‘She’s seldom happy, Mother. Trust me, I know how unhappy she is, and how difficult she makes life for everyone.’ Nell stabbed her needle in her sewing viciously as the others blinked at her in surprise. Kit nodded and chewed.
‘Life is very volatile at Court now, Letty. No-one knows how she will be from one day to the next, one moment to the next, sometimes. And no-one can calm her, knows what to say to her, now they can’t call for Rob and let him deal with her.’
Lettice smiled brightly at Kit, refusing to show on her face how the mention of Robert’s name, however fondly or casually it was made, still twisted her heart. She blew a breath and helped herself to a sweetmeat to give her time to calm her thoughts.
‘So is there any particular reason for her unhappiness, Kit, or is it just a malaise of temper?’ Lettice widened her eyes and chewed her sweetmeat.
‘Well, I am sorry to speak ill of Essex, my dear, and I probably wouldn’t tell you if Frances was here, but he is making so many field honours, they say he never draws his sword except to knight someone.’
Nell burst into a fit of giggles and both Jane and Ursula smothered their own smiles.
‘Are they calling him a coward, Kit?’ asked Lettice carefully, and Kit shook her head.
‘No, not at all. He isn’t expected to lead the fighting, Letty. He is Earl Marshall. His lot is to plan the skirmishes, not execute them.’ Kit stopped as more laughter emanated from Nell, and she waved her hands in front of her face to cool her heated cheeks.
‘I’m sorry Aunt Kit. I am not laughing at you, honestly, but the thought of Essex actually planning anything, much less a conflict, well, it’s just ludicrous.’
Lettice drew her brows down at her daughter and chose her words thoughtfully. ‘We must hope that as he matures, Nell, he becomes more able to carry out the duties to which he is assigned. I am sure his Uncle Henry will offer advice.’ She raised her brows at Kit.
‘He tries, Letty. But Essex doesn’t take advice well, you know that. Sometimes he does what he thinks is expedient, without thought for the consequences.’ Kit shrugged.
‘Well, the Queen wouldn’t keep sending him if he wasn’t being successful, I’m sure,’ pronounced Lettice, and she completely missed the look of astonishment on her daughter’s face.
The arrangement she had with Kytt regarding their marriage remained amicable. Their bedrooms connected, as she continued to occupy the room that she had decorated for Dickon and Jane and Kytt moved into the one next door, sharing a dressing room with her. Frances and Essex now occupied the wing of the house that had belonged to her and Robert, and she was thankful for that.
Ed stayed with them when he came to Parliament, dividing his time between his estate in Warwickshire and his duties in London. Tom and Ursula continued to share Sutton House with Jane and Dickon, and Lettice’s many grandchildren grew and thrived.
***
‘Mother.’
Lettice looked up from the floor, where she was busily defending the fort from the valiant English onslaught let by Henry, with Charles and Robbie as his brave lieutenants. The older boys were having a break from their lessons, joining in their favourite game of overcoming the Spanish or the French with Robbie, who seldom left his Grandmother’s side.
She pushed a trailing lock of hair from her eyes and smiled up at Nell, taking an hour away from court to see her baby daughter and other children.
‘Yes, poppet?’ Lettice moved round so she could sit properly, and Robbie promptly came and sat on her gown, effectively pinning her to the floor. She reached and pulled him closer, dropping a kiss on his soft dark curls, and smiled at her daughter with raised brows.
‘I’ve met someone.’ Nell lowered her voice to almost a whisper and chewed her lower lip nervously as she waited for her mother’s response.
‘Oh, poppet, I’m so pleased,’ beamed Lettice, and she almost burst into laughter at the stunned look on her daughter’s face. ‘Who is he? Do I know him? Are you lovers yet?’
‘Mother!’ Nell’s shocked tone elicited wide eyed looks from the boys, particularly as Lettice gave in to her bubbling laughter and hugged Robbie even tighter.
‘Poppet, you have been miserable for so long, it gladdens my heart that you have found someone to love, or at least, to become fond of.’
