Dark Weather by Barbara Gaskell Denvil

Author:Barbara Gaskell Denvil [Denvil, Barbara Gaskell]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gaskell Publishing
Published: 2020-03-29T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

I could neither enter Vespasian’s mind as I did Sarah’s (Oh, how I wish I could) nor might I be present during pre-trial discussions, but Vespasian later related what he found both amusing, and absurd.

He had spoken at length with Cromwell. As now a close member of Cromwell’s associates, friends, supporters and political advisors, Vespasian, particularly in company, spoke as he wished.

“I had no expectation nor any specific desire to alter history,” he told me, “but at that specific time I do not know how close our relationship needed to be. And a complacent supporter who might only say ‘yes’ to Cromwell’s beliefs, was not what the fool wished for. Yet his temper can be an irritation.”

And it seems that most of the people, even those who gladly supported him, were deeply concerned by the prospect of murdering an anointed king. One, nominated as the official judge, suddenly disappeared. Others refused to sign the accusation. Some walked out.

Fists clenched and eyes inflamed, Cromwell had roared about justice. “If this Charles had even the slightest shadow of a brain or the instincts of a rightful king, he would have followed his son abroad.”

“Then you’d have called him a coward,” Vespasian had interrupted.

‘You will sign,” Cromwell’s voice raised even more and his lips narrowed. One fist clutched at his hair, and Vespasian saw the demon’s eyes alight within the furious face. “It is the Lord God who empowers me, and only I know His will and judgement. This Charles called king must die. Or there will be uprisings in his name, rebellions, foreign invasions and calls for his return to power. I will not have such nonsense. My word would become challenged and even eroded. I will not have it, I tell you. This man must die.”

“But, my Lord Cromwell,” another said, “you speak of the crowned king of England, a monarch appointed by the Lord God himself.”

“A charade,” Cromwell had roared. “A falsity. Only I know the mind of our Lord and will impose it on the God-forsaken fools, demons and witches of this land.”

The death warrant was finally signed by some, and Cromwell’s signature came first. Many others carefully disappeared from the chamber when the time came, others simply refused. Cromwell preached justice, honesty and simple obedience to the scriptures, but ignored the holy anointing of the royal heir before the pulpit in God’s name. Others were disturbed by the accusation of treason.

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