“Have you been friends long?” asked Ellen.
Giles nodded. “This past ten years, I believe, although I have not always been close enough to benefit from his wisdom.”
“Wisdom, my teeth!” said Harry, laughing. “I have precious little of that to share, but he makes a good enough drinking companion.”
“I believe that is our cue to depart. Come along, or else the ladies will think less of us for it.”
Giles turned to Thomasin. “Does the queen need you yet, or can you see us off at the river?”
Catherine’s door was firmly closed, with Maria and Mary inside.
“Of course we can,” Ellen replied with a smile, taking Harry’s arm. “But we must be quick.”
It was only a short distance, through the court, under the archway to the riverfront where the boats awaited those departing from court. Thomasin allowed herself to be led by Ellen’s enthusiasm, wrapping a shawl about her shoulders and heading out into the night air. There was a fresh, clean scentcoming from the earth, and the stars spread brightly above them.
“Where are you lodging?” asked Thomasin as they entered the courtyard.
“Not far away, just down near Westminster. It’s quite a nice place, really, with a garden and stabling, and less busy than the city itself.”
“And will your work with the king keep you here long?”
“As long as the court convenes, I suppose, and after that, who knows?”
They were passing the sundial when the night suddenly seemed to become very dark around them and a figure emerged from the shadows.
“Thomasin! What means this?”
Rafe’s face was glowering down at her, his eyes flashing.
“Rafe? I have been looking for you…”
“Who is this man?” He pushed Giles in the chest. “You look familiar somehow. Do I know you?”
Giles drew himself up straight, and Harry appeared at his shoulder.
“I am this lady’s cousin, sir. Surely you mean no ill?”
“Have you forgotten me already?” Rafe said desperately. “Just a few days and I am replaced?”
“We were just walking. Nothing more. How can you be like this?”
“I saw you, laughing and smiling, your arm in his.”
“As I often walk with my father. None of these things are a crime.”
“I saw you, Thomasin, when you thought I was not watching. I saw you! Are you indeed so fickle as your sister?”
“No,” she replied, horrified. “Are you so easily mistaken?”
He glowered back, chewing over more words.
“Come now,” said Giles. “This has the appearance of a misunderstanding, nothing more.”
But Rafe turned on his heel and disappeared into the darkness.
Thomasin wondered if she should run after him, but his accusations cut her to the bone. Surely by now he should know her better than that?
“I fear we have overstayed our welcome,” said Harry. “We will leave you here and make our own way to the river.”
