at him, I warrant you!’
    ‘Think how that may damage our performance, Barnaby.’
    ‘Mussett is my only target.’
    ‘But you’ll trouble the whole company.’
    The others in the wagon said nothing but their expressions showed that they agreed with Firethorn’s observation. Gill was already proving a disruptive influence. He was a prickly travelling companion with a score to settle. Serious problems would ensue.
    Summer sunshine bathed them every inch of the way and it was only when evening shadows began to dapple the fields around them that they started to look for shelter. Nicholas selected a wayside inn called the Shepherd and Shepherdess because it was large enough to accommodate them and well over halfway to their first destination. Its brightly painted sign depicted two rustic lovers, each in a smock and equipped with a crook, holding hands as they stood amid their sheep. After leading the troupe into the yard, Nicholas brought them to a halt for the day. As soon as the book holder jumped down from the wagon, Firethorn beckoned him over.
    ‘Barnaby is set on causing an upset,’ he warned, dismounting from the saddle.
    ‘That must be prevented at all costs.’
    ‘How has Giddy behaved?’
    ‘Like an angel,’ said Nicholas. ‘Dick Honeydew and the others love him already. He made a long journey seem very short.’
    ‘Barnaby made it seem like an eternity. If I broke my leg, Margery would not let me stir from the house until it mended. He should do likewise. The doctor advised it. Whatever drove Barnaby to force himself upon us like this?’
    ‘His pride.’
    ‘And sheer stubbornness.’
    ‘Something of both, I fancy.’
    ‘Keep the pair of them apart, Nick,’ implored Firethorn. ‘The last thing we need is a duel of words between two vicious tongues.’
    ‘A plan has already been devised.’
    ‘Even you cannot watch both of them at the same time.’
    ‘No,’ agreed Nicholas. ‘I’ll keep guard over Giddy Mussett. Someone else will make sure that he does not get too close to his rival.’
    ‘Someone else?’
    ‘George Dart. I’ve told him to fetch and carry for Barnaby.’
    ‘Is he equal to the task?’
    ‘He’ll not let us down.’
    Ostlers came out to take charge of the horses. While the others got out of the wagons and unloaded their belongings, Nicholas and Firethorn went into the inn to speak to the landlord about accommodation. It was soon arranged to everyone’s satisfaction. Nicholas was responsible for deciding on the sleeping arrangements. Having put Mussett in the room that he would occupy himself with six others, he assigned Gill to a chamber as far away as possible. A tiring journey made supper especially welcome and the actors ate and drank with enthusiasm. Though he provided a deal of merriment, Mussett refused to touch any ale and Nicholas was duly impressed. Gill, by contrast, seated at the other end of the table, consumedtoo much food and drank far too much wine. The meal did not improve his bad temper. He glared at Mussett.
    ‘They should have left you in prison where you belong,’ said Gill harshly. ‘A rat-infested cell full of the lowest criminals is your natural home.’
    Mussett responded with an amiable chuckle. ‘You’ve committed some heinous crimes yourself, Barnaby,’ he said. ‘I’ve watched you at the Queen’s Head and found you guilty of a murderous assault on every part you played.’
    ‘Enough of that!’ said Nicholas over the laughter. He suppressed Mussett with a cold stare. ‘I thought we had an agreement, Giddy.’
    ‘Barnaby put it out of