“Better discover its news swiftly, then.”
She took the letter from the servant, recognising the seal of her uncle, Sir Matthew, and tore it open. A few lines werecontained within, summoning her back to Monk’s Place as soon as possible. She flushed and frowned at the necessity to ask the queen for release again, but was concerned about what had occasioned the request.
“Not good news, I think,” said Catherine, studying her face. “Not your father, I hope?”
“No, I don’t think so.” Thomasin walked towards the queen’s chair and placed the letter in her hands.
Catherine scanned it quickly. “You may take two hours this afternoon and return in time for dinner, as I have guests. Tomorrow, I want you back in court for Fisher’s speech.”
“You are most kind, my lady. I apologise again for the disruption.”
“I will send some more cloves for your mother, and some warming spices, as she must be suffering.”
“She will receive them with gratitude, I am sure.”
Anxiety knotted Thomasin’s stomach as she left Baynard’s Castle. A carriage was waiting to take her the short distance along Thames Street. The letter had been written by Sir Matthew, who had simply stated that her mother was distressed and wished to see her on an urgent matter. Thomasin had no doubt that the matter was, indeed, of a most urgent nature, as her uncle was not prone to hyperbole.
A faint drizzle had begun to fall over the city as the carriage moved down the busy street. Their progress was slow, as horses, carts and children weaved in and out before them. Thomasin had little choice but to sit back and wait, although it would have been swifter to get out and walk the final distance. Finally, the driver turned in through the gates and the horses’ hooves clattered over the cobbles. Inside the house, Sir Matthew’s dogs started barking their welcome as he came out to greet her. His face looked aged and full of frowns.
“Thank you for coming. I know it cannot have been easy.”
“Luckily the queen is understanding. Is it Father?”
“Nothing like that. Your mother expects you in the front chamber.”
Thomasin picked up her skirts and hurried inside, through the corridor that smelled of beeswax and herbs, then left into the room where a fire was burning. Lady Elizabeth was seated on a carved wooden chair; the long trestle table where they usually dined had been pushed to the side. Her pale face looked taut and angry.
“Mother.” Thomasin dropped a curtsey.
“Up, up, enough of that. I’m not the queen!”
“What is the matter? I came as soon as I could.”
Sir Matthew was hovering in the doorway behind them.
“What is this assignation you set up between Cecilia and that wretched Hatton man?”
“Assignation? There was no assignation.”
“But you took him to meet her, did you not? Remember, I have had your sister’s own side of this, so do not think to deceive me.”
“Mother, it is not my intention to deceive you. You make it sound as if I planned it all, when it is quite the opposite. I take it Cecilia is home, then? She evaded me in the palace gardens.”
“She came home late last night, giving us great cause for alarm.”
“At least she came home. She has not always done that.”
“Enough! Tell me what occurred. Do you not think I have enough to worry me, with your father locked in the Tower for goodness knows how long?”
“Yes, Mother, I am aware, and I have done nothing to add to your distress. Yesterday, I saw Cecilia at court. She had come there of her own volition, seeking Hatton, because she said he had a right to know about his child. I did my best to persuade her to return home, telling her it was not the proper thing to doand that she would be thrown out by the guards, but she was adamant. She was going to stay whether I helped her or not, so I thought it best to make things as quick as possible, so as to not cause a scene. The Papal Court were sitting that day, so it was quiet, fortunately, but I did not wish to risk the king seeing her.”
“Hmm. You should have sent her straight back to me.”
“I tried, believe me, but you know what she is like. She absolutely refused, so I sought to minimise the damage. I took Hatton to meet her in the garden and sat a little way off, to keep an eye on them, but I had the misfortune to fall asleep in the sun. When I woke, both of them had gone. Neither thought to wake me. I have not heard from either since.”
“You fell asleep?”
“It was not of my choosing! I was tired and it was warm. Cecilia should have woken me after their meeting.”
