“Walsingham needs to discover how this letter made its way out of the Tower—it could give us a vital clue to the identity of the remaining plotter. Walsingham won’t go on Kate’s word alone, not when she is bargaining for her life. People will say anything. But if Kate names the same person who smuggled this letter out, there might be cause for leniency. Walsingham will put your cousin’s case before the queen when the time is right.”
Alys’ pallor had given way to high color, and she stepped away from him. “She wants to speak to me, not Walsingham.”
“It is far too dangerous for you to go. You know what these people are capable of.”
“You could come with me—it cannot be far from Hatfield to London. Surely on a fast horse, it wouldn’t take more than a day? Half a day?”
“If Walsingham thinks it a good idea, then certainly. Though I wouldn’t be happy about it.” Memories of seeing her struggling on the floor with Richard Avery on top of her assaulted him, as he remembered the sick feeling of dread that he might not be able to rescue her in time. Could he put himself through that again? All he wanted to do was keep her safe, by his side. Always.
He stroked a finger the length of her cheek before pushing her chin up to look at him. Yes, he could see the storm building in her eyes. He loved her fire, but for her own good, it needed to be redirected. Preferably into passion.
“There are few requests you could make of me that I would not fulfill. But to take you to the Tower to speak with your cousin is something I cannot do—unless Walsingham approves the scheme. We must find him immediately.”
Her head whipped back. “Walsingham? Walsingham? Is he still your master then, even when your name has been cleared and your reputation mended? Fie on you. I thought you had more backbone than that, that you could make your own decisions.”
He felt as if he had been struck. A thousand ripostes charged through his mind, but he couldn’t stand here in a passageway, wrangling with Alys when there was a chance of catching a traitor. And thus, keeping everyone safe.
He bowed stiffly. “I am sorry you think that of me, but I shan’t change my mind. I’m going to speak to Walsingham.”
Then he strode quickly away without looking back.
Chapter Forty-Six
Alys clutched at the carved timber studding behind her. What had she done? In a moment of chagrin, she’d spoken words intended to wound, to rend the heart Kit had so recently given into her possession. She’d been too harsh… would he forgive her? Alas, even from a prison cell, Kate still had the ability to blight her life.
She must follow him, go with him to Walsingham if she must—at least feel she still had a stake in what happened to Kate. But she’d barely taken a step when a hand on her shoulder held her back.
“Master Norris.” She managed a wobbly smile, but her heart was pounding. “God give you good day.”
He had no answering smile. Instead, he grasped her arm and hustled her through the nearest door onto the lawns. “Come, smile, look cheerful so none will know the serious business we speak of.”
“What business?”
“You have a letter. What have you done with it?”
He must have been watching them. Had he heard everything? She would die of shame.
Where was the letter? Ah, Kit had taken it. “I have no letter.” It was none of the man’s business.
His fingers bit into her arm as he led her onwards, away from the courtiers on the lawn. “I overheard it all, Mistress Barchard. Believe me, I am your friend and wish only to help you. Ludlow may not be aware of how you feel, but I have a much greater sensitivity. I will do everything in my power to bring you to your cousin. But we must move fast if we are to steal a march on the spymaster. Do you have anything valuable?”
A curious question. “Very little. Why?”
“We’ll need it for bribes. Never mind, I shall bring my purse. How soon can you be ready to leave?”
“You mean you will take me? Today?” Even now, the torturers might be starting their interrogation of Kate. Every second counted.
“What better time for it? Ludlow will keep Walsingham otherwise occupied, the queen is busy in her audience chamber, and everyone else is outside, enjoying the fine weather. No one will question our going out for a ride. And just think how pleased Elizabeth will be when you return with the identity of the final conspirator. Why should Walsingham have all the glory? Go now and prepare, and I’ll meet you at the stables.”
Alys left Norris and hurried back to her chamber. Her breath came in short, anxious bursts as she hunted down as much jewelry as she could find—which was depressingly little—and the small amount of coin she’d brought with her. It was most generous of Norris to offer to assist with the bribes—his help could not have been more timely. When her eyes fell on an unopened bottle of wine on the table, she collected that too—it could be used to sweeten the gaoler, mayhap, or be saved for Kate. She wrapped it in a cloth and tied twine around it, then sped towards the stables.
Norris was not long in coming. He’d thrown a long black cloak over his rich court clothes, and his saddlebags were bulging.
Her heart sank. “Is it such a long way then? I haven’t brought any luggage.”
“Nay—these are comforts for the prisoners. I brought a cloak for you—keep the hood well up that you be not recognized. You wouldn’t want to arouse Elizabeth’s wrath, would you?”
Nor Kit’s. “I know
