LUDOVICK OF LENNOX rubbed his hands before the cheerful fire- for it was unseasonably chilly for April-and glanced around the pleasant panelled room.
"You have made a difference in this house, Alison," he observed. "The woman's hand. Would that I had a chamber as kindly at Whitehall." "You have better at Methven," the young woman reminded.
"Aye. To be sure." He gazed out of the window across the street to the Royal Exchange building with its soaring square tower. "You judge me a fool? Or worse? That I leave Mary there -and my heart with her? To live here at a Court I mislike, aye even despise. She would not come, you know-Mary. Nothing would make her leave Methven."
"I know, yes. She loves Methven. But that is not what keeps her from London. She loves you a deal more, Vicky. She has a clear eye. She knows that her place here could never be aught than that of courtesan, unable to appear with you in your life at Court An embarrassment and hindrance to you, her own pride the sufferer. She is better at Methven, with Johnnie."
"Aye-say it then, ghl, say it. Where I should be, too, were I not a weakling."
"No, Vicky-you are not that. You cannot help yourself. You were born to be a duke. Of the royal house. Your place is with the King-must be. Your duty. He relies on you as he does on no other-even though he seems to scorn you often. None other can walk in on him, unsummoned. No other man may call him James. Your influence for good, with the King, is great There is no other to fill the place of the Duke of Lennox-Geordie always says it. He says the King heeds you and your advice more than he would ever admit."
'You would scarce think it! I am his whipping-boy! Lord save me-the only legitimate near kinsman to His Sacred Majesty! Other than the sons he resents. Ha-but here is Geordie! I hope I have not brought you away from some matter of great moment, friend? Some juggling with pounds Sterling, to buy or sell us ah!"
"I was but parading St Paul's with my fellow-usurers, gossiping away better men's credits!" Heriot assured. "This is a happiness! We see you insufficiently often, Vicky."
"Alas, yes. James uses me as errand-boy ever the more-call it ambassador if he will! I have now been over most of Christendom on his ploys-France, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden. I am new back indeed from the Rhineland, where James would now marry off young Elizabeth to the Elector Palatine, as better for his purposes than Gustavus. He would bring the Empire into his peace-making now. So I traipse and travel-all in the name, of peace on earth!" "A worthy cause, is it not?" "So I would suppose. Yet I know not one tithe of what he is at, when he sends me, so intricate, so unfathomable are his methods and labyrinths. I fear I have not the wits to be Jamie Stewart's ambassador. But-who has? Save perhaps Patrick Gray!"
"He trusts you, Vicky-as there are few he does. And as he would never trust Gray."
"It may be so. But can I trust James? There's the rub! But… Gray. That is why I am here, Geordie. I have come straight from a meeting of the Privy Council. I am for Scotland the morn's morn. Would that you were coming with me, again. But," he glanced at Alison, smiling, "that attraction is not what it used to be, I think!" "I could by no means leave London this week…"
"No, no-I did not think you could. I but came to see if I might carry any letters or messages for you, or otherwise serve you, in Scotland." "You are kind. Will you be gone for long? " "That depends on… fate! My errand this time is an awkward one. I am to bring back the Earl of Dunbar." "Bring back?"
"Aye. Doddie Home's reign is over, I think! James has given him a lengthy rope-of a purpose, I swear-and now he has hanged himself! He is summoned back to London to give account of his stewardship." "But he comes frequently…"
"This time I am sent to fetch him! He will perceive the difference! And I am to bring Tom Hamilton, Dunfermline and Archbishop Spottiswoode with him." "These too? Are they in trouble also? All these?" "I think not They are to act Dunbar's accusers, rather."
"Ah! What has he done, then? We all know the style of him. He is a rogue-but James has always known that he was. And used him, in despite. What has he done, to change that?"
