“I am just a little tired, nothing more. I wanted to rest a moment.”
“I understand. Is there anything I can bring you?”
“Nothing more, thank you.”
“Shall I tell the queen you are indisposed?”
“No, I’m sure I will be well in a moment. I will just rest here for a moment to regather my strength.”
“Very well, but call for me if you require anything.”
He stood in the doorway, looking down at her, reluctant to leave. Thomasin could see she would need to dismiss him.
“All is well. You may leave me now.”
He gave a brief nod and disappeared. She sat back in the chair and closed her eyes.
“Thomasin?”
She woke with a start. Ellen was standing over her.
“You were asleep? It is the dinner hour.”
Thomasin sat up, rubbing her eyes. “I am sorry. I hope the queen was not upset at my absence.”
“Not at all. She is quite content and already dressed for dinner. But you must rouse yourself now.”
“I will. I don’t know how it happened. I just felt a little tired, that is all.”
“Well, you have been busy lately, and had many concerns regarding your family.”
Thomasin nodded. “I feel well otherwise. I hope I have not caught a cold.”
“Take some warming spices and hot wine at dinner, and hopefully those will sort you out.”
“Yes, I will, thank you. Are the guests still here?”
“They’re waiting in the hall to dine, along with Fisher and a few others.”
Thomasin jumped up at once and started tweaking her bonnet. “I must tidy myself up! You go ahead. I will be along to join you in a moment.”
By the time Thomasin joined them in the main hall at Baynard’s Castle, the first dinner plates had already been served. Catherine was seated at the head of the table, with Fisher to her right and John Clerk on her left, along with a few other bishops and supporters. Giles and Letchmere sat in the middle, with Ellen opposite, who was clearly saving a space beside her on the bench.
Thomasin nodded to the queen in apology and hurried over, sitting down just as a dish of steaming ox cheeks was placed before her. Immediately her gorge rose and she turned away, unable to look at food, let alone eat it. The room began to swim around her.
“Thomasin, you are still unwell,” Ellen said softly.
“Yes, not well,” she managed to say. “The food!”
“Come, let us get you somewhere quiet.”
Gently, Ellen helped Thomasin back to her feet and led her through to the antechamber again, where she pulled out a trestle and blanket. “Here, you must lie down. The queen will send for Dr Butts.” She held her hand to Thomasin’s forehead. “You are developing a fever. I will instruct the kitchens to bring you something cooling. Never fear; rest and the right medicine will fix you.”
“Thank you.” Thomasin climbed into bed. “I do not wish to be a nuisance.”
“Not at all. Do you want me to sit with you?”
“I think I will try and sleep. Please, return to the meal.”
