There was also the puzzle of why he should take lodgings near the theatre if he were so well connected and close to the King. It would have been more natural for him to have been lodged at Court, or at least in a more elegant apartment than the one Mistress Betsy provided. It was not because he was so involved in the theatre that to be near it was a prime consideration. Many of the actors lived considerable distances from it, and they were at the theatre every day.
*
By the time Gervase reappeared, with no explanation for his absence, Honey was in a state of indecision. She did not wish to believe what Robert thought, but had to admit that from the little she knew of Gervase there was nothing to disprove it except the kindness he had shown her. When he knocked on her door one morning to suggest she might like to go down the river with him that afternoon if she had no part in the play, she greeted him with embarrassed reserve.
'Oh, I do not know. That is, I have no part, but surely I shall be needed?' she stammered, flushing slightly.
He raised his eyebrows at her and laughed.
'I think you deserve a holiday, and Tom will not object if I ask him. The King and the Duke of York are to go down the Thames to the Hope with Prince Rupert, who is to sail on the next tide. I thought it would be pleasant to take a boat and go also. The ships are waiting, and are a fine sight.'
Honey had been thinking quickly. Distasteful as she found it, she would be able to ask questions more naturally on this expedition of pleasure than at any other time, and so she nodded, smiling doubtfully at Gervase.
They set off soon afterwards, and Honey almost forgot the unpleasant task before her as the boat skimmed down the river, following the one in which the King and his brother travelled with the Prince. She gasped and clung gratefully to Gervase as he held her when they shot through the narrow arches of the bridge, and laughed with relief when they emerged safely at the other side.
'I am always afraid the boat will overturn,' she confessed, a little shamefaced, and suddenly realised his arm was still about her. 'I am silly, but better now, thank you,' she added, and drew away, so he released her and sat back, surveying her averted face.
'Tell me about your family,' he invited. 'Is your father always as stern as he appears? What of your mother?'
She responded shyly, and took the opportunity to ask her own questions. 'You lived in The Hague, did you not?' she asked first.
'I did, but I cannot recall having said so.'
'Oh, I believe someone mentioned it,' she said hurriedly. 'Did you return with the King?'
'At the same time, when my father had cleared up his affairs in Holland.'
'My father spoke of hoping to arrange a match with a banker in Amsterdam, before the present war threatened. I do not think I should like Holland. Have you been back since then?'
'Oh yes. Amsterdam has its charm, with the canals and the houses built so that the water laps the walls. Mayhap you'll go there one day. But not married to a banker!'
'Oh no,' she said hurriedly. 'I suppose that with the war between us, it is impossible to travel to Holland now.'
'Not if one knows how. But look, we are approaching Greenwich. See the Queen's House? It was built from plans by Inigo Jones, who designed much scenery for Court masques. Some day we must ride out to see it. The King plans to build a fine palace here to replace the one Cromwell destroyed.'
Honey lapsed into silence. She was pondering the answers he had given. It seemed to her he was unwilling to talk of Holland, and he had admitted he knew a way of reaching it while the two countries were likely to be at war. It was true strictly that war had not been declared, but it was freely talked of as being inevitable, and from what Robert had told her, Englishmen were regarded with deep suspicion in Holland at the present time.
Apart from her worries about his apparent evasiveness, Honey thoroughly enjoyed the day. The ships were, as Gervase had promised, a magnificent sight, rearing up out of the water with their row upon row of portholes, and the tall masts that would soon be hidden by the sails as they proceeded out of the river and to the Channel, bound for Guinea in Africa.
'The Dutch will send a fleet there to try to recapture the ports Robert Holmes took from them. He gained all but Elmina, the seat of government, and it is thought the main fighting will be there.'
'How do you know all this?' Honey asked.
'People talk,' he returned casually. 'Are you hungry? Shall we land here? I know of a good inn where we can be sure of an excellent meal.'
They ate, and Gervase was a most entertaining companion, although he did not talk much about himself. On the return journey Honey persuaded him to tell her something about the plays he had written, and he did so, saying he was writing one at the moment which might have a part for her in it. She blushed with pleasure, and dimpled delightfully.
'I am to play tomorrow,' she told him. 'Nell and I are both in the play. It is the biggest part I have done yet, apart from that one when I took it over suddenly.'
'Then I must come and see it,' he said instantly. 'You have done very well for yourself, but some help might be advantageous now.'
*
She did not fully understand what he meant until after the play on the following afternoon, when he joined the cast and their friends in the green room, standing to one side and watching Honey, now much more assured, gracefully accept the compliments showered on her, and laughingly shake her head when the gallants pressed her to take supper with them.
Then he narrowed his eyes as Robert Reade appeared, and Honey greeted him with a welcoming smile, drawing him to one side and speaking seriously with him for a few moments. He did not know this man, who was not a regular visitor to the green room, and wondered what his connection with Honey could be. It was clear she did not treat him in the same way as she responded to all the other men, and once or twice she glanced quickly across to where Gervase stood.
Suddenly making up his mind Gervase strolled across to them, and Honey turned nervously towards him.
