The Dance of Death Read Online Free Page A

forcefully, and unreasonably, struck me as funny and I began to laugh. After a moment’s hesitation, Eloise joined in, although I could tell that she was unsure exactly what I found so amusing. For his part, Timothy was so relieved that the atmosphere had lightened he forgot to take umbrage and beamed at the pair of us, rather like a parent whose children had suddenly decided to be good.
    â€˜That’s better,’ he said approvingly, ‘so I’ll continue. As I was saying, Roger, Mistress Gray speaks French as a native, learned at her mother’s knee. In addition, she has family connections in Flanders.’ He paused, obviously to give added weight to what was to follow. I waited expectantly, but unfortunately, when the information came, it meant nothing to me. ‘One of her distant cousins,’ Timothy continued impressively, ‘is Olivier le Daim.’
    I raised my eyebrows politely and waited some more.
    â€˜Olivier le Daim!’ Timothy repeated impatiently.
    It was Eloise who came to my rescue. She gave a tiny gurgle of laughter, no doubt at my bewildered expression, and said, ‘I don’t suppose Master Chapman has ever heard of him, sir. Outside of France – indeed, beyond French court circles – he would be very little known.’ She smiled at me, deliberately setting out to charm. ‘This cousin of my mother’s – cousin in the third or fourth degree, I forget which, but distant – was a barber by trade, and eventually – don’t ask me how or when – became barber to King Louis. King Louis, however, found that Olivier had other talents, such as successfully organizing the royal baggage wagons when the court moved from one place to the next. No easy task, I imagine. So my cousin was promoted and put in charge of all the king’s journeyings around the kingdom. In short, he has become a great favourite and close confidant of His Highness. A few years ago, he was sent as royal envoy to the Flemings of Ghent, and nowadays entertains visiting dignitaries to Plessis whom the king cannot be bothered to see for himself. From being a mere barber, he is now a great man.’
    I snorted. ‘He wants to watch his back, then. Nobodies who become kings’ favourites are usually hated and very often pay for it with their lives. We had a good example of that in Scotland only a few months ago, as you know as well as I. When King Louis dies, your precious cousin could find himself dancing on air at the end of a rope.’ (Prophetic words, as it turned out the following year, but that has nothing to do with the present story.) ‘Anyway,’ I went on, ‘what has Master le Daim got to do with this mission to France that you and I are undertaking?’
    â€˜I’ve had word,’ said Timothy, ‘from Lord Dynham, the deputy governor of Calais, that Monsieur le Daim will be in Paris very shortly – probably sometime next week – on a mission for King Louis to the city goldsmiths. If Mistress Gray can introduce herself to him as a kinswoman, she may be able to find out King Louis’s intentions with regard to Burgundy and the English marriage between the dauphin and the Princess Elizabeth, straight, as it were, from the horse’s mouth.’
    â€˜And are you sure that Lord Dynham’s information is reliable?’
    Timothy got to his feet. ‘It usually is. A great many people pass through Calais on their way home from the Continent, and, unlike most rolling stones, they gather moss. Calais is a hotbed of gossip, not all of it idle. Now!’ He smiled paternally at Eloise Gray and myself, looking so pleased with himself and so condescending that the toe of my boot itched to make contact with his backside. ‘I shall leave you two to get better acquainted in your new roles as husband and wife. Take a walk. Visit the shops. But, Roger, remember, I need you back here at Baynard’s Castle by suppertime. My