The Queen's Spy by Caroline Newark

Author:Caroline Newark
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
Published: 2018-05-21T16:00:00+00:00

Delighted by our newfound freedom Edmund and I went to Arundel to view what we had received from Isabella. It was very fine and well worth the burdens we had endured. The approach up the river from the sea reminded me sharply of the finer palaces of Isabella’s brother, and nowhere could there have been a stronger, more secure, fortress than this, our new castle. The walls were solid and the gatehouse narrow; and with high ground at our back and a commanding view over the town and river below, an enemy would be immediately apparent.

We spent a wonderful two weeks exploring our home and organising a household for our son. We rode out in the park and in the evening stood on the roof leads, looking down the valley and breathing in the smell of the sea. Our nights were spent in rekindling our closeness and I thought it might not be long before Mondi would have company in the nursery. I would have liked to stay longer but a terse note from Isabella commanded my return.

I arrived at Westminster to find my cousin still absent.

‘I wish I knew where he is and what he’s doing,’ I said to Lady Abernethy.

‘You mean you don’t know?’ She seemed amazed at my ignorance.

‘Should I?’

She lowered her voice. ‘There has been a plot to free Sir Edward.’

I gasped. ‘Free the king? I mean Sir Edward.’

‘Yes.’

‘But why did nobody tell me?’

Lady Abernethy was blunt. ‘If you weren’t told, it is because Lord Mortimer doesn’t want you to know. Perhaps he worries about your husband’s loyalty and thinks he may be involved in the plot.’

‘Lord Edmund? Nonsense. He is totally loyal and would never involve himself in something like that without telling me. Besides, what would be the purpose? Why would he want to take his brother away? Sir Edward lives in royal splendour in Kenilworth. He has nothing to complain of.’

‘People are saying Lord Mortimer plans to move his prisoner out of Henry of Lancaster’s clutches. He believes Kenilworth is not safe which must mean he suspects Lancaster as well.’

‘Whom does he not suspect?’ I said, bitterly.

‘I think the list is short.’

‘But I am his cousin,’ I wailed.

‘Ah yes, but your husband is Sir Edward’s brother.’

I could not believe I had been deceived by my cousin and Isabella. I was so angry I decided to ask Isabella for the truth.

I discovered her playing tables with Lady Jeanne in her private chamber. It was not a pastime I enjoyed. I preferred chess, a game of skill and concentration where one could satisfactorily demolish one’s opponent.

‘Moved?’ She raised her eyebrows at my question.

‘Yes, your grace.’

‘Does this concern you?’

‘My husband is Sir Edward’s brother, your grace, and it is only proper that he should be told. This was the agreement.’

Isabella narrowed her eyes and a chill filled the room.

‘If I remember correctly, the agreement was purely monetary. Your husband was greedy for income, not brotherly love. I think you will find I kept my side of the bargain and rewarded him well.

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