“I have no fear whatever, marquis. That Somerset will be in a furious passion when he learns the truth, I do not in the least doubt. But what matters that? I am accustomed to his explosions of rage, and treat them with contempt. The matter is past prevention, and must therefore be endured.”
“You have not yet disclosed the secret to the king, I suppose?” inquired Dorset.
“I have not acquainted him with the marriage, but I have obtained his consent to it, and that amounts to the same thing. His majesty has even been gracious enough to write to the queen-dowager, praying her to listen to my proposals.”
“Then there is no fear of displeasure on his part,” observed Dorset, laughing. “But are you equally certain of the council?”
“What can the council do?” rejoined Seymour, shrugging his shoulders. “The matter is past repair, as I have just said. They must reconcile themselves to it, as they can. However, I have reason to think that the majority of them are favorable to me. I have sounded Warwick and Russell, and one or two others, and find them well enough disposed.”
“What says her majesty’s brother, the Earl of Northampton? Have you hinted the matter to him?”
“I have not judged it prudent to do so. But for his sister’s sake he will be friendly. Her highness has great influence with him, and will not fail to exercise it at the right moment. Thus you see, marquis, I am perfectly secure.”
“I rejoice to find you so confident, admiral, and trust nothing untoward may occur. But in regard to my daughter, methinks the aspect of affairs is not quite so promising. The lord protector, as I hear, is determined upon enforcing the treaty of marriage proposed by his late majesty between our youthful sovereign and the young Queen of Scotland, and since compliance with his demands has been refused, is about to declare war upon that country.”
“Your lordship has been rightly informed. The Duke of Somerset is now actively preparing for an expedition into Scotland, and only awaits the return of Sir Francis Brian, who has been sent to France to secure, if possible, the neutrality of that country. Most assuredly, the expedition will be undertaken, and it is almost equally certain that the Scots will be worsted, and yet the treaty will come to naught.”
“How so?” demanded Dorset.” It seems to me, if the treaty be once executed, that it has a good chance of being fulfilled.”
“It will not be fulfilled, because the party principally concerned is averse to it. He will choose a consort, for himself, and not be bound by any treaty. Now do you understand, marquis?”
“But he may be overruled, or yield to considerations of state policy.”
“Granted; but if I have any influence with him, he will do neither one nor the other.”
“Well, my lord admiral, you have removed my misgivings. I am with you. Let but your marriage be acknowledged in the king’s presence, and my daughter shall be committed to Queen Catherine’s care, and her hand left to your disposal.”
“The acknowledgment will take place at Seymour House to-morrow, marquis, and you yourself shall witness it, if you list. The king honors me with his presence at a banquet, and the lord protector, with the council and many of the nobles, is invited to meet him. I shall make it the occasion of introducing my royal consort to them.”
“‘T is a plan worthy of you,” replied Dorset. “I can imagine the scene—the lord protector’s surprise and indignation, and the embarrassment of the council; but since you have the king with you, all must end satisfactorily. I am much beholden to your lordship for allowing me to be present on so interesting an occasion, and will not fail to attend upon you.”
Upon this, he arose as if about to take his leave, but after a little hesitation, added, “I was about to put your friendship to a further test, but will delay doing so to a more convenient opportunity.”
“No time can be more convenient than the present, marquis,” said the admiral, who guessed what was coming. “How can I serve you? Only point out the way.”