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Strands of My Winding Cloth

Page 31

by G Lawrence


  “Who else in England, or any court of the world, would my good sister regard as having more right to be her heir than me?” Mary asked Randolph. “Do I not hold the royal blood of Scotland, France and England within me?”

  Randolph acquitted himself well, but my cousin was clearly lost as to why I should not name her my heir and was not eager to hand me the right to choose her husband. I could understand this, but still I wanted her to agree. I would work to give her what she wanted, if she would satisfy me. It was a compromise; I would secure her future, if she would secure England’s present. Mary said she would think about it, but it was clear she was not enthusiastic about my proposition.

  *

  Phillip of Spain was quick to send a replacement for de Quadra. I was not looking forward to meeting him, seeing as my relationship with his predecessor had been less than perfect, but from the moment he arrived at court, I knew Don Diego Guzman de Silva was different. De Silva was about the same height as me, with dark, short hair which was curly and often plump when the weather was humid or wet. He had a short, clipped moustache, and a ready, merry sense of humour. It was also clear that rather than being intent on spreading discord, de Silva’s desire was to make friends and allies. Upon his arrival I had Darnley go out to meet him as another sign of favour to the Lennoxes, and de Silva was brought to me later that week.

  “You are most welcome, my lord,” I said as we were introduced. I watched the way his curly hair sprang as he rose from his bow. There was something endearing about it. “I hope, my lord, that you and I will come to understand each other well.”

  “My master has often spoken with great warmth about you, Majesty,” de Silva replied smoothly. “For myself, I hope to discover all there is to know about you, Majesty, and your beautiful country. Never have I seen a land more green! Although I would not speak ill of those who have passed from life, I believe Bishop de Quadra perhaps had other notions in mind when he came to serve. You will find that although I hold the same post, my intentions are only to make you and my master the very best of friends, and allies.”

  “Then you are even more welcome,” I said dryly, not entirely ready to believe him. “For all I have ever wanted was a good relationship with my brother of Spain. I believe his last ambassador hindered that, rather than helped it.”

  “Sometimes, Majesty, a man cannot see past his own beliefs to make friends with those who are otherwise inclined.” De Silva’s smile shifted into a tight grin. “But I find that the more variety there is in life, the more interesting it becomes. As one sits down to a feast, one does not expect only to be served old, well-known dishes. Such a fate would be tedious indeed!”

  “Then I hope you will feast well on the offerings of the Court of England,” I agreed. De Silva had an open air about him, most unusual in an ambassador. It would not do to trust him without question, but still, I liked him.

  “I am sure England has much to offer both Spain and me,” he replied. “And I can only hope that I can return such a gift in kind.”

  “You have not asked me yet on the subject of Archduke Charles,” I noted, playing with a ribbon on my dress. “De Quadra was wont to thrust at least one sentence on marriage into every conversation we held.”

  “How very dull, Majesty!” He grimaced, almost making me giggle. “I wonder that you were able to bear meeting with the man at all, if that was all he spoke of! A lady should not be hounded into marriage; to do so removes all possibility of romance, does it not? And for all they put up with in life, women should all have a chance at romance. I shall wait for you to tell me of your inclination. If your choice falls upon a Hapsburg, I shall be the happiest of men, but I will never chase you, Your Majesty. Please do not judge my character, and certainly not those of all Spaniards on the merits, or failings, of but one man.”

  “I will certainly try, my lord ambassador, to please you,” I said warmly. If there was but one person who did not press me constantly on the subject of marriage, he would come as a most refreshing change. “If you promise to do the same with the English.”

  “Done, Majesty.” De Silva beamed, his moustache ruffling against his cheeks.

  De Silva was true to his word. Believing there was much damage to repair, de Silva adopted an entirely different attitude to de Quadra. He told me should I wish to talk about the Archduke, he was at my disposal, and would always consider the matter open as long as neither of us married, but he did not wish to enter into talks unless I was serious. He worked to become my friend, and I was hungry for friendship then. He liked to tell me tales of mishaps which befell nobles for he found I was easily amused by such stories. He gossiped like a kitchen maid and discovered all that was going on at court within a breathtakingly short period of time. It was not only me he charmed. Within a week, he had made many friends at court, including Cecil.

  “What do you think of him, Spirit?” I asked as we wandered the grounds of Oatlands Park one bright morning. Clouds rested in the blues skies and birds sung in the tall trees. The air was warm and there was a balmy, sweet breeze. It was a good day to be outside.

  “I find him so different to de Quadra that I half expect all this to be a ruse, Majesty.” Cecil ran an appreciative hand over a bush of thyme. The oily, rich scent of the tiny dark leaves washed up into my nose.

  “He does seem to have different objectives to de Quadra,” I agreed. “Oddly, his remit seems to be to make friends. What a strange idea, Spirit… That an ambassador should be occupied with making friends between countries, as he is supposed to, rather than plotting to undermine and divide them!”

