Thomasin approached the chess table and curtseyed. “My lady, he could not have done better. His speech was full of passion and conviction, his arguments and motives most sound. Surely no Christian man can now deny that to dissolve the marriage would be to go against the Sacraments.”
Catherine nodded. “That is excellent.”
“The cardinals have dismissed the court for today, in order to discuss his arguments.”
“With my happy memories, I almost feel hopeful. The court must find in my favour, and very soon!”
“I hope so, my lady. I cannot see otherwise, now.”
“Where is Fisher? I wish to thank him in person.”
“He remained, but I am sure he will come and visit you in person soon.”
“More wine. Wine and roses! We will not celebrate just yet, but by God’s grace, we might allow ourselves a little pleasure, I think.”
It was midafternoon when visitors arrived. The chamber was heady with the scent of roses and ringing with laughter when Giles Waterson and Harry Letchmere were shown in. Both were dressed splendidly, in rich doublets, caps and gold chains, as befitted a visit to a queen, and they carried gifts of wafers, jars of honey, wine and candied suckets. Thomasin felt a twinge of guilt at the sight of Giles, recalling their last awkward encounter. She had forbidden him from speaking then, surprised by the realisation that he had feelings for her. Until then, she had not considered Giles in a romantic light, more as an attractive,helpful cousin, while all her affection had been for Rafe. But how did she feel now? She watched the men bow low before the queen.
“Gentlemen,” said Catherine, “how very welcome you are. What wonderful gifts you bring to lighten our afternoon.”
“It seems we already find you very merry, which gladdens my heart,” said Giles, looking around at the roses. “What is the occasion of this celebration?”
“Hope,” replied the queen, “hope for the future. Come, will you drink with us?”
The men accepted a glass of wine each, and raised them along with the queen. As they drank, Giles met Thomasin’s eyes with a mixture of curiosity and warmth. She looked away quickly. Whatever this was between them, she did not want it to play out in public.
It was Harry Letchmere who approached Thomasin and Ellen, as if Giles had somehow understood her thoughts.
“Ladies, it is a pleasure to see you again, both looking radiant as ever.”
It was a platitude, but Thomasin noticed how Ellen smiled.
“The queen is keeping you busy, no doubt?”
“Oh, we live fairly quietly here,” said Ellen, smiling, “save for Thomasin’s visits to the court, but we hope those will soon cease.”
“Ah yes, the Papal Court. Surely that is everyone’s dearest wish?”
“So long as it brings the desired outcome,” said Thomasin, more guarded.
“I heard that Fisher’s speech was excellent. It must influence the outcome.”
“Thomasin was in the courtroom,” said Ellen. “She heard it all.”
“It was a good speech,” Thomasin agreed, “but let us wait and see.”
Harry looked across the chamber to where Catherine was laughing at something Giles had said. “The queen seems in good cheer. That alone is a blessing.”
“It is,” said Thomasin, suddenly tiring. “Would you excuse me? I just need to sit down for a moment.”
“Are you well?” asked Ellen, concerned. “Shall I come too?”
“I am quite well. It has just been a long day and I wish to rest. Please, don’t let me stop you.”
Leaving them in silence, Thomasin poured herself a glass of wine and headed into the anteroom where she might find a moment’s rest. Her head felt a little foggy and the wave of fatigue had caught her unawares. She hoped she hadn’t caught a chill when she’d slept in the garden the other day.
“Thomasin?”
Of course Giles had followed her. He must have been watching her from across the room, but she did not wish him to think she had deliberately removed herself in order to allow him a chance to seek her out.
