Dark Fire

'I could be. I shall leave now, go home and pack some things, then ride out. There is just one visit I have to make before I go.' I shook his hand. 'Go, Joseph, now. Take Elizabeth and your brother to Essex.'

He shook my hand firmly. 'Thank you, sir, for everything. I shall never forget what you have done.'

I nodded. I could think of no words.

'If anyone asks, I'll say I don't know where you've gone.'

'That would be best. Thank you, Joseph.'

A bell began ringing through the misty morning, calling the members of the Inn to hear the news. A puzzled throng of lawyers appeared, crossing to the chapel. I saw Bealknap darting among them, announcing the news, his face flushed with pleasure at knowing before everyone else. I stood a moment, gathering all the reserves of strength I had left, then went back to my chambers.

***

I LEFT SKELLY SOME money and instructions to refer Godfrey's and my cases to barristers I trusted with the work. I told him I did not know how long I would be away. Then I slipped out while everyone was in the chapel and walked quickly home. Joan was out; she had taken Simon with her on some errand. The house was still and empty in the quiet morning. I was glad I did not have to explain this latest disruption to her.

I took some money from the store in my room, leaving the rest for her with a note. Then I went out to the stable. Barak's mare Sukey was already gone, but Genesis was standing quietly in his stall. I patted him. 'Well, I think we may be stuck with each other. Lord Cromwell will not be wanting you back.'

And then, quite suddenly, it all overwhelmed me. I thought of my first meeting with Cromwell, at a dinner for reformers more than fifteen years before. I remembered his keenness for reform, his powerful mind, the forcefulness and energy that had held me in thrall. Then the years of power, his patronage of my work and afterwards my disillusion with his ruthlessness and brutality. My break with him three years before and now my failure to save him at the end. Perhaps no one could have saved him after the Cleves debacle, but I laid my head against the horse's flank and wept for him. I thought of that great man of power, now locked in the Tower, where he had sent so many of his foes.

'I am sorry,' I said aloud. 'I am sorry.'

I must leave, I told myself, I must pull myself together. I dried my face as best I could on my sleeve, then rode out into the City. I had one more thing to do.

***

AS JOSEPH HAD SAID, people everywhere were discussing Cromwell's fall. Looking at their faces, the expression I saw most frequently was fear. For all his brutality, Cromwell had provided stability in uncertain times. And London was a reformist city: if there was to be anything like a return to the old religion it would be unpopular here. I heard someone say, 'The king is to marry Catherine Howard!' and whirled round, but it was only some apprentice shooting his mouth off, he could not know anything. A silent crowd watched as a clergyman, a reformer no doubt, was manhandled down the steps of his church by a squad of the king's guard. I turned quickly away. I realized that, having once been ardent for reform, I had always taken it for granted that London was a safe place for me, even after my enthusiasm evaporated. Now I felt suddenly vulnerable. I realized how Guy must feel most of the time in this city.

I found a hubbub outside the House of Glass. A black carriage with four horses in the shafts was pulled up at the door and servants were piling it high with trunks and boxes. I dismounted and asked one of them whether Lady Honor was indoors.

'Who should I say – hey, you can't just go in!' But I had, tying Genesis to the rail and stepping inside, dodging a lady attendant struggling with an armful of voluminous silk dresses. I ran upstairs to the parlour.

Lady Honor stood before the fireplace, checking items from a long list as a pair of servants manhandled another box out of the door. She wore a light dress such as might be used for travelling in summer.

'Lady Honor,' I said quietly.

She looked taken aback for a moment, then reddened.

'Matthew. I did not expect-'

'You are leaving?'

'Yes, for the country, today. Have you not heard-'

'I know. Lord Cromwell has fallen.'

'One of my friends at court has sent word the duke is displeased about my part in helping him over the Greek Fire business. And helping you,' she added with sudden asperity.

'You have done nothing-'

She laughed bitterly. 'Come, Matthew, we know better than that. When did anyone need to do something to be in danger? Several of my dinner guests have been arrested, and my friend says it might be a good thing for me to disappear for a while, go to my estates until the new dispensation is clearer.'

'So Norfolk's in the saddle.'

'The Cleves divorce and the Howard marriage are likely to be announced in the next few days.'

'My God.'