In the Shadow of the Crown - By Jean Plaidy Page 0,158

as my savior.

On arriving in the Netherlands, van der Delft wrote to the Emperor an account of what had happened, and as soon as he had finished he took to his bed. He had fallen into a fever and was delirious.

It was apparent that he was on his deathbed. He was suffering from gout, but it seemed that the plots for my escape had so preyed on his mind that he had become further enfeebled.

The poor man went into raving delirium and talked of the boat which was to take me away from England; he had rambled about the watch on the roads, and the dangers of getting me to the boat. There must have been many who heard it.

I received a note from the Emperor. It came sealed by way of the ambassador who, of course, knew nothing of its contents. It was very disconcerting to have an ambassador in whom I could not confide. Chapuys had been my great comfort, and after him van der Delft…and now, when I most needed help, there was no one to give it to me.

The Emperor did not want to drop the plan in spite of all the difficulties which had arisen, but he thought it must be put aside for a few weeks while his spies informed him what effect the ravings of van der Delft had had. He would send men into the markets to drink with the merchants and there discover if anything had leaked out.

In due course I heard from him again. Apparently there had been no mention of the plot, and it seemed that all was safe.

Now we were free to go ahead.

I was overcome with melancholy and great trepidation. Van der Delft was replaced by a man I did not know. A stranger was coming, disguised as a grain merchant, and I was to escape with him…to the unknown. It was a frightening proposition.

There would be ships lying off the coast, and a small grain ship would sail up the river. Grain would be delivered, and then I should be taken out to safety. It was a dangerous operation but it had the sanction of the Emperor, and Dubois was eager to carry it out with distinction.

We received a message that the merchants had arrived and would bring a sample of corn for the comptroller to see. The next step would be for Dubois to bring the corn into the house.

I had decided which ladies were going with me. I had packed my jewels. I was ready.

We heard that people were watching on the roads. They would be there on the route along which I had to pass to reach the river. It would be a great feat for any of those people to capture me; and, moreover, they would be in trouble if it were discovered that they had allowed me to slip through.

Sir Robert Rochester came to me and said that he had something on his mind and wished to speak to me. I bade him continue.

“My lady Princess,” he said. “There is a rumor that the King is in a very delicate state of health. He cannot marry. He will never produce an heir. It could be that, in a very short time, you will be the rightful queen of this country.”

“I know it,” I said. “The thought is constantly with me.”

“You are the hope of the country, Princess. Many people are waiting for you to return them to God's Church.”

I nodded and was silent.

“If you were not here,” went on Sir Robert, “it would be the Lady Elizabeth.”

“I should have to come back to claim my right.”

“It is never easy to come back, my lady.”

“Sir Robert, what are you suggesting?”

He was silent for a few seconds, and then he said slowly, “This is a desperate operation. If you are discovered, what will happen?”

“I shall be taken to the Tower. I shall be judged a traitor. I have been in communication with a foreign power. You know what that means, Sir Robert.”

“They would seize upon it. It would give them the opportunity for which they have been waiting.”

“You are telling me that it is unwise for me to go.”

“I believe, Princess, that if you go…even if the escape is successful and you reach Flanders, you will have lost a kingdom.”

I saw the reasoning behind this.

I said, “I am in fear of losing my life here.”

“That is true, but we will be watchful, and you have many friends. I believe your enemies are aware