"He has committed the unforgivable sin. He has put his hand in James's pocket! So long as it was others he robbed-like Logan or the Catholics-James could use him. You would have thought, as Treasurer and Collector both in Scotland, offices capable of lining his pouch richly enough for any man, he would have been careful not to foul his nest But, no. He has it seems, been taking his pickings out of James's beloved Ulster scheme. If a Scot wants a share in Ulster now, he has to get it through Doddie Home-at an extra charge! The man is a fool-for it was bound to come to the King's ears in time. I suppose the fact is that he is just a Home Border freebooter at heart, for all his earldom, like the rest of his clan, and could not keep his hands off even the King's kye!" "Aye, James would not like that" "How did the King find out, do you know?" Alison asked.
"Oh, yes, we know. A friendly letter, no less-not to James himself but to the English Privy Council, through Lord Chancellor Ellesmere. From Patrick, Lord Gray of Fowlis, no less! Enclosing sworn testimony. Statements from three Angus lairds that they had paid each one thousand pounds Scots, above the required figure, for Ulster lands, signed and sealed."
"Save us! So Gray wins another round 1" Heriot exclaimed. "He set a trap-and the fool Dunbar walked into it. Mind, Scotland will be the cleaner lacking Dunbar. But it makes Gray that much the stronger. "Who is there now to oppose him?"
"Heaven help me-myself, I fear!" Lennox answered ruefully. "Or so James would have it. After I have seen to Dunbar, I have to be the new Great Commissioner for Scotland, to deal with the Kirk-and Patrick Gray " "Oh, Vicky!" Alison cried.
"I protested, actually refused, there and then, before the Council. But James made it a royal command, on pain of treason. What could I do? At least it will mean that I am much in Scotland. Can see more of Mary."
There was silence in that panelled room above the goldsmith's shop for a little, as they all considered the implications of this development
"Mary…?" Heriot demanded. "What will she say? You are to bring down her father!"
"God knows! Only… James can make me go, mind you-but he cannot control what I do, there. With Mary's sharp wits, we may find a way to weather this storm," "The King is a devil!" the young woman declared.
"I wonder?" her husband said, slowly. "If I was James-which God forbid I – I think… I might have done the same " "Oh, you ever favour him, Geordie "
"He has two realms to govern, lass. One of them four hundred miles away."
"Geordie's right," the Duke admitted. "And James has the cleverest man in Europe to master-so he sends me! He can scarcely expect me to outwit Gray-so what is he at? Though, to be sure, it may be getting beyond the wits stage. Coming to the sword, at last! And with the sword, it may be, I might shine a little brighter " "Oh, no…!" "Is it so bad as that, Vicky?"
"It looks so. Young Robert Stewart, Orkney's bastard and favourite son, has set himself up, in Kirkwall, as his father's appointed representative, indeed proclaimed himself Sheriff of Orkney and Shetland, declaring the Isles to be an independent principality under Udal law. He has taken over all Scots shipping there and announced that he is coming to rescue his father and uncles."
"Rebellion! From the Orcades. Lord-is this to be taken seriously?"
"Who knows? It sounds crazy-mad. But if Gray is behind it- and few doubt that-then it is serious indeed. Shiploads of arms are known to have been sailed into Kirkwall for months past. But not only Kirkwall-there is word of the like all along the east coast of Scotland, from Angus northwards. Especially into the Catholic Gordon lands of Aberdeenshire and Banff. This threatened invasion is not just to rescue Earl Patrick from Dumbarton Castle! It could be the armed Catholic revolt, at last, only making use of Orkney." "With what hope of success?"
"More than seems likely at first glance. Our peace-loving monarch has maintained no real army in Scotland. Such Scots soldiers as there are, are over in Ulster settling in the planters and ejecting the Irish. Dunbar has divided and weakened the country. And, more important, recollect who Patrick of Orkney is-the King of Scots' nearest living kinsman. Nearer than I am. His father was illegitimate, yes, where mine was not, but he was a son of James the Fifth and brother to Queen Mary. And Earl Patrick himself is not illegitimate, whatever else he is."
"Dear God-you mean he might yet become King Patrick the First?"
"Would that be so much more strange than the plot to put the child Henry on the throne in 1603?" "I can scarce believe all this serious, Vicky."
