“They were raised in a tavern, I think, but there is more to it. I think Gilbert takes the stigma of illegitimacy very hard.”
“I can see that. Unfortunately, it is no way to get on at court. You are good to extend the hand of friendship to them.”
“I didn’t want them to feel that everyone is against them. This court case is likely to go against them, although in truth I hope it does not. It may be a harsh lesson. The sister doesn’t deserve it.”
Nico nodded. “You have a soft heart, I think. Your kindness is one of the things I admire about you, besides your beauty.”
Thomasin blushed at the unexpected compliment.
“Now,” said Nico, “shall we walk down and sit in the arbour a little, before we have to return to our duties?”
Thomasin smiled and put her hand in his. The arbour was secluded by large, overhanging shrubs; no doubt he had suggested it to give them some privacy, in order to steal a kiss or two. This time, she found she did not mind in the least.
Later, as Thomasin crept into the queen’s chambers, she was dizzy with Nico’s sweet words in her ears and the warmth of his mouth on hers. Ellen came hurrying forward to meet her, with a face full of concern.
“You have been gone a long time.”
“Was I missed?”
“No, it’s not that. Come and see.”
Thomasin hurried after her through the outer chamber into the next. There, Cecilia was standing in a dress made of scarlet and cream silk, adorned with gold embroidery and aiglets. A gold and white headdress was perched upon her tumbling hair. Lady Howard was fussing about her, with two of her friends, while Queen Catherine stood looking on, flanked by Charles Brandon and Mary Tudor.
“This has been going on all morning,” whispered Ellen.
Cecilia looked down at them disdainfully. “Do you like this dress, sister? The red and cream, or should I go with the blue? Which one would the king like?”
“This red one definitely suits you better,” said Lady Howard, ignoring Thomasin entirely. “The colours make your skin warmer, and it’s more flattering about the waist. We want to show off your figure, not conceal it.”
“Whatever you think, Duchess,” Cecilia simpered.
“And you are sure about your purpose?” Lady Howard continued. “About how you must behave?”
“I think so, if you are certain.”
“You should not be too obvious, nor exercise your charms in the sight of the Boleyns, but take every opportunity you can to show the king what you have to offer.”
“It’s more than that,” added Brandon, striding closer to examine Cecilia better. “The king’s relationship with Anne is stormy. She contradicts him, questions him, and makes him doubt himself, which is something he has never experienced before. You will gain his attention through flattery, compliance, and submission.”
“You need to make him feel like a man again,” summed up Lady Howard, “and you will be amply rewarded for it.”
Thomasin threw an uncomfortable glance at Catherine, but the queen’s gaze was fixed straight ahead, like a statue, giving nothing away.
“Remember to talk to him about his favourite subjects. Praise his performance in the lists, his looks, his jewels, his horses and dogs; ask to be told about his exploits abroad. But stay away from politics, do not mention Anne, and if he complains of her, you should say it is a pity he is sad, and that you wish you should make him happy again, as your king and a man.”
“Will he really be so easily won?” asked Cecilia.
“Very likely,” said Brandon, “but we must strike swiftly, while Anne is absent from court, while the wounds of their quarrel are still fresh.”
“Be gentle and soft with him,” said Lady Howard, fussing about her sleeves. “But be playful. Show him how a woman can be kind and yielding, without the need for challenge or conquest. Show him it is your duty and pleasure to serve him. Whatever he asks.”
“Do you understand?” asked Brandon. “Whatever he asks? You know what you will need to do? How far this might go?”
Cecilia nodded.
“We mean you may have to share his bed.”
“Yes,” Cecilia replied, “I have understood that.”
