The Wisest Fool mog-4

by Nigel Tranter

  "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?"

&n
bsp; 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.

  25

  ONCE AGAIN, ALL the river traffic seemed to be heading for Hampton Court Blessedly, the May sun shone brightly and the fresh green of the trees was a joy, though there was a cool, easterly breeze-for the day-long festivities were to be held mainly out-of-doors and rain would have been something of a disaster and a move indoors a pity indeed. But the King had assured all that it would be fine weather-his colleague, the Deity and Prince of Peace, would ensure that in the circumstances-and now the May sunshine did not fail to exact tribute to the Lord's Anointed's close links with the King of Kings, his faith and claims justified. It was in every way a most auspicious occasion.

  George Heriot was present partly in a professional capacity and well guarded in one of the royal barges-for he was bringing with him a very valuable cargo of goldsmith-work and plate for the monarch to present to the principal foreign guests, princes, envoys and ambassadors. For months now he had been at work on these -indeed, so large and important was the order that the Earl of Suffolk had, at the monarch's express command, issued a proclamation instructing all mayors, sheriffs, justices, bailiffs and constables to aid Master George Heriot, His Majesty's Jeweller, in finding workmen and artificers to enable him to complete his manufacture of these most important gifts and mementos in due time, a task quite beyond the resources of any one workshop or group of craftsmen. When all would be paid for was not stipulated in the said proclamation.

  So, amidst the stream of barges, wherries, shallops, pinnaces and yawls, Heriot, Alison at his side and with an escort of scarlet-coated Yeomen of the Guard, bore down on Hampton Court, sitting on his precious iron-bound chest and with one last-moment additional passenger, the unpronounceably-named envoy of the Duchy of Cleves, a thick-necked, hairless little man who ho-ho-ed at everything he saw, with much pointing and waving, frequently breaking off to kiss Alison's hand ecstatically. If all the other foreign guests were as appreciative, it augured well for the day's success.

  Hampton Court had been chosen for the venue for various reasons. Partly because its gardens and pleasances were much more spacious than at any of the London palaces-and it had the added advantage, for set-piece entertainments, in that there were no fewer than five internal courtyards or quadrangles, paved and with windowed balconies around, which, if absolutely necessary could be roofed over with ship's canvas to give protection against weather; partly because a whiff of the plague was again proving a nuisance in London, so that James felt in duty bound to keep his royal distance-and it would never do to have distinguished foreign visitors going home plague-stricken from His Pacific and Britannic Majesty's realms, even worse, dying on the spot; and partly in that it was necessary that a united royal front should be presented, and Queen Anne flatly refused to leave Hampton Court, where the still ailing Prince of Wales was presently confined. The Pax Britannica, therefore, would be celebrated suitably there.

  It was just before noon when Heriot's party arrived and already the place bettered Clerkenwell Fair. Large crowds were normal at James's entertainments, as many as five hundred sitting down to a banquet on occasion; but this affair outdid all-as it was meant to do. It after all represented triumph, peace in Christendom-at least, as far as treaties, promises, signatures and deals could make it-for the first time in the memory of men. And all achieved by James in Majesty, God's determined and ingenious Lieutenant and Vice-Regent Admittedly it might not last, but that was all the more reason for celebrating while it did. Carpe d
iem etcetera. So, apart from the foreign representatives, almost everybody who meant anything in England had been invited. If there was a rather notable lack of members of parliament, that was because James had summarily dismissed that recalcitrant and awkward body of men in February and did not intend to call them together again. He had managed to find an expert financial juggler in royal prerogative powers, to raise hitherto unexploited taxation, called Sir Julius Caesar, appointed him Chancellor of the Exchequer and thankfully consigned the parliamentarians to limbo as no longer necessary. It was a pity that the Duke of Lennox and none of the Scots governmental team could be present-but they were for the moment preoccupied elsewhere.

  Nobody missed the Scots however, in the glitter and pageantry of the numerous European contingent-who fortunately had come at their own expense. Here were princes, dukes, electors, counts, grandees, cardinals, bishops, legates and generals, from the Empire, the United Provinces, Spain, France, the Vatican, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, even Poland and Russia. Largely by means of James's tireless engineering, the Twelve Years Truce had been signed in February-and though this was basically between the Dutch United Provinces and Spain, most of the rest of the warring nations of Christendom were linked to one or other through alliances, marriages or mutual interests. James's objective of forming a noble confederacy of states, pledged to maintaining peace, had not eventuated, but at least here was a sort of conglomerate patchwork truce. Parallel with this he had at last managed to reconcile the Danes and the Dutch and the Danes and the Swedes, thus strengthening the Protestant interest without actually antagonising the Catholic states. To emphasise the fact he was proposing to betroth his daughter Elizabeth to the Protestant Elector Palatine and one of his sons to whichever of the Infantas of Spain King Philip selected-though naturally he would prefer the eldest It would have to be young Prince Charles, Duke of York, of course, since the Prince of Wales was hardly in a state to attract matrimonial gestures.