The Cardinal's Angels Read Online Free Page B

the pretensions of that cursed woman.
    Like any man of sense and prudence, he had his spies spread through all the great households, usefully ferreting out secrets and treachery. One recently discovered gem of knowledge could solve this annulment impasse and bring Lord Rochford and his daughter around to a more submissively obedient frame of mind. He had to move fast—his pursuivants had warned of other stalkers in the household. Even better, it could be made to look as if he was aiding Katherine and thus, gain Hapsburg support. Then with those two knocked out, his hold on power would be firm enough to dangle a protégée before the King.
    If only he had another sign. The sight of ‘golden angels’ wetted men’s appetites as evidence of an earthly reward, but to be more certain of success, he needed something more divinely sanctified than the coiner’s stamp, perhaps even metaphysical. Where could he gain that guarantee? Wolsey pondered this problem, idly twisting a ruby ring. Dare he risk it? It was said that there were more diviners of the future in the Holy City than clerics. Clement wasn’t the only one who wouldn’t set foot outside his door until the heavens had been scrutinised for portents. So how to use that penchant?
    Once more his own angel whispered inspiration. The fates were rallying to his aid. Didn’t he have his own bonded diviner, a scryer of the heavens, a fellow famed for his accuracy? Yes he did! But now was a dangerous time to utilise the fellow’s arcane services. Norfolk’s spies had sniffed too close before now.
    And again his angelic inspiration revealed a path. The good doctor’s charts and books had proved vital in removing that annoying Buckingham with a charge of treason. Once more he could play on his knowledge of His Majesty’s “concerns”. Utilising those cunning implements, he’d have those twice damned Boleyns muzzled and brought to heel by fear. Yes! His growing certainty flashed firm resolution through his soul. Not even the quivering warnings of his daemon could halt it now. Wolsey shook his head to silence the seditious whispers.
    With a new confidence, he returned to his pile of correspondence and pulled out the latest letter from his secretary, Thomas Cromwell. This was the second time today he had considered its import. The warnings were clear. Norfolk was snapping at his heels. Thomas Howard, the slippery as a snake Duke of Norfolk, had his clients spread throughout the court eroding Wolsey’s standing with every scurrilous whisper. Now with the Blackfriars debacle, Queen Katherine had raised her banner of war and when a Castilian swore dire revenge, it was best to believe it. His enemies were gathering, and not even his own household was safe. Cromwell wrote of treacherous rumours and advised swift action. Wolsey held the letter as if weighing its import on the scales of decision. Yes, his angel cried. Now was the time! Now for the tool!
    Cromwell would have been perfect. He’d proven an astute and loyal retainer, though at this juncture, his many talents were better employed watching over the skulking rats at Court. Fortunately there was another servant, steadfast and true, a man also used to the darker side of statecraft, a sharp blade to match the alluring whisper of his Cardinal’s angels and, moreover, one who had experience in setting the traps of treason.
    “Your eminence?”
    Wolsey put down his quill and smiled at his kneeling servant. That familiar shock of grey, just like the coat of a badger, brought back an older memory. His eyes sparkled with a gloating satisfaction—yes it was the glowing hand of an angel guiding him.
    “Ahh John. I have a task of some discretion for you. Tis time to return to London. Dr Agryppa has a new commission to fulfil. As well, there is another affair, an acquisition touching close to the King’s honour that requires your certain skills.”
    “I am at your eminences’ command.” The lanky figure of Master Smeaton gave