"Lee Edgar - Plot 03 - Plot For A King" - читать интересную книгу автора (Edgar Lee)

door. After a moment’s discussion, Andrew was led into the room.
A hawkish man greeted him. ‘I am Archbald Campbell, Earl of Argyll. I understand you have
come from the King.’
‘Yes, my Lord. I am Andrew Bosvile. Lady Ramsden is my sister.’
He leant back in his chair which creaked. ‘Ah, the formidable Lady Caroline, outspoken defender
of the King. Is your sister well?’
‘Yes, my Lord. She is to be married in a few days to Prince Philippe des Puys. Her son, Lord
John Henry Ramsden is at Rettendon Hall now.’
‘So what brings you to Scotland, laddie?’
 ‘A message from King Charles.’ Andrew proffered the papers and Lord Argyll bade him sit while
he read them through carefully and then read them again. He rang for his adjutant and arranged
for the Kirk to meet immediately. This was a man of action indeed.
Andrew was fed and watered while he awaited their decision but the meeting went on well into
the night. It was almost morning before he was recalled into the room.
‘Is the King still at the Hague, laddie?’ Argyll asked on behalf of them all.
‘Yes, my Lord. He awaits your reply.’
‘Then we will meet him at the end of the next week. Not here, it is too dangerous. We will come
to Holland, to the Hague. Please ensure he is there and that our time and journey are not wasted.’
Andrew bowed. ‘I will do my best, my Lord.’
‘My colleagues will want a guarantee.’
‘I will guarantee to give the King your message and then leave it up to him. I can do no more.’
‘Very well. I have given orders that you be escorted back to the border for your safety.’
‘No, my Lord. It would be better if I travel alone. I have no wish to be compromised by anyone
who may see me and so restrict my future ability to serve my King freely.’
Lord Argyll smiled for the first time. ‘You are a determined young man. Very well, go alone. And
may God go with you.’
Andrew bowed. ‘Thank you my Lord.’
He left immediately but it was not long before he was soon to regret that he had been so
stubbornly independent.




Saturday 10th February 1649

The weather closed in as John Henry travelled eastwards through Stepney and he was glad he
had decided to use the coach rather than to travel on horseback. The vehicle did at least offer
some protection from the wind and driving snow as he peered out of the window at the people as
they hurried about their daily way of life.
Successive bad harvests had driven many people into the cities and prices were soaring
everywhere. At this rate, he was not sure how long he was going to be able to keep the old Hall on
but perhaps if this year produced a good harvest, all would be well.
It was growing dark as the coach swung in through the big iron gates at Rettendon and he
wondered if there was news from Scotland yet. Andrew should be back any day and there would
be news about the King’s future.


THAT evening, Henriette Marie had a visitor. The fine coach drew up just as darkness fell and the
sky looked overcast and full of snow. Perhaps it was a foreboding for the future.
Henriette greeted her visitor and introduced her to Carrie. ‘Princess, this is Lady Caroline