Page 28 of The King's Man
Kit felt the bile rise to his throat. ‘No,’ he replied shortly. ‘You don’t have to tell me.’
‘We have dealt neatly with this one pathetic plot, but I believe that this Sealed Knot poses a much bigger threat. As you surmise, there is an element of organisation to it I have not seen since Charles Stuart attempted to reclaim his throne in ’51. If indeed they carry his commission then that is a matter of grave concern. I need to know who is involved and what they plan. I also want to know if the French are involved.’
‘The French?’ Kit raised an eyebrow.
‘You’re probably aware that England stands in a precarious position with the French and the Spanish. I would not be surprised if the French use a little civil unrest here in England to sway Spain’s sympathies. We have a new envoy from Mazarin here in London. The Baron de Baas.’ Thurloe paused, raisinghis eyebrows in uncharacteristic distaste at the mention of the name. ‘De Baas has a very high opinion of himself and he is not a man I trust. The French Ambassador, Bordeaux, seems unhappy at Baas’ presence but appears powerless to do anything about it, which is what makes me think de Baas has a specific commission from Mazarin.’
‘I have had no dealings with this man nor heard the name mentioned,’ Kit responded. ‘What do you expect me to do?’
Thurloe paused and leaned forward on his elbows, his interlaced fingers supporting his chin. ‘Exactly what you do so well, Captain Lovell. Play dice and cards and get your friends appallingly drunk.’
Kit looked affronted. ‘Thurloe, I thought you had a better opinion of me than that.’
‘Let me remind you, my friend, that I have a full accounting of your debts, so I know exactly what it is that you do. Now, are we clear, Lovell? I want to know who and what your friends in the Sealed Knot are up to and I want to know what game the Baron de Baas is playing.’
Kit raised his eyes to the ceiling for a moment, bringing his gaze back to meet the eyes of the Secretary of State. ‘If this plot is serious, I could be a dead man, Thurloe.’
‘You’re a survivor, Lovell, and you and I both know that you have a good reason to ensure that you stay healthy.’
‘God damn you to Hell, Thurloe.’ Kit couldn’t hide the bitterness in his voice.
‘I shall be in good company. You may go, Captain Lovell.’
Kit stood and turned for the door. As an afterthought, he stopped and looked back. ‘The girl … ’
Thurloe blinked. ‘What girl?’
‘Thamsine Granville.’
‘What about her?’
‘What do you know about her?’
Thurloe shrugged.
‘She says she’s from Hampshire – Hartley Court. Father dead, dispossessed and reduced to penury on the streets of London. Why? What interest do you have in her?’
None, Kit told himself. However, he needed to assuage his guilt. He had been the one to send her to the Tower. She had been a useful pawn in this ongoing game of chess with John Thurloe.
Kit shook his head. ‘What are you going to do with her?’
‘What would you like me to do with her?’
‘Let her go, Thurloe,’ Kit said.
‘Now, why should I do that? She has admitted her guilt.’
‘Are you going to try her?’
‘Not my decision.’ Thurloe shrugged.
‘I’m not a fool, Thurloe. The Council will make whatever decision you recommend.’
‘The Lord Protector is ill-disposed to women who throw brickbats at his coach.’
‘She’s not a conspirator, Thurloe, just a woman at the end of her means. Let her go.’ He paused, casting around for reasons to undo the damage he had done. ‘She’s an intelligent woman and she could be useful.’
‘To you or to me?’