  “Indeed, Majesty, and that is what makes me a touch suspicious, although I cannot deny he appears genuine enough.”

  “Wouldn’t it be nice to believe, Cecil, just for once, that someone was what they appeared to be?”

  Cecil grinned. “I quite agree, Your Majesty.”

  *

  Later that week I came down with a light fever. It was nothing serious, but given my late brush with Death it was enough to send all at court flapping like ducks caught in a storm. Doctors flocked about me, and I was prodded and poked so much that I started to lose my temper. “All I require is rest and some sleep,” I bleated. “Please, gentlemen… peace!”

  They left me after taking samples of my urine and stool to test and taste. Eventually I was left with Kat, who believed every problem could be solved by the constant imbibing of broth and bread, and Bess St Loe, who was visiting court. Bess did not hold a position in my chambers anymore, but I welcomed her company when she visited court. At least she, unlike Kat, was of a mind to let me do as I wished.

  “I am sorry that you became so involved in the troubles with my cousin, Katherine Grey,” I said to Bess as Kat moved off to order pottage of cock brains and rice from my kitchens. “You were placed in an unfortunate position.”

  “I am just relieved, Majesty, that you understood I knew nothing of the scandal until Lady Grey spoke to me,” Bess said, moving to plump the cushions at my back. “I have known her all my life, Majesty, and to own the truth, she more often acts when she should deliberate, and rarely heeds the warnings of others.”

  “Her father’s true daughter, then,” I said, making Bess smile sadly. “Henry Grey never seemed to consider anything before rushing headlong into peril, and not only his peril.”

  “It is true, her father was a foolish man.” Bess sighed, and sat down on the bed. “I often wonder if his daughter Jane would still be alive, if it were not for him, madam.”

  “I don’t believe my sister ever wished to harm Jane Grey,” I agreed. “Mary only had Jane executed because Henry Grey made repeated trouble. I believe, had he not risen in rebellion time and time again, my sister would have let Jane go free, eventually. She grieved to kill our cousin for she knew Jane was used by Northumberland and Grey. In truth, it was Henry Grey who signed his daughter’s death warrant, not my sister. What other choice was my sister left with? Henry Grey ensured Jane was too dangerous to be left alive.”


  I leaned back on the cushions. “And now his second daughter is acting as her father did; without consideration that her actions may put her and her children in danger.”

  “You have been generous with them, Majesty, none can doubt that.”

  “And if she continues to make trouble for me? What then, Bess? Shall I have to ever watch my cousin over one shoulder, as men scheme to use her and her bastards against me? Will I be put in the same position as my sister; forced to execute a woman of my own house and blood?”

  “None can know the future, Majesty, but I hope that will not be the case.”

  “Why do you have no children with St Loe, Bess?” I asked suddenly. “It seems that the two of you were fertile enough in your previous marriages?”

  Bess coloured prettily. “My husband and I have more than enough children from previous marriages between us, my lady,” she replied. “We decided… Well, William more so than me… decided he did not wish to risk my health. He said he would rather have me than risk my life to gain children and so I took advice from a cunning woman, and now eat a dish of wild leaves each day which brings on my monthly courses. I agreed because it made William happy, although I am not sure more children would put me in peril of my life. I am a sturdy woman.”

  “You have great strength, Bess,” I said. She was a stout woman, but her generous curves only gave her more beauty in my eyes. And she was not only physically strong, but hale in spirit.

  “Have you had any more trouble with your husband’s brother?” I asked.

  Her mouth twisted. “There is no firm evidence he was involved in the plot to poison me, Majesty, but I cannot look on him with a contented eye. I feel there is trouble yet to come, but what can I do? One cannot act unless he first commits a crime. I am careful, I am watchful. This is all I can do. ” Bess’s face looked uncertain for a moment. “Majesty, there is a matter I was hoping to ask you about, if you would not mind?”

  “Ask all you wish.”

  “My late husband, Lord Cavendish, left me with many debts when he died, Majesty, and I have struggled to pay them off for some time. I fear the remaining debt may take my beloved Chatsworth from me, and I would be desolate to lose my house.”

  I narrowed my eyes, but I did not feel ungenerous. Her husband was important to me, and Bess had put up with a great deal when accused of involvement with my scandalous cousin. I was intending to restore Bess’s position in my chambers one day, for I was fond of her. “You wish me to release you of your debt?” Bess’s cheeks ignited, but she nodded.

  I tilted my head back. “I will consider your request carefully, Bess,” I said. “But do not think I am unsympathetic. I know you suffered from this affair with my cousin, and that you were innocent of what you stood accused. Having once been in such a position myself, I understand what it cost you.”

  “Your Majesty was generous enough to release me when I was found innocent,” Bess said. “And I would not ask for help now, if I were not in dire need.”

