Andrew Swanston - The King's Return

‘Thomas Hill,’ boomed the king, ‘I should not have recognized you.’

Thomas was taken aback. Where had he met this king before? ‘My humble apologies, Your Majesty. I do not recall having previously had the honour.’

‘You served my late father in Oxford when I was a boy. I used to hide behind a screen in the Great Hall of Christ Church and listen to what went on. I learned a great deal by doing so. And I remember your decrypting the message that revealed Tobias Rush to be a traitor. He died under interrogation, I recall.’

Tobias Rush had not died under interrogation. He was buried in an old privy in Barbados. But Thomas let it pass.

The king’s voice became stern. ‘Now, Mr Hill, on the one hand, the man responsible for the security of our realm during Sir Edward Nicholas’s absence advises me that you have served us with courage and skill. On the other hand, however, Sir Samuel Morland, who is well known at this court, has accused you of treachery and deceit and complained about your part in his unjust confinement in the Tower. What is more, Sir Edward has returned from York and advises me to take Sir Samuel’s part in the matter. Consequently, I find myself in something of a dilemma.’

Thomas remained silent and kept his head bowed. Joseph was right. Morland had wasted no time in enlisting the support of Sir Edward Nicholas, who as Secretary of State would carry more weight with the king. He might now be in more danger than he had been in Drury Lane or Dartford. If Nicholas had demanded Thomas’s head, no doubt he would get it.

‘I have heard what Sir Samuel and Mr Williamson have to say. Before deciding what action to take, however, I wish to hear your version of events. Kindly oblige me with your account.’

At least the accused was being given the chance to speak. Thomas squared his shoulders and took a deep breath. For the second time in his life he would have to persuade the king of England that he had acted in good faith and was innocent of any wrongdoing.

Throughout Thomas’s account the king’s gaze never wavered from him and not once did he interrupt. He listened without comment or expression to Thomas’s explanation of his decryption of the letter revealing a plot involving Aurum, Argentum and the Alchemist, and to his description of the events leading to the deaths of Stoner and Squire and to the capture of Henri and Louise d’Entrevaux. Thomas explained how the fragment found in Stoner’s house had led them to suspect Morland, but he did not attempt to excuse their mistake.

When Thomas had finished the king said, ‘Thank you, Mr Hill. Your account is consistent with that of Mr Williamson, although I note that you did not see fit to mention the abduction and rescue of his cousin. Why was that?’

Because it had not occurred to him, that was why. ‘It did not seem relevant, Your Majesty.’

‘I daresay it was relevant to her.’ The king paused. ‘I must decide what to do on the basis of the information and advice I have received. Before I do so, have you anything you wish to add?’

‘Only this, Your Majesty. I served your father because I wanted to bring an end to war, and I have served you because I do not want to see England at war again.’

‘A pretty speech, Mr Hill, and your sentiments do you credit. There is, however, the serious matter of Sir Samuel’s false imprisonment. Sir Samuel is a trusted friend and an able man whose talents are valued highly by us. I cannot dismiss his complaint without proper consideration.’

The king paused. The royal expression told Thomas nothing. He held the king’s gaze and tried to look confident. When the king spoke his voice was grave. ‘Thomas Hill, I hold you in part responsible for the unjust imprisonment of our loyal servant Sir Samuel Morland.’ The king leaned forward in his chair. ‘My policy is to reward loyalty and to punish those who act against those who are loyal to me.’

‘Yes, Your Majesty.’

‘In this case, however, there are circumstances that demand clemency. You will not be punished, but you are rebuked. Joseph Williamson has been similarly rebuked.’

A royal rebuke. Thomas wondered if he should thank the king for his kindness, swear his undying loyalty to the Crown, or keep quiet. He kept quiet.

The king went on, ‘These are dangerous times. Our enemies at home and overseas would like to see England and its king weakened and defeated. By your actions, you have helped remove a serious threat to our safety. For that, you have our grateful thanks.’

‘Thank you, Your Majesty.’

‘And what now for you, Mr Hill?’

‘I shall return to my home in Romsey, and hope to spend whatever years I have left in peace with my family and my books.’

‘We hope your wish will be granted, Mr Hill. Now there is one thing more before you go.’ The king signalled to a courtier, who produced a low stool from behind the king’s chair and placed it in front of Thomas. A second courtier handed the king a gleaming sword.

‘Please kneel for His Majesty,’ ordered the first courtier.

With the odd sensation that he was watching someone else, Thomas did as he was instructed. He barely felt the sword touch his shoulders or heard the king say, ‘Arise, Sir Thomas.’ He managed to stand when told to, and took the oustretched hand lightly.

‘Is there a Lady Hill, Sir Thomas?’ asked the king with a grin.

‘Not yet, Your Majesty, but I am hopeful.’ Thomas had not recovered his wits and the words came out in a rush.

‘Then we wish you well and may God bless you.’ The king and his courtiers turned and were gone.

‘Sir Thomas,’ said the captain, ‘if you are ready, I will escort you home.’

‘Thank you, Captain. Did that really happen or was I dreaming?’

The captain smiled. ‘That is a most common reaction. It’s over so quickly, you want it to be done again just to be sure. Take my word, Sir Thomas, it happened.’

In the carriage, Thomas asked the captain to take him not to Piccadilly but along Fleet Street. At the junction with the narrow lane, the carriage stopped and Thomas alighted. ‘Good luck, Sir Thomas,’ said the young man.

‘Thank you, Captain. I shall need it.’

The door was opened by Agnes. ‘Why, Mr Hill, this is a surprise. Shall I enquire if Miss Stewart will see you?’

‘Thank you, no, Agnes. I will see her.’

Agnes stepped aside to let him in. ‘As you wish, sir. If you would wait in the sitting room, I’ll tell her you are here.’

There was no point in procrastinating. When Madeleine entered the room, blue eyes flashing, Thomas took two steps forward, put his arms around her, held on tightly and kissed her firmly on the lips. Then he released her and knelt in front of her. ‘Madeleine Stewart, please will you come to Romsey and marry me there?’

He stood and Madeleine took his hands in hers. ‘Of course I will, Thomas. But was the kneeling necessary?’

‘Charles Carrington advised it.’

‘Did he now? And what else did he advise?’

‘That I swear undying love and take you to bed.’

‘Excellent advice.’

‘I thought so too, but first there is something I must tell you.’

Madeleine’s face fell. ‘Thomas, if there’s another –’

He put his finger to her lips. ‘Ssh. I have come directly from Whitehall. Would you care to know why?’

‘Tell me.’

‘I have been knighted.’

‘I do not believe you.’

‘It is true.’

Madeleine threw her arms around him. ‘So you are Sir Thomas Hill.’

‘I am. And you will be Lady Hill. So if Agnes would bring a bottle, we will drink a toast to long life and happiness as Sir Thomas and Lady Hill.’

Madeleine fetched Agnes and, with her, a bottle of excellent claret and Josiah, who had been tucking into his dinner in the kitchen. When told the news, Agnes curtsied and a beaming Josiah shook his hand. ‘Just as well I took good care of you, Sir Thomas,’ said the little man.