Page 66 of Twin Flames
Once satisfied, he handed Swifty some coins.
‘Pray, go as fast as you may, my boy. Seek out the postmaster and reward him royally to arrange for the letter to be delivered to the king at Hampton Court Palace. It must be today!’ George called after Swifty’s disappearing back.
The Tower of London, 1536
Cromwell read George’s freshly delivered correspondence aloud to King Henry.
Your Majesty,
I humbly write to explain the unfortunate misunderstanding that has arisen between us and to dispute the false charges made against us. There has been a dreadful mistake. My wife and I never have and never would be disloyal to you. You are our one true King, and as such we obey you in all things.
This sorry day, I beseech you to have mercy upon my wife and children.
For the past five years, you have trusted me as your special advisor, and I have never betrayed you. I respectfully remind you that you recently bestowed the title of earl upon me, inrecognition of my service to you and as a reward for the Tudor Kings’ Manuscript.
I beg you, Your Grace, not to take out any misgivings or suspicions you have against me, on my family. My wife has been a loyal servant in your household for the past two years, as you bade her, and is not guilty of treason or witchcraft. She is a God-fearing soul. My children are merely innocents caught up in these difficult times.
I, your envoy and special advisor on countless diplomatic missions, perhaps more than any other who has served at your side, have uncovered treasonous plots aplenty. I fear this is simply the latest ploy to destabilise your throne.
I humbly beg you consider my request which I ask not for myself but for the sake of my family.
Please release my wife, children and their tutor. They are blameless, and I know you to be a fair King of the highest honour. I trust you would not have them take the blame for a crime for which you believe me to be guilty.
You have my word as a gentleman of honour, and as your loyal servant, I will then turn myself in, to face any charges your court wishes to levy against me.
I await your reply and trust that in the benevolence for which you are renowned, you will allow my wife and children to be released in exchange for me.
As ever, your most humble servant,
George Cavendish.
Cromwell handed the letter to the king who scanned it briefly before tossing it on to the table.
‘Curse that damned Cavendish! I trusted him with my life. I thought he was my friend. And all this time he and his lady wife were cooking up schemes behind my back, and in my palaceno less. I’ve seen Anne’s head roll, but still, her spider’s web continues to unravel sinister horrors.’
‘You trusted him, Your Majesty. It seems he betrayed you as did the Boleyn woman.’ Cromwell gauged the king’s reaction; satisfied, he continued to press on.
‘I do wonder though, whether, as trying as it may seem, if it would be more prudent to take the long view; to play him at his own game as it were.’
‘How so, Thomas? He and his wife were both charged with treason, as well as numerous other evils your councillors dug up with your meticulous investigation. I shall have both of their heads on a pike. Better yet, they’ll be boiled and covered in cumin first—damn traitors. I won’t lie though; my heart bleeds at the loss of another dear friend. It seems there’s no one left for me to trust in this court of devilish rogues.’ The spittle flew from the king’s mouth as he enunciated each word, his face flushed.
‘Please be assured, Your Majesty. I am your loyal servant and shall remain so until my dying breath. However, in my endeavour to protect you and the Crown, I must speak the truth, no matter how distasteful. I fear that if we dismiss Cavendish’s offer, he will disappear into hiding, never to be seen again. He’ll have no reason to show himself. There’ll be no bargaining chip for him to play if he believes his wife and children are already lost.’
‘What exactly do you suggest? To let him have his way, just so? I will be a laughing stock.’
‘That is exactly what I propose, to prevent that very thing. But rather, this way he turns himself in, and we avoid the embarrassment of looking like fools because of his escape. Few will care what becomes of the Cavendish woman. The people are bound to applaud your clemency if she is released with her children. We will ensure the news gets out and spreads across the country. This is no small thing considering recent events atcourt. It would go some measure towards rebuilding the people’s trust. The Cavendish family are well-loved, especially in the north.’ Cromwell paused, and then continued.
‘Are you in agreement, Your Grace?’
King Henry, stared out of the window, his countenance grim.
Cromwell held his breath and waited.
‘Your plan is a cunning one, Thomas. As ever, you are several tricks ahead of everyone else. You’re like a conjurer with that sharp mind of yours. Yes, all right. You have my permission to make the exchange. . .but only on the condition that I have words with the earl before he’s executed. I will hear his account of events, as much as it will pain me. He was my dear friend for many a year.’
Cromwell inclined his head. ‘Very well, Your Grace.And so it shall be. Thank you. Your judgement, as always, is wise.’
In the courtyard below, Cara, Edward and the children were escorted into the Tower, pushed roughly up the stone steps and imprisoned in a cell. May fell onto the freezing, hard floor and began to whimper.
