Page 35 of The Uprising
Swifty took the horses to be watered and the three men waited for the duke in front of theRose and Crown.
They didn’t have much time to pass before the duke and a small band of soldiers turned the corner and rode slowly towards them. The duke dismounted and bade his men to wait for him nearby. Introductions were frosty, and George’s diplomatic skills were stretched to the limit. George led the impressive looking bunch into the inn, and they swept passed the dark oak bar and the gleaming panelled walls and moved towards a corner table in the dim interior. A fire blazed and the men removed their cloaks and sank into the leather seats, grateful for the warm respite from the Yorkshire chill-to-the-bone cold.
All eyes were on them. It wasn’t every day the Rose and Crownenjoyed the custom of noble high-ranking clientele, obviously on official business. Ears twitched, and the esteemed gentlemen didn’t want to risk being overheard in their efforts to reach an agreement to disperse what would go down in history as the most serious uprising of king Henry VIII’s reign.
After thirty minutes of quiet discussion, the Duke of Norfolk said, ‘So what is it to be?’
‘What is what to be?’ said Robert, looking vague; he was an experienced lawyer and assumed a poker face as second nature.
‘You surely don’t expect to continue on with this rebellion, and for the king to look the other way after we’ve come all this distance to meet with you?’ said the duke, in a goading, arrogant tone.
‘My understanding was that you have come with a fair offer from the king which I may relay to the forty thousand men-at-arms, ready to march on London to preserve the religious freedoms of this fine country, should our demands not be met. The Pilgrimage, as we have assured the king repeatedly in our communications, is not against the Crown, but nevertheless it is the king alone who has the power to consent to our demands.
The duke took a slug of whisky and pulled a sour face as it burnt his throat. He glowered at Robert as if daring him to continue.
‘It is His Majesty who must ultimately temper Cromwell’s heretic tendencies and disrespect for the old ways,’ Robert paused to draw breath, his face flushed.
The duke rested his glass on the table, took a deep breath and said, ‘Robert, you have not misunderstood; we do indeed bring word from the king who is eager to resolve matters and restore peace and harmony to the north.’
Robert appraised the duke and continued. ‘Aye, then that is good news. But do you, Your Grace, a known adherent of the Roman Catholic faith not agree with the cause? I imagine that’s why the king selected you to negotiate on his behalf.’
The duke made a snorting sound. ‘Whether I agree or not, is irrelevant.’
‘What does His Majesty offer in lieu of the terrible injustice the people have endured as a result of our houses of worship being attacked and decimated?’ asked Robert.
‘His Majesty promises that all involved will receive a general pardon should you do the right thing and have your men stand down and drop arms forthwith, with no more threats of marching on London or uprising and insurrection anywhere else for that matter,’ replied the duke.
George remained silent, sipping his wine, and watching as the conversation unfolded. He and Darcy exchanged several looks, both hoping the two men would reach an agreement, and the conversation wouldn’t turn nasty.
‘And if we should agree, what more may I tell them we will receive in return, other than a pardon?’ asked Robert.
The door opened to reveal some new customers and a cold draught hissed through the inn, causing the fire to spark, and several of the candles to be extinguished.
‘The abbeys will receive a reprieve in the meantime until a parliament is held here, at York, within the year, as you requested. That way we can review matters in line with the law and with a calm head instead of amid rioting and disorder spreading through the country,’ said the duke, hunching closer to the fire.
‘And what of the princess? Will her rightful recognition as the heir to the thrown be restored?’ interceded Lord Darcy, as much to give Robert a break from the harsh discourse, as to learn the answer.
‘That, I’m afraid, I cannot say, but the king will consider it in due course. Let’s not forget his marriage to the new queen, as he expects to soon be blessed with a son, so Princess Mary’s position is somewhat of a moot point,’ said the duke turning to Lord Darcy.
‘Queen Jane has interceded on the pilgrim’s behalf; she is in favour of Princess Mary being restored as heir, and the traditions and respect for the old religion to be renewed,’ said George, taking his cue from his friend Darcy.
‘We know exactly how much notice His Majesty takes of his wives,’ said Robert, his tone bitter.
The duke snapped, ‘Don’t be a fool, man. The king is willing to meet you more than halfway. Don’t throw it in his face, or you will be sorry for it.’
‘Is that a threat? I do hope not. You know as well as I that we have the numbers to overcome your troops here today, should the situation warrant it,’ said Robert, squaring his shoulders, and raising his torso in the chair as he stared at the duke with his one bright eye.
George reached out and touched Robert gently on the shoulder. ‘Calm down, my friend. It is better all round for us not to allow things to blow out of proportion. Let’s not risk more bloodshed because we are stubborn but instead let us come to an agreement where everyone wins.’
‘It’s a good offer. I advise you to take it. Disperse your marching rebel bands and as soon as we see that the king’s request has been honoured, the pardon will be granted so you need not fear reprisals, and we will set events in motion for the parliament to be held within the year in York, as promised,’ said the duke, unmoved by Robert’s violent reaction.
‘And what reassurances do we have that the abbeys, monasteries and convents will cease to be stripped and their inhabitants no longer cast out with nothing to show for their lives of devout service?’ asked Robert.
‘I give you my word, backed by the king’s promise that the Dissolution of the Monasteries will be on hold until matters have been reviewed,’ said the duke.
George held his breath.
After several seconds of silent contemplation of the dregs of his warm ale, Robert replied, ‘Allow us to consider our position, for a few moments, Your Grace, if you will.’