"Maybe not. But have you forgotten the Casket Letters, Geordie? What is it James so fears in them? That he himself could be proved illegitimate-or allegedly so! Would Orkney, then, not have a better claim to the throne? And it is believed Gray now holds those Letters. You may not see it as serious-but James does. Sufficiently to have given me a private letter for Patrick Gray. And told me privily I shall receive secret instructions from him before I leave for Scotland. Gray, no doubt, is only using Orkney for his own ends-but that could mean Scotland with a new and resident king again. Which many might welcome. James is much concerned. Not so much that he fears for his Scots throne, I think-he believes God will secure him that! But that he, the peace-maker, may have to take the sword to hold that throne. To have to go to war in his own native land, just when European peace seems to be within his grasp."
"And that, I swear, is Patrick Gray's strongest card! If indeed there is a devil here, Alison lass-that is he!"
Heriot and his wife were conducted through the gardens of Denmark (or Somerset) House, in the golden September sunshine, to the same arbour where once before the man had sat, with the Queen, and handed over to her the jewel which was his first present to Alison. Anne sat there again, amongst the ripe-hanging fruit and turning leafage, and looked notably older than on that other occasion, older and sadder, if not wiser-although she was still but thirty-six.
The Queen was alone and she dismissed the junior Lady in Waiting who had brought them, "My friends," she said, in her guttural voice, heavier even than it used to be, as they made their obeisances, "come and sit by me. It is pleasant here, and the sun warms my aching joints." 'Your Majesty still suffers pain?" Alison asked. "Bodily pain is the least of my troubles," the Queen said. "His Highness the Prince of Wales is better, Madam?" Heriot enquired. "I heard that he appeared very well at the ship-launching of the Prince Royal, at Gravesend."
"Better, yes-but still less than well. He has grown listless, pale and complains of pains. Both in the head and belly. It is unnatural in so fine, so strong a young man."
"Some passing weakness, Madam. Outgrowing his strength, belike. He is now eighteen, and tall. Often it is so…"
"No. That does not come suddenly, as this has done. It is only since his investiture. He has begun to fail. My physicians can find nothing amiss. They have purged and bled and dosed him. They speak, the fools, even of witchcraft! Oh, Master Geordie-I dare speak of this to none. Save perhaps you, my old friend. It could not be… it could not be… that he is being slowly poisoned?" She choked on the word.
"Your Majesty!" he exclaimed "Save us-do not… never think it! Never that! Here is folly, surely-begging Your Majesty's pardon. A mother's fond fears run riot! The heir to the throne! The most popular figure in the realm…!"
'There's the rub! Too popular, I vow. When one is so popular, others less so may seek to pull him down." "But, Highness-not the King's son?" "No? If it is the King who most resents that popularity?" "But-Sweet Mercy! You do not… you cannot…?"
"James has been turning against Henry for years," she said, in a level voice. "Because Henry prefers my company. Is all that James is not-graceful, handsome, strong, noble. And the people love him. As they do not love his father. That James cannot forgive."
"Madam-you cannot, before God, be suggesting that His Majesty would, would…!" Heriot shook his head helplessly.
"Not James himself, perhaps. But his minions, it might be. That vicious Carr, or Rochester, as he now calls himself. Who never fails to insult me. He, and his governor, Overbury. Would these two hesitate to dispose of my Henry? As they have done with others?"
"Not so, Madam-I swear! Not poison. Not the Prince of Wales!"
"No? Knowing that the King hates him, fears his popularity with the people. James's own mother was deposed, to set him up as king. Why not Henry? Moreover, Henry despises Carr, and resents the slights he puts upon me-and shows it" "There could be ill will, yes. But poison…!"
"Carr and Overbury have already used poison, I am told. Powdered glass. Carr learned of it at that she-devil's, Catherine de Medici's Court in Paris. She is dead, but her methods linger on! And now, this latest death. Also to James's advantage." "What death, Madam?"
"Why, the odious Dunbar. The hateful Doddie Home. Surely you have heard?"
Heriot drew a long, quivering breath. He did not trust himself to speak.
Alison did. "We heard that he had died. Suddenly. While more or less prisoner, in Whitehall. After his… examination. Your Majesty thinks it was poison?" "Half the Court thinks so, girl."
