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The discourse which passed between the two men continued in such a way; moderation, subtlety and regret being the only emotions and feelings they expressed. This is the way of the courtier, who talks in a code more deep and impenetrable than any of the petty conspirators who were my daily antagonists. I do not even doubt that they meant everything that they said; but left unsaid, and understood by each other beneath the words, a more pitiless conversation was taking place, with each man bargaining and plotting how to turn the situation I had created to their own advantage.
I do not despise them for this; each man believed, I am sure, that the triumph of him and his was for the general good. Nor do I think such flexibility an error; in the past few years England had suffered greatly at the hands of rigid men of principle, who would not bend and could not change. That Clarendon and Mr. Be
Nor was I surprised that both men wished to comprehend fully the potential damage to themselves of Bristol’s fall. For the consequences would be great, as they are whenever a mighty interest collapses. The Digby family, which he headed, had a strong following in the House of Commons and in the West Country; many of his friends and family had been placed at court and in offices of state. Removing Lord Bristol was one thing; rooting out his family was another.
“I hope we may take it that this Italian must be stopped,” the Chancellor said, with the first glimmerings of a smile I had seen since I had told him my information. “That is the begi
He shook his head. “I ca
They both fell silent, willing the end, yet shrinking from the deed. Eventually I ventured to speak, somewhat abashed at offering counsel to such people without being asked, but confident that my skills matched theirs.
“Perhaps he can bring about his own fall,” I said.
Both men looked at me gravely, wondering whether to upbraid me for having spoken, or encourage me to continue. Eventually Clarendon nodded that I had his permission to speak.
“Lord Bristol is foolhardy, easily wounded in vanity and honor and excessively fond of grand gestures. This he has demonstrated. He must be forced to act in a way which is so intemperate and foolish that even the king becomes exasperated with him.”
“And how do you suggest we accomplish this?”
“He has made an attempt, I think, through this young man called Prestcott, which has now failed. Then Cola must also be stopped. Afterward he must be goaded and provoked until he loses all reason. It would take some considerable time to hire another killer, many months, at least. You must whittle away at his position quickly before he can try again.”
“For example?”
“There are many things you might do. He is steward of my university; you might suggest he be relieved of the post on the grounds of his Catholicism. Eject some of his supporters from their positions.”
“That will not provoke; merely irritate.”
“My Lord, may I speak plainly?”
Clarendon nodded.
“Your daughter married the Duke of York against your will and without your knowledge.”
Clarendon nodded slowly, ready to anger. Mr. Be
“I hesitate to recommend such a course, but my Lord Bristol must be made to think that Her Majesty the Queen is barren, and that you were well aware of this when you advocated the match.”
There was dead, total silence after I uttered the words, and I feared that I would bring his wrath upon me. Again he surprised me; rather than erupting in fury, he merely asked in a cold, frigid voice—“And how would that serve?”
“Lord Bristol is jealous of your ascendancy; if he believes for certain that you co
“How would this tale be put into circulation?”
“A young colleague of mine at Oxford, Dr. Lower, is greatly desirous of making his way in London. Were you to favor him, I am sure he would allow it to be said that he had been called in secret to examine the queen and found clear evidence of her barre
“Of course,” Mr. Be
“I think, sir, that ways can be found to make it in your interest to keep your word.”
Be
“You agree to this idea?” I said in astonishment that it should meet with so little resistance or objection.
“I believe so. I will endeavor to use the fall of Lord Bristol to bolster my position as the king’s chief minister; Mr. Ben-net will use it to strengthen his so that he might pull me down in due course. That comes afterward, however; for the time being we must consider ourselves allies in a common, and necessary, purpose.”
“And the Italian must not cause any troubles,” Be
“He must be killed,” I said. “Lend me some soldiers, and I will ensure it is done.”
And this too was agreed. I left the meeting some time later, confident that my duty was complete, and that now I could concentrate on my personal vengeance.