“Very well, but take this.” Ellen handed her the small hand bell they sometimes used. “Ring this if you need anything. Try to sleep.”
“I will,” said Thomasin, her eyes already closing.
TWENTY-THREE
When Thomasin woke, there were soft voices in the room. It was dark and cool, with one figure outlined in the doorway while another leaned over her. She recognised the familiar outline of Dr Butts, who had once treated her mother for her chest complaint.
“Ah, you are awake,” he said softly, looking at her closely. “And how are you feeling today, Thomasin?”
She blinked up at him, trying to work out exactly how she was feeling. “I was tired, very tired. And dizzy, and then I couldn’t bear the smell of the food.”
He nodded. “I have seen a few cases like this at court in the past day. It is an infection that is spreading when people come together, which preys on young women. A kind of green sickness. When did it start?”
“Just before dinner.”
“You mean yesterday?”
Had she slept that long, all through the night?”
“I suppose so, but the other day I feel asleep in the garden at court.”
“And I understand you have been facing family difficulties, as well as being very busy yourself?”
“I suppose. Yes, my family has troubles.”
“There is nothing to worry about. I am making you up a revitalising elixir. That and more rest will restore you in a few days.”
“I am sorry for the trouble I have caused.”
“It is no trouble. I am glad that I was summoned so soon. Are you otherwise well? No other complaints, no aches and pains or dullness of spirits?”
“Not at all.”
“You are young and strong; I am confident you will recover. However, it is not desirable that you remain near to the queen’s ladies while you are unwell.”
“Oh no, of course not. I would not wish to make them ill.”
Butts looked to the figure in the doorway, which resolved itself into Ellen.
“Your mother is sending her carriage to take you back to Monk’s Place for a few days. By then, the queen will have returned to Bridewell and you may join us there.”
“But am I not needed? What about the court?”
“Thomasin, you can do no one any good like this. You must rest and recover, then you can be useful again.”
“Here are the herbs,” said Mary, Lady Essex, appearing behind her, “and the spices from the queen.”
Thomasin felt tears springing to her eyes. “I did not wish to be a burden to anyone.”
“You are not,” said Dr Butts. “Everyone gets ill from time to time, even royalty! You will be well again very soon.”
“But my sister is there, at Monk’s Place,” she went on. “I cannot risk infecting her.”
“Never fear,” Dr Butts replied. “As I said, it is a green sickness, arising from the condition of maidenhood. Your sister will not be in danger from it, I assure you.”
Thomasin felt her cheeks redden furiously. She was ill because she was still a maid?
“But how?”
