“Leave?” Cecilia stuttered.
“Those are the orders of the king.”
Not even Cecilia dared disobey. She rose shakily to her feet.
“It was too soon,” said her mother, patting her arm. “Time will mend.”
“Come,” said Cromwell.
“There is no need,” Thomasin jumped in. “I will take her.”
“And ensure she remains there.”
“We will ensure that the king’s wishes are fulfilled,” said Sir Richard. “Never fear.”
Cecilia was in tears by the time they reached the chamber. Both of their parents had accompanied them, but Ellen had remained in the hall. Thomasin could hardly blame her.
“But I was doing no harm,” Cecilia wailed, stripping off her golden headdress and casting it down upon the floor. “What harm have I done? Why can I not be here?”
“It is too soon,” said her mother, “too soon after…”
“The king doesn’t want disruption,” added Sir Richard. “He walks a fine enough line already between the queen and Anne, pleasing one and the other, ensuring they do not overlap or step on each others’ toes, but adding you into that picture is a step too far. Surely you can see that?”
“But the invitation?”
“Merely a formality. It was sent to Hugh in the knowledge of his absence. It was never intended for you to arrive here alone, and dressed like this!”
“I have risen in the world!” declared Cecilia. “I can dress according to my purse. It is not my fault, nor my responsibility to feel for those who cannot match me.”
“For goodness’ sake, child! Have you no sensitivity?”
“Think of the queen,” said Thomasin. “You served her well and she rewarded you handsomely. It is not a kind repayment to return and thrust your presence in her face, to remind her of her husband’s disloyalties.”
Cecilia fell silent.
“And the princess Mary is here too. In her chamber, but present, celebrating with her parents. It is hard enough to keep her shielded from Anne. Imagine if she was to witness a full-scale row between the pair of you.”
“I would not cause a row.”
“But recall the way Anne spoke to you in the summer,” said Thomasin, thinking of Anne’s venomous words when she had discovered the connection. “We cannot have that again, not here, not now.”
“So, what? I am to hide away in this room overnight and depart in the morning?”
“Yes,” affirmed Sir Richard. “Because those are the king’s wishes!”
“It seems a little harsh,” said Lady Elizabeth, “with all this snow. Can she not remain a few days, and perhaps his position will soften?”
Thomasin’s father looked at his wife in disbelief. “You think you can disobey the king? That you know his mind better than he does?”
“Of course not. Only, we could give out that she has a chill, and is unable to travel.”
“I give up! This rash and foolish arrival has opened you up to trouble. And not just you, all of us, too! Was it not enough that you were married to a good man, with a fine home, and everything that wealth can buy you? You had to come to court, so soon, uninvited?”
A knock upon the door made them all freeze.
Sir Richard went to answer, immediately bowing and stepping aside as Thomas Boleyn entered the chamber. The women immediately dropped curtseys. The viscount looked Cecilia’s golden attire up and down in disgust, then turned to her father.
“I can only assume, Marwood, that you did not know about this.”