"I cannot believe it, Highness!" the man got out "Not poison. Or, not at the King's behest His Majesty… is not so. I swear it! I have known him long, been honoured with his confidences. That is not King James."
Anne shook her head. "I hope… I pray… that you are right. But… Carr! That evil youth whom James cherishes in preference to me, his wife, would do anything. I am going to Hampton Court, to be with Henry. To watch over him. I must and shall. God's curse on all unnatural catamites, and those who suffer them!" With an obvious effort, the Queen sought to calm herself and forced her voice to a more even tone. "But… I did not summon you both here to speak so, to pour out my woes on you. I have two purposes, Master Geordie, one pleasant, one less so. The first is to offer the appointment of Extra Woman of the Bedchamber to Mistress Alison, here-who was once my Maid in Waiting. And to express my sorrow at the… misunderstanding which came between us."
It was Alison's turn to have difficulty in finding words, something which seldom afflicted that young woman. "Oh, Majesty… I thank you! You are too good, too kind. I… I am greatly honoured. Unworthy. But… I fear… forgive me, but…" "It will not demand much of you, or your time, girl," Anne said, just a little sharply. "I have attendants amany. I know that you have Master Geordie's house to keep. Aye, and no lack of money! But it is more of a symbol than a task. And will give you the entry to Court again, at will. Not always to be brought by your husband. An Extra Woman, I said."
"Yes, Majesty. I understand. And thank you deeply. From my heart. I… I will accept, gratefully."
"I too, Madam, thank you," Heriot said. "It is generously done."
"Good. And now to the less pleasing purpose," the Queen said. She stooped and drew out a quite large leather bag, obviously heavy, from under her seat. "Take this, Master Geordie-and think better of me, the Queen, than I do myself!"
Heart sinking, he took the bag and opened it, guessing something of what was within. The glitter and gleam of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and the sheen of gold, glowed in there. He saw a slender crown of gold, inset with pearls and enamel-work, amongst the rest He closed the bag again.
"I am at your service, Madam," he said flatly. "You wish me to take charge of these? As your Court Jeweller?" "I wish to pawn them, Master Heriot! That is all." He swallowed. "Not pawn, Majesty I Never pawn…"
"Why not? I must have money. I am desperate, man! I have nothing left I owe you what? Eighteen thousand pounds? Twenty thousand pounds? I still owe Herrick. And Gresham. I have not paid any of my household for long. I must have money. James will give me no more. I know that I am extravagant-but God held me, I am Christian's sister. Daughter of Frederick the Splendid."
"Your debt to me need occasion Your Majesty no concern at this juncture. I can wait…"
"You are patient, kind, as ever. But I must have money. It is not to be borne that I, the Queen, should be penniless. James is, as ever, away hunting. At Sherborne, this time. He has much money, these days, from the Ulster business-but talks only of asking parliament to increase my income. As though those creatures would! I must have it, Master Geordie. Even to pay for my move to Hampton Court" "How much, Madam?"
"Five thousand pounds. In coin. These are worth… more than that?"
"You shall have it tomorrow, Majesty. But… never in pawn." He stooped and pushed the bag back under her seat. 'Your Highness will keep these safe for me? It will be a loan On very good security and without interest. My humble duty. And when I have opportunity, I shall speak with the King. He calls me his Fiduciary, his man-of-affairs. I shall make bold to offer His Majesty some fiduciary advice!" Anne shook her head, wordless.
As they took their leave, the Queen said that Alison at least would not be sorry to be safely out of Scotland, in this troublous time, with all the news from the North grievous. That wicked man Gray was able to twist poor Vicky Stewart round his little finger- thanks to his infatuation with the man's bastard daughter, Mary. Patrick of Orkney was actually issuing proclamations from his cell at Dumbarton. Talk of rebellion and war was on all lips. The only virtue in it all was that Vicky at least would be less harsh on the poor and harmless Catholics than had been the evil Dunbar.
The Heriots made their way back to Cornhill and the Exchange in a state of considerable unease.