But Rafe put a warning hand upon her arm.
“It is what I must do. My honour demands it. Will you give me a name? Whose bastard is she carrying?”
Lady Elizabeth began to weep, turning her face away. This proved too much for her brother, urging him into action.
“Sir, you have caused enough distress for one day,” Sir Matthew said angrily. “You have forced entry into my home, disturbed my dinner and upset my guests. I ask you now to leave us in peace.”
“Peace? What peace will I have with that whore under my roof?”
Sir Richard and Sir Matthew both rose to their feet.
“To the outside world,” said Sir Richard slowly, “there is nothing amiss in a married woman carrying a child. This matter may never be known beyond these walls.”
“Am I to have a bastard inherit my estates, while your daughter laughs at me and carries on with God knows who? You do me a dishonour, sir, and you know it. I will have his name.”
“Where is Cecilia?” asked Lady Elizabeth through her sobs.
“In Sussex. I could not bear the sight of her.”
“Please be kind to her.”
“The kindest thing I can think of is to send her to a nunnery.”
Lady Elizabeth collapsed in sobs again.
“That’s it!” Sir Matthew pointed to the door. “Out!”
After the front door closed, Sir Matthew secured the bolt and returned to the dining chamber. The plates sat waiting, the food half eaten, the wine glasses still full.
“Well,” he said, looking at the faces of his family, “that was an unexpected interruption. Once again, that young woman has brought shame upon us.”
“I can only apologise profusely for her actions,” said Sir Richard.
“Well, we all saw it happen,” replied Sir Matthew. “We all knew there was a chance this could be the result.”
“Did you know, Mother?” Thomasin asked.
Lady Elizabeth shook her head, but there was something about her eyes that caused her daughter to doubt her assertion.
“I should go and fetch Ellen back,” Thomasin said, remembering her cousin’s departure.
“No need,” came a voice from the hallway, as Ellen entered. “I heard him leave.” She resumed her place at the table.
“How do you fare?” asked Thomasin, leaning towards her.
Ellen’s face was composed, with no signs of tears. “Later,” she mouthed, and Thomasin was forced to be content.
“Well, let us not waste this good fare,” said Sir Richard, “if any of you has a stomach for it.”
For a moment, there was silence as they tried to eat again, but Thomasin had little appetite now. She picked at a piece of pie crust, wondering what would happen next.
“Mr Danvers,” said Sir Richard, suddenly remembering that Rafe was in the room, “you must accept my sincerest apologies. As our daughter’s guest, we had intended to entertain you with a feast, but instead you have been subjected to the most unpleasant nature of our private family business.”
“Not at all, my good lord,” said Rafe, wiping his mouth on a napkin. “Do not forget that I serve the Boleyns and have seen all manner of behaviour under their roof. On the contrary, I continue to be impressed by the dignity of your family and offer my services if there is any way I may be of assistance.”
Thomasin glowed at his words.
“Good man,” said Sir Matthew. “You could not have spoken better. You will always be welcome at this table.”
