“Come, stand yourself up so I can look at you,” Elizabeth bade with authoritative dispensation.
In gracious compliance Elise straightened and submitted herself to the close scrutiny of the dark, grayish-black eyes, while permitting herself a like assessment. The Queen sat in regal splendor in a large, ornately carved chair close to the windows where the diamond-tipped pearl teardrops and precious jewels that adorned her flame-red wig twinkled with reflected light. The brightness of the hairpiece struck a sharp contrast to the startling whiteness of her skin. The forehead was of a woman two score, ten and two years of age, but it was high and proud, though nearly plucked void of brows. The nose was long and aquiline with little indentation across the bridge, and the gray-black eyes were keenly perceptive.
“You are Sir Ramsey Radborne’s daughter,” Elizabeth finally said and smiled pleasantly, putting the younger woman more at ease.
“I am Elise Madselin Radborne, your majesty, only child of Sir Ramsey.”
“You are no doubt wondering why I’ve summoned you into my private chambers . . .” Elizabeth paused briefly to await a polite response and, when gratified, explained, “You’ve become somewhat of a curiosity among my councillors and courtiers. They’re ever chittering about this one or that one, and on occasion, I like to indulge myself by keeping them uninformed while I’m made privy to the facts. ‘Tis rumored you were kidnapped by Maxim Seymour, the Marquess of Bradbury, taken to Hamburg, and held as his hostage.” Her long, tapering fingers, affixed with many rings, drummed on the elaborately carved arms of her chair, demonstrating her annoyance over the affair. “That rogue. I shall be enchanted to hear him talk his way out of this.”
Elise wisely held her silence on the matter of their marriage, having heard many a tale about the Queen’s venging reprisals against those among her nobility who had dared marry without her consent. Had Elizabeth not sent the Lady Katherine Grey Seymour to the tower for marrying without her permission and allowed the young mother to die in want of a pardon? Though the Queen had condemned Maxim to death, Elise still hoped for some leniency, some spark of regret that would move the woman to retract her order. It would be foolish indeed to jeopardize that hope by revealing news of their marriage. And if Maxim decided he loved Arabella more than she, a quiet annulment could be achieved better if the Queen had no knowledge of the marriage.
“Actually, your majesty, my abduction was a mistake unwittingly carried out by Lord Seymour’s servants.”
The slender hand slapped the wooden arm as derisive laughter filled the chamber. “And would you have me believe that to be true? You’re no doubt smitten with the man if you seek to excuse his crimes.”
“Lord Seymour is a handsome man. Any woman would be attracted to him,” Elise confessed, and the Queen calmed and nodded in agreement, appreciating her honesty. “Nevertheless, what I say can be verified by my uncle, Edward Stamford. He was there in the hall the night Lord Seymour came to taunt him about stealing his properties from him with a lie.”
“I’ve heard the Marquess’s protests,” Elizabeth acknowledged, unmoved by her guest’s comments. “As yet, I’ve seen no proof of his innocence, but I have oft been reminded of his foul deeds by Edward Stamford.”
“Edward has gained much by accusing him, and at this moment, your majesty, I cannot say whether Lord Seymour is alive or dead. Therefore I don’t know if he’s able to come to you with proof of his innocence, but I, for one, am certain he is guiltless.”
The Queen sighed sadly. “If he’s dead, then his secrets shall die with him, and his name will be stricken from my memory.”
“I hope that he lives, your majesty,” Elise murmured quietly.
The nearly hairless brows raised in the startlingly pale face, and for a moment Elizabeth presented an aquiline profile to her young guest as she considered a gold-trimmed cuff. “I understand you’ve also come to plead for the release of the Hanseatic captain whose ship was taken. Is that true?”
“Yea, your majesty,” Elise answered quietly, sensing the monarch’s disdain.
“How is it that you come to plead for the Hansa when ‘tis rumored your father was kidnapped by the league?”
“Captain Von Reijn has a good regard for his English friends and is not guilty of any crimes against them. ‘Twas Karr Hilliard who kidnapped my father.”
“Are you in love with this Captain Von Reijn?” the Queen pressed.
