“No,” snapped Sir Richard. “But I should have! Now, you will come with us and be grateful! Get into the carriage.”
Cecilia scuttled inside without another word, or even a goodbye for the sister she was leaving behind.
“It was a deal of trouble to get her this far!” exclaimed Lady Elizabeth, breathing a sigh of relief. “Some peace and quiet will give her time to reflect on her good fortune, and hopefully she will decide not to risk it again.”
“She would be a fool to do so!” said Sir Richard.
Thomasin turned to her parents. “Well, the season has not all been difficult; between the untimely arrival and the banned books, there were moments of joy.”
“Indeed there were,” her father smiled, thinking of the feasting and dancing, the good company and cheer with friends. They had already gathered in this courtyard once before, to wave off More and Margaret, followed by the Dudleys. “But I do think,”he continued, with a wistful look in his eyes, “that things are changing. I doubt we will have another Christmas such as this. Once the court has pronounced its verdict, the position of all the players will shift. Take care of yourself, Thomasin. Serve the queen well and guard your heart.”
“My heart?”
“There are many new young men at court — ruthless, unscrupulous men. You have seen them with your own eyes. There’s the young fellow who caused all this trouble with the book — Zouche, I think his name is. But beware the group around the king. Royal actions set a precedent, and they are starting to think they can have whatever they want.”
This speech took Thomasin by surprise. Her father could not be speaking of Rafe, surely? She had kept their rekindled romance a secret from everyone except Ellen. No, he must be giving advice in general terms.
“You are a sensible girl,” Sir Richard continued. “But you have a depth of feeling. Keep your heart safe. Do not give it away unless you find someone worthy of it; learn from your sister’s actions. Ah, now here is Matthew, ready to depart.”
Sir Matthew came striding into the yard, wearing his riding coat and boots.
“All set?”
“All set,” Sir Richard replied. “Ready to go.”
“Dear Thomasin,” said Lady Elizabeth, turning to embrace her daughter. “Keep well, and we shall see you again soon at Bridewell.”
Sir Richard handed his wife into the carriage where Cecilia was waiting, then mounted the horse he was to ride alongside. With Sir Matthew on a brown stallion to lead the way, they trundled out of the yard, through the main gates and down the road. Thomasin stood watching until they were out of sight.
“You’ll see them again soon.”
Thomasin had not noticed Rafe appear beside her. He placed his hands protectively on her shoulders and squeezed.
“The days will pass swiftly enough.”
She smiled, touched at his attempts to comfort her. “Thank you. I’m sure they will. Where do you go from here?”
“I am bound for Hever for a short while, to accompany Lady Boleyn home, but then I will return to London.”
“And come to court?”
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “Nothing could keep me away. I do love you, Thomasin. I always have.”
The unexpected words made her flush. She longed to say them back, to confess her deepest feelings, but they rose and died in her mouth, feeling forced in the moment, as if she responded only out of politeness.
If Rafe was disappointed, he covered it well.
“Now you must return to help your mistress pack. When do you depart?”
“As soon as the queen is ready. Within the hour, I should think.”
“The forecast is clear, so there should be no trouble, and the river is calm.”
Thomasin thought of the wide, flat barge they had arrived in only ten days earlier. It felt as if a lot had happened in that time. “I hope for quiet waters ahead, but I fear that is unrealistic.”
Rafe caught her meaning at once. “Yes, we must brace ourselves for what the year 1529 will bring. Who knows what the papal court will decide? But remember, Thomasin, you are a free soul. You are not bound to any other person in this matter; your duty is to yourself and your own survival. People rise and fall, even great ones, and we must keep our heads above water.”
“I know you speak sense…”
