Chapter 13-16 Summary
Chapter 13 Summary
Wayland assumes an even deeper disguise, and Tressilian remembers his experience on the stage. The travelers move as quickly as possible. Wayland proves excellent at deception, a bit too much for Tressilian's comfort.
When the companions arrive in London, Wayland visits several apothecary and chemist shops, purchasing only one ingredient at each. He has difficulty finding one element he needs until a chemist directs him to Yoglan the Jew. Yoglan works hard to deceive Wayland, but the latter speaks a few mysterious words that Yoglan cannot ignore. At those, the old chemist gives the smith exactly what he needs with a great show of deference.
When Tressilian mentions that Wayland should have paid Yoglan, Wayland remarks that, normally, Yoglan would have paid him. He also explains that he has to protect his secret, so he purchases his ingredients in different shops. Back at the inn, Wayland prepares his mixture, and the companions start for Sayes Court, the current home of the Earl of Sussex.
Chapter 14 Summary
Sayes Court is well-guarded, for the Earl of Sussex and the Earl of Leicester have been on the verge of open confrontation, and plenty of underhanded activity is going on. The two men are rivals for the Queen's favor. While Sussex has the advantage of military success and family honor, Leicester has a certain charm, wit, and political savvy that endears him to the Queen.
Tressilian is closely questioned when he arrives but is finally admitted to Sussex's chambers. The Earl is attended by two men, one older and quite plain, one much younger and richly dressed. They tell Tressilian that they fear the worst for their patron, and Tressilian responds that he must go to the court and then will, perhaps, sail for the Indies.
When Tressilian meets Sussex, he learns that the Earl's symptoms are exactly as Wayland described them. Tressilian explains Wayland's history and expertise, and when he mentions Demetrius, Sussex realizes that a herbalist by that name had been present in the kitchen around the time he became ill.
Wayland enters and explains the drug he intends to administer. It has a risk, for Sussex will fall into a deep sleep and must not be disturbed because of the risk of death. Sussex calls in witnesses and clarifies that Tressilian holds no responsibility for anything that happens due to the treatment. Sussex is taking the medicine of his own free will. The Earl swallows his dose and drifts to sleep while his companions silently look on.
Chapter 15 Summary
The following morning, Sussex's two companions meet again. The older one is called Blount, and he scolds the younger man to keep his peace as their lord may be dying. The younger one, however, says that is a lie. He also reveals that he has met the Queen's Doctor Masters at the gate and sent him away. Sussex's other men are horrified at this rash act, but the young lord refuses to disturb the Earl, as Wayland had strictly ordered. He will take responsibility for his action, and he assures the others.
Later in the morning, Tressilian reports that Sussex has awakened in much better health. Sussex smiles when he hears that Doctor Masters was turned away at the gate but quickly sends Blount to the Queen with an apology. Blount grumbles mightily, but his young companion, Walter Raleigh, hurries to accompany him after he gets his cloak and brushes his doublet.
As they travel, the two men soon notice that the Queen's barge is set to sail. Her Majesty is preparing for a trip, and Blount...
(This entire section contains 1235 words.)
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says this is no good. The Queen must have some "perilous cause" for her journey. He wants to return to Sussex immediately, but Walter is determined to see the Queen.
Walter nudges forward in the crowd when the Queen appears, watching eagerly. When he notices a mud puddle blocking the Queen's path, Walter whips off his cloak and places it on the puddle for the Queen to step on. The Queen is confused but nods to Walter as she passes.
Soon a man comes to Walter with the news that Queen has sent for him. He boards the Queen's barge, muddy cloak still on his arm, and receives the Queen's thanks. Walter refuses a reward for a new suit of clothing or money. He merely wants permission to wear the muddy cloak, for it now belongs to the Queen. Elizabeth is pleased and laughs. Then she learns that Walter is a follower of Sussex and expresses her displeasure at the treatment of Doctor Masters.
Walter is quick to take responsibility and explains the situation. His wit wins over the Queen, and she tells him to wear the muddy cloak as a penance but also gives him a gold pin to put on his collar. Elizabeth then decides she will visit Sussex at once.
When word of the Queen's imminent visit reaches Sussex, he hurries to prepare, knowing that the current state of his household is not fit to welcome a monarch. Elizabeth is not pleased with what she finds Sayes Court, for it is more like a military camp than a noble house. Sussex apologizes. The Queen tells him that Walter Raleigh will now be a household member. She soon departs, and Sussex and his retainers wonder where they stand in the Queens' favor.
Chapter 16 Summary
Leicester informs Varney that he has been called to court the next day. The Queen wishes to end the conflict between Leicester and Sussex at once. The two discuss the Queen's apparent opposition to the marriage of her courtiers and Elizabeth's disdain for Sussex's housekeeping. They also talk about Walter Raleigh, now called the Knight of the Cloak. Leicester determines to make a grand show for the Queen.
Meanwhile, Sussex tells Tressilian he has submitted a supplication against Varney to the Queen. Tressilian would have preferred to go directly to Leicester first, but there is still time now. Walter has prepared Sussex's retinue for its presentation to the court, and Sussex adds that there must be no show of violence.
Soon Sussex and Leicester and their followers are arrayed before the Palace, waiting to see the Queen. They stand far apart and glare at each other. Sussex enters first with Walter Raleigh. Leicester enters next, but Varney is not permitted. Leicester shows a bit of temper at the dishonor, and the Queen takes offense, for the order has come directly from her.
Elizabeth scolds both Sussex and Leicester for their conflicts and orders their rivalry to end. They will join hands in friendship. The Queen then turns her attention to the question of Varney. Leicester grows pale. Varney enters him, and the Queen questions him about Amy Robsart.
Varney tells the Queen that he is married to her, shocking Leicester. Varney alludes to a gift the Queen sent to Leicester, distracting her. Tressilian enters, and the Queen tells him to forget the woman since she is married. Tressilian asks for proof.
Elizabeth directly addresses Leicester and tells him to vouch for the truth of Varney's words. Leicester is staggered. He answers that, to his knowledge, "she is a wedded wife." That is enough for the Queen, although she must fully understand Leicester's meaning. She orders Leicester to prepare for her visit to Kenilworth and commands Sussex to attend as well. Tressilian and Varney are also to be present, along with Varney's "wife."
