Ruff Justice by Markland Anna

Author:Markland, Anna
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-03-29T00:00:00+00:00

NO CHOICE

Having convinced Sara to stay, Julian could not reveal the nature of his errands. She might fret if she knew he was going to see Elizabeth’s arch spy. Fretting might lead to flight.

Luisa greeted the news Sara would be staying with her usual Venetian grace. Perhaps she’d come to realize the similarity in their stories.

After spending an hour in the workshop catching up on one or two commissions, he donned his velvet beret and left for Westminster Hall. Working with his hands at a task he loved had helped calm his agitation about the upcoming interview, but his nervousness returned as he neared his destination.

To his surprise, he was summoned into the Spymaster’s office after only a five-minute wait.

More astonishing was the faint hint of a smile, or perhaps a smirk, on Walsingham’s face as he declared, “Progress!”

Julian had to assume he was referring to the letter he brandished, but decided silence was the best reply.

“It appears Morcant believes you were a genuine courier,” Sir Francis said. “There is no hint of suspicion in his letter.”

Julian shifted his weight, wondering if that would be the extent of what he’d be told. He plucked up the courage to ask the question, though he dreaded the answer. “Will it be necessary for me to go to Paris a second time?”

“I doubt it. Morcant speaks of corresponding directly with Blunt who is then to pass the information to you if he deems you trustworthy. He refers to Justus Blunt as Mr. Justice. I wager he is plotting a new attack against Her Majesty and is seeking confirmation of your loyalty.”

“So, we wait.”

“If you’re to play a role in tightening the noose around Mary’s neck, you need to be apprised of events to date.”

Julian resisted the urge to gape, astonished that Walsingham seemed about to trust him with privileged information.

“At the behest of the Pope, a Jesuit priest named Ballard has for some time been exhorting members of the Catholic gentry in the north of England to rise up against Her Majesty.

“He exchanges correspondence on his progress with two men—John Savage and Gilbert Gifford.”

Unsure where all this was leading, Julian nodded.

“Savage is a former soldier who has sworn an oath to kill our queen. Gifford was persuaded to work for me, though, of course, Ballard is unaware of this.”

Julian probably understood what persuaded meant.

“Sooner or later, we will learn the names of those Ballard has recruited to lead the conspiracy to free Mary. I’ll send a summons when we hear something new.”

Julian wasn’t a patient man, but had no alternative but to bow his way out. Unsure what part Walsingham would expect him to play in the ongoing plot, he had no idea what explanation to offer Sara. It seemed Sir Francis intended to embroil him deeper when he would prefer to return to his role as a simple informant. He had the wellbeing of others to consider now.

However, it was doubtful Walsingham would give him any choice in the matter.

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