D. Wilson - The Traitor’s Mark

Morice shook his head. ‘That could be difficult – perhaps impossible.’

‘Why?’

‘His grace has no direct authority there. He would have to confer with the Bishop of London.’

‘There’s no time for such episcopal niceties!’ I exclaimed. ‘Within a few days, news will reach Fletcham that we’ve rounded up some of Brooke’s criminal henchmen. Then he is sure to run. And I wouldn’t take any wagers on the survival of his prisoners. Our only chance of complete success is surprise. We must go to Fletcham tomorrow.’

‘Yes, I understand that; I really do.’ Morice’s brow creased in a deep frown of frustration. ‘But I don’t have the authority to sanction it, and I know very well what the archbishop’s reaction will be. He’ll demand time to think about it. Then, because he’s a stickler for correct procedure, he’ll ask for cooperation from Bishop Bonner, and we know what Bonner’s reaction will be.’

‘Yes, I was in St Paul’s Yard last year when his men raided the bookstalls and went on to smash the presses of printers the bishop suspected of publishing heresy.’

‘At the best he’d create delay. At the worst he’d get news to Norfolk or Chapuys that their game was up.’

‘So you’re saying we can do nothing without his grace’s permission and if we wait for his grace’s permission we might as well do nothing. That will mean letting Brooke compile his evidence unhindered. It seems to me that someone needs to protect his grace against his grace.’

‘It wouldn’t be the first time,’ Morice muttered.

‘Could we not “borrow” some of the archiepiscopal guard for a couple of days?’

‘If we did that and the operation failed we’d be in terrible trouble.’

‘If we do nothing we’re in trouble anyway – and so is the archbishop ,’ I almost shouted. ‘You politicians can always find reasons for doing nothing! Mary and all the saints. Does it take a simple merchant to show you what must be done?’

‘Let me think! Let me think!’ Morice walked a few steps along the terrace and stood staring out towards the orchard. It was several minutes before he came back to where I sat. ‘It’s all a question of timing,’ he said. ‘The evidence the commission is collecting is damning. When my report goes to his majesty, he’ll understand just how serious the campaign against the archbishop is.’

‘And how long will it take you to compile your report?’

‘The commission doesn’t complete its work for a couple of weeks.’

‘Too long,’ I said.

‘I could do an interim report and show it to his grace. That might persuade him to set his scruples aside and back a raid on Fletcham.’

‘When could you do that?’

‘By the end of the week … perhaps.’

‘By which time Norfolk will be laying before the king evidence of the archbishop’s support of alleged heretics.’

‘That really is the best I can suggest, Thomas.’

‘But, Ralph, just think what this business has already cost,’ I pleaded. ‘A good man has, by now, been brutally murdered in gathering information about Chapuys, Norfolk and Brooke. I won’t even mention what I and others I care about have been through in order to bring to justice a fanatical killer and his gang. Is all that sacrifice to be wasted? Well, not if I can help it.’

‘Then I’m sorry,’ Morice said, ‘but you may find yourself alone.’

I stood up. ‘Then that’s the way it will have to be. If it means going against the law – well, that will only prove that law and justice are not the same thing.’ I turned to enter the house.

‘Just a minute,’ Morice called. ‘Let me have a word with the captain. It might be possible to do something – unofficially. Wait here.’

It was about half an hour before he returned with the captain.

‘I’ve explained the situation to Captain Trent,’ he said.

‘I understand you want some professional help with an expedition like yesterday’s, Master Treviot.’

‘It won’t be as easy as yesterday’s,’ I said. ‘The men we’re after will probably put up more of a fight.’

‘My lads would relish that,’ Trent said. ‘They were quite disappointed with the Swansford brawl.’

Morice said, ‘I’m not very happy about this but I could spare three guards from the commission escort – just for two days.’ ‘I can detail off three good men,’ Trent said.

‘Before you agree too readily,’ Morice warned, ‘I must make it clear that this is unofficial. No one is to wear his grace’s livery. They will be acting in a private capacity for Master Treviot. This escapade has nothing to do with the archbishop or me. If anything goes wrong, I know nothing about what you are planning. If anyone is captured or … worse, I can’t help you. Is that quite understood?’

Trent nodded.

I said, ‘Thank you, Ralph. I realise this has put you in a difficult position. We won’t let you down.’

Morice departed swiftly, only too anxious to leave any conspiring to us. We arranged that the troopers would come to my house early the following morning, ready for the journey to Gravesend and, thence, across to the Essex shore.

Back at Hemmings I told Walt to assemble all the most able-bodied outdoor estate workers. When they were gathered in the long barn, I addressed them.

‘You all know something of the troubles in the county – indeed in the whole country.’

‘Aye,’ someone called out, ‘dear bread and cheap death!’

‘Yes, Adam,’ I agreed, ‘’tis a hard year and we can only pray for a better one to follow, but I think you are all fairly provided for. No man who works for me goes hungry, unless he wastes his wages. I think I can say that I treat you as Well as any master and better than some.’

There was a general murmur of assent.

I continued, ‘For my part, I could not want a more able and willing body of men. When I speak of troubles, I don’t just mean the terrible weather, the shortages and high prices. England is tearing itself apart with religious strife. I’m sure you would prefer not to be involved in such things, I know I would. But although we don’t look for trouble sometimes trouble comes looking for us. It has certainly found me and my friends these last few weeks.’

‘How is Mistress Adie?’someone asked.

‘Sore sick,’ I replied, ‘and all because of her handling by evil men.’

‘And the bearns?’ another voice shouted.

‘They’ve had some frightening experiences but I think they will rise above them. What I have to tell you is that we have the opportunity now to bring to justice the evil rake-hells responsible for these and other outrages. Tomorrow I set out for Essex, where, God-willing, we will arrest the leader of this gang, who goes by the name of Black Harry. I would like six volunteers to come with me. It will be dangerous and, for that reason, I would prefer to take unmarried men. I will not press any man and I will not think any the worse of anyone who does not wish to volunteer. Any questions?’

‘Will we be armed?’

‘Bring knives, clubs and any weapons you feel comfortable with.’

‘How many of them will we be up against?’

‘I’m not sure but I don’t think we will be outnumbered and I plan to take them by surprise.’

‘Will there be extra pay?’

‘There will be rewards for those who come but I don’t want to say anything about that because I only want men who are with me for the right reasons.’

‘It’ll be like catching rats,’ someone said.

‘Exactly. That’s how I’d like you to think of it. So who wants to come on an expedition to rid the land of vermin?’

Almost every man raised a hand. It took several minutes to make my selection and to pacify the ones who were not chosen but thought they should have been. I assembled my little army and gave instructions for our assembly on the morrow. As I looked round at the familiar faces of men, most of whom I had known for years, I reflected on what I was asking of them and what they were willingly undertaking. Were my feelings, I wondered, those experienced by every commander on the eve of battle – those of mingled pride and fear?