Elise clasped her hands and bowed her head slightly as she murmured, “Nay, your majesty. He’s but a friend.”
“ ‘Tis rumored that Captain Von Reijn was also a friend of Lord Seymour . . . Is this true?”
Elise hesitated, but only briefly, feeling the penetrating gaze of the Queen upon her. It seemed the woman could read her very thoughts, and she dared not provoke her by avoiding the truth. “You’ve been well-informed, your majesty.”
“Don’t coddle me, girl!” Elizabeth snapped, startling Elise with her quick temper. “It has always been my aim to be well-informed.”
Meekly Elise held her silence until the Queen’s anger ebbed, and once again she was subjected to a lengthy perusal.
“What is that you wear about your neck?” Elizabeth queried, casually gesturing toward the piece.
Fervently hoping the pearl strands had not become an offense for which she would soon regret, Elise explained, “ ‘Tis a necklace that was found with my mother when she was abandoned as a babe.”
Elizabeth raised her hand and beckoned Elise to come forward. When the girl complied, the Queen stretched out a hand and lifted the jewel-framed enamel to inspect the image more closely, then, turning aside, called for Blanche Parry to draw near. It was not until the aging woman stood before the Queen that Elise realized the elder was nearly blind.
“Is the Countess Dowager of Rutherford among those presently at court?” the Queen questioned Blanche.
The elder answered softly. “Nay, your majesty.”
Elizabeth clasped her hands before her in her lap as she bade the woman, “Then tell Lord Burghley to send out a dispatch bidding Anne to come to the castle. I’m sure she’ll be most interested to learn that she has a great-granddaughter living at Sir Ramsey’s manor home.”
“The Countess Rutherford?” Elise’s mind flew in a flurry as the Queen nodded. “But how can this be?”
“Anne’s daughter and grandchild . . . the latter undoubtedly being your mother . . . were seized and held for ransom. The Countess Rutherford was quick to respond to the abductor’s plea and sent along the required sum. A short time later the daughter was returned . . . but without the child. It seemed they had been separated, and the woman who had been hired to tend the babe caught a fever. The woman died, unable to tell any where she had taken her, saying only that the girl could be identified by the necklace the child’s mother was wearing when she was taken. The mother passed on with the pox some years later, leaving the Countess Rutherford to search for her grandchild. That was years ago, and now I must believe that you are the daughter of that missing girl.”
Elizabeth waved a hand to indicate the necklace Elise was wearing, “That enamel you have hanging about your neck was taken from a portrait of the Countess Rutherford herself, which now hangs in that one’s home. I’ve seen it myself and can verify that the enamel was copied directly from the original.
“I shall arrange for the Countess Rutherford to visit your home as soon as possible,” Elizabeth continued. “She is as ancient as my Blanche here, but she has a good and valiant heart. I’m sure she’ll be eager to make your acquaintance. She’s alone now, without blood kin. And I’m sure you’ll be a pleasure to her.”
“I’d be pleased to know my great-grandmother,” Elise murmured with restrained emotion invading her voice. A sense of elation, eager expectation, and contentment welled up within her at the idea that she had other, kinder, more caring relatives than the ones she was now acquainted with.
A light rap sounded on the door, and Blanche Parry went to the huge portal to ad
mit a tall, bearded, dark-haired gentleman who crossed the chamber with some urgency. He made a show of obeisance before his Queen, then spoke to her in a confidential whisper as Elise stepped away with quiet diplomacy. When he straightened, Elizabeth lifted a hand to bid the young woman to approach and spoke aside to the man.
“Sir Francis Walsingham, you would be interested in learning that my guest is none other than Sir Ramsey Radborne’s daughter. Elise has come to plead for the release of that Hanseatic captain who was taken.”
The tall man faced Elise with some concern. “I knew your father personally . . .”
“Please, Sir Francis, I believe he is still alive . . . at least, I continue to hope he is. I cannot bear to hear you speak of him as if he were in the past.”
“Forgive me, child.” He came forward to take her hands in his. “I have despaired in his long absence from us and become doubtful of the mercy of his captors. I don’t mean to be harsh.”
