The Heretics by Rory Clements Read Free Book Online Page B

you must know I am sworn to secrecy, madam.’
    The Countess of Cumberland, on the settle, put a hand to her mouth and made a noise like a chicken clucking, which was evidently laughter. ‘Oh, Mr Shakespeare, please,’ she said. ‘It amuses us to call ourselves the School of Day. Is that not droll?’
    Lady Susan took Shakespeare’s arm. ‘Come, sir, you need have no fear of us. We are as able as any man on the Queen’s Council to discuss great matters of state. Why, we were just talking of the succession. Who do you think should succeed to the throne when Her Royal Majesty finally succumbs to time’s fell hand, as, certain, one day she must?’
    ‘I have no opinion on such matters.’
    ‘Oh, come, come, Mr Shakespeare. No one talks of anything else these days. You must know that this book late out of the Low Countries, Father Persons’s Conference about the Next Succession to the Crown of England , is spoken of in every great house in London. It is said he favours the Spanish infanta.’
    ‘Well, I would favour almost any man or woman above the wormlike little Scotch king,’ Lady Trevail said. ‘Even the monstrous Arbella Stuart who thinks herself a queen already would be preferable, for she must at least be pliable. Such a shame poor Ferdinando of Derby was not more careful about his venomous diet. He would have made a magnificent king of England, if a little proud.’
    ‘And a little too Romish, perhaps?’ Lady Susan said. ‘Or what of my lord of Essex? Now there is a man with the stomach and bearing of a monarch. Nor must we forget the charming infanta . Father Persons assures us that young Isabella is of John of Gaunt’s lineage.’
    ‘And she keeps a dwarf,’ the Countess of Cumberland said, adding with mischief, ‘just as our own beloved Elizabeth does.’
    Shakespeare looked at her sharply and saw the glint in her eye. He was well aware that ‘Elizabeth’s dwarf’ was meant to be Sir Robert Cecil. This was dangerous talk. If it was intended to provoke him to discomfort, they were succeeding in their aim. So he was providing the ladies with their day’s mirth, but they would do well to be more circumspect; there were many ears in England. The Queen had never been amused by discussions about her throne and crown, and she especially disliked to hear of the merits of Spanish claimants.
    ‘Do you think it wise to talk of such things?’ he asked politely.
    ‘Are you afraid of losing your head, Mr Shakespeare?’ Lady Trevail said. ‘I had heard you were a brave man.’
    Their eyes met and held. ‘I do believe that courage without caution is foolhardiness.’
    Lady Trevail clapped her delicately gloved hands.
    ‘Mr Shakespeare,’ Lady Susan said. ‘I have no idea why you are here, but you are very welcome. At least take a sip of sack with us, for we would love to prise some secrets from you. Do you know all my friends?’
    ‘Indeed, I have met Mistress Lanier and I recognise the ladies Trevail and Cumberland from court.’
    ‘The young lady by the fire, who seems to be in a tobacco-induced dream, is Miss Beatrice Eastley, my young companion and protégée. Now then, Mr Shakespeare, be good enough to tell us why you are here.’
    Shakespeare had little time. If Lady Susan would not see him alone, then so be it.
    ‘Very well, my lady, let me be direct with you. I believe that some years ago, the year 1586 to be precise, you took into your household a young woman named Thomasyn Jade.’
    The woman on the floor looked up and removed the pipe as though she would say something. Meanwhile, a frown of puzzlement crossed Lady Susan’s brow, then her lips parted in surprise. ‘Thomasyn?’
    ‘You recall her?’
    ‘Of course, Mr Shakespeare, how could I not? Do you know where she is?’
    Shakespeare shook his head. All eyes were fixed on him as though he were a bear in the ring. ‘I am afraid not, my lady. But I am looking for her. I had hoped you might be able to help me in this