by Paul Walker
My face must show some deeper meaning, for it is clear that she does not believe me. This is not a good preface to an important day.
*
I see Captain Askham enter as we approach Mister Secretary’s house. It is a surprisingly modest building, somewhat smaller and less grand than its neighbours, but distinguished by four armed men guarding its frontage. Askham waits for us in the hall and we are led through to a small antechamber where Mylles stands warming by a fire. He utters a vague exclamation at our entry, states he is mystified by his summons here and enquires if we could enlighten him. John begs for his patience and says all will be revealed shortly.
Padget open a door, bows a greeting and leads us into the chamber. Walsingham sits behind a large table. His face has a pinched look and his complexion is sallow. As his physician I would suspect a deep malaise connected to the vital organs, but now is not the time to offer an opinion. Will sickness affect his judgement this day? Four chairs are arranged at the other side of his table. We take our seats and Padget moves to his place at a stool and small table to one side.
‘Well, gentlemen, I am eager to learn the reason for this representation,’ says Walsingham. ‘My time here is short. Her Majesty moves to Greenwich for Christmastide and there are arrangements to be made for her security.’
I would answer, but John is too quick and explains that I will outline a scheme to unravel the conspiracy and identify the offenders. He continues that he and Askham have only a partial understanding of my plan, as its design is complex and my work only just completed. It is generous of him not to mention my two days of grace, which would surely displease Walsingham.
‘So, William, you continue to surprise. It may be that your deductions have advanced beyond my practised intelligencers. I will listen with interest.’ He turns to Padget and bids him leave us.
‘Thank you, Mister Secretary. First, I must acknowledge Doctor Foxe and Captain Askham for their forbearance. I have sketched my reasoning and persuaded them to wait until it is finalised here, at this presentation of a design for unearthing the plotters and securing our state.’
I note that Mylles shuffles uneasily in his seat. He will not like it if his efforts pale in comparison to mine.
‘My first discovery was the birth date of a maid who is the daughter of a wealthy merchant, Sir George Morton. That date is an exact match for the one scrawled on the natal chart. This conformity itched at my thoughts and I sought to renew an acquaintance with the Morton family to soothe the nagging. I will admit that I have formed a strong attachment to the maid and it was this that caused me to withhold the intelligence.’ Mylles rumbles some word under his breath. ‘We were all convinced that the claim of a bastard heir was false and I could not countenance fierce questioning of this “unknowing maid”.’
‘Even so…’ exclaims Mylles.
‘Doctor Foxe can vouch for the blameless circumstances of her birth. Together, we took testimony from a dying man who was the father. The mother was a niece who died in childbirth. Helen Morton was adopted by Sir George under conditions of secrecy to hide family disgrace.’
Walsingham put down his dagger. ‘What of Sir George Morton? I do not know his character and he must be examined.’
‘It is already done, Sir Francis. Doctor Foxe and the Captain here interrogated him at length the last evening. They are firm in their belief that he has no part in the conspiracy.’
‘Of course, I place my trust in their judgement, but thus far your telling holds only mild concern. You talk of disqualification from the conspiracy; not its solving.’
He is impatient and in bad humor, perhaps because of his ailment. I must convince without over-elaboration.
‘I beg your patience a little longer, Sir Francis. I give word that the end of this story is worthy of your attention, but the tangle of associations is intricate and stretches my abilities in its exposition.’
He waves a hand to indicate I should continue.
‘In my introduction to Sir George, I stated a keen interest in his great adventure and the possibility that my knowledge in the mathematics of navigation may help his cause. This was only a partial truth. It was, however, a fortunate deceit and led to a conclusion that the conspiracy had two strands: one to sow unrest and create the circumstances for an invasion by a hostile force; the second to foil Sir George’s venture and its design on Spanish treasure ships. The two strands are intimately connected. It was intended to falsely denounce Sir George as a knowing guardian of the bastard heir with a hidden purpose to use his fleet of ships and men to assist a Spanish invasion.’
