Catherine turned back to face Thomasin. “Your father is at court, is he not?”
“Yes, my lady. He was summoned by Cromwell, quite against his wishes.”
“And what is his position on this matter?”
“He has always been a devoted friend to your good self, and will speak according to the dictates of his conscience.”
“He was always beloved at my court.” Catherine turned with a smile. “I remember him as a young man, with such energy and a warm smile. Did you know he used to play the lute and sing in my chambers? I did miss his smile when he retired to the country.”
Thomasin wondered whether the queen knew the real reason for Sir Richard’s withdrawal from court, all those years ago. She herself had only recently discovered the brief liaison that had occurred between her mother and the king. At one point she had even feared that Henry might be her own father, but the similarities between her and Sir Richard were too great to overlook.
“I can trust you, can’t I, Thomasin?”
“Yes, my lady, with every fibre of my being.”
Catherine smiled at her enthusiasm. “Yes, I believe so, despite the best efforts of others to convince me differently. Did you hear that Lady Norfolk has left court?”
“I had not, my lady.” Thomasin recalled the Duke of Norfolk’s quarrelsome wife, who had tried to turn the queen against Thomasin not so long ago.
“You will not miss her, I think.”
“No, my lady.”
“I need someone to attend the Papal Court for me, Thomasin. To sit at the back and listen, when I am not there. I will only attend at the time I am summoned, but I wish to know how proceedings fare. I think you would be a good choice, with your sharp wits and good memory, and your father is there too. Will you be my eyes and ears in that place?”
The immensity of this rushed over Thomasin in a wave. “Of course, my lady, if it will assist you.”
“You do not need to speak. Just attend and report back at the end of the day.”
“Is there anything in particular you wish to hear, or not hear?”
“You are most tactful, as ever. Your general impressions, I think: the mood of the court, and the law, evidence, precedents, but only when they are significant in determining my case. Also the main line of those called as witnesses. Do you think you can manage that?”
“I will do my very best for you, my lady.”
“The court convenes shortly, so you must dress and break your fast quickly.”
Thomasin started to fold her linen at once.
“Never mind that. Maria will do it.” Catherine crossed the room and stood up on tiptoes to plant a kiss on Thomasin’s forehead. “May God go with you, Thomasin Marwood.”
The sun was climbing higher in the sky as Thomasin hurried across the Fleet Bridge and entered Blackfriars Priory. The building had the gloomy majesty of a religious site, but it was also used as a royal venue, and there were signs of the wealth and presence of the king everywhere. Scented braziers burned against the morning chill; rich tapestries and curtains hung against the stone walls. Crowds were milling about in the cloister, waiting to enter the Parliament chamber, where the hearing was to be held. Through the dark robes of dukes and earls, Thomasin glimpsed the flash of the cardinals’ scarlet.
Her heart was beating faster as she approached. It was indeed a great honour to be asked to attend on behalf of the queen, but also a great responsibility. She did not look forward to the inevitable digging into the royal marriage, which she must bear witness to.
“Thomasin Marwood?”
She turned to see her good friend and scholar Thomas More, dressed in grey robes and wearing the most sombre of expressions. Over the past year, his intelligent conversation and kindness had saved her on many occasions, so he had come to represent something of an alternative father figure to her, especially when Sir Richard was absent. He had been speaking with Bishop Fisher, who was dressed in his black and white robes and tricorn hat, but now came over to greet her.
“Master More!”
“It does my heart good to see you, Thomasin. Are you quite well?”
“Well enough, I thank you.”
“Why are you here, at the court? Surely you are not summoned already?”
“No, I am not summoned.” She looked round to check they were not overheard, but lowered her voice anyway. “I am here on behalf of the queen, to be her eyes and ears while she is not present.”
