Race of Scorpions - Dorothy Dunnett [317]
‘The ransom,’ said Jordan de Ribérac, ‘has been assessed by a clerk with no knowledge of the world or hold on simple reality. Your royal son will, I hope, be brought to realise this in the interview I plan to hold with him. I shall tell him what has happened. I shall tell him how I have been treated. I shall suggest to him ways in which he may avert what will undoubtedly be the displeasure of France when I return and when I make these facts known. As for the boy, he will wait until I am ready to go, and then will leave with me, whether he wishes it or not. The future of this family rests in the hands of two weaklings: a child of three years, and Master Diniz Vasquez, unmarried at seventeen, and with a history that will fetch him no well-dowered heiress. His duty is at home, with his family company.’
The indulgent gaze, removed from the King’s mother, turned on Nicholas. The fat man said, ‘Which, of course, he is no more competent to run than that unfortunate mediocrity, my son Simon. Although he is learning. He almost made a success of his Portuguese venture, he was so determined to purloin your market. You are a remarkable stimulant, Claes, in your beef-brained fashion. And you can pay for trained intelligence, whereas Simon believes he has enough under his beautiful hair. Tell me, Claes. Are these clever minions of yours behind this firm of meddlers called Vatachino?’
Proportion came back to the world. Nicholas said, ‘Is that why you sailed? To find that out?’
‘You are afraid to tell me?’ said the vicomte. ‘Or no. I speak of a common disease?’
‘Consult the Knights Hospitaller, the Corner, Carlotta. We are all suffering, my hired brains included. If you find out who they are, we should all be obliged to you.’
‘Should you? Do I gather that you propose to continue your sugar concern? How very unwise,’ said the fat man. ‘But the magnificent lady is not interested in business.’
‘I sell eggs from time to time,’ said the King’s mother. ‘I follow reports. I assumed you both knew that an envoy for the house of Vatachino was in Nicosia at present? To find out who employs him is, I presume, merely a question of asking him.’
Diniz was smiling, and Nicholas felt like doing the same, if his face would obey him. He said, ‘Lady, the walls tell you secrets. Where can he be found?’
‘At this moment? He is with the King, I believe,’ said Marietta of Patras. ‘But I do not suggest that you disturb either of them. M. le vicomte, you may leave.’
The fat man rose, and the lights in the room seemed to dim. He said, ‘I have been honoured. I am told, gracious lady, that you have given a home to the wife of my friend here. Might I know which she is?’
Cropnose signed. Primaflora moved into the light, like a thing of pale gilt and fine porcelain. She stood gravely collected, while the vicomte surveyed her. At length, he spoke. ‘Whatever trade you have, my lovely lady, be sure not to discard it. You have married a husband whose life will be short, and who will keep you in bare feet and darned clothing.’ He smiled, his eyes vanishing, his chins widening. ‘Next time, seek a rich man. A rich man who husbands his wealth, no matter what his appearance. I have no difficulty in keeping my bed warm.’
‘I shall remember,’ said Primaflora. She spoke automatically, her face rather pale. The fat man bowed, and walked with ponderous dignity to the door which hastily opened, as no doubt all doors had always opened, before he reached it.
The King’s mother said, ‘I have a matter to put to Messer Niccolò here. None of you need remain except Primaflora. Boy, you can hope for no favours now the truth about your axe-blow is known. Go to Portugal now, if it irks you to wait for your grandfather.’
Diniz said, ‘You have heard him and seen him.’
‘Then perhaps your mother needs your help,’ Cropnose said. ‘Am I speaking in a language you cannot understand?’
Diniz flushed. Nicholas spoke to him directly. ‘If the lady permits, I think you should return to the villa.’ And as the boy hesitated he said, ‘They will find an escort for me.’
The door closed