“Sir Francis is most valuable as my Secretary of State,” the Queen explained with a musing smile. “He has a passion for uncovering plots against my life . . . and I’m ever amazed at his findings. ‘Twas in the kontors of the Stilliard one was purported to have spawned. Your father was set to uncover its source when he was seized.”
Elise received the news in some amazement. “I was told he went there on a private mission to sell his possessions.”
“ ‘Twas but a ruse to give him an excuse to visit their kontors, my dear. I’ve heard of this treasure he purportedly collected, but I seriously doubt its existence.” Sir Francis clasped his hands behind his back and strode to the windows where he gazed out for a thoughtful space of time. “I’ve just now received word that there was, indeed, a plot against the Queen instigated in the Stilliards.” He faced Elise and spoke with sincerity. “Therefore, I must plead with you to give up your cause for the release of this Hanseatic captain. ‘Tis my thought the man deserves none of your charity.”
“If a conspiracy was found to exist among some members of the Hansa, that does not mean all of the captains and merchants were involved.” Elise appealed to the Secretary’s sense of justice. “Captain Von Reijn helped us to escape Lubeck when Karr Hilliard and the Hansa were seeking to kill us. He has been a close friend of the English. If I allowed him to be executed or to rot away in Newgate without making an attempt to set him free, I could not live with myself. His only crime is that I was aboard his ship, and that is the only reason Captain Sinclair seized the captain and his ship. Forgive me, Sir Francis, for I can do nothing less than plead his cause. I’m convinced that Captain Von Reijn was unjustly taken and is being unfairly detained.”
“Perhaps the man I have waiting in the antechamber will be able to clear this matter up. I’m sure you’re acquainted with him, my dear, and will be relieved to know he is alive.” He faced Elizabeth. “The gentleman is awaiting your permission to see you, your majesty. I thought you would want to do so privily . . . to decide his fate . . .”
“So! The rogue dares come lay his neck upon my blade and await my judgment, eh! . . . Or does he expect my pardon?” She waved a hand officiously. “Bid that scoundrel enter and let me hear him plead for mercy!”
Sir Francis swept her a bow and returned to the portal. Stepping aside as he swung it open, he announced grandly, “The Marquess of Bradbury, your majesty.”
Elise’s heart leapt for joy within her breast. Beside herself with both happiness and anxiety, she took a few halting steps toward the door, then, hearing the bold click of footsteps rapidly approaching the chamber, she forced herself to remain where she was, for fear the Queen might take offense at her greeting. Indeed, fear for her husband was the only thing that kept her from flying into his arms as he entered, for she thought she had never seen a man looking so wonderfully alive and so exceptionally handsome. He wore black trunk hose, stockings, low shoes, and a rich velvet doublet of the same hue. The dark clothes were accentuated by the crisp white cuffs and ruff of his shirt. Over the doublet he wore a cape of black trimmed around the collar and hem with embroidered silk threads. His skin had darkened to a golden tan, making his eyes seem more vivid. Those glowing orbs fastened on her as soon as he came through the door, bringing him to a surprised halt. Though no word passed his lips, she felt reassured by the warmth displayed in their depths.
Recovering his aplomb, Maxim turned to present himself to the Queen. “Your majesty!” His voice rang, clear as he stepped into a grand bow.
The royal monarch drummed her fingers in agitation and arched a bald brow over gleaming dark eyes. One would have had to be blind to miss the exchange between the couple, and though she could not plumb the depths or the real significance of it, the incident formed a tiny niche in her memory. She would seek the answer to it later. For now, she had other, more important matters to attend to with this man. “So, you rascal! You have returned as you said you would.”
“Aye, your majesty, and better than I promised. I have spirited away from Lubeck the nurturing core of the plot against you. Karr Hilliard is even now locked away in Newgate prison, awaiting your decree.”
“He has confessed to the murder of my agent?” Elizabeth questioned expectantly.
“Nay, your majesty, nor is he the one who murdered him,” Maxim averred. “That man is an Englishman for whom I have no name, the lover of one of your ladies-in-waiting.”
