She felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she was filled with a mixture of relief and gratitude to have a man like Giles by her side. And then the unpleasant thought arose, unbidden, that it should have been Rafe supporting her through this crisis, speaking the same words that Giles now offered. Where was Rafe at such a time as this? Nursing his grievances?
“Come.” Giles offered her his arm. “Let us not wait another minute.”
As the carriage trundled through the London streets, Thomasin’s anxiety mounted. There always seemed to be something holding them back: a cart blocking the way, a crowd of people, a stray dog which almost went under the wheels. Each time, though, she looked out of her window and could see Giles on his horse, riding alongside, and she felt reassured.
When they finally arrived at court, he opened the carriage door for her, offering his arm.
“I think I should go straight to Wolsey,” he said, clearly having thought about a strategy on the journey. “It’ll take too long to track down More and Dudley, and Campeggio is more of an unknown quantity, but Wolsey I can appeal to. He has known your father for years and will understand the complexities of this situation.”
“Yes, thank you. You are right. But…” Thomasin paused. “I am here now. I will go with you. It will not take long, and then I can return to the queen.”
“If you are sure, then let us go.”
The afternoon was fading as they hurried through the stable yard and into the main courtyard. Heads of courtiers and servants turned to see them speeding along the paths and through gates and corridors.
“Let us hope he is in his chamber, not with the king,” said Giles. “If we find the cardinals together, it would be even better, and save us repeating our reasons.”
He hastened towards the block where Wolsey had his apartment. Thomasin was buoyed by his strength of purpose, and a surge of admiration for Giles rushed through her in her haste, so that she did not notice those around her.
“Why the hurry?”
Giles came up short and Thomasin almost crashed into him from behind.
Anne Boleyn stood blocking the way, looking at them with blazing eyes. “You almost caused an accident, running about here like servants. Is there a fire? A flood?”
Behind her, in the shadows, Thomasin caught a glimpse of Mary Boleyn, and beyond her, her heart sank to see Rafe Danvers glowering, no doubt furious to find her in the company of Giles again.
“I beg your pardon, my lady,” Giles said with conviction, “but please excuse us.”
Anne did not move.
“We are about important business.”
“What is so important?”
“My family’s private business!” added Thomasin, stepping out from behind Giles. “Please let us pass.”
“Ah, Mistress Marwood, what a pleasure,” Anne said with a laugh. “Surely you are not behind this chaos?”
“Chaos?” Thomasin replied. “I see no chaos. Only two people about important business whose path is being blocked.”
She caught Rafe’s eye and read the doubt and annoyance therein, but she had no time for it now. It should have been him beside her, helping her, not her cousin.
“What on earth can be so important?” Anne asked again. “Does it relate to the king’s business?”
“It is nothing of your concern,” said Giles firmly. “Now please allow us to pass. Time is of the essence.”
“Is it?” Anne mused, smiling. “‘Time is of the essence’ — how poetic!” But she leaned to one side, allowing a space for Giles to push through. He extended his hand to help Thomasin pass too.
As they moved, Thomasin was conscious of Rafe’s body close by. She would need to pass him in a second, but there was no time to talk or explain. He deserved little consideration from her right now; her father mattered most.
As she followed Giles past Rafe, there was a sudden jolt. Giles lurched to the left and stumbled. Rafe stepped back, and his furtive movement made her realise that he had deliberately shoved against Giles as he passed.
“Sir,” said her cousin, turning and righting himself, “this is no common brawling house. Your conduct is not befitting of a gentlemen. I am about serious and urgent business, but I will be sure to inform your master of your conduct.”
Thomasin glanced at the other women, but both Anne and Mary looked coolly on, not raising an eyebrow.
“Nothing to say for yourself?”
