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'Do
not concern yourself,' Montrose told him. 'A deep purse covers much.
They will do very well at Haddington. Or Linlithgow, perhaps. And
you could dismount them. Quarter the men in one place and the horses
another. Inconvenient, but...'

'I
am on the King's business, sir. My men will be quartered at the
King's expense. Or the realm's,' the Marquis interrupted.

'Ah.
How fortunate. Does the Privy Council know it? My lord of Traquair,
the Treasurer, is in London, as you know. And my good-brother,
Napier, of that Council, still acts Deputy Treasurer when need be.
Any payment would have to be passed by him. But
...
I
will
have a word with him, my lord. Be assured.'

After
a few silent moments the Marquis turned in his saddle and called to
one of his gentlemen behind. 'Craignethan - send the men back to
Hamilton,' he snapped.

'As
to your own quarters in Holyroodhouse, my lord, you should be
entirely comfortable,' James Graham went on pleasantly. 'My lord
Rothes has seen to that. You know Rothes, of course
...
?'

Since
Rothes and Hamilton had been deadly enemies for many years, that was
another conversational gambit which fell flat instead of lightening
the road to Edinburgh.

In
James the Fourth's grey old palace of Holyroodhouse at the foot of
Edinburgh's Canongate, James Hamilton sought to
play
the
king,
in
a tentative, exploratory fashion. There were some who held that his
haughty and unbending manner was not just a natural arrogance but
was rehearsal for the future: that in the event of
Charles
Stewart
losing his life, or his throne, he, Hamilton, would claim it. For he
was, indeed, of royal
descent,
being
great-grandson of that Regent Arran
and
Duke
of Chastelherault who had long
been
heir
to the throne during the minority of Charles's father, remotely
descended
from
James the Second. Some even went so far as to suggest that his
misleading of the King in the matter of advice, was calculated, so
as to cost Charles the throne of Scotland which he himself would
better fill. While this last was probably nonsense, Hamilton was
clearly inordinately proud of his royal blood, and found regal
posturings much to his taste.

When
he was ready, the King's Commissioner commanded that representatives
of die Tables appear before him, to answer questions. He would have
no crowd descend upon him, however, and ordered that three nobles
and three ministers come as deputation. Loudoun, Rothes and
Montrose were chosen, with the Reverends Henderson, Dickson and
Cant. Johnston of Warriston accompanied them, but only as clerk and
legal adviser.

They
were received with stiff condescension and formality —
reciprocated by the ministers and Loudoun, although Rothes was all
mocking whimsy and Montrose imperturbably genial. They were
conducted to the throne-room on the first floor, where they were
kept waiting for the best part of half an hour, until Hamilton,
extravagantly magnificent in the cloak and ribbon of the Garter,
over pale blue satin, despite the summer warmth, stalked in,
accompanied by Archbishop Spottiswoode, Bishop Lindsay, the Marquis
of Douglas -married to a Hamilton - the Earl of Abercorn, another
Hamilton, the Earl of Roxburgh, and the Lord Ruthven. There were no
greetings. Hamilton paced to the throne, scarcely glancing at the
waiting group, waved his supporters to stand on either side of him -
but slightly behind - and sat down, carefully arranging his splendid
starred cloak to drape around him. No word was spoken.

Loudoun
cleared his throat. As Convener of the Joint Tables, he ostensibly
led the delegation. 'My lord Marquis,' he jerked, 'on behalf of the
Convention of the Estates of Scotland, I offer you greeting and
salutation.'

'I
thank you,' the other replied shortly. 'It is customary for the
King's representative and Commissioner, acting in the King's place,
to be addressed as Your Grace,'

^‘
Hm.'
Loudoun glanced at his colleagues doubtfully, put right off his not
very certain stride.

That
was how Hamilton wanted it. This was
his
audience.
'His Majesty has sent me to investigate the state of disaffection
and insurrection in this his realm, and the causes of it,' he
declared flatly. 'And to recommend what action is required.' He
repeated the word action, a shade ominously. 'His Majesty is much
distressed by all the ill conduct which prevails today in Scotland,
and especially by the contumely of those who signed the treasonable
and threatening Band called the Covenant. I am required to make full
investigation into this matter. It is my hope that I may inform
His Majesty that it is not in fact a conspiracy, but the foolish
mistakes of misguided men!' The prominent pale blue Hamilton eyes
surveyed them significantly. His statement had been made in an even
monotone, as of a man memorising a lesson - for in fact Hamilton was
little more of an orator than was Loudoun. Almost relievedly raising
his voice, he added, "You will now answer my questions."
Loudoun grunted, but said nothing.

