“Fortunately, it was smooth enough. And only four miles from Monk’s Place.”
“Yes,” said More, “we are not too far from court here, but quite far enough.”
The sound of children laughing outside drew Margaret’s attention.
“Come outside and see the gardens. My girls are excited to meet you.”
They stepped out into the sunshine amid beds of sprawling lavender. Three small girls in white dresses were romping about the paths, already adorned with various flowers they had picked.
“Look,” cried the eldest, showing off a crown of daisies, “we are the queens of the May!”
The smallest girl, a poppet of about six or seven, came running up to Lettice. “Come and play with us! We’ve made a den under the willow tree and we have a banquet.”
Lettice looked to Thomasin, not too old at fourteen to be intrigued by this.
“Go on,” Thomasin said, nodding. “Go and have a look.”
The little girl seized Lettice by the hand and pulled her away. In a whirl of hair, skirts and flowers, they chased away among the trees.
“There, that was easy,” said Margaret with a smile. “I hope your Lettice won’t mind; they’ll keep her entertained all day if she doesn’t escape.”
“She is used to it, with three younger ones in our family too.”
Margaret laced her arm through Thomasin’s, while More fell into step with Giles. “We have a lovely place to sit up here, amid the lavender.”
“Is your husband Will here?”
“He has business in London but will be arriving later this afternoon. I know he is keen to see you again.”
“And you are quite well, with the child coming?”
“I couldn’t be better. Honestly, I do not miss court much. I am quite content with my books here in the countryside, or at our home in Kent.”
“I was at court the other day, at the request of Lady Boleyn.”
“Really?” Margaret’s eyes widened. “I recall she was always fond of you.”
“She invited me as her companion, so I attended a feast held for du Bellay. I must say, Henry has aged, and Anne reigns supreme. All she need do is deliver a son.”
“Easier said than done.” Margaret patted her belly. “Three daughters already and I am praying for the same. But God’s will cannot be anticipated.”
“Not according to all the court astrologers.”
“Of course not. They would insist she was about to bear a unicorn if that is what the king wanted.”
“So you have not been to court in a while?”
“I have not. But I will let Father explain.”
They took their seats on some charmingly fashioned benches planted with herbs and ringed with lavender and early roses, so they were quite surrounded by scent. Lady Alice joined them, followed by servants bringing jugs of wine and plates of spiced cakes, poached pears and creamy country cheese.
After they had chatted about their families and Thomasin had described their house at Green Hollow in much detail, More led the conversation towards a more serious tone.
“You found court much changed?”
“The most obvious change being a new queen.”
“Indeed. We can speak freely here. You saw Anne?”