  “I know that, Bess,” I agreed. It was true. She was not one to ask a favour on a whim, nor did she pepper me with requests from others. When I rose from my sickbed, I pardoned Bess and St Loe of Cavendish’s debt on condition they paid one thousand pounds to the exchequer over a period of several years. That way I was not left out of pocket, but Bess was relieved of the pressure put upon her by her second husband’s debts.

  *

  As the last days of summer shone over England, the plague continued to rage in London. Death was everywhere. When I was well again, we moved the court. As soon as we reached Windsor, however, panic broke out as many courtiers fell ill. Fortunately, it was not the plague. Windsor was a draughty palace, and often cold, and this gave life to a new illness. Cecil came down with it one day, and the next I was in bed, too. My doctors named the sickness as pooss. It brought fever to the blood and swelling in the ears, eyes and throat. Poor Cecil could hardly see for days, his eyes were so sore and swollen. I suffered pains in my head, nose and eyes. Many more people caught the pooss, and some died of it, but in a week or so I was out of bed, swearing never to return.

  “I am sick of being sick!” I cried at Kat who was attempting to keep me in my bed. “If I do not get out into the park and on a horse soon, I shall run mad!”

  “You need to take care, Elizabeth.” She tsked. “We only have one of you.”

  “I am so tired of hearing that, Kat,” I sighed. “If everyone could stop talking of my demise I would be a happier and healthier woman, I am sure of it!”

  We recovered, but from the window, Death surrounded us. The scent of decay rose from the city. The sight of men toiling to dig pits to throw the dead into were haunting. And from the crossroads, the creaking sound of the gallows, with bodies swaying gently in the late summer breeze, invaded our thoughts. Men swung there who had been executed for trying to escape plague-ridden areas. They had attempted to flee Death, only to find He had followed them. Death does not like to lose His prey. He always finds a way.

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Windsor Castle

  Autumn 1563

  “My master wishes to meet Lord Robert Dudley, Your Majesty,” said the French ambassador, Paul de Foix.

  “Why should your King wish to know one of my lords over another, my lord ambassador?” I asked. De Foix had sought audience that morning, obviously with something in mind. His rapid request about Robin made me suspicious,

  “My master believes you intend to marry Lord Robert,” said de Foix. “And so wishes to meet your future consort. Lord Robert will then, after all, be as a brother to my King.”

  Ah… there it was. Was Robin working with a new ambassador? Wanting to discover more, I giggled, as though I were happy to hear Robin suggested as my husband. “It would scarcely be honourable to send a groom to see so great a King,” I said, watching Robin’s cheeks turn pink as I spoke of him with so little regard. “And besides, I cannot do without my Lord Robert. He is like my little dog, my lord ambassador; for he is always at my heel. Whenever he comes into a room everyone at once assumes that I myself am near.” The court chortled as Robin went crimson with shame.

  “I am sure Your Majesty thinks more highly of Lord Robert than you admit,” the ambassador said politely. “Long have many of us known that you esteem him.”

  “Esteem I hold for many men, my lord,” I replied. “But think you that a woman should marry every man she admires? I must act as is best for my country, not for my own impulses.” I smiled, seeing de Silva at the edge of the crowds. “And for that purpose, one of your fellow ambassadors is here, you see? To discuss the issue of my marriage.”

  Negotiations were continuing with the Hapsburgs, but Charles’s father, Emperor Ferdinand, was deeply suspicious of my motives. As well he should be, for all I wanted was something to placate my lords and Parliament. “How is my good brother’s son, Don Carlos?” I asked de Silva. “We hear the Prince was taken ill, and we are concerned for him.”

  “My master will be deeply moved to hear of your concern, Majesty.” De Silva bobbed his curly head down in a graceful bow and rose to gaze warmly at me.

  “Having so lately known illness myself, my lord, I can only commiserate on the state of the Prince’s health, and understand the deep fear of his father, my beloved brother. A parent experiences their children’s pain as deep as if it were their own. I have felt such for my own people, as the pestilence continues.”

  “It is true, Majesty, my master is distressed, but the Prince has a fine constitution, and an able mind. These strengths will aid in his recovery.”

  What a fine liar de Silva was! Don Carlos was presently as frail in body as he was in mind. Had de Quadra said this I would have looked down on him, but since the liar was de Silva, and I was growing increasingly fond of him, I celebrated his cleverness. Friendship is the best sauce; it disguises ugliness and smoothes all bitterness. “Have you written to Emperor Ferdinand about opening talks of marriage with his son anew?” I asked.

>   De Silva dipped his head. “I have, Majesty. I have also taken the liberty to counsel the Emperor that he must proceed slowly and with gentle care. I have told him acting in haste will only alarm you for I know your Majesty is naturally inclined to a maiden’s life. Rest assured, Majesty, my master will take the time that must be allowed for you to prevail over your instincts. You will find him a gracious and tender negotiator.”

 

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