The King's Bishop by Candace Robb Read Free Book Online

at the Round Tower, puzzling over Daniel’s death. ‘It is about our interview with the King?’
    Wykeham looked up, his eyes no longer sad, but wary. He sat back, tasted his wine, set the cup carefully on the table, as if it were very important to arrange it in a specific position. Only then did he reply. ‘I want to know how you have arranged for the King to send your spy, Captain Archer, and his friend, Ned Townley, on this mission. And why.’ He held Thoresby’s eyes with his.
    But the show of strength meant nothing to Thoresby. The substance did. It suggested a surprisinginsecurity. ‘I was under the impression that our King had no secrets from you.’
    The pale face reddened slightly, but the eyes did not waver. That is no answer.’
    Thoresby lifted his eyebrows. ‘That is because I have none for you.’
    Wykeham sat back with a disbelieving sniff.
    Thoresby relented; after all, he had accepted Wykeham’s invitation. ‘In faith, I can answer part of it. His Grace is sending so many small companies out on your behalf that he is running short of trustworthy retainers. I therefore offered the captain of my retainers for this particular mission. York is a natural rendezvous point before riding to Fountains Abbey.’ Thoresby lifted his hands, dropped them. ‘That is all.’
    Wykeham glanced aside, obviously annoyed and doubting Thoresby’s words. But he did not challenge them. ‘And Ned Townley?’
    ‘I had not heard of his involvement until the King announced it to us. For that you might ask Mistress Perrers. Surely she would tell you?’
    Wykeham bent over his wine again, his eyes closed.
    Thoresby waited.
    Without looking up, Wykeham suddenly said, ‘Lancaster thinks I hold too much power already. He has arranged for Townley to make trouble on this mission – I am certain of it.’
    Thoresby had imagined the same when he had heard of Ned’s involvement. But since then he had seen the flaw in that idea. ‘Were the mighty Lancaster plotting against you, he would devise a subtler scheme. No, I think you must look to Mistress Perrers for the architect of your uncertainty.’
    Now Wykeham looked up. ‘What would be her purpose?’
    ‘Only God knows her heart, I think.’
    Wykeham studied Thoresby. ‘I have heard that there is something between you.’
    Thoresby did not wish to comment, but he must not appear to avoid the topic. ‘I make no secret of the fact that I believe her presence at court is an unforgivable insult to the Queen. I have angered the King with my opinions.’
    Wykeham swirled the wine in his cup, his lids low while he followed the motion. ‘I doubt you are alone in your feelings.’
    He despised her, too? ‘Merely more outspoken than most.’ Thoresby sat back in his chair. ‘What are your suspicions about Daniel’s death?’
    Wykeham directed Peter to bring on the food. ‘It is the lack of attention his death brought. A brief outburst against Ned Townley, then – forgive me for bringing her up again, but it is necessary in order to answer your question – Mistress Perrers steps forward and swears that he was with her maid, and then, as if Townley were the only possible culprit, everyone agrees to agree that it was an accident. That is what bothers me.’
    Thoresby studied the man. Should he mention Michaelo’s observation about the page’s wrists? And the quantity of ale on the cloak? ‘Have you discussed this with anyone else?’
    Wykeham nodded. ‘I brought it to Sir William of Wyndesore’s attention.’
    ‘And?’
    Wykeham’s expression had soured. ‘An arrogant, ill-mannered man, Wyndesore.’
    Thoresby grinned. ‘You soon became fast friends?’
    Wykeham started, then caught the grin andlaughed. ‘Indeed.’ He was quiet while Peter served the food.
    Thoresby tasted the pie. ‘The guards are fortunate in their cook.’
    Wykeham nodded towards Peter, who sat quietly on a bench against the wall. ‘He is so slender, you would never guess, but Peter lives for his