Thomasin moved her hand away.
“Is it that man you danced with? Master Carey? Is that why? I will not give up, I will win you back.”
“I am not yours to win back, nor any man’s. Now, I must go.”
Thomasin turned back to the room just as her father approached, to bid her goodnight. After him came Thomas More, Margaret and William Roper. Nico melted away.
“I will travel back with More,” said Richard, coming to take her hands. “He has kindly asked me to stay at Chelsea, before I return to Suffolk.”
“Will you not be back at court again?” Thomasin asked.
“It is unlikely. I am meeting with Cromwell at his home, and have no official need to come back out to Greenwich. I trust that you will remain in good health and spirits. It has been wonderful to see you, even for a brief visit.”
“Please give my love to Mother, Cecilia and the others. Safe journey back.”
He bent to embrace her, unleashing that scent of woodsmoke and wine that clung about his beard and furs. “Write to us. Remember to hold up your head and follow your path truly.”
“I will, Father.”
“There is one thing more. I hesitated earlier, but you should know. Ellen’s husband.”
“Barnaby Russell?”
“My disgraced nephew. Ellen’s sister has borne his child; it is a boy. I will leave it to you to decide whether or not Ellen needs to know.”
“Thank you. I will hold fire, for now, as I think she may be on the verge of new happiness.”
At that moment, over Richard’s shoulder, she saw him approach. The fluid, easy gait, the shock of fair hair. She could not quite believe her eyes, but they told her that William Hatton was actually approaching her father, his face signalling his intent.
“I cannot…” she muttered, in warning, “look out.”
“My Lord?”
Something in Hatton’s voice alerted Richard. He turned slowly. Hatton’s beaming face drooped to read the sheer disgust there.
“Can you possibly be addressing me?”
“My Lord, I have wished for some time to make my peace with you, to offer my sincerest good wishes and ask for your blessing.”
The silence around them was thick as midnight. Thomasin could scarcely believe her ears and sensed the bolt of anger coursing through her father. All the pain and shame of the previous autumn came rushing back.
Richard turned, his thick eyebrows set heavy, his jawline steely. “Peace? Good wishes? Blessing?” He almost choked on the words. “How can you presume?”
“My Lord, I had hoped… The time has passed, and all is well. I had hoped the wounds may heal.”
“You had hoped? Hoped for all those things, without offering any word of contrition or apology, daring to approach me in this brazen way?”
“My Lord, I…”
“There is nothing you can say that I wish to hear. You have no concept of the impact your actions had upon my family, upon my wife and daughter, as your life continues unaltered. Your arrogance is breath-taking. Any person of any sensibility will always note it.”
Hatton made a short bow. “My apologies for disturbing you.” He withdrew into the hall.
“Father!” said Thomasin in awe. “You were magnificent.”
Richard nodded, containing his rage. “I can scarcely… Will you walk with us to the carriage? Is that permitted?”
Thomasin threw a look into the hall. Catherine was still deep in conversation. Five minutes would not hurt.
