“Yes, and I stand by that. But it doesn’t mean punishing yourself. Stay here at court. Hugh will be off again soon, on some trip to the Netherlands, so your paths won’t cross. And by the time he returns, you will be stronger, perhaps even with a new love.”
Ellen listened. “It could work. So long as Hugh leaves. But then there is the queen. She thinks I should return to Barnaby, too.”
“Perhaps she does, because that is what she wishes to do herself: be reunited with her husband. But you know of her kindness; she will not force you to do so. It was her who took pity on you and offered you a place, when Barnaby’s guilt was discovered.”
“This is true.”
“You can always stay with the queen. And with me.”
“You won’t be here forever, though. I’ve seen the way Nico looks at you.”
The change of subject disarmed Thomasin. Ellen saw the effect upon her at once.
“What? You don’t like him?”
“Yes, yes, of course I do.” But there was a shadow to her words. “I don’t know. It’s just, perhaps, I’m not sure. He tries too hard.”
“Too hard?”
“Compliments and letters and poetry. I don’t know, it feels too much.”
“It’s only that you are not used to it, I am sure.”
“I’m not, you’re right. No man has ever treated me that way before. But it feels as if he is making an effort all the time, performing the role of lover, rather than just being himself.”
“He’s a Venetian. Perhaps that’s what they’re like.”
“Yes, and what if a year or two down the line, when he has secured me, he stops trying so hard? Who will he be, then? I’m not even sure I know the real Nico, or what is behind the charm and polish.”
“Then you must talk to him.”
The door opposite them opened, and three figures came out into the garden: Sir Richard, Sir Matthew and his son, the odious Barnaby.
“Oh Heavens,” exclaimed Ellen. “I thought he had gone.”
“Wait, I will head them off.”
The trio made their way through the paths that snaked across the garden. Thomasin headed to meet them with mixed emotions, while Ellen waited reluctantly behind.
“Thomasin,” said Sir Richard, approaching his daughter. “The queen said we would find you out here. We have come to take our leave. The court case is over, so we no longer have business at court.”
“It is over?” Thomasin echoed.
“Oh, yes, it was settled most favourably for Matthew, who is to grant generous annuities for both the Aston siblings. So it is a good result for all.”
“I am pleased to hear that,” replied Thomasin, smiling at her uncle.
“It seemed the fairest way,” Sir Matthew replied, “to give them a solid start in life, as the old man’s next of kin.”
“So we are leaving now,” repeated Sir Richard. “We have already seen Cecilia, who seems in very good spirits this morning, I must say, as she is to remain with the queen a little longer. It seems she has some kind of plan for her.”
Thomasin nodded, surprised when Ellen appeared alongside her.
“We will remain at Monk’s Place for a few more days, as your mother has errands to run and wishes to see Dr Elyot again, before going into Suffolk.”
“You are both welcome to visit us at Monk’s Place before they leave,” added Sir Matthew, “although I am sure the queen’s service occupies your days fully.”
Then, unexpectedly, Barnaby spoke up gruffly. “Wife, will you come back with me to Derbyshire? The queen said that she will spare you, if it is your wish.”
