by Paul Walker
‘So,’ joins Mylles, ‘There can be no doubt that Millen was recruited to the conspiracy and was murdered to halt further discovery when our search for him was known. More,’ he points to the date on the chart, ‘this date is of great significance to the conspiracy.’
Walsingham folds his arms, sits back in his chair and murmurs through closed mouth as though remembering a favourite tune. We wait for his pronouncement. ‘Yes, it is as you say, we have a critical date.’ He sits forward. ‘Thank you Francis, and you Captain Askham. You have done well. Please leave us now.’
Mylles and Askham leave the room and Mistress Goodrich arrives with the soother for John. He accepts it eagerly and thanks her for the kindness. Walsingham gently moves the board and chart fragments aside, then picks a paper from the pile by his hand.
‘Gentlemen, I have something here which may interest you.’ He turns the note towards us. ‘It is a letter from Doctor Dee written from Antwerp. He has been joined in that town by Edward Kelley.’
‘Does the note throw any further light on the conspiracy,’ asks John.
‘It is primarily a plea on behalf of Kelley. The questioning by William and the Captain led Kelley to seek refuge from false allegations according to the Doctor. He has some unkind words to say about you, William, but does not accuse you of any particular mischief against our state. He has a concern that you may have violated his wife, but we will put that aside. He protests the innocence of any wrongdoing by Kelley who was propositioned by two men unknown to him. He rebuffed their advances, but mentions Millen as someone who may have been tempted by the offer of coin. The remainder of the letter begs Her Majesty to consider compensation for the injury to his property.’
He holds the letter between two fingers and lets it drop on the table.
‘What are we to make of that?’ asks John.
‘Nothing. It is of no consequence. We already know the astrologer involved in the conspiracy and a future date of significance. This takes us no further.’
‘I am offended by the assertion that I behaved improperly with Jane Dee.’ I halt my indignation there as it will be of no interest to Walsingham. ‘It would have been helpful to have received a description of the two unknown men and I wonder why he would have mentioned Millen? It is a bold and dangerous statement to place a man under suspicion of treason. Perhaps he felt safe in the knowledge that Millen was already killed and unable to deny this accusation.’
Our meeting is adjourned and we are invited to supper. Chambers have been prepared for our stay this night and I retire to mine to contemplate the letter and recent events. I suppose that Kelley cannot be damned for his flight to Antwerp. I may be tempted to this action in similar circumstances. The finding at Millen’s lodgings provides confirmation of his involvement, but this was already strongly suspected and it brings us no further forward, except… the date… in February. But, my main concern is Tomas Gore and how to locate him – if he still lives. I am ill-prepared in character and resource for the finding and interrogation of this man.
Twenty-Six
Walsingham has left early this morning and I am greeted by John and Mylles at the breakfast table. Mylles is in a bright mood and keen to discuss the finding of Millen’s draft chart and the significance of the February date. I compliment him on his thoroughness and foresight in piecing the scraps of paper and he responds with an apology for doubting my loyalty to the Crown. I ask him for the cause of his misgiving.
‘It was your connection to the man Baskin and the ease with which you solved the coded message in the box. To my mind it would have taken an exceptional knowledge of cryptography to reach an understanding in so short a time. The alternative explanation of this brilliance was someone who knew of the message and was prepared to divulge its contents for a malign and mysterious purpose.’
‘You are convinced of my allegiance now?’
‘Yes, I am – also of your strong and useful intellect.’
‘What of Richard Joynes? Is he freed of suspicion?’
‘I am satisfied of his innocence and his accusers, Capton and Perse, are watched closely, along with others.’
We depart Barn Elms shortly after eight o’clock. John will return to West Cheap, while I will accompany Mylles to Whitehall. I am conscious that Forester will be anxious for my attendance and I wish to seek out Richard Joynes to learn the nature of his questioning.
