The Constable of the Tower by W. Harrison Ainsworth

THUS FAR THE SECOND BOOK

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Book III

Plot and Counterplot

Chapter I

OF THE ARRANGEMENT MADE BY THE ADMIRAL WITH THE MASTER OF THE MINT AT BRISTOL

Several months flew by, during which no further difference occurred between the lord protector and the admiral. A semblance of good understanding was maintained between them, both being exceedingly careful to do no act to betray the secret animosity they still nourished towards each other. Somerset strove to conciliate his brother by fresh favors, but ineffectually. The admiral’s greedy ambition was not to be thus easily satisfied, though he professed unbounded gratitude.

Towards the end of August, 1547, the protector had completed his preparations for his long meditated warlike expedition against Scotland. The invading army comprised about twenty thousand men, more than a third of whom, however, consisted of German, Spanish, and Italian mercenaries. Some apprehension being entertained of an invasion from France, aid having been promised by the reigning monarch, Henri II., to the Scots, all needful precautions were taken for the security of the English shores. The admiral was appointed lord-lieutenant of the South, and the defence of the whole south coast was intrusted to him. He had indulged the hope that during his absence his brother would delegate his powers to him, but the protector was far too wary, preferring to place the temporary government of the kingdom in the hands of the council. Consequently, the chief management of affairs was intrusted to Sir William Paget, principal secretary of state, in whom Somerset had entire reliance.

All arrangements being made, and a numerous and well-manned fleet, under the command of Lord Clinton, designed to attend the army on its march along the coast, having set sail, the lord protector, accompanied by the Earl of Warwick as second in command, took formal leave of his royal nephew, and set forth on his expedition.

By the departure of his brother, the stage was left free to the admiral, and he availed himself of the opportunity to prosecute his machinations more actively than ever. Aware, however, that he was surrounded by the spies of the council, and that all his proceedings would be reported to his brother by Sir William Paget, he observed extreme caution. In a scheme so gigantic as that on which he was engaged, the possession of large supplies of money was indispensable, but how were these to be promptly obtained? At last he hit upon an expedient which he put in practice without hesitation. Having received private information from one of the officers that Sir William Sharington, master of the mint at Bristol, had been guilty of certain fraudulent practices, he judged him to be a man fit for his purpose, and accordingly despatched Ugo Harrington to him with a letter, ordering him to come up to London at once. Sharington complied, and, returning with the messenger, immediately waited on Seymour.

He was received very coldly, the admiral’s object being to work upon his fears. Motioning him to take a seat, Seymour forbore to address him till they were alone.

Sir William Sharington was a man of middle age, tall, well proportioned, sallow complexioned, bald, with a black beard, slightly tinged with grey. His eyes were dark and quick, and though his features were good, there was something equivocal in his look. He was plainly but handsomely attired in a murrey-colored velvet doublet, over which he wore a gown of the same color, lined and faced with sable. Eyeing the admiral keenly, he perceived that mischief was intended him.

“Sir William Sharington,” said Seymour, in a stern tone, and with a severe look, “your malpractices have been revealed to me by your assay-master. You have alloyed the gold and silver intrusted to you. Attempt not to deny your guilt, or I will have you taken to the Tower, where the torture will soon wring a full confession from you.”

“Have mercy upon me!” cried Sharington, in extremity of terror. “I will repair the wrong I have done—I will give up all my possessions. Do not let me be put to the torture.”

Seymour shook his head sternly.

“All thy possessions will be confiscated by the Crown,” he said, “and thou thyself wilt be hanged.”