The door opened and the older boys’ tutor stood there, waiting to take them back to their lessons. Lettice nodded and smiled at the man, a learned but kindly old gentleman who believed children learned best when they enjoyed being taught, rather than being terrified into their lessons. The two boys jumped up eagerly and trotted after their tutor, sketching brief bows to Lettice and Nell who both responded politely.
‘Now the boys have gone, I can tell you, Mother. It is Mountjoy.’
‘Essex’s friend? Really?’ Lettice was surprised, as the friends of Essex had never been particularly fond of either of her daughters. She reached up to the table and found a marchpane animal shape which she gave to Robbie, who settled himself on her gown and rested his head against her side, munching delightedly on the unexpected treat.
‘Mountjoy may be one of Essex’s group, Mother, but he isn’t like Essex. He isn’t a wastrel, gambling and the like,’ Nell looked at her mother and shrugged as she denigrated her brother, ‘He is funny, and kind, and understands how difficult my situation is, but still says he loves me and is prepared to wait for me.’ Nell shrugged again and began to blush.
‘”Kind” is the word that is most important, Nell. Not good looks or money or bravery. Looks fade, and money ebbs and flows and bravery can be felt or lost in an instant. But kindness, that is what makes a good husband. A woman can overlook much for a man who is kind to her.’
‘You are not shocked, then?’
Lettice again burst into gales of laughter, eyes wide with amusement. She held Robbie close so the movement of her body as it shook with mirth didn’t disturb the little boy, who had dozed off with marchpane crumbs surrounding his lips.
‘Why would I be shocked, poppet? You must have heard the court gossip about me and your father, and about me and Robin, and about how my father banished me from court when I was carrying Essex in case I disgraced him with my behaviour.’
Tears of hilarity sprang into her eyes as she spoke, and she realised she had said Robert’s name naturally, without a twist of her heart when she thought of it. ‘And he was a little late with that banishment, if I am honest.’ Lettice looked up sheepishly at Nell and they both giggled a little, then Nell’s face grew serious once more.
‘But I don’t know what to do, Mother. He says he loves me, will take me as I am if I leave Riche. But I know if I leave, Riche will keep my children.’ Tears sprang into Nell’s eyes and Lettice gazed at her and shook her head.
‘Poppet, there will come a time when you will know what you must do. When you will not have a choice. Obviously that time isn’t now, because you are asking my advice, but one day, you will know, I promise. Until then, be as discreet as you can. Do not invite disapproval if you can avoid it.’ Nell nodded and gazed at Lettice intently.
‘What else, poppet?’
Nell’s eyes widened that Lettice knew she had something else to say, and a flush crept up her neck.
‘I can see from your face there is something else, Nell. Is it about your brother?’
‘No! Well, not directly. But I so want to tell you, so you can be prepared if anything should happen.’
Lettice was intrigued. That Essex had returned to Ireland had been a relief, yet she felt so guilty feeling like that about her son. She loved him unconditionally, but he was so volatile it was exhausting waiting for the next storm to break over their heads.
‘So,’ said Let
tice patiently, as she watched Nell find the words to tell her secret, ‘what is the secret that isn’t directly about your brother?’
‘Mountjoy tells me that Frances is having an affair with de Burgh. A real, physical affair, not just a flirtation.’
Lettice was lost for words and gazed at her daughter, mouth agape. ‘Frances? Is he sure? Our Frances?’
Nell snorted a laugh at Lettice’s astonishment and nodded, rocking her daughter to distract herself from bursting into gales of laughter at her mother’s expression.
‘He is very sure. He told me because de Burgh is his friend, and he thought I should know, in case Essex finds out and…. is less than pleased.’
Lettice shook her head in amazement. ‘If he finds out, he will be insulted, Nell. He will be unbearable. I hope she is discreet to the point of absolute secrecy. Essex might be able to tom-cat his way round the ladies of the court, but Frances?’ Lettice’s voice rose at the end of her sentence in bewilderment at her mousy, obedient daughter-in-law, who never showed an ounce of independent thought, taking a lover.
