“And now the queen has spoken to her of duty and advised her to return to her husband.”
Sir Richard nodded. “It is a difficult situation, on all sides.”
“Not on his, Father,” Thomasin said hotly, indicating Barnaby. “Not on his. I cannot have Ellen sacrificed to that man.”
“No, I see. I am afraid my legal hands are tied when it comes to a divorce, but I can only advise him of the best course of action. Perhaps a win today will appease him.”
“That was my thinking too, although it is most unfair for the Astons. Well, for Miss Aston, at least. We spoke yesterday, and she seems a most pleasant young woman.”
“Can something else be done for her?”
“I don’t know, perhaps.”
Sir Richard nodded. “That might be the solution. And Cecilia? What of her?”
Thomasin almost jumped in alarm. “What?”
“It came as a surprise that the queen showed her favour; it was most generous of her. We were pleased that she was invited to see the workings of her household.”
“Oh, yes, of course.”
“She is behaving herself, I hope?”
“She has certainly embraced the role,” said Thomasin truthfully, although she felt the sting of omission.
“Right, then I must return. The case will hopefully conclude today. Then there will be nothing to keep us in London, although I am sure your mother will devise something, perhaps with this Cecilia business.”
“Yes, perhaps.”
Thomasin watched her father walk away. She felt that she had betrayed him, and her mother, when it came to this secret scheme. For once, the queen’s orders had to override her loyalty to her family. It sat uncomfortably with Thomasin, but the matter was out of her hands.
“And now Vives,” said Queen Catherine, furiously brandishing a letter. “House arrest in Oxford, for writing in sympathy to a friend. It is unbearable, this disrespectful treatment of good men.”
King Henry looked back at his wife coolly. She had ambushed him on the way back from the chapel, where he was unprepared for her fury, yet Catherine could not let this matter rest. Thomasin and Ellen waited nervously behind her.
“Bishop Mendoza is elderly in years,” the queen continued, “suffering great pain in his legs, despite which, he persists in doing his difficult duty. Guards are still posted at his door, preventing him from leaving his lodgings. Vives is a scholar and a humanist, respected across Europe, who has been so good in the past as to take an interest in the education of our daughter. You yourself expressed thanks to him, a few years before.”
“Madam,” said Henry, raising his hand ominously, “be reminded that this is not how you speak to your king.”
“Is this any way to treat the friends of a queen? Loyal men who have given good service?”
Henry turned slowly, and looked at her with intent, small eyes. Passing courtiers tried to hurry by, but many stopped, captivated by the scene.
“But their service is not to me, now, is it, Madam? In serving your interest, they act against me, the anointed king of this realm. You know what name is given to that? Is that the penalty you wish your friends to incur?”
Catherine did not imagine for a moment that Henry intended to pursue Mendoza or Vives for treason, but the tone of his voice made her proceed with caution. She drew a deep breath. “My Lord, can we not think of the comforts and liberty of two men, deserving of much respect for their learning and service? This has been sufficient to serve as warning; may they now be released?”
“And sent back to the emperor? Whose ships are collected in Flanders and Spain, ready to sail against me? Would you have your England invaded?”
“Of course not, my Lord. I only petition for two men.”
“Not a single man can be exempt from justice, not even due to their learning. The case of Luther, justly condemned by your own nephew, the emperor, should have taught you as much.”
“Martin Luther was condemned for heresy, in accordance with your own opinion. This is not comparable.”
“No, Madam, it is not. This matter comes perilously close to treason.”
A shocked silence descended. The word hung between them in the air, noxious and unavoidable.