'Mr Dunstone, this – this is Mr Reade. I – I used to know him, at home.'
Robert bowed. 'Robert Reade, at your service!' he said, and Gervase bowed back, forcing a smile to his lips. So this was the man Honey had mentioned when he had rescued her from the fight outside the theatre. He studied Robert closely and saw with wry amusement that he was being regarded intently too. Did Robert Reade see him as a rival, he wondered.
'Servant!' he replied briefly, and turned to Honey. 'My congratulations. You did the part creditably. She promises well, does she not Mr Reade? Are you a frequent visitor at the theatre?'
'I have not been to date, sir, but shall be more assiduous,' Robert replied, smiling at Honey, and she smiled back at him shyly.
They chatted for a few minutes, and then Robert suggested they all went to a nearby tavern for some wine. Wondering why he was included in the invitation, Gervase agreed, and they moved across to the door, but had to pause several times as people spoke to either Honey or Gervase.
They had almost reached the door when Nell broke away from the group she had been with and came up to them, smiling merrily.
'Mr Dunstone! I was not aware you came to see us today. What did you think of the play? I did not care for it so much as that last of yours, "The Eastern Prince".'
He responded with a smile, and complimented her on her performance, and she turned enquiringly to Robert. Honey introduced them. Robert quickly included her in the invitation, and she grinned mischievously as she accepted.
'For I cannot allow Honey to come alone with the two of you, now, can I?'
Robert was in expansive mood, and retailed some of the incidents of life aboard ship, saying he would like to see a play based on a voyage. Gervase politely agreed, but shook his head when Nell turned impulsively to him and demanded to know why he did not write such a play.
'Oh, it would not be my style,' he said lightly. 'Why does not Mr Reade make the attempt? I am certain he could contrive good parts for you and Honey, tho
ugh quite how you would be brought into a merchant ship I cannot tell.'
'Oh, stowaways, dressed as boys,' Nell said eagerly, her eyes gleaming 'I'm longing to play a breeches part, but have not yet had the opportunity. Charles Hart thinks that I would be successful. What of you, Honey?'
Honey blushed slightly, and cast an agonised glance of appeal towards Gervase, for she had not revealed to anyone else her escapade. Robert intercepted the look and frowned slightly, but Gervase spoke quickly.
'I do not think either of you could pass as old sea dogs,' he declared. 'Far better display your charms in pretty gowns. What parts do you take next?'
After some more discussion, mostly between Nell and Gervase, for they were more knowledgeable, Gervase rose and said he had an appointment.
'Shall I walk home with you, Honey, or does Mr Reade go your way?'
Robert quickly said he would escort both girls home, and Gervase bowed and left, Robert following shortly afterwards with Nell and Honey. Nell attempted to leave them, saying she did not wish to take Mr Reade out of his way, but he would not permit it, telling her it was but a short step. When they came to Honey's door, Robert asked if he might call on the following morning, and then went off with Nell, while Honey, content to dream of Robert, went up to her room to put the finishing touches to a gown she was sewing.
*
On the following morning Robert appeared, and seemed anxious to know whether Gervase was planning any further journeys.
'I cannot tell,' Honey said in dismay. 'He has not talked of it.'
Robert looked at her worriedly.
'I fear he might slip away without my knowing. You have such excellent opportunities for asking him questions, living in the same house. Is he in now?'
'I do not think so. I have not seen him since he left us in the tavern last night.'
'Well, do your best, Honey love. It is so important to me, and to you.'
Honey replied noncommitally, and Robert took his leave. She wavered uncertainly between utter disbelief that Gervase could be acting treacherously and fear that what Robert suspected could be the truth. However, these thoughts vanished when Gervase himself knocked on her door some time later.
'Come and have dinner with me before you go to the theatre,' he suggested, and soon they were sitting down companionably eating one of Mistress Betsy's substantial and tasty pies.
'Is Nell learning her craft from Hart?' Gervase asked after a while.
'Indeed, yes. She is doing very well, is she not?'
'Very,' he commented drily. 'It helps her get parts, and she will soon leave you behind if you do not make a shift to rival her.'
'No, I have no such wish. She is far better than I could ever be,' Honey protested.
'She excels in comedy, where her natural exuberance aids her,' he declared. 'I do not think you could rival her there, but then, who knows what might not be possible, had you the same sort of help. I think you would do far better in more serious parts, but she will have all the opportunities with Hart's backing. Are you content to have that happen?'
Honey shrugged. 'I do not begrudge it her, for she is a good actress, and a friend. If Hart favours her, it cannot be something to wonder at, or resent. I cannot expect the same treatment, after all, for I – ' She stopped suddenly and glanced awkwardly at him.
'You rejected his advances?' he asked bluntly.
'Yes. I have no desire to gain advancement in such a fashion,' she said steadily. 'I do not blame Nell, for in any event I think she is fond of him, but I could not.'
'I'm asking for no such bargain,' Gervase said briefly, 'but I'd like to train you. I have some little skill, and many theories on how best to act, and I believe that with training you could outshine Nell and all the other women at the King's House. What do you say?'
