The discourse which passed between the two men continued in such a way; moderation, subtlety and regret being the only emotions and feelings they expressed. This is the way of the courtier, who talks in a code more deep and impenetrable than any of the petty conspirators who were my daily antagonists. I do not even doubt that they meant everything that they said; but left unsaid, and understood by each other beneath the words, a more pitiless conversation was taking place, with each man bargaining and plotting how to turn the situation I had created to their own advantage.

I do not despise them for this; each man believed, I am sure, that the triumph of him and his was for the general good. Nor do I think such flexibility an error; in the past few years England had suffered greatly at the hands of rigid men of principle, who would not bend and could not change. That Clarendon and Mr. Bennet competed for the king’s favor added luster to His Majesty’s glory. Forcing that favor, taking away his right to choose, was the sin of Parliament in the past and Lord Bristol in the present. That was why both had to be opposed.

Nor was I surprised that both men wished to comprehend fully the potential damage to themselves of Bristol’s fall. For the consequences would be great, as they are whenever a mighty interest collapses. The Digby family, which he headed, had a strong following in the House of Commons and in the West Country; many of his friends and family had been placed at court and in offices of state. Removing Lord Bristol was one thing; rooting out his family was another.

“I hope we may take it that this Italian must be stopped,” the Chancellor said, with the first glimmerings of a smile I had seen since I had told him my information. “That is the beginning. The more serious problem, if I may put it so, is Lord Bristol. I do not wish to accuse him, let alone bring articles of impeachment against him myself. Will you do so, Mr. Bennet?”

He shook his head. “I cannot. Too many of his people are my people as well. It would tear us apart, and I would not be trusted again. I will not support him, but cannot plunge a knife into his back.”

They both fell silent, willing the end, yet shrinking from the deed. Eventually I ventured to speak, somewhat abashed at offering counsel to such people without being asked, but confident that my skills matched theirs.

“Perhaps he can bring about his own fall,” I said.

Both men looked at me gravely, wondering whether to upbraid me for having spoken, or encourage me to continue. Eventually Clarendon nodded that I had his permission to speak.

“Lord Bristol is foolhardy, easily wounded in vanity and honor and excessively fond of grand gestures. This he has demonstrated. He must be forced to act in a way which is so intemperate and foolish that even the king becomes exasperated with him.”

“And how do you suggest we accomplish this?”

“He has made an attempt, I think, through this young man called Prestcott, which has now failed. Then Cola must also be stopped. Afterward he must be goaded and provoked until he loses all reason. It would take some considerable time to hire another killer, many months, at least. You must whittle away at his position quickly before he can try again.”

“For example?”

“There are many things you might do. He is steward of my university; you might suggest he be relieved of the post on the grounds of his Catholicism. Eject some of his supporters from their positions.”

“That will not provoke; merely irritate.”

“My Lord, may I speak plainly?”

Clarendon nodded.

“Your daughter married the Duke of York against your will and without your knowledge.”

Clarendon nodded slowly, ready to anger. Mr. Bennet sat absolutely still, watching me as I spoke the most dangerous words I had ever uttered. Even to mention the notorious match to the chancellor could end a man’s career, for it had nearly ended his when it became known. It was rash even to allude to it and even rasher to bring it up as I was about to do. As best I could, I ignored the cold and stony look from the chancellor, and pretended not to notice that Mr. Bennet’s support was manifestly absent.

“I hesitate to recommend such a course, but my Lord Bristol must be made to think that Her Majesty the Queen is barren, and that you were well aware of this when you advocated the match.”

There was dead, total silence after I uttered the words, and I feared that I would bring his wrath upon me. Again he surprised me; rather than erupting in fury, he merely asked in a cold, frigid voice—“And how would that serve?”

“Lord Bristol is jealous of your ascendancy; if he believes for certain that you connived to place your own daughter on the throne by exploiting the queen’s incapacity, he will be consumed with jealousy at your prospects, and could be persuaded to try and impeach you in the House of Commons. If Mr. Bennet refuses to support such a move at the crucial moment, it will fail, and the king will have to deal with a man who has tried publicly to usurp his authority by forcing his chief minister out. He would have to act to preserve the crown’s reputation.”

“How would this tale be put into circulation?”

“A young colleague of mine at Oxford, Dr. Lower, is greatly desirous of making his way in London. Were you to favor him, I am sure he would allow it to be said that he had been called in secret to examine the queen and found clear evidence of her barrenness. Naturally, if put on oath, Mr. Lower would tell the truth, and deny he had performed any such examination.”

“Of course,” Mr. Bennet intervened, “you have no choice, if you accept this proposition, but to trust that I will come out in your support at that crucial moment. I am happy to give you my word, but on such a matter as this, do not expect it will be enough.”

“I think, sir, that ways can be found to make it in your interest to keep your word.”

Bennet nodded. “That is all I ask.”

“You agree to this idea?” I said in astonishment that it should meet with so little resistance or objection.

“I believe so. I will endeavor to use the fall of Lord Bristol to bolster my position as the king’s chief minister; Mr. Ben-net will use it to strengthen his so that he might pull me down in due course. That comes afterward, however; for the time being we must consider ourselves allies in a common, and necessary, purpose.”

“And the Italian must not cause any troubles,” Bennet said. “He cannot be arrested, nor brought to any account where he can speak. The government cannot afford to be shaken by tales of treason so close in amongst the king’s friends.”

“He must be killed,” I said. “Lend me some soldiers, and I will ensure it is done.”

And this too was agreed. I left the meeting some time later, confident that my duty was complete, and that now I could concentrate on my personal vengeance.