‘Speak then, my lady.’
‘In private, if you please.’
He lifted his eyes to the ceiling, then shrugged at Eleanor. She gave him a close-lipped nod of agreement and went out, quietly closing the door behind her. ‘Yes?’ he said abruptly.
The Queen walked to a chair and stood behind it as though needing the support. She still had problems with her arms, he knew. They had never properly healed after the fire at Poissy, when she had been badly burned. Sweet God, that was twelve years ago now, he realised with a shock. It was fearful how time hurtled by.
‘Milord, I have heard dreadful rumours. Some say that there are men who wish to see me dead.’
‘Your Royal Highness, please …’
‘I believe it. That is why I bend my mind to see who could wish this thing. And I wonder, as I look about me, who could be willing.’
‘My Lady, I fear there are many who would be glad to see you … It is not a palatable thought, I know, but while your brother rattles his sword and lances across the Channel, many see any French men or women as possible traitors.’
‘Their Queen? People dare to suggest I could be faithless to my husband?’
‘Some people are terribly gullible.’
‘And you? Do you think this?’
‘No, of course not,’ he lied smoothly.
It was easy, this verbal fencing. Sir Hugh le Despenser had been brought up in the court of the old King, when Edward I’s powers were on the wane. To survive in his household in that period, a man had to have acute political instincts. And, under the new King, Despenser had risen to become the richest and most powerful man in the kingdom. Perhaps second to the King — but since he controlled the other man’s heart and mind, that was little qualification. A woman was no trouble after such a studenthood.
‘Of course,’ she continued, ‘the idea that an assassin could enter the King’s palace with the intention of murdering me is ridiculous, when there are so many guards, eh? Who is responsible for the guards posted about my chambers?’
‘Well, I suppose I have nominal responsibility,’ he admitted. ‘One of my men posts them.’
‘Ah yes. The one called Ellis, non? He is a very loyal man, I consider.’
‘I have none better.’
‘Good, because naturally, if any man were to harm me, the King of France, my brother, would never rest until the man who had ordered my death were brought to justice. He would use all his powers and wealth to hunt the man down.’
‘I would expect nothing else, my Lady,’ Sir Hugh said. And it was natural enough. Isabella’s death would be a grievous insult to the French Royal Family. That was the marvellous second incentive for having her removed. Not only was she a magnet for all the disaffected barons in the country, her death would make it difficult, if not impossible, for King Edward to go to France. News of Despenser’s ‘close’ relationship with the King was bruited abroad. Many would therefore conclude that the King himself might have had a hand in her death. No guarantee of safe conduct would make Edward feel secure in France.
He smiled at her, but her next words caused his smile to disappear.
‘I have to say, Sir Hugh, it would be terribly sad if your protection was to fail. My brother is known to hold a grudge. Any man who plotted to harm me would be considered his own mortal and particular enemy. And I fear I may have indicated to him that you and I have not always agreed.’
He liked the sound of that rather less. ‘I do not think I understand you.’
‘Oh, I think you do, Sir Hugh.’
Her face was as cold as marble as she emphasised that word, and he comprehended perfectly. He might be wealthy, he might be powerful, but to her, his lowly birth was reason for contempt. And she had already managed to hint to her brother somehow that, were she to die, it would be down to Sir Hugh. A leaden weight settled in his belly.
‘And another matter,’ the lady continued, ‘one of my maids is very slapdash. I would be glad if she could be replaced.’
‘Then you should have mentioned it to my wife.’ He felt a rage building. The arrogance of this bitch — to try to threaten him!
‘I have not felt the need, milord. I leave the affair up to you. I am sure you know which lady I mean.’
‘I cannot imagine. The ladies-in-waiting were all carefully picked by my wife.’
‘One in particular is not in the same mould as these others. I would be grateful, were you to see that she was replaced by someone a little more … ah, sympathique?’
He allowed a freezing smile to crack his features. ‘My Lady, please do not worry yourself,’ he said smoothly, pleased to see her anger and frustration.
‘I have a brain. I choose to use it, Sir Hugh!’
‘I mean no disrespect, Your Highness. It is only that if a man were to try to harm you, the guards would stop him. And this lady you refer to — we shall have her removed.’
‘Please do so. I would not like to have to be forced to take matters into my own hand.’
‘I have little experience of such things, Lady. My wife will see to it.’
‘Good. And you may see to the guards about me: I would have them increased. Otherwise,’ she gave a light laugh, ‘some may suggest that you could wish me to be removed.’
‘My Lady! Why should I want that?’
She turned and looked him very directly in the eye. ‘We both know where we stand, I think. I am not so foolish as to believe that I am safe, but I will swear this to you: if you aid me in this, I will shield you from accusations too. My brother, the King of France, would be pleased to learn that you had helped to protect me. As pleased as he would be enraged and vengeful against any man who sought to harm me.’
‘But that is all I intend to do, my Lady.’
‘Good,’ she smiled. ‘Then we have an accord. I shall serve you as best I may, and you will keep me safe from any attacks. Yes?’
He nodded and rose as she left, his mind in a turmoil. Was it possible that she was telling the truth — that she had managed to get a message to her brother? Of course it was! He kicked at the chair, sending it flying across the room. There were always people willing to take money to deliver messages, if the price was right. Any number of people could have done so. It was deeply irritating. But perhaps there was something to be salvaged from the mess.
Jack must be told not to continue with this commission. Somehow, Sir Hugh must track him down and let him know that the attempt must be postponed — perhaps indefinitely. How could he call Jack off, though? Well, that was a matter for Ellis.
‘Ellis?’ he bellowed. ‘Get in here! Now!’
There was one foolproof way to ensure that the Queen knew he was serious about their agreement. Dangerous, yes, but necessary if he wanted to save his own skin.
‘Shit! Ellis, find Jack and tell him it’s off. He can’t attack the Queen.’
‘How? He’s gone to ground — I’ve no idea where he is. You know, how he works, Sir Hugh. He could be anywhere right now.’
‘Well, find him — any damned way you can. Find him and stop him. And in the meantime, double the guards. We can’t take the risk you may miss him. He must not harm the Queen!’
Chapter Nine
The early hours of Wednesday before Candlemas1
Thorney Island
Earl Edmund sat contentedly in his chamber in the Palace of Westminster. Earlier, he had enjoyed a very pleasant evening meal. The face presented to the world by Sir Hugh le Despenser had shown his bitterness and rage, and anything that could have put that bastard in such a foul mood was balm to the Earl’s soul.