Louis’ brow raised. “Why should I do that?”

“Because their gratitude will translate into obedience and fidelity.”

Louis stared out the window, considering the suggestion. “Perhaps,” he said at last. “But I should like them to taste the cold floor of a prison cell for a little longer.”

The men agreed, toasting the decision with goblets of wine.

Louis found Sir William Throckmorton in the War Cabinet room, studying the palace diagrams with great interest. Throckmorton was an English diplomat, an aging man of serious face and modest stature. He bowed at the King’s entrance. “I note and admire your ambition,” he said, nodding at the drawings.

Louis closed the door. “I thank you for coming.”

“An honor, Your Majesty.”

Louis took a cushioned seat and directed Throckmorton to take the chair beside him. “I’ve asked you here because I have a proposition for your King.”

Throckmorton leaned forward, his hands clasped. “Which I’ll hear with great interest.”

“The substance of our discussions is to be divulged to no one but your King and those in whom he has complete trust. No one else.”

“Of course.”

“I want to invade Holland.”

Throckmorton’s mouth opened and it took a moment before sound followed. “I…see.”

“The only thing that could stop me is her principal ally, England. How could I persuade England to join me in this venture? Money? Perhaps. A share of the Dutch trade routes? Almost certainly. But that’s not enough. What does one give a King who has almost everything? You give him what his family so carelessly tossed away. His Catholicism.”

Throckmorton drew back. “Your Majesty, I don’t know –”

Louis held up his hand. “Your King claims he is Protestant but in his heart he is Catholic. He seeks to renew relations with Rome but cannot because in their eyes he is a heretic. I, on the other hand –”

“Your Majesty, I fear you are pushing ahead too fast.”

“The agreement I propose is simple. We invade Holland. England provides a third of the troops and ships, with all costs borne by France. And I effect a reconciliation between the English crown and Rome.”

Throckmorton’s feet shifted on the floor. It looked as though he wanted to get up and turn away, to give himself time to think. Yet he knew he could not insult the King in that fashion.

“What better way to seal an alliance between friends?” asked Louis.

Throckmorton’s gaze went from Louis to the far wall and back as he considered the offer.

“I suggest a meeting ten days hence. At Dover Castle.”

“And Your Majesty will come in person?”

“I’ve not yet decided.”

Through a window in his outer chamber Louis watched Throckmorton leave the palace, taking the wide front stairs and climbing into his carriage.

“May I congratulate His Majesty on his plan,” said Colbert, his voice filled with admiration. “Brilliant.”