Susanna Gregory: The Butcher Of Smithfield

‘But you will not be joining it for rodent repast now you are gainfully employed with the Lord Chancellor,’ said Thurloe. ‘At least, not until you annoy him the next time.’

A mile away, in White Hall, Spymaster Williamson left his office. As usual, he donned a heavy cloak and a broad hat, so he would not be recognised. It had been several days since the Hectors’ empire had collapsed so spectacularly, but no one had come knocking on his door, demanding to know why he had maintained such a close association with it. Somehow, the Earl’s spy had failed to see the connections, although it had been a tense time, and he was glad it was over.

‘And the Lord Chancellor is happy with Heyden’s explanation?’ he asked the small man at his side, just to be sure. ‘He does not think there are questions that remain unanswered?’

‘No,’ replied Bulteel. ‘He is not naturally curious about matters of espionage, and Heyden’s report has satisfied him completely.’

‘Good,’ said Williamson, relieved. ‘Newburne was stupid to have left the music lying around for Maylord to find — and Maylord might have become a serious problem, had Ireton not acted when he did.’

‘Ireton was just in time,’ agreed Bulteel.

They walked in silence for a while, until Williamson spoke again, ‘I trust you did not go empty-handed from the affair? I know about your new house in Westminster, but Newburne’s hoard was worth a good deal of money. I imagine you and Heyden took a little, and shared it between you?’

‘Not Heyden,’ said Bulteel. ‘I do not think it even occurred to him. But a few gems happened to fall into my pocket when I was given the task of washing them. Here is your half.’

Williamson raised his hands. ‘Please!’ he demurred, although an acquisitive gleam flared in his eyes. ‘I would not dream of it.’

‘I insist,’ said Bulteel, pressing the pouch into the Spymaster’s ready palm. ‘It is only fair — I would not have known where to tell Heyden to look, were it not for you.’

Williamson patted the purse with pleasure. ‘Giving up Newburne’s hoard was money lost to a good cause — I did not want the Lord Chancellor to set Heyden after me. I could kill him easily enough, but there is Thurloe to consider.’

‘Thurloe is nothing,’ said Bulteel contemptuously. ‘His powers have waned.’

‘They are not gone yet, though, and he is not a man I want as an enemy. But thank you for your help, Bulteel. Can I assume we shall work together in future?’

‘I think you may,’ said Bulteel comfortably. ‘Just as long as you continue to make it worth my while for declining all the bribes that come my way.’

‘Come with me to Smithfield,’ said Williamson. ‘The remaining Hectors are gathering, and I could do with your help.’

‘Will you tell them you were the real Butcher all along, and that Joanna was working for you? That Maylord discovered it, which is why he died in such terror? Fear is always a good way to keep the troops in order.’

Williamson considered the question. ‘No,’ he said eventually. ‘I do not think so. We shall keep that as our little secret.’