'My
lord,' Rothes put in, ‘Ye came to parley, to discuss, not to
be inquisitioned. Did you came as die King's Commissioner? Or
as the King's
Inquisitioner?'

There
were gasps from the throne-dais at that. Hamilton, moistening his
lips, took his time to answer. 'Earl of Rothes,' he said
thickly, 'if you expect response from me, address me as Grace!'

'Damned
if I will!' Rothes muttered, but below his breath.

Alexander
Henderson cleared his throat. 'My lords - this will serve us
nothing,' he said.

Montrose
took a hand. 'Marquis of Hamilton, His Grace's Commissioner,' he
said cordially, 'we all rejoice to see you here as King's
representative. And to congratulate you upon your appointment as
Keeper of this palace of Holyroodhouse. And as such, as
both,
would
pay you fullest respects. As to this matter of style and address -
as you know, here in Scotland, it has always been our wont to
address only the monarch in person as Grace. We seek that you will
bear with us in this. In England, however, we believe that they use
the term Majesty. Indeed you have used it here, yourself. Majesty
presents no difficulty to our thrawn Scots tongues, as docs Grace.
And you, sir, in your style and magnificence, look truly majestic. I
therefore, for one, have no objection to name you Majesty. If it
please Your Majesty!'

If
Rothes's curt intervention had aroused gasps, this amiable and
mannerly contribution produced much louder ones - and not only from
the dais. Everywhere men
gulped,
and
stared. Hands rose, lace handkerchiefs fluttered. Only Rothes looked
less than shocked — indeed chuckled coarsely.

Oddly
enough, most alarmed of all appeared to be the Lord High
Commissioner. 'No
1
No!'
he cried. 'Not that! A God's name, man - have a care! That is the
King's alone.'

'But,
Majesty - so is Grace. More so, here in Scotland
..

‘
No,
sir -
I
will
not have it. Do not say it. I command that you do not style me so.
You hear?'

'As
you will. You conceive Grace to be a lesser style than Majesty,
then, my lord Marquis? Here, in Scotland? Would you have our kings
less high, less important, than those of England?'

The
other blinked. 'Not so. I said nothing such. You put words into my
mouth, Montrose — ill words. I will not have it. I am the
King's loyalest and humble subject.'

As
you will, my lord Marquis. As are we! So we need have no more
confusion over titles and styles. And proceed amicably to our
business.'

Yes.
Very well. So be it. Ah
.,.
hrrm ...' It was Hamilton's turn to be put off his stride.

'We
understand, my lord Commissioner,' Montrose went on quickly,
smoothly, 'that His Grace intends to make certain concessions to our
requests. As set forth in this petitions and the Covenant For which
we are most loyally grateful. In the matter of the prayer-book. And
of the Canons. Likewise the return of the law courts to Edinburgh.
Is this so? We await your lordship's announcement with interest'

At
the stir behind him, Hamilton banged on the arm of the throne,
frowning, 'Not so fast! Not so fast!' he complained. 'I am here
to question you - not you me! These concessions - I have said
nothing of concessions. You go too fast. They are only possible. Not
sure. Certain. To be granted only if I am satisfied.'

'Quite
so, my lord. The concessions are conditional. But they are clear,
are they not? We have heard, from sound sources, that the reading of
the Liturgy in churches is to be no longer compulsory. That the
Canons anent surplices, saints days and the like are relaxed. That
the law courts may return from Linlithgow. These are the King's
concessions?"

'Mm,
They
may
be.
It is possible. But only on conditions, On condition that your
Covenant is given up. Abandoned, Disavowed. Only so.'

There
was what amounted to a growl from the three ministers. That, sir, we
will in no wise do! For any concessions soever!' Alexander
Henderson cried strongly.

'Never!'
David Dickson agreed. 'The Covenant stands!'

'It
is a treasonable document,' Hamilton asserted.
'You
have
risked your necks in putting your names to it. Of His Majesty's
clemency he permits that you may withdraw from it. Retract. And be
forgiven. It is more than you deserve, I say. But the Covenant must
be withdrawn.'

'Is
that your last word, my lord?' Andrew Cant asked quietly.