“Wait here,” said Thomasin, seeing the nervous look in her mother’s eyes. “I will go down and see who it is.”
Thomas More and John Dudley were waiting in the hallway, their faces heavy.
“What is the news?” asked Sir Matthew, appearing from his study as Thomasin came down the staircase.
“Nothing good to report, I fear,” said More gravely. “I had a brief audience with the king and explained what had happened. I could see he was troubled, but he would only repeat that Cromwell is acting in his name. He would say nothing further. I do not believe he was aware of Cromwell’s plan, but now thathe knows of it, he will not disturb it. I sense that he believes Cromwell had some purpose in doing so that is in his interests.”
“Yes, he does not want Father to speak in favour of his marriage!” said Thomasin. “It is quite clear.”
“He would only say that your father had a chance to leave, to return to the country, but did not take it.”
Sir Matthew shook his head. “So that is how he calms his conscience. It seems that there is no length he will not go to, in order to achieve his wishes.”
“The king believes,” added John, “that this court will soon conclude his divorce and he will be free to marry Anne. He sees the end so nearly in sight, I believe he will let nothing stand in his way. Sir Richard’s evidence would have attested that his marriage to Catherine was a true one. But hopefully, once the matter is resolved, there will be no need to keep him in the Tower further.”
“And if it is not?” asked Thomasin. “If the marriage question is not resolved?”
“What if Sir Richard promised to return at once to Suffolk?” asked Sir Matthew. “To leave at once and remain there for the duration of the court?”
“It has already been suggested,” said More, “but the king thinks him safest out of the way, where his voice cannot be heard.”
“Surely this is against the law of the court?” Sir Matthew persisted. “The king’s authority must give way to that of the Pope. If the cardinals summon Sir Richard, he is bound to attend. If the king prevents him from doing so, he is acting directly against the Pope’s command. Surely he will not go that far? He could be excommunicated for less.”
There was an awkward silence in the hall.
“I think the king is moving in that direction,” said More solemnly. “I fear that if this court does not go his way, he willreject its authority and bring about his own solution. At some point it is inevitable that he will clash with the Pope. This may only bring it forward.”
“Then what can be done?” asked Thomasin.
“You saw how Cromwell disregarded the authority of the cardinals by arresting your father in the court. Then, he was a mere observer, seated in the gallery. I think we cannot lose by making the cardinals summon him. It will give the king a chance to step back from this action. We must appeal to the cardinals.”
“I suppose there is little that the queen can do? Ellen is speaking with her now.”
“The queen can only lend her voice to our appeals.”
“Very well.”
“We will go at once to Campeggio, and ask him to issue a summons for your father to attend on the morrow. God willing, that will be enough. If the king disregards it, he rejects the very court he has brought to England. It serves him not to question those whom he wishes to grant his request.”
“That is sound logic,” said Sir Matthew. “Will you take some refreshment before you leave?”
“No, I thank you. We will go straight about our business, to sooner to have it resolved.”
“Thank you, good sirs, for your kind efforts on our behalf.”
“It is a wrong that I cannot bear to see,” stated More.
“Nor I,” agreed Dudley. “If this is allowed to pass, which of us will be next?”
SIXTEEN
Thomasin stood and looked at the Thames flowing past the bottom of the garden at Monk’s Place. The surface seemed calm, even glassy, but it was possible to see how the waters eddied and swirled in strong currents beneath. It raced past her, carrying along twigs and leaves, and even a pair of swans close to the opposite bank.
She would need to return to court soon. The queen had only granted her a few hours’ absence and now that her mother and Cecilia were calmer, Thomasin would need to get back to help prepare the queen for dinner and the night ahead. It was her turn to sleep on the truckle bed in Catherine’s chamber, although Thomasin could not imagine she would get any rest, imagining what conditions her father found himself in that night. The only comfort was the presence of Sir William Kingston in the Tower, Sir Richard’s old friend, who would do his best to make Sir Richard as comfortable as possible in the circumstances. She drew a deep breath. This situation was terrible, but it would pass. They would all be together again soon.
A figure headed down the path from the house. To her surprise, Thomasin recognised Giles Waterson. A feeling of something like relief flooded through her as she went to meet him. His face was a picture of concern.
“Dear Thomasin, I have just heard your awful news. I would have heard sooner, but I was out riding. I came as soon as I could. Is there anything I can do to help?”
