“I can hardly disagree with that,” Thomasin whispered, “and Rafe serves him.”
“Son of a surgeon, isn’t he? Or something similar? But can he be trusted?”
Thomasin hardly dared breathe. “It is for you to decide, Father.”
“But would you be comfortable under his care? And Ellen?”
Rafe was dangerous, but not in the way her father meant. Thomasin chose her words carefully. “I am sure he would not let any harm come to us.”
“I shall wait and see what the morning brings, but he might be our best option, if the queen requires you so urgently. Now, get back to bed and try to sleep.”
“Good night, Father,” Thomasin whispered demurely, and hurried back to her chamber.
EIGHT
“Make sure you stick to the main roads and go directly to Westminster,” Sir Richard said, as he led Thomasin out to the carriage.
“Of course,” said Rafe, following behind, his cloak thrown over his shoulder. “The coachman knows the route well and how to avoid any dangers.”
The vehicle was smaller than the Marwoods’ one, which now sat in front of Hever Castle, its axle fixed and gleaming. The Boleyn carriage was more rounded, painted black with a touch of green. Soft fittings and cushions made it comfortable inside. Two white horses were harnessed in front, their reins hung with tiny bells. The letter B was monogrammed on each side.
“The king fitted it out for Lady Anne this spring,” Rafe explained, as Thomasin took her seat, “to bring her to and from court. It allows her greater independence.”
Ellen followed her inside, spreading out her skirts as she sat beside her cousin. Both young women burned with excitement about this sudden change to their plans, but neither dared show it yet.
“I will ride close beside the carriage all the way,” Rafe promised, “until the steps of Westminster Palace. We should arrive early in the afternoon, and the conditions look dry.”
“I don’t see why I can’t go too,” said Cecilia, who had followed them out and stood frowning at the carriage. “There’s room enough, and there’s no reason for me to stay in the country any longer.”
“There is good reason, as you well know,” replied her father. “You are not a lady of the queen’s court. This carriage is going to Westminster, where there is no place for you. You will go to Monk’s Place with us in a day or two.”
“Will Queen Catherine not take me into her household too? I can help her dress and dance as well as Thomasin can.”
“Unfortunately not.” Sir Richard’s tone was curt. The queen might have forgiven Cecilia’s folly last autumn, but she would not have forgotten it yet. The ladies of her household were of the highest moral character. “Now, go up and see your mother.”
Cecilia gave a sulky wave goodbye and disappeared back across the moat, through the castle gates.
Sir Richard closed the carriage door and stepped up to the window. “You remember what I told you. Keep the door locked, and do not get out until you are within the walls of the court itself. When you are driving through the London streets, draw the curtain and sit well back; do not answer to any cries or questions.”
“We know, Father,” Thomasin replied, a little impatiently. “Remember we have travelled with the queen.”
“There is no harm in taking care,” he urged. “Write to me at Monk’s Place at once, so the letter is waiting when we arrive. Do not delay. We may be as little as a day behind you.”
“And we shall all meet again at court in a few days,” said Ellen.
“I shall certainly be at court,” nodded Sir Richard, “although I cannot speak for the women.”
Rafe climbed up into his saddle. “We should be off. My regards to Lady Elizabeth, and may your journey be a smooth one.”
They turned to see Lady Boleyn crossing the bridge. She walked in a stately fashion to the coach and ran her eyes over it. “So, you are leaving already?”
“Thank you so much for your kind hospitality,” Thomasin replied at once. “I shall never forget my stay here.” Especially not the conversation about Anne, she thought, although Lady Boleyn gave no signs of recalling it.
“It was a pleasure to have some company. Sometimes I prefer to stay in the country while my family are at court, but it is also nice to see people from time to time. You may be sure that you will be safe with Danvers. I wish you a speedy journey.”
It took Thomasin a moment to realise that she was referring to Rafe. Then, the lady stepped up close to the window and quietly put her hand on the sill, holding out a piece of paper. She lowered her voice. “Will you give this to my daughter, Anne, when you see her? You will have access to her soon enough, and I would like it to go from your hands, because of the resemblance.”
Sir Richard’s brows twitched in surprise.
