“They say he and his wife lead separate lives. She takes other lovers, now the king is done with her.”
“Enough, stop it. This is not my concern. The Careys may do as they wish.”
“I am sure he will,” Ellen giggled.
Thomasin decided not to answer, but she could not help but wonder whether Carey’s attentions to her had been so marked as to reveal interest on his part. She was not sure how that made her feel.
It was mid-afternoon, and the day had clouded over. Catherine had not yet emerged, nor called for assistance, from her dark chamber. The women were still engaged in their sewing when a knock came upon the door. It swung open at once, and Wolsey came gliding in with a proprietorial air, pausing in the middle of the room and looking about him impatiently.
“Where is the queen?”
Thomasin and the others had risen, dropping curtseys as protocol dictated.
“She is resting in her chamber, not to be disturbed,” spoke up Maria, who stood between the cardinal and the closed door.
“I have a message for her.”
“My Lord, she is sleeping.”
“At this hour?”
Thomasin was shocked at his disrespect.
Maria looked the cardinal straight in the eye. “The queen is indisposed.”
There was an uncomfortable moment, when each wondered what the other would do. Then, a noise from the inner room broke the silence and the queen’s door opened a little.
“What is this noise?”
“My Lady?” Wolsey urged, before anyone else had the chance to speak. “I must speak with you.”
“Mustyou, my Lord Cardinal?”
They all noticed her emphasis.
“I have important news.”
Catherine emerged a little from the doorway, wrapped in a gown, her head bare. “Important indeed, to wake a queen. Tell me, is London burning? Has the flagship sunk? Have the Turks landed?” Thomasin was pleased to see she had recovered her spirit.
For a moment, the cardinal hesitated.
“Well, come on, man, you have not woken me for nothing. What is it?”
“It is the king, My Lady. He has left Hampton Court and rides for Greenwich.”
The chamber fell silent. Thomasin was shocked.
“Left?” echoed Catherine, eventually. “He has left?”
“An hour since, My Lady, and all his household.”
“Without leaving me word?”
“This is his word. I am the bearer of it. And you are most welcome to remain here, as my guest, for as long as you wish, and enjoy my gardens and hospitality.”
Catherine needed no more time to think. She turned to her women. “Begin to pack. We depart for Greenwich in the morning.”
“But, My Lady…” began the cardinal.
