Williamson smiled. ‘Actually, it was perfect. There is nothing like arousing a man’s sympathy to keep him on your side. Chaloner already stands up for you when people make accusations, and tonight you have sealed your blossoming friendship. His growing trust can only work in our favour.’
‘Good,’ said Bulteel. ‘Because I do not want him suspicious of me. He is protective of the Earl, and if he ever finds out that I am one of those clerks who moves money from place to place — invariably to the Earl’s detriment — he will show me no mercy.’
‘Do not worry. He has no idea you are the biggest rogue in White Hall.’
‘Second biggest,’ retorted Bulteel, eyeing the Spymaster pointedly. ‘And speaking of rogues, I delivered Jones’s gold to the Queen this afternoon.’
‘All of it?’ asked Williamson innocently.
Bulteel handed him a heavy purse and revealed his brown teeth in a conspiratorial grin. ‘Minus a commission, naturally.’
‘Naturally,’ said Williamson, returning the smirk as he slipped the coins into his pocket.