“I understand from my Lady Salisbury that you have been diligent about your studies. I am pleased to hear of your dedication, and that you are making advances in your otherlanguages, as it may be that one day you will need to converse with the ambassadors.”
“Oh, I have already done that, Father — don’t you remember? When you were in France, I talked and played for them. I held court all on my own and I was only four.”
“Indeed, I do remember you telling me all about it afterwards.”
Mary smiled. “Will you come and dine with us tonight? Or shall we come down to the main hall, so that everyone can see me?”
Thomasin saw the slightest change in the king’s face.
“It is noisy and hot in the hall at dinner time, although I must needs show my face there from time to time. It is more fitting that you dine with your mother, in her chambers.”
He saw that Mary looked disappointed at this reply.
“There will be plenty of opportunities for you to demonstrate your talents to the court, never fear. How about tomorrow morning? If it is fine, we might ride out and hawk. I have some new birds to show you: a lovely new falcon, very swift and eager. He can fetch and retrieve at my whistles. Will that please you?”
“Oh, yes, Father, I do hope it will be fine. The weather seems better already today.”
“A dry, windless day is best. I think we shall be set fair, so you may allow yourself to look forward to it.”
“May I fly one of the smaller birds?”
“I have the exact one in mind: we shall build your confidence, and with a little practice you will soon be handling the larger birds too.” He turned to Lady Salisbury. “And her spiritual education? All is progressing well?”
His cousin bowed her head in agreement, continuing to speak of Mary while she stood with them, as if she was not there. “The princess dedicates herself each night and morning to reading from her prayer books, and at dinner I read to her from theLives of the Saints. She attends mass each morning and confession weekly.”
Henry nodded. “We cannot be too careful when it comes to the question of our souls. This is apt: I must speak of something particular. There have been certain heretical books brought into the country in recent months. At the moment, we are seizing them in the customs houses as they come off the ships, and searching the houses of those concerned, although some have slipped through our net. Any such books found will be burned. Be wary of this, now you are at court, because all heretical works must be rooted out at once. Be vigilant.”
“Of course, my lord.”
Thomasin wondered what these new books might contain and how they might pose such a threat to the king that he wished for their destruction. Were they in some way connected to the new learning? She resolved to ask her friend Thomas More, the next time he came to court.
The princess ignored the warnings about the books. “One day, Father, it is my heart’s desire to go on pilgrimage, as you and mother have, to visit the shrines at Walsingham and Canterbury. Perhaps next spring, we might all go together. I do so long to see them and offer my devotions.”
“Next spring is a long way off, and much might happen between now and then,” Henry said guardedly, “but your devotion is commendable.”
He looked back to Lady Salisbury, lowering his voice. “Furnish her with some more becoming gowns, more cheerful colours, in the French style, one of those little hoods; do you know what I mean?”
Thomasin blushed at the comments which Mary was obviously hearing. The murrey dress she wore was quite suitable and becoming enough for a twelve-year-old girl, and she winced inwardly to think that the king was trying to steer his daughter towards the style that Anne Boleyn favoured.
“But I like my gowns,” Mary said, before her governess could answer. “The darker colours suit me and feel more serious. I feel more godly in them.”
Henry turned. “What of the churches with their stained-glass windows? Their jewelled shrines and golden saints’ caskets? Are they less godly for being bright?”
“Well, no, Father.”
“Or does their beauty celebrate God all the more?”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
“Then it is settled. Fashions change and it is meet that you dress in a manner suited to your rank, and to your age. After all, you do not wish to appear old and dull, do you? Send for the keeper of her mother’s wardrobe. I am sure she will be of assistance.”
“Yes, my lord,” replied Lady Salisbury.
“Come now, give me a smile to show you are willing. I can picture you in scarlet or yellow. What do you say?”
Mary forced the smile that her father required, but Thomasin could see her reluctance at the thought of such gaudy colours. The colours that Anne favoured, Thomasin thought, although Mary could not have known it. She wondered what Catherine would have to say on the matter, although she could not disobey a direct command.
“And now, a small token I have for you, which may begin the process: look!”
