“Indeed, but Cecilia is quite enough for us all. I shall not be long, I promise. Cover for me.”
“Of course, go!”
Thomasin needed no further encouragement. She slipped through the doors, along the corridor, where the lamps flickered, and down the staircase. There was no guarantee that Rafe was even at court. The Boleyns might be here, dining with the king, but equally they might be at Durham Place, keeping out of the way, given the impending court. It would not do for Thomasin to hang about the king’s chambers, but she might place herself in the path of those coming and going, who might be able to answer her questions.
She crossed the dark court, her skirts catching on the little hedgerows of sweet-scented box that marked out the flowerbeds. The central fountain still flowed, with the sound of watertinkling upon its surface. From an open window above, the strains of a lute crept through the night air.
In the doorway opposite, two men passed across Thomasin’s line of vision, but neither was known to her. She dared creep a little closer, lurking near the bushes to see if she might overhear any conversation. Presently, a servant boy crossed the open space, arms full of wood for the king’s chamber.
“Hey, boy!” Thomasin called.
He paused and looked at her with startled eyes.
“Don’t be alarmed. I’m one of the queen’s ladies. Tell me, do the Boleyns dine with the king tonight?”
She could see him hesitate, as if this was secret information.
“It’s all right — it’s not the queen asking; it’s me wanting to know if a friend is here.”
He shook his head. “None of the Boleyns, only Wolsey and Cromwell.”
“You’re sure?”
“Sure as eggs is eggs, madam.”
Thomasin waved him on his way. It meant that Rafe was probably at Durham Court too, so there was no chance of her seeing him tonight. She would have to be patient and hope he would return to Bridewell in the morning.
“Mistress Marwood?”
The voice sounded slightly familiar, as if it was calling to her from the past. She turned and peered through the darkness. A man of her own height was standing there, with light brown hair and a merry face, his blue-green eyes fixed upon her. She took in his snug, well-structured form, flattered by its rust-coloured doublet. Yes, she knew that firm chin and square jaw, that smile that was spreading over his sensuous lips.
“Giles? Giles Waterson?”
He stepped forwards, beaming. “I thought it was you! I wasn’t sure, as you’re older, obviously, as we all are. It must be not quite two years since I saw you last.”
When the Marwoods had first come to court, Lady Elizabeth had cherished hopes that Thomasin might marry her distant Waterson cousin. In fact, a great friendship had been established between them, based on their love of merry words and the finer aspects of the dining table, and Giles had felt able to confide in her about the loss of his first wife. Soon after Thomasin had entered the queen’s household, Giles had left court on family business.
“I had heard you were in the north?”
“Yes, there was much to do to put my uncle’s affairs straight. Some counterclaim upon his land, a dreary enough business, but it is now resolved. But you are well? You look well, Thomasin.”
His compliment touched her. “I am well, still serving the queen through this difficult business.”
“Indeed, I have been learning more of it since my arrival. A sorry state of affairs indeed, that must touch all hearts. That is what prompts my return. The king summoned me to act as his secretary.”
“His secretary?”
“Yes, he has a sudden surfeit of secretaries. Our task is merely to read every book in existence on the matter and write summaries of evidence that might assist his case. It is dull work indeed and I did not ask for it.”
“And may I congratulate you? There was talk of an engagement while you were away. Are you now a happily married man?”
“Me? No, that was my uncle who married. I have not been so fortunate. And yourself?”
It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him about Rafe, the postponed engagement and her hopes for the future, but Rafewas not there. And Giles still felt like a stranger. Instead, she blushed and shook her head.
“Well, there is time enough for all of that. I shall be in the court every day after it opens, and I trust I will see you at some point. Perhaps we might share a dish of pork and mustard, if you will let it out of your sight.”
“You remembered my favourite dish.”