“The deuce you say!” she cried indignantly. “Well, we shall hear what my ladies have to say of this! I’ll not tolerate such wanton behavior among my attendants!”
“The man will be identified,” Walsingham promised her. “And imprisoned.”
“Unfortunately he is also the one who holds Sir, Ramsey captive . . .” Maxim informed them.
“Then we must proceed with more care.” Elizabeth braced her chin reflectively between two pale, slender, fingers and peered directly at Maxim. “Have you aught to suggest?”
“If you speak with your ladies, your majesty,” Maxim began, “you may alert the man, though I was led to believe the woman has no idea she is being used.”
“If that is the case,” the Queen pointed out, “I’m sure when the delicacy of the situation is explained to her, the lady will gladly volunteer the information. I’m eager to know the identity of this traitor.”
“If she is truly innocent, your majesty, would not her ire be roused against the man for his deception?” Maxim questioned. “And if she cannot control her resentment, she might unwittingly warn the man by a display of anger.”
“Shall I imprison my ladies?” Elizabeth demanded sharply. “What are you suggesting I do?”
“Entice them to spread a tale that will draw the man into our trap,” Maxim quickly answered. “Fill their delicate ears with a rumor that is sure to rouse the interest of the brigand, but let them not be aware of what they do. The information should appear to reach him by accident, merely the report of an overhead conversation.”
“And what rumor would you have me spill?”
“ ‘Tis my suspicion that the kidnapper is holding Sir Ramsey for the treasure he purportedly hid. If it should reach his ears that I know the whereabouts of the gold, the man might be tempted to seek me out and offer to exchange Sir Ramsey for ransom.”
Elise moved forward, gaining the attention of the three. “And if he does suspect that you know, would that ploy help my father’s cause or hinder it?”
Maxim’s eyes softened again as they settled on his wife, and the promse of love, though it remained unspoken, was there to be seen in his face. “How would it hinder his cause, my lady?”
Elise stumbled through a hesitant nod as her cheeks warmed with pleasure. How could she successfully hide a love that was overflowing her heart? “If the kidnapper thinks you know, then he may decide he has no further use of my father and do away with him.”
Maxim had thought it all out and was quick to reply. “The man would not be too hasty, for he would want to make sure of what I know first.”
“Dare I suggest t
hat Sir Ramsey may have told them already and been killed?” Sir Francis offered.
Maxim’s mien grew thoughtful. “If the kidnapper cannot produce some evidence that Sir Ramsey is still alive, then we shall dispense with caution, gain his name from the lady, and have him arrested. However, if Ramsey is alive, and the brigand believes there’s a large treasure to be had, ‘tis my belief that he’ll be anxious to keep him alive. I shall present my proposal in the manner of ransom. I think Sir Ramsey will be safe as long as there is hope of a reward and his captor believes ‘tis to his advantage to keep him alive.”
“The man will want to hide his identity,” Sir Francis interjected.
“My task will be to disclose it,” Maxim answered.
“Will you not be in danger yourself?” Elizabeth asked him.
“I shall do my utmost to safeguard my continued good health, your majesty,” Maxim vowed with a smile.
“I’m sure nothing would give you greater pleasure than to seize the man who allowed you to suffer in his stead,” Elizabeth returned musefully, then nodded her acceptance. “Proceed with your plans. I’ll see that such a tale is spread among my ladies.”
“And what shall we do about Captain Von Reijn?” Sir Francis asked the Queen.
“Captain Von Reijn?” Maxim was immediately attentive to the matter. “What has happened?”
“ ‘Twould seem Captain Von Reijn and his crew have been arrested and thrown in Newgate gaol,” Sir Francis informed him. “Captain Sinclair said the man might have been supplying Parma’s troops in the Netherlands and perhaps is somehow connected with the kidnapping of Mistress Radborne here.”
“I’m the only one guilty of that offense!” Maxim declared in a rush of anxious concern.
“ ‘Tis strange, Elizabeth responded sardonically. “Mistress Radborne said your men took her by mistake.”