The King's Evil by Edward Marston Page B

cellars.
All I know is that Sir Ambrose was most particular about their extent and
design. This elaborate vaulting will test the skill of the bricklayers but it
is vital in order to support the weight of the house itself. I regard the
cellars as a minor triumph. The pity of it is that very few people will ever
get to admire the work I put into them.'
    ' I admire it, sir.'
    'That
is praise enough for me.'
    'The
whole house is fit for a king.'
    'Sir
Ambrose would be flattered by such a thought.'
    'The
only thing is ...' He broke off as he peered at the
front elevation again. 'I mean no disrespect, sir.'
    'Go
on.'
    'The
only thing is, sir, it looks a bit, well... foreign.'
    'That
is the French influence.'
    'Ah.'
    'Specifically
ordered.' He grinned. 'Like my breakfast.'
    'I
will get it for you at once, sir,' said Jacob, heading for the kitchen. 'No man
can work on an empty stomach. Though I still think that you should take a nap
to get your strength back.'
    Christopher
did not hear him. He was already immersed in his work again, studying each of
the drawings with a searching eye to make sure that every detail was correct
and that it contributed properly to the overall symmetry of the house. He did
not need his brother to tell him how important the commission was. Apart from
putting much-needed revenue into his purse, it was a chance for Christopher
Redmayne to establish himself as an architect. In a highly visible profession,
success was its own best advertisement. If the house for Sir Ambrose Northcott
caught the eye and won general esteem, other commissions would assuredly follow
and Christopher would be able to play his part in the exciting work of
rebuilding a great city.
    Close
to the ruins of Baynard's Castle, it was a prime site. The new regulations
forbade the building of houses along the riverbank itself so the dwelling was
set well back from it. Enclosed by a high stone wall, the long garden ran
almost down to the Thames and the rear windows of the house afforded an
uninterrupted view both of the river and of the one remaining turret of the
castle. Sir Ambrose Northcott was thrilled with this prospect, combining, as it
did, reality with romance, the busy world of commerce floating past on the
water with the noble profile of a derelict fortress. When darkness fell, the
lone turret would be silhouetted against the moonlit sky. It would make an
evocative neighbour.
    When
work first began on the site, he visited it every day.
    'What
progress have you made, Mr Littlejohn?' he asked.
    'Small
steps forward, Sir Ambrose,' said the other. 'Small but significant steps
forward.'
    'When
will the cellars be completed?'
    'According
to schedule.'
    'Good.
I will hold you to that, Mr Littlejohn.'
    'You
will not find me wanting. May I say what an honour it is to work on such a
project, Sir Ambrose?'
    'Then
do not allow any slacking among your men.'
    'There
is no danger of that.'
    'The
house must be ready on time.'
    'I
have never failed a client yet.'
    Samuel
Littlejohn was a sturdy fellow of middle years with a rubicund face and a
jovial manner. He positively exuded bonhomie. A successful builder even before
the fire, he was now in greater demand than ever and Northcott had to include
many financial inducements in his contract in order to secure him. Littlejohn
not only had a reputation for building sound houses to the exact specifications
of his clients, he invariably did so within the stipulated period of time. He
was a wealthy man who dressed well but, if occasion demanded, he was not averse
to taking off his coat and soiling his hands by helping his employees. He could
teach the best of them how to lay bricks and his carpentry was a source of
envy. Samuel Littlejohn enjoyed every aspect of his work.
    'You
have chosen your architect well,' he said approvingly.
    'That
is what I believe,' returned Northcott. 'I thought about it long and hard
before I reached my decision. Because of his youth, I had grave doubts at first
but they are fast