“I have come from the court. It has concluded for the day, with no resolution to speak of. Henry is sour enough about it. Look out, he comes this way!”
They both sprang back as the royal guards appeared, at the head of a procession snaking its way towards the royal apartments. Thomasin wondered if Anne was still dancing there, and whether the king would be in the mood to join her. And where had Cecilia disappeared to?
When Henry appeared, resplendent in his furs and gold chains, she decided at once that there would be no music and dancing, given the severity of his frown.
“And so another day is required,” said John, as the line faded from sight. “They have been at loggerheads for so many years, Ido not suppose a few days will matter, although it is more likely to be weeks at this rate.”
“That long?”
“I fear so. Campeggio is so determined to draw the proceedings out, I am starting to believe he has secret instructions to delay. Will you dine in the hall here tonight?”
“No, I must make my way to the queen. She has repaired to Baynard’s Castle and is expecting me.”
“Then it would be my pleasure to escort you. It is but a moment’s walk, but I should not wish to see you go unaccompanied.”
“That is most kind of you, if you can spare the time.”
“I can, and the pleasure of your company is fair recompense. You can tell me if you prefer rose water or lavender to perfume gloves with, because I wish to buy some for Jane, but I am sure she had both!”
Thomasin laughed. “I am sure she would like either.”
“She is with child again, we have just discovered. We are blessed by it, but it comes round again so soon.”
“You are fortunate indeed. My congratulations to you both.”
They crossed the bridge to Blackfriars and passed through the palace, along a short street of tall houses and out into St Andrew’s Hill, which led down to the river. John pointed out the site of the old mill from years past, and talked about the ownership of the buildings on each side, along with their histories and former residents. On the left was a gate, giving into the precincts of Baynard’s Castle.
“Here I will leave you and take a boat home to Jane,” said John, with a short bow.
“Thank you. I appreciate the escort.”
“It is always a pleasure. I intend to visit your father tomorrow, if you have any message for him.”
“Only my love and prayers, as ever. I saw him earlier and he was in fair spirits, but I do not know how he fares when I am not present.”
John nodded, understanding her request. “I will report back his true state, if he will show it to me. I will join my prayers with yours for a speedy resolution to his situation.”
“Thank you, dear John.”
Now that her dear Thomas More had been sent to Cambrai, she appreciated having John’s friendship.
Baynard’s Castle was solid, grey and unforgiving, even in the late afternoon sunshine. It felt more like a fort than a palace or townhouse such as the great lords occupied. Thomasin entered with trepidation, shown by the guards to the rooms that Catherine occupied. It was dark, with few torches, but the lingering smell of food that had passed along this corridor recently offered a little comfort.
She was shown into a high-ceilinged room, still chilly despite the fires being lit. Ellen rose from a window seat, where she had been darning with Mary. Thomasin noticed that the windows were small and deep-set, letting in very little light.
“Here you are, at last! We were getting worried about you.”
“I am here now. John Dudley escorted me.”
“Did you remain in court all this time?”
“Not quite all. I had some business of my own to attend to as well.”
“The queen asked after you. She is at prayer now, but she wishes to hear about all the proceedings.”
“I will do all I can, but Bishop Fisher promised to pay a visit, and he understands the legal matters far better than I.”
“Have you eaten?”
