Two figures followed her into the room, more slowly. Lady Elizabeth was leading a man by the arm, whom Thomasin suddenly recognised with a shock of delight.
“Father!”
She sat up in bed and reached out her arms.
“He has finally been released,” said Lady Elizabeth, her face a mixture of relief and concern. “Just as we were visiting, a letter arrived from the king giving permission for him to leave.”
Sir Richard stepped into the light, revealing just how tired he looked. The ordeal had drawn the colour from his face, and he was clearly in need of rest. He leaned over the bed and wrapped his daughter in an embrace.
“And you are unwell in bed?” he asked, before letting her go.
“Oh, it is nothing. Dr Butts calls it the green sickness, but I am resting and already feel better.”
“It is good to see that. And thank you for your visit, and all those of your friends.”
“My friends?”
“More and Fisher and Dudley have been keeping me company, but none more regularly than your cousin Giles.”
Thomasin knew this, but hearing it again struck her anew.
“Every day he came, bringing gifts, reading to me, composing letters on my behalf. I cannot thank him enough.”
“Such a treasure he is,” said Lady Elizabeth. “He has done us so much good. I am sure his hand is behind this release; he must have been petitioning the king.”
Behind her, Ellen raised her eyebrows at Thomasin.
Thomasin refused to be drawn. “But how are you feeling, Father?”
“If truth be told, I am a little weary of it all. For all the companionship I had during the day, the nights were long and my bed was not comfortable. I had a lot of time to think, and I have come to the conclusion that my time at court is at anend. I am done with the nonsense of men and their vanity and cruelty to each other. I intend to rest for a few days and recover my strength, and then we are returning to Suffolk. There is no place I would rather be than among the trees and birds and wide skies of my own peaceful home, where I am king and master, and there is no divorce or decree or incarceration.”
Lady Elizabeth flinched a little at the mention of divorce. Thomasin realised she had not yet told Sir Richard of Cecilia and Hatton’s plans, but this was not the time to raise them.
“Where is Cecilia?” asked Thomasin. “Could she not make the stairs?”
“She is with Dr Butts,” said Lady Elizabeth, “consulting him about her condition. I am to send the carriage for her again in an hour.”
A sudden wave of concern struck Thomasin. There was every chance that her sister was meeting the doctor, but after the conversation she had overheard the previous night, there was a possibility that she was with Hatton, making plans, or even embarking upon their escape.
Ellen had the same idea. “We should not tire you, dear Uncle Richard, nor Thomasin either. Let us leave her to her rest and take you to yours. Shall I send to the kitchen for wine and spices, or would you rather have a caudle made from honey and almond milk?”
“A caudle would be most beneficial,” he said, leaning on the arm she offered, just as Thomasin gestured for Lady Elizabeth to remain with her.
When their voices had receded down the stairs, Thomasin took a deep breath.
“Mother, close the chamber door. I would not disturb Father with this.”
“What is it? Are you unwell?”
“No more than before.”
“Such good news! I can’t express how grateful we are for your father’s release. It was all Sir Giles, you know, all down to his good offices. Sir William Kingston said as much.”
“Yes, it is wonderful news. But, Mother, are you certain that Cecilia is with Dr Butts?”
“We dropped her outside his house.”
“Did you see her go inside?”