Mylles is quick to assert that my deductions are reached without logic. He is eager for me to offer names in the conspiracy and firm evidence for my suppositions. John intervenes and restates a plea for their forbearance. Walsingham quiets Mylles with narrowed eyes.
‘Sir George and Captain Hawkins were much taken with my idea for an improved instrument of navigation and I set to work to model preliminary thoughts into an object with practical use on the deck of a ship. I confess that my enthusiasm for this project, and the venture itself, grew in my imaginings.’
I pause to gather my thoughts. I must be quick to offer a name or their interest will wane.
‘It was two incidents, similar in nature, but diverse in status and location with no apparent connecting thread that steered my thinking. The attack on Doctor Dee’s house at Mortlake and the assault on Mistress Dee we now know to be prompted by a desire to hide the role of Christopher Millen in the preparation of the false natal and transit charts. Some days later there was a burning and murders at the house of a craftsman named Hutchison. I employed him to manufacture an exemplar of the navigation instrument to be used on the venture. In both cases a violent attack by four or five armed men bearing torches was led by a large hooded man. Through unguarded talk I named Millen in discussion with a man shortly before the attack on Mortlake. My steward had a conversation with the same man about my instrument and unwittingly disclosed the name Hutchison in the days leading up to his murder and burning of his house. That man is Darby Wensum, Sir George’s man of business.’
Walsingham asks Mylles if Wensum is known to him. Mylles shakes his head.
‘There is more. The assault on my person was directly after a meeting at Leadenhall, which was arranged by Wensum. It was a curious encounter with little purpose. Sir George appeared to be under the influence of a sleeping draught and Wensum stated that none of Sir George’s men were on hand to escort me on my return to West Cheap. The invitation and circumstances of my return journey were planned to assist the assault. I have sufficient vanity to suppose that my instrument was thought to offer an improvement to the positioning of ships and bettering their chances of success in the great adventure. My death was a contingency measure in case their plans to thwart the sailing of the venture fleet failed.’
‘What of the incident at your house, William?’ enquires John. ‘Do you ascribe the same motive behind that?’
‘Yes, that and Master Hutchison’s fate had the same aim.’
Walsingham raises his hands to halt any further discussion and asks that John, Askham and I leave him while he confers with Mylles. I am not sure whether this signifies that Mister Secretary has dismissed my story. Or, could it be that he wishes to compare my findings with Mylles’ own? I am uneasy, but neither John nor Askham can shed any light on the adjournment. We stand in the hallway waiting for our recall; if, indeed, there is to be one. It is a good half hour before Mistress Goodrich opens the door and bids that we return. That is a surprise. Is she to be part of our consultation or merely to provide refreshment? My musing is answered as she takes her place on a stool by Mylles.
Walsingham says, ‘I would hear the end of your story, William. But first, a retelling of your account to this point would aid our consideration. Do not stint on the detail of your examinations of Sir George Morton and the natural father of the maid.’
I take this as an encouragement and restate a
ll I have said with added particulars and embellishments about the attacks, the interrogations and reasons for naming Darby Wensum. My eagerness to convince leads to an overlong presentation and I am relieved when wine and sweetmeats are brought to bring a pause in my talking. I caution myself not to stray beyond the extent of the previous telling for there is a name which I will delay until the ending. This name should not be uttered, unless and until my earlier conclusions have been accepted. It is too dangerous. Finally, I bow my head to Walsingham and sit back in my seat to indicate this part is complete. There is a strangeness in the silence that follows. Have I wearied them?
‘You have not mentioned the month of February. That date has been the focus of Master Mylles’ attention these past weeks.’ It is Walsingham who breaks the quiet.
