Page 34 of The King's Man
He flinched. ‘I prefer the wordagent.’
‘What do you want to know?’
Thurloe shrugged. ‘Anything that you think may be of interest. Any mention of Charles Stuart, for example. I am particularly interested in a man called Baron de Baas. Indeed, if an opportunity arises, it would be helpful if you were to befriend the good Baron.’
‘You expect a lot of me.’
‘The Baron likes a pretty face, and … ’ Thurloe regarded her with his head cocked on one side ‘ … clean and in a decent gown I am sure you would be quite presentable.’
‘Thank you,’ Thamsine replied in a voice heavy with sarcasm. ‘How friendly am I expected to be?’
If Thurloe detected the edge of sarcasm in her voice, he chose to ignore it. ‘That is entirely up to you, Mistress Granville. Now, do I have your agreement to this proposal?’
‘Do I have a choice?’
Thurloe’s hooded eyes considered her from over the top of his steepled fingers. ‘You always have choices, Mistress Granville. The alternative is to spend the next few years in the Tower. Now, do I have your agreement? Your debt to the Commonwealth stands, and my next offer may not be quite so agreeable.’
Thamsine looked up at the intricate knots in the plasterwork on the ceiling. He had her trapped and he knew it. She gave a small shrug of her right shoulder.
‘Very well. When do I start?’
‘Baron Bordeaux will expect you the day after tomorrow at ten in the morning at his residence. You have been recommended to him by my wife, Dame Elizabeth Thurloe, should the question arise. You have been instructing her in music for the last six months.’
Thamsine blinked. ‘I have?’
‘And she is most satisfied.’
‘I am pleased to hear it.’
‘Of course, I would only employ the best tutor for my wife, and she has written you a letter of recommendation. Now one last thing.’ Thurloe pushed a small purse across the table. ‘That should be sufficient to purchase some respectable clothes more suitable to your genteel station in life, Mistress Granville.’
Thamsine’s fingers closed over the purse, feeling the hard edges of the coin through the soft leather.
‘There is also the question of your lodging,’ Thurloe continued. ‘I would advise you not to return to the Ship Inn. Apart from the fact that singing bawdy songs in a tavern is hardly suitable employment for a lady, the inn is a den of known malignants and is not, I suggest, a sensible place for you to be. Seek respectable lodgings, Mistress Granville.’ Thurloe pushed a paper over to her. ‘Now sign this acknowledgement and you’re free.’
Thamsine picked up the pen he proffered and stared at the paper, a short, concise acknowledgement of debt, omitting any reference as to how the debt was to be repaid. She signed her name. She was now in the employment of the man she had tried to kill. The world turned in a strange manner.
‘How do I inform you of any information I acquire?’
‘I will provide you with a contact. He will make himself known to you soon enough. You and I should have no reason to meet again. I will expect at least a weekly report, even if there is nothing of apparent interest.’
Thamsine looked down at the purse in her hand. ‘And this money?’
‘Repayable in six months. An interest-free loan.’ Thurloe was no longer looking at her, his face hidden behind a large paper. ‘Now, good day to you, Mistress Granville.’
Thamsine rose and turned to leave. She had almost reached the door when she hesitated, swivelling to look back at John Thurloe.
‘Master Thurloe, what is to become of Captain Lovell?’
He set down the paper and stared at her, unblinking.
‘Captain Lovell’s fate is no concern of yours. Now go, before you try my patience.’
The last few steps to the door were accomplished in quick time. She shut the door behind her and found the Lieutenant of the Tower waiting for her. He thrust a bundle at her.
‘Your belongings, Mistress. The Lord Protector must be feeling in a particularly generous mood today. Follow me.’
Clutching her bundle to her chest, she followed the Lieutenant through the gates, taking in all the details that had been lost on her when she had arrived.
