The others looked aghast.
Lady Mary broke the silence first. “She must be a false mistress, not a true one.”
“But false to the king,” said Ellen, “and true to us.”
“This is a puzzle indeed,” said Thomasin. “All this doubt and concern, and yet no woman has yet been mentioned by name, let alone asked.”
“You are right,” agreed Lady Mary. “We should wait and see who is chosen before we voice our fears. The choice alone may put our minds at ease.”
Or the opposite, thought Thomasin.
“You girls are lucky to not be asked,” Lady Mary continued, “being of the right age and beauty, and of good breeding! I am glad that you are not being drawn into this matter. I do not think your suitors would be pleased, either.”
Thomasin laughed, but Ellen blushed deeply.
“Don’t think I didn’t notice you and young Truegood making eyes at each other,” the older woman smiled. “In this very chamber, under the queen’s nose. Do you have expectations of him?”
“I hope so,” Ellen said coyly, “although it all depends upon my circumstances. I hope he will be patient.”
“Still no progress on your divorce?”
“Barnaby has gone silent. After sending those unpleasant letters to Windsor, demanding that I return to him, I have heard nothing more.”
“Uncle Matthew is looking into it,” said Thomasin, “so with any luck it will happen soon.”
“I hope so,” Ellen looked wistful. “This waiting feels endless.”
“And you, Thomasin?” asked Lady Mary. “Is there a suitor waiting for you somewhere?”
Nico’s words came flooding back to her. The women seized upon her hesitation.
“Thomasin?” said Ellen, laying down her needle. “There is someone! Why have you not told me about this? Who is it?”
The desire to confide bubbled up within her, tempered only by her blushes.
“It may come to nothing, so I don’t want to speak too soon, but…”
Ellen was too keen to know. “Who? Not Rafe Danvers?”
That name made Thomasin feel more sober. “Not him, no. Someone far nicer, a thoughtful, careful gentleman.”
“Here at this court?” asked Lady Mary. “You have us intrigued.”
“You can’t guess?” Thomasin asked Ellen. But her cousin shook her head. “Well, I was asked by Nico Amato if he might pay court to me.”
“The Venetian with the golden eyes? He is almost perfection! What a leg he has.”
Thomasin blushed. “He is also considerate and kind. He was most respectful in his approach and wishes to do things the right way.”
“Goodness,” said Ellen, “a rarity indeed. I suppose you will marry him and go off to live in some castle in Venice and dress from head to toe in silver.”
This hadn’t even occurred to Thomasin. Nico was a foreigner, of course. Yet she had not considered the possibility that he might wish to leave England one day, and take her to live in a foreign country.
“No,” she said softly, with hope. “I am sure he does not intend that.”
“You would be lucky indeed to escape this place. Nico Amato. Well, I never!”
“I must lay eyes on this man,” added Lady Mary. “Point him out to me when you can, and I will give him my blessing.”
