Niccolo Rising - Dorothy Dunnett [157]
Claes gazed at the prince’s dark face. “You could retain me for formal messages only, and trust the others to better-accredited couriers, if you have them.”
The grass twirled. “Now, here’s a sorry lack of ambition! A boy who can outwit astrologers, but cannot see how to turn his talents to money!” The Dauphin looked up. “Jean, mon compère. What do you know about ciphers?”
Bourré the secretary. One of the seated men rose, came over and knelt. “All too little, monseigneur.”
“And here we have an expert.” The blade of grass indicated Claes.
“My friend,” said the Dauphin to Claes, “Your skill is worth money. Do you not realise it? A great deal of money. Provided that it is devoted exclusively to ourselves. Messer Cosimo, Messer Cicco are my very good friends, but their ciphers are already the best in the world. It is we, struggling behind, who need your talents.”
Claes looked from prince to secretary. He said humbly, “Of course, monseigneur. I should be honoured. That is, a servant may only achieve as much as his ability lets him, and there may be some matters where my meddling might cause only damage. Monseigneur understands.”
“Naturally,” said the Dauphin. He smiled at de la Barde.
“And again –” said Claes with diffidence.
“Yes?” This time, the Dauphin was less patient.
Claes said, “I beg the Dauphin’s pardon. But the more time I spend on such affairs, the less I have to give to the Charetty business. Monsieur Felix, as you know, is an able youth, and will one day be a worthy head of the company, but at present is much distracted by other pleasures.”
The Dauphin flung out his arms. “You hear, my friends! I am being taken to task for my hospitality! Will you deprive me of the company of this charming youth? I flatter myself that he, too, will be grieved. How he has enjoyed viewing our kennels, riding our horses, learning the martial skills!”
Claes said nothing.
The Dauphin dropped his arms. “But you are right. Duty calls. His family need him. I shall no longer seduce him from his dyevats. But what shall I say to him?”
Claes said, “He will be heartbroken, I know. I wonder if I dare suggest to my lord a final summons for some special feast-day, where Monsieur Felix’s presence at Genappe would not discommode him? Say the second Sunday after Easter?”
The eyes held his, then turned to the secretary. “Of course! So it shall be,” said the Dauphin. “My friend Monseiur Bourré will note it. Young Monsieur Felix will receive the invitation. And we shall see that he does not refuse it. That is what you wish?”
“That is so exactly,” said Claes. “My lord, these things should profit us all. I am grateful.”
“Well!” said the Dauphin. He threw the grass away. He put a hand on his secretary’s shoulder and rose. Above the boots his knees turned markedly towards each other. Above them, thin and muscular thighs disappeared into his short hunting skirts. His eyes under the sugarloaf hat rested on the rest of the company, who had already scrambled to their feet and were beginning to close and order the baskets. From the trees came the sound of horses stamping. The Dauphin glanced at Claes who had risen also but now, rapidly, knelt.
The Dauphin said, “We understand one another. You are a good boy, and will serve me well. Monsieur Bourré here will send for you, and Monsieur Arnoulphin, whom you already know. You have, I hope, already been recompensed for the suit of armour?”
“To the last penny of the pawn ticket,” said Claes with gratitude.
The Dauphin frowned. “We should have done better than that. Monsieur de la Barde!”
The best-dressed of the others came forward. “I shall see to it, monseigneur.”
The Dauphin’s smile flashed again towards Claes. “You understand, my child. You do not leave this hut dressed in cloth of gold with rings on your fingers or even gold in your purse. But you will not be a poor man as a result of this day. Provided only you are loyal, as you will be.