*
Forester has five patients who require my attention and it is mid-afternoon before I am freed of my responsibilities and can go in search of Richard Joynes. I encounter one of his associates and he advises that Richard is in the chambers of Sir Thomas Heneage today, occupied with his bookkeeping. I find him in a small, cold and cheerless room hunched over a jumble of papers. He glances at my entry and returns to his work without acknowledgement.
‘Good day to you, Richard, and I believe that I owe you an explanation for your recent experience with Walsingham’s men.’
‘It is not a good day, but a marked improvement on two days locked in the grime and damp of a traitor’s cell.’ He sits upright and throws down his quill. ‘I have you to thank for this harsh and unwarranted treatment.’
‘Was it so very bad? Did they… harm you in any way?’
‘It was worse than bad. My body was not harmed, save for exposure to icy cold and the stench and filth left by previous occupants. I was shown the rack, other instruments of pain and told that I would suffer horribly if I did not admit my complicity in a matter which I knew nought.’
‘I am sorry for that, Richard. It was an error; a misreading of certain signs and events.’
‘I was told that your guilt was certain and that you had named me as a conspirator.’
‘That is untrue. Did those words come from a man called Mylles?’
‘Yes, that was his name. He was my chief interrogator and a mightily unpleasant man he is.’
‘Mylles is…over-zealous in his search for dangers to the state.’ How much should I tell him? I cannot give the whole story, but enough to give hope that we can regain our friendship. ‘I was approached by Walsingham under cover of a requirement for enlightenment over a matter of astrology. I was under suspicion for my long-past association with a person who assisted two others in a plot against our queen. My innocence is proven beyond question and I have recently parted from Mylles who begged forgiveness for his actions. I did not name you. Our two names were given to Mylles by others at court and in my way of thinking, they did this to deflect attention from their own misdeeds.’
‘Who are these others?’
‘I… I cannot say. I am sworn to divulge nothing from my questioning.’
He sighs and says, ‘Well, then I suppose I cannot blame you for our joint misfortune. I will forget my confinement and threat of torture in time, but I fear that news of my treatment has reached Sir Thomas and caused him to doubt my value as his assistant.’
‘In that case I will beg Mister Secretary to assure Sir Thomas of the error and vouch for your unblemished character.’
‘You could do that?’
I express more confidence than I feel about Richard receiving an apology from Walsingham, but will try. I return to the physicians’ quarters, pen a note with the intention of seeking Captain Askham. I would rather he give the note to Sir Francis as a more reliable conduit than Mylles. I hear someone clearing their throat and look up to see a man I do not know standing in the doorway. He is a young, foppish man clothed in yellows and pinks. His head seems to be straining to escape an extravagant silk ruff around his neck.
He says, ‘I am Robert Courtney. Do I address William Constable?’
‘I am Doctor Constable.’
‘I have a note from the Earl of Oxford.’
He steps forward and hands the note with outstretched hand as though he is fearful of touching a leper. The note is a short one requesting my attendance at his house on The Strand at three bells tomorrow on a matter of some urgency. My spirits sink. This is an unwelcome distr
action and a strange bidding from a man with whom I have met only briefly and whose temperament invites caution and mistrust. Nevertheless, I would be unwise to refuse this invitation from a person of his standing.
‘Thank the Earl for his kindness and I will attend at the appointed hour.’
Courtney offers a brief, but silent, acknowledgement, turns abruptly and makes his exit.
Askham is in the stables berating a poor stable boy who has not paid sufficient attention to his instructions. The lad casts me a grateful glance then scurries away as Askham turns his attention to me. I explain the purpose of my note and he confirms that he will make sure it reaches Walsingham’s hands. He pockets the note and shrugs, saying he cannot be certain that my plea will receive the desired action.
He says, ‘Do you return to West Cheap now?’
‘Yes, I am finished here and there is business at my house that requires attention.’
‘I will accompany you. It is near dark and you would do well to avoid travelling alone under present circumstances.’
