“And the king’s intentions?”
“So far as I know, he has no intentions to leave Hampton in the coming weeks, until the pestilence has subsided.”
Catherine nodded. “And the woman?”
“Still at Westminster, although there is talk of her going into Kent, where her family have an estate.”
“Let God will it.” She broke open the red seal and unfolded the paper. Her eyes ran across the neat, tight writing that filled the page. “Ah,” she said at length. “Your dear wife is well. She writes that Frances and Eleanor are in good health, playing the virginals and reading their lessons.”
Brandon smiled at the mention of his daughters.
“And little Henry has been put into his breeches already.” She put down the letter. “That feels so soon. He is too young, surely?”
“Already past his fifth birthday.”
“So soon! What a comfort,” Catherine said softly. “You must cherish him.”
“Indeed,” nodded Brandon, mindful of the children she had lost. “We do indeed.”
The evening was slipping by, and the wicks burned down slowly on the candles. Thomasin and Ellen had retired to an alcove, where they were seated on cushions, feeling the exertions of a long, unexpected day. As Catherine and Brandon talked, Thomasin let her mind wander back to Windsor, where the queen’s chambers would be dark and cold, her kitchen depleted, her table bare. It felt strange to have escaped so suddenly, just when she was feeling closed in, like the hooded falcons. That pair of golden eyes briefly flitted through her mind, to her surprise. Where had the Venetians gone, she wondered? Had Nico ever really intended to pursue a career at the English court, or had it simply been more flattery, designed to entrap Catherine? And the kiss he had planted upon her lips? She shook away the memory. He would be forgotten in a seven night.
A knock at the door interrupted the peace in the chamber.
“Now, who can this be at this hour?” asked Catherine, her brow furrowed.
She had not had the chance to respond before the door swung open and King Henry strode in. He had taken off his doublet and walked towards them in his shirt sleeves, his collar open to show his thick, tanned throat. Even in that state of undress, he was magnificent but also terrifying. Thomasin turned her eyes away.
“My Lord!” Somehow Catherine made it out of her chair and down to her knees. Her ladies followed suit. “This is an unexpected pleasure.”
“Arise, arise.” Henry beckoned to servants behind him and gestured towards the empty table. With careful hands, they deposited three or four wooden platters. “I found oranges in the kitchens, and walnuts. I thought you might like them.”
Thomasin could almost feel the warm glow spread over Catherine. The happiness brought by this small gesture, the memory of their former intimacy, the hope that it might be rekindled.
“Your Grace is so very thoughtful.”
He offered her his hand, whereupon she rose and resumed her chair. Brandon, who had bowed, now stepped aside so the king could take his seat.
Henry looked around the rooms. “You will not be too uncomfortable here, I hope.” Then, without waiting for her answer, he proceeded, “I had thought to ride out tomorrow, perhaps to have the archery butts set up, too. It is a shame to be stuck indoors, even if we must remain here. I have heard of no cases in the village, but will head in the opposite direction anyway, beyond the park to the south. Depending upon the weather being fine.”
Catherine did not reply at once. Thomasin wondered if, like herself, the queen was unsure whether or not she was invited.
“It may well be another dry day like today,” offered Brandon. “I am sure the air and exercise will do you good.”
Henry nodded. “You think it safe?”
“Utterly. Keep on the cardinal’s land and you will meet no one.”
Henry drummed his fingers on the carved arm rests of his chair. Conflicting emotions chased across his face. “Perhaps I should send for my dogs from London; they could be here within a day or two, then I can hunt. The coming weeks will take us through spring and the best weather. I shall write to Westminster in the morning and have them dispatched. I have not heard of dogs carrying a risk of infection. And if I only ask for the one man to deliver them, he could stay outside the palace while Will Carey goes out to collect them. Is that wise?”
Thomasin was surprised at the insecurity that the fear of illness brought out in him.
“If Your Grace wishes it,” spoke Catherine quietly, recognising his mood.
“I do wish it, but is it wise? I asked whether you thought it is wise?”
“I am sure my good Lord consults his best wisdom in every decision he makes.”
“Hmm.” Henry bounced up from the chair and paced the room. “This fresh outbreak of the disease … it’s more than the danger. The situation itself, the waiting, the uncertainty, is enough to send a man into a state of fever.”
