‘The disloyalty, rather than the Lamentation’s theology?’
‘Exactly. Though her stress on salvation by faith alone would hardly help. And the King’s illness makes him all the more unpredictable. One never knows how he may turn, or in what direction.’ For a second Lord Parr seemed to sway, and I put out a hand. But he righted himself, taking a deep breath. ‘Give me a few days, Master Shardlake, to try and worm out some more information. And I will have a watch set on that house where Stice meets your steward.’ He turned, and we walked back to our horses.
‘I will contact you soon,’ Lord Parr said after we had mounted. ‘Keep that steward safe. Is he well frightened?’
‘I think so.’
‘Good.’ As I turned away he said, ‘I almost forgot. The Queen sends you her best wishes.’
I RODE SLOWLY BACK to the city. I had not gone far, though, when another horseman pulled up beside me. To my surprise I saw it was young William Cecil, his face serious as usual.
‘Brother Cecil. I had not thought to see you again so soon.’ I allowed a note of reproach to enter my voice. He had been of great help earlier, but now Lord Parr must feel his absence greatly.
‘Brother Shardlake.’ His thin lips set slightly at my tone.
‘How goes your service with Lord Hertford?’
‘Well, thank you.’ He hesitated. ‘His secretary retires soon, it is possible I will take his place.’
I inclined my head. ‘You made a good move, then.’
He pulled his horse to a halt, and I, too, stopped. The young lawyer looked at me squarely, fixing me with those large, keen blue eyes. ‘Brother Shardlake, I was sorry to leave the Queen’s service. But an offer of serious advancement came and I had to take it.’
‘As men do.’
‘Also, I confess, after that turmoil on the wharf, I did some serious thinking. About what I am – and am not – capable of. I am not a fighting man, and I have a young family to consider. My talents, such as they are, are best put to use behind a desk. Where,’ he added, ‘I can serve the cause of reform. Believe me, I am sincere in that, as in my continued love and respect for the Queen.’
I dared to say, ‘But your first loyalty now is to the Seymours, not the Parrs.’
‘Both families serve reform. And I followed you today, Brother Shardlake, to tell you something I thought you should know. Lord Parr’s health is failing. I did not know how ill he was when I left, but my purpose now is to tell you that if your involvement in the Queen’s matters continues – and I know you have appeared before the Privy Council – you must rely on your own judgement as well as his.’ He looked at me earnestly.
‘I saw just now that he was not well,’ I said quietly.
‘And under pressure, with all this – ’ Cecil cast an arm behind him at the disappearing cavalcade. ‘He has much to do at Hampton Court, the Queen is to play a prominent role at the ceremonies there.’
‘I know. I will be attending tomorrow.’
There was no need for him to have ridden up to me to tell me this. ‘Thank you, Brother Cecil,’ I said.
‘If I hear anything that may be of use to you or the Queen, I will tell you.’
‘What do you think has happened to the Queen’s book?’
‘Lord Parr thinks it destroyed,’ Cecil said.
‘Do you?’
‘I do not know. Only that the moment for the conservatives to use it to maximum advantage has passed. The wind is blowing fast in the other direction now. Perhaps whoever took it realized that and destroyed it.’ He shook his head. ‘But likely we shall never know.’
We rode on, talking of the ceremonies and the autumn Progress that was to begin afterwards, apparently going only to Guildford for a couple of weeks because of the King’s health. We parted at the foot of Chancery Lane. ‘This mystery is not yet unravelled,’ I said. ‘If you do hear anything, please inform me.’
‘I will, I swear.’
As I rode down Chancery Lane I thought, yes, you will, but only so long as it serves the Seymours as well as the Parrs.
Chapter Forty-seven
I TURNED INTO MY HOUSE, aware of the sweat stiffening on my forehead under my coif, and rode round to the stable. Now I would speak to Timothy. But the boy was not there; Martin or Agnes must have set him some task around the house. I dismounted wearily, removed my cap and coif, and went indoors.
Immediately I heard the sound of a woman crying in the kitchen; desperate, racked sobbing. I realized it was Agnes Brocket. Josephine murmured something and I heard Martin say in loud, angry tones, ‘God’s bones, girl, will you leave us alone! Don’t stare at me with those cow eyes, you stupid creature! Get out!’
Josephine stepped into the hall, her cheeks burning. I said quietly, ‘What is happening?’
‘Oh, sir, Master and Mistress Brocket – ’ She broke off as Martin stepped out, having heard my voice. His square face was angry. But he pulled himself together and asked quietly, ‘May I speak with you, sir?’