Tombland

He continued in the same even tone, ‘That woman is not Boleyn’s wife. She has no legal right to be there. His sons, on the other hand, do.’

I looked him in the eye. ‘They do not. Mistress Isabella was told the boys’ wardship had been granted to their grandfather, though until the pardon is approved or refused no dealings whatever can be made with Master Boleyn’s property or his heirs, apart from keeping his affairs in order. Certainly not evicting his fiancée and the estate steward, without notice, appropriating monies Master Boleyn gave to Isabella, and installing Gerald and Barnabas in his house. All that, Serjeant Flowerdew, is illegal. Mistress Boleyn, or Mistress Heath, if you prefer, was presented by you with a document purporting to authorize your actions. I would like to see it. May we come in?’ Flowerdew hesitated. I smiled, then added, ‘I am sure the Court of Common Pleas would be displeased if I told them a fellow serjeant had refused to discuss any – misunderstanding – in front of witnesses,’ I added, glancing at Barak and Nicholas.

Flowerdew hesitated still. He was caught out; clearly, he thought I had already gone back to London and he could act with impunity. What I did not understand was why he had done this. He looked over his shoulder to where his wife stood, looking anxious. Two boys in their early teens appeared from an inner room, along with a short, powerfully built man in his forties. Flowerdew bit his lower lip, then said, ‘Come in, to my office.’ He looked at Barak. ‘He can stay with the horses.’

Nicholas and I followed Flowerdew inside. I noticed that the furniture and tapestries in the house were all of the best quality. He waved a hand briefly at the onlookers. ‘My wife Alice, my sons, Edward and William, my steward Glapthorne.’ Then he led us into a well-organized office full of documents, estate maps and law books. ‘Sit down,’ he said, indicating two stools before his desk. He sat behind it, and clasped his hands together before speaking. ‘If you take this to court, it is unlikely to come on before the pardon is decided.’

‘As I said, I would like to see your authorization for the eviction.’

‘I showed it to Goodwife Heath.’

I had had enough of being patient. ‘Who, you guessed, probably could not read; but you kept it from Master Chawry, who, as a steward, could.’

Flowerdew gave a crooked smile. ‘He’s bedding her, you can see by the way he looks at her.’

‘The document, Serjeant Flowerdew. Misconduct by a serjeant-at-law is serious. You may be a man of power here, but in London I work for the Lady Elizabeth, and count the Protector’s Secretary William Cecil as a friend.’

Flowerdew began to look uncomfortable. He made a poor attempt at a friendly smile. ‘I hear you worked for Cromwell, ten years ago. So did I. I was responsible for closing Wymondham Abbey for him.’ He frowned, anger showing through. ‘You have no idea the trouble that gave me.’

‘With the monks?’

He smiled again. ‘Oh no, they fled the coop quickly enough, after what happened to the abbots of Glastonbury and Fountains. It was the damned townsmen, saying they were entitled to all sorts of property. Still, I got some lands myself out of it – and have worked for King Henry and King Edward in the county ever since in various capacities, and now, working for the escheator I have brought some good revenues to the Crown.’

And to yourself, no doubt, I thought. Flowerdew said, trying now to draw me into a friendly conversation between lawyers, ‘I find working in my home county more agreeable than in London.’

‘You never aimed to become a judge?’

He flushed, and I realized he had probably been disappointed in that ambition. ‘No,’ he answered curtly. ‘And you?’

‘I have never wanted that either. The document, sir,’ I repeated quietly.

Flowerdew set his lips, then produced a paper from his desk and handed it over. It was a notice of eviction, granting power of occupation of North Brikewell Manor to Gerald and Barnabas Boleyn on behalf of their grandfather, prospective grantee of their wardship. It was signed by Flowerdew, but there was no seal of authority.

I looked at him. ‘This document has no legal validity whatsoever.’

He shifted in his chair, his arrogance gone. ‘You know what men like Chawry are like, think they know the law better than you and me and challenge everything. It was easier this way.’

I handed the document to Nicholas. ‘This is serious,’ I said. ‘I shall keep this paper.’

Flowerdew laid his hands on the desk. He looked worried now. ‘Sir, we were only anticipating events –’

‘We?’

He hesitated. ‘Sir Richard Southwell and I. It was he who suggested this after he heard of the pardon application.’ He added in a rush, ‘You must understand, he is a powerful man, and a dangerous one.’

‘So I hear.’

Nicholas asked, ‘But why would he be interested in evicting Isabella?’

‘Perhaps he wants the estate,’ I suggested. ‘He has land on both sides.’