Courtesan of the Saints

  Chapter 3

  Miles walked home to his lodgings in the early morning, confident he had succeeded with Cherry, and she would continue to welcome him to her house. With this advantage he would be in a good position to work for his master, Charles Stuart, and further his designs. He had no scruples about using Cherry in that way. She was obviously no innocent maiden, but neither, judging by the company surrounding her, was she openly a whore. He was puzzled slightly, but soon concluded she was simply a passionate woman who cleverly managed to keep her activities secret from those who would have disapproved of them.

  Later in the day, he paid visits to several men who were known to be working more or less actively for the restoration of the King, and after presenting his credentials, discovered much of what was toward. This was not very encouraging. There were rumors of several plots, but from what Miles could learn they were neither well thought out nor efficiently organized. Since the Parliament had passed the Acts of Sale, forcing Royalists to lose their property, fewer of the King's nominal supporters had been willing to work openly for him, and the difficulties of clandestine plotting had made all but the most determined give up participation, if not hope. Combined with the forbearance shown to compounding Royalists, or to those returning from exile, the climate was not promising.

  But not all was dark and gloomy. Miles heard of plans to seize the ports in the west, and the name of Robert Phelips, one of the men who had braved much to assist the King in his flight after Worcester, was mentioned frequently. Miles hoped that if there were any possibility of success here, the King could return and attempt another battle, this time English led. He determined to visit Phelips in the west country.

  Another name he heard mentioned frequently was that of Lord Belasyse, a member of the prominent Lord Fauconberg's family, Catholics, and wealthy, northern landowners. Here was another possible contact who would be able to influence large groups of people. He would have to travel north too. His excuse of searching for a small estate would serve as reason for these journeys.

  He was planning this as he emerged from a tavern in Fleet Street where he had been talking with one of his contacts, and trying to decide whether his regret at the need to leave London so soon after arriving there had too much to do with Cherry Weston, which would be dangerous to his mission, when he saw her.

  At first he thought he had been mistaken. It was the curve of the cheek and the pert little chin that had made him look twice at the woman who was hurrying past. Then he noted her clothes, almost ragged, and far from clean, and dismissed it as a chance resemblance. But, unconvinced, he turned round and stared after her. She was the same height, and had the same dark hair. Her gown was loose, and disguised her figure, but by now Miles was so uncertain he began to walk unobtrusively after the woman.

  Gradually he drew nearer, and watched her closely. She did not pause, but went purposefully onwards, until she reached Middle Temple Lane. As she turned into it she glanced back, and Miles was now convinced it was Cherry Weston he was following. She had not seen him, for he had been cautiously keeping in the shadows, and he decided to risk following her further. He was intrigued to see her in such clothes, for until this time she had always appeared in expensive, luxurious gowns. He determined to unravel this puzzle.

  She reached the quarters where the students of the Inns had their lodgings, as well as other gentlemen who enjoyed such bachelor quarters. Looking cautiously round, she disappeared into one of the buildings, and Miles settled to wait, hidden from view in a doorway.

  He pondered on this. Was she paying some clandestine visit to yet another lover? Why the clothes, which were too drab and poor to be used as a disguise, if that was her business. She looked like a servant, and a badly provided for one at that.

  Miles did not however, have long to consider these ideas, for Cherry reappeared. She had scarcely been gone long enough for amorous dalliance, and the puzzle deepened, for if it were not this, what could it be?

  She did not pause, but made her way back to Canning Street through the less frequented ways, and Miles followed as close as he dared. At length he saw her slip unobtrusively into the stable entrance of her own house, and he turned down a side road and made his way back to his own lodgings.