The Other Countess Read Online Free Page A

neighbours; I have no time to police everyone’s conscience. I am requesting that you keep any questionable characters under surveillance and report any treasonous behaviour to me.’
    Put like that, Will could hardly refuse. ‘Well, of course, sir.’
    Burghley held his wine up to the window where it shone the colour of newly spilled blood. ‘We continue to walk the knife’s edge, Dorset. Spain and the Pope look on us with ravenous appetites. It is no easy matter to be charged with the defence of the realm. The threat and the plots are all too real, as Campion proved.’
    Will was well aware that the Jesuit had been executed in December with two other Catholic missionaries; their crime to try to upset the delicate religious balance in the country that Elizabeth and her advisers were adamant had to be maintained. No sensible person wanted to return to the bloodletting of Queen Mary’s reign. Peace was an aspiration Will could fully support.
    ‘I will do as you ask, sir. I would have reported any worrying signs to you without this request.’
    Burghley smiled. ‘I know, Dorset, but there’s more. I’d liketo do something for you. Climbing out of the debt your father saw fit to leave you will take a great deal of luck and persistence. This position working for me comes with a small reward – three hundred pounds a year. For that, I expect you to think as my man and act as my man.’
    Will shifted in his seat, uncomfortable with the offer. He knew Burghley to be an honest politician, as far as that was possible, but it sounded like selling his soul to him.
    ‘My first loyalty is to the Queen, sir.’
    ‘And so is mine, so there should be no conflict, should there?’
    Will tasted his wine to give him a moment to consider the offer. He couldn’t refuse as to do so would mean he was out of court even before he had a chance to make his entry.
    ‘I’m honoured, sir, that you have decided to place your trust in me.’
    ‘Humph!’ Burghley grimaced. ‘Don’t lie, young man, you are annoyed at the necessity – just as I would be in your shoes. But you need have no fear. You will find my favour a boon rather than a hindrance in your affairs. I’m minded to like you – I even think better of you for the reluctance to give away some of your independence. But do not mistake the matter: you would have to give it to one or other of the factions at court if you wished to get anywhere near Her Majesty. You may think later that it was better me than any other.’
    Will warmed to the man’s plain dealing. ‘I believe I’m of that mind already, sir.’
    ‘Good. Ah, here’s my son. Have you met Cecil, Dorset?’
    ‘I have not had that pleasure.’ Will rose to his feet as a youth of around his age entered. Dressed in the same black robes as his father, Robert Cecil was something of a paleshadow, crook-backed and thin, but his hooded eyes were astute.
    Not someone to be dismissed , Will thought.
    They exchanged bows.
    ‘Has my father been putting you on the rack for information?’ Cecil asked, passing his father a letter.
    ‘And turning the screws. But I think he has exhausted my knowledge now,’ replied Will in kind.
    ‘Young Dorset will be working with us, Robert,’ Lord Burghley said, cracking the seal. ‘Take him to Benton and ensure he receives his stipend.’
    ‘At once, sir.’
    Cecil led the way out of the chamber. ‘He must value you, my lord, if you’ve got the old man to part with some money. You should be flattered.’
    ‘Or terrified.’
    Cecil gave a darkly cynical laugh. ‘That as well. First time at court since becoming earl, I hear.’
    ‘Yes.’ Will tried to quash the surge of self-doubt at his lack of knowledge. He had a fleeting impression of himself as a mariner wandering an ocean without a chart.
    ‘Then I hope I can be of assistance. The place is full of vain Devonshire peacocks; it will be a refreshing change to have someone of my own age who is worth talking to.’
    Will could guess