The journey to West Cheap is uneventful. I invite Askham to take some refreshment with me before he returns. He demurs initially, but accepts when I am more insistent. We go to my library, I pour two glasses of claret and we warm ourselves by the fire. After a few minutes of light conversation, I broach my intended subject.
‘You know of my connection to the great adventure led by Captain General Hawkins and Sir Humphrey Gilbert?’
He bows his head to confirm understanding.
‘I have formed an attachment – a personal and unexpected attachment through my meetings with those involved in the expedition.’
His expression suggests puzzlement at first, then a dawning of my meaning. He smiles and says, ‘It is good that you seek the company of a woman. It calms the heat in a man to have an understanding wife and children who look to him for comfort and protection.’
‘Are you married, Captain?’
‘Yes, these twelve years past, with four children. I thank God every day for his grace in aiding my successful suit.’
‘I envy your contentment.’ I pause before continuing so that he can enjoy reflections on his happy disposition. ‘There is a problem that I must overcome before I can progress this attachment.’
He inclines his head inviting me to say more.
‘I would talk with a man named Tomas Gore. It is not a matter that concerns the security of our state and my questioning would be gentle and circumspect on a subject of some delicacy, which I am loth to disclose.’
‘Am I to understand that you wish me to find this man, Tomas Gore?’
‘I am reluctant to ask for a triviality when you have important matters of state in hand, but I am at a loss to know how to locate him. Of course, I would be willing to compensate for …’
‘Please do not mention coin. I would be happy to undertake this service for a respected acquaintance, Doctor Constable.’ He drains his cup, which I replenish. ‘What manner of man is Tomas Gore?’
‘He is a scholar who was known for his tutelage of wealthy patrons. I confess that I do not know if he still lives, but if he does I would hazard his age at between forty and fifty years.’
‘I will see what can be done. If he still lives in London then the chances are good, but if not…’ He spreads his arms to emphasise this constraint.
‘I am in your debt, Captain, whether or not your search is successful, and I will not forget this kindness.’
I am reluctant to impose further on his good offices, but feel I must. I am thankful when he agrees to arrange an escort tomorrow for my visit to the Earl of Oxford.
Twenty-Seven
Today should be the final day of the proving passage. I have some confidence that my theoretical calculations will pass the test in practice, as there has been sufficient sun and the wind only moderate. Nevertheless, I have re-checked my calculations several times and, in the process, have thought of a slight improvement. If I replace the vertical shadow shaft with another graduated vane, this should remove a limitation in the angles measured. I draft a revised set of drawings to incorporate the change, but decide to wait before making a workable final set. I should consult with Master Chap as the extra vane may add to the time and cost required to manufacture each piece.
Waiting for my escort to The Strand, I have spent a fruitless period writing a note to Helen. It may be some days before we meet again and the longing for her closeness weighs heavily on my spirits. Remembering the sweetness of her lips and the firm pressing of her body befuddles my thinking and words will not flow. I consign my unfinished work to the fire.
It is Askham himself who arrives as my escort with another man. When I protest that I did not wish to deflect him from other duties, he replies that he has an interest to visit the Earl’s household.
We arrive at Oxford’s place in town a few minutes before our appointed time. It is an imposing building of three storeys, with the perimeter of land at the rear stretching to the River Thames. A manservant opens the door and is immediately joined by Courtney. He turns an enquiring head at Askham and I introduce him as my friend and escort. He bids us both enter a spacious hall with finely carved staircase and gallery. We wait for some minutes while Courtney goes to inform the Earl of our arrival. He returns with another man who takes Askham through a door to our left and I am led in the opposite direction by Courtney. We pass three doors to a large chamber draped with brightly-coloured tapestries. Here stands the Earl, who I will admit, cuts a handsome figure in white silk hose and red doublet. He stands with his back to the fire, which has the effect of edging his frame in flickering gold. I remove my cap, bow and thank him for the honour of his invitation to this fine house.
