The Amorous Nightingale

    'Did you not ask that?'

    'I was not permitted to ask anything, Christopher. Besides, getting a straight answer out of Will Chiffinch is like trying to tattoo a bubble in pitch darkness with your hands tied behind your back. He is a master of evasion. Truth and he parted company such a long time ago that they no longer have anything in common.' He wiped the sweat from his face with a large handkerchief. 'The upshot of it all is this: now that I've located you, I must take you to the Palace of Westminster for a vital meeting.'

    'With whom?'

    'I was not told.'

    'Why should I be summoned to the Palace?'

    'I am beyond caring. All I know is that I must deliver you there with all due speed.' He hauled himself up into the saddle. 'Mount up, Christopher. This farce has gone on long enough. Come with me before I expire on the spot. It is so unkind, so cruel. They do me wrong to send me on such a mean embassy.'

    'Is that what it is?' wondered the other. 'A mean embassy?'

    Henry straightened his hat and adjusted his coat.

    'There's only one way to find out,' he said balefully.

    A servant conducted them through the labyrinthine interior of the Palace before handing them over to the Page of the Bedchamber. William Chiffinch was waiting for them. A tall, spare, dignified man in sober attire, he was quite elderly yet having a sprightliness that belied his years. There was something strangely nondescript about Chiffinch, an elusive quality which made it somehow impossible to remember the exact configuration of his features once you turned away from him. He was a walking paradox, an impressive figure who was yet almost invisible, a wielder of power who evinced no sense of his real influence. Introduced to the man by his brother, Christopher was struck by the dark, watchful, worldly eyes, taking everything in yet yielding nothing in return. He felt that he had been judged and found wanting.

    'I am to take you into His Majesty's presence,' said Chiffinch.

    'Not before time,' snapped Henry irritably.

    'The invitation does not embrace you, Mr Redmayne. It is your brother who is in demand here. You were a convenient go-between.'

    Henry was mortified. 'A go-between! A man in my position being used as a convenient go-between? This is intolerable.'

    'On the contrary sir, you have rendered a useful service.'

    'Is that what you call it!'

    'Lower your voice, Mr Redmayne.'

    'Then do not give me cause to raise it, Mr Chiffinch. All that I ask for is a modicum of respect. Of simple human decency. Treat me as I have every right to be treated.'

    'I may be forced to do just that,' said Chiffinch smoothly.

    Henry blustered afresh. Christopher intervened swiftly.

    'Calm down,' he said, patting his brother's arm. 'I am sure that a happy compromise can be reached here.' He turned to the other man. 'Mr Chiffinch, I am very sensible of the honour visited upon me, but it is only fair to draw attention to the crucial role played by Henry in getting me here in the first place. Where I go, my brother goes with me. If you acquaint His Majesty with that fact, I think that he may be ready to indulge us. Both of us are at his service.'

    Chiffinch gave him a searching stare before letting himself out through a door. Christopher could not decide if he had surprised or annoyed the man. Henry had no doubts on the subject.

    'You have just stepped on some significant toes, Christopher.'

    'Have I?'

    'It's not the way to endear yourself to Will Chiffinch.'

    'I can live without his good opinion.'

    'Not if you wish to befriend His Majesty.'

    'I had to speak up for my brother,' said Christopher. 'You've been shabbily treated, Henry. I'll not stand by and let that happen.'

    'Thank you.'

    'We are in this together or not at all.'

    'Bold words! You may live to regret them.'

    'I think not.'

    Chiffinch rejoined them to pass on a curt command.

    'His Majesty will see you now - both of you.'

    Christopher allowed himself a quiet grin and Henry basked in what he saw as a substantial triumph. Both of them followed Chiffinch into the Drawing Room. Having escorted them to the centre of the ornate carpet, the Page backed away so silently that it was impossible to tell if he had left the room or was lurking in one of its many recesses. Neither Christopher nor his brother dared to look round. Their gaze was fixed on the tall, immaculately dressed figure who sat opposite them. Framed in the high window, King Charles was staring dejectedly at a ruby ring on his left hand and ignoring the spaniels who were clambering all over him. One of them was perched on his shoulder, nibbling at the outer edge of his periwig and arousing the yapping jealousy of the other dogs.

    The visitors waited until the royal head finally turned in their direction. Henry gave an extravagant bow but Christopher inclined his back with more restraint. Charles raised a morose eyebrow.

    'You have come at last,' he observed.

    'I had some difficulty finding my brother, Your Majesty,' said Henry apologetically. 'But I stuck to my task.'

    'Good.'

    'We are here at your command.'

    'Henry.'

    'Your Majesty?'

    'Be quiet, please.'

    'Oh, well, yes, naturally, if that's what-'

    'Completely quiet,' insisted the King, quelling him with a stare before turning his attention to Christopher. 'We have met before, Mr Redmayne. You rendered sterling service on that occasion.'

    'As did my brother,' reminded Christopher.

    'He is of no account here. You are, sir. That is why I sent for you, by means of a go-between.' Henry winced at the insult but wisely held his peace. 'Do you recall what I said at our last meeting?'

    'I believe that I do, Your Majesty.'

    'Well?'

    'You were pleased with the way that I'd been able to render you some assistance and you were kind enough to say that you might call upon me again one day.'

    'That day has arrived, Mr Redmayne.'

    'Then it comes at an inappropriate time, Your Majesty.'

    'Inappropriate?'

    'I am heavily preoccupied with my work.'

    'Royal business takes precedence over your career, however illustrious that may be. I should warn you that I am not accustomed to being thwarted. This is a matter of the utmost importance so I'll brook no obstruction.'

    'Christopher was not being obstructive, Your Majesty,' said Henry.

    'But you are, sir.'

    'Without intention.'

    'Hold your tongue or leave the room!'

    'Of course, Your Majesty.'

    'I only wish to hear from your brother.'

    Henry recoiled from the rebuke and squirmed in silence.

    'Is there nobody else who could take on this assignment?' asked Christopher. 'Work begins tomorrow on a house that I have designed. My presence on site is vital.'

    'Not if the building is delayed.'

    'There's no reason for that to happen, Your Majesty.'

    'There's every reason. And before you ask again,' he said, lifting an imperious hand, 'there is nobody else who is so well fitted for the task before us. Great courage and discretion are required. You possess both qualities in abundance.