Thomasin propped herself up on her elbows. “Oh, that is very kind. How are things with the queen?”
“She is doing well, full of hope. She dined with Bishop Fisher and has gone out riding this morning, on account of it being such a fine day.”
“That is unusual. She must be feeling better.”
“She has gone up to the fields above the city walls, taking the Scottish ambassador and his wife with her; she seemed quite her old self again. I can only pray that the court’s verdict merits this confidence.”
“Who is in court today?”
“No one is needed now. The main arguments have been made and the cardinals are consulting the legal documentation provided by the universities. So fear not; you are not missing out on your duty.”
Thomasin sighed. “Is Mother about? Has there been any news of Father?”
“When I arrived, she and Cecilia said they would take the opportunity of me being here to visit him, so they have ridden out in the carriage with Sir Matthew, bound for the Tower.”
“I must speak with Cecilia upon her return.”
“I am sure you will, but until their return, there is little more that you can do but rest.”
“I suppose so.”
“Or you can pass the time by gossiping with me, should you have the strength.” Ellen had a mischievous look upon her face that Thomasin knew well.
“What is it? What gossip is there?”
“Very little, save that one of the queen’s ladies, who you know very well, might be about to become betrothed in the next day or so.”
Thomasin’s addled brain struggled to grasp this. “What, who? Not you, Ellen? Tell me, is it you?”
A shy smile crept across her face. “None other than me.”
“Betrothed? But I cannot… Sir Henry Letchmere? I can think of no other.”
“And I can think of no other either, Thomasin. Yes, it is Harry Letchmere. He is on the verge of proposing; he hinted as much to me last night and only awaits the queen’s permission. But tell me: what do you think of my choice?”
“I am stunned, honestly. I had no idea things had progressed so far. You have kept this secret to yourself.”
“It’s not so much a secret. You have seen us together. It has been fast, I admit, and I did not wish to get my hopes up, but I am minded to accept him when he asks.”
“Goodness. I feel I hardly know him.”
“Well,” said Ellen, frowning a little, “it is not you who he is asking. I hope you can be a little happy for me.”
“Yes, of course I am. Dear Ellen, of course I am. You have taken me by surprise, that is all. Tell me all about him.”
“I hardly know where to start. It is not the same as with Hugh; he is a very different character, quiet and gentle.”
“Yes, I have seen that myself.”
“He has also been married before and is a widower with no children, so it is ideal for us to start again. I am not too old yet; I might have the family I always hoped for.”
“Yes! I am delighted for you, truly I am. And he is all you would wish for?”
“I believe he is. Kind and thoughtful and generous. He has a house in the north of Essex, near the forest of Epping, not too far from court, so I will remain in the queen’s household until such time as I may bring forth children.”
Thomasin could see the happiness radiating from her cousin’s face. “I had not expected it, but this is the best news I could have hoped for. You deserve it, Ellen, after all you have been through.”
“And we’ll have my inheritance, along with his, so we might have no concerns about providing for ourselves. We have not yet ironed out the details, but he wishes for me to keep a generous portion of it under my own control. I could not ask for more.”
