Virgin by Robin Maxwell

Author:Robin Maxwell [Maxwell, Robin]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 978-1-61145-635-6
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2011-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

The hinges on John Cheke’s door creaked so loudly as he pulled it open that he winced, vowing once again to petition the palace carpenter for a dab of oil on its hinges. He was altogether startled to see his royal charge standing outside waiting impatiently to be admitted, the boy’s pale face even more somber than usual.

“Your Majesty, come in!” said Cheke, genuinely pleased if somewhat bemused to see young Edward. “You’ve not seen my quarters before.”

“I haven’t,” said Edward, entering the room tentatively, as if it were a sacred temple. Indeed it was a sanctuary of erudition. All the walls had been lined with specially built shelves, and the shelves were overbrimming with books and manuscripts of every shape, age, and description. More volumes were piled on the floor, and the small table was littered with the implements of writing. There was hardly space for the simple cot, table, and domed chest that held the tutor’s scant belongings other than his books. Edward’s eyes were wide as he moved slowly and reverently past the shelves, perusing their bounty. Cheke watched as the child tilted his head to read the title on a spine and saw his face illuminate with quiet joy.

“You’ve an original Theocritus,” whispered Edward, “and a Livy as well.”

“Have a look, Your Majesty,” said Cheke with gentle amusement.

“May I?” asked the boy as if he were being given permission to handle a nail from Jesus’ cross.

“Please.” Cheke observed Edward as he paged carefully through the leather-bound Greek text and wondered if he should ask outright why the child had come, or wait for the King’s explanation in the time he chose to give it. When Edward replaced the Theocritus and began thumbing through the Livy, Cheke spoke up.

“While my library is certainly fascinating, Your Majesty, I think perhaps you’ve another reason for gracing me in my humble quarters with your presence this evening.”

“I do, sir,” the child admitted quickly and with obvious relief, but then was silent while he collected his thoughts before explaining himself. “My uncle —” he finally began, but Cheke interrupted him.

“Which uncle would that be? You've three of them.”

“Not my honest uncle,” replied the King ruefully.

The tutor chuckled at the child’s cleverness. “By that, I take you to mean the Queen Dowager’s brother, Lord Parr?”

Edward nodded.

“Then, we are speaking of a Seymour uncle,” said Cheke.

“The Lord High Admiral.”

“Aha.”

“He wants a favor of me,” said Edward carefully.

“You mean another favor,” Cheke corrected.

“So it would seem.”

“You wrote to the Protector on behalf of Thomas Seymour’s secret marriage to your stepmother,” said Cheke, “and later at their behest you requested the crown jewels be returned to her.”

“But they were not returned to her, at least not yet.”

“And you feel you owe your uncle Thomas another favor?” Cheke insisted gently.

“He’s lent me a great deal of money, you know,” said Edward, looking sheepish.

Cheke turned away to minimize the King’s humiliation at such an admission before he inquired, “What has Seymour asked you to do this

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