Gamesmanship

Chapter 2: Finesse

Hampton Court Palace. October 1704.

Jack rested the viol bow on his lap and stretched his fingers. The next piece would be a solo work that "Luigi" would perform on guitar. They were providing the music entertainment for the queen and several of her ladies in one of the recently renovated small salons of the palace. The Master of the Queen's Music had readily granted permission for Leonard to be included. Viola da gamba and guitar were an unusual combination, but they'd used it to great effect in France. Jack was confident that the queen and her ladies would be equally pleased.

Leonard's tenor voice was ideally suited for the songs currently popular at court. Once word got around that he'd sung before Her Majesty, he'd have no shortage of jobs. Normally, Jack was hired to perform for the season. This year he'd remain at court through Yuletide.

While Jack prepared for his next piece, he kept an ear open to newsworthy gossip—a task grown more difficult since the Duchess of Marlborough had become an infrequent visitor. In the past, Lady Sarah often spoke of political matters in his presence. Thanks to her, he'd been able to pass on tidbits about the court and Parliament to Philippe.

Lately, though, Lady Sarah's role of confidante was on shaky ground. She'd become too demanding, and the queen was tired of her lectures. Jack had noted that many at court discounted the queen's interest in politics. They wouldn't if they'd been privy to the conversations he'd overheard. When Anne was at ease, she spoke freely of her desire for peaceful relations and an end to the bloodshed spreading across Europe.

Recently, she'd taken a fancy to a Huguenot who'd fled to England to escape persecution. Marguerite de Favières was living in the household of Lord Harley, the Speaker of the House and one of the queen's most valued advisors. Jack had yet to meet Marguerite, but by all accounts, she was reported to be gentle and submissive. Her angelic nature soothed the queen.

He sympathized with the plight of the Huguenots. Many of them had settled in London, including relatives of Annick's family, the Guerins. Several of them were witches and had become members of the St. James Garlickhythe gathering.

"Very nicely done," Her Majesty remarked when Leonard finished, giving him a nod of approval.

Leonard, ever the ham, made a sweeping bow, and in heavily accented English murmured, "Your Majesty inspired me."

The queen turned to one of her ladies. "Marguerite is also an accomplished guitarist. I should have them sing a duet for us someday."

Jack then played a piece by Marin Marais. During his performance, he heard two ladies murmur among themselves about his choice of a French composer.

Anne silenced them with a gesture. "Music has no political affiliation but speaks to our emotions. Have I not repeatedly said that politics does not belong in this salon?"

The ladies blushed and grew silent. Jack continued to play as if he hadn't heard. He'd long ago mastered the necessary technique of appearing deaf to any overheard conversation unless it was addressed to him.

He caught a whiff of a familiar scent behind him in the corridor and exchanged brief nods with Leonard who undoubtedly recognized it too. Aurora's unique blend of cornflower and raspberry was unmistakable. What was she doing at Queen Anne's court?

A minute later the door opened, and Aurora wheeled a serving cart into the room.

"Marguerite, my dear, I was just talking about you," Anne said.

That answered Jack's question but raised another. Why had Aurora ingratiated herself to be the queen's new favorite?

Aurora blushed shyly. She was clad in a simple cotton gown. Her blond hair was curled in a manner reminiscent of Anne's deceased sister Mary. Jack suspected nothing Aurora did was accidental. Even her smile had a touch of Mary's smile as depicted in her portraits.