“Then the king does not like facts.”
Thomasin nodded. “Come, let us head for the passage. It will soon be time for the court to open and we must be inside first.”
She led her father in through the servants’ wing that ran alongside the departments of the kitchen. Sounds of chopping and fires roaring reached them, with the heat flaring through the open hatches. Thomasin caught sight of the activity within as bodies moved back and forth.
Partway along the corridor, a door led them into a waiting room, where trestles and benches were stored, and from which led the passageway.
“It is not long, but it is narrow,” Thomasin warned. “I looked at it earlier this morning, but there should be no one around now, as the service hour is still a good way off.”
“It will serve its purpose,” said her father. “I will follow you.”
Heading towards the opening, Thomasin pressed her finger to her lips. There was already a slight hum from behind the curtain, where the officials were setting things up. Very carefully, she parted the two panes with her fingers, so she could see through a narrow gap into the chamber. They were right behind the dais. The table stood before them, but neither cardinal was present yet. Papers were being carried in, ink and quills were being supplied and the benches straightened and swept down.
“Any moment now,” Thomasin whispered.
There was an air of expectation in the chamber. It was strange to see the place so empty. For a moment, the future hung before them, tremulous and unwritten. Dust motes swirled in the air as a ray of sunshine shone down through the windows and hit the stone floor.
Presently the cardinals would take their places; the benches would fill up with bishops and statesmen, legal experts and witnesses. People would be called to swear the oath to speak the truth, and their experiences and opinions would be given to the court. Thomasin could see the place where she usually sat, towards the back on the left.
The opposite doors opened, admitting Cardinals Wolsey and Campeggio draped in their red cloaks. Behind them, a sea of heads showed those outside in the courtyard, waiting to be admitted. Thomasin wondered if More and Fisher had had the opportunity to speak with Wolsey yesterday about his French aspirations, and whether they had been able to convince him of the king’s true intentions. Hopefully she would have the opportunity to ask them later.
“Now,” Thomasin whispered, “we must sneak in quietly and take our places.”
They pushed through the curtain and round the side of the table, close to the wall. Sir Richard squeezed Thomasin’s hand, then headed to the row of witnesses, just as Gardiner was approaching the same spot. Thomasin kept going, merging with the arrivals, towards the seats at the back. Soon so many people had entered the hall, that their strange isolation was no longer regarded. As More passed her, with a good morning, and Fisher took his seat, Thomasin breathed a sigh of relief.
She had not yet seen Thomas Cromwell enter, but after a moment, the bulk of his grey cloak passed her, causing her to shiver. He did not look down at her but proceeded through the chamber to the place where her father sat, two guards following in his wake. From her seat, Thomasin could not hear what was being said, but after a moment, one of the guards laid a hand on Sir Richard’s arm and caused him to rise. Her father looked confused, then angry, before Cromwell spoke with him again. Then, suddenly, both guards seized him and started to walk him out of the chamber. Sir Richard looked round wildly, seeking support.
Thomasin was on her feet at once. “What is this? What is happening?” She moved to block their way.
Wolsey, at the front, had also noticed, and raised his hand to halt their departure. More had already reached them.
“What is this disruption?” asked the cardinal.
Cromwell turned and approached the bench, speaking quietly to Wolsey, who frowned but nodded his head.
“I am being arrested,” stammered Sir Richard, still held by the guards, “for failing to follow orders. Fear not, this is all a misunderstanding. Tell your mother!”
“What is this nonsense?” asked More, appealing to Wolsey. “Stop this; it cannot be right. By whose authority is this happening?”
“By the king’s,” snarled Cromwell, who had drawn level with them again. “Take your arguments to him.”
“By God’s blood, I shall!” More replied. “Arresting an innocent man obeying a summons! Do you think yourself above the law, Master Cromwell?”
“No,” he replied, with a glint in his eye, “I am the law.” Then he motioned for Sir Richard to be led away.
Thomasin felt the rise and fall in her chest but could not seem to be able to catch her breath.
“Do not fear,” More urged. “This is more for show than serious intent. It is Cromwell’s way of making an example of the king’s opposition. I am surprised that Wolsey allows it, as it is his court. Wait here; I will speak with him.”
He hastened forward and leaned over the raised table. Both cardinals listened but neither spoke. Eventually Wolsey shrugged his shoulders and More looked defeated.
“It is as I feared,” he said to Thomasin on his return. “The court may be governed by the Pope’s law, but the palace is run for the king’s benefit. They have no say over matters of security.”
“Security? How has my father offended?”
John Dudley had reached them through the crowd. “This is terrible,” he said. “What on earth is the reason given?”
“Failure to follow orders, apparently,” said Thomasin.