Honey looked at him, her eyes shining and her lips slightly parted in an incredulous smile.
'Oh, would you really?' she breathed delightedly.
'If you wish it,' he said coolly. 'You have talent, and as yet it is not directed sufficiently.'
Honey nodded eagerly. 'I know full well. I can do the parts I am given, but I am fearful of attempting a greater part yet, since I know not how to contrive, and learning by watching the others is a slow business!'
'Then I will instruct you. I shall be in London a great deal during the winter months, and you can practise the parts I select for you.'
Honey was so entranced with the idea of having such help she utterly forgot to ask Gervase where he might be when he was out of London, and apologised guiltily to Robert when the latter met her at the theatre that afternoon and eagerly asked if she had any news.
She explained why she had been so remiss, and repeated she could not believe in Gervase's guilt. Robert looked at her, a troubled expression in his eyes.
'This man has too great a hold over you, it would seem,' he commented. 'What is it, Honey? Do you value his connection with the theatre so much, or is it his family, and his friendship with the King?'
Honey stared at him, puzzled.
'Neither, Robert. He was kind to me, and to Ben, and still is.'
'He is a fine looking man, and might well attract young females, but do not make the mistake of thinking he will marry you. Men such as he do not take to wife theatre wenches!'
'I – I have never thought of such,' Honey exclaimed, genuinely surprised, 'And to be sure he does not think of me in such a light, you can be certain!'
Robert looked at her broodingly.
'You do not know your own attractions,' he said at last. 'No man could look at you and not desire you. I wish – ' he turned away, frowning. 'No matter, wishing is of little moment. Be careful, Honey. I do not wish you to be hurt, and I know in my heart, even though I cannot yet prove it, that Gervase Dunstone is working against his country!'
'I am certain you are wrong,' Honey maintained, though she was subdued, for Robert's suggestion had disturbed her. She found herself watching Gervase closely, in an attempt to see whether Robert's jealousy, for such was the interpretation his words and looks had implied, had any possible foundation. She was more withdrawn herself, less spontaneous in her comments, and concluded after some few days that Gervase had no interest in her other than as an actress who might do justice to some of the parts he had written, and to his skill as a director.
*
He was severe while detached in his attitude when he began the lessons he promised. He made Honey read many parts, criticising her reading so much that at times she felt she would never say a single word in the manner he wanted, was often close to tears at the relentless way in which he made her repeat over and over again a particular speech. His words of praise were few, but she treasured them inordinately, and when he was not there practised the parts he had left with her endlessly in order to astonish him with her improvement when he returned.
He never mentioned where he had been, but he was rarely away for more than a week at a time, so it did not seem possible he could have gone to Holland. Robert came to the theatre and Honey's lodgings frequently during October and November, and on several occasions drank or ate with Gervase, but although perfectly willing to be friendly, Gervase held aloof and did not respond to Robert's attempts to form a greater friendship, politely declining to accompany him on the various occasions when Robert invited him to visit a coffee house or the home of friends. Only when Honey was invited did he join Robert, but he did not always accept even these invitations, and Robert complained bitterly to Honey that he was too arrogant to be willing to make friends easily with his social inferiors.
'That is not true,' she defended Gervase. 'He is most friendly with the actors, and never haughty with them. Besides, why do you wish for greater friendship? You distrust him.'
'I hope to discover more that way. But I must go to Holland soon, whether he goes or no. 'Tis rumoured the Dutch fleet are laid up for the winter, and the Duke of York returns to London. That scare we had two weeks back, when the Dutch stopped the ship coming from
Sweden, seems to have died away again.'
'But war will come, surely? Only last week Parliament granted the King two and a half million pounds for the war!'
'Oh, yes, war is inevitable, but not until the spring. I will take the opportunity of going to Holland, and discovering what I can of Dunstone's dealings with them. Take care while I am away, sweetheart.'
He dropped a kiss onto her cheek, and departed. Honey missed his company, but her work with Gervase occupied her so much she had little leisure to pine for him. His endearments had grown more frequent in the last few weeks, and she was beginning to hope that when the business he was engaged on was completed, he would declare his love. Yet this business involved Gervase, and she still refused to believe in his guilt. Perhaps, she comforted herself, he would discover on this visit to Holland that he has been wrong, and was suspecting Gervase unfairly.
*
In the theatre Honey continued to have small parts, but Nell was gradually being given more important ones. Honey could not be resentful, for Nell was so delightfully friendly, and Honey freely admitted she did the comic parts far more successfully than she would have done herself, for her natural wit enabled her to give more meaning to some of the sauciest parts that still caused Honey some embarrassment. Where Honey did show to greater advantage, thanks to Gervase's help, was in the tragic parts, but she was given little opportunity of demonstrating this, and began to feel a certain amount of frustration. When Gervase, unexpectedly praising her when she had declaimed a speech he had set her to learn one day, said she would soon be ready for a good part, she somewhat pettishly declared she would never be likely to be given the opportunity.
Player's Wench Page 8