Suddenly she began to laugh, with tears rolling down her face, and she clutched her grandson tightly so she didn’t disturb him. Nell began to chuckle along with her mother, and the two ladies were helpless with laughter when Jane and Ursula arrived from Sutton House to assist with the children.
Chapter 57
ooking over his collection of charts and maps, Rob placed some aside on the bed that he couldn’t do without. The others he intended to take to Master Dee when he made his goodbye. If they were of no use, he knew the Master would destroy them safely, and not allow them to be discovered by someone who might bring charges of heresy or sedition against them.
He took his large leather satchel and placed the vital charts at the bottom, packing round them with soft shirts and linens to protect them on their journey. He placed one richly appointed doublet and breeches on the top, knowing he would need to look like a gentleman when he reached his destination, and laid out two clean shirts, two pairs of leather riding breeches with matching studded jackets and a couple of soft leather hats.
Taking the smaller of the two purses from the drawer of his dresser, he swept his feathered hat onto his curls and locked his door behind him. He had to find a cloth merchant and buy two warm serviceable riding cloaks and then book passage on a ship sailing for the Continent. Where they docked was unimportant, as he had letters from Master Dee for most of the courts of Europe. They could even travel to the court of Naples if they chose, and be sure of a welcome.
Walking towards the stables to saddle his horse, he wondered how long it would be before he returned to England, if at all. He glanced into the garden bordering the courtyard and spied Eliza sitting on a stone bench, reading a book in the sunshine. He diverted his steps and slid onto the bench beside her.
‘Good morning, my love,’ he whispered.
‘Rob,’ she breathed, dimpling at him with pleasure. ‘I did not expect to see you this morning.’
‘Nor I you, my love, but I am glad of the chance.’
She blinked at him in surprise at the urgency of his voice, then clasped her hands together in excitement.
‘Is it today, Rob? Do we go today?’ He placed his hands over hers and patted them to calm her.
‘I am going to try and book passage, my love. Not for today, but tomorrow. I want to sail tomorrow night, but you will have to pack in secret, which is why I hoped to see you.’
She bounced excitedly on the bench, eyes sparkling and lips trembling breathlessly.
‘I have found a satchel, Rob. It was stuffed at the back of the armoire covered in dust, so I doubt anyone will miss it. But what shall I bring?’
‘Pack as sparingly as possible, my love,’ Rob’s mouth quirked in amusement as her face fell, and he pecked her lips quickly to make her brighten and pay attention.
‘I have our travelling clothes ready, but you will need some linens, the plainest gown you own, and one that will dazzle a foreign court. Roll them as tightly as you can into the satchel, and if you own anything tiny that you wouldn’t mind selling when we get there, bring those too. I have some money from my Uncle Ambrose, and he has promised more, but we will need cash to establish ourselves.’
Eliza nodded as she listened to his words, and sat more attentively. ‘I know which gown is my plainest, Rob. The dark blue damask is only trimmed with embroidery, so I will bring that, and my rose pink silk court gown. That will pack easily enough. And I have a few jewels of my own, hair ornaments and the like, that I will bring.’
Rob looked at her and smiled, stroking back a lock of hair behind her ear that had escaped her pins. ‘But I have something else to tell you, Eliza.’ She blinked at him in anticipation.
‘You will be travelling as a boy.’ She gasped in shocked excitement.
‘But that is forbidden, Rob.’
He snorted in amusement and shook his head at her.
‘As forbidden as a Dudley bastard eloping in secret with a Howard girl, my love?’
She blinked at him and then began to giggle and shake her head, ‘Well, Rob, when you put it like that, perhaps dressing as a boy isn’t so bad. And it will be so exciting.’
‘It will, my love. But we must contain our excitement for a little while longer. I am going to buy us some travelling cloaks and passage on whichever ship sails on the evening tide tomorrow. You must pack today, unseen, and bring your satchel to my room later. Then you behave as you normally would, sleep in your own bed, go about your duties tomorrow, but after the evening meal…’
‘What, Rob? What happens after the evening meal?’
