The Quality of Leadership by Keith R A DeCandido

Author:Keith R A DeCandido [DeCandido, Keith R A]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Tags: Science-Fiction - Doctor Who
Publisher: Big Finish
Published: 2008-05-02T21:16:00+00:00

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. ‘But 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 to avoid marriage to the Lady Anne, surely he will provide her alternative?’ Henry was fond of wagers and a believer in omens.

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