Thomasin accepted the plate from him, hoping it would distract him from any further talk.
“I would have come south sooner, had it not been for my sister,” he said.
“Your sister?”
“Felicia. She is a widow who lives at our old estate near York, and she has been quite unwell.”
“I am sorry to hear that.”
“Thank you, but it required my presence longer than I had anticipated.”
“I do hope she is in better health now. I did not know you had a sister.”
“She lives very privately. Since our mother died she has been much alone. Part of my time was spent attempting to engage a companion for her, but it had to be the right one.”
“Of course. Did you find someone?”
“A bay mare named Shadow. She writes to me that she is happy, but she always tries to put on a brave face.”
“A horse?”
“Yes, she likes horses and dogs far more than people.”
“Could she not come to court, or to London, at least?”
“No, she would not. She has an absolute abhorrence of travel and cities. She lives largely out of doors, whenever she can.”
Thomasin thought that Felicia Waterson sounded more interesting and unusual than these snippets suggested. “She is unmarried?”
“And likely to remain so. She is not overly keen on men and will only tolerate me for short periods!”
Thomasin laughed a little at this. “Sorry, I did not mean to sound rude.”
“I know. She is quite the eccentric.”
They ate steadily as Thomasin digested this intriguing information. Opposite, Ellen and Harry were deep in conversation about life at court.
“I had thought to write to you once or twice, Thomasin,” said Giles suddenly, “but I was unsure. I apologise now. I should have done so. Would you have minded?”
“No,” she said lightly, “not at all. But it is of no matter.”
“Very well. I was thinking of calling on your parents and uncle soon, to pay them my compliments. Perhaps you would wish to accompany me?”
“Perhaps, if I am able to leave the queen. I only had leave a few days ago, though.”
“Of course. You take your duties to her very seriously.”
“Yes, I do,” she said firmly. “Very seriously.”
Their glasses were filled with wine again. Thomasin felt a little discomfort, torn between her loyalty to Rafe and her enjoyment of Giles’s company, who clearly wished to re-establish their old connection. Yet something prevented her from speaking openly. Rafe was her secret. Until their engagement was announced, she felt she should not speak of it to anyone, save Ellen.
“Now look what we have here!” Giles’s eyes shone to see the plate of suckets and gingerbreads set before them, stained with red and yellow dye and decorated with candied fruit peel.
When the meal was finished, Catherine rose to her feet to withdraw to her inner chamber. The candles were burning low and night was falling outside the lead-panelled windows, bringing down a blanket of deep blue velvet. Servants were clearing the table and guests were departing.
“Giles, we should be leaving these ladies in peace,” said Harry, approaching.
“I am loath to leave when the cheer and food are so good,” Giles admitted, “but as in all things, I should listen to your sage advice.”
