“Perhaps she invited him,” the queen remarked, staring at Leicester. “He is a glorious man. Why, all my ladies are moved to swoon when he comes into the room.”
Leicester’s smile disappeared. It was a well-known fact that he prided himself on both his appearance and the fact that many women coveted him. “I doubt Mistress FitzGerald would invite any man into her room for such a purpose.”
“Ahh—you know her well, then?”
Leicester’s jaw flexed. “You know I do not know her! We but shared a dance!”
“And mayhap, afterwards, a kiss?”
Leicester’s eyes blazed. In that moment Elizabeth was afraid, despite the fact that she was queen and he but her subject, for she sensed she had pushed him too far. She did not move when Leicester strode to her, towering over her. Her pulse quickened now in a purely feminine reaction to his proximity and his power. “I am a man, Bess, as you damn well know,” he ground out, so low that only she could hear, “and if I steal a kiss from her, why do you care?” His eyes were twin black fires. “You know I would not hunt elsewhere should you give me what I want.”
Elizabeth trembled. In that moment she wished they were alone. She knew that if this were a private discussion, Dudley would sweep her into his arms, whether she wanted it or no. ’Twas what she liked best about him—and what she liked least. For the woman in her was joyous, the monarch enraged.
Elizabeth stared at him. As always, she could not decide what his smooth words really meant. Did he speak of her body, which she had thus far successfully denied him—or her throne? “I shall deny you as I will, Robin,” she finally said, “and you, of course, can kiss where you will.”
Leicester continued to gaze at her, refusing to back down. Elizabeth grew afraid. Perhaps shewaspushing Dudley too far. She smiled then, widely, and touched his hand below his ruffled cuff. “Forgive me, dearheart, for being overbearing, as we women are wont to be.”
He relaxed. “Let me come to you tonight, Bess.”
Her gaze flickered away from him. “I shall consider it.”
He gripped her hand, preventing her from turning away. “I am coming, Bess,” he warned.
Elizabeth’s heart beat too hard. She had not entertained Dudley in private for many weeks now. Finally she nodded, and as she turned away, she saw satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. She could not help but anticipate the evening ahead.
Elizabeth faced Ormond. “You have won this day. I agree with you, Tom. We must find her a husband, and quickly.”
Ormond’s face brightened in surprise, while Leicester, beside her, stiffened. Yet Dudley dared not speak now and Elizabeth knew it. It was at this moment that Cecil stepped forward. “You have changed your mind, Your Majesty? From what was previously agreed?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth said firmly. She had most definitely changed her mind. It was not unusual, for those who knew her comprehended that she could blow first east, then west, without so much as a backward glance. Now Elizabeth decided to tell her most trusted advisors some of the truth—but not all of it. “I am not convinced that she is a conspirator. I know her somewhat now, and I believe she is far too naive to be involved in any treasonous plot with either her father or O’Neill. However, it would not surprise me if both of those too-clever men were thinking to use her in their games. I wish to remove her as a pawn from their play—before any play is begun.”
William Cecil said naught. Yet he was aware that serious play had already begun. He had gleaned startling information from his own spies several days ago. TheSea Daggerhad been spotted at anchor in Dingle Bay, which was close to Askeaton. The bay was also used by the papist FitzMaurice. As FitzGerald resided at Southwark, Cecil thought that theSea Dagger’s use of Dingle Bay signified the beginning of a far more dangerous game, one O’Neill was clearly waging in deadly earnest. And Cecil was intrigued. How clever the pirate was. If he dared as Cecil thought he did.
And Cecil said naught, for the pirate must be allowed full rein.
Elizabeth raised her hands, gaining everyone’s attention. “I want the girl married to one loyal to me,” she stated. “If she is married, her value to Liam becomes naught—and to her father, even less.”
Ormond smiled in grim satisfaction. “Do you have some loyal vassal in mind?”
Elizabeth nodded, not adding what was the most compelling factor of all in her decision to marry off Katherine FitzGerald. It had nothing to do with conspiracy and treason. It had everything to do with passion.
The girl was far too beautiful, and far too seductive, to remain at court, a constant provocation to Elizabeth’s favorite men. The queen could not allow the girl to ensnare Leicester, nor did she care for the fact that Liam O’Neill appeared besotted with her. In fact, even dear, beloved Tom seemed to be bending toward her. Elizabeth had sensed a change in him for some time now. No, having Katherine at court was a grave mistake. How foolish Elizabeth had been to be so kind as to allow her to remain in the first place.
Elizabeth imagined Katherine ensconced in Cornwall on a country estate, heavily pregnant, with children at her skirts, and she could not help but smile. Neither Leicester, O’Neill nor Black Tom would find her very attractive then.
“In fact, I have already spoken with the bridegroom.” Her smile widened. “Although John Hawke was seeking to do far better than to marry a penniless Catholic Irishwoman, I shall provide her with a small but rich estate in Kent as a dowry.” Elizabeth’s smile was serene. “Sir John has agreed. The wedding date shall be April 15, but four weeks hence. Now all I must do is to inform the girl that her future has been decided.” Elizabeth added, “Undoubtedly she shall be most pleased at achieving her heart’s desire.”
And Cecil wondered what the pirate’s next move would be.
18
“Katherine!”
Katherine turned, having left the dining hall. John Hawke strode toward her. “Might we speak?”
She looked up at his handsome face, noting the sparkle in his eyes. She could not help but smile back at him. “You appear well pleased, sirrah,” she said playfully, touching his strong arm. “What good tidings do you bear?”
His blue eyes held hers. “Let us walk in the gallery,” he said. A moment later her hand was securely entwined with his arm.