‘I agree with Master Mylles. February has significance from the coded note and the date on the transit chart foretelling a calamitous event. It is also the date planned for the departure of Captain Hawkins and Sir Humphrey from Dartmouth. My understanding is that there is a plot to set a fire among the ships in that harbour, postponing or cancelling their sailing, while an invasion fleet heads for Plymouth. I cannot be certain of this landing destination, but it would hold promise for our enemies because of a diversion caused by the “great burning” in nearby Dartmouth. I surmise this invasion will comprise ships and men from Spain and the Catholic League in France.’
Mylles says, ‘And what of the date on the torn and mended chart?’
‘As it states in the coded note, pamphlets will be printed and distributed claiming a bastard heir. A second wave of pamphlets will assert the date on the chart signifies the demise of Her Majesty on the twenty-fourth day of that month. The intention of both is to seed unrest and alarm in the populous and ease the progress of the invasion.’
Askham straightens in his seat as if recalling something. ‘Do not forget the mention of Millen by Sir George.’
I had not forgotten. I did not think this extra detail was needed to strengthen my case, and I did not wish to arouse more suspicion of Sir George by its telling. ‘Millen was asked, as an astrologer of repute, to read the stars and advise on the most propitious date for the sailing of the great adventure. February was chosen, but the association with Millen was harmless on the part of Sir George and Captain Hawkins. Whether Millen planned some trickery to be selected as their choice of astrologer, we may never know.’
Walsingham looks in turn at the others. None of them offer to comment.
‘Well, William, I trust there is more to your story. The man, Wensum, is surely a lesser figure in the conspiracy. I cannot countenance that Guise or the Spanish crown would hold an arrangement with a man of such low station. You declared a design for the delivery of the plotters into our safekeeping, did you not?’
‘Yes, Sir Francis, but it would settle my spirits if others around this table would share their opinions thus far.’
John and Askham declare they are with me. Mylles says that it is ‘well done,’ but more is needed and he does not have a firm conviction on the significance of Dartmouth and Plymouth. Would a landing site nearer the capital have greater advantage to an attacking force? There is some discussion on this aspect until Walsingham brings it to a close.
‘These threads can be tied once we have heard the next part of your unfolding, William. Pray, continue.’
‘Some weeks past, I met with Blanche Parry. She told me of a chambermaid’s hearing of a conversation in the great court about a hidden, bastard child born to Her Majesty. The courtiers gossiping were named as Sir Peter Capton and Arthur Perse. They are naïve and empty-headed young men and I would have dismissed this as idle tattletale, as did Mistress Parry, were it not for their subsequent actions. After brief questioning by Master Mylles, they returned to him alleging that they could identify the scandalmongers as myself and Richard Joynes. This was false, but was it done out of simple malice for one of those who named them, or was there a deeper intent? At least one of these two men visited Doctor Huicke recently, and while we must accept that his poor mind is addled by age, he stated that Capton had questioned him on the significance of the month of February. Why would Capton call on Huicke? I consider it unlikely that sympathy for an ailing old man was the cause. They will have known that I attended Huicke on more than one occasion. The mention of “Capton” and “February” in the same breath was too great a coincidence. I believe that in both these cases, Capton and Perse were induced by a higher authority to undertake, admittedly clumsy, representation and enquiry.’
I pause to let my words take effect. All eyes are on me and the keenest belong to Mistress Goodrich who stares as though reaching deep into my soul. It is disconcerting. I wait a little longer to gather my thoughts, then continue.
‘Through a chance remark by Mistress Helen Morton…’ Speaking her name in this company brings a lurch in my stomach. My mouth is dry and I take a sip of wine. ‘… I learned that Darby Wensum had a surprise visitor at Leadenhall while Sir George was absent, and on at least two occasions. That visitor is also the patron of Capton and Perse. That visitor questioned me closely on my navigation instrument and attempted to take its design from my hands for his examination and use. He is one of the highest in the land and I deduce he is the principal in the conspiracy who corresponds with the Duke of Guise and the Spanish crown. It is the Earl of Oxford.’
