The queen had been alone in her bedchamber. Katherine wondered if she had met Leicester in there unchaperoned.
If so, knowing men now as she did, she was quite certain that more than mere words had been exchanged.
“Katherine?” The queen smiled, coming forward, her hands outstretched. “Sweet Katherine!” She embraced her, still not looking at Liam. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes glowed. “Although I am greatly surprised to see you, how pleased I am, too.”
Katherine almost fainted with relief, and found herself beaming at the queen. “’Tis wonderous to be back at court, Your Majesty,” she said, meaning it. In fact, the moment she had seen London’s many towers and rooftops from the river, her pulse had quickened in excitement.
“And have you brought your betrothed with you? Lord Barry? Or are you Lady Barry now, dear?”
Katherine’s face fell.
The queen regarded her, then finally glanced at Liam. “Is aught amiss?”
Liam bowed. “Your Majesty.”
The queen flushed slightly. “Liam, pray tell, what has passed?”
“Lord Barry is otherwise betrothed, Your Majesty.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened slightly and she regarded Katherine. “So the betrothal was broken after all? But your family did not know of it?”
Katherine explained how Hugh had taken the contract to the Irish judges, the brehern, to decide the validity of their troth once Gerald had been convicted of treason and dispossessed.
“You poor dear,” the queen said, patting her hand. “So you have been to Ireland on a wild-goose chase, and now you return to court.”
Liam eyed Elizabeth.
The queen faced him. “And how benevolent of you, Liam, to bring the child back to London. I presume she means to go to her father? Or has she already told him the sad tidings?”
“Katherine has yet to speak with FitzGerald,” Liam said quietly.
The queen’s brows were arched and she said nothing.
Katherine realized she had been holding her breath. She let it out. “Your Majesty, might I speak?”
“Please do,” Elizabeth smiled.
Katherine gripped her own hands nervously. “Hugh deemed me unworthy to be his wife, as I am no longer an earl’s daughter. My father, untitled now and dispossessed, is also destitute. I know all that. But…my dreams have not changed. I have not changed.”
Elizabeth cocked her head. “Pray continue.”
Katherine stepped forward. “I only want a woman’s due, Your Majesty. A home, a husband, and children of my own. How I yearn for those three simple things. How I have always yearned for them! Katherine FitzGerald has not changed, she has not, and my dreams remain as strong as ever. I dared much in leaving the convent, because to remain there unwed, homeless, and childless was no better than dying a slow and terrible death. Your Majesty, I throw myself upon your mercy and your generous spirit. I know I offer nothing now but myself, and without land or dowry, a woman’s worth is so little. Too, I am somewhat long in the tooth, but as you can see, I am passingfair, and more importantly, I am strong and well made and I am certain I can yet bear some two or three or even four children. Please. You did as you thought right when you took Desmond from my father. I am his daughter—must I share his fate? And did you not say that you were Joan’s good friend? In her memory, perhaps, you would act. Please. Would you not find me some simple, yet gentle, man? I understand that he would not be terribly noble, nor would he be rich, that in all likelihood he would be a widower, with children, perhaps. I love children. I would raise another woman’s children as I would raise my own. Please, Your Majesty.” Katherine clasped her hands to her breast as she would in prayer, and silently she did beg God to move the queen to her cause. But as she had said all that there was to say, she did not move, her gaze glued upon the queen, anxiously awaiting her reply.
Elizabeth stared at her, intent and unsmiling.
Liam stared at her as well, his regard piercing, his expression strained.
Finally Elizabeth moved and took Katherine’s two hands in her own, clasping them tightly. “Your plea was most eloquent, Katherine.”
Katherine swallowed, but her heart soared with hope.
“I will think on the matter,” the queen said.
Katherine stiffened, having expected an immediate answer.
The queen dropped her hands. “Now, I have matters of state to attend to.” She began to move past them and paused. “Katherine, you will remain here at court until I have decided this matter. One of my ladies will show you to a chamber. Liam, I will wish a word with you later, do not leave.” And with that, she swept out, her golden, pearl-studded skirts rustling about her.
Katherine turned away from the queen and met Liam’s searing gaze. She did not care if he was angry, or dismayed. Her chin lifted and she stared at him with a hauteur she did not feel.
