Elizabeth by Evelyn Anthony

Robert Dudley was pushing his way forward towards her. Always pushing, always determined to stand where the limelight fell, she thought, but she made the observation indulgently, amused by the characteristic she knew so well. He was ambitious and thrusting, but those traits were part of him; they gave him that keen, hunter’s eye, the agile body, radiating energy; he possessed a ravening hunger for life and all that life could offer, and the prize which dazzled all men’s eyes was herself. Only Robert, the grandson of a grasping lawyer without a drop of truly noble blood in his veins, would have dared try and take that prize before all the princely competitors in Europe.
    â€œMadam—at last! This has been not only the hottest day but the longest, because of your absence!”
    She gave him her hand to kiss, and mischievously dug her nails into his fingers because he held it to his mouth too long. But she was smiling, and her dark eyes sparkled; the boredom and irritation which had frayed her temper all day had vanished without trace. He was the only man except the Admiral who had ever brought this feeling of excitement, of expectation, when they met, as if she were seeing him for the first time and always with new eyes. There was a crowd round her, murmuring compliments—there were half a dozen men, stifling in their best silks and velvets, all trying to claim her attention, but it was Dudley who fell into step with her and brought her to a seat by the open window.
    â€œBy God, Robert, I feel as if I’d been baked in one of my own ovens! There’s enough sweat running down your neck to melt your ruff!”
    â€œAs always you look like a goddess and talk like a stable-boy,” Dudley grinned. “But then you always did, my adored Lady; when we were children I remember being beaten till I couldn’t sit for a week because of some oaths you’d come out with, which my father supposed I had taught you!”
    â€œMost likely you learnt them from me,” Elizabeth laughed. “You’re always saying what a hoyden I was—don’t you know that my tutor described me as the best-lettered Princess in Europe?”
    â€œOh, you can swear in ancient Greek better than most men can talk plain English,” he retorted. “It’s part of your charm, Madam, that no one knows what to expect of you. Have you boxed poor Kate Dacre’s ears today?”
    â€œPoor Kate Dacre is devoted to me now, so it must have done her good. I can think of a few others who may benefit in the same way if they’re not careful.”
    â€œNot me, I hope?”
    â€œNo.” Elizabeth leaned back and fanned herself lazily. “No, not you, my Robert. Only a fool of a woman would hit you and think you too much the gentleman to strike her back. If I ever gave you a blow, which God forbid, it would have to be a mortal one.”
    He laughed and took the fan away from her, and began to wave it.
    â€œLet me cool you, Madam, and allay that blow while I can.”
    â€œCool me now, only to heat me later,” she said softly, watching him. “I know you, my Lord Dudley. Be careful; everyone is watching us.”
    â€œI know, and they’re busy damning me to hell because they’re not in my place.”
    â€œHow reckless are you?” she asked suddenly. “Do you know that Sussex came to me as the Council’s spokesman and asked for your dismissal from Court?”
    The rhythm of the fan was interrupted for a second; when it resumed the pace was faster.
    â€œOn what grounds, Madam?”
    â€œOn the grounds that you were bringing me into dishonour, Robert. He didn’t pick and choose his words, I can assure you.”
    â€œI warned you what would happen if I stayed with you,” he answered. “You should have let me go when I asked, before your Councillors force me out.”
    â€œNo one,” Elizabeth said sharply, “will send you packing