‘You are welcome, Doctor Constable, and your friend… he is here because?’
‘We had business together and he offered to escort me here, my lord. I have some difficulties on horse with my recent incapacity.’ I flex my shoulder as a redundant indication of my wrapped and injured arm.
‘Oh well, ‘tis no matter. I will not take this as a planned impoliteness on your part.’
It is a curious statement. There is no questioning of my injury, yet he takes the company of an attendant to his door as an affront. He must know of Askham as a trusted aide to Walsingham. The tilt of his head and quizzical expression suggests that he waits for an apology, but I choose to ignore this inducement.
‘I am intrigued by your invitation, which declares there is an urgency to the issue.’
‘Yes… yes…’ He adjusts his stance and brings his hands from behind his back, then swings both arms loosely. It seems I have discomfited him in some way. ‘The planned great adventure of Gilbert and Hawkins is well known. It fires the imagination and zeal of those who would seek to enlarge the splendour and dominion of Her Majesty. It uplifts and adds the colour of heroism to the dreams of all true Englishmen.’
A return to his normal prettiness of speech is something of a relief.
‘I agree, my lord, it is a worthy and magnificent project.’
‘I have it in mind to invest in the adventure, but to this point my advisors have argued against, declaring the hazards at the edge of our world may be too great to bear.’
‘Indeed, the risks of such voyages are well known.’
‘Yet, there may be ways in which the ingenuity hidden in men’s souls may surface and offer blessed release from some of these dangers.’
I murmur in a way that may be taken as understanding, but I have an inkling at the way this conversation turns, and I am wary.
He says, ‘There is news that you may have designed an implement which could assist our brave pioneers in their explorations.’
‘I… I am not certain that I understand.’
He purses his lips and stamps his foot in a show of petulance one might expect of a boy less than half his age. He breathes deeply to aid composure, then claps his hands.
‘Come now, Doctor Constable, let us take a glass of sweet wine togethe
r so that our talk may flow more freely.’
A servant appears with a silver tray. Oxford hands me a glass of wine and raises his to indicate we should drink together. He moves towards a table and runs his fingers along the polished wood while his mouth works to savour the wine.
‘I understand you have a facility with mathematics which extends to examining the exactness of heavenly bodies. Further, you have prepared a schematic which will enable a ship’s navigator to translate these readings to a more secure position on the seas.’
‘You are well-informed. I have begun work on the design of a mechanism that may be used for this purpose.’
‘Begun? Is it not complete?’
‘No, my lord. It is a complex apparatus that stretches my intellect.’
He drains his glass, then refills without offering the same to me. There is an uncomfortable quiet while he sips from his glass and wanders back and forth along the side of the table.
‘Doctor Constable, I am eager to assist these adventures in discovery and daring. I am impatient for your finished invention and will offer my services to hasten your endeavours. I know of a fine craftsman who I will employ to produce your mechanism.’ He pauses and moves a paper, quill and ink on the table in my direction. ‘Meanwhile, if you will sketch your working pattern here, it will aid in the preparation for its manufacture.’
His intention is clear; the attempt clumsy and strangely inept for a man with a reputation for cleverness and silver tongue. I finish my wine and place the glass firmly on the table.
‘It is a generous thought, which I will bear in mind. I regret that my current obligations will not allow me to exhibit an outline of the design, even for you, my lord. I thank you for this interesting exchange, but I have urgent matters at hand and must depart now.’
I bow stiffly, turn and make my way to the door. Courtney is close by the other side of the door and he starts back with surprise at my exit. I hear angry muttering and the sound of breaking glass behind me, but continue on my way. Courtney hurries after me to the entrance hall. I ask for Captain Askham to join me and that our horses are readied. I am abrupt and hot in my request, but care not. There is much scurrying and shouting as servants are called. Askham appears shortly, followed by three men who peer through the door and then retreat back into their chamber. Long minutes pass until all is ready and we exit from an empty hallway.