by Paul Walker
‘You have a particular event in mind for the month of February.’
‘February. Why do you speak of that month?’
‘So many… gentlemen had questions about February.’
‘Who, who sought this information?’
‘Names… names…’ He closes his eyes. I think he sleeps and make to leave, then his eyes open. ‘I have it. Capton was a name. There was another…’ His voice trails away and his eyes close once more. I push his shoulder. There is no response. I will get no more from Huicke. I stand and wait for a few moments to confirm his slumber, then leave him.
Why would Capton visit Huicke and question him about February? Even if it is true, any testimony from his fevered mind cannot be relied upon. I dismiss any further contemplation on Huicke’s ravings and return to the great court.
There is no sign of Helen. Blanche Parry progresses with a group of ladies some yards in front of me. She sees me and tilts her head in acknowledgement. I remove my cap and bow.
‘William? William it is you.’
I turn to face Jane Dee. ‘Jane. Yes, it is me. You are here. Why did you…’
‘We have been here for some time.’
A figure brushes by my elbow and joins Jane. It is Helen. A loud exhalation of breath leaves me. I recover some of my composure and greet both ladies. I bend too low in my respectful salute. They are both in high spirits and Jane puts a hand to her mouth to stifle a laugh. Does she mock my serious face; my reddening cheeks?
I say, ‘I was at Leadenhall this morning and heard that you may be here.’
‘Do you chase us, William?’ Helen’s tone is teasing.
‘I… no, I was called to attend as a court physician.’ There is no indication from their demeanour that their call here had an unhappy outcome. ‘I was not told the reason for your summons.’
‘It was not a summons, William. It was an invitation by Her Majesty, no less. She wished to sympathise with the misfortune of the wife of a cherished adviser. Jane received much cosseting and coddling from Her Majesty’s gentle words about the attack on her person at Mortlake.’ Helen smiles and kisses Jane lightly on her cheek.
‘Queen Elizabeth had heard that I was lodging at Leadenhall and requested that I should be accompanied by my dear friend, Helen.’ Jane returns Helen’s kiss.
Their excitement builds and they talk quickly of their audience with the Queen. They go too fast and I am confused. I catch the words, ‘jewels,’ ‘kindness’ and ‘honour’. All seems to have gone well. Why did I not suspect an innocent motive behind their call here?
‘I am happy for you. It is rare honour to be received so kindly into her presence.’
‘There is more,’ says Jane, ‘Her Majesty has offered to lend assistance in the rebuilding of the Doctor’s library. It will be a delight to offer this news on his return.’
I take the arms of both ladies and we stroll through the great court speaking of the Queen’s gracious manner, dazzling dress and wit. Jane is taken aside by two maids. Helen asks the nature of my business at her father’s house. We stand together in the midst of murmured conversations, and the constant flow of courtiers, petitioners and attendants as though we are alone. I see her loveliness as if for the first time. I shiver at the thought of our bodies pressing for greater closeness. But such dreams must be postponed.
‘It was an invitation. There is an urgent matter that I must disclose to your father and Captain General Hawkins tomorrow at supper. I should be grateful if you would reinforce my written note by advising on the importance of our meeting at West Cheap.’
No doubt, she thinks my earnestness concerns the great adventure and she does not question me further.
Thirty-Three
I break the news to Mother about tonight’s supper over breakfast. I explain that there will be much to discuss about business and she does not hide her displeasure that ladies will not be invited to the table. She complains that Elspeth and Mistress Hilliard are busy in their preparations for Christmastide and will not have time to ready a fine supper for important guests. John comes to my rescue and begs for plain fare that will not disturb our necessary considerations. It is done. I must retreat to my library and fix my formulation for a scheme that will bring the conspiracy to an end. Confidence in my presentation to Walsingham and others will be vital to its acceptance. But certainty is lacking. There are stitches in the tangle of suppositions that can be unpicked. Strong intellects will be there to make the unpicking, and of all those it is John’s perception I fear most.