A moment of quiet, then a babble of conversation follows. I do not hear the words. Mention of Helen’s name has brought her note back to mind. I must mend the affront to Sir George, and quickly. I return to the present matter. John is talking about Oxford and suspicions of his true religious leanings. Askham joins with mention of his recent financial troubles and shaming by Her Majesty. Mylles says that Capton and Perse are watched closely and he shares my view on their involvement on the edge of the conspiracy. Walsingham’s eyes dart around his table. His gaze stays with Mistress Goodrich for a time and she nods some form of unspoken correspondence.
‘Well gentlemen, it seems there is general agreement that Doctor Constable’s deductions have a measure of veracity. You have the mind of a capable intelligencer, William, and in such short time.’ He purses his lips and picks up his dagger. ‘There is a difficulty. The man, Wensum, can be brought in for questioning. However, we must tread carefully with Oxford. Regardless of Her Majesty’s stern words on his profligate nature; he is much favoured in her view. It will take more than suppositions and coincidences to convince her. She loves his pretty figure and tinkling words too much.’ He pauses. ‘Another reason is his wife, who is a daughter of Baron Burghley. He has some misgivings about the match and it is said there is little affection in the pairing. Nevertheless, he would not wish this connection to be treated roughly.’
John mutters under his breath; Mylles is eager to snatch Wensum and bring him under his care.
I say, ‘There may be another way to bring this matter to a climax with the capture of other conspirators.’
Walsingham’s play with his dagger stops. ‘What do you have in mind, William?’
I take a deep breath and start to outline my scheme. I explain that we have reason to suppose that the conspirators do not know we have Brouillard’s cabinet, chart or the cipher. They will assume it was lost in the Paris fire, which was set to conceal the capture of the box. In that case, we may be able to draw in the plotters using the same cipher. Mylles objects and is of the opinion that our search for Millen will have alerted the conspirators to our knowledge of the star charts.
‘I think not. It is more likely that my association with Doctor Dee and an earlier visit to Mortlake was the cause of their attack on the Doctor’s house and killing of Millen.’ I speak with more certainty than I feel. Mylles may be correct.
‘How would we use our knowledge of the cipher, William,’ enquires John.
‘Coded messages would be sent to Oxford and Wensum. We would fabricate these messages using the design of the Brouillard cipher.’ I am less sure of my next statement. �
��I had thought that these messages would tell of some urgent matter or complication in their scheme that requires consultation in person. A rendezvous will be set. If they answer with their presence we will know, beyond doubt, of their guilt.’
I take two sheets of paper from my doublet and lay them on the table.
‘I have drafted two notes using the cipher; one to Oxford and the other to Wensum. Both have the same content. They talk of a dire urgency which must be resolved by a meeting at one of Sir George’s storehouses on the North Quay. I confess that this part of my design may be found wanting by those more practised in the art of deception and ensnarement.’
Mylles takes my papers and studies them. Walsingham and Askham discuss how a trap may be best set, how many men would be needed and other possible locations. John turns to me, pats my knee and offers an approving smile. The discussion widens and Mistress Goodrich adds whispered words in Walsingham’s ear. He waits a few moments and then brings the chattering to a close by raising his hand.
‘The scheme has promise and I confess to a liking for its design. There will be satisfaction from the neatness of its conclusion – if it succeeds. But there are impediments to be overcome. How will the messages be delivered? The manner of delivery as well as the content must convince. The phrasing in the note should be carefully manufactured. Any clumsiness or bungling on our part will alert their senses to our chase.’
I say, ‘There is a refinement that may persuade Oxford and Wensum of the authenticity of the message.’ Walsingham raises his eyebrows and tilts his head at my hesitation. ‘Master Chap, who makes the navigation instrument, is a fine craftsman. I commissioned him to make a box from the wood of ebony. It is smaller than the one taken from Brouillard, but has a similar locking mechanism and hidden drawer. If the box contains a small token from the sender and the coded note is within the drawer, this may offer some assurance of dependability.’
‘Yes, indeed,’ John exclaims, ‘An elegant subtlety that adds lustre to the plan.’