‘There was no time, and it wouldn’t have been any use if I’d been arrested too,’ Rose replied. ‘So I stayed hidden, then followed you into town. I couldn’t do much, not with so many constables around.’ She glanced apologetically at Jack and Yori. ‘I had to watch as you two were put in the stocks and pillory, stand by while they pelted you with rotten fruit and whatever else! I stayed hidden even as they drowned you, Akiko. Believe me, I wanted to save you. But it wasn’t until nightfall that I could be of any help. Stealing the keys off the bailiff was the only plan I had – the only skill I really have.’

Jack smiled sheepishly at Rose, feeling guilty for ever thinking she’d betrayed them. ‘Well, thank heavens you did, otherwise those plague doctors would’ve cut us into eight pieces. We owe you our lives.’

‘Not mine,’ stated Akiko.

Jack and Yori braced themselves for another quarrel, but when Akiko spoke her tone was unexpectedly contrite. ‘I didn’t think I’d ever say this … but clearly being a thief has its merits, at times.’ She bowed deeply to Rose. ‘Please accept my apologies for doubting you. I thought you’d stolen Jack’s purse and run away.’

Rose laughed at the remorseful Akiko.

‘What?’ said Akiko, both confused and offended by Rose’s reaction.

Rose stifled her giggles. ‘You Japanese are so formal! A simple “sorry” would’ve sufficed. But you’re right about one thing … I did steal Jack’s purse.’ She produced a leather pouch from the folds of her dress.

Akiko’s mouth fell open, as did Jack’s.

‘But I only stole it,’ continued Rose, holding up a finger against Akiko’s protests, ‘to stop the bailiff and his constables taking it. They’d have pocketed the money for themselves and denied all knowledge of it. They’re the real thieves!’

She tossed the purse to Jack, who deftly caught it, yet he still looked less than pleased. ‘Oh, don’t be angry with me, Jack,’ pleaded Rose. ‘I only did it for the best.’

‘It’s not that,’ Jack replied, as he tied the purse to his belt. ‘I’m still furious that Harold Westcott took my sister’s locket!’

‘Sometimes we have to lose something precious in order to gain something priceless,’ consoled Yori. ‘Perhaps the locket has already fulfilled its purpose. It’s shown you what your sister looks like now, and has guided us to Stratford. Soon you could be setting eyes on her for real!’

Jack brightened at the thought. ‘You’re right, Yori, as always. There are far worse things to lose in life.’ He looked tenderly at Akiko. ‘Like you. I thought I’d lost you forever.’

Akiko bowed her head, her ebony hair hiding the flush to her cheeks. ‘You could never lose me, Jack. Forever bound to one another, remember?’