A Fine Madness by Alan Judd (best classic books TXT) 📕

life’s worth to breathe a word that he conveyed anything. And so far he had not. ‘At least, I think he has not,’ said Sir Robert softly. ‘Twice we have sent your friend Marlowe with him, to keep an eye on him. Of course, Marlowe knows nothing of what is going on, either, but he reported nothing untoward, no unexplained contacts or absences on Poley’s part. But we have learned through other sources that the Earl of Essex has also his own secret channel to the Scottish Court. We do not know what passes along it but we can be sure it will be more to Essex’s benefit than the state’s. King James is cautious and will no doubt play along with it until he sees which of these opposing English factions is likely to triumph. We believe Essex knows nothing of our activities. If he finds it out he will whisper it in the Queen’s ear within the hour and it will be the end for us. She continues to indulge him.’

Meanwhile, he worried that Poley might be tempted to ride two horses. He was seeing ever more of Skeres and others of Essex’s circle, sometimes Frizer too. ‘I suspect it is some nefarious business of his own, something they are cooking up between them. But I cannot be sure and until I am I dare not risk using him again. What I want of you, Mr Phelippes, is that you insert your friend Marlowe into that little group, get him close with them, find out whether it is business of their own they meet about – and if so what – or whether Poley is negotiating with the Earl through Skeres. Do you still trust Marlowe, and would he do it?’

I had not seen Christopher for some time. I doubted he would want to take time away from the theatre to play games with Poley and the others, for whom he had no great fondness.

‘He journeyed to Scotland with Poley willingly enough on our behalf when the theatres were closed,’ Sir Robert added. ‘They are closed again now with the plague. He must be at a loose end and he will need money.’

‘But would I not have to tell him what to look out for, tell him about the Earl and about—’

‘No. You simply tell him you want him to find out what Poley, Skeres and Frizer are cooking between them. He has no reason to ask why but if he does you may tell him you are with me and that you are worried that Poley might be getting closer to Essex. Emphasise that he could use this time when the theatres are closed to earn himself some good money by insinuating himself deeper into their company. He should be glad of the chance.’

I wasn’t so sure, suspecting that Christopher was now too busy and successful in his own world to have much time for ours. But his trips to Scotland with Poley – which I had not known about – suggested some willingness. I would of course have agreed anyway, but when Cecil suggested that I too would be well rewarded for my help and my silence, I thanked him.

I should explain, sir, that earlier that year I was briefly imprisoned for my debts to the Crown and then released thanks to Lord Buckhurst, who petitioned the Queen for me. This meant that I had lost touch with Christopher who was by then with Lord Strange’s players at the Rose theatre. The theatres now being closed, I did not know where he lodged nor where else to find him. I tried the Rose first. Most of the company were dispersed but a few players were still there, offering fencing lessons to any who came by, including me. They had not seen Christopher for some time and did not know where he lodged. It was clear they were finding it hard to put food into their mouths so I gave them a shilling and promised more if Christopher called and they sent him to my house.

At home I told Mary everything. Sir Robert Cecil would have been appalled that I should share state secrets with my wife, given how many wives love to gossip, but Mary was discreet and I trusted her with all my business, as I still do. It was as well I did because she immediately told me that Christopher lodged in a house at the far end of Hog’s Lane, not far from her own house which we had let since our marriage.

‘How do you know?’

‘He called. He called last week.’

‘Here? He was here? You never told me.’

‘He has never ceased calling, all the time you were in prison. He was concerned for me.’

I half realised what a dullard I must be, wrapped up in my own world. For a moment I doubted her, remembering how well they got on and feeling again the jealousy I had felt before we married. ‘What do you do when he calls?’

‘We talk. We always have. That is all.’ She took my hand and stood close, smiling. ‘Thomas, you have no need to worry. I am as faithful a wife as you are a husband.’

If that were true, there really was no need to worry. I was persuaded of it, yet I couldn’t help going on. ‘What do you talk about?’

‘Everything and nothing. Besides, I don’t think he is looking for a wife. Or mistress. He is too busy for such distractions.’

‘He can’t be now with the theatres closed.’

‘He is writing poetry. He read me some.’

‘He reads you poetry?’

‘Yes, why not? I am sure he would read it to you, if you liked it. But you always say you do not.’

I left it at that.

His lodgings were above a baker’s and luckily he was in. He had a long room with two windows and beneath each a table covered with papers. He shared, he said, with another player who was away with part of the company, touring