To Lie with Lions - Dorothy Dunnett [29]
‘It would suit me,’ agreed the fat man. ‘It would suit you as well. Every company with a fleet suffers from them, and I have had enough vessels plundered this year without that. Bring your army over the Somme, and together we can crush the Vatachino.’
‘My army!’ said Nicholas. He tried to sound surprised. Outside, the courtyard, which had cleared, became suddenly busy again. A groom ran to the stables and was followed by several others. A man emerged from the castle dressed for travelling, servants hurrying after. Below the cloak was a sparkle of gold and a glimpse of fringed crimson. Nicholas said, ‘My army, as well as Duke René’s plans?’
‘We spoke of a scale of reward. And of the joint destruction of the Vatachino interests.’
‘But,’ said Nicholas, ‘I want to destroy your interests much more than I do those of the Vatachino.’
‘Have I ruled that out?’ said the vicomte. ‘You may join France and still try to defeat me in business, as you might stay with Burgundy and match yourself against Anselm Adorne. The difference is that Adorne has Duke Charles to protect him, whereas the Vatachino have no friends in France. Give your support to King Louis, and I shall help you destroy Anselm Adorne and the Vatachino. After that, you may attempt anything against me that you wish.’
‘Now you interest me,’ Nicholas said. ‘But still I feel I should like to know what support the King has in mind beyond the plans of Duke René and my army.’
‘Must we spell it out? You will receive in the measure in which you give. Withdraw from the Tyrol. Duke Sigismond will break any promises that don’t suit him. Hamper the Burgundian schemes for Lorraine, whatever you promised Duke René. Instruct your splendid emissary in Cologne to leave. He will do it. He has found a beautiful gräfin whom he is hoping to tempt to his bed. Reconsider your loans to Duke Charles. Your managers in Venice and Bruges will make no demur – Master Gregorio is in the first delirium of wedded bliss, and my grandson Diniz has contrived to become a father at last, although unfortunately not of a son. Are you enjoying my bulletin upon your neglected affairs?’
‘So far as it goes. You don’t mention Scotland.’
‘I thought you were frightened of Scotland,’ the vicomte said. ‘But of course, if you thought of returning, His Sacred Majesty would be greatly moved to feel that you went as his servant, since Anselm Adorne is undoubtedly returning as the envoy of Burgundy. You know he is sheltering the Scottish King’s exiled sister in Bruges?’
‘Still?’ Nicholas said.
‘She is awaiting the birth of a second child. Her plans must also depend on the outcome of the struggle in England. Her husband meantime serves with the Duke. It would really not be suitable, Nicholas, for you to serve the Duke of Burgundy also,’ said the fat man. ‘There is so much against it, and so many benefits to be had from joining France. For example, when Fleury is French, not Burgundian, the vicomte could be restored and given to you. The present holder is senile, they say?’
‘I am tempted,’ said Nicholas. ‘But you said, didn’t you, that whatever I promised, they would never let me leave here without some security?’
The vicomte paused. He said, ‘It would require, of course, to be considerable, but not beyond your means. Ships, or gold perhaps. A bond for your good faith.’
‘Or the child,’ Nicholas said. ‘I shall do as you suggested, and send for the child. It would be cheaper.’
There was a silence. For a space, he could not tell how far he had been believed; any more than he could weigh precisely the reality behind the fat man’s mocking, unhurried offers. Then Jordan de Ribérac said, ‘How remarkable. When I offered to buy the brat from you once, I remember being given a very short answer.’
‘I think I felt vulnerable,’ Nicholas said. ‘At the time, he was my only legitimate heir, and my wife had just formed a