‘You come to my room. Tomorrow, at six of the clock, you come to my room and we change ready for our journey. If you have to feign illness, so be it, but you must come to me then, my love, for our plan to succeed.’
‘I will, Rob. The hours between now and then will be long, but I shall be there, I swear.’
Rob leaned forward and kissed her cheek, ‘And wear your boots, my love. Beneath your gown when you come to me, wear your boots.’ She nodded excitedly as he stood, then swept her a bow and strode away to find his horse. His plan had begun.
***
‘Oh, Letty, I feel so sorry for Cathy Howard.’ Kit sat in the grand salon of Essex House and gazed wide-eyed at Lettice, who poured them all more ale and passed the plate of sweetmeats and comfits to Jane to take round the ladies.
‘The Queen is beside herself, Mother. We are all targets for her anger. She broke poor Anne de Vere’s finger the other morning, then threw a jewelled hairclip at her as an apology.’
Lettice’s brows rose in surprise. That Elizabeth was angry didn’t surprise her, as Rob had always charmed her, and the fact that he had eloped with a Howard girl would anger her even more. But to physically injure one of her most loyal ladies, Burleigh’s daughter no less, astonished her.
‘And does anyone know what happened? Or is it just gossip and conjecture?’ Lettice chewed a sweetmeat as she looked between Kit and Nell, her two self-appointed court informants.
‘Cathy told me Effingham had made enquiries at the docks, and two young men had booked passage to Portugal that had sailed two nights ago.’
‘Young men?’ gasped Ursula, scandalised. Kit turned to her and nodded solemnly.
‘When they broke into Rob’s room, Eliza’s white court gown was in a heap on the floor, and all Rob’s clothes were gone. Cathy says Eliza’s clothes are mostly still in her room, and she pretended a stomach complaint after the evening meal, so was excused from duties,’ she turned and gazed at Lettice, ‘and you know how the Queen is about people being ill around her.’
Lettice giggled, delicate
ly biting the edges of another sweetmeat, ‘I do, Kit. Robin and I both used to suffer dreadfully with ‘stomach complaints’ sometimes.’ She burst into such a fit of giggling that the others shook their heads at her in scandalised despair that she still found such things amusing.
‘Letty, you are so wicked,’ laughed Kit as her friend chewed with sparkling eyes and wriggling eyebrows. ‘It would seem they are travelling to the continent dressed as boys. I imagine Rob will marry her at some point; at least Cathy hopes he will.’
‘He won’t want any of his children born out of wedlock, Kit. Of that I am sure. They will marry before they have children.’ Lettice was suddenly serious, thinking how his illegitimacy had been a burden that no amount of care and affection could lift for her husband’s son. She felt the familiar swamping feeling coming again, and she pushed it away as best she could, turning sparkling eyes on her sister-in-law.
‘Anything else, Kit?’ she asked brightly, concentrating hard on her sister-in-law’s words.
‘Harry tells me Essex is returning again soon.’ All in the room gasped at the news.
‘More field honours to register, Kit?’ Lettice sat up straighter and took a small sip of ale, wondering what bought her unpredictable son home this time.
‘Harry says not. He says Essex wants to give his captains a chance to prove their worth,’ Kit’s brows rose as she spoke and Lettice shook her head.
‘He’s bored then,’ she pronounced flatly, ‘He’s coming home because he is bored and he wants to be petted and adored at court for a while.’ Lettice closed her eyes briefly and took a breath. ‘I hope the Queen is in the mood to be entranced, ladies, or our lives won’t be worth living until he goes back.’ She bit savagely into another sweetmeat and gazed at the answering nods from the ladies present.
***
Rob stood on the deck of the ship with his arm surreptitiously around Eliza’s shoulders beneath her cloak as they watched the approaching Portuguese coastline. The ship creaked and shuddered as the sailors trimmed the sail to bring them about into the mouth of the river Tagus so they could dock in Lisbon harbour.
On the Altar of England (Tudor Chronicles Book 4) Page 43