ESSEX - Tudor Rebel
(Book Two of the Elizabethan Series)
By Tony Riches
Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, is one of the most intriguing men of the Elizabethan period. Tall and handsome, he soon becomes a ‘favourite’ at court, so close to the queen many wonder if they are lovers.
The truth is far more complex, as each has what the other yearns for. Robert Devereux longs for recognition, wealth and influence. His flamboyant naïveté amuses the ageing Queen Elizabeth, like the son she never had, and his vitality makes her feel young.
Robert Devereux’s remarkable true story continues the epic tale of the rise of the Tudors, which began with the best-selling Tudor trilogy and concludes with the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
Excerpt
Walsingham House, April 1590
Robert noted the faded velvet and worn gilding on the ornate arms of the chair as he waited for Lady Frances. Walsingham House in Seething Lane, by the Tower of London, looked grand from outside, but there seemed to be few servants and the rooms were cold, with rush matting floors, and moth-eaten tapestries.
He’d called out of courtesy, to offer his sympathy on the death of her father. He could have written, but thought he should see Frances in person, out of respect. He’d not forgotten the connection he’d once sensed.
The door creaked open and Lady Frances appeared in the doorway. Robert had expected her to be in mourning dress, but was surprised at how well her black gown showed off her figure, with a fan-shaped ruff, open at the front and a laced bodice with a carcanet of gauze.
Two small spaniels entered with her, and one went bounding up to Robert for attention, licking his hand, its tail wagging furiously. The other dog stared at him with too-knowing eyes, as if making up its mind whether he was welcome.
‘Eris!’ Frances called her boisterous dog to heel, but it ignored her.
Robert smiled as he recalled his tutor’s lessons. ‘Eris was the Greek goddess of chaos, strife and discord.’
Frances gave him a warm smile. ‘They are sisters, but could not be more different.’ She looked down at the dog hiding in her skirts. ‘This one’s called Harmonia, goddess of harmony and concord.’
She called for her maidservant to take the dogs outside and turned to Robert. ‘Thank you for coming. I hear much about you these days, my lord.’
He remembered the reason for his visit, and took off his hat as he stood to bow. ‘I’m sorry for your loss, my lady. Her Majesty said her life will never be as safe without your father.’
A flicker of sadness showed in her cornflower-blue eyes. ‘Father loved his work, but it cost him dearly.’
‘I know he suffered with poor health these past months.’
‘I pleaded with him to stay at home and rest, but he told me the queen showed little sympathy, and insisted he must return to work.’
Robert nodded. ‘Her Majesty is the most demanding of mistresses.’
‘Father had to meet the costs of his network of agents from his own pocket.’ Frances frowned. ‘He worried about his debts, and having so little to show for all those years of loyal service. He was buried in haste, at midnight, to outwit his creditors.’
‘I truly had no idea.’ Robert shook his head at yet another example of the queen taking advantage of those who served her. He’d not attended the funeral at St Paul’s Cathedral. ‘I will speak to Her Majesty on your mother’s behalf. It’s only right she should clear your father’s debts to the Crown.’
Frances nodded. ‘My mother will be most grateful. I know she worries about how we will cope without my father.’
‘And you, Frances, are you provided for?’
‘I’m fortunate that I have few expenses.’ She forced a smile. ‘Mother has left for Barn Elms, our house in Richmond. Will you do me the honour of keeping me company for supper?’
‘I have no other plans for the evening.’ Again, she’d surprised him. ‘It would be my pleasure.’
He followed her into the dining room, where a warming log fire burned in the grand fireplace under a flattering portrait of the queen in her youth. He stared into the painting’s dark eyes and cursed under his breath. His father, his stepfather, and even Sir Francis Walsingham, had all been crippled by debt as a reward for their loyalty.
Robert Devereux’s remarkable true story continues in ESSEX- Tudor Rebel, the epic tale of loyalty and love and adventure follows Robert from his youth to his fateful rebellion.
You can find your copy on Amazon. This novel is free to read with #KindleUnlimited subscription.
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