“I see you need no assistance,” he declared, “but only seek to make fools of your elders who cannot match your speed.”
The girl laughed and twirled about again, following the steps through until the end of the song. Giles followed as best he could, his feet fumbling occasionally, and once he had to clutch at her arm to keep his balance. His laughter was infectious, lifting the mood of the whole chamber. Those ladies sitting around the outside started to laugh too at the sight of their antics, and one or two of the younger ones got up to copy their steps. With the last strains of the dance, little Catherine took them both by the hand and made them join her in an elaborate curtsey.
“Well, I don’t know about you,” Giles said to Thomasin above the girl’s head, “but she has quite worn me out.”
“Nothing German about that at all!” exclaimed Harry, mopping his brow.
The queen clapped from the doorway, where she had entered unseen during their dance.
“Excellently done, young lady. Now, gentlemen, will you dine in my chamber this day?”
Giles bowed low. “What an unexpected honour, my lady.”
“We would be your most humble guests,” added Harry, following suit.
“Then you kindly bring us more good cheer. Until then.”
Presently, sounds came through the doors to the antechamber, where servants were busy preparing trestles and benches, laying cloth and setting out glasses and plates. More busy hands came to light candles and stoke up the fire, as despite the sunshine, the late spring evenings still could turn out a little chilly.
Thomasin found herself pleased that Giles was to dine with them, and she was interested to observe how Ellen and Harry laughed over a game of chess they had started. When the time came for them to take their seats at the table, she was not surprised to find Giles seating himself beside her, offering her his best smile.
“I have missed this,” he admitted.
“Court?”
“Yes, being merry and in good company. Especially yours, Thomasin.”
She blushed, spreading out her skirts.
“I lacked good company in the north. I thought often of my friends back at court.”
“And now you are here.”
“And I intend to enjoy myself, to balance the bitter business of the courtroom. Have you been very merry during my absence?”
He looked straight into her eyes. Thomasin sensed it was a challenge, to get her to admit that she had missed him, but the spectre of Rafe raised his head.
“It has been a difficult time,” she said, choosing her words carefully, aware of Catherine at the head of the table. “The queen appears happier today than she has been in a long time.”
“And you, Thomasin?”
“I am well enough, thank you.”
“And your family?”
“As always, you know.”
“I do. I remember that evening at your uncle’s house in Thames Street. We spoke freely with each other then, openly, about many things.”
Thomasin did remember that night, with its intimate confessions. But Giles could not turn up at court over a year later and expect the same from her. She kept her eyes on her plate.
“Much has happened since then.”
“Are you still my friend?”
“Oh yes, of course.” She looked up, hoping she had not hurt his feelings. “After all, we are cousins of a sort, are we not?”
“Cousins, yes.” He reached for a plate of food before him, spooning out chicken in white sauce with almonds and baked dates. “Will you have some?”
