“Yes, he just arrived, asking for you. Shall I tell him to return later?”
“No, no.” Thomasin adjusted her headdress. “I will be there in a moment, thank you. Did I sleep for long?”
“An hour, perhaps.”
“So long! You should have woken me.”
“It did no harm,” said Ellen, smiling kindly.
Sir Richard was waiting in the window, looking over the garden. He turned as Thomasin entered the room, but she was relieved to see him not looking too concerned.
“Father, what is it?”
“Nothing to fear. I came to tell you about our plans.”
“Plans?”
“Firstly, concerning Sir Hugh Truegood, my errant son-in-law. So far as I can see, he has left London. I called at his house on the Strand to find it quiet and dark, his stables empty. I am hoping he has come to his senses and returned to Sussex, but we will wait and see.”
Thomasin didn’t know if this was good news, or whether it was better that Hugh and Cecilia were apart.
“But your mother’s melancholy increases. We have received a kind invitation from dear Thomas to visit him at his home in Chelsea and stay a few days, which I think would do her good. He has the most wonderful physic garden there, which your mother would like to see, and it might distract her from Cecilia’s plight.”
“How kind of More.”
“He is all kindness. I hope to meet his wife, Alice, of whom I have heard many good things.”
“How I envy you the prospect.”
“Well, this is what I have partly called to ask you. The invitation includes you, if you think the queen might spare you. The Papal Court will not sit tomorrow, so you would not be needed there and you might return the following morning by barge, so you would scarce miss a thing. I’m sure the queen would understand.”
Thomasin’s mind ran in conflicting circles. How good it would be to visit the More family home, where perhaps she might see Margaret again. But she knew how far Catherine relied upon her.
“When can you give me an answer? We intend to leave in the morning, if that buys you a little time.”
“I will speak first to Maria, who knows the queen best, to see how she really fares. I do not wish her to feel that I am leaving her when she has greatest need of me.”
“Of course not. You must go where your duty lies. There will be other occasions to visit Chelsea, I am sure.”
“I will send word to you tonight, I promise, with my decision.”
“Tonight then, and you must not fret either way.” Sir Richard paused and shot a look towards the door. “How fares the queen? She was visited this morning by the bishops, I believe?”
“Yes, during which she learned that it was her nephew, the Emperor, who has withdrawn her Flanders lawyers. I think she feels that keenly.”
“Yes, she must.” Her father lowered his voice. “She has been clinging to him as something of a saviour, but I fear he is placing political alliance above family. At least she will have Fisher and More, and no doubt others to speak for her. And myself.”
“Cromwell has not yet understood your intention?”
“We spent time yesterday closeted in his chambers, going through various letters and arguments. I am very tactful, mostly silent, but am absorbing it all. I will speak my mind when the time comes, not before.”
“How do you think he will react to your departure?”
“I will send him word when I am at Chelsea. Then there will be little he can do.”
“Be careful, though. He is a powerful man, determined to succeed. He will let nothing stand in his way.”
“I think he does not see me as the enemy. His sights are set firmly upon the Pope. He will meet Wolsey again tomorrow, to prepare more arguments. I am just a small fish in their pond.”