I join Askham and John in the receiving room before the appointed hour. John tells that they have planned their questioning. Askham will examine military issues, then John will follow on the less tangible aspects of loyalty, beliefs and ambitions. I am expected to introduce the subject of their interrogation and write an account, which will be marked by all present. As the time draws near, I am less sure of my plan and the wisdom of subjecting two men of high standing to this ordeal. I am sure that I will be damned by both for impertinence and ingratitude after my offer of inclusion in their great adventure. Will my suit for Helen be lost forever?
It is a mixture of relief and dread I feel when Sir George and Hawkins arrive. Introductions are made and we go directly to the chamber where a table is laid for our supper. I note Sir George’s surprised expression as he sees paper, ink and quill at one end of the table. I pour glasses of claret for all, we take our first sips in the name of Her Majesty and then I begin.
‘Gentlemen, I have brought you here falsely. I regret this necessity, but the safety of our realm is at stake.’ Sir George places his glass on the table and exclaims his indignation loudly, while Hawkins merely narrows his eyes. ‘Captain Askham here, is a Queen’s soldier serving Secretary Walsingham. Doctor Foxe and I have the honour to advise Sir Francis on the matter in hand.’ Walsingham’s name has quietened their discontent. ‘It is a complex tale, which I cannot relate in full, but your great adventure appears to be tied in some way to a grievous conspiracy against Her Majesty and the survival of our English state.’
‘It is absurd. How can this be contemplated by serious men?’ Sir George takes his glass and drains it.
‘For my part, I have no doubt that you are guiltless parties, but Mister Secretary seeks certainty and the thorough examination of all possibilities. You will be questioned by Captain Askham and Doctor Foxe. I will record the essence of this dialogue. Please understand that you must answer openly and willingly. You cannot refuse to answer or rely on evasion and indirectness.’
There are moments of quiet as both men appear to accept the force of the obligation placed upon them.
Askham says, ‘It is known that you are assembling a great many ships and men for your venture. What would be their number?’
Hawkins answers, ‘We have twenty-two ships. They are readied and manned here and at Plymouth. A full complement of men numbers two thousand and four hundred, although that is not an exactness.’ He glances at me, recognising that I am one of those whose participation is in doubt.
‘That is a formidable force collected under private control.’
‘They are not all fighting men. Each ship must carry those of a less vigorous nature who attend to the needs of our ships and those who bear arms.’
‘I hear that you plan to gather your force in Dartmouth. It is a quiet harbour although one capable of sheltering many ships. It is also one with a geography that would suit a joining fleet from Spain.’
Both Hawkins and Morton huff and snort at this suggestion. Hawkins says, ‘You must know that I have no love for Spain. My efforts in the plot against Her Majesty some seven years past vouch for my loyalty.’
‘Yet, you were able to gain the confidence of Ridolfi and were a particular friend to Espes, the Spanish ambassador,’ joins John. ‘It is known that you correspond still with Espes, and pleaded for the lives of some of those found guilty.’
Hawkins shifts uneasily in his seat. If this is true, Walsingham has been wat
ching Hawkins and intercepting his messages. Is there more to this venture than I have understood?
‘Don Guerau de Espes is a fine man who favours peace between our states. He argued against the plot and assisted my part in its confounding. As for Ridolfi… he was easily persuaded of my deceit. A foolish man, ill-suited to politicking, he should have remained fixed to his expertise in money and trade.’
He does not deny his correspondence with Espes. I wonder if the content of those messages reveals any indications of his intent to do harm to our queen.
Sir George spreads his hands to beseech our indulgence. ‘The climax of our venture is the arrest and plunder of Spanish treasure ships. You will know this from Doctor Constable. It would defy all logic to suggest we conspire with Spain to harm the sovereign who has provided our license for the expedition.’
