‘He attempted but failed,’ the Dominican replies coolly.
‘We are here on business, Gerhard, but I do believe a little indulgence—more specifically, a bottle of Rudesheimer Klosterberg—would smooth the proceedings. I believe you have a good vintage in your cellar.’ Heinrich throws his gloves onto a table.
The count gives the order to the footman then leads his guests to his study. A small room dominated by a large map of the Hapsburg Empire and a writing desk, and lined with solid oak panelling, the chamber has the distinct advantage of being almost soundproof and thus spyproof.
‘So you have come from Amsterdam. Is our friend willing to recant his chosen religion and return to Westphalia?’ Heinrich, impatient, cuts straight to the point.
‘My dear archbishop, there are many methods of persuasion. A craft at which I hear Monsignor Solitario is a master.’
‘Thank you. I shall take that as a compliment.’ The inquisitor bows his neat shaven head.
‘Indeed, Monsignor, your reputation precedes you.’
‘Enough!’ Tired of decorum, the archbishop fills his own glass. ‘Bluntly, for we have little time, which method of persuasion have you applied? Both Rome and Vienna grow weary of Detlef von Tennen’s insults.’
‘I have the child upstairs.’
Surprised, both men look up.
‘You have the child? Detlef von Tennen’s son?’
Gerhard, noting the hatred in the friar’s voice when pronouncing the family name, concludes that he will have to tread with great care to manipulate the inquisitor. Heinr
ich and Solitario are both experts in treachery and tactics. Will the archbishop keep his promise not to prosecute if Detlef confesses? A sudden doubt stiffens Gerhard’s muscles. Covering his discomfort, the count smiles at his guests.
‘I am convinced that his presence here will shortly bring the parents. And then, my good sire, you shall have your public confession and my brother shall have his child. I think that is a fair bargain, do you not agree, your grace?’
‘Fair indeed. You say Detlef is within the walls of the city?’
‘I believe so. I am expecting him at any moment. And when he arrives I shall notify you.’
‘We shall be watching, Gerhard, of that you may be assured.’
‘But you will protect his life, will you not?’
‘Naturally. Detlef is my protégé, as well as your brother and my cousin.’
‘He is also a Wittelsbach. I take it I have your word?’
The archbishop holds out his hand; the ring, catching the afternoon light, gleams for a second.
‘You have my word.’
There has to be a way! I could break in, or bribe my way in through the servants…’
‘And then what? Appeal to your brother’s better nature?’
‘I shall regret my naivety until my dying day.’
‘Enough. What is done is done.’
Ruth, dressed in just her petticoat, her face washed of its disguise, sits on a low oak stool beside the fire that burns in the small grate. Detlef paces restlessly in his nightgown, a blue silk sash tied around his waist.
‘I will not stand by and watch Jacob be used as barter. This is the coward’s way, Ruth, can you not see that?’
‘It is a trap your brother has laid for us—for you.’
‘The worst they could do is force me to repent.’