The Scottish regent Murray surely would hang all the conspirators whom he might capture, and Elizabeth would probably inflict summary punishment upon any of her subjects whom she could convict of complicity in the plot.
In connection with this scheme to rescue Mary it was said there was also another conspiracy.

There appeared to be a plot within a plot which had for its end the enthronement of Mary in Elizabeth's stead.
The Rutlands knew nothing of this subplot.
Elizabeth had once or twice expressed sympathy with her Scottish cousin.
She had said in John's presence that while she could not for reasons of state _invite_ Mary to seek refuge in England, still if Mary would come uninvited she would be welcomed.

Therefore, John thought he was acting in accord with the English queen's secret wish when he went to Rutland with the purpose of being in readiness to meet Mary at the Scottish border.
There were two elements in Elizabeth's character on which John had not counted.

One was her royal prerogative to speak words she did not mean; and the other was the universal feminine privilege to change her mind.

Our queen did not want Mary to visit England, nor had she any knowledge of the plot to induce that event.