Threads of Silk by Linda Lee Chaikin Read Free Book Online Page B

bookshelf, hand on his sword hilt. “So, ami, you yet have it! You are certain it will go undiscovered?”
    Andelot remained irritated. His heart was still pounding in his chest. He’d been convinced the voice was Jaymin’s. He glared and snatched the olive green cloak he’d wrapped the Bible in.
    “I shall return it — perhaps tonight.”
    “You should have disposed of it weeks ago as Comte Sebastien warned.”
    Andelot was well aware, but he had not wanted to part with it. “Never mind about that. If Madame wishes to see me I will go now. Most of the courtiers are at dinner.”
    “It is about the marquis and the comte — did you know Sebastien had made plans to escape?”
    “Non, and there is no certainty he will make it to London. He is in danger at this very minute.”
    “So true. He took Mademoiselle Idelette with his family.”
    Romier threw him a questioning glance, but Andelot refused to catch it. He had never mentioned holding a muted interest in Mademoiselle Idelette to anyone, not even to himself until recently. There was a reason for his reluctance; at times she intimidated him with her maturity. She was theologically knowledgeable as well, and he was but a learner. Her superiority in these matters kept him at a distance. Secretly, he’d been attracted to her golden fairness and her calm, reserved demeanor.
    Andelot opened the door to the outer corridor and glanced out. It was deserted. He stepped out, and Romier followed with the pompoms on his slippers bobbing — and one practiced hand on his sword hilt.

    PÈRE JAYMIN STOOD IN THE SHADOWS at the other end of the corridor watching Andelot Dangeau leave the scholar’s chambers with Duchesse Dushane’s page. Andelot was a young monsieur of bon character, but Jaymin did not trust his loyalties to the Church. He was most sure that Andelot wavered on the cliff’s edge of heresy.
    When Andelot was out of sight, Jaymin left the shadows and walked in long, soundless strides to Thauvet’s chamber, opened the door, and stepped in.
    He crossed the study and entered Andelot’s chamber, going straight to the bed. He turned his mouth grimly. He bent down and lifted the straw mattress, holding a candle to look underneath. Nothing.
    He must have hidden the forbidden book, the one I’m sure he was reading that night when Sebastien intervened, snatching the book away and asking questions about Erasmus. Andelot speaks ideas that sound like a Calvinist. He must have a heretical French Bible — not a true Latin translation. Ah, the devil was ubiquitous.
    Jaymin dropped the mattress into place. He straightened, frowning.
    Perhaps he has hidden it elsewhere. He may know I am suspicious. I shall find it. If not tonight, then sometime when he is lulled into overconfidence. Andelot must be saved from himself. Like Sebastien, he must come to see the dangers of playing with heresy. In the end, the cleansing fire will burn away the dross of false beliefs and save him from Satan’s stronghold, from that wicked city, Geneva, and its antichrist, John Calvin.
    Jaymin took another look around, finding nothing to confirm his suspicions. He knew that Andelot attended all the religious ceremonies daily, as required, and behaved as piously as the rest — perhaps even more so.
    Still, he makes me uncomfortable as only heretics do. It is as though I can smell them out.
    Jaymin slipped out the door into the corridor and walked away in silence. I will keep watching him. Eventually, he will give proof of his heresy .

    ANDELOT WAS USHERED into the duchesse’s chamber by Page Romier. She gestured with her jeweled walking stick toward a small chamber. Romier led them across the floral rug. Inside, there were brocade chairs in her colors of green and silver and some white stone tables. Andelot entered behind the duchesse, and Romier departed, drawing heavy emerald draperies closed.
    The duchesse sat and motioned for him to sit opposite her. She held a lettre in hand. He noticed