“What are you suggesting?”
“I speak of rumors that have come to my ears. If Overbury gave the word, those rumors would carry a great deal of weight.”
“You cannot think that
“I do not think so. Rumor does not always have to be truth, Robert. At one time the Prince was in love with Frances; the Prince died and she became your mistress. That is not generally known. The King does not know it. He believes that you and Frances have fallen in love because her husband is impotent. He is sorry for you and wants to help you. A little scandal now and who knows what would happen? Who knows who would be accused of what? Overbury is in the mood to make that scandal. He is an arrogant self-opinionated man, Robert. We have to be careful of him. I suggest that if we could put him away … oh, only for a week or two … just while he cools down … well then life would be a great deal happier for all of us.”
Robert was thoughtful. “If he is going to make mischief—”
“He is making it fast. It should not be difficult to get him a spell in the Tower.”
“But he was my friend … still is. I feel I should explain to him.”
“Robert, this is not a matter to be explained. Let us endeavor to get him into the Tower. When he comes to his senses it will be an easy matter to have him released.”
Robert’s expression was unhappy. Northampton laid his hand on his arm.
“Think about it,” he said. “But do not delay too long.”
An idea came to him when James was sending new ambassadors to the Low Countries and France. Why not send Tom? It would be good experience for him; he was fully qualified to make a success of the mission; and it would remove him from the scene while the divorce was being arranged.
When Robert suggested this to Northampton he thought it an excellent idea and lost no time in putting it before the King.
James had never greatly liked Overbury. He felt he had too much influence with Robert and was overbearing; Robert had found him a useful secretary, but James had heard how the man boasted of his own importance.
“We shall appoint Sir Thomas Overbury to the Low Countries,” said James. “Or if he would prefer it, to France. I think he should do well in the post.”
As a result Overbury was summoned by the Lord Chancellor, Lord Ellesmere and the Earl of Pembroke to come to them to hear the King’s wishes.
Overbury, rather startled by the order, was unprepared for the suggestion which was offered.
“Ambassador to the Low Countries or France!” he cried. “No thank you! I prefer to remain in my own country.”
The eyebrows of the Lord Chancellor were raised in astonishment. “But it is the King’s wish that you should undertake this office.”
“My health is not good enough for me to undertake it.”
“I am surprised,” said the Chancellor, “for I thought that you were in excellent health.”
“I should not be for long if I went abroad.”
Pembroke said: “Sir Thomas, you would be ill advised to refuse this offer. I do believe it to be a prelude to a post in the royal household, perhaps Treasurer. The King wishes to satisfy himself that you would serve him well.”
“The King knows I would serve a master well.”
“Then why do you not give him this further assurance?”
“Because I have no desire to leave England at this time.”
“Is that your final word?”
“You may take it as that.”
When an account of this interview was taken back to the King, he was annoyed.
“I like not the stiff carriage of his fortune,” grumbled James. “This is an arrogant man. He boasts that he rules the Court and country. He has boasted too often. This is a matter of contempt and punishable by imprisonment. He should not think that I shall allow this to pass.”
He looked up surprised when the door was flung open and he saw the guards there.
“Sir Thomas Overbury,” said the leader. “I come on the King’s command to arrest you.”
Overbury was on his feet spluttering his indignation. “On what charge?”
“Contempt of the King’s royal person” was the answer.
“I protest. You cannot do this. Call Viscount Rochester.”