Askham replies, ‘That could be agreed if your stated scheme is verified and does not hide a malign purpose. You, Sir George, continue to trade in Spanish wines and Sir Humphrey Gilbert, your partner in the venture, trades in slaves with Spanish settlers in Hispaniola and Venezuela.’
‘That is trade. We are not at war and there is no consideration of faith or politics in commerce – only profit.’
John will not like this statement, but does not comment.
Askham continues. ‘The assembly at Dartmouth is to be in February next. This date holds a significance in our investigations. Why was it chosen for the sailing of your fleet?’
Hawkins answers, ‘Our planning and preparations have been over one year in the making. It is the time when all will be readied. Sir Humphrey has a house at Dartmouth and spoke for its convenience and his influence in preparing the location.’
‘Also,’ says Sir George, ‘we consulted on what would be the most propitious date for despatch.’
‘Consulted – with who?’ It is me who voices this question.
Morton turns to face me with cold expression. ‘You must know; it is in your capability. We sought advice on the positioning of the stars.’
‘And the name of the astrologer?’
‘It was Millen; Christopher Millen.’
There is a pause and then the questioning continues. I do not hear the words as my thoughts are bonded to the name of the proven conspirator. But it was freely given, with no attempt to dissemble, and it would be commonplace to seek guidance from a reading of stars for an event of this magnitude. Does this imply a measure of guilt or innocence? It is John who speaks as my mind returns to the business at hand.
‘… spoke of less vigorous men on your ships. Will there be those with you who guard men’s souls?’
‘We have recruited a number of clerics to our venture and by the time we sail, expect to have a Protestant man of God on each ship.’ Hawkins emphasises the religion of the clerics.
‘Do you have names of these men of true faith? For example, those that will sail with you and Sir Humphrey?’
‘Doctor John Paynes of St Agnes in Godalming sails with me and Doctor Frobisher of Plymouth sails with Sir Humphrey. Be assured that all clerics on our venture have impeccable religion.’
John does not pursue this line of questioning. Does he know these men? He asks Hawkins about his trade in slaves and, while it is plain, he views this operation with distaste, he does not press him on the matter. He probes their motives. Are they fixed on a narrow aim of personal gain; or do they hold some wider considerations for enrichment of our state; Her Majesty; the true faith? In truth, his questioning is somewhat convoluted and both men have a difficulty in providing direct responses.
‘What of your investors?’
‘Mine is the largest share of material and coin,’ answers Sir George. ‘There are nine ships in my name and my ready funds are severely depleted by the expense. Many of our investors are bankers who do not wish their names generally known.’
‘Are there names you can offer freely that would likely sway our thinking?’
Morton hesitates before replying. ‘Commerce and openness are not natural bedfellows. One man – a man of high significance – offered no coin, but we have relied on his valued influence and advice. That man is Lord High Treasurer Burghley.’
Morton sits back and glances at Hawkins. They will surely feel that mention of Burghley will settle this interrogation in their favour. His devotion to Her Majesty, and her regard for him, is beyond doubt, even though he spends much of his time away from court. His focus on affairs of state have become diluted in recent years, with his attention diverted to the building of a great estate.
John is not content to leave it there and continues to question both men about their families, daily devotions and, queerly, their drinking and eating habits. Morton’s impatience grows. Finally, John draws our questioning to a close, thanks them and expresses the wish that they will remain at our table for supper. Morton raises his head to disdain this offer and John says they are free to leave once they have signed my papers to indicate a fair record. Sir George examines my writing in detail, signs with a flourish, sets his face in grim fashion and leaves without comment. Hawkins does the same.
It is time for our delayed supper. I go in search of Mistress Hilliard to request its serving and return to find John and Askham deep in conversation. The talking stops as I approach the table.
‘Well,’ I say, ‘Is there a consensus?’
‘We wait for your opinion, William.’
How should I answer? They know my mind was set on their innocent part before our questioning, so I cannot be too direct in their cause.
