Why, what a pretty fellow, Thomas Bolton thought suddenly, and he smiled in return. “Most thoughtful,” he replied.
“I have been considering what your lordship intimated when we last met. Perhaps I misunderstood your lordship, but were you implying that I might benefit from a change of employment?”
“You would have to reside in the north,” Lord Cambridge said. “And there would be occasions when I would require you to travel. Our cloth trade grows larger, and more profitable. My cousin and I can no longer manage without help, but of course I would want someone sophisticated in the ways of business to aid us. You would live at Otterly. At first in the house, and later on if you decided to remain in my service I would see you had your own cottage in the village. You would be paid fifty gold guineas each Michaelmas for your year’s service, and you would have a space in the church cemetery.”
William Smythe could not keep the surprised look from his usually emotionless face. “My lord! ’Tis most generous. More than anything for which I could have hoped.”
“You must consider my offer carefully,” Lord Cambridge said. “ ’Tis an honor to be in royal service. And what of your family?”
“I have no family left, my lord. And I am merely one of many here, with little chance for advancement. I know my own worth. I am a clever man with little chance to show off my talents. Yet you saw them, and are willing to offer me this opportunity.” All the haughtiness of their previous encounter was gone. “I need not consider any further. If your lordship will have me in his service, I will be content, and I will work hard for you.” He knelt, and grabbing up Thomas Bolton’s hand, kissed it.
“Give your notice, William,” Lord Cambridge said. “Then come to me at Bolton House. I do not know when we shall be ready to return home to Otterly, but you should begin your new duties as soon as possible.” He reached into the purse beneath his ornate doublet and drew out a coin which he handed to the younger man. “Pay your debts,” he said. “You must come into my service unencumbered.”
The secretary arose, saying nervously, “One thing, my lord. I have a cat. She has been my most faithful companion for several years now. I would bring her with me.”
“A cat?” Lord Cambridge laughed aloud. “Of course you may bring the cat. I can see that you will get on quite well with my young cousin, Bessie Meredith.” He laughed again. “I like cats myself. It is a good mouser, William?”
“Oh, yes, my lord. Pussums is an excellent mouser,” he answered.
“I will send my barge to bring you to Bolton House when you are ready. You and Pussums.” Lord Cambridge chuckled, and then turning away, he continued down the gallery. He was tired, but this visit to court was proving quite entertaining in the most unexpected ways.
Philippa had returned to the queen’s side now.
Katherine looked up. “Everything is alright, my child, is it not?”
“Aye, madame. My cousin wanted to tell me that he may be ready to make a match for me, but first he would like me to meet the gentleman in question. In two days he would like me to come to Bolton House, if your highness can spare me.”
“Can you tell me the name of the gentleman in question?” the queen asked softly.
“My cousin has said until the arrangement is agreed upon he would prefer I say naught, madame. He hopes your highness will understand,” Philippa ventured nervously. She could not imagine saying no to the queen, her mistress, but in effect that was just what she was doing.
“Of course,” the queen agreed, to Philippa’s surprise. “You do not want to embarrass the gentleman in question, or yourself, my child.” Then she smiled a small conspiratorial smile. “I shall not even tell the king.”
That night Philippa lay with her sister in the bed they shared in the Maidens’ Chamber. Banon was filled with excitement, for her Neville suitor’s father was going to speak with Lord Cambridge regarding a betrothal between his son and Banon Meredith.
“Uncle Thomas will say yes, of course,” Banon confided. “Robert may be a younger son, but he is a Neville.”
“So was our grandmother. Uncle will not necessarily be impressed,” Philippa said. It galled her somewhat that her younger sister was to be betrothed before she was.
“Do you know that small lake that borders Otterly lands?” Banon replied. “It belongs to the Nevilles. Robert’s father has said he will give it to Robert, and a strip of land on its far side. It will belong to Otterly if we wed.”
“Lord Neville loses nothing by that gesture,” Philippa told her sister. “After all if Robert marries you, then Otterly becomes his.”
“Otterly will belong to our eldest son,” Banon said.
“Who will be a Neville, not a Bolton or a Meredith,” Philippa countered. “The Neville family will increase their holdings by their younger son’s marriage to you.”
“But I will be happy!” Banon said. “Why do you always make everything so difficult, Philippa? You are just jealous because I am to be betrothed, and you are not.” She turned away from her older sister, dragging the coverlet over her shoulders.
“Uncle Thomas has found a possible husband for me,” Philippa replied. “And I shall not have to leave the court if I marry him.”
“Who?” Banon did not change her position.
“I cannot say yet,” Philippa responded. “I could not even tell the queen, but in two days I will go to Bolton House, and meet the gentleman.”
“He won’t be a Neville,” Banon said.
“No, he won’t. He will be someone who loves the court even as I do, sister. You had best hope that we suit one another, for mama will never allow you to marry until I am married. I am the eldest, and I must wed first.”
