“He brought Cecilia home. It seems that she went first to Dr Butts, as she intended, and asked his advice about travelling abroad in her condition. He advised her in the strongest terms against such an action, explaining the danger to herself and her child. This caused her to travel to court in another attempt to find Hatton. Apparently, they quarrelled, which was when Giles found her. Now she is adamant she will deliver the child at Eastwell Hall, which has greatly pleased your parents. She will depart with them.”
Thomasin sighed. “It is the best outcome for her. Any marriage to Hatton, if it takes place, will have to wait.”
“I believe Giles spoke to her in the carriage on the way home. He explained the foolishness of her actions.”
“And she knows nothing yet about Hatton’s reputed betrothal?”
“No, she does not. It’s probably better that way.”
“I do not doubt it. But why did Giles go so soon? He did not come up to see how I was.”
“I think he did not want to intrude at a difficult time.”
“Yes, that would be like him.”
“And now what will you do, Thomasin? Are you stronger? Will you remain here after your parents leave, or return to the queen?”
“I am already feeling much better. I will see them depart, and then join you at Bridewell.”
“The queen makes the move tomorrow, so we shall look forward to your return, although do not rush back before you are fully well.”
“I will not. Is there no other court news?”
“Only that Norfolk’s mistress Bess Holland has quarrelled with Anne, the cardinals are still in deliberation and Wolsey looks like a walking ghost, and Henry is out hunting today, trying to hurry away the days until the court pronounces its verdict.”
“And how are things with you?”
“I am quite content with Harry, and we plan to be wed in the late summer.”
They heard feet upon the staircase and Lady Elizabeth appeared, red-faced and puffing from exertion, but triumphantly holding out a letter. She handed it to Thomasin, who did not recognise the seal.
“A boy delivered it to the house just now,” she explained. “It looks to be of some importance, so I thought you should have it at once.”
Thomasin broke the seal and unfolded the sheet to reveal neat, upright handwriting. She scanned the few lines quickly, down to the signature.
“Oh, how lovely, it is a wedding invitation. John Dudley spoke to me before about his step-uncle, Arthur, Lord Lisle. He is getting married at court in three days’ time and John has invited me to attend, as he said he would.”
“Lord Lisle?” asked her mother. “Is he not uncle to the king himself? A bastard son of Edward the Fourth, I believe?”
“He is of royal blood, yes.”
“An invitation to a royal wedding! Thomasin, you are honoured! What will you wear? Who is the bride?”
“Lady Honor Basset, a widow from the West Country, reputed to be very beautiful.”
“A summer wedding too! Alas, I have my best cream silk in the countryside still, and it would not arrive in time if I sent for it. How about the pale blue gown, the one with the pearl bodice?”
“I always like you in the dusky pink dress for summer,” suggested Ellen. “It suits your colouring better.”
“Or my dark red,” mused Thomasin, “although it is heavy fabric if the weather should prove warm.”
“How very exciting,” said Lady Elizabeth. “You must choose carefully. I am glad that you have been singled out in this way; the Dudleys are good friends to us, with John visiting your father too. I will send them a side of venison.”
“Jane is with child again,” said Thomasin.
“Good news. Then I shall send some of my herbs and ointments to her, as well. Now, I must go back and try to calm Cecilia, who is unsettled and angry about Hatton. By the stars, I wish she had never laid eyes upon that man!”
When her mother had left, Thomasin took a pinch of the warming spices and let them crackle on her tongue. In truth, she was feeling a lot better. Her nausea had gone, leaving a ravenous appetite.
