As the Sparks Fly Upward Read Online Free Page A

Collins, he said.”
    Instantly, Walsingham rose and, without another word, left the room. “That man frightens me sometimes,” Leicester said.
    â€œWe need men like that, Robin,” Elizabeth said. This was her pet name for Leicester.
    â€œI know we need a network of spies, Your Majesty, but he is a rather daunting individual.”
    â€œI know Sir Francis can be quite ruthless.”
    â€œI would hate to have him as an enemy,” Burghley said sourly.
    â€œHe is invaluable,” Elizabeth shrugged. “Now, about the need for more ships. I’m not satisfied that we need more. They are very expensive.”
    At once Burghley said, “We live on an island, ma’am. The sea protects us from our enemies. France and Spain would love to rule over this country, and they well know the only way they can do it is to come by sea.”
    â€œYes, and Spanish galleons are being built that are not made for commerce,” said Sir Francis Drake. He had a pleasant voice and did not look like the ruthless pirate that the Spanish dubbed him. “They are war ships,” Drake said. “We must be able to meet the challenge, Your Majesty, and it will come by sea. As for the expense, what would it cost if Spain took over our country?”
    Elizabeth questioned Drake for some time, then the door opened and Walsingham returned, his face glowing with anger.
    â€œWhat is it, Walsingham?” Elizabeth demanded.
    â€œEvil tidings, Your Majesty.” Walsingham paused and narrowed his eyes. “Mary, Queen of Scots, has fled Scotland and landed on our coast.”
    â€œImpossible!” Elizabeth cried. “That cannot be!”
    â€œI fear it’s true, Your Majesty. Collins has seen her with his own eyes.”
    Leicester said at once, “She must not be allowed to remain! She will bring terrible disorder to us. You must send her away at once, Your Majesty.”
    Elizabeth looked down at her hands, heavily bejeweled with rings, for some time, and everyone waited for her response. “Why did she leave Scotland, Walsingham? She is a queen. No one can lift his hand against the Lord’s anointed.”
    Every man in the room knew that Elizabeth was a firm believer in the divine right of kings. She believed, as her sister and her father had, that God put the ruler in place. And to strike at the monarch was to strike at God himself!
    Walsingham answered at once, his voice hard. “She may be a queen, ma’am, but she is a dangerous one. You know her history. She married the French dauphin when she was sixteen. Then in 1561 she returned to Scotland and married her cousin Lord Henry Darnley. Then she fell in love with her secretary, who was killed by Darnley and his friends.”
    Instantly, Elizabeth said, “That was Darnley’s crime, not Mary’s! She cannot be held responsible for what her husband did.”
    â€œWe all know, ma’am,” Walsingham said, “that she murdered her husband.” His eyes burned with anger and he spit out the words, “It was never proven, but it is common knowledge that she was behind Darnley’s death. He died in an explosion, and then immediately Mary married an outlaw, the Earl of Both-well. The Scots put up with her ways for a long time, but now they have had enough.”
    â€œBut why did she come to England? There’s nothing here for her,” Leicester said.
    â€œThere is a crown for her,” Walsingham said sternly, and his eyes went to the queen.
    Elizabeth stared at Walsingham. “She could not have such a thought!”
    â€œYour Majesty, you know better than any of us how Spain tried to gain your crown. Your sister married King Philip of Spain, and we all know it was not for love. Philip wanted to wear the crown of England, and Mary well knows this. My agents have brought me many reports on this business.” Walsingham gestured sharply with his long-fingered hand. His lips made a hard