The Great Roxhythe · Book II · Chapter 2 1 (2/2)

“Because I thought you would not care to,” she replied. “I do wish, though, that you might accompany me.”

“I should be very greatly honoured, madam,” he bowed. “I shall await your commands.”

“One would almost imagine that he wanted to ride with her!” murmured Killigrew in Buckingham’s ear. “Is it possible that the fastidious Roxhythe is épris in that direction?”

Buckingham shook his head.

“No. He has always been the same with her. I suppose he seeks to curry favour!” He sneered.

Roxhythe followed Charles to his closet. There the King flung himself down on the luxuriously cushioned window-seat.

“I doubt the Queen is not happy,” he remarked, frowning. “She takes no interest in our pleasures and she hath always the air of one moped to death.”

“The Queen hath a great regard for Your Majesty,” said Roxhythe deliberately.

Charles jerked an impatient shoulder.

“Oh, ay! Ye think I do not notice her enough. She should be more cheerful. She wearies me⁠—poor woman,” he added. “Ye heard today; the people do not like her nor cheer when she passes. Well, ’tis not my fault.”

“If Your Majesty went with the Queen, the people would cheer,” answered my lord.

“Roxhythe, I will not be taken to task like this!” said Charles pettishly. “You had best accompany her! The people do always cheer when you ride out. Mayhap she will think ’tis for her.”

“You make a mistake, Sir, when you dub Her Majesty a fool.”

Charles stared at him.

“Are you an admirer?” he asked.

“I admire, and have always admired Her Majesty’s brave spirit,” said Roxhythe.

Charles was silent. Presently he changed the subject, speaking coldly.

“Well, did you ascertain Louis his attitude?”

Roxhythe shrugged.

“He realizes that he must come to the movement of your finger, Sir.”

Charles’ brow cleared as if by magic.

“I always thought he would! He may rest assured that I shall move that finger to some purpose. I tell you, Roxhythe, I must have money, or I fall. What is Louis his figure?”

“I do not know, Sir.”

“Arundell said two million.”

“I am sorry to have to disagree with my Lord Arundell, but it is too much.”

“Are you sure, David?”

“As sure as I am over anything, Sir.”

“A pity.” Charles rested his chin in his hand. “Ye think Arundell a fool?”

“No. I do not think he understands the French mind.”

“Nor I. ’Tis for that reason that I want you to help me. Colbert has proposals to put before me.”

M. Colbert de Croissy was the French ambassador, brother to the great Colbert, Minister of Finance in France.

Roxhythe was amused.

“It should be interesting to hear what he says,” he remarked.

“So I think. Roxhythe, I have seen that Clifford may be won over.”

“Our incorruptible Chancellor!” said Roxhythe. “Well, well!”

“Not at all. He hath great faith in mine integrity. From what he said I gather that Colbert means to put the matter very plausibly. Arlington is, of course, my man; Arundell also. I propose to summon Clifford to my chamber next week when I shall also receive M. Colbert. Then we shall see how the matter strikes Clifford.”

Roxhythe nodded.

“And what of His Grace of York, Sir?”

“James is mad for the promotion of the Catholic faith in the country. All else will fade before that.”

“It seems very well,” said Roxhythe. He sighed.

Charles heard the sigh.

“You do not like it, Roxhythe?”

There was a pause.

“No, Sir, I do not.”

“You do not like that I should make an alliance with France?”

“I would it might have been otherwise.”

“But it cannot be otherwise,” fretted the King.

“No, Sir?”

“You know it cannot! I tried to avoid it by an alliance with Nassau, but he’d have none of it. What else can I do? I must have means or I shall be entirely dependent on Parliament. I am sore beset! And now if you turn against me⁠—”

“I shall never do that, Sir.” The answer came quietly, but very emphatically. “If you want a compact with France you must have it. It matters nothing to me. Only one thing do I consider and that is your pleasure.”

Charles put out his hand.

“Ah, David! And yet you dislike it?”

“I dislike it⁠—yes.”

“Because you think I am planning to sell England to Louis?”

His smile crept into Roxhythe’s eyes.

“Now you are ridiculous, Sir.”

Charles’ hand gripped his.

“You believe in me?”

“I believe that you will contrive to outwit Louis.”

“That is evasive. You think I am not acting for England?”

“I know you are not.”

Charles laughed.

“I suppose you are right. But I do not think I shall harm her.”

“Nor I, Sir. And I do not think you will do her any good.”

Charles looked at him curiously.

“Roxhythe⁠—you care for England?”

“I used to, Sir.”

“And now?”

“Nothing counts save your pleasure. I stand or fall with you.”

Brown eyes met brown.

“And naught else counts⁠ ⁠… not even the Country?” said Charles slowly.

Roxhythe carried the hand that lay in his to his lips.

“Since your ways diverge, Sir, no.”