Read Online The Amorous Nightingale by Edward Marston - Free Book Online

presence,' said Chiffinch.
        'Not
before time,' snapped Henry irritably.
        'The invitation
does not embrace you, Mr Redmayne. It is your brother who is in demand here.
You were a convenient go-between.'
        Henry
was mortified. 'A go-between! A man in my position being used as a convenient
go-between? This is intolerable.'
        'On
the contrary sir, you have rendered a useful service.'
        'Is
that what you call it!'
        'Lower
your voice, Mr Redmayne.'
        'Then
do not give me cause to raise it, Mr Chiffinch. All that I ask for is a modicum
of respect. Of simple human decency. Treat me as I have every right to be
treated.'
        'I
may be forced to do just that,' said Chiffinch smoothly.
        Henry
blustered afresh. Christopher intervened swiftly.
        'Calm
down,' he said, patting his brother's arm. 'I am sure that a happy compromise
can be reached here.' He turned to the other man. 'Mr Chiffinch, I am very
sensible of the honour visited upon me, but it is only fair to draw attention
to the crucial role played by Henry in getting me here in the first place.
Where I go, my brother goes with me. If you acquaint His Majesty with that
fact, I think that he may be ready to indulge us. Both of us are at his
service.'
        Chiffinch
gave him a searching stare before letting himself out through a door.
Christopher could not decide if he had surprised or annoyed the man. Henry had
no doubts on the subject.
        'You
have just stepped on some significant toes, Christopher.'
        'Have
I?'
        'It's
not the way to endear yourself to Will Chiffinch.'
        'I
can live without his good opinion.'
        'Not
if you wish to befriend His Majesty.'
        'I
had to speak up for my brother,' said Christopher. 'You've been shabbily
treated, Henry. I'll not stand by and let that happen.'
        'Thank
you.'
        'We
are in this together or not at all.'
        'Bold
words! You may live to regret them.'
        'I
think not.'
        Chiffinch
rejoined them to pass on a curt command.
        'His
Majesty will see you now - both of you.'
        Christopher
allowed himself a quiet grin and Henry basked in what he saw as a substantial
triumph. Both of them followed Chiffinch into the Drawing Room. Having escorted
them to the centre of the ornate carpet, the Page backed away so silently that
it was impossible to tell if he had left the room or was lurking in one of its
many recesses. Neither Christopher nor his brother dared to look round. Their
gaze was fixed on the tall, immaculately dressed figure who sat opposite them.
Framed in the high window, King Charles was staring dejectedly at a ruby ring
on his left hand and ignoring the spaniels who were clambering all over him.
One of them was perched on his shoulder, nibbling at the outer edge of his
periwig and arousing the yapping jealousy of the other dogs.
        The
visitors waited until the royal head finally turned in their direction. Henry gave
an extravagant bow but Christopher inclined his back with more restraint.
Charles raised a morose eyebrow.
        'You
have come at last,' he observed.
        'I
had some difficulty finding my brother, Your Majesty,' said Henry
apologetically. 'But I stuck to my task.'
        'Good.'
        'We
are here at your command.'
        'Henry.'
        'Your
Majesty?'
        'Be
quiet, please.'
        'Oh,
well, yes, naturally, if that's what-'
        'Completely
quiet,' insisted the King, quelling him with a stare before turning his attention
to Christopher. 'We have met before, Mr Redmayne. You rendered sterling service
on that occasion.'
        'As
did my brother,' reminded Christopher.
        'He
is of no account here. You are, sir. That is why I sent for you, by means of a
go-between.' Henry winced at the insult but wisely held his peace. 'Do you
recall what I said at our last meeting?'
        'I
believe that I do, Your