The Gilded Fan (Choc Lit) Read online

  Copyright © 2013 Christina Courtenay

  Published 2013 by Choc Lit Limited

  Penrose House, Crawley Drive, Camberley, Surrey GU15 2AB, UK

  www.choclitpublishing.com

  The right of Christina Courtenay to be identified as the Author of this Work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988

  All characters and events in this publication, other than those clearly in the public domain, are fictitious and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher or a licence permitting restricted copying. In the UK such licences are issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency, 90 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1P 9HE

  A CIP catalogue record for this book is availablefrom the British Library

  ISBN 978-1-78189-011-0

  To Paul Tapper,

  the best brother in the world,

  with love

  Contents

  Title page

  Copyright information

  Dedication

  Acknowledgements

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Author’s Note

  About the Author

  More Choc Lit

  More from Choc Lit

  Introducing Choc Lit

  Acknowledgements

  The idea for this story came to me while listening to the song ‘The Temple of the King’ by Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow (on the album of the same name), so I have to thank Mr Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio for writing such an excellent and evocative song! And thanks to my brother Paul for sending me the album.

  Huge thanks to the Choc Lit team and Choc Lit authors – you are fantastic and so supportive, it’s a joy to work with you all!

  Thank you to my writing buddies who keep me sane (or as sane as an author can be!) – Henriette Gyland, Gill Stewart, Tina Brown, Sue Moorcroft and Myra Kersner, among others, and all my friends in the Romantic Novelists’ Association and the Historical Novel Society.

  Special thanks to my sister-in-law Jacqueline Oishi Tapper for helping with Japanese phrases and for providing inspiration for my heroine; to Margaret James who really believed in this story right from its first incarnation; and to Rachel Summerson for invaluable critique and for pointing out that initially I had the wrong hero – you were right. Hope you like this one!

  To Dr Janet Few and Christopher Braund at the Torrington 1646 permanent exhibition in Great Torrington, Devon, many thanks for the demonstrations and for patiently answering my questions. Thanks also to Ken Clayton and his friends in the English Civil War Society for additional help. And I’m indebted to Professor Mark Stoyle as well – his book Loyalty and Locality: Popular Allegiance in Devon during the English Civil War explained it all brilliantly.

  As always, I’m very grateful to Richard, Josceline and Jessamy for putting up with me, and to ‘the boys’ for keeping me company as I write.

  Prologue

  27 December 1640

  On the coldest day of the Year of the Dragon the great temple bell tolled, keeping time with the heavy steps of the mourners as they trudged through the snow. The deep, resonating sound echoed around the nearby hills and across the valley. Its harsh notes were as unyielding as death itself.

  The snow which had arrived so unexpectedly the night before was soft and malleable, clinging to every surface as if to shield it from harm. The silhouettes of the rooftops were blurred and merged with the white-frosted trees behind them. On the ground an endless vista of smooth, shimmering surface assaulted the eye. It was almost blinding in its intensity, but so beautiful it was impossible to look away. The whole created a pleasing effect which, at any other time, would have delighted Midori Kumashiro. Today she felt nothing but a hollow emptiness at the sight, because her mother, Hannah, was no longer there to see it with her.

  With heads bowed in respect, the silent group followed the urn towards the temple, high up on the hill opposite the castle, where Buddhist monks and priests awaited them. Their low-pitched voices, chanting prayers for the deceased, could be heard despite the din of the bell. Midori suppressed a shudder. To her, it was an eerie sound, as if the whispering of their ancestors’ souls mingled with human voices to lament her mother’s passing. The sad truth, however, was that her mother didn’t have any ancestors here and there was no one who really cared apart from Midori herself.

  Hannah had been a gai-jin, a foreigner from a land so far away Midori had trouble even imagining it. She’d come to Japan by stowing away on a trading ship and once there she had met and fallen in love with Taro Kumashiro, Midori’s father, a powerful daimyo warlord. Her parents had loved each other deeply and, despite their cultural differences, lived happily together until the previous year, when Taro had been killed in a hunting accident. From that moment on, Midori knew her mother no longer wanted to live.

  Well, you have your wish, she thought now, but did you think of me?

  She knew she was being unfair. Her mother had loved her very much, but that love was as nothing compared to her feelings for Midori’s father. The two belonged together, in death as in life, and it was something their daughter knew she’d have to accept.

  The cortège reached the gates to the temple, and as she passed through, she looked up briefly at the chanting monks. Forty days had passed since her mother had died and they had first come to begin the rituals of death, but the pain was still intense. Midori felt it twisting her insides and struggled to breathe. She knew it would become easier to bear with time, if only she could endure the here and now.

  The procession moved on and Midori was nudged slightly from behind as a reminder to keep going. She followed the others to the burial ground in a numb haze, instantly forgetting everything else as she caught sight of the small hole in the ground. It was the place where her mother would now rest for eternity. Midori’s entire body felt as frozen as the earth all around them and she didn’t register any of the priest’s words.

  A crow sat silent and watchful in a nearby pine tree and Midori concentrated her gaze on his magnificent black plumage, fluffed up to withstand the cold. It helped her to keep the pain at bay and as she noticed the bi
rd’s stoic acceptance of everything around him, she straightened her backbone, determined to copy his example. Somehow, she got through the ordeal in this way, and when her half-brother, Ichiro, touched her arm, she jumped and stared at him with unfocused eyes.

  ‘It’s time to go,’ he whispered.

  ‘Go? Oh, yes of course.’

  She caught a brief glimpse of grief in his eyes, but it was quickly masked. It made her realise she wasn’t as alone as she’d thought, however, and this gave her added courage. She turned to follow him, after one last glance at the small pit in the ground, so dismally black against the white of the snow. The dark soil echoed her mood and the white no doubt reflected her pallor, but she refused to give way to her emotions. She was the daughter of a daimyo; she would endure this with dignity.

  She squared her shoulders and made her way down the hill with her head held high and the grief locked away inside until later.

  Chapter One

  September 1641

  Nico Noordholt, first mate of the Zwarte Zwaan, sat cross-legged on a large silk cushion, fighting a desperate battle to keep his back straight. The Japanese officials seated opposite him, in their costly robes of smooth silk, seemed to have no difficulty in maintaining their upright positions. Nico envied them as his back muscles were beginning to twitch from his efforts. On his left, Corneliszoon, chief factor of the VOC – the Dutch East India Company – in Japan, didn’t even make the attempt, but squirmed and slouched repeatedly. The man on his right, however, Captain Casper de Leuw, sat as if he’d had a fire iron rammed up his backside, but Nico could see the effort it cost him.

  Damn it all, he should be lying down!

  Nico had said as much to his superior before the meeting. ‘You’re not well. Let me handle this for you, please.’

  ‘No, not this time. I trust you, you know that, but it’s my responsibility and mine alone,’ de Leuw had grunted, mopping his sweating brow with a somewhat grimy handkerchief. ‘I must negotiate a good cargo now the officials have finally consented to come. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with me other than a little bit of fever.’

  That was an understatement, as they both knew, but Nico wisely held his tongue. He’d known de Leuw for more than a decade now and the word ‘stubborn’ didn’t even begin to describe the man. Arguing with him would only have the opposite of the desired effect.

  Underneath the cushions they were sitting on was a floor woven of tightly matted rice stalks. It felt soft and springy and gave off a fragrance that reminded Nico of a dewy meadow at dawn. He wished he could fall backwards on to these wonderful tatami mats and stretch out his long legs before his knee joints became permanently stuck in the unnatural position they were in at the moment. However, to do so would mean to lose face to these strangers. And since they were willing to trade, despite their reservations about foreigners, that was unthinkable. He couldn’t let de Leuw down.

  ‘Ah, so desu ka, demo …’

  Nico liked the sound of their language, but the business discussion seemed to be taking forever. Although the translator did his best, Nico still had trouble understanding all the nuances of the conversation and didn’t feel part of it for most of the time. Corneliszoon yawned openly, earning himself a glare from the translator, which he ignored. Nico prayed a cargo would be negotiated as quickly as possible, before the officials lost all patience with the rude man.

  ‘We need to return to Amsterdam soon, and it’s absolutely essential that we bring valuable goods,’ de Leuw had told the translator. ‘We’d be very grateful for your help.’

  Having command of a VOC ship was a huge honour and failure was not an option for a man like de Leuw. He’d always been successful before and if the Chief Factor ruined everything now with his cavalier attitude, Nico knew he’d never be forgiven. He tried to send Corneliszoon a warning glance on de Leuw’s behalf, but the man’s attention was elsewhere.

  While the others droned on, Nico stared out of the window, across the narrow strip of water which was all that separated him from the city of Nagasaki. The Dutch trading post was situated on a man-made island called Dejima, just outside the town, but the foreigners weren’t allowed to go any further. Entering this exotic country was forbidden and Dejima was the only place where they were permitted to trade with the Japanese. Indeed, it was lucky their ship was Dutch, since that was the sole nation allowed any trading rights at all now. The Spaniards had been banned years ago, the English had given up of their own accord and Nico had heard that the Portuguese had been thrown out of Japan only two years ago.

  ‘The only way on to the mainland is across a small bridge, which is guarded at all times,’ he’d been told on arrival. ‘Don’t ever cross it.’

  Nico didn’t even try – he knew it would have been a pointless exercise – but he’d spent many hours gazing longingly towards the other side. Japan fascinated him. It was like no other place he’d ever seen during his extensive travels. He admired the orderliness with which everything was conducted – be it negotiations, cooking or gardening. The Japanese seemed to have rules governing all aspects of life, and if some of them seemed cruel to outsiders, at least they were effective. From what Nico had seen, their society ran very smoothly indeed.

  Nagasaki harbour was ringed by hills and a scenic coastline. It was beautiful and it irked him that he couldn’t see it up close. I’ve come all this way, only to be left on the outside looking in. It seemed like a wasted opportunity. Soon, however, they would leave it all behind and return to Holland, hopefully with a highly valuable cargo, which was all that mattered. The profits in the Far East trade could be enormous and well worth the risks of the lengthy journeys.

  ‘De-ruh-san, Nohduh-hortuh-san, Kohnehlison-san,’ the translator said, standing up to bring the meeting to an end at last. Nico smiled inwardly at the man’s inability to pronounce their names, but made no comment.

  He helped de Leuw to his feet, and steadied the captain when he swayed slightly. The man’s skin was so hot to the touch, Nico felt as if his hand had been scorched. Damnation! Little bit of fever indeed … Nico tried not to show his concern. Only a few more minutes and the captain could go and lie down.

  De Leuw drew in a deep breath which seemed laboured. ‘Hai, Ito-san,’ he replied with a bow. Nico followed suit and nudged Corneliszoon into doing the same. Both Nico and his superior had attempted to learn a few Japanese words and phrases, and it hadn’t proved too difficult.

  ‘Dutch traders will be respectfully and considerately treated by Japanese officials if they make an effort to understand their hosts and their customs,’ an older VOC official had told them before they left Amsterdam. ‘I should know, I’ve made the journey myself, twice.’ It had proved good advice.

  ‘Negotiation finished, cargo ready in one week. This good?’ the translator asked.

  Nico stifled a sigh while de Leuw nodded. They’d already been kicking their heels here for long enough and the crew were becoming a nuisance, with their constant demands for whores and entertainment. There was nothing to be gained by impatience though, especially not when it came to trade.

  ‘Very good. Thank you. Domo arigato gozaimasu.’ The party all bowed once more, Nico and de Leuw slightly lower than the Japanese officials to show them respect. The foreign men’s expressions gave nothing away, but Nico had the distinct feeling they appreciated the gesture.

  ‘Thank goodness that’s over with,’ he said as soon as the officials had gone. He turned to smile at de Leuw, but the smile died as he saw the older man turn a waxy shade of pale. With a faint cry of distress, de Leuw’s legs crumpled and he started to sink towards the floor. Nico lunged, his reflexes honed by years aboard a pitching ship, and managed to catch the man before he hit his head on the corner of a low table.

  ‘Captain!’ He lowered him on to the fragrant tatami mat and slotted a cushion under his head, then shouted at Corneliszoon, ‘We need a
physician, now. Go!’

  The chief factor blinked as if he hadn’t quite taken in what had happened yet, but Nico’s words finally registered and he nodded. ‘I’ll send for the ship’s surgeon immediately.’

  As he hurried out of the room, Nico knelt on the floor by the side of his captain, friend and mentor. ‘Don’t leave me yet, Casper,’ he whispered. ‘We’re in this together.’

  But judging by the unnatural colour of de Leuw’s face, he wasn’t long for this world.

  ‘You must go … and see Mijnheer Schuyler.’

  The rasping voice startled Nico awake and he sat up straight. He’d been leaning against the wall next to de Leuw’s futon on the floor and had nodded off. The room was in near darkness and he had no idea how long he’d been dozing, but it must have been a couple of hours at least.

  ‘What? Casper – how are you feeling?’

  ‘Been better.’

  Nico lit a lantern and could see that for himself. Three days had passed since de Leuw’s collapse and his face appeared to have shrunk in on itself. The colour was now more ash than wax. Not a good sign.

  ‘Well, don’t talk. You must rest and conserve your strength if you’re to get better. Would you like some water? Something to eat?’

  ‘No, listen please.’ There was a pause while de Leuw drew in a few more laboured breaths, then he continued, ‘I’m not going to make it. You must see Schuyler … he knows … left you something.’

  Nico gripped de Leuw’s hand, which felt like mostly skin and bone. It wasn’t hot any longer, but an icy cold that sent a chill through Nico. The frail hand trembled and he squeezed it as if to imbue it with his own strength, but he knew it was no good. ‘You mustn’t talk like that. Of course you’ll get better,’ he said bracingly.

  The older man slowly shook his head on the pillow. ‘Nico, let’s not pretend. You’re strong. I’ve prepared you. You must take over now. Your turn.’

  Nico blinked away the sudden stinging in his eyes. He hadn’t cried since he was a little boy and he wasn’t about to now, but … Damn, this is so unfair!