Read Online The King's Chameleon by Richard Woodman - Free Book Online

…’
    â€˜I have already divined that, Captain,’ said Albemarle, tapping his nose, ‘and I find it as irresistible as your daughter.’
    After dinner, during which the duke was affability itself, even succeeding in winning both smiles and pleasantries out of Judith, Albemarle showed no desire to hurry away. The two men sat with their pipes and, having discussed some matter relative to the charitable disbursements of the Trinity House and the failure of the state to relieve want and penury among seamen injured in its service, Albemarle remarked upon the debate then in progress through the House of Commons.
    â€˜You have heard of the passing of the recent Act of Indemnity and Oblivion?’
    â€˜Indeed, Your Grace. I understand that there are many who regard it as providing indemnity for the King’s enemies and oblivion for his friends.’
    Albemarle chuckled. ‘Yes, I had heard that was what the wits were saying, but it restores at a stroke all crown and church lands. Pursuing private claims for recovery of what is rightfully yours will be subject to litigation, but there will be many who lack the deep pockets necessary to go to such an extreme.’
    â€˜An injustice for those who have expended their fortunes in the Royalist cause,’ added Faulkner.
    â€˜There is always a price to progress,’ said Albemarle, ‘but after the cries of outrage have died away, then I do sincerely hope that the business of government can look to the future. The Dutch are again encroaching upon our trade, and we shall, I’ll wager, fight with them again before we are through. ’Tis a pity, for they are much to be admired, but I fear there is no room for both nations without another trial of strength.’
    Faulkner nodded. ‘I am in perfect harmony with you there, Your Grace. Moreover, I apprehend we shall have difficulties toppling them. They are better financed than ourselves, pay more attention to trade than to other preoccupations, and have withal a readier fleet. I happened to be at Deptford when deciding where to build a new ship and the King’s Dockyard there seemed scarcely a model for efficiency.’
    â€˜Despite the Petts?’ Albemarle asked, raising one eyebrow.
    â€˜Perhaps because of the Petts,’ Faulkner responded with a smile.
    â€˜Wherever the hand of man turns itself to good employment, it finds itself mired in the stink of corruption. Still, matters are better regulated than in the time of the present King’s father, I think, though you would know more of that than I.’
    â€˜That is very true.’
    â€˜Well, perhaps the Act of Indemnity and Oblivion will draw a much-needed curtain over past misdeeds so that we can move our ravaged country into happier times.’
    â€˜If that is its intention, Your Grace; but I hear some vengeance is inevitable.’
    Albemarle blew a plume of thick blue smoke at the ceiling and nodded. ‘Yes, His Majesty will seek to execute the Regicides still living. The disinterment of Cromwell and his son-in-law was but the beginning.’
    â€˜That was a poor thing.’
    â€˜But we must bow to the inevitable, Sir Kit, and you would do well not to express yourself with such freedom.’
    â€˜I beg Your Grace’s pardon …’
    â€˜Think nothing of it. You are under your own roof, but I would not have so valuable a sea-officer compromise himself in the hearing of some of the toadies that infest all courts.’
    â€˜Your Grace is most considerate.’
    Albemarle knocked out his pipe and hove himself to his feet. His leather jack-boots creaked as he stretched himself. ‘I shall present you tomorrow. Make yourself known at Whitehall Palace shortly before ten of the clock.’
    Faulkner bowed and saw Albemarle to the street door. Here the duke was joined by his two armed servants who had been in Faulkner’s kitchen and, by the look of them, had quaffed more of