Gemini - Dorothy Dunnett [77]
David Simpson, it transpired, was at Newbattle. From politeness, Nicholas protracted the interview, eliciting, from habit rather than anything else, all the Roman gossip that might be relevant, and a diatribe about Germany: Prosper had once been attached to the Emperor Frederick as agent and councillor and had loathed every coarse, ill-fed moment. If the Emperor’s son married Burgundy, Camulio’s prospects would shrink. And, of course, there was nothing but rebellion and political turmoil in his adored native Genoa, since the assassination of the last Duke of Milan. You did not have to speak to Camulio for long to know what he thought of Milanese rule in Genoa.
Nicholas listened from politeness; from expediency; and because Prosper de Camulio, long ago, had been considerate in his dealings with Marian de Charetty, and forbearing with Felix her young son, now dead.
Before he left, he arranged to entertain the Nuncio in his own house, in advance of the Nuncio’s forthcoming brief vacation from Scotland. Nicholas extended the invitation, at second hand, to his good friend David Simpson. He didn’t mention throwing big jugs at Henry.
WHILE HE WAS feeling responsive, Nicholas undertook, that same day, the short journey to Newbattle Abbey, and found that, sadly, the good Master David had left for Beltrees. He had feared (said the sub-prior) that he might miss his dear friend Ser Nicholas, and wished him to know that Ser Nicholas would always be welcome at Beltrees, where he would notice many necessary and delicious improvements.
Since he was there, Nicholas asked to be received by the Abbot and his steward, and opened a number of business matters which met with an instant and enthusiastic response, leading to a number of gratifying proposals which he took away, promising early decisions. The Abbot escorted him to the doorway, still talking. Outside, everything was covered with building dust. The epidemic was growing. The Abbot viewed the wreckage and said, ‘Ah! I had almost forgotten. You know the wretched pirate Paúel Benecke? Master David wished me to tell you that, most happily, he has now departed this earth. Knowing his bestiality, the Procurator asked his French friends in particular to look out for him. The ship he was captaining was seized, and the man himself killed in the struggle. Master David said you would be pleased.’
Nicholas gazed at him. Then he said, ‘I am glad to know. Thank you for telling me. I shall find a way to thank Master David when I see him.’
Paúel, too. But then, the Tough Seabird had been disappointed in his hopes for the future. Drunk and defiant and reckless, he would have made a fine target.
The day went on. It was no longer young, but on the other hand it was still free of Henry, whether Henry was on duty or not. It seemed to Nicholas a good time to embark on one of his regular calls on Mistress Phemie. These days, he had no trouble entering Roslin Castle. It was having nothing to report from Adorne that was the difficult part.
Phemie was alone, so that he was able to talk right away. ‘No word yet. But for what it’s worth, I have a letter from Dr Tobie. He’s back in Bruges, and gives all the news, but not yours. If Anselm had your letter, I think Tobie would know, and would tell me.’
‘So it is still too soon for an answer, that’s all,’ Phemie said. She was right. It was only a month since she’d written, and she was too sensible to expect the impossible. Indeed, since his visits these last weeks, her cheeks had begun to carry more colour; her manner had regained some of its natural edge. Now she said, ‘But Nicholas, how are you? You begin at once on my affairs, and never mention your own. Or—’ She broke off. ‘Tobie is back from Nancy? Nicholas? Is it bad news?’
‘Not for Kathi,’ Nicholas said. ‘Robin is alive, but can’t walk. He can think, and hear, and speak, and see. Apart from that, he has the use of one side, and he may be able to sit. He’ll