Anne pulled out the long rope of exquisite pearls and gaped at her parents. Each creamy stone was perfectly matched and glimmered with the mysteries of the sea.
‘This is too generous,’ muttered Jane, looking near to tears.
‘They are given with love,’ said Elizabeth, squeezing Jane’s hand, ‘and I hope they will be worn with love too.’
‘We must wear them this evening,’ said Anne, moving away from her parents and bending down to pick up the small velvet pouch from the floor. ‘Everyone will be so envious. Here. Mother, this fell from your jewel chest.’
Elizabeth stared at it in surprise, then took it from Anne and placed it in the interior pocket of her wide sleeve. The three girls moved away, admiring the jewels and holding up a mirror to admire the necklaces.
‘This is for you George,’ said Thomas and handed him a leather scroll which he unrolled to reveal a glittering ‘B’ broach. ‘I believe the king has made it fashionable to wear pins such as these on our hats. Go, ask the girls to help you pin it correctly.’
Elizabeth beamed and was about to join her children, when Thomas caught her hand and drew her aside.
‘Elizabeth, a moment, please,’ he said.
‘Is there something amiss?’ she asked.
‘Perhaps,’ he replied. ‘The reason I was delayed collecting the jewels is because your brother, Younger, and the Duke of Suffolk accosted me. The duke had a message from the king. His majesty has requested your presence as soon as possible.’
‘The king?’ said Elizabeth, her insides clenching with revulsion.
‘Suffolk said Henry has a gift he would like to present to you in person,’ said Thomas and Elizabeth saw the concern in his eyes. ‘Younger was most insistent I convey this message to you with all haste. His majesty will be in his receiving room before the masque this evening.’
Elizabeth stared into Thomas’s face. It was white with fear and fury. ‘Younger suggested I visit the king?’ gasped Elizabeth.
‘Yes,’ said Thomas through tight lips.
‘Will you stay with me?’ she asked, trying to keep the note of desperation from her voice.
‘Of course,’ he said. ‘I love you, Lizzie, I shall do all I can to protect you. We shall face him together.’
She turned away, hiding her shaking hands in her skirts as Mary, Anne and Jane returned, resplendent in their new necklaces and pendants.
36
THE FIELD OF THE CLOTH OF GOLD – JUNE 1520
‘Lady Boleyn,’ exclaimed Henry as they entered the tent, but his smile faltered when he saw Sir Thomas clutching her hand.
‘Your Majesty,’ said Thomas, bowing low as Elizabeth curtsied, ‘my wife requested I accompany her this evening. We wondered whether you have made any decisions on my grandfather’s earldom of Ormond.’
Elizabeth felt a wave of relief at Thomas’s words, this was a discussion the king often enjoyed – it was his way of holding power over people, one of his favourite games – and she hoped it would distract him.
However, in response, the king scowled. His eyes narrowed like a child whose toy had been removed at bedtime. Instead of responding to Thomas, Henry reached forward and grasped Elizabeth’s hand, jerking her forward, so she stumbled as she stood up. The king did not drop her hand and Elizabeth did not dare move.
‘No, I haven’t and it’s not of any importance, at present,’ replied the king. ‘When I consider the time to be correct, I shall inform Cardinal Wolsey of my decision, and he will announce the name of the worthy candidate.’
‘Thank you, Your—’ began Thomas, but Henry interrupted him.
‘You mentioned earlier there were problems with the scenery for this evening’s masque. Have these been resolved?’
‘Yes, Your Majesty…’
‘The Duke of Suffolk believes differently,’ the king retorted angrily. ‘He is in the great hall, it is my desire you join him immediately to discuss the matter. In the meantime, I shall take care of your wife.’
It was a dismissal, and Elizabeth knew Thomas would have no option but to depart. The great hall was only a short distance away but far enough that even if she called out for him, she doubted he would hear.
Thomas looked at Elizabeth, his face rigid, his eyes desperate. She tried to communicate without words, to promise him she was his; no matter what happened, he was her true love.
