The Boleyn Reckoning Read Online Free PDF Page B

him better than anyone. “You keep the sons in prison, amply provided for, while you decide what punishment they have earned.”
    William ticked off the Dudley sons on his fingers. “John’s the eldest, but he was not anywhere near Dudley Castle while his father planned his revolt. Rather, he was serving me by guarding Mary. Henry’s too foolish to expect much in the way of independence and he doesn’t seem to have come anywhere near the girls while they were imprisoned. Nor did Ambrose, but he’s a trickier character. Smart enough to keep his hands clean, but that doesn’t mean his intentions were pure. Robert …”
    He paused, staring at the finger that indicated Robert Dudley as though it would help him see into the man’s mind.
    Dominic continued where the king had left off. “It’s always Robert who’s the real danger. And the enigma. I would swear that he had nothing to do with his father’s seizure of Elizabeth and Minuette—Robert would never risk Elizabeth’s regard, not even for blood. And he is the one who freed Minuette and brought his father to surrender without bloodshed.”
    William flicked his eyes to Dominic. “Robert also distracted Minuette while someone made an attempt to poison her.”
    “I have not forgotten. But I can almost be persuaded that he was used in that instance, without knowing why. He may be guilty of not asking the right questions, but intent to murder? I don’t think that’s true.”
    William asked the pertinent question. “Who used him, then? And don’t tell me his father—I know when you are keeping something from me.”
    It was in the balance whether Dominic would lie to him. And that was something else new, that Dominic would even consider lying to him. Of course he didn’t: considering was not doing. “Robert has dropped hints, but no more. I have told him he has until Easter to tell the truth.”
    “And if he does not? He’s been attainted, like his brothers. No longer a gentleman, so no trouble if he’s tortured.”
    Dominic’s eyes flickered. “It will be time enough to decide that in two weeks.”
    William was not surprised that Robert Dudley was ready to offer up another traitor. And Dominic was right: it could wait a few more weeks. At Easter he would spring his own surprise on the court without warning. When he did, any possible traitors would have plenty to act upon, and in their actions they would make mistakes.
    But he mustn’t let his friend forget who ruled in the end. “Why so wary of torture? You must learn to be harder, Dominic, if you are to sit in the councils of power.”
    “And you must learn to see the effects of your orders. Have you ever seen someone tortured?”
    “Perhaps I’ll begin with Robert Dudley.”
    The constraint reared up between them, almost tangible to the touch. William waited for it to flare into open disagreement, butDominic retreated. “Let’s get through Easter, and not let politics destroy the celebrations. We all need the joy of your restoration, Will. Time enough for complications afterward.”
    “There’s always time enough for complications.”
    He wanted Dominic to say something else, some word of approval or satisfaction or even acknowledgment that he was king and, more important even than the title, that Dominic respected his mind and decisions.
    What Dominic finally said was, “I wondered if you would be prepared to spar with me in the practice yard later? It’s not the same fighting anyone but you.”
    It was as nearly a gesture of affection as Dominic could make, and William let the satisfaction of it ease the tightness in his shoulders. “Yes, I have missed sparring with you as well. Time to return to more joyful pursuits—and the best fights are always against those who know you perfectly.”

CHAPTER THREE

    5 April 1556
    Whitehall
    We rode into London with William on Maundy Thursday three days ago. The roads were lined with people, in a manner that reminded me of the celebrations almost