The Queen In Waiting: Mary Tudor takes the throne (The Tudor Saga Series Book 5) by David Field

Author:David Field [Field, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sapere Books
Published: 2019-11-07T22:00:00+00:00

‘Norfolk was the wicked source of all those lies, say you?’ Elizabeth asked, the relief clearly evident in the glow that had returned to her cheeks with the news that Cecil had imparted. It was a warm day in late June and Elizabeth was now well into her second month as the ‘guest’ of Sir Henry Bedingfield at Woodstock Palace. He was a most benign jailor, but he was still a jailor and Elizabeth had been left in no doubt that while she was free to walk in the gardens and orchard, she was not permitted beyond the gate. She had also been allowed her books and needlework and Cecil had called in order to enquire what else she might require to be transferred from Hatfield.

‘It was almost certainly Norfolk’s doing,’ Cecil confirmed. ‘We know from your servants that the letter allegedly sent by Courtenay was not in your jewel case when it left Hatfield and must therefore have been produced on some date after that.’

‘Was it in Courtenay’s hand?’ Elizabeth asked, ‘and if so, what could have possessed him to write something so hurtful towards my interests?’

Cecil looked down uncomfortably at the threadbare carpet, hoping that he would not have to say it, but fortunately for him Elizabeth had grasped the answer and her face went pale as she sought confirmation.

‘Torture?’

‘Regrettably, so it would seem,’ Cecil confirmed. ‘But he remains alive, according to my latest advice.’

‘That is some blessing, I suppose,’ Elizabeth nodded. ‘But what of the French Ambassador? Surely they did not torture him?’

‘Of course not, my Lady, but you must remember that all that Norfolk produced was what was alleged to have been a copy of what de Noailles wrote. There can be little doubt that the Ambassador was responsible for the French fleet blockading the Channel, but whether or not he included your name in his despatch must remain a matter of deep uncertainty. Even if he did, that did not prove that you were actually complicit in the plot. It was Courtenay’s letter that did the damage. But at least you are free of the Tower.’

‘This is little better, in many ways,’ Elizabeth sighed as she cast her eye around the sparsely furnished chamber. ‘But what of Norfolk? Will my sister punish him?’

‘I fear that God will claim him first,’ Cecil replied. ‘I have rarely stared death in the face before, but there can be little doubt that Thomas Howard is not long for this world and even his servants are preparing for his demise. He is even more bony of frame than he was wont to be, and my clerk Thomas discovered from his Chamberlain that the man who so terrified half the nation in his prime can these days barely cross the carpet in his own Hall. He will be dead ere autumn, they say, and of course the Queen has other matters that claim her attention, given the imminent arrival of Philip of Spain.’

‘I do not anticipate receiving an invitation to the

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