the danger of his position. He had seen his elder brother lose his head; that made him very careful of his own.
Now, at his nephew’s home, he was on a very different mission; a pleasant, domestic one; but everything in the life of the Earl of Northampton, as was the case with his nephew Suffolk and his wife, had some political implication.
Northampton was saying: “This marriage will prove advantageous to us all. James is in favor of it, and while the Scot is a lumbering boor of a fellow, one must not lose sight of the fact that he happens to wear the crown.”
“He is anxious to do honor to any relation of Essex. No doubt he feels remorse because his predecessor, after pampering that young man, allowed his enemies to lop off his head.”
“Oh, the old Queen had to surround herself with handsome men whom she imagined were in love with her, but there were never two she favored so much as Dudley and Essex. The boy is a pleasant youngster. The union will be good for us all.”
“I have met young Robert. He shows promise. My only regret is that the children are so young.”
“What is it—Fourteen the boy—and the girl?”
“Frances is twelve,” said Lady Suffolk.
“Well she can go back to her lessons while young Robert goes abroad to complete his education. There’ll be no question of the consummation yet. I should like to see the child. It is time she was told of her good fortune.”
“I will send for her.”
A few minutes later Frances Howard came into the room. Approaching the group she stopped some little distance from them and dropped a deep curtsy, daintily spreading her blue skirts as she did so. Her gown became her well, but she was so beautiful that nothing could have detracted from her looks. Her long golden hair fell in curls to her waist; her skin was delicate in texture and color; her blue eyes large and darkly lashed.
Northampton thought: This is not merely a pretty child. This is a beauty.
“Frances,” said her father, “your great-uncle has come from Court to bring you good news.”
Frances turned hopefully toward Northampton. There was nothing shy in her manner, a fact which half pleased, half annoyed Northampton.
“Come here, child,” he said.
She stood before him waiting while he peered into that oval face seeking some imperfection. He found none.
“How would you like to go to Court?”
“More than anything in the world,” she answered fervently, and her eyes sparkled.
“And what do you think they would want with a child like you at Court?”
“I do not know, Great-Uncle, but I am waiting to hear.”
Was she pert? He was not sure.
“Whether or not Frances Howard was at Court would give little concern, I’ll warrant.”
“Yet Frances Howard is to go to Court, Great-Uncle.”
“Your are fortunate to have a father, mother and great-uncle who have your welfare at heart.”
“Yes, Great-Uncle.”
“The fact is—we have a husband for you.”
“A husband … for me! Oh, where is he?”
“Do you think I carry husbands around in my pocket, child?”
“I have heard it said that the Earl of Northampton is capable of anything, sir.”
Yes, she was pert; but sharp of wit. What did she need—a place at Court, money lavished on her, or a whipping? He would discover, and whatever she deserved she should have.
Northampton saw that Lady Suffolk was trying not to smile.
Northampton decided to ignore the girl’s comments, telling himself that perhaps he was inviting them.
“You are to have a wedding, child, at Court. The King himself is interested in your bridegroom and wishes to see an alliance between his House and ours.”
“May I know his name, sir?”
“Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex.”
“An Earl. How old is he?”
“Your own age, child … or as near as makes no difference. Your mother tells me you are twelve. Robert is fourteen.”
“Fourteen and an Earl already!”
“His father has been dead some years.”
“His father lost his head, I believe,” said Frances. “I have heard of the Earl of Essex.”
