Gemini - Dorothy Dunnett [129]
Adorne received him alone before the fireplace in the most private reception room in the house, his own bedchamber. In all the years Nicholas had known him, he had changed very little. The wry, fine-boned face was perhaps leaner, the hair curling between his feathered cap and strong neck was paler than flax. But his shoulders had not lost their set of authority; his doublet, of pleated black cloth, was fresh and well-ordered; and his rings and shoulder-chain showed that he had just come from Court. Only his voice had altered, as he came forward, hand outstretched. ‘Nicholas.’
‘Sir.’ Nicholas inclined his head and took the hand, which closed on his and then held it.
Adorne said, ‘I hope this means that you accept what I sent you. You will have been told what your wife did for Robin, and what she and the van Borselen family did for me. I probably owe her my life.’
‘She was glad to do it,’ Nicholas said.
His hand was freed. ‘And I know now what you did for Mistress … for Phemie.’ He cleared his throat.
Nicholas said, ‘It was its own reward. But since the gift marks what it does, I am glad, sir, to accept it. And I hear the small demoiselle flourishes.’
‘Some good has come of it,’ said Adorne. ‘Perhaps there are other things to be redeemed. Come, if you will.’ There were two fine chairs by the fire, and wine, which he handed himself, while he regained his composure. It shocked Nicholas that he had lost it. Then they were both seated and he felt himself under that level, magisterial scrutiny, so often experienced.
Adorne said, ‘I have watched you grow, with such pleasure. I have enjoyed crossing swords with you, as you mastered and entered my particular empire. I did not always appreciate it when you bettered me.’ He paused to smile.
‘Or when I stupidly injured you,’ Nicholas said. ‘Or when I made a fool of myself in this country.’
‘Shall I tell you my mistakes?’ Adorne said. His eyes were clear and fine drawn, set between heavy lids in his narrow face. He said, ‘You have been here for most of a year, for half of it without supervision. You had no need to return. You did not do so to exploit the country, or you would have had to do so at once, before you could be detected and stopped. I am satisfied that you wished to make amends for what you had done. So far, you have devoted your skills to founding a future for Kathi’s husband, and having care for my lady. I merely wish to say that whatever else you wish to do, you can depend on my help.’
Nicholas lifted his eyes. ‘I am grateful. My understanding also has been limited.’
The clear gaze still rested on him. ‘But now we are two men,’ Adorne said ‘And you are a person who has experienced what is good and what is bad in many parts of the world. I am going to describe to you what I make, this time, of this country of Scotland, and its future. And if you will trust me with it, I should like you to do the same for me, as if it were an assessment of the court of Uzum Hasan, or of the Doge of Venice, or of Louis of France. Then, if you are willing, we might share our conclusions.’
Nicholas looked at him. Adorne said, ‘But, of course, you may have decided to make your future in one of these countries. Flanders is my home. I will repay Scotland’s hospitality to the last drop of my blood, but when the doors are open for me again, be it one year or two, I shall go back.’
Nicholas said, ‘My plans are less clear. But it seems likely that I shall be here at least as long as yourself. And yes. I should like above anything to compare notes.’
Then they talked until it was dark.
Adorne had the advantage, which Nicholas lacked, of years of dispatches from Sersanders and Wodman, and of the kind of overview of mercantile business that his former Conservatorship conferred. Also, he was a nobleman. It made a difference, at Court and in Council, and in the great homes of those families from France and from Flanders who had poured into England