“And yet it is not heresy, which surely makes it not the concern of the Holy Office?” D’Avaux found the argument of the avocatus diaboli surprisingly easy to formulate. “Is it not the case that absent palpable heresy, there is value in freedom of speech? Many advance this argument.”
“None among the Holy Office, seigneur. And Buckley advances the argument in support of suspected heresy. They grow concerned and turn to stratagems to silence Buckley.”
“And you have provided them with one?”
“Indeed, seigneur. And in the same stroke I believe we will also prevent any closer contact forming between the Swede and Rome.”
“Between the arch-Protestant of northern Europe and His Holiness? Surely there was no great danger of that?”
“There is according to the Inquisition, seigneur. They fear that His Holiness will undertake to co-opt the Catholic presence in the United States of Europe to press further reforms in the Church. There is talk of correspondence already passing between Rome and Magdeburg.”
“Ah, so those rumors have reached Venice, have they?”
“Seigneur?” Ducos inclined his head a little. It was rare that d’Avaux’s factotum was caught by surprise.
“A briefing at the highest level . . .” No sense in naming His Eminence. “I am given to understand that Mazarini made a number of trips to Grantville shortly after its appearance, and proceeded from his last trip there straight to Rome. It is also reported that the priest was moved to send a great deal of material to the Vatican, although we have been unable to discover precisely what. It centers on what the Americans claim is the future development of the Church, that much we do know. Doubtless the Holy Office is suitably concerned, since many of them in Italy are creatures of Spain, or at least under their direction.”
Ducos nodded. “They certainly wish Buckley to be silent, for the moment.”
D’Avaux smiled. “Well, if it assists in saving the Church from American heresy at the very highest level, I see no good reason why they should not be suitably obliged. See to it, Ducos.”
“As the Seigneur le Comte directs.” Ducos acknowledged the order with a bow. “There is further intelligence,” he went on. “I am informed that the Venetian Committee of Correspondence, such as it is, has some notion of taking further action over Galileo.”
“Further than printing copies of his book? How significant could they be, here in Venice?”
“The seigneur is most perspicacious. Indeed, they are said to be a rather pathetic grouping. Not much more than one malcontent and his family. My assessment is that even with the aid of the youths with the American party they will proceed no further than making tedious speeches to each other in draughty rooms. But my informer tells me they are at least talking about a scheme to rescue Galileo from his impending trial.”
“Are they, now?” d’Avaux mused. “You say some American youths are involved with them? Is there not then an opportunity to further divide the Vatican from the Americans?”
“As I observed to the seigneur, there is perhaps little prospect of these particular radicals taking any effective action. They are regarded as something of a joke by virtually every organ of the Venetian state and by the Holy Office.”
“And yet more unlikely groups have delivered themselves of great coups in the past, have they not?” D’Avaux stroked his beard, thinking furiously. “Are we certain that there are Americans with them?”
“Yes, seigneur. The three sons of Doctor Stone. They have attended several meetings.” Ducos was firm on this point.
“Perhaps they might be impressed with the desire to proceed further?” D’Avaux could hardly hope for a result like that, although Ducos’ resourcefulness had surprised him before. “Perhaps a new member with some spirit and drive, a spark of, dare I say, competence?”
“If the seigneur gives leave, I might serve as such an agent provocateur, yes.” The idea seemed to amuse the cold factotum, as much as anything did. “I regret I have no operative in Venice who would pass as a genuine adherent, not on such short notice.”
“So be it, then. Except I think that perhaps we might press them to go further than simply attempting to spirit Galileo away. The first objection to any such accusation would be that the Americans had sent an advocate to the trial and would hardly cheat themselves of victory. I feel sure that so radical and dangerous a group must be plotting some greater outrage against a prince of the church. Perhaps—perish the very thought—another plot against His Holiness’ life?”