‘Coldiron is always criticizing her. That does little for her confidence.’
‘I was in the hall a few days ago and heard him shouting at her in the kitchen. Calling her a silly, empty-headed wench for dropping something. She burst into tears. I was surprised to hear Coldiron speak to her in comforting tones then. He said, “You’re safe with me.” Calling her his JoJo like he does.’
‘Safe from what?’ I shook my head. ‘I plan to dismiss him, but I wonder if there is any way of keeping her.’
‘I fear she relies on him entirely.’
I sighed. ‘Well, I must be gone. To try and save Barak from the soldier’s life Coldiron brags about so.’
AFTER THE STORM it was a cool, clear day with blue skies. As I walked along I thought about what I had discovered regarding Ellen. Like a good lawyer, I considered questions of organization, power. Some arrangement had been made with whoever was Bedlam warden in 1526, and kept going since. But by whom? Somehow, I did not know how, I had to rescue her.
I walked down Cheapside again. It was another busy morning, more angry arguments going on about the new coins. I heard a couple of traders say the hailstorm had flattened many of the crops round London so there would be a dearth of grain again this year.
I turned up to the Guildhall, and mounted the steps into the wide, echoing entrance hall. Master Carver was waiting for me, resplendent in his red alderman’s robes. Beside him, to my surprise, stood the bearded officer from Lincoln’s Inn Fields in his white and red uniform and with a sword at his belt. He looked at me grimly.
‘Good morning, Serjeant Shardlake,’ Carver said heartily. ‘I am sorry to hear of your clerk’s problem.’ He turned to the soldier. ‘Master Goodryke wished to be here, as the matter concerns him.’ The officer’s heavy brows drew together in a frown.
‘Your man was impertinent, sir,’ he said. ‘His behaviour was a defiance of the King’s authority. He does not possess a bow and did not even pretend to have been practising.’
‘That seems to be true of many,’ I answered mildly.
‘It is no excuse. I’m told by the constable this Barak is of Jewish stock; perhaps that’s why he shows no loyalty to England when we’re about to be invaded.’
I thought, so that story’s got round. I forced a smile. ‘Barak can be – a little disrespectful. But he is a loyal Englishman; he worked for years for Lord Cromwell.’
‘Who was executed for treason,’ Goodryke countered sharply. ‘I don’t see any reason this man should be exempted because he used to work for a traitor.’ He tilted his chin at me aggressively.
I tried again. ‘He has things on his mind. His wife has a baby due in a few weeks, and they lost the last one.’
Alderman Carver nodded, looked sad. ‘Ah, that is hard. Is it not, Master Goodryke?’
Goodryke was unmoved. ‘He flicked his fingers at me and told me to piss off, as though I were any common churl and he could shirk his duty where he liked. Many of the soldiers I’ve seen are unfit for service, but he seems a good strong fellow. He could make a pikeman.’
‘Well,’ I said quietly, ‘can we not come to some arrangement?’
‘Yes,’ Carver agreed eagerly. ‘Master Shardlake has acted for the Guildhall many times, I can vouch for him. And I have seen this Barak, he must be in his thirties now. Old for service. If you could show latitude I am sure Serjeant Shardlake would be willing to show his appreciation. Some contribution to your company, perhaps – ’
Goodryke reddened even further. ‘This is not about money,’ he said in a stern voice, causing passing merchants to turn and stare. ‘That man is eligible to be called into service and needs to be taught discipline and loyalty.’
Carver bit his lip and looked at me. ‘Serjeant Shardlake,’ he said, ‘perhaps we could have a little word, if Master Goodryke will allow us.’ Goodryke shrugged, and Carver took my arm and led me to a corner.
‘I miscalculated there,’ he said. ‘I thought he might be bought off. But Goodryke is a fierce fellow, he’s got the bit between his teeth. He has been a whiffler for many years—’
‘A what?’
‘A junior officer in charge of training and discipline in military companies. He retired from the army, but joined the Trained Bands. He was only a watchman before and he is jealous of the authority the war has returned to him. He believes Barak has dishonoured our forces.’
‘Alderman, the welfare of Barak and his wife are important to me. If you can resolve this I would be happy to contribute a goodly sum to Goodryke’s company, though heaven knows I have little enough free cash with the next instalment of the Benevolence due.’
‘Leave it with me.’