‘The mention of Millen surprised, but perhaps it could have been expected and it is another link between the two strands of the conspiracy. To my mind there was no sense of understanding from Sir George of Millen’s authorship of the star charts from Brouillard’s box and Mylles’ compilation.’ I pause, but their expressions are neutral. ‘I knew nothing of Hawkins’s continued attachment to the Spaniard, Espes. That will count against him, but I have known other friendships to break the shackles of general enmity and diverse beliefs. The support of Lord High Treasurer Burghley must weigh heavily in their favour. I know nothing of the significance of the named clerics. In general, I found their protestations convincing and I believe they have no knowing part in the conspiracy.’
Askham looks to John who signals that he should speak. ‘I have no doubt of Sir George’s virtue in this matter. No guilty man could have played his part with such conviction. As for Captain Hawkins… I wonder if he has used Sir George as a puppet to his devious ends.’ He hesitates. ‘No that is too fanciful. I conclude that they are both blameless.’
That is two decided, but I hazard that John’s view will outweigh both of ours in Walsingham’s mind.
John clasps his hands together and sits in silent contemplation. The quiet continues too long, but I must not fuddle his thinking with more words. The door opens; Mistress Hilliard and Elspeth appear with trays for our supper.
We had asked for plain fare, but are presented with oysters, a pike, mutton pie, rabbit in redcurrant sauce and sweet frumenty. Askham takes a large portion of pike and eats heartily. John declines the fish and passes the plate to me. He places a handful of oysters in his bowl and gazes at them thoughtfully before raising the first to his lips.
Askham says to John, ‘I was surprised at your questioning of their custom in eating and drinking.’
‘You can discover much from a man’s daily practise. Irregular and excessive consumption will likely signal erratic behaviour and a wandering mind. Such men are apt to be vain and show weakness when presented with temptation.’
This does not bode well for John’s assessment of Sir George’s character. He takes more oysters. Askham and I wait in silence for his pronouncement.
‘I concur.’ He sips his wine before continuing. ‘I read Sir George as you both did. Hawkins is not a man I like, but he must also be an innocent. I know both clerics he named. Their religion is flawless and I cannot conceive that Hawkins would have recruited them
if he had Catholic mischief in mind. Burghley is final confirmation. He has a sharp mind and would not have granted license to Hawkins unless convinced of his soundness.’
I have been sitting stiffly and sense an easing in my body as he speaks these words. The first obstacle is cleared. Tomorrow, I must convince Walsingham and others of my scheme to bring the conspiracy to an end. My appetite is recovered and we continue with our supper with discussion of the great adventure and the difference in character of the two men cleared of blame.
John says, ‘It is a pity that Sir George took such great offence at your little trickery. It is to be desired that your standing with him recovers so that your attachment to his daughter reaches a happy conclusion.’
Askham bows his head in sympathy for my predicament. ‘Let us hope that your part in a successful prevention of the conspiracy will take you some way to a mending of his affection for you. I have made enquiries and learned that Sir Francis will be at his house in Seething Lane the next day. I will send word to expect our arrival with news of some importance before midday.’
Thirty-Four
I am waiting in the parlour for John. Mother is fussing. She senses that some intrigue is in progress and resents her exclusion from knowing. The air between us is uncomfortable, but I dare not disclose the events of last night or those to come at Seething Lane. Mistress Hilliard hands me a note and I am thankful of this distraction from Mother’s attention. It is from Helen.
William
What have you done? My father is angry. You are blamed for a great hurt and I am not to be informed of its nature. I am not permitted to visit West Cheap and my receiving of notes will be watched.
Helen Morton
I am addressed as plain ‘William’ and there is no declaration of fondness in her signing. My offence to Sir George may be greater than I had feared. Mother waits expectantly for a sight of the note or its explanation.
I say, ‘There is news from Master Chap on a small delay in the manufacture of my instruments.’