The Invitation

A change of King has made life difficult for John Falmouth, but he's safe with the widow of his old colleague - isn't he? Get caught up in Stacey Thomas's bewitching short story

York, October 1644 Before I’ve even mustered the courage to knock, the door to the townhouse flings open.

I drop my hand. “It is me, John Falmouth,” I say and wince at how loud my voice carries into the night. My greeting falters when I look up and notice the young woman standing before me. Her smooth countenance and black velvet gown lined with pearls leave me conscious of how dirty I am from the week spent travelling to York. “I am here to see Mr George Strong,” I finish once I’ve gathered myself.

Her mouth opens in surprise and I swallow down my fear that my welcome has been withdrawn. George has weathered the years well since we last met. I’m sure I’m not the only one of his old friends to have reached out in the hopes of a position.

“My husband died a month ago. A sudden illness,” she explains when I step back. Her firm grip saves me from stumbling down the wide marble steps.

“I am sorry for your loss,” I mumble, even while cursing myself for not writing to George sooner.

“You must come in, Mr Falmouth,” she says as I turn to make my way back to my mean accommodations. “I will not shame my husband’s memory by making his friend feel unwelcomed.”

Her offer is a temporary retreat, but one I am quick to accept. Without George’s aid, I am a stranger in a city still recovering from Parliament’s siege, which only ended at the Battle of Marston Moor a few months ago.