Doctor Who - Short Trips (Big Finish) - 24 - The Quality of Leadership by Keith R. A. Decandido

Author:Keith R. A. Decandido [Decandido, Keith R. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781844352692
Amazon: 1844352692
Publisher: Big Finish Productions Ltd
Published: 2008-05-10T07:00:00+00:00

123

God Send Me Well to Keep

Linnea Dodson

An adventure of the Fifth Doctor, with Nyssa

'I begin to think that God himself opposes your plan, Cromwell.' Henry

stared grumpily out of the mullioned window where a light snow was

falling over the palace grounds. 'Storms are not unusual, but ones that

keep my ships in harbour for over a fortnight smack of divine will.'

He pulled the velvet curtains abruptly shut, limping over to the large

stone fireplace. Chief Minister Cromwell solicitously pulled an ornately

carved wooden chair to the best place for Henry to stretch his aching leg

to the heat.

'This alliance has already taken months of negotiations, what are a

handful of extra days, Your Majesty? While it is a disappointment that

you cannot start the holidays with your new wife by your side, she will be

here soon enough. I dare say you will have met the Cleves princess

before the twelve days of Christmas are over.'

'Maybe she will have learned enough English to speak with you by

then.' The Duke of Norfolk stepped forward with two goblets of spiced

wine, offering one to Henry with a bow. Cromwell glared.

'She is taking lessons. She knows she has much to learn.'

'I could imagine.' Norfolk ignored Cromwell's outstretched hand, lifting

the other goblet he held to his own lips, swallowing once before he

continued. 'I hear her mother has taught her nothing but needlework. No

languages, no rhetoric. Not even music.' Another swallow while Cromwell

fumed. Tut I'm sure she can be taught enough not to be an

embarrassingly stupid consort to the most cultured king in Christendom.'

For a moment Norfolk wondered if Cromwell would burst into a furious

tirade right in front of the King, but the peasant was too wily to fall for

such an easy trick. Instead, he turned back to the King, fussing over him

like the lowly servant nature had intended him to be. 'Sire, your queen-to-

be is biddable and breedable, and she comes with an important political

alliance. These alone make her suitable for your station. As for God's

will? God wills you to continue as Defender of the Faith.' He looked right

at Norfolk over the King's head. 'Cleves will be your ally in defending it

against the pope and his Catholic corruptions.'

Norfolk swallowed wine the wrong way, and only great effort kept him

from coughing. So that was going to be Cromwell's tactic — to try to

discredit him in the King's many religious purges.

Henry, never oblivious to the currents below the surface, shifted

impatiently in his chair. 'Peace between you,' he said. It was an order.

'We will see Our two most trusted advisers council Us with peace to suit

this Christmas Eve.'

Norfolk bowed graciously, first to Henry, second to Cromwell, then

turned his back on him to address the King, pressing his advantage.

'Sire, Christmas is a season of gifts and miracles. If God truly wishes you

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