lord.’
Salisbury moved a step closer. She could feel the warmth of his breath on her face. ‘No, Lady Tyringham,’ he said. ‘Lord Buckingham serves God before all else. He is a truer Catholic than any in this kingdom and would give his life for our cause.’
‘I always took you for a shrewd, discerning man, my lord. I can see now that I was wrong. Buckingham is no more a Catholic than the King, whose bed he shares every night.’
‘I know the reasons for your low opinion of him,’ Salisbury countered. ‘He can be ruthless and cruel, but never without purpose. Why do you think he was so intent upon securing the King’s favour entirely for himself? Or marrying the richest heiress in the kingdom? It is all for this, not for vain pride or greed.’
‘He is a murderer!’ Frances exclaimed. There was a loud flutter of wings as a startled rook took off from one of the branches overhead. ‘A rapist, too,’ she went on, lowering her voice, ‘and many more things besides. Yet you expect me to believe that this devil is really an avenging angel, sent by God to do His work here on earth?’ She wrenched her arm from his grip and began to stride away.
‘Wait!’ Salisbury caught up with her. ‘I beg you, listen to me. You might pretend to have turned your back on our faith, but I see its light burning in your eyes still. Deny it if you will – it makes no difference,’ he went on as she opened her mouth to protest. ‘With or without your support, we will restore England to the Catholic fold. Thanks to his marriage, Buckingham has amassed enough funds for a voyage to Spain. He will take the prince with him so that the marriage might be contracted when they reach the Escorial. Everything is in readiness. They will sail as soon as winter has abated.’
Frances stared in disbelief. ‘Without the King’s knowledge, his sanction?’
He inclined his head. ‘We cannot afford to wait for either.’
She fell silent, her mind reeling from what she had heard. The idea that Buckingham was a true Catholic seemed unthinkable. That he had acted out of loyalty to the cause rather than for selfish motives was preposterous. Even if he did cherish that faith in his heart, it was the lure of power and riches that drove him on. Salisbury was as much under his spell as the King.
But then a thought struck her. The dying Queen had spoken of someone whom she had instructed to bring about her son’s Catholic marriage. I ask only that you do nothing to hinder them – no matter how greatly you might wish it. Frances had puzzled over those words ever since. Why would she, whom Anne knew to be of the true faith, obstruct such a marriage? Now it all became startlingly clear. The man whom Anne had appointed to restore England to the Catholic faith was her mortal enemy.
Suddenly aware that Salisbury was staring at her expectantly, she tried to still the thoughts that were racing through her mind. But one word came before all the rest. No.
‘I cannot forget what you have told me,’ she replied at last, her voice quiet and steady. ‘Neither will I repeat a word of it to another living soul. But I will have no part in this scheme. You will never speak of it to me again. Good day, Lord Salisbury.’
1623
CHAPTER 49
21 February
A chill wind whipped about the privy garden. Frances leaned closer to her husband. He always felt warm, even on the bitterest of winter days.
‘We should go in,’ he said, bending to kiss the top of her head.
‘In a few minutes, perhaps. It has been so long since we were last able to enjoy these gardens together, and you will be leaving again tomorrow.’ She felt the usual sorrow at the prospect but knew that the King would not be gainsaid. Glancing up at the leaden sky, she feared there would be more snow before nightfall. Already the roads were barely passable. Yet the only concession that James had made was to change their destination from Nonsuch to Richmond. Even that short distance would be hazardous in this weather.
‘I received word from my steward today.’
Frances grew still.
‘Tyringham has been sold.’
It was the news she had dreaded. So much time had passed since their home had been put up for sale that she had begun to hope a buyer would not be found –