Ellen’s eyes showed her understanding.
“They will have come from court,” Thomasin added, slowly coming to a realisation. “From London.”
“Do you think they have brought the infection with them?”
“It is unlikely. They would have chosen the huntsman carefully, for his good health. But he may have brought letters.”
The thought seized them. Letters from home, perhaps.
“My Lady,” said Thomasin, making so bold as to approach Catherine.
“The kings hounds have arrived,” said Catherine as she finally drew near.
“We were wondering whether the huntsman might have brought news, too,” Thomasin added.
Catherine considered this. “I suppose we might, if we are careful, head back to find out.”
“If you are certain it is safe to do so.”
“We shall see,” replied Catherine, the light in her blue eyes lifting. “We shall see.”
One portion of the stables had been prepared especially for the arrival of the dogs; swept, cleaned and lined with fresh straw and rags. Hatton was standing at the gate as Catherine approached, watching the animals exploring their new home. He bowed low as he saw Catherine coming nearer. She stopped a little distance away, Thomasin looking over her shoulder.
“Mister Hatton.” Catherine held her chin high, looking down at the man although he was much taller than her. Her tone was icy. “Is the king here?”
“No, My Lady, he is still hunting.”
“Where is the huntsman who brought the dogs?”
Hatton ducked into the stables and returned with a middle-aged bearded man who was wiping his hands clean. He dropped to one knee as soon as he saw Catherine.
“Your name?”
“John Drywood, My Lady.”
“To your feet, John Drywood. You have come this day from Westminster?”
“I have, My Lady.”
“In whose employ?”
“I serve the cardinal. I am usually employed in the stables at York Place.”
“Pray, tell us, are you in good health, no faintness or nausea?”
“I am hale and hearty, as confirmed by Dr Elyot as I left court.”
“And what was the condition of things at Westminster? Are there cases at the palace?”
“Nothing for the last three weeks. The place has been emptied and thoroughly cleaned.”
“And in the city?”
He hesitated. “I am afraid the cases continue there, My Lady, although they do not increase.”
Catherine nodded. “That is something to be thankful for.”
“If I may,” he added, “I have brought a number of letters. They have been fumigated over a mixture of burning herbs.” Reaching inside his doublet, he pulled out a bundle of folded papers.
