Rory Clements - The Queen's man

Shakespeare needed no more evidence; however suitable the earl might once have been as a gaoler, those days were past. He needed to be replaced. The next question was over the security of the castle. If Leloup was plotting to break Mary free from her cage, then someone must have spotted a hole in the security arrangements. John Shakespeare had to seek out that hole and close it. First, however, he had to send a message posthaste to Walsingham.

‘I will need access to every part of the castle and everyone within it.’

‘As you will, Mr Shakespeare, though I cannot believe you will find anything that Mr Beale missed when he was here last year. He was painfully thorough.’

‘What of guards? Is the garrison at full strength? Do you require more?’

‘And what if I do? Will you give me some?’

‘My lord, you continually answer my questions with questions.’

‘And you are damnably impertinent questioning me in this manner. If you wish to know about the sentries, speak to the chief of guards.’

‘No, sir, I desire your opinion. If you need greater strength, I am certain the Privy Council will provide it.’

‘Mr Shakespeare, who do you think pays for all this?’ Shrewsbury swept his long arm in a circle to indicate the entirety of his property. ‘Who do you think pays for the two hundred sentries that patrol this castle and grounds? I do, sir. All of it. I pay, too, for Mary and her entourage. Her gentlemen demand eight dishes at every meal, while her ladies consume five apiece. All their wine and food and depredations are costed to my purse. Her courtiers are barbarians. They ruin or purloin my plate and they despoil my hangings. An inventory has been done this year and I am appalled at the loss that my stewards have uncovered.’

‘Surely this will be paid for, my lord? Does the Scots Queen contribute nothing for her own keep?’

‘Nothing, nor will she while she is not allowed her freedom. Worst of all are the habits of her people. They care not for privies or garderobes, taking their easement where they will, in the corners of their chambers. Her apartments stink like a midden! And for this, I am paid thirty pounds a week — reduced , I say, from fifty-two! Do Her Majesty and her Council think this is enough to pay for a royal court, for that is what Mary has here? I tell you it scarce covers the wine and food they consume each day! I have worn out so many quills requesting Burghley for more money that I fear Yorkshire will soon be void of geese. I do believe my letters are the source of much merriment for the Lord Treasurer and Her Majesty. Ha-ha, the old fool George Talbot is asking for money again!’ He paused for breath and shook his head wearily. ‘It seems you have no notion of the way things work.’

‘Then I must learn, my lord.’ And quickly, he thought.

‘Well, you are here now and I know you will report everything you see and hear to Mr Secretary, so it is better that you hear my side too. Come to me at noon.’ The earl’s tone seemed a little less sharp. ‘We will eat together and I will answer your questions. My friend Mr Topcliffe will most likely join us after his morning hunting.’ Shrewsbury smiled and waved his hand in dismissal.

Shakespeare and Boltfoot walked to the guardhouse. The sentries eyed them with suspicion.

Their leader, the sergeant of guards, took the paper Shakespeare proffered. It contained instructions from Shrewsbury that they were to be given all the assistance they required. ‘I have seen it all before, Mr Shakespeare,’ the sergeant said, giving the paper the most cursory of glances. ‘Every year there is a supposed plot to break her from her gaol. And every year someone like you comes along and tells the Privy Council she should be moved somewhere more secure. It all comes to nothing, of course. No plot, no move except for the occasional sojourn at the manor or summer trips to take the waters at Buxton. But we’ll go through it all with you as always. Now, where do you want to start?’

Shakespeare was silent for a few moments as he looked the man in the eye. The sergeant, a strong-armed man with a shaven face and no neck, looked straight back at him, unblinking, his open face a portrait of benign innocence. But Shakespeare knew better. This was insolence. ‘Mr Wren, I wish to see and hear everything about this place. If there is a stone loose in the wall, you will tell me about it. If a bluecoat has lifted a scullion’s skirts, then you will pass me the knowledge of it.’

‘Thy will be done, almighty sir. And there will be unicorn pie for supper. .’

Shakespeare looked at Boltfoot, who shook his head slowly. Shakespeare turned back to the sergeant, held his gaze and frowned. ‘Speak to me in that manner again, Mr Wren, and I will have you removed from your post, and worse.’

‘You have the power to do that, do you, sir?’

‘I have the power to do it and I will do it. I am here on Queen’s business and I will tolerate neither slackness nor impudence.’

At the mention of the Queen, the sergeant’s demeanour changed as swiftly as the weather. ‘Forgive me, sir. I intended no disrespect.’

‘How long have you been at the castle?’

‘Since the Scots Queen first arrived here in November fifteen seventy. I was promoted sergeant of guards in seventy-four.’

Like his master, Shrewsbury, he had probably been in the job a great deal too long, Shakespeare thought. The danger in a man holding such an office over many years was the carelessness that came with familiarity and too much confidence. But one thing was certain: Wren would know the castle and grounds better than any other.

‘Good, then you will be my escort, Sergeant. Within and without the castle walls. I wish to hear everything you know about the Scots Queen and those who attend upon her. I wish, too, to know everything you have heard from the goodwives and gossips and in the taverns hereabouts. Do you understand?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘A room has been set aside for me by the hall. Have the steward send me a courier within the half-hour. Not just anyone — your fastest, most trustworthy rider.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘You will come to me at one o’clock.’

The sergeant snapped his heels together and bowed obediently.

‘What is the watchword this day?’

Wren’s mouth opened, then closed. A look of desperate bewilderment crossed his brow. ‘I–I am not permitted to say, master.’

‘Would you cross me?’

‘No, sir. I would happily tell you, but I cannot.’

‘You speak well, for had you revealed the word I would have had you dismissed on the spot. Now go about your business.’

The guard clicked his heels again and saluted. Shakespeare touched Boltfoot’s arm and they walked back towards the hall.

‘I have work for you, Boltfoot.’

‘Yes, master.’

‘You will go from here and examine the castle walls from the outside. And when darkness falls, you will break in. .’

Shakespeare despatched the courier with his letter to Walsingham at Oatlands. It told of Leloup’s visit and subsequent disappearance, that was all. He would reveal his doubts about the Earl of Shrewsbury to Walsingham in person; such opinions were not to be consigned to paper.

He wondered for a moment whether Shrewsbury might intercept the letter, for he would guess it was not flattering to him. But Shrewsbury would know, too, that the information the letter contained could not be held back for long. Walsingham would learn of Leloup’s visit to Mary eventually. One way or another.

After the courier had gone, Shakespeare walked out into the bailey and ascended a flight of stone steps to the battlements. He was stopped at every turn by guards. Was this a special display for his benefit, or were they always so thorough?