Tombland

‘A great change,’ I answered noncommittally. Cecil’s companion frowned slightly, and I guessed he was not an enthusiast. Cecil, his manner turned brisk and businesslike, introduced us. ‘Serjeant Shardlake, this is Sir Richard Southwell. He is associated with the Council, and works for the Lady Mary in her duties as feodary of Norfolk. As I believe you are going there tomorrow, I thought you might welcome an introduction.’

I bowed to Southwell, who gave me the briefest nod in return. And I remembered Parry saying that he had spoken to Cecil. Cecil must have some purpose in making this introduction.

Southwell spoke, his voice as haughty as his expression, ‘I gather you are retained on this business of John Boleyn. You may have a wasted journey; the word is he will almost certainly be hanged.’ I saw he clasped a pair of gloves in his large, meaty hands.

‘I know little as yet, Sir Richard.’ I hesitated, then added, ‘I understand you yourself own some land adjoining Boleyn’s.’

‘I think so.’ Southwell waved the gloves dismissively. ‘But I have over thirty manors in Norfolk, I can’t keep track of them all.’

I smiled graciously before replying, ‘I believe some of your officials have already visited his wife.’

Southwell frowned, looking down on me with cold appraisal through those half-closed eyelids. ‘Those are standing instructions where lands may be forfeit through a landowner’s execution. And whatever else the woman living at his house may be, she is not his legal wife. His whore, I think, would be more exact.’ He laughed harshly, showing bad teeth.

Cecil said, ‘The discovery of Edith Boleyn’s body certainly raises legal complications.’ He turned to Southwell. ‘I am sure Brother Shardlake understands that. His enquiries are intended only to ensure justice is done as it should be.’

‘That’s what juries are for, Master Cecil. And now I need some fresh air, gentlemen. Perhaps we shall meet in Norfolk, Master Shardlake.’ His tone was slightly threatening. He turned on his heel and walked away.

Cecil raised his eyebrows and smiled briefly as we joined the crowds heading for the door. He spoke quietly, ‘I apologize for Southwell’s manners, but that is what he is like. I thought you should know.’

‘I know Comptroller Parry’s lawyer, Copuldyke, is afraid of him.’

Cecil lowered his voice. ‘Southwell is one of the most wealthy and powerful people in Norfolk, he runs around fifteen thousand sheep on his lands. For a long time he was a client of the Duke of Norfolk, but three years ago when the old king wanted the family gone, Southwell gave perjured evidence against them. His reward was a place as assistant executor of the old king’s will, and an alternate member of the Council should another member die. Now that the Lady Mary has bought the Duke’s land, and has the position of feodary, she has become Southwell’s patron. All in all, he is a very powerful man.’

‘So he is no friend to the Lady Elizabeth, or the Boleyns.’ I hesitated. ‘I have wondered if he has designs on John Boleyn’s land.’

Cecil gave me a hard stare. ‘If Boleyn is convicted and Southwell wants to buy the lands, then let him. His fondness for the old ways in religion – and he does not hide those – means he has not risen as far as he might, but he has the Protector’s confidence. The Lady Mary has refused to adopt the Prayer Book service in her household; she will need to be negotiated with, and Southwell will be important.’

‘It seems I am not to cross anybody,’ I said ruefully.

‘That is in the Lady Elizabeth’s best interest. And when it comes to Southwell, in yours.’

‘I heard that he was once convicted of murder.’

Cecil glanced around him, then answered quietly. ‘Yes. Seventeen years ago he murdered a fellow Norfolk landowner at Westminster over some quarrel, stuck a knife in him, I believe, but he paid large sums to the old king to gain a pardon. And last year, by the way, he connived with a servant of his, John Atkinson, who abducted a fourteen-year-old Norfolk heiress, and put her through a form of marriage against her will. The girl’s family appealed to the Protector, and it ended up on my plate. The heiress went back to her family, and Southwell had harsh words from the Protector.’ He looked at me. ‘He is an exceptionally rough and brutal man, with powerful contacts. So yes, do not cross him.’

‘I have wondered,’ I replied, ‘given that he owns neighbouring land on both sides, whether he might have had something to do with this murder. And if he is capable of the things you say –’

Cecil shook his head. ‘Southwell has had to be careful since the abduction last year.’ His voice deepened. ‘For Jesu’s sake, don’t set any rumours like that running.’

‘I won’t. I shall make every effort to keep out of his way. I am not going to Norfolk looking for trouble, Master Cecil.’