Page 40 of The King's Man
‘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 of 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.
It had been snowing and the snow lay in drifts against the grey walls. Thamsine shivered as the cold wind off the river bit through her inadequate clothes as she waited for the heavy gate to be opened. Barkstead took her by the arm and thrust her out onto the bridge across the foetid moat.
‘If you’ve any sense in your head, young woman, you won’t be back again,’ he said.
As the gates closed behind her, Thamsine set down her bundle and stretched out her arms, taking a deep breath. Much as she had hated it, freedom was now as precious to her as her own life had been. As she began to walk through the narrow streets, she contemplated the strange twist of fate.
I am merely a music teacher,she told herself,with a penchant for gossip. That’s all I am. Not a spy, not an agent.
She felt the comforting weight of the coins in her purse and smiled. Maybe there were worse things in life to be than an agent for John Thurloe, at least for the moment.
Chapter 10
Despite Thurloe’s advice, Thamsine returned to The Ship Inn. At the end of the day she had nowhere else to go, and no one who could offer her friendship as the Marshes had done.
She pushed open the door of the quiet taproom. Jem looked up from polishing the pewter mugs and smiled.
‘Well, well, let you go, did they?’
She nodded. ‘It was a misunderstanding.’
‘Of course,’ Jem agreed with a knowing wink. ‘Looking for your old job, are you?’
Thamsine shook her head and straightened. ‘No, I am seeking proper lodgings.’
