Tombland

‘Have you been here all the time?’ I asked Nicholas.

‘Yes, I just sit on the floor, trying to sleep, but sleeping is hard, rats climb over you constantly. But awake I just – thoughts whirl around in my head, in no order.’ He gave me a sudden sharp look. ‘You know Toby Lockswood lied about me.’

‘Of course. I have been trying to get Captain Kett’s ear. But with the Herald coming, and then the attack – I am sorry, Nicholas.’

He gave that cracked laugh again. ‘The world turned upsy-down.’

‘I have thought of you all the time.’ I pressed his hand. ‘I have an idea. It may get you more comfortable quarters, and help John Boleyn. Did you know that someone tried to poison him?’

For the first time his face showed interest. ‘No. Will that man never be left alone?’

‘It was in the food brought to him by Isabella –’

‘She would never –’

‘Either it was poisoned before it got here, or at the gaol.’

‘Do other prisoners get their own food brought in?’ Barak asked.

‘Some. We others get a horrible pottage, last year’s beans mixed up with sheep entrails. Witherington hardly eats at all, I’ve tried spooning food into his mouth but half of it goes down his chin.’ Nicholas saw Edward looking at Witherington and suddenly burst out, ‘Is he not still a human being? Are we not all of one common flesh, as the Commonwealth men say?’ He gave that cracked laugh again.

The mention of Commonwealth men caught the ear of the little group of newcomers in the corner. One turned and started railing at Edward. ‘You dogs, you apes, you think you can lock us up here and humiliate us? The Protector and the Council will send an army now.’

One of his fellows grabbed his arm and said ‘Be quiet!’ but the man ranted on. ‘We are the true leaders of Norwich. When we get out, we’ll have you hanged from your fucking Oak, every one of you! We know your names, we know your faces!’ He looked at Edward. ‘And we remember your voice, London foreigner!’

Edward laughed. ‘Yes, you look like you’re in charge, don’t you?’

The man lost all control, shouting ‘Churls! Peasants! Serfs! Dogs! Thieves!’ The guard came over and gave him a clout on the head with the blunt end of his pike. He cried out. ‘Keep your mouth shut,’ the guard said.

One of the other Norwich gentlemen said, his voice pleading, ‘How long are you going to keep us here? Where are our wives and families? What are you going to do to us?’

Edward said, ‘You’ll all get a fair trial at the Oak of Reformation, once Captain Kett has made provision for organizing the city you closed against us with your treachery. Now shut your fucking mouth.’

The man sat back wearily.

Edward said to Nicholas, ‘I am sorry, but I believe you, too, will be tried at the Oak, for what Toby Lockswood and his so-called witnesses reported you said. If you are found guilty, you’ll be sent back here indefinitely.’

Nicholas looked at him. ‘The rumour here is that you’re going to execute people.’

‘No. That we do not do.’

Nicholas said, suddenly animated, ‘Then yes, take me to the Oak, let me question Lockswood and his witnesses in open session. I never said a word of what he reported, and I will show him up for the liar he is!’

‘Well said,’ Barak agreed. ‘Edward, you remember Nicholas from before. You know he is a good man.’

I took my chance. ‘Edward, I want to ask a favour. I want to get your permission, and Fordhill’s, to move Nicholas in with John Boleyn. I am going to see Boleyn’s wife, and ensure the parcels are properly sealed and secured before they leave her. If Nicholas can share his cell, it will give Boleyn some security against attack.’ I grasped Nicholas’s shoulder. ‘His quarters are much better, you’ll eat Isabella’s food; you’ll have the chance to build yourself up again.’

Edward shook his head, irritated. ‘This Boleyn matter is not Captain Kett’s business.’

‘I am concerned for my client – you know Gerald and Barnabas Boleyn were seen among the city defenders this morning.’

‘Yes, and we will find them. Our men have already closed the city gates.’

‘Will you help me?’

Edward sighed. ‘I will, on one condition. That, in turn, you help persuade Josephine to come to the camp with Mousy.’

I answered readily. ‘Agreed.’

Chapter Fifty-eight

We returned to Constable Fordhill, who quickly agreed to my suggestion – he did not want a prisoner for whom the Lady Elizabeth had put in a request for a pardon dead on his hands. Edward left us outside the castle, saying he had business connected with the reorganization of Norwich. I thanked him for all he had done, and promised I would visit Josephine and try to persuade her to return to the camp with us. I watched his rangy figure walk quickly away. The long summer afternoon was waning, bringing a welcoming breeze from the river, and I thought of Nicholas, trapped in that filthy place. I said to Barak, ‘Poor Witherington can be dismissed as a suspect where Boleyn’s poisoning is concerned.’ I frowned. ‘There are others.’

‘Are you thinking of